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News from Ridgewood Public Schools
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April 2024
Dear Ridgewood Families,
As spring events are in full swing, I hope that this message finds you enjoying the district's many spring activities and celebrations.
Be sure to review the exciting highlights and accolades in this month's newsletter. As a reminder:
- The first annual RPS State of the Schools Address will take place on May 16th at 7pm in the Education Center at 49 Cottage Place. Participation is welcome from live and virtual attendees. The presentation will include a variety of analyses and data visualizations regarding student achievement metrics, rankings and ratings performances, student survey responses, college admissions data, and other important measures. The address will also be recorded and available on the district's website.
- The 2024-2025 Final Budget has been completed and approved. You can view the presentation on our website or watch the presentation as given at the April 29 BOE Meeting.
- Be on the lookout for the 2024 Parent Survey in the coming weeks. Student surveys were completed in early April and our staff surveys recently wrapped up. The district is now finalizing our distribution process for parent/guardian surveys. All responses will be collected anonymously and the results will be used by our schools to inform their improvement efforts. We look forward to your input.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this information and for staying engaged with our schools. I hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
Mark Schwarz
June 10, 2024
June 24, 2024 (6:00pm)
Unused Emergency Days - 2023-2024 Calendar Update
Each year, Ridgewood Public Schools incorporates emergency closing days into our school calendar. This year, the District did not use all of the allotted days. Therefore, after reviewing the calendar for the remainder of the current school year, the district has decided that schools will be closed Friday, May 24, 2024 and Tuesday, May 28, 2024 provided there is no need for the use of an additional emergency day prior to that date.
Thank you, and enjoy the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year.
Superintendent Coffees
State of Our Schools Address - May 16, 2024
This month, our Superintendent Coffee is both in-person and virtual as Dr. Schwarz shares the results of our first annual State of the Schools Address. This interactive discussion will feature a variety of analyses and data visualizations, regarding student achievement metrics, rankings and ratings performances, student survey responses, college admissions data, and other important measures.
Recordings of our past coffees are always available on the RPS Website. We hope to see you there!
Superintendent Schwarz In the News
Superintendent Dr. Mark Schwarz was featured on the latest episode of School Leader Up Close (NJSBA), speaking on School Rankings and Ratings.
REF Grant Provides Life Discussions with Peers in Malawi
Coordinated by teachers Luke Dolby and Charlie Appel, students at Ridgewood High School have been getting a glimpse into the lives of their peers in Milawi. Through a grant from the Ridgewood Education Foundation, the school is participating in the Peer Village program, which includes live classroom interactions and discussions on a wide range of topics, including sustainability, conservation, and recycling on Earth Day. Thank you to the Ridgewood Education Foundation for making this program possible.
Annual RHS Orchestra and Choir Concert
Annual RHS Bands Concert
RHS AcaBellas Make History - Compete in the ICHSA Finals
The RHS AcaBellas made history as the first a cappella group from Ridgewood to make it to the final round, competing in the ICHSA Finals on April 26th at the Town Hall in NYC. The group earned the Mid-Atlantic Champions title and moved on to compete as one of the nine best high school a cappella groups from across the country. Way to represent, AcaBellas! You may not have won the national title, but we are Maroon Proud.
AcaBellas include Maya Grant (Solo #1- Don't Let Go by En Vogue), Bianca David (Solo #2- Have Mercy by Eryn Allen Kane), Julia Lebow (Solo #3- Break Free by Ariana Grande), Briana Lutz (Bass Mic), Ava Fontus (Vocal Percussion), Maeve Cunningham, Jocelyn Engel, Vivian Ewell, Charlotte Rivera, Izzy Seaman, Abby Urbaez, Lucia Wilday, and Mary Ann Wright.
Latin Students Steal the Show - Earning 95 Awards
Our RHS Latin Students did more than make a showing, they stole the show, earning a total of 95 awards on the 2024 National Latin Exam, including two perfect papers! Bravo!
Maroon Awards
Congratulations to the latest batch of RHS Maroon Award winners. Designed to honor and acknowledge those who show respect and kindness to others, without them even realizing they are being noticed, students are nominated for the awards by teachers and other staff. Congratulations to Sunny Bateman, Mila Motaharian, Dominick Bustamante, Lucas Woods, Zachary Daines, Hudson Feeney, Owen Mincey, Taylor Lucyk, Kiera Choong, Felipe Firmino, Ella Baskovic, Brooke Fieldsend, Alexander Wernecke, Dean Kat, Julia Vizanko, Davis Barberan, Morgan Anderson, Elijah Ross-Francis, Thomas Tesoriero, Oleksandr Barabash, Kyrylo Mikheiev, Jack Nesland, and Robert Kuenzler. You should be Maroon Proud!
From Plastic Bottles to Trout - RHS Sustainability Day is Big Success
Ridgewood High School students celebrated their second annual Sustainability Day, sharing and learning about the impacts of trash on our environment, urban runoff, sustainable fashion, how to compost, and so much more. It was a great day to celebrate Earth and learn how to take better care of our planet, our town, and our homes. Nicely done, RHS! View a highlight reel of the various sustainability stations.
Girls Who Code - Students Teaching Students
The RHS Girls Who Code Club introduced nearly 250 7th and 8th grade BFMS students to Computer Science. Club members led programming activities, including the use of microcontrollers, which allowed students to programatically make music and images.
College Life - A Look at College Admissions
The RHS Guidance Department hosted the next edition of their College Speaker Series, interviewing three undergraduate college admission counselors on the latest updates and trends.
