The JACKSON Times Vol. 22 - No. 37
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Teachers And Professionals Of The Year Named
Schools To Be Open On Good Friday
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Government Pages 6
Community News Pages 8-11
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 13
Classifieds Page 19
Photo courtesy Jackson Schools Teachers and educational services professionals of the year are joined at far left by Board Vice President Brian McCarron and Superintendent Nicole Pormilli and at far right President Megan Gardella. By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – During the latest Board of Education meeting, teachers and educational services professionals of the year were recognized. Board of Education President Megan Gardella remarked “every day, you do far more than teach lessons or support students. You create spaces where students feel seen, valued, and capable of achieving more than they imagined possible. You challenge them to think deeply, encourage them to persevere, and remind them - sometimes when they need it most - that they matter and that their future is filled with opportunity.” “Your impact extends beyond your students. You uplift your colleagues, strengthen your
March 14, 2026
school communities, and help shape a culture rooted in support, collaboration, and care. Because of you, our schools are places where learning thrives and where students know they are supported every step of the way,” Gardella added. Those recognized included Crawford-Rodriguez Elementary School Special Education Teacher Jessica Muth and Media Specialist Jennifer Brenner, Elms Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher Melissa Barnfield and Paraprofessional Barbara Croke, Holman Elementary School Special Education Teacher Deborah Kowalewski and Physical Therapist (Teachers - See Page 4)
By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – Students may not see April 3 as a good Friday because they will be going to school when normally they would be off due to it being a Christian holiday. Students and parents of the school district were a bit surprised over an announcement during a recent Board of Education meeting that a shortened session would be held on Good Friday. The district experienced several weather-related closures and an unexpected internet outage and school district officials announced it was converting April 3 (Good Friday) into a required day of instruction to make up for lost time. The district also has shortened sessions on April 1 and 2. The decision was said to be made to ensure the district meets mandated instructional hours, shifting from a planned day off, but parents have expressed that another day should have been chosen despite the reasoning to address a backlog of missed school days. Many schools schedule their spring break to happen over Good Friday. Schools in the 12 states that recognize Good Friday as a state holiday usually close. Jackson’s School District was closed on February 24 due to the impact of a winter storm and closed again the next day because of an internet outage. The decision to remain open on Good Friday (Good Friday - See Page 4)
Food And Fun Served Up Residents To Take Survey About Development At Chefs’ Night Out By Bob Vosseller PLUMSTED – The township has released a survey to assist the community’s effort to update its municipal master plan. The survey, discussed during recent Township Committee meetings, is the first effort to embark on a once-in-a-generation comprehensive update to its 1995 Master Plan. A municipal Master Plan is a comprehensive, long-term policy document adopted by a planning board to guide a community’s future physical,
economic, and social development. A Master Plan serves as a “blueprint,” and outlines goals for land use, infrastructure, and conservation, providing the legal foundation for zoning ordinances and development regulations. Master plans ensure a cohesive focus on balancing development with environmental protection, and ensuring adequate public facilities. Mayor James Hagelstein noted, “the (Development - See Page 5)
GOLD Exceeds $4,500 an Ounce! OVER 20 YEARS IN BUSINESS
HIGHEST RATED CASH FOR GOLD STORE IN OCEAN COUNTY
By Bob Vosseller OCEAN COUNTY – The month of March brings one of the county’s grandest events, the annual Chefs’ Night Out hosted by the Ocean County Vocational Technical School that has a full menu of delicious food, drinks, and desserts from around 60 local restaurants and vendors. Photo by Bob Vosseller The event is always held on the first Monday in March. Members of the Ocean County Vocational It moved back to the RWJBarnabas Health Arena on Technical School culinary program serve up the campus of Toms River High School North last year some samples of their work during the 29th after two years at the Lacey Elks Lodge. Annual International Chefs’ Night Out and Attendees enjoyed sampling a lot of great flavors. Gift Auction held at the RWJBarnabas Health (Chefs’ Night Out - See Page 15)
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