April 29th Update: 2nd Water Main Break, Parks Remain Closed and Testing of Senior Citizens

Thunderbirds and Blue Angels Fly Over NYC
April 28m 2020 Photo: @Casey2Cook
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Today we would like to recognize the work of Hoboken resident and local business owner, Kim Gerlach. Kim and her team launched the Front Steps Project of Hoboken to both document this moment in time for families while raising money for the Hoboken Food Pantry. Please check out their beautiful pictures and consider donating to the worthy causes they are supporting:

The Front Steps Project: https://www.thefrontstepsprojecthoboken.com
Hoboken Food Pantry (part of the Hoboken Community Center) visit https://www.hobokencc.org/. 

Parks to Remain Closed: Joint Statement from Hudson County Mayors: 

As Mayors in the most densely populated county in the country with over 14,000 COVID-19 infections, we strongly believe that leaving all municipal parks closed in our respective cities is in the best interest of public health. While we are planning for the eventual re-opening of our parks and know how important they are to our residents, we remain concerned about the potential overcrowding and enforcement of social distancing. Out of an abundance of caution, we made the collective decision to keep our municipal parks closed until further notice. We thank Governor Murphy for working with us to allow each city to make these respective decisions and look forward to collaborating with County Executive Tom DeGise and our Freeholders to make final decisions on County parks by the end of the week.”

Hoboken had a second water main break in the area in the past 24 hours, this time at 11th and Madison Streets. Hoboken's Office of Emergency Management and crews from SUEZ are on scene conducting repairs that will likely last throughout the night. A boil water advisory remains in effect due to yesterday’s water main break in Jersey City.

Just in case you had a false sense that life was suddenly improving in some way, here's another water main break, this time in #Hoboken pic.twitter.com/QeBpCUmyqw

— John Heinis (@HeinisHardNews) April 29, 2020

Update: April 29, 2020

STAY SAFE 

Awesome work to HoLa Charter School parent/superhero Christine Herman and Dr. Islam and his staff for providing testing to Hoboken's senior citizens
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Looks like another significant water main break in Hoboken.
This time next to one of the few businesses still open, ShopRite.
11th and Madison. pic.twitter.com/fUQ6c79Zrt

— Scott Fallon (@NewsFallon) April 29, 2020

"I Got the Rhythm” read by Hoboken Policer Officer Fesken- April 27 Hoboken COVID-19 Update

The Hoboken Police Department has been regularly posting on social media segments of officers reading books for children. For those home schooling parents- here is a book that is ideal for children between the ages of 2 to 6 years old. Today's Storytime with the Hoboken Police Department episode # 6 Police Officer Anthony Fesken as he reads "I Got the Rhythm” By Connie Schofield-Morrison. 

Further in this post I include a review of the book for parents or curriculum developers as well as another video of the book.

Official Hoboken Update for April 27, 2020

STAY SAFE

I Got the Rhythm

Connie Schofield-Morrison, illus. by Frank Morrison. Bloomsbury, $16.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-61963-178-6

Review: These husband-wife collaborators present a book that reflects the joy and delight of an African-American girl who’s energized by the sounds, sights, and smells around her. Accompanied by her mother and eventually joined by friends, she bops through a city park—puffy pigtails bouncing and a wide grin on her face—as she uses her whole body to respond to and interpret the rhythm she detects around her. The driving beat of debut author Schofield-Morrison’s narrative is likely to have readers bouncing and tapping right along with her: “I shook a rhythm with my hips. SHAKE SHAKE. I felt the rhythm with my knees. KNOCK KNOCK.” Morrison’s (Stars in the Shadows) full-bleed oil paintings make the most of the story’s more boisterous moments. His lithe caricatures showcase rubbery limbs, chipmunk cheeks, and arching bodies as the girl breakdances in front of an admiring crowd (“I popped and locked./ I hipped and hopped”) and a spontaneous line dance erupts amid a diverse group of children. An upbeat celebration of the senses, self-expression, and camaraderie. Ages 2–6. 

Hoboken Pandemic: April 24, 2020 Update -Società Madonna Dei Martiri

A special thanks to Società Madonna Dei Martiri for donating $2,000 for the hardworking first responders at the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The EMS volunteers are working tirelessly to keep our city safe. If you would like to donate to the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps too, please click on THIS LINK

COVID-19 HOBOKEN UPDATE: Friday April 24th, 2020

STAY SAFE 

Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps- April 2020 

Hoboken School District's Music Program Among 754 Awardees for Music Education

Hoboken Waterfront- Hoboken, NJ 

HOBOKEN, NJ (Hoboken Patch)— A national foundation has announced this month that the Hoboken School District was one of 754 school districts to be awarded a Best Communities for Music Education designation "for its outstanding commitment to music education."

The nonprofit foundation is supported by approximately 10,400 members of the NAMM around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. 

To qualify, the Hoboken Public School District answered questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and support for music programs*.

