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News from Ridgewood Public Schools
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March 2024
Dear Ridgewood Families,
I hope this message finds you enjoying spring break and looking forward to many joyful end-of-year activities.
In addition to reading and viewing the many exciting district events in this month's newsletter, please consider participating in the following important district discussions:
- Superintendent Coffees - The March 14, 2024 Superintendent Coffee included updates on the athletic fields and the associated Thoughtexchange results. We also launched a new Thoughtexchange on the district Dress Code Policy. Your perspectives are invaluable, and I encourage those who have not yet contributed to do so. Mark your calendars for our next meeting on April 25.
- Budget Presentations - On March 18, 2024, I proposed the 2024-2025 Preliminary Budget to the Board of Education at their regular meeting. The budget was developed by thoroughly analyzing past and current revenues and expenditures. The presentation slides are viewable below and on the Budget/Audit page of the District website. You can watch the presentation on our Board meeting webcast video. The 2024-25 Final Budget Hearing and Presentation will occur at the Board's April 29th Board meeting.
- Parent Surveys - In mid-April, the district will send surveys to parents/guardians to collect feedback regarding how well our schools serve our students. Our students and faculty will also be able to contribute their thoughts via district surveys administered in school. All responses will be collected anonymously.
Thank you for staying engaged in our continuous improvement efforts. I wish you all the best for a restful and peaceful spring break.
April 29, 2024
Superintendent Coffees
Join us from the comfort of your home each month as Superintendent Mark Schwarz leads an interactive discussion via Zoom. Missed the last coffee? Watch the recording of past coffees on the RPS Website. April's coffee is on April 25th at 7pm.We hope to see you there!
Super Science Saturday
Thank you to everyone who contributed to and attended another fantastic Super Science Saturday!
Youth Art Month Brings Beauty to Ed Center and Beyond
Youth Art Month encourages support for quality school art programs. Art shows, special exhibits, fundraisers, and school and community activities take place annually, traditionally during March, to celebrate visual art education for grades K–12. On March 21st, families, faculty, and staff came out to ooh, and ahhh at the incredible work of our talented students. Thank you to the staff who help to develop these skills and to the community for sharing in the artistic joy!
Annual College Fair Included 75 Schools from Throughout US
The RHS Guidance Department hosted the annual College Fair on March 19th.
More than 75 colleges attended the event, meeting with students and parents.
The the annual College Fair was a roaring success.
The Civil Engineering Club, including members Trevor Phillips, Ryan (JJ) Lee, Arav Bhatia, Jack Rau, Matt Hernandez, Aidan Alegre, John Kedersha, and Porter Hollern, returned to volunteer at the Harrison Street Project in Paterson, New Jersey earlier this month. Eight club members worked at the job site that will provide new homes for eight families later this spring. The students learned new skills and worked on insulating two units. The club looks forward to returning to continue to continue the build.
The Rain and RHS in Spain....
RHS students traveled to Southern Spain (Andalucía) to explore Sevilla and see La Catedral Santa Maria de la Sede (the grave site of Christopher Columbus), Roman and Greek ruins, and more. Students met with their host families in the Atlantic coastal town of Barbate, attended Spanish high school, and traveled to the ancient cities of Cádiz, and Vejer de la Frontera. On the way to Granada, they visited the Roman ruins of Baelo Claudia in Bolonia, Spain. Although students thoroughly enjoyed the marvel of Spanish history, culture, and gastronomy, they overwhelmingly reported that their highlight was staying with their Spanish siblings and practicing Spanish. ¡Olé!
NJSMA Region I Intermediate Region Band Concert
Seven Ridgewood Public Schools students were selected to participate in the North Jersey School Music Association Region I Intermediate Region Band on March 10, 2024, representing Benjamin Franklin Middle School, George Washington Middle School, and Ridgewood High School (from left to right): Eli Wunder, Justin Kramarczyk, Cailin Corcoran, Seojin Park, Jooahn Sohn, Thine Sohn, and Joshua Oh. Way to represent RPS!
RHS and BFMS Latin Certamen Teams Move on to State Finals
The RHS Latin Academic Teams also earned smashing success at the event with both the Latin 2 and Advanced Latin Teams placing first and second in the northern region. The first place teams at each level compete at the state finals in May!
GWMS Career Day Inspires the Future
From spine surgeons to superintendents, financial analysts to firemen, the students at GWMS were inspired at the school's annual "Inspire the Future" career day. Parents, community members, administrators, and more gave of their time and talents to share with the GWMS community. Thank you to the HSA, Mrs. Feit, and to all of the volunteers for their time in organizing this monumental event.
Asian Festival is Amazing Success
Once again, students, staff, and families were wowed by the talents of our students and the varied artistry displayed at the Asian Festival. From dancing and drumming, to juggling and the ever-favorite dragon dances, young and old alike enjoyed the day and evening performances.
BFMS and GWMS Team Up for Global Dance Party
Earlier this month, our BFMS and GWMS middle schoolers came together for a Global Dance Party, learning new dances from around the world. Sponsored by the schools' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committees, more than 100 students learned some new moves and danced the night away!
