MORRIS COUNTY — Students from the Academy for Computer & Information Sciences, located at the Morris County School of Technology in Denville, are reaching for the stars—literally. This school year, they embarked on an exciting STEM journey by participating in NASA’s App Development Challenge (ADC), one of eight Artemis Student Challenges that aim to engage students in deep space exploration missions.

The ADC, led by NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, is a highly competitive coding challenge under the NASA Office of STEM Engagement Next Gen STEM Project. It tasks student teams with solving real-world technical problems that support NASA’s Artemis missions. This year, students were challenged to research and design a computer application to visualize Artemis II, NASA’s first crewed mission on its path to establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon. The app will assist with mission planning and training activities, a crucial step in humanity’s return to lunar exploration.

The project is developed in collaboration with NASA’s Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) team, which oversees space communication activities supporting more than 100 missions. SCaN’s work includes managing NASA’s Near Space and Deep Space Networks, advancing cutting-edge technologies such as optical and quantum communications, and creating an integrated space communications architecture to enable exploration programs through 2040.

A 10-Week Journey with NASA

From October 2 to December 11, 2024, students engaged in a rigorous 10-week challenge. They interacted with NASA coders and engineers through live virtual events and office hours. Their progress was evaluated by NASA scientists and engineers via video submissions and interviews. Top-performing teams will be selected for a culminating event at Johnson Space Center.

By participating in the ADC, these “Artemis Generation” students are actively contributing to NASA’s mission to land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon’s surface.

An Academy Dedicated to Excellence

The Academy for Computer & Information Sciences is part of the Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD), offering a comprehensive Career & Technical Education (CTE) program. The academy provides in-depth instruction in computer programming, network security, software engineering, and other fields, preparing students for post-secondary education and careers in computer science.

MCVSD’s academy programs allow students in grades 9-12 to explore specialized career pathways while meeting New Jersey’s academic requirements. These programs offer unique opportunities such as internships and earning college credit, providing students with a strong foundation for future success.

About the App Development Challenge

For more information about NASA’s App Development Challenge click here.

To learn about NASA’s Space Communication and Navigation (SCaN) click here.

For details on MCVSD programs click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) publicly applauded President-elect Donald Trump for taking a leadership role in the ongoing saga of drones flying over the night skies of New Jersey. Last week, Senator Pennacchio wrote a letter to ask the newly elected president to involve himself in the situation before his January 20th inauguration. (Click here to read the letter).

“I have zero faith in the current administration to be transparent with the American public,” said Senator Pennacchio. “After one month of gaslighting and secrecy, the Biden administration has shown a level of incompetence never seen in American public policy. My letter to President-elect Trump was to stir up our security agencies and force the Biden administration to give the American public answers – answers that now only the voice of Donald Trump can deliver.”  

During a press conference, President-elect Trump accused the Biden administration of holding back information from the American public. Previously, President Trump had chastised the current administration for its lack of transparency and even challenged the administration to “shoot down” the drones.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Jefferson Township Chief of Police Paul Castimore confirmed the sentencing of Richard Kattermann, 31, of Jefferson Township, in connection with Possession of Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM).

On September 9, 2024, Kattermann pled guilty to one count of third-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Possession of CSAM).

On December 13, 2024, the Honorable Claudia Jones, J.S.C. imposed a sentence of three (3) years incarceration in New Jersey State Prison.

The investigation began with a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) referencing a media file, allegedly depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of minors. The investigation revealed that the defendant uploaded the media file to Discord, an internet-based social platform, and contained CSAM items.

Kattermann was arrested on the above charge on February 8, 2024.

Prosecutor Carroll would like to acknowledge the Jefferson Township Police Department, the Bernards Township Police Department, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their efforts in this investigation.