Responses were verified and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

A 2015 study supported by The NAMM Foundation, "Striking A Chord," outlines the overwhelming desire by teachers and parents for music education opportunities for all children as part of the school curriculum.

A Hoboken music teacher was quoted as saying  "Music education teaches life lessons and brings joy to everyone. We continue to expand our bands, choral and orchestra programs and are seeing great success."

You can view the Hoboken School District and the other 753 school district awardees below. 

*It is unclear how many school districts actually applied for this designation or what was the percentage of districts rejected after completing and submitting their questionnaire. 

The Complete List of the 75... by Tony Petrosino on Scribd

NJ School Board Considers Pass/Fail Grading System

Midwest Volunteers Travel to Hoboken to Help
During COVID-19- April, 2020 

The following is new guidance from the New Jersey Department of Education in coordination with the School Boards across New Jersey on grading in K-12 during the current pandemic. The information is both useful and timely and should be a shared resource among teachers, administrators, community members, parents, and of course students. 

Pass/Fail Grading System

As districts and schools adapt to new challenges associated with the current pandemic, some are following the lead of colleges and universities in New Jersey and around the nation in instituting a pass/fail grading system for the duration of this school year.  In response to board inquiries, NJSBA has developed sample discretionary policy content to address this issue.

In placing this optional content, policy staff have determined that the most appropriate location would be an amendment to current policy on the Evaluation of Individual Student Performance (File Code 6147.1).  The sample language is suggested to be added under a new subheading titled Emergency Situations.  The language states that:  In response to State directives when weather events and other circumstances render in-person meetings less than optimal, the chief school administrator in consultation with the director of curriculum may adopt a pass/fail grading system.

It continues by stating that the determination of the pass or fail grade shall at a minimum be based on the student’s comprehension of the material as demonstrated on assignments and examinations; and student effort and participation during the period of closure with assignments, online class participation, and participation with other structures implemented by the district or school to provide continuity of instruction during the school closure.  If the district or school moves to a pass/fail grading system, class rank shall be calculated based on each student’s last calculated grade point average prior to the school closure.

In keeping with general principals of policy drafting, the language is constructed in a somewhat broader sense, so that it is not just focused on the pandemic.  However, it must by stressed that this means of grading is purely optional, and adoption should obviously be proceeded by full board discussion and agreement that this policy content would be warranted according to the district’s/school’s individual philosophy and circumstances.  

Hoboken April 19, 2020 

Not for the Faint of Heart

The comments being made are by a lifelong Republican who worked on Republican political campaigns, including those of President George W. Bush, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Arizona Senator John McCain.

April 17 Update- Additional 23 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases; Honoring the Hoboken Police, Fire, and Volunteer Ambulance Workers

Today's post honors and recognizes the members of the Hoboken Police, Fire, and Ambulance Corps for their tireless efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Hoboken. 

On Thursday, April 16 Hoboken saw an additional 23 confirmed COVID-19 cases, for a total of 369 in Hoboken. Sadly, a male in his mid 70s passed away yesterday due to COVID-19. This blog extends condolences to his family, as well as to our neighbors in Union City for the loss of Officer Alex Ruperto from the Union City Police Department, who fell victim to COVID-19.

Official Hoboken Update on COVID-19 for Friday, April 17, 2020

STAY SAFE 

Members of the Hoboken Police Department- April, 2020
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Members of the Hoboken Fire Department- April, 2020
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Members of the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corp- April, 2020
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April 13 2020- A Memorable Rainbow Display at the End of a Stormy Day

On the early evening of Monday, April 13, 2020 after an overcast, windy, and rainy day the sun came out and a beautiful rainbow stretched across the New York City skyline. Many photos were immediately posted on social media. Here are a few of the more memorable ones. 

Stay Safe 

Photo by: Nannie Chaneski

Photo: 

Gary Hershorn

@GaryHershorn

Photo: 

Gary Hershorn

@GaryHershorn

The Easter Bunny Visits the Children of Hoboken

On Saturday afternoon, April 11, 2020 the children of Hoboken were treated to a visit by the Easter Bunny courtesy of an escort by the Hoboken Police Department. There were many photos and videos posted to social media-- a few of my favorite are presented here. Many were involved in this wonderful event- a special mention to the efforts of Emily Jabbour, Councilperson-At-Large. 

Stay Safe 

Thank you @HobokenEmily @KenFerrante @HobokenPD @AdrienneApp and Dirby for bringing a little bit of normal into our lives. #HappyEaster #hobokenstrong pic.twitter.com/SrqB0ZhYu8

— World Of Wonder Daycare (@Vdjc) April 11, 2020

April 11, 2020: A Special Tribute to One of Hoboken's Own

On the evening of April 11, 2020 the Hoboken Fire Department paid tribute to FF Dan Soto, PO Frank Soto (ret), PO Tyler Soto, and PO Chris Soto who just lost their mother/grandmother. We offer our deepest condolences.

Stay Safe

Screenshot- Not a Video 

We stand in solidarity with each other and with Hoboken.