Timothy Shoemaker Shares The Dangers of Vaping
GWMS and BFMS students heard from prevention consultant Timothy Shoemaker on “The Dangers of Vaping”. As seen in NJ Monthly magazine and on NJ 12 News, the assembly blows the lid off of the Vaping epidemic. Mr. Shoemaker shared startling videos, common sense, and some blunt truths to encourage students to protect themselves, and one another, from this pending health disaster. Parents were invited to attend an informative evening session with Mr. Shoemaker, which included a demonstration of vaping products and discussion of intervention options.
It Takes a Village - Thank You!
Our Village came out to support our elementary schools for Read Across America Week. Thank you to Fire Chief Judge, Police Chief Lyons, Village Manager Keith Kazmark, and Mayor Paul Vagianos for reading to several of our elementary schools.
February Break Leads to Fundraiser for Pediatric Cancer
Orchard fifth graders Aleksandra Fitzgerald, Annika Ginde, Shaila Venkatraman, and Nina Pehlivanian crafted and sold bracelets, raising $1300 for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Pehlivanian's brother, who is in first grade at Orchard, and was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in April of 2023. He is back at school, but still has a year of treatment ahead. Bravo to these young entrepreneurs with so much good in their hearts!
Hawes Celebrates Diversity and Acceptance with International Fair
Hawes brought students around the world this month as the students celebrated at the annual International Fair. Parent volunteers brought a bit of their heritage to school via traditional dress, history, games, and music. Thank you to all who participated in this and our other elementary school international events!
The Colors of Ridge
First graders Ridge Elementary began a self-portrait unit by learning to paint the most beautiful colors in the world…the colors of themselves! Each artist thoughtfully mixed paint to match their own skin tone and admired the unique and beautiful shades of their friends (Inspired by the picture book “The Colors of Us” by Karen Katz). Nicely painted, Ridge!
Lemonade Wars author Jacqueline Davies Visit Willard Elementary
There were no sourpusses in this crowd as Willard students were treated to a visit from Lemonade Wars author Jacqueline Davies. Students asked questions about the writing process, idea generation, and the inside scoop on upcoming projects.
Somerville Celebrates Ramadan
Somerville students learned about Ramadan and Eid this month when parent volunteers shared their own stories, a short video, and some related crafts.
Travel Celebrates Beatlemania
Travell second and first graders experienced Beatlemania earlier this month when the grades presented a Beatle-themed concert honoring the Fab Four.
Glen School Comes Out for World Down Syndrome Day
Glen School wore mismatched socks and walked 3.21 miles to promote awareness and celebrate diversity in honor of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st!
More Music In Our Schools
Acabellas Sing Their Way to Semi-Finalist Champion Title, Head to NYC for Finals
The RHS Acabellas are the Mid-Atlantic 2024 semi-final Champions! Under the guidance of Director Natalie Cardillo, the all-female, competitive a Cappella group at Ridgewood High School
is heading to the finals in New York City on April 26th. Tickets are available!
Jazz Coffeehouse Shares Cool Vibes
The Jazz Coffeehouse at RHS was ....well, cool! Bravo to all of our student performers and thank you to our music staff!
Maroon Clubs and Athletics
RHS New Players Sell Out Shrek
The RHS New Players sold out all five Shrek performances, including sensory-friendly dress rehearsal earlier this month. Bravo! Take a Bow! And we can't wait for the next show!
RHS Model UN Attends NHSMUN Conference
The RHS Model UN Club participated in NHSMUN in New York City. This international conference occurred over the course of four days with students from more than 70 different countries in attendance. RHS delegates debated and negotiated for more than 17 hours in committee proceedings in the pursuit of authoring and passing of resolutions to address global issues. Joshua Fishkin and Violet Papageorge, representing South Africa in the United Nations Human Rights Council, earned the Award of Distinction -- one of only three awards given per committee -- out of a group of 100 impressive students. Congratulations to the entire RHS delegation!
RHS HOSA Future Health Professionals Place at State Conference
Three RHS teams competed at the HOSA States Leadership Conference at BCIT in Westampton, NJ. The teams competed in the Health Education, Public Service Announcement and Medical innovations events. The EZ IV invention team of Emily Park, Ian Yang and Elliot Yi placed 5th in Medical Innovations. Congratulations to the winners and everyone else who attended the competition.
Girl Up Hosts "Empowering Voices" for Women's History Month
Girl Up RHS hosted "Empowering Voices: Celebrating Women's History Month". With a panel of esteemed women: Cate Biava, Alison Bloodworth, Jo Panzera, and Meghann Persenaire, whose experience ranged from engineering, to medical, to finance and entrepreneurship, to school administration, the panelists answered questions and discussed topics relating to women's experiences and challenges in the workplace. Thank you to advisor Christa Darakjy, club co-presidents Isabella Katsaros and Jordan Katsaros, and participating club members Rand Linker, Violet Batley, Claire Lee, Sherry Zhang, and Zoe Dunwoody.
