🌱 How a new study could reshape Paterson’s world language classrooms

Morning Paterson! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How a new study could reshape Paterson’s world language classrooms
• Which Paterson classrooms just scored new STEM tools and science supplies?
• Why is Paterson ranked among America’s least reliable business payers?

Also on today's calendar: Pictures with Santa! and 1 more event.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Paterson? Post it to Paterson photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Cold with clouds and sun, with a high of 32 and low of 23 degrees.
• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy and breezy, temps: high: 44, low: 29.
• Thursday: Periods of clouds and sun, with a high of 46 and low of 40 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Paterson Teachers to Participate in Graduate Research Study on World Language Instruction (tapinto.net) — World language teachers in Paterson Public Schools will join a yearlong graduate research project aimed at improving how professional development responds to student needs and feedback. Through regular training sessions, reflections, and student “voice” surveys, the district hopes to refine language instruction, boost engagement for multilingual learners, and shape future professional development across Paterson schools offering world languages.
   

2. Monday Morning Update 12/15/25 (histalk2.com) — Two Paterson middle school classes just received full funding for STEM tools and science supplies through DonorsChoose, thanks to a major matching donation. The broader update focuses on health-tech news and AI in medicine, but Paterson families may especially appreciate the fresh investment in local classrooms and hands-on learning opportunities for their students.
   

3. Survey says: Doing business in these NJ cities could cost you… literally (wpst.com) — Paterson is singled out in a new national survey as one of four New Jersey cities where small businesses are seen as among the least reliable at paying bills on time. The report describes Paterson’s economy as a patchwork of small contractors and service providers, and also flags similar concerns in Newark, Elizabeth, and Jersey City alongside rising statewide layoffs.
   

4. Secaucus Police Blotter, Dec. 8 - Dec. 14 (patch.com) — A recent Secaucus police blotter notes that a 23-year-old woman from Paterson was stopped in a traffic stop and arrested on an outstanding Secaucus warrant before posting bail and being released. The rest of the report details several other warrants, burglary and DWI arrests involving people from around New Jersey and New York.
   

5. 100+ NJ Cops Face Demotions After Exam Results Tossed (patch.com) — More than 100 police officers in Paterson and Newark, including many current sergeants, could be demoted after a court ruling threw out their 2019 promotion exam scores over bias concerns. Paterson union leaders and the mayor warn the forced retest and possible rank losses could disrupt the department’s chain of command and threaten public safety while new legal appeals play out.
   

📸 Around Paterson

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Paterson

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Saturday December 20

• Pictures with Santa!
  370 Broadway, Paterson
  3:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Wednesday December 17

• MS Basketball Game JPHCS vs PS 6 (AWAY)
  John P. Holland Charter School Paterson, NJ 07501
  4:30 pm

Friday December 19

• MS Basketball Game JPHCS vs PS 25 (HOME)
  John P. Holland Charter School Paterson, NJ 07501
  4:30 pm
• Storm Large
  South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) , One SOPAC Way , South Orange Village
  7:30 pm

📣 Paterson Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 16

• FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE IN LOFT
  Hawthorne Public Library Hawthorne - Loft,
  10:00 am
• Music & Movement
  Hackensack's Johnson Free Public Library , Hackensack - Auditorium , Hackensack
  10:00 am
• Easy Yoga & Stretching
  Hawthorne Public Library Hawthorne - Room A, Hawthorne - Room B,
  10:30 am
• Storytime with Miss Emily
  Children's Room Lodi -
  11:00 am
• Drop and Play
  Blooming Buddies Play Center , 810 Belmont Ave Suite 101 , North Haledon
  12:30 pm
• Bridge Club
  Hawthorne Public Library Hawthorne - Room A,
  1:00 pm
• (YA) Teen Tuesday: Half Day Free For All
  Hackensack's Johnson Free Public Library , Hackensack - Auditorium , Hackensack
  1:30 pm
• Barks & Books: Read with RJ
  Hackensack's Johnson Free Public Library , Hackensack - Children's Room , Hackensack
  3:30 pm
• Bowling: Girls Varsity vs. North Arlington (Home)
  Bowlero Bowling Alley
  4:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Paterson PatchAM possible:

• Bills Appliance Repair Service — (973) 694-6162
  Call us today to schedule a service call fast! 973-694-6162

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
  Lilly was LOST on December 12, 2025 in Clifton, NJ 07011 near Edward Ct & Grove St, Clifton, NJ Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information… (Nextdoor 21 Ave)

• Doherty Enterprises, Inc. posted a job opening for Applebee's Restaurant Manager Totowa NJ in Paterson. Apply here.
• Wendy's posted a job opening for Team Member in Paterson. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Paterson here.

Ok Paterson! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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