Tonight, we pay tribute to FF Dan Soto, PO Frank Soto (ret), PO Tyler Soto, and PO Chris Soto who just lost their mother/grandmother. We offer our deepest condolences. @HobokenFire @HobokenPD @CityofHoboken@PAPD911 pic.twitter.com/kWWnGcArzR

— Hoboken Fire Dept (@HobokenFire) April 12, 2020

Hoboken Update on COVID-19: April 9, 2020

CLICK HERE: Hoboken Update on COVID-19: April 9, 2020

Directives from the NJ Governor's Office that Pertain to K-12 Education

Hoboken, NJ- April, 2020

 Here are a few directives from the Governor's office that pertain to education:

1. Students not having completed a portfolio assessment (approximately 13,000) will have that requirement waived and will graduate. (650 portfolios already approved.)

Most of our students were done with their portfolios anyway, however, this is good news in that the 39 students who had their graduation status in question are now eligible to graduate! Good News!

2. Tenured Teachers rated effective or highly effective last year will receive a rating this year of NE (Not Evaluated).

All of our tenured staff fall under these categories so the rating that will be sent to the state is NE (Not Evaluated). Basically, this year's evaluations were a wash and we start again next year. Tenured staff will not receive a summative evaluation, only a score of NE. 

3. Non-Tenured and Provisionally certificated teachers will be evaluated based upon the two observations completed by 3/18/2020.  Those observations will be used to develop the summative evaluation.

All of our non-tenured teachers have either one or two evaluations minimum. If you have one evaluation, that evaluation will be used to complete the summative. 

4. Student growth data shall not be used as a measure of educator effectiveness for the 2019-20 school year.

SGO's will  not be used in the calculation for summatives for any staff member. You DO NOT NEED TO COMPLETE YOUR SGO's at this point.  

5. No virtual evaluations will take place going forward. 

April 8 Update

Update for Wednesday, April 8 2020: Click here

The Importance of Viral Dose

The importance of viral dose is being overlooked in discussions of the coronavirus. As with any other "poisons", viruses are usually more dangerous in larger amounts. Small initial exposures tend to lead to mild or asymptomatic infections, while larger doses can be lethal.

From a policy perspective, we need to consider that not all exposures to the coronavirus may be the same. Stepping into an office building that once had someone with the coronavirus in it is not as dangerous as sitting next to that infected person for an hour long train commute.

April 7- Hoboken Community Resources

Hoboken Community Resources 

For Some: Please Help in Any Way You Can 

For Others: Please Take Advantage of These Programs

For All: Stay Safe and Be Well 

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April 4, 2020- "We Don't Need No Stinkin' Stay-in Orders!!!"

Today it was 60F and Sunny in Hoboken, NJ 

A Number of People Took Advantage of the Beautiful Weather 

to Defy Stay and Shelter Directives from Local Officials and the Governor of New Jersey

Specifically Executive Order No. 104 signed on 3/16/20 implementing aggressive social distancing measures to mitigate further spread of COVID-19 in New Jersey. 

April 4, 2020 

Stay Safe 
(Despite Your Neighbors)

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Update from Mayor @RaviBhalla: 17 new COVID-19 cases (184 total), employees of essential businesses required to wear face cover; residents required to wear face cover within essential businesses, 24 residents tested at Riverside facility, reminder to stay home as much as possible pic.twitter.com/H6QzhG2Z4j

— City of Hoboken (@CityofHoboken) April 5, 2020

Helping to Feed the Medical Professionals of Hoboken

Thank you to Tornas Pizzeria for feeding the 

Nurses at Hoboken Medical Center

Thank you to all those in the medical profession 

who are doing it all

...also Testing Opens in Hoboken 

April 3, 2020 

Stay Safe 

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Other News from April 3, 2020 in Hoboken...

On the advice of the Hob Health Office we're recommending residents wear a face cover when leaving the home. This can include a bandana, scarf or similar materials which can help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This is important given people can have COVID-19 but have no symptoms

From hMAG....Over the past few weeks, local authorities have made heartfelt appeals for the public to stay home, in the effort to curb the spread of Coronavirus in our area. That point has been painfully underscored as the mother of two Hoboken Police Officers has passed away from the COVID-19 virus, according to Mayor Ravi Bhalla.

“Carmen Rivera, the mother of Hoboken Police Detectives John and Fabien Quinones passed away yesterday at the Hoboken University Medical Center,” said Bhalla. “Earlier today, I called and spoke to the family to send my deepest condolences and mourn with them and the entire Hoboken PD for the tragic loss.”

Hoboken Stay Indoors Continues...

Hoboken Stay Inside Directive Continues...

April 2, 2020

Stay Safe

HOBOKEN, NJ — As of Thursday, there are 13 additional cases of the new coronavirus in Hoboken, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 129. The new coronavirus outbreak in New Jersey and across the nation is having vast impacts in Hoboken, including the closure of schools and many businesses.