Women Empowerment Rally Sheds Light on Issues
In honor of National Women's History Month, the RHS Democrats Club held a rally organized and led by club presidents Samantha Sabatiel, Isabella Fonseca, and Joshua Fishkin. The rally promoted women empowerment and shed light on issues that women face in our own community, including domestic violence. All attendees were encouraged to wear purple to show support for domestic violence awareness. Also appearing at the event were advocates for the Center of Hope and Safety, a nonprofit organization that removes women from domestic violence situations and assists them with food, housing and more.
Morgan's Message Makes Its Mark
The RHS Morgan's Message Club earned 1st place at the DECA States Conference for their project focused on spreading awareness about student athlete mental health. Morgan's Message® is a 501(c)(3) that strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics.
Luke Pash Runs into the Winner's Circle
Our own #XCTFMaroon Luke Pash led the way in the 3200m, taking home a winning time of 8:59.77 and the state title!
Luke was also part of the record-setting relay team at last month's Varsity Classic Meet, helping to break the Ridgewood record set back in 2011.
Way to run, Luke! We are Maroon Proud!
All-American Alert and First Team All-County
Our girls shuttle hurdle relay team of freshman Paige Brandt, senior Bea Brassel, junior Anna McHugh and sophomore Kennedy Lubkemann hurdled their way through an outstanding race and into all-American status coming in 6th in the nation. Way to run!
In addition, Avery Sheridan (1000m); Lubkemann, Lindsey Zadow, Kelsey D'Alonzo, Peyton Wennersten (4x400m); Cellina Rabolli, Wennersten, Ayla Cooke, and Sheridan (4x800m) were recognized for making First-Team All-County!
All-American Alert and First Team All-County
In a distance medley race representing the best from the United States, the Ridgewood boys team of DJ Murphy, Gavin Kim, Jack McKenna, and Luke Pash took home 6th place in the nation and was named All-American!
In addition, Murphy (1600m); Pash (3200m); McKenna, Chris Brady, Murphy, and Pash (4x800m) were recognized for making First-Team All-County!
State Wrestling Medal Winners
Congratulations to our state wrestling competitors who represented Ridgewood High School, AJ Tretola, Francesca Gusfa, and Kamila Castro. A special shout out to our two state medal winners, 2nd place Francesca Gusfa (100lb) and Kamila Castro (152lb)!
Gavin Fraiman was named to the Third Team, 2024 All North Jersey Boys Bowling Team.
Girls LAX Game Schedule
Boys LAX Game Schedule
Nurse Notes
Achoo! Seasonal Allergy Alert!
Ridgewood’s beautiful trees and flowers are blooming and the pollen count is rising! Unfortunately, for allergy sufferers this can be a difficult time of year.
Many of our students are complaining of:
red, itchy eyes
scratchy throats
sneezing
runny noses
congestion
If your child suffers from seasonal allergies, please make sure that they take the appropriate medication prior to the school day. It is difficult for students who suffer from allergy symptoms to concentrate in class and focus on learning, so please address these needs at home before sending your child to school. Thank you.
Monica Algor, RN, BSN - Glen School
Jeanne Gao, RN, BSN, CSN - Hawes
Jaime Caruso, RN, CSN, MSN - Orchard Elementary
Colleen Manke, MS, BSN, RN, CSN - Ridge Elementary
Moira Correll, RN, BSN, CSN - Somerville Elementary
Alexis Gillio, RN BSN - Travell Elementary
Bonnie Lowicki, RN BSN NJ-CSN MHS - Willard Elementary
Kerri Reilly, RN CSN - Benjamin Franklin Middle School
Julie Stadulis, M.Ed., RN, NJ-CSN - George Washington Middle School
Maureen Morgan MCH BSN RN NJ-CSN and Suzanne Donovan RN BSN - Ridgewood HS
Questions/Concerns
Do you have questions or concerns related to your student? Please check the school/teacher websites for helpful information. Not finding what you need? Contact your building principal. They are here to help you and can be reached at:
- Hawes Elementary School - sstovell@ridgewood.k12.nj.us
- Orchard Elementary School - mkferreri@ridgewood.k12.nj.us
- Ridge Elementary School - mpiacenza@ridgewood.k12.nj.us
- Somerville Elementary School - loates@ridgewood.k12.nj.us
- Travell Elementary School - bross@ridgewood.k12.nj.us
- Willard Elementary School - choffman@ridgewood.k12.nj.us
- Benjamin Franklin Middle School - swisniewski@ridgewood.k12.nj.us
- George Washington Middle School - lschoen@ridgewood.k12.nj.us
- Ridgewood High School - jnyhuis@ridgewood.k12.nj.us
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District News
Documentary ‘Angst’ Raising Awareness Around Anxiety - April 5th
Funded through a grant secured by the Village of Ridgewood Health Department
Friday, April 5th, Ed Center - 11:00AM
Screening Includes a post-film panel discussion and Q&A. Film plus panel discussion will last approx 90 minutes.
Register (optional) for home tip sheet and at-home discussion guide.
Visit website (rhsbands.org) for registration materials, upcoming dates, and more info.