Mayor's Message:
Governor Murphy's Plan for School Readiness
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Hello Jazz,
Painful memories come to mind when we reflect on the last few weeks of the 2021-2022 school year. The tragedy that unfolded at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, left parents and teachers around the nation in a state of terror. Fear for our kids, anxiety for our teachers, and the dread of unpredictable violence were at an all-time high. As we approach the beginning of another school year, our fears are resurfacing.
On Monday, August 1, 2022, Governor Murphy took a decisive measure to ensure the safety of our teachers and children in New Jersey. He signed A4075/3229 into law, requiring all public, charter, or renaissance schools in New Jersey to develop and adopt a policy for a threat assessment team. The threat assessment team will assist school teachers, administrators, and other staff in identifying "students of concern." Students identified will be evaluated for risk factors for engaging in violent or other harmful activities and will then receive the necessary intervention strategies to help manage the risk of harm and prevent targeted violence in schools (source).
As I said back in May, what happened in Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, should never have occurred. No one wakes up with the sudden urge or intent to kill, especially a child like Salvador Ramos, who had barely reached adulthood. There are always telltale signs that exhibit when things are not okay. We must commit to being more open, to keep our eyes open, and recognize them. Expand beyond the people who are important to you and try to be concerned about everyone. And, most importantly, take action. I am not implying that you should put yourself in harm's way. But please speak up. If you hear something that concerns you or witness someone struggling, make sure you tell someone and follow up if action is not taken.
Parents, I implore you to have conversations with your children about the significance of caring for their classmates. Our children usually better understand their classmates' state of mind. With access to each other's social media accounts and everyday interaction on a peer level, students would most likely better recognize sudden changes within their classmates than teachers will. As parents, you should ask your kids to find a teacher, school administrator, or any adult they trust to share their feelings with if they ever have a concern.
As stated in the legislation signed by Governor Murphy, the threat assessment team will be established by Plainfield's Board of Education and Board of Trustees for all charter and private schools in Plainfield and will consist of the following:
● A school psychologist, school counselor, school social worker, or other school employee with expertise in student counseling;
● A teaching staff member;
● A school principal or other senior school administrator;
● A safe schools resource officer or school employee who serves as a school liaison to law enforcement; and
● The designated school safety specialist.
Thankfully, the City of Plainfield and other school districts across New Jersey have not had any situations similar to the Texas elementary school shooting. With the implementation of the threat assessment teams in all schools, I am hopeful we never will. As mayor, I will do anything within my power to ensure this initiative is a success.
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future | | |
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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Preparación Escolar del Gobernador Murphy | |
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Querido Plainfield,
Recuerdos dolorosos vienen a la mente cuando reflexionamos sobre las últimas semanas del año escolar 2021-2022. La tragedia que se desarrolló en la Escuela Primaria Robb en Uvalde, Texas, dejó a padres y maestros de todo el país en un estado de terror. El miedo por nuestros hijos, la ansiedad por nuestros maestros y el temor a la violencia impredecible estaban en su punto más alto. A medida que nos acercamos al comienzo de otro año escolar, nuestros temores están resurgiendo.
El lunes, 1 de agosto de 2022, el gobernador Murphy tomó una medida decisiva para garantizar la seguridad de nuestros maestros y niños en Nueva Jersey. El gobernador firmó la ley A4075/3229, que requiere que todas las escuelas públicas, charter o renacentistas en Nueva Jersey desarrollen y adopten una política para un equipo de evaluación de amenazas. El equipo de evaluación de amenazas ayudará a los maestros, administradores y otro personal a identificar a los "estudiantes de preocupación". Los estudiantes identificados serán evaluados por factores de riesgo de participar en actividades violentas o otras actividades dañinas y luego recibirán las estrategias de intervención necesarias para ayudar a manejar el riesgo de daño y prevenir la violencia dirigida en las escuelas (fuente).
