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Reader says Daniel Fishbein’s statements were well thought out and on the mark

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Reader says Daniel Fishbein’s statements were well thought out and on the mark

Daniel Fishbein’s statements were well thought out and on the mark. A perfect balance.

Law enforcement prosecuting teens for the possession of said content is a little over the top though.

Teens do stupid things. This is just one in a long list of acts that might be viewed as an unwise life choice.

In some parts of the world this behavior is punishable by death, yet in other parts no one would raise an eyebrow.

Not to minimize the stupidity of girls bearing their breasts for the whole world to see but is this really any different than the streakers in the 70′s or the naked teens frolicking in the rain at Woodstock?

The only thing that has changed is the technology that delivers the information, which of course creates even more challenges for parents raising teens.

One would expect the parents of these young men and women to be deeply disappointed in their children’s lack of good judgment. The public shame and humiliation is surly more than sufficient “punishment.”

As for the young man who came up with the Instagram title, “RHS nudie tooties,” well, one has to admit, that was quite clever. He has a bright future with Harvard’s National Lampoon.

 

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Ridgewood, NJ, High School Nude Photo Scandal; Students Investigated For Online Pic-Swapping Ring

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Ridgewood, NJ, High School Nude Photo Scandal; Students Investigated For Online Pic-Swapping Ring
By Staff Reporter on March 14, 2013 11:55 AM EDT

A high school in northern New Jersey is giving its students until Monday morning to delete nude photos of themselves and other classmates or they will face criminal charges.

Ridgewood High School in Ridgewood, N.J., is in the midst of a police investigation after a number of female students sent nude photos to a male classmate. The photos, unbeknownst to the females, were posted online for other classmates to see.

Several students and parents told the Ridgewood Patch that multiple Ridgewood students sent the photos using the Snapchat application. The app is supposed to delete photos between two and ten seconds after the picture is sent to the other person. This has led to the social media site being used more frequently for sexting, which is the sending and receiving illicit photos.

The scenario turned into a girl’s worst nightmare as an unidentified male student took screenshots of the nude photos and proceeded to create and post the photos on an Instagram account. Once the photos were put on the site, it began being passed and shared online.

“Everybody got it in 10 minutes,” one unnamed student said. “They show their faces right in the picture, so you know it’s them. It’s so dumb.

https://www.idigitaltimes.com/articles/15951/20130314/ridgewood-nj-high-school-nude-photo-scandal.htm

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Ridgewood Council hopes for no tax increase

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Ridgewood Council hopes for no tax increase
Thursday March 14, 2013, 5:24 PM
BY  DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News

The Ridgewood governing body hopes to produce a 2013 budget containing a zero percent municipal tax increase, but council members agree that their efforts should not result in employee layoffs.

A preliminary spending plan detailed by Village Manager Ken Gabbert last week represented a 1.5 percent tax increase over last year, upping the average tax bill by $225. The proposal included roughly $600,000 of added revenue and expense reductions, but still left the council searching for another $460,000 in order to reach a flat tax.

The total budget, offered this month as merely a working draft, stood at $44.9 million, a figure that did not include any staff reductions or layoffs. In comparison, the 2012 total budget was $45.2 million.

“We’re under last year’s budget by $240,000 … but because of the way structure is, there is still a tax increase,” Gabbert said. “The task was to keep the tax collected from the residents equal to 2012.”

The difference between last year’s tax levy and the figure based on the 2013 draft is $1.1 million.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/198254521_Ridgewood_Council_hopes_for_no_tax_increase.html

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UPDATE : Daniel Fishbein responds to reports of Ridgewood students “sexting and cyber bullying

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Ridgewood School District Superintendent Daniel Fishbein responds to reports of Ridgewood students “sexting and cyber bullying at RHS

Click below to read a letter sent today to Grades 6-12 parents and guardians, regarding the use of social media apps to send inappropriate messaging via cell phones and computers.

Children found to have created transmitted or possessed am illegal image /movie maybe charged under New Jersey Statute 2c:24-4 “endangering the Welfare of a children.

This comes just weeks after schools revised there PDA and technology policies incorporating Internet-based programs, applications and videos into their lesson plans, as well as allowing childern to bring and use laptops, smart phones and tablets to schools .

Ridgewood Police also report that on March 6, 2013 two Ridgewood Board of Education employees from George Washington Middle School reported that I pads had been stolen from their classrooms. The thefts had occurred in the past and are under investigation by the Ridgewood Detective Bureau.

