October 2023 Bulldog Bulletin

Dear Rutherford school community,

Even in a state known for exceptional education, Rutherford Public Schools manages to stand out.

Our students, educators and administrators regularly earn awards and distinctions.

The district and its schools also are recognized for high standards. For example, the College Board has awarded Honor Roll status to Rutherford High School for the past several years based on students’ Advanced Placement test participation.

The state Department of Education designated Rutherford a “high-performing school district” in 2022 after an exhaustive evaluation of policies, fiscal operations and instruction that all districts have every three years.

One of the district’s most elite distinctions came in 1999, when the U.S. Department of Education named RHS a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. The USDOE notes that “a school’s National Blue Ribbon School status does not expire. Once a school receives the award, it remains a National Blue Ribbon School.”

As much as Rutherford Public Schools appreciates the lifelong honor, we do not rest on it. I am proud to say that our district has continued striving to enhance students’ educational experience. The result is a district of sustained excellence.

We are proud of the Rutherford reputation and work to maintain it every day, through the staff we choose, the instruction we provide, and the extracurricular opportunities we offer.

I welcome you to explore many points of pride from the 2022-23 school year by clicking here .

I feel so fortunate for my 47 years (and counting) in this district and community.

It doesn’t get any better than Rutherford Public Schools. But that doesn’t mean we’ll stop trying.

In partnership,

Jack Hurley

Superintendent of Schools

The Rutherford Board of Education members are dedicated parents and grandparents of Rutherford District students and graduates. This group of committed individuals takes its responsibility and commitment to the community extremely seriously. Through professional development, deep committee work and ongoing dialogue, the board embraces its strategic role to ensure that Rutherford schools continue to strive for excellence now and into the future.

The dedication of a strategic board is paramount in shaping the future of our schools. A strategic approach to board service matters and here’s a closer look at why:

• Visionary Leadership: A strategic board does not manage the daily operations of the district; instead, it ensures that the district runs well. Our role is to set a clear vision for the district’s educational goals and to ensure that all constituencies share a common purpose.
  
• Accountability: A strategic board holds itself responsible for regularly and methodically reviewing district performance. Members establish measurable benchmarks from which to measure growth and create ongoing goals.
  
• Resource Allocation: A strategic board has a responsibility to be fiduciaries while ensuring that the district has the programs, people and resources it needs to have the greatest impact on student success. Members make fiscally prudent decisions and participate in forward-thinking processes of budget preparation and review.
  
• Community Engagement: A strategic board fosters a culture and climate where community engagement is valued. Feedback is welcome and taken seriously. Strategic boards are involved in the life of the schools by attending school events and functions.
  
• Adaptability: A strategic board understands that in an ever-changing educational landscape, flexibility is pivotal. Strategic boards are nimble in how they respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. They ensure that our schools remain sustainable and relevant.
  
• Focus on the Students: A strategic board never forgets that it’s all about the students. Strategic boards prioritize the academic success and well-being of every student and are committed to providing the best possible educational experience.
  

We take great pride in the Rutherford school district and appreciate the critical role that a strategic board of education plays in fostering scholars and good people who will go on to have a profound impact on their communities and in the greater world.

-- Sergio Alati, Ed.D, President, Rutherford Board of Education

Students at Union Middle School receive regular reminders that positive behavior pays off. The school has a Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) program, which aims to reward students who follow three pillars – be respectful, be responsible and have integrity.

Union recently reinforced the message with a fun activity. Students heard about appropriate school behaviors and expectations, then participated in several minute-to-win-it games and a “Bulldog Feud,” where they competed in teams to answer PBIS-related questions. After the fun-filled afternoon, two students were awarded Amazon gift cards for exhibiting positive behavior. For the remainder of the school year, students who display respectful behavior, responsibility and integrity will receive Bulldog Bucks, which can be traded in for weekly prizes like gift cards to local restaurants, homework passes and extra credit. Students can also use their Bulldog Bucks to enter the school’s game room during lunch.

PBIS is chaired by Mrs. Vazza and Mrs. Collins, who work to help foster a school culture of learning and respect.

Congratulations to Rutherford High School senior Arianna Medina for earning a perfect score on the Advanced Placement (AP) drawing exam!

“I had never imagined that achieving something like this would be possible, so it was definitely a shock when I heard the news,” said Arianna, who took the exam in May 2023. “I finally felt like the countless hours of hard work I spent refining my skills and developing my portfolio paid off. I felt more motivated than ever to continue improving my art and working toward my goals.”

AP exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5. Arianna not only received the top score of 5 but was also one of only 308 students in the world to earn every point possible on the AP drawing exam, receiving the maximum score on each portion of the test!

