Lower Paxton Bus Driver Drove Drunk While Transporting Students: Lancaster DA Lower Paxton Bus Driver Drove Drunk While Transporting Students: Lancaster DA
Lower Paxton Bus Driver Drove Drunk While Transporting Students: Lancaster DA A Dauphin County woman pleaded guilty this week to driving a school van under the influence of prescription drugs while transporting students, prosecutors said. Heather Elaine Shumberger, 41, of Lower Paxton Township, admitted to multiple charges, including DUI, recklessly endangering another person, and endangering the welfare of children, during a court hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 21, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney's Office. The charges stem from an incident on Oct. 30, 2023, when East Hempfield Township police received multiple calls about a school van driving erratic…
Dix Hills Man Exposes Himself Near Uniondale School: Police Dix Hills Man Exposes Himself Near Uniondale School: Police
Dix Hills Man Exposes Himself Near Uniondale School: Police A Dix Hills man is accused of exposing himself in a vehicle parked near an elementary school in Uniondale, police announced on Saturday, Jan. 18. Willian Portillo Melara, 29, of 3 Foxridge Circle, was arrested following the incident, which occurred on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at 2:40 p.m., Nassau County police said. Portillo Melara was reportedly sitting inside a white Honda Pilot parked on Dale Place near Smith Street, in the vicinity of the Smith Street School, when he was seen exposing and touching himself inappropriately by a 22-year-old woman, detectives said. The victim immediately wen…
Elementary Schooler Assaults Teachers, Admins In Waldorf, Sheriff Says Elementary Schooler Assaults Teachers, Admins In Waldorf, Sheriff Says
Elementary Schooler Assaults Teachers, Admins In Waldorf, Sheriff Says A chaotic classroom scene at JP Ryon Elementary School in Waldorf escalated into violence when a young student lashed out at peers and staff, assaulting multiple adults who attempted to intervene. The incident unfolded on before dismissal on Thursday, Jan. 16, when the student initially assaulted another child in the classroom, prompting an intervention that went wrong. A teacher attempting to de-escalate the situation became the next target, a spokesperson from the Charles County Sheriff's Office said. When administrators stepped in to restore order, the violence continued.  On…
Bill Belichick's Recruiting Trail Hits Hyattsville Catholic Schools (PHOTOS) Bill Belichick's Recruiting Trail Hits Hyattsville Catholic Schools (PHOTOS)
Bill Belichick's Recruiting Trail Hits Hyattsville Catholic Schools (Photos) Some coaching legends came together in Maryland on Thursday, Jan. 16. Former New England Patriots legend Bill Belichick made a pitstop at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville to check in with Sports Illustrated's Maryland Coach of the Year Bill McGregor. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DeMatha High School (@demathacatholic) McGregor has been a fixture at Dematha Catholic for decades, leading them to multiple championships and undefeated seasons. He led the DeMatha (10-1) back to the state championship, when they won their…
Alleged DUI Driver Strikes School Bus In Virginia: Sheriff Alleged DUI Driver Strikes School Bus In Virginia: Sheriff
Alleged DUI Driver Strikes School Bus In Virginia: Sheriff A midday crash involving a school bus and a driver allegedly under the influence caused a stir in Virginia on Wednesday afternoon, authorities say. Kira T. Joiner, 30, is facing charges following a crash on Lee Highway in Warrenton that involved the bus - which was empty at the time. According to the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office, shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 15, first responders were called to the intersection of Route 29 at Nordix Drive when a Camry driven by the Sumerduck resident struck a school bus, though no injuries were reported. The driver of the Camry was arrested and char…
Stratford High Teacher Ran Facebook Scams Using School Computers: Police Stratford High Teacher Ran Facebook Scams Using School Computers: Police
Stratford High Teacher Ran Facebook Scams Using School Computers: Police A Connecticut high school teacher is facing serious charges after police uncovered an alleged vehicle-selling scam on Facebook that he was allegedly running using school equipment, authorities said. James O’Neil, a teacher at Stratford High School, was arrested following a weeks-long investigation by Stratford police, officials said. Authorities allege O'Neil used Facebook Marketplace to sell vehicles illegally by altering documents, including bills of sale, police said. Detective Jennifer Murolo began investigating in November 2024 after receiving an anonymous tip about O’Neil’s activitie…
Closure Of West Babylon Elementary School Under Consideration By Board Of Education Closure Of West Babylon Elementary School Under Consideration By Board Of Education
Closure Of West Babylon Elementary School Under Consideration By Board Of Education It appears the writing’s on the chalkboard for this Long Island elementary school. The West Babylon Union Free School District is weighing a plan to close Forest Avenue Elementary amid declining enrollment and rising costs. At a Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14, district officials presented the findings of a study launched last summer showing 761 fewer students since 2010 – roughly the equivalent of a large elementary school.  Enrollment is projected to continue declining over the next five years, the district said. The study concluded that consolidating the district’s …
Lockdown Alarm Goes Off In Error At Peekskill Middle School, Police Respond Lockdown Alarm Goes Off In Error At Peekskill Middle School, Police Respond
Lockdown Alarm Goes Off In Error At Peekskill Middle School, Police Respond An accidental lockdown alarm went off at a Northern Westchester middle school and prompted an immediate police response, school officials said. The incident happened on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at Peekskill Middle School, when a lockdown alarm was triggered "by error," according to a message from the district.  Police responded to the school and cleared the building, officials added.  "All students at all schools are safe and instruction is continuing as normal," district officials said.