Yesterday RHS Principal Tom Gorman sent out email to staff apologizing for not talking to them about the situation sooner .

Ridgewood Police Announce Amnesty for SEXTER’s till March 18th 7am

https://tinyurl.com/ckckd9h

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Parents, Experts Blast New State Database of Private Student Info

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Parents, Experts Blast New State Database of Private Student Info
Thursday, Mar 14, 2013  |  Updated 12:02 PM EDT

Parents and privacy experts are blasting a new national database that compiles personal student information for educational companies that contract with public schools.

New York State officials, working with the city, have already uploaded students’ names, addresses, test scores, learning disabilities, attendance and disciplinary records into the inBloom database, according to the Daily News.

Educational companies can use the data to create teaching tools for students.

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Student-Information-Database-New-York-City-Education-Contract-197983051.html

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Ridgewood Police use RHS “Sexting” Scandal as opportunity to Raise Revenue for the Village

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Ridgewood Police use RHS “Sexting” Scandal as opportunity to Raise Revenue for the Village  
March 14,2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Readers report Ridgewood PD out in force ticketing Media vehicles. A reader reports ” I watched the cops give out several tickets on cottage to news vans parked in front of the boe building i guess the cops saw this as a money making opportunity”

While others and we suspect media outlets criticize police actions ; “Do the Ridgewood police have nothing better to do than to harass news media organizations trying to cover the event by bullying them about parking near the high school? Get a real job boys!

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Red light cameras suit settlement announced

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www.streetsblog.org

Red light cameras suit settlement announced
March 14, 2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, News 12 is reporting that a preliminary settlement was filed yesterday in a lawsuit that claims the lights didn’t give drivers ample time to hit the brakes.

Under the terms of the settlement, Arizona-based American Traffic Solutions would set up a $4.2 million fund to pay plaintiffs. The company isn’t admitting any wrongdoing or liability giving drivers ticketed by New Jersey’s red-light cameras last year one step  closer to getting some of their money back.

The suite involved the following towns ; Brick, Deptford, East Brunswick, East Windsor, Jersey City, Lawrence, Linden, Glassboro, Gloucester Township, Monroe, Palisades Park, Piscataway, Pohatcong, Rahway, Roselle Park, Union, Wayne and Woodbridge.

Those ticketed before August 2012 in any of the 18 towns involved in the suite and paid the $85 fine would be eligible to receive money back.

Esurance

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Rex Brown at Bookends Thursday, March 14

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Rex Brown at Bookends Thursday, March 14

Ridgewood NJ , Thursday, March 14 @ 6:00PM,Bassist for Band Pantera, Rex Brown, will sign his new book: Official Truth, 101 Proof  .Books available March 12th.

Appearing authors will only autograph books purchased at Bookends and must have valid Bookends Receipt.Availability & pricing for all autographed books subject to change. Bookends cannot guarantee that the books that are Autographed will always be First Printings.
Autographed books purchased at Bookends are non-returnable.

While we try to insure that all customers coming to Bookends’ signings will meet authors and get their books signed, we cannot guarantee that all attendees will meet the author or that all books will be signed.  We cannot control inclement weather, author travel schedules or authors who leave prematurely.

Bookends, 211 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ   07450   201-445-0726

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YMCA Registration for Summer Camp

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YMCA Registration for Summer Camp

Register now for Summer Camp!
Open House March 23 from 4-6PM.

Summer Camp registration is now in full swing and spots are filling up quickly so please register early to insure you get the sessions you want.

For further details, please visit www.ridgewoodymca.org

Also Save the date for Kids Night Out on Friday, March 19 at the Y! This month’s theme will be Happy St. Patrick’s Day and the kids will enjoy crafts, snacks, movies, and of course lots of FUN!!! For more information contact the YMCA at 201-444-5600 or visit their website at www.ridgewoodymca.org

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Mississippi first state in the nation to pass ‘anti-Bloomberg bill

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Mississippi first state in the nation to pass ‘anti-Bloomberg bill

Bill bans local limits on portion sizes and requirements to post calorie counts

The bill was authored by state Sen. Tony Smith, a Republican who owns the Stonewall’s BBQ chain, who said government shouldn’t tell people what they cannot eat.

By Kristen A. Lee / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Published: Tuesday, March 12, 2013, 7:59 PM
Updated: Wednesday, March 13, 2013, 9:00 AM

Mississippi passed its ‘anti-Bloomberg bill,’ which doesn’t limit portion sizes or force restaurants to post calorie counts, ideas pushed by Mayor Bloomberg in New York City.

