Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • June 6, 2012
Franklin Lakes
Community to say goodbye to school principal
by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes community will be saying goodbye to the principal of the High Mountain Road School on Tuesday, June 12. Principal Helen Attenello, who is retiring from the school district after 15 years of service, will be honored with a “Happy Retirement” punch and cookie gathering between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the school’s multi-purpose room. When Attenello announced her retirement several months ago, Superintendent Frank Romano wrote to the community, stating that he had mixed emotions about Attenello’s retirement and the ensuing need to conduct a principal search. “While I am thrilled to see Helen enter this next phase of her life, I am sorry to see a dedicated and talented colleague go,” Romano wrote. “Helen has served the Franklin Lakes public schools for 15 years, beginning her tenure on June 1, 1997. Over the years, she has served not only at the building level but also at the district level. Her efforts have been tireless, her commitment boundless. Within our organization, she will be best remembered as a partner.” Romano recounted how he had heard numerous teachers refer to how lucky they have been to work for Attenello, making such statements as, “I’m a better teacher because I’ve worked for Helen.” He emphasized that her high standards brought results and were met with appreciation as she balanced them with a high degree of support. “Among parents, she commands respect,” Romano remarked. “Many share the feeling that she runs a tight ship, always firm yet fair. In a nutshell, Helen Attenello is leaving Franklin Lakes public schools better than she found them, and she will be sorely missed.” Following the announcement of Attenello’s retirement, forums were scheduled to create a school profile and a principal profile to shape the search for a new principal.
An interview committee was formed that included three parents and represented a comprehensive cross-section of constituent groups. Many applications for the position were received. Following a screening and interviewing process, the Franklin Lakes Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment of Jaclyn Bajzath as the new principal, effective July 1. According to Romano, Bajzath competed as one of 88 applicants, emerged as one of nine, and then went on to become one of two finalists in the search. Romano said Bajzath has gained successful classroom, intern, and leadership experience, having served the Franklin Lakes public school district for the past 10 years. She currently teaches fourth grade at the High Mountain Road School and, under Attenello’s mentorship, she recently completed a 300-hour administrative internship.
The Franklin Lakes Police arrested a 19 year-old borough woman on May 13. She was charged with burglary, theft, and forgery as a result of an investigation into an unauthorized entry into premises of a family member wherein several personal checks were stolen, forged, and passed at banks in Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, Haledon, and Ridgewood beginning in March and continuing through May. The woman was remanded to the Bergen County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail. Detective Jeffrey Jost investigated. On May 14, the police were called to Pop In Please on Franklin Avenue on a report that jewelry valued at $500 had been shoplifted between May 10 and 11. The case has been forwarded to the detective bureau. Officer Richard Osenbruck investigated. An Oakland resident reported that her purse had been stolen from her unlocked car while it was parked at the
Borough Police Department Report
Franklin Crossing Shopping Center on May 23. Detective Jeffrey Jost investigated. At 11:11 a.m. on May 23, while responding to a 911 report of a female who had passed out in her car on Court Street, officers found a 22 year-old borough woman slumped over the wheel. She was transported to Valley Hospital. She was charged with possession of heroin, possession of hypodermic needles, being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle. Sergeant William Cook and Officers Richard Osenbruck and Denny Knubel investigated. The same woman was arrested May 29 after a motor vehicle stop on Pulis Avenue. She was charged with illegal possession of a hypodermic needle. Donald Wilson, Andrew Cacciatore, and Richard Osenbruck investigated.