Como dije en mayo, lo que sucedió en la Escuela Primaria Robb en Uvalde, Texas, nunca debería haber ocurrido. Nadie se despierta con el repentino impulso o la intención de matar, especialmente un niño como Salvador Ramos, que apenas había alcanzado la mayoría de edad. Siempre hay signos reveladores que exhiben cuando las cosas no están bien. Debemos comprometernos a ser más abiertos, a mantener los ojos abiertos y reconocerlos. Expanda más allá de las personas que son importantes para usted y trate de preocuparse por todos. Y, lo más importante, tomar medidas. No estoy implicando que debas ponerte en peligro. Pero, por favor, hablen. Si escucha algo que le preocupa o es testigo de alguien luchando con problemas, asegúrese de decírselo a alguien y haga un seguimiento si no se toman medidas.
Padres, les imploro que tengan conversaciones con sus hijos sobre la importancia de cuidar a sus compañeros de clase. Nuestros hijos generalmente entienden mejor el estado mental de sus compañeros de clase. Con el acceso a las cuentas de redes sociales de los demás y la interacción diaria a nivel de compañeros, lo más probable es que los estudiantes reconozcan mejor los cambios repentinos dentro de sus compañeros de clase que los maestros. Como padres, deben pedirles a sus hijos que encuentren un maestro, administrador escolar o cualquier adulto en quien confíen para compartir sus sentimientos si alguna vez tienen una preocupación.
Como se indica en la legislación firmada por el Gobernador Murphy, el equipo de evaluación de amenazas será establecido por la Junta de Educación y la Junta de Síndicos de Plainfield para todas las escuelas charter y privadas en Plainfield y consistirá en lo siguiente:
● Un psicólogo escolar, consejero escolar, trabajador social escolar u otro empleado de la escuela con experiencia en asesoramiento estudiantil;
● Un miembro del personal docente;
● Un director de escuela u otro administrador de la escuela superior;
● Un oficial de recursos escolares seguros o un empleado de la escuela que sirve como enlace escolar con la policía; y
● El especialista designado en seguridad escolar.
Afortunadamente, la ciudad de Plainfield y otros distritos escolares de Nueva Jersey no han tenido ninguna situación similar al tiroteo en la escuela primaria de Texas. Con la implementación de los equipos de evaluación de amenazas en todas las escuelas, tengo la esperanza de que nunca lo haremos. Como alcalde, haré todo lo que esté a mi alcance para garantizar que esta iniciativa sea un éxito.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro
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Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
Ciudad de Plainfield
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Join us today August 5th for the Food Truck Festival Beginning at 6:00PM | |
The August Food Truck Festival is bringing a different vibe. There will be food trucks and music, of course. But more than that, there will be a beer garden sponsored by Mamajuana Cafe Plainfield; a featured performance by local saxophonist Trey Daniels, a Plainfield cigar vendor, and more. You don't want to miss this event. Tell a friend, bring a friend, and spread the word. This is your Queen City! | |
The food truck festival also launches the annual Citywide Food Festival, which will run until Sunday, August 21. Visit our website and social media platforms for more information. | |
LATE RELEASE OF 3RD QUARTER TAX BILLS | |
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Hello Plainfield Residents and Property Owners,
Payments for your 3rd quarter tax bill, typically expected on August 1st, are now due on September 7th due to the late release of Tax Bills.
The amount of your 3rd quarter tax bill can be determined through the city's online system. However, physical bills have not yet been mailed.
Physical Bills should be in the mail by August 12, 2022
Obtain your bill statement by visiting the city’s website, plainfieldnj.gov, or contact the Tax Office at 908 753-3214 during office hours, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
ONLINE PAYMENT - Payments can be made online through the city's website in one of two ways:
- As an ACH transfer from the resident's checking account directly to the city,
- Or as a credit card payment. This option will add a 2% convenience fee to your total amount.
IN-PERSON PAYMENTS - Payments can also be made in person at the Tax Office located at 515 Watchung Ave Plainfield, NJ 07060.
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RECAP of National Night Out - Aug 2 | |
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On Tuesday, August 2nd the City of Plainfield celebrated National Night Out.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. (SOURCE).