“What truly sets Arianna apart is her remarkable balance of control and experimentation. She navigates the artistic process with a rare poise, blending meticulous attention to detail with a fearless curiosity to explore new techniques and ideas,” said RHS Art teacher Mrs. Grillo. “This achievement, exemplified by Arianna's perfect score, speaks volumes about the strength, dedication, expertise, and effectiveness of Rutherford's art program. Arianna's success showcases the caliber of artists that can excel within a supportive environment where students are empowered to explore creativity to their fullest potential.”

Homecoming 2023 was one to remember! The weekend started with more than 450 students attending the Homecoming Dance on Friday, Sept. 29. Then on Saturday, Sept. 30, the Bulldogs took to the streets in a parade to Tryon Field, where the Rutherford football team prevailed over Lyndhurst, 35-14. It was a great weekend to be a Bulldog!

A newly installed firewall is the first part of a comprehensive three-phase network upgrade initiative. The firewall is a critical step in modernizing our network infrastructure as it will allow for increased bandwidth.

So, what does this mean for our school district? By increasing our capacity, we will be better equipped to handle the growing demands of digital learning and administrative tasks. This will result in faster internet speeds, improved connectivity and a smoother online experience for both students and staff.

Phase 2 of our network upgrade will involve the installation of a new core switch, which will further optimize our network's performance and reliability. In the final phase, we will introduce a new phone system to enhance communication across our district.

We understand that technology plays a pivotal role in education, and we are committed to ensuring that our school district remains at the forefront of technological advancements. Thanks to Network Administrators/IT Managers Mike Kivowitz (left in photo) and Chris Richmond for making it all run smoothly. We thank you for your support as we work diligently to create a more connected and efficient learning environment for all our students.

Students at the Kindergarten Center gave high-fives to real-life superheroes. Members of the Rutherford Fire Department, Police Department and EMS visited the school and explained to students how they help keep their community safe. Students got to see fire trucks, ambulances and police cars up close and take a peek inside. It was a great day for everyone!

Pierrepont School’s Student Ambassadors program lets sixth-graders serve in a leadership role to help their younger counterparts.

Student ambassadors assist and greet students each morning as they arrive at school, lead morning announcements, give building tours to new students, and help with assemblies and events like pep rallies and back-to-school nights. Last spring, the student ambassadors began peer mentoring by training fifth-graders to step into the leadership role. This program empowers students to be proud members of their school community while instilling leadership skills.

With a lot of new teachers in district classrooms, our veteran teachers have stepped up to help their new colleagues succeed. The Teacher-to-Teacher Mentoring Program consists of five teacher-led workshops and discussion sessions that cover topics such as classroom management, lesson planning, curriculum development, partnership building and special education. While the district has always provided mentors to novice teachers, the new program adds support and shows those entering the profession they are valued and supported. The group also will facilitate an educational book club where teachers can discuss classroom topics and trends.

Each year, the Greater Bergen County YMCA honors outstanding high school student-athletes and community leaders. Rutherford Public Schools' Director of Athletics, David Frazier, has been named the YMCA Person of the Year. He will be honored at a dinner next month.

Congrats, Mr. Frazier, and thank you for all you do for our students and our community!

Membership in the Rutherford High School Marching Band surged this year, pushing the group into a new division of competition.

The energy from the 40-plus Rutherford students elevates the performance each and every week. This season's show is "Echoes of the Opera," featuring music from one of the longest-running shows on Broadway, "The Phantom of the Opera." The RHS Marching Bulldogs will perform at football games for the rest of the season as well as marching band competitions. This "rebuilding" year for the RHS Marching Bulldogs is looking to be something very special.

Second-graders at Lincoln School learn to grow and tend vegetable gardens as part of the science curriculum. Seedlings grown in the classroom are transplanted to garden beds outside of the school. Students tend to the gardens by weeding, watering and harvesting. Last school year, students grew sunflowers, sweet peas, lettuce and arugula and enjoyed the fruits of their labor by sampling a garden-to-table salad they helped grow!

The members of the Rutherford High School Select Choir had the honor of performing at the New Jersey School Boards Association Workshop on Oct. 25 in Atlantic City. The four-day NJSBA event draws thousands of school administrators and board members from throughout the state for informational sessions and professional vendor exhibits. The RHS Select Choir was among a handful of student groups to perform during the convention. Under the direction of Mrs. Patricia Blanchard, the choir sang Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin'” and the hymn “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”

It’s the latest showcase for the elite group who has performed at the Kennedy Library and Museum and multiple festivals. The singers audition for membership in the RHS Select Choir and learn challenging repertoires throughout the year.