Water Main Break Causes Sinkhole Near Hershey Schools: Police Water Main Break Causes Sinkhole Near Hershey Schools: Police
Water Main Break Causes Sinkhole Near Hershey Schools: Police A sinkhole caused by a water main break shut down traffic near Hershey Elementary and Middle School, Derry Township police announced on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 1:20 p.m. The road closed in both directions, police said. Drivers heading to Hershey High School and Middle School were advised to access the area via Route 322/Governor Road, while traffic to Hershey Elementary and ECC was advised to use Route 422/Chocolate Avenue, according to the release. The incident disrupted traffic near the schools, but the area reopened by 7:32 a.m. the following day, according to the police. 
St. Agnes Catholic School To Close At End Of Academic Year In Catonsville St. Agnes Catholic School To Close At End Of Academic Year In Catonsville
St. Agnes Catholic School To Close At End Of Academic Year In Catonsville The doors of St. Agnes Catholic School in Baltimore will close for good at the end of the 2024-25 academic year, marking the end of an era for the once bustling institution. Officials from the Archdiocese of Baltimore cited a sharp 25 percent enrollment decline in recent years as the driving force behind the decision, which they say has created insurmountable financial challenges. “This was not an easy decision to make and came after considerable discussion and extensive evaluation of the sustainability of the school,” school leaders said in a statement. "Unfortunately, consistent years of…
Ed Board Votes To Close 3 Schools In Mount Vernon Ed Board Votes To Close 3 Schools In Mount Vernon
Ed Board Votes To Close 3 Schools In Mount Vernon District officials have voted to close three schools in a Westchester County city while reorganizing grade levels at other buildings. In a special meeting held on Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Mount Vernon Board of Education voted 5-4 to close the Mount Vernon Leadership Academy, Cecil H. Parker School, and the Mount Vernon Honor Academy.  The district will also modify the remaining schools' kindergarten through 8th grade model to consist of four K-8 schools; six K-6 schools; and three 7-12 high schools.  The change and closures will go into effect on Tuesday, July 1, according to t…
Student Caught With Guns, Drugs In Vehicle Parked At High School In Spotsy: Sheriff Student Caught With Guns, Drugs In Vehicle Parked At High School In Spotsy: Sheriff
Student Caught With Guns, Drugs In Vehicle Parked At High School In Spotsy: Sheriff An improperly parked car in the Massaponax High School lot led to a startling discovery on Tuesday, when administrators and law enforcement uncovered two firearms and marijuana inside the vehicle, authorities in Spotsylvania said. The trouble began when school officials noticed a car parked without a permit on Jan. 14, prompting further investigation.  Working with the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to the building, members of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office tracked down the vehicle, which belonged to a student in class.  Upon approaching the car, a strong odor o…
New Assistant Principal Tapped At Briarcliff Middle School New Assistant Principal Tapped At Briarcliff Middle School
New Assistant Principal Tapped At Briarcliff Middle School A Northern Westchester middle school is starting the new calendar year with a fresh face in leadership.  Phil Hammack has been appointed as the new assistant principal of Briarcliff Middle School, bringing nearly a decade of experience in school administration and a passion for innovative education, school officials announced on Friday, Jan. 10.  Hammack’s career began as a special education teacher in Brooklyn before he moved to Bronx Park Middle School in the Bronx. During his time there, he served in multiple roles, including special education teacher, social studies teacher, a…
'No Remorse:' Teacher Fired For Cruel Punishment Of Morristown HS Student, Officials Say 'No Remorse:' Teacher Fired For Cruel Punishment Of Morristown HS Student, Officials Say
'No Remorse:' Teacher Fired For Cruel Punishment Of Morristown HS Student, Officials Say A teacher in Morris County has been fired after she hit a 14-year-old student and prevented him from leaving class in what education officials say was a "cruel or unusual" punishment. Hui-Tzu "Isabella" Chen was a Mandarin teacher with tenure at Morristown High School when she pushed the student, a freshman, struck his forearm and pushed herself against the door to block his way on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, according to charging documents. Chen had taught at the school since 2017. Chen had suspected the student copied his Mandarin assignment and wanted him to stay after class to review his…