The annual National Night Out event reinforces and strengthens the relationship between the community and law enforcement. A great example of this is the demonstration by the cadets enrolled and graduating from the Queen City Mentoring Academy, the three-week summer program founded and led by Plainfield Police officers. The program reinforces positive character attributes as well as teaches the discipline of body and mind. They walk away understanding that law enforcement officers are friends, not enemies.
This year during National Night Out, the City launched the Street Smart NJ Pedestrian Safety Campaign in partnership with EZ Ride Transportation Management Association and North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority. This initiative focuses on making Plainfield's streets safer for both pedestrians and drivers.
Mayor Adrian O. Mapp was joined by Council President Barry Goode, Council Vice President Charles McRae, Councilors Ashley Davis, Joylette Mills-Ransome, Terri Briggs-Jones, and Steve Hockaday, Police Director James T. Abney, Union County Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams, Commissioner Bette Jane Kowalski, Board of Education Superintendent Diana Mitchell and representatives from the Street Smart initiative.
This event continues to bring our Plainfield community together and demonstrates that we are indeed One Plainfield. One Future.
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Mark Your Calendars - Upcoming Events | |
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The Plainfield Performing Art Center (PPAC) continues to host events that you should not miss. There is limited seating so be sure to register in advance. Click on the flyers below for more information
P-PAC Game Night
August 4, 2022, at 7 PM
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Love Plainfield Initiative | |
¿ How Do You Show Love For Plainfield? | |
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A MESSAGE FROM UNION COUNTY:
Spotted Lanternfly
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The Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive, non-native pest that recently arrived in the United States. It was first identified in Pennsylvania, in 2014. It has since been sighted in 15 states including New Jersey. If you see it, get rid of it.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY:
Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Requiring NJ Public Schools to Develop Threat Assessment Teams
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TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy signed A4075/3229 [t.e2ma.net] into law, requiring the board of education in each school district and board of trustees in each charter school or renaissance school in the state to develop and adopt a policy for the establishment of a threat assessment team at their respective schools.
Threat assessment teams provide school teachers, administrators, and other staff with assistance in identifying students of concern, assessing those students’ risk for engaging in violence or other harmful activities, and delivering intervention strategies to manage the risk of harm for students who pose a potential safety risk to prevent targeted violence in the school and ensuring a safe and secure school environment that enhances the learning experience for all members of the school community.
“Keeping public spaces safe from any form of violence or harmful activities, especially in our schools, is of the utmost importance to me and this administration,” said Governor Murphy. “It is my hope that these threat assessment teams will help students and school employees feel safe and out of harm’s way when they are at school, and for students who are considered to be a threat to receive the much-needed help they need at such a crucial time in their lives.”
Guidelines for threat assessment teams in each school district, charter school, and renaissance school will be developed by the New Jersey Department of Education in consultation with state law enforcement agencies and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
President Biden Issues Executive Order at the First Meeting of the Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access
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President Biden will issue an Executive Order on Securing Access to Reproductive and Other Healthcare Services, building on actions that the Biden-Harris Administration has taken to protect access to reproductive healthcare services and defend women’s fundamental rights. The President kick off the Vice President’s first meeting of the Task Force on Reproductive Healthcare Access. At the meeting, the Cabinet will discuss their progress and the path forward to address the women’s health crisis in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
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HELP US TAKE CARE OF OUR CITY!
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT- IT APP
Available in IOS and Android Mobile Phones
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Exercise your civic duty-- be the eyes and ears of our City! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in our Plainfield community. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with ReportIt. | |
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Use the app, or text
reportit to 63975
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the City of Plainfield are committed to making it as easy as possible to report concerns in our city. To that end, we've partnered with REPORT IT, which is now live in Plainfield and ready to be used as an important supplemental reporting tool.
Report it makes community reporting easier than ever! Residents and visitors can download the app by scanning the barcode above or by going to your phone's app store. Your reports will be submitted to the appropriate City department to be resolved.
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Call us at: 908.753.3015 or
E:communications@plainfieldnj.gov
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|THE CITY OF PLAINFIELD NJ|
515 WATCHUNG AVENUE | 908-753-3310| MONDAY-FRIDAY | 9 A.M.- 5 P.M.|
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future | | | | |
