Development News for Lyndhurst, New Jersey

LHS Students Engage in Standardized Testing, College Planning, and School Spirit Events

Lynhurst High School (LHS) students participated in several academic and extracurricular events. PSATs for sophomores and juniors were successful, accompanied by a time management workshop for freshmen and a college and career panel for seniors. The new NJSLA adapted field test will be administered soon. Important dates included an in-person FAFSA night, a college fair at LHS, and a virtual FAFSA night hosted by Felician College. College visits from various representatives are scheduled. Senior LHS students will sign their names on the LHS rock on November 4th. The school celebrated 'Week of Respect' and 'School Violence Awareness Week' to promote positive community values and safety. Red Ribbon Week focused on drug prevention.

Lynhurst School District Faces Steep Healthcare Cost Increases, Project Plans Adjusted

The school district is facing significant increases in healthcare costs, with a projected 32% increase for the state healthcare plan and an unspecified but substantial increase for the prescription plan. This unexpected rise, which impacts the budget starting January 1st, necessitates a reevaluation of existing projects. The district is unable to switch insurance carriers due to the current plan's utilization rates. While the tax levy incentive program provides some financial relief, the district will need to budget close to or over $3 million for healthcare costs next year. This financial strain has led to the rollback of one or two planned projects for the current school year, with a commitment to transparency regarding future budget decisions and project prioritization.

Lynhurst Music Programs Host Events, Receive Performance Invitations, and Fundraise

The Lynhurst Music Association (LMA) is actively involved in fundraising and supporting music programs. Band Appreciation Night was held on October 10th, including a potluck dinner and dessert provided by the LMA and parents. The LHS jazz band has been invited to perform as guest artists at the Bloomfield Youth Band's December 6th performance. The Wei Hawk and Band Festival is scheduled for November 9th, with the high school band performing. Winter concert dates have been announced: high school on December 16th, middle school on December 17th, and district music concert on December 18th. The LMA is also holding a Tricky Tray fundraiser on November 15th and conducting mega 50/50 sales.

Lynhurst School District Reviews Student Assessment Data, Identifies Areas for Improvement and Growth

The district's financial performance, particularly regarding NJSLA assessment results, is being analyzed. Despite some achievement gaps among student subgroups, the district generally performs at or above the state average in ELA and shows consistent growth in math. Geometry scores are particularly strong, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Science assessment proficiency levels have changed, with students scoring level three or four considered passing. The district is working to improve performance in specific areas like math modeling and reasoning, ELA vocabulary, and science instruction. Strategies include targeted professional development, new curriculum programs, and revised schedules. Tutoring programs are in place for grades 3-8, and high school students have lunch-time tutoring. The district is also preparing for a new testing format in ELA and math.