Area School District Edition – January 1 to March 13, 2026
For more than 20 years, CNBNews has highlighted the people, institutions, and decisions that shape our local communities. Each week we recognize those who deserve applause — and call out those who fall short — in our continuing effort to keep residents informed and engaged. We welcome your input. If you like to submit a suggestion for our next School Districts Edition, or our regular Cheers and Jeers column, forward it to Editor William E. Cleary Sr., wecleary@gloucestercitynews.net
🟥 GLOUCESTER CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
CHEERS
- CHEER — To the Girls Basketball Team for winning the Non‑Public B State Championship, the program’s 10th title. Gloucester Catholic‘s girls basketball team defeated Gill St. Bernard’s 62-39 to win the Non-Public B state championship at Rutgers University. It was the 10th state title for the program, but its first since 1983. Way to go, Lady Rams!!
- CHEER — For announcing the Hall of Fame Class of 2026, with the banquet scheduled for April 14.
- CHEER-Gloucester Catholic Performing Arts presents “Little Shop of Horrors!” March 19th – 21st in 2026, at the Deptford Performing Arts Center. Pre-Sale Tickets available now! Send through a cast member or complete your order form (https://tinyurl.com/gchspa) and send to school c/o GC Performing Arts with cash or check (payable to GCHS).
JEERS
JEER — For releasing few academic or administrative updates during this period.*
JEER — For posting no weather‑related updates during multiple regional closures.*
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🟥 GLOUCESTER HIGH SCHOOL
CHEERS
- CHEER — Continued Communication With Families
- CHEER- Mr. Roch, Mr. Lattanzio, and the industrial arts crew for building the sets for the GMS production of Wizard of Oz Jr!
CHEER-WORLD DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY
Every year, on March 21, people all around the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Awareness Day by wearing brightly colored, mismatched socks. March 21 is symbolic because people with Down syndrome have three copies of their 21st chromosome. Socks were chosen because the karyotype of Ds chromosomes actually looks like mismatched socks!
GHS will celebrate this day on Thursday, March 19th.
CHEER-SENIOR CLASS TRIP 2026 TO DISNEY
April 12th through 16th. The trip includes three-day passes to all Walt Disney World amusement parks and a two-day pass to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and the brand-new Epic Universe. I
The current cost per student is $1,889. Families have had the opportunity to make contributions towards their child’s Senior trip since the start of 9th grade. You can simply email Mrs. Spingler at lspingler@gcsd.k12.nj.us to arrange any payment.
The school posted few instructional or curriculum updates during the Jan–Mar period.*
TEST SCORES
Source: NJ School Performance Reports
- Math: Below state average*
- ELA: Near state average*
- Reading: Mixed performance*
CHEERS
- CHEER — For maintaining regular public meetings, including the March 11 session, keeping residents informed about district operations.
- CHEER — For releasing summer work guidance early, helping families plan ahead.
JEERS
- JEER — For limited real‑time weather updates during January and February storms, leaving some parents searching for information.*
- JEER — District‑Wide Academic Performance Concerns
NJ School Performance Reports show district math proficiency below the state average and ELA near the state average.*
–🟦 MOUNT EPHRAIM SCHOOL DISTRICT
CHEERS
- CHEER — For clear and timely communication during the January 26 and late‑February snow closures, giving parents enough notice to adjust their schedules.
- CHEER — To the staff and students who made the Mary Bray Art Show on January 15 a success, drawing strong community turnout.
- CHEER — For opening Pre‑K registration early (Feb. 2–Mar. 13), giving families a wide window to enroll.
- CHEER — Strong Reading Performance
According to Public School Review (2026), Mt. Ephraim students achieved 55% reading proficiency, outperforming the 49% statewide average.
JEERS
- JEER — For the repeated weather disruptions in January and February that forced schedule changes and interrupted instruction.
🟩 BROOKLAWN SCHOOL DISTRICT (Alice Costello School)
CHEERS
- CHEER- National Junior Honor Society students (above)volunteered their time at the Basket Auction, helping support a great community event while earning service hours. They continue to represent the pillars of service, leadership, and character in and outside of ACES!
- CHEER — To the Camden County Improvement Authority for approving $6.29 million in upgrades to Alice Costello School — a major investment in safety and modernization.
- CHEER — For opening Pre‑K registration on March 2, giving parents plenty of time to prepare for the next school year.
- CHEER — For continuing to offer School Choice seats, helping stabilize enrollment and attract new families.
- CHEER-The Family Literacy Night was a success. Thanks to the ACES staff members who volunteered to help: Ms. Lefkowitz, Ms. Kris, Ms. Newcome, Ms. Sharp, Ms. Dolan, Ms. Perez, Ms. K Young, Ms. D Young, Ms. Hennessey, Ms. Wagner, Ms. Geaney, Ms. Johnson, Ms. Gugel, and Ms. Gettings. Finally, thank you to the ACES PTA for donating free gifts to all of the students who attended.
- CHEER-Mrs Gettings’ Kindergarten class had another great week with Mystery Readers!
JEERS
- JEER — For the half‑day make‑up schedule on Feb. 9 and March 13, which created childcare headaches for working parents.
- JEER — Below‑Average Test Scores
Public School Review (2026) reports 37% math proficiency (NJ avg: 38%) and 32% reading proficiency (NJ avg: 49%).
🟨 WESTVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT
CHEERS
- CHEER — For publicly posting lead testing results and notification letters, maintaining transparency about building safety.
- CHEER — For keeping policy updates and compliance notices current and accessible.
JEERS
- JEER — For releasing few instructional or student‑focused updates during this period, making it harder for parents to track academic initiatives.*
- JEER — Limited Academic Data Available
U.S. News Education reports that Westville does not publish standalone proficiency percentages in its 2026 summary.*
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🟧 BELLMAWR SCHOOL DISTRICT
CHEERS
- CHEER — For opening 2026–27 registration from March 2–31, giving families a full month to enroll.
- CHEER — For promoting the Yearbook Ad Program (deadline March 4), which helps fund student activities.
- CHEER — For bringing back the Scholastic Book Fair at Bell Oaks Middle School, beginning March 23.
JEERS
- JEER — Below‑Average Math Scores
Public School Review (2026) reports 31% math proficiency (NJ avg: 38%).
- JEER — Limited Public Communication During Weather Events
Bellmawr posted fewer weather‑related updates than neighboring districts.*
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“Until next time, keep the faith — and keep asking questions.” William E. Cleary Sr.