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News from Ridgewood Public Schools
![News from Ridgewood Public Schools](https://cdn.smore.com/u/e777/62e479f0df2d503dbf790a4000c9781d.jpg)
May 2024
Dear Ridgewood Families,
As we head into the last month of the 2023-2024 school year, I want to congratulate all our students and staff on nearing the completion of another school year. I would also like to recognize and thank our soon-to-be retirees for their service to our schools and students. May their contributions and legacies live on within the Ridgewood Public Schools "Tradition of Excellence."
I also want to take a few moments to remind you of some of the incredible upcoming district events and activities.
- Concerts, Field Days, and Special Events - With the end of the school year comes a multitude of special events and celebrations. Please check your school's calendar and emails to ensure you do not miss these fun and memorial activities.
- The RPS Parent Survey has been finalized - After much anticipation, we are excited to collect feedback from all parents across Ridgewood Public Schools. Unique survey links for each child will be sent to the Guardian 1 contact for each student account. If your family would like to have surveys completed by more than one parent, please contact info@ridgewood.k12.nj.us to request additional links. All survey responses will be collected anonymously. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and perceptions with us.
- The final Day of the 2023-2024 School Year is June 19th - In addition to sending the Class of 2024 off to their next adventure at the RHS Graduation Ceremony, we wish all our students, staff, and families a happy and healthy summer.
I hope to see you at some of our end-of-year activities in the coming weeks!
Sincerely,
Mark Schwarz
East Ridgewood Avenue to Close Next Week
There will be a full road closure planned for next week from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm on E. Ridgewood Ave. from S. Irving St. to N. Van Dien Ave. This update will be reflected on RW’s Service Advisory Map. Please plan alternate travel routes. Thank you.
Thank You, Retirees
Thank you and best wishes to all our soon-to-be retirees!
Monica Bostler - Willard
Joyce Cerbasi - GWMS
James Donnelly - RHS
Mary Louise Handy - GWMS
Dana Higgins - Ridge
Lisbeth Jerejian - BFMS
Sandra Kunzle - RHS
Scott Lupia - Somerville
Wendy Padykula - GWMS/RHS
Erika Pifher - Travell
Laurie Pisani - Willard
Megan Price - Orchard
Nancy Reilly - RHS
Theresa Ross - Somerville
Betsy Sason - Ridge
Susan Siok - RHS
Mark Syvret - RHS
Christa Valentine - Willard
Suzanne Zilvetti - GWMS
June 24, 2024 (6:00pm)
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. June's coffee is on June 20th at 7pm.We hope to see you there!
Recordings of our past coffees are always available on the RPS Website. We hope to see you there!
State of the Schools
On Thursday, May 16th, Superintendent Schwarz presented the results of our first annual State of the Schools. To view the recorded presentation, view the video below, or view the recorded presentation or slides on our RPS website.
Safety and Smiles!
The Federated HSA treated our crossing guards to a thank you breakfast on May 2nd. Thank you, crossing guards, for all you do to help get our students and our staff to school safely! We appreciate you!
Alumnus in the News
Alumni Mitchell Dante Saron is Member of US Olympic Fencing Team
RHS alumni Mitchell Dante Saron, an accomplished fencer, will represent his country, and his hometown, in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this summer. We are #MaroonProud! Congratulations, Mitchell! We will be rooting for you!
Class of 2023 Alumnus Cammi Quirk and Myles McCutcheon Named Landmark Conference Rookies of the Year
Cammi Quirk and Myles McCutcheon, both RHS Class of 2023 alumni and currently students at the University of Scranton, were both named Landmark Conference Rookies of the year in their respective sports. Cammi plays Volleyball and Myles plays Men's Lacrosse for the school Both were all-county honorees and decorated athletes at RHS and continue to make us #MaroonProud. The NCAA Division 3 Landmark Conference is comprised of a host of schools and intercollegiate athletic teams, including Scranton, Drew, Wilkes, Moravian, Goucher, Elizabethtown, Susquehanna, Catholic, Juniata, and Lycoming. Congratulations to Cammi and Myles!
RPS Celebrates Special Education Week
Throughout the District, our schools celebrated Special Education Week, May 12th-17th, and the achievements of our students who receive special education instruction with special events, outings, spirit days, and so much more. BFMS RISe students ran track, had a lunch outing, and spent a day with the ponies. Our RHS PREP students attended Move the Spectrum at West Orange High School, mingling with students from throughout northern NJ. And, Ridge celebrated the amazing accomplishments of the RISe students with a picnic. There were games, awards, and even an ice cream truck.
