Garbed in green and harboring goodwill, the staff from North Glen Elementary School invaded the surrounding neighborhoods Monday.

Led by Principal Julie Little-McVearry about 30 staff members - sporting shirts that read "The grass is always greener at North Glen" - marched behind a "North Glen Elementary School" banner through the Glen Ridge and Cromwell Fountain apartment complexes as well as the Morris Hill and Pleasantville communities the day before students returned to school.

"Rather than having a 'Sneak-a-peek' at the school, we decided to come to them," Ms. Little-McVearry said. "This is a good way to show our...