Weekly Referendum Letter 9 & Video: A Closer Look at the Proposed Journalism Lab

Dear West Essex School Community,

As we continue sharing information about the proposed November 3 bond referendum, we would like to take a closer look at one of the learning spaces included in the proposal: the West Essex High School Journalism Lab.

The current Journalism Lab was originally designed as a computer lab and is limited in both size and flexibility. The proposed renovation would create a larger, collaborative environment designed for writing, editing, broadcasting, photography, and digital media production.

Students in this program produce both the print and digital editions of The Wessex Wire, the school’s student-run newspaper. Each season, students also conduct interviews and produce promotional videos for athletic teams during Media Day, gaining valuable hands-on experience in journalism, digital media, and multimedia storytelling. Journalism II further enhances the program by offering students the opportunity to earn dual credit through Montclair State University.

In this short video, West Essex High School Principal Dr. Westervelt takes us inside the current Journalism Lab and shares how the proposed space could enhance student learning and expand hands-on experiences.

For more details about the proposal and how to cast your ballot, please visit the West Essex Referendum Page.

Sincerely,

Damion Macioci, Superintendent of Schools
Maryadele Wojtowicz, Board of Education President