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Local Life, Schools Scene

Focus: RFH Staff Graduation Celebration

After spending four years teaching, disciplining and getting to know more than 200 students, Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School teachers and administrators saw them through the milestone of graduation at Monmouth University Friday night.

And, after the graduation, they gathered to celebrate and toast to the RFH Class of 2016 at Ron’s West End Pub, around the corner from Monmouth. The staff no sooner arrived when a surprise guest, who was an RFH grad himself and saw the class through the years, showed up — former Fair Haven Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge.

Take a look at the photo gallery above for a glimpse into the after-the-graduation celebration. Give each a click to enlarge.

— Elaine Van Develde

Schools Scene

Focus: Backstage at RFH Graduation

It’s like the backstage flurry in the moments before a major Broadway production — the prep and anticipation that comes before a high school graduation after years of students growing, learning, stumbling and shining in the spotlight together.

It’s like it was at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s (RFH’s) Class of 2016 graduation on Friday evening at Monmouth University.

Rumson-Fair Haven Retrospect was behind the scenes, capturing some of those backstage moments before the major milestone — graduation.

Here’s what we saw … Congratulations to the RFH Class of 2016! 

— Elaine Van Develde

*If you would like to purchase individual photos, the slideshow or both, contact me at [email protected].

 

 

Local Life

Focus: Rumson Riverfront Blues

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Skies have been clear and bright blue lately. And the scene just before sunset in Rumson recently was no exception.

It’s that familiar, popular spot on the Navesink River at Victory Park where kids play, kayakers row on the river and other boaters dot the horizon.

The clear weather is supposed to hold out through the weekend. Enjoy the view in the photos below.

— Elaine Van Develde

Schools Scene

Transition Day: Sickles to Knollwood

They hopped onto their bicycles. They boarded the “big red trolley.” Third graders from Fair Haven’s Viola L. Sickles School set out for the school they will attend in the fall as fourth graders — Knollwood. It is a milestone celebrated every year for many years now. It’s Transition Day.

Continue reading Transition Day: Sickles to Knollwood →

Local Life, Opinion

Retro Fifth Grade at Willow Street School

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With all the ceremonies of Rumson and Fair Haven students’  transition from third to fourth grade and impending RFH graduation,  thoughts reverted to a time when there was no such thing — not that there’s anything wrong with it, though. It’s pretty adorable, really.

No, there really wasn’t a transitional ride or walk from one school in Fair Haven or Rumson to the next. And, in Fair Haven at least, back in the late 1960s and early 70s, students simply went to the school to which they lived closest — until that big ol’ jump to middle school, when everyone in the borough went to Knollwood for seventh and eighth grade. And no one got driven to school. They all walked or rode bikes together.

Oh, and what is now the Viola L. Sickles School was Willow Street School.

So, the Retro Pic of the Day offers a glimpse back to those days when fifth grade was at Sickles (well, Willow Street) and one of the most popular teachers of the era taught there — Mr. DeMarco.

I’m pretty sure that he won several awards in various capacities, not the least of which was some sort of teacher of the year for the state, I believe.

Speaking from experience, he really was a memorable teacher. Very patient. Very kind. Very intelligent. His lessons sunk into our little brains. Thanks, Mr. DeMarco.

Pictured is a class from the early 1970s. Many of these little faces are grown-ups in the area with their own kids. Recognize anyone?

Congrats to all the transitioning students!

— Elaine Van Develde