New Canaan Teacher Dies Unexpectedly, Middle School Says New Canaan Teacher Dies Unexpectedly, Middle School Says
New Canaan Teacher Dies Unexpectedly, Middle School Says A Connecticut middle school art teacher died unexpectedly over the weekend, school authorities announced to the community.  Saxe Middle School Teacher Alyssa Iwanski died this weekend, Bryan D. Luizzi, Superintendent of New Canaan Public Schools said in an email to parents on Sunday, Jan. 12.  He did not disclose when or how Iwarnski died. It's unclear how long she worked at the New Canaan middle school.  It is with deep sadness that I share the unexpected passing of one of our teachers, Saxe Art Teacher Alyssa Iwanski, over the weekend. We do not have additio…
Kittatinny Regional High School Closed Again After Power Outage Kittatinny Regional High School Closed Again After Power Outage
Kittatinny Regional High School Closed Again After Power Outage For the second time this week, a high school in Sussex County closed due to a power outage. Kittatinny Regional High School was closed on Thursday, Jan. 9 due to the outage, the superintendent announced. "Due to the ongoing power outage at KRHS, with no anticipated restoration time, KRHS will be closed," Dr. Craig Hutcheson said. "We apologize for any inconveniences this may create, but we do not know when we will have power restored. Thank you for your patience & understanding." The school also closed on Tuesday, Jan. 7 due to an outage, though the power was initially restored. …
These Westchester Students Among Top 300 Scholars In Regeneron Competition These Westchester Students Among Top 300 Scholars In Regeneron Competition
These Westchester Students Among Top 300 Scholars In Regeneron Competition More than a dozen Westchester high school students are among the top 300 scholars in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search thanks to their hard work and original research.  In an announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 8, the Society for Science revealed the full list of the top 300 scholars in the 2025 Regeneron STS.  According to the organization, each scholar will receive $2,000 and were chosen based on their "outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions and exceptional promise as STEM …
Lifelong Educator Entering Hospice Care After Battle With Cancer 'Touched So Many' Lifelong Educator Entering Hospice Care After Battle With Cancer 'Touched So Many'
Lifelong Educator Entering Hospice Care After Battle With Cancer 'Touched So Many' A beloved teacher and mother of two who bravely battled cancer before it returned one last time is being remembered for her decades educating children in the region. Kym Hurley, a lifelong educator who was forced to retire due to her health conditions, has entered hospice care, organizers of a long-running GoFundMe campaign for her family confirmed on Tuesday afternoon. Hurley, who has taught children for more than 30 years - and would have taught or another 30 if her health permitted, friends say - put on a courageous years-long fight with the disease. The teacher is being remembered for …
Flood Damages Hastings-On-Hudson School: Officials Detail Phased Return To Classes Flood Damages Hastings-On-Hudson School: Officials Detail Phased Return To Classes
Flood Damages Hastings-On-Hudson School: Officials Detail Phased Return To Classes A phased return to classes has been announced for students in Westchester following significant flood damage to a middle school in the county, officials said.  The flooding occurred on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24, when a sprinkler system supply line in the attic of the Farragut Wing at Farragut Middle School in Hastings-on-Hudson ruptured, causing water to flow unchecked for nearly 24 hours, district officials said.  Officials added that by the time alarms were triggered and the Hastings Fire Department responded on Christmas night, Dec. 25, the damage had already permeated al…
Snow Way! These Maryland, Virginia School Districts Announce Tuesday Closures (UPDATED) Snow Way! These Maryland, Virginia School Districts Announce Tuesday Closures (UPDATED)
Snow Way! These Maryland, Virginia School Districts Announce Tuesday Closures (Updated) Some students are celebrating - and some parents are mourning - as school districts in Maryland and Virginia begin announcing closures for Tuesday.  With the first snowstorm of 2025 rolling through the region, most schools were closed on Monday, Jan. 6, and some districts chose to be proactive and called off classes on Tuesday as a precaution. As of 5:30 p.m. on Monday, these districts have announced closures:  Maryland Anne Arundel County Public Schools; Baltimore County Public Schools; Calvert County Public Schools; Charles County Public Schools; College of Southern Maryland;…