BFMS Mental Health Day to Focus on Glowing Together
More than 40 students put their creative talents to work this month, designing t-shirts in support of Mental Health Awareness Month. In a world where physical well-being often takes center stage, it's crucial to remember that mental health is just as important. As we navigate the complexities of life, it's easy to overlook the significance of our mental and emotional well-being. However, by coming together and shining a light on mental health, we can make a profound impact on individuals and communities alike. "Glow Together" symbolizes unity and strength in numbers. When we join forces to raise awareness for mental health, we create a radiant glow that illuminates the path to understanding, acceptance, and support. This collective glow serves as a beacon of hope for those struggling with mental health challenges, reminding them that they are not alone. Congratulations to the winning designs (pictured here!).
The event will take place on May 10, 2024.
A Total Eclipse Means Learning - and Fun! - for All Ages
George Washington MS staff members dressed the part!
Science in action! District-wide, it was a solar-palooza!
BF Be You Wall Brings Students Together to Leave Positive Mark
It started with an idea. Teacher Nancy Brophy wanted to spruce up the bland walls in the BFMS cafeteria by creating a visual representation of individuals coming together as one community. The end result, however, was more than any of the resulting team could have imagined. With the help of art teacher Lisa Fontana, math teacher Kristen Rosolanko, science teacher Ben Ran, and BFBN expert Beth Folkemer, the project, which took almost two months, asked students to create a circle. Their decorative circle could represent whatever they felt it should in whatever colors they wanted it to be. The only limitation? It had to be a circle. The resulting mural is a true depiction of the creativity, uniqueness, diversity, and yes, community. A true masterpiece! Congratulations, BFMS!
BFMS Latin Students Strike Gold
Twelve BFMS students earned gold awards on the National Latin Exam. Only 10% of students overall earn gold medals, but at BFMS, 20% of the students got the gold!
Mama Mia!
Congratulations to our students at BFMS for their production of Mama Mia! Next up? The GWMS Drama Club presents the 2024 GW Cabaret on May 3rd and 4th at 7pm. The performance will feature Broadway favorites from a wide range of different musicals! Break a Leg!
Ridge Staff Shows Their Support for World Autism Day
Our Ridge Staff showed their support for World Autism Awareness Day, wearing their shirts and walking the walk. Bravo, Ridge!
Somerville Says Ciao!
Second graders in Ms. Kirk's class met virtually with their international penpals in Udine, Italy, at @ies_udine ! Bravissimo!
Glen School Promotes Understanding and Inclusion on Autism Awareness Day
Donned in blue for autism awareness, Glen School came together to promote understanding and inclusion for Autism Awareness Day with sensory-related crafts and activities.
Orchard Brings Science to Life
Our Orchard students blinded us with science last week as they took on the roles of some of their favorite inventors during their Living Museum. Can you identify these famous people and their associated inventions?
Author Illustrator John Parra Visits Ridgewood Elementary Schools
All of our elementary schools got a treat this month when author illustrator John Parra met with students, treating them to the joy of art, writing, and of course, stories! Thank you, Mr. Parra! Pictured: John Parra visits Willard Elementary School.
Take Your Child To Work Day was a Fun Day!
District-wide our schools welcomed new "staff" members as we celebrated Take Your Child to Work Day. From forensics to music to filing, our staff's children were ready for a hard day at work.
Ridge and Hawes Student Rejoice - Coming to America
More Music In Our Schools
Ridgewood Percussion Quartet selected as a finalist to perform at Lincoln Center in Alice Tully Hall for the 40th Annual Young Musicians Concert
The Ridgewood Percussion Quartet - 11th graders Sean Brady and Vincent Guerrero and 12th graders Michael Brescia and Raghav Shukla - has been selected as a finalist to perform at Lincoln Center in Alice Tully Hall for the 40th Annual Young Musicians Concert on Thursday, May 9th at 11:00 am. Congratulations! We are Maroon Proud!
RHSMB Drumline Rocks the Opening Day RBSA
A round of applause for the incredible RHSMB Drumline who absolutely rocked the Opening Day RBSA on April 20th! Your performance set the perfect tone for the opening day festivities for Ridgewood Baseball & Softball!
Maroon Clubs and Athletics
LAX Maroon Keira Schwartz reaches 100 Career Draw Controls and 100 Career Goals!
Congratulations to RHS Lacrosse player #12 junior Kiera Schwartz for reaching 100 career draw controls and also scoring her 100th career goal! We are Maroon Proud!
Coach Kurt Hommen Wins 600 Games
Our own baseball coach Kurt Hommen became only the second North Jersey coach to win 600 games on April 13th when the #BaseballMaroon won against Emerson High School. Congratulations, coach and team!
Francesca Gusfa Earns Gold at USMC Championships
Congratulations to our own Wrestling Maroon Francesca Gusfa for placing first in her bracket at the USMC U17 Women's Freestyle National Championships. The victory earned her a spot in the Pan AM Games and the World Championships this summer. We are Maroon Proud!
Boys Track Team Brings Home County Title - Again!
Our boys Track Team brought home the title... again, winning the large school county relays title for the eighth (8th!) straight time, placing in the top 4 in 14 of 16 events! Congratulations, Team Ridgewood! We are Maroon Proud!
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
Check out our Summer Adventure Camp 2024 brochure and class video descriptions! Registration opened April 30th.
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
Visit website (rhsbands.org) for registration materials, upcoming dates, and more info.