RPS Goes Green in Recognition of Mental Health Awareness
On May 22nd and 23rd, staff and students district-wide turned green in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Green is the official color for mental health awareness because it represents renewal, hope, vitality, and a commitment to supporting people with mental illness. It can also signify new life, growth, and new beginnings. Bravo to our students and staff who went green! (Pictured: Orchard Elementary staff goes green from their hair to their toes!)
RHS Celebrates the Arts
RHS held its annual celebration of the arts this month, showcasing the talents of students in the visual and performing arts. From the floors to the ceilings, hallways were decorated with two- and three-dimensional works of art while live performances ranged from a cappella to Shrek the Musical to our RHS bands and orchestra.
RHS Celebrates Older Americans Month
In celebration of Older Americans Month, some of our talented Ridgewood High School musicians treated Village seniors to an afternoon of music. Many thanks to these talented musicians!
Senior Sunrise Success
Senior Sunrise saw smiles and excitement from the Class of 2024! This year, the event coincided with college shirt day.
GWMS Cabaret Wows the Crowd
Our GWMS Drama Club showed us why it is no good sitting alone in your room. They had us tapping our toes and singing out loud with their Cabaret. The performance featured Broadway favorites from a wide range of different musicals! Bravo!
BFMS Remembers Memorial Day, Honors Veterans
GWMS 8th Graders Head to Washington, DC
Our GWMS 8th graders headed to Washington, DC for their annual trip to our nation's capital. The 8th graders enjoyed three days, visiting several museums and monuments, the National Zoo, Arlington National Cemetery, the White House, the Capitol, and Mount Vernon.
BFMS Glows Together with Mental Health Awareness Day
BFMS held its annual Mental Health Awareness Day on May 10th. Expanding on the event from last year, teachers and organizers Danielle Klion and Erica Centrelli decided to create an immersive mental health experience for the entire population of students and staff at BFMS. Their efforts and the event included more classes and presentations regarding mental health wellness, providing students with positive self-care experiences and opportunities for discussion. In addition to the classes and presentations, students voluntarily participated in a t-shirt design contest for the day, and both students and staff attended a mental health and wellness fair in the gym. Parents and outside vendors sponsored tables, giving students and staff information on mental health, sleep, and proper nutrition.
Students participated in Zentangle, Karaoke, Friendship Bracelets, Gardening, Drum Circle, Art Therapy, Wiffle Ball, Yoga, Meditation, Dance Party, Jewelry Making, Board Games, and so much more! Hats off to this incredible event and the volunteers behind it.
GWMS "You Make a Difference"
RPS faculty and staff make a difference every day, but during concert season, things can be a bit hectic for students preparing for performances in addition to normal schoolwork and activity loads. Step in the incredible music teachers in our district. GWMS recognized two of their own this month, with interim principal Dr. C. Lauren Schoen awarding two special "You Make a Difference" awards to teachers Janelle King and Abby Greenberg for their help in smoothing the waters for many of their students during concert season. Ridgewood teachers making a difference EVERY day!
Travell Travels to the Ed Center to Meet Superintendent Schwarz
Travell third graders met with Superintendent Schwarz as part of their community unit, asking and answering questions about their school and the district.
Hawes and All That Jazz
On May 13th, teacher and musician Jon Schamark spoke to Hawes second graders about Louis Armstrong, played some of his music, and simply shared his love of music - especially jazz! Part of the students' unit on biographies, they loved learning about Louis Armstrong, his life, and music!
Orchard Students Go Under the Sea
Our Orchard students went "Under the Sea" this month with their incredible production of "The Little Mermaid"! What a swimmingly good time!
Ridge's One Big Happy Family
Ridge first graders shared their family tree with us because at Ridge, they are one big happy family!
Somerville Goes Wild - at the Bronx Zoo!
Somerville students had a wildly good time, exploring animals and activities at the Bronx Zoo.
Willard Says - Cheep Cheep Cheep
Baby chicks arrived in Willard kindergarten classes this month. Rooms were abuzz with cheeps that could be heard from hallways school-wide! Even the staff couldn't resist stopping by for a visit.