Ventnor City Sees 7 Inches As Snow Blankets Atlantic County Ventnor City Sees 7 Inches As Snow Blankets Atlantic County
Ventnor City Sees 7 Inches As Snow Blankets Atlantic County Schools across South Jersey were closed Monday, Jan. 6 due to snow, with Cape May County recording the highest totals, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).  A winter storm swept across the state, dumping up to 8 inches of snow in some areas and creating picturesque scenes — and some travel headaches. The highest snowfall in the state was measured 2 miles northwest of Cape May, where a cooperative observer reported 8.1 inches of accumulation at 1 p.m., the NWS reports. Cape May proper came in close behind with 8 inches, as reported by a public observer later in the afternoon…
Falls Church Teacher Sold Vapes To Students, Police Say Falls Church Teacher Sold Vapes To Students, Police Say
Falls Church Teacher Sold Vapes To Students, Police Say An Alexandria woman teaching at a Falls Church High School has been accused of selling vape cartridges loaded with nicotine and THC to her own students, police said. Detectives with the Major Crimes Bureau’s Child Abuse Squad arrested Kaitlyn Cresent, 28, on Monday, Dec. 30, following a two-month investigation, according to Fairfax County police. The investigation began in October 2024, after Child Protective Services received a tip alleging Cresent had been selling vape cartridges to students at school, and detectives determined the sales occurred between December 2023 and June 2024 a…
Some DMV Schools Closing Early Due To Inclement Weather: Here's The Latest Breakdown Some DMV Schools Closing Early Due To Inclement Weather: Here's The Latest Breakdown
Some DMV Schools Closing Early Due To Inclement Weather: Here's The Latest Breakdown With rain expected to turn to snow across parts of Maryland and Virginia, some school districts are being proactive and have already announced early dismissals or closures for students and staff. A Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay, Tidal Potomac River, and I-95 corridor through central Maryland, northern Virginia, and District of Columbia. Temperatures are expected to continue dropping over the weekend, with a wintry mix expected on Sunday night into Monday. Rain and snow will develop across the region today with higher snow accu…
Students Return To Elementary School In Freehold After Mold Removed From Classrooms Students Return To Elementary School In Freehold After Mold Removed From Classrooms
Students Return To Elementary School In Freehold After Mold Removed From Classrooms Students at one Freehold elementary school have returned to their building months after mold was found in some classrooms, officials said. Laura Donovan Elementary School reopened for classes after winter break on Thursday, Jan. 2, Freehold Township superintendent Neal Dickstein confirmed in an email. The district told families in August 2024 that kids would have to begin the academic year in other schools throughout the district after the mold discovery. "We are fortunate that we can temporarily reorganize and reallocate classrooms to ensure your children begin the new school ye…
Teacher At Rippon Middle School Accused Of Assaulting Student: Police Teacher At Rippon Middle School Accused Of Assaulting Student: Police
Teacher At Rippon Middle School Accused Of Assaulting Student: Police A teacher at Rippon Middle School in Woodbridge is facing charges after allegedly assaulting a 13-year-old student during a classroom altercation earlier this month, police say. Charges have been obtained for 50-year-old Gail Latasha Hill following an incident on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the school in the 15100 block of Blackburn Road involving the teen student. According to investigators from the Prince William County Police Department, Hill was allegedly involved in a verbal dispute with the student, and during the encounter, Hill allegedly swung her shoulder, striking the student and causing h…
Charles County Man Pointed Gun At School Bus Fully Loaded With Children: Sheriff Charles County Man Pointed Gun At School Bus Fully Loaded With Children: Sheriff
