This year, 2020, has taken a huge unexpected turn. COVID-19, for many, felt like it came out of nowhere changing and took away plans, events, gatherings, and just in general everyday life occurrences for people across the United States. As COVID-19 started to affect the US during mid-March with at first the thought of only lasting a couple weeks, to then a month, to then two months, to where we are now, June.

COVID-19 is something that not many saw coming so fast, impacting families across not only the US, but the world. It unexpectedly took the lives of families and friends in many countries leaving the world devastated.

Across the United States and around the world, virtual learning has become the new normal for many elementary school, middle school, high school, and college students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With social distancing currently underway, virtual learning has become a source where students can finish their required school year from home for the rest of the year, if needed.

Technology has become a major part of the 21st Century and it plays a huge role in education systems today. Computers, especially Chromebooks, have become a huge part of the Nutley Public Schools. In Nutley, every student in grades 6-12, has access to a Chromebook and uses them in almost all their classes. This allows students to be able to research information, type papers, contact teachers for help, have easy organization, and to have a more interactive learning environment.

Nutley High School is the biggest building in the school district. With that comes many different tasks to juggle between the students, teachers, and staff.  Michelle Alberti and Kimberly LaScala are the NHS main office secretaries. Both play a very important role in keeping the building in check. Mrs Alberti has worked at NHS for four years and Mrs. LaScala has been here for a little over a year. Both are now experts regarding what goes on during a day at NHS. 

Black Friday in Nutley is not only considered the day for crazy shoppers and sales, but a day where families and friends come together to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus as they arrive at the Nutley Park Oval. As the tradition continues for its 58th year, on November 29th Mr. and Mrs. Claus flew in on their helicopter onto the Oval to meet and take pictures with the children to kick off the holiday season. Santa’s arrival is enjoyed by the Nutley community as families come to share the experience of such a unique yet traditional event in Nutley.