Travell Takes Flight
It's a bird, it's a plane... it's fifth graders at Travell, learning how rockets work and teaming up to design and build their own! The rockets were launched on the blacktop with oohs and aahs from all involved!
How Does Your Hawes Garden Grow?
Hawes kindergarten teachers Ms. Bodart and Ms. Fox taught students about plants, including parts of a seed and plant and the plant life cycle. Ms. Fox's father, an avid gardener, shared the different stages of plants from his garden. We can't wait to see how the Hawes garden grows!
Music In Our Schools
Rossano Galante Makes Music with RHS Students and Staff
Renowned composer Rossano Galante came to RHS to work with our Concert Band and Wind Ensemble in advance of his evening performance conducting the New Jersey Wind Symphony! The bands worked with Maestro Galante during our trip to California back in February, where the students got to rehearse some of his music.
GWMS Concert
GWMS 7th grade, 8th Grade, and Chamber orchestra wowed a standing room-only crowd with their performance this month. It was the final concert for the GWMS 7th and 8th grades this year.
Maroon Clubs and Athletics
Bergen County Champions
Both our RHS Boys and Girls Track and Field teams earned Bergen County Champion titles.
Ridgewood was led by
Triple County Winner: Luke Pash: 800, 1600, 3200
Double County Winners: Katherine Keating: 1600, 3200, Charlotte Papin: Triple Jump, Javelin, Matt Schwindt: Javelin, Discus
County Winners: Victor Souza 110HH, Boys 4x100m, Boys 4x800m, and Girls 4x800m.
Way to run, jump, and win!
2024 Freedom Division Champions
Our Baseball Maroons earned the 2024 Freedom Division Champions title, bringing them to eight straight Division titles! Nicely done, Team Ridgewood!
Flag Maroons are SFC Division Champs
The RHS girls Flag Football Team earned the title of SFC Champions this month as they advance to the state semifinals next week. We are cheering you on, #FlagMaroons!
LAX Maroon Keira Schwartz reaches 200 Career Draw Controls and 100 Career Goals!
Congratulations to RHS Lacrosse player #12 junior Kiera Schwartz for reaching 200 career points in the team's win in the first round of the state tournament!
LAX Maroon Katie Adams Earns 100 Career Draw Controls
Congratulations to sophomore RHS Lacrosse Player Katie Adams on reaching 100 career draw controls during the team's win in the first round of the state tournament!
Crew Team Cleans Up at Area Competitions
Our Crew Maroons have been bringing home the gold - and silver - from competitions near and far! And, ABC also interviewed Ridgewood crew members about the Stotesbury crew event!
- At the 2024 City Championships in Philadelphia, Crew sent 9 of its 12 boats to the finals, earning 3 golds, 2 trophies, and a silver medal.
At the Philadelphia City Championships, Crew Boys JV 2x, Boys JV 4x, and Girls LTWT 2x earned gold, and Girls JV 4x earned silver.
At the Mid-Atlantics, 10 boats made it to semifinals with six proceeding to finals, bringing home a gold, two silvers, and a bronze!
Stotesbury Cup success! 5 medals - 2 golds and 3 bronze.
RHS DECA Chapter Makes their Mark at DECA International Career Development Conference
Congratulations to the RHS DECA chapter for their success at the DECA International Career Development Conference. Students competed in each event against more than 200 students from across the US, Canada, and China, representing the best from their region.
RHS winners included:
Ashley Auerbach, Sammy Lee, and Mia Gallo placed top 20 in the community awareness project for Morgan's Message.
Kate Schmitt and Raphaella Bravo were top 10 in the Hospital and Tourism Operations Research Event.
Maggie Zhou made it to the top 20 in the Accounting Applications Series Event, answering a 100-question financial-based exam and completing two impromptu role play scenarios. She also earned a medal for top role play score in her group, placing in the top 10.
Students also participated in a 3-hour educational academy through the Imagination Campus program at Disneyland. Congratulations to our finalists and the entire team!
Nurse Notes
A Reminder for Our Current 5th Grade Families
Dear Parents/Guardians of incoming 6th grade students (September 2024):
Please have your child's health care provider complete the document of immunization requirements. This document is required for all students entering grade 6. Return the completed form to your elementary school nurse before June 12, 2024. After June 12th, please email the form to your respective middle school nurse (see names and contact information below). Thank you.
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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