Charles County Man Pointed Gun At School Bus Fully Loaded With Children: Sheriff A Newburg man is behind bars after allegedly pointing a gun at a loaded school bus full of students near Waverly Place earlier this fall, according to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. Richard William Ellis, 47, is facing more than a dozen charges following a scary incident that led to a lengthy investigation, and ultimately his arrest. Authorities say the incident happened Sept. 20 as a Piccowaxen Middle School bus was dropping off students.  Officers from the sheriff's office launched an investigation and presented the case to the Charles County State’s Attorney’s Office, which s…
'Highly-Regarded' Mastic Coach, Mentor Honored Following Death In Rollover Crash 'Highly-Regarded' Mastic Coach, Mentor Honored Following Death In Rollover Crash
'Highly-Regarded' Mastic Coach, Mentor Honored Following Death In Rollover Crash The Long Island athletic community is mourning the loss of a beloved high school basketball coach following his untimely death. Darrell Sumpter, a dedicated assistant varsity basketball coach at William Floyd High School, died Friday, Dec. 13, in a wreck on Sunrise Highway in Shirley, as Daily Voice reported. He was 51. The William Floyd School District confirmed his passing in a letter to parents the following day. “Mr. Sumpter was a proud William Floyd graduate, a longtime community member, a family man, and a highly-regarded coach and mentor for our boys’ and girls’ basketball programs,…
Slurring School Bus Driver Arrested For DUI With Students On Board In Virginia, Sheriff Says Slurring School Bus Driver Arrested For DUI With Students On Board In Virginia, Sheriff Says
Slurring School Bus Driver Arrested For DUI With Students On Board In Virginia, Sheriff Says A Virginia school bus driver is facing DUI and child endangerment charges after authorities say he drove part of a route with children onboard before being stopped by a school aid. Deputies in Hanover County were called to Laurel Meadow Elementary School around 3:45 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, where there was a report of a bus driver possibly experiencing a medical issue.  When deputies arrived, they found 68-year-old Danny Ray Spence, of Henrico, showing signs of impairment, including slurred speech and the smell of alcohol on him, according to the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. Inves…
Mugshot Released Of Teen Shooter Accused Of Killing At Martin Luther King High School: PPD Mugshot Released Of Teen Shooter Accused Of Killing At Martin Luther King High School: PPD
Mugshot Released Of Teen Shooter Accused Of Killing At Martin Luther King High School: PPD A 19-year-old man has been charged in the shooting death of a teenager outside Martin Luther King High School in Philadelphia, authorities announced on Thursday, Dec. 19. Shyd Carr-Hanks, 19, from the 1200 block of East Price Street, was arrested on Wednesday, Dec. 18, as a person of interest in the fatal shooting of 16-year-old William Honesty Jr., Philadelphia police said. A weapon was recovered during his arrest, officials noted. Honesty Jr. was found lying on the grounds of Martin Luther King High School on the 5900 block of Stenton Avenue just before midnight on Sunday, Sept. 22, polic…
These Westchester School Districts Holding Early Dismissal, Cancelled Afterschool Activities These Westchester School Districts Holding Early Dismissal, Cancelled Afterschool Activities
These Westchester School Districts Holding Early Dismissal, Cancelled Afterschool Activities The following school districts have scheduled early dismissals and canceled afterschool activities on Friday, Dec. 20 as snowy conditions prepare to blanket the region.  Westchester County:  Peekskill City School District, dismissing one hour early Lakeland Central School District, dismissing one hour early Hendrick Hudson School District, dismissing one hour early North Salem Central School District, dismissing one hour early Yorktown Central School District, dismissing one hour early Bedford Central School District, dismissing one hour early Somers Central School District,…
Hackensack BOE Pres Resigns, Cites Board Drama, Wasted Resources As Challenges (WATCH) Hackensack BOE Pres Resigns, Cites Board Drama, Wasted Resources As Challenges (WATCH)
Hackensack BOE Pres Resigns, Cites Board Drama, Wasted Resources As Challenges (Watch) Hackensack Public Schools Board of Education President Scott James-Vickery announced his resignation during his final board meeting Wednesday, Dec. 18, using the occasion to highlight persistent challenges he believes are holding the district back from reaching its full potential. James-Vickery, who served six years on the board and held the role of president since 2019, listed several issues he said have hindered Hackensack Public Schools, including internal politics, wasted resources, and a lack of focus on students’ needs.  “The students’ resources are being drained by the board,” h…