Lawmakers in Mississippi — the most obese state in the nation — have overwhelmingly approved what they’re calling the “anti-Bloomberg bill.”

It would ban communities from requiring restaurants to post calorie counts on menus or limit portion sizes, as Mayor Bloomberg tried to do with his proposed ban on large sodas.  Also forbidden: any local rule banning toys from being distributed with kids’ meals.

The governor is expected to sign it.

Read more: https://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/passes-anti-bloomberg-bill-bans-limits-portions-posting-calorie-counts-article-1.1286804#ixzz2NVH6lfUe

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The Ridgewood Police Department would like to remind residents that with warmer weather coming avoid being victims of both car and home burglaries

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photo by Boyd Loving

The Ridgewood Police Department would like to remind residents that with warmer weather coming avoid being victims of both car and home burglaries
March 13,2013

Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Police Department would like to remind residents that with warmer weather coming they need to take precautions to avoid being victims of both car and home burglaries. Vehicles should be locked and items like IPODs, Laptops, Purses, wallets and GPS should not be left in plain sight.

Your home should also be secure and when you are not home try to make it appear that you are home. We have had a few homes entered at night that were not locked and items like wallets and laptops were taken. Please report suspicious activity to the police right away.

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Nude photos circulating through Ridgewood High School under investigation

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Sexting at Ridgewood High School under investigation
Wednesday March 13, 2013, 7:59 PM
BY  CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
The Record

RIDGEWOOD — Police are investigating the alleged transmission of nude photos between a number of Ridgewood high school students, a school official said this week.

Hours after sending a letter home to parents about what he characterized as “improper behavior,” Ridgewood Superintendent Daniel Fishbein told the Record Wednesday that officials learned Friday that naked photos of male and female students were making the internet rounds.

“It is under an active police investigation right now, so I can’t really discuss it,” Fishbeing said. “This did not happen in school; it was just brought to the attention of school personnel and that’s when we called the police in.”

Fishbein’s letter — which was sent to parents of both middle and high school students — claims students used social media apps to share “naked or semi-naked” images.

“Some of our Ridgewood High School students may be engaging in this improper behavior,” reads the letter. “This matter is a serious issue that demands a prompt and appropriate response.”

https://www.northjersey.com/news/Nude_photos_circulating_through_Ridgewood_High_School_under_investigation.html

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Ridgewood High School Students Have “Fun with Physics”

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Ridgewood High School Students Have “Fun with Physics” Thanks to a Grant From The Valley Hospital and The Ridgewood Education Foundation
March 11, 2013

Ridgewood NJ, Students at Ridgewood High School recently participated in a new program called Fun with Physics in all Sciences, thanks to a classroom grant funded by The Valley Hospital and The Ridgewood Education Foundation.

Fun with Physics was presented by Dave Maiullo, from the Department of Physics and
Astronomy at Rutgers University.  The demonstration used smoke, fire, and many other processes and techniques to demonstrate principles of physics in a real-world context.

The Valley Hospital has made a generous donation to the Ridgewood Education Foundation (REF) to support health and science programs in the Ridgewood Public Schools.  This is one of 5 classroom grants Valley co-funded with the REF this year.  The Ridgewood Education Foundation supports programs in the classroom and the community that enhance educational excellence in Ridgewood public Schools.

Shown here, left to right are:  Sandy Kunzle, Biophysical Science Teacher, Ridgewood High School; Tom Gorman, Principal, Ridgewood High School; Roberta Sonenfeld, Vice President, Ridgewood Education Foundation;  Dave Miaullo, Head, Physics Department Physics Outreach Program, Rutgers University;  Megan Fraser, Vice President, Communications and Marketing, The Valley Hospital; Harold Nelson, Physics Teacher, Ridgewood High School; Nancy Reilly, Physics Teacher, Ridgewood High School; and Kyle Narcoonis and Joey Reichert, Assistants, Physics Department Physics Outreach Program, Rutgers University

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Ridgewood mulls forming citizens’ panel to advise council on fiscal issues

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Ridgewood mulls forming citizens’ panel to advise council on fiscal issues
Wednesday March 13, 2013, 7:51 PM
BY  CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
The Record

RIDGEWOOD — A citizens committee could soon be formed to provide financial and budget advice to the Village Council, according to officials.

Mayor Paul Aronsohn has given the council an outline of the possible duties and expectations of an advisory committee.

The panel would comprise seven residents with backgrounds in business, as well as a member of the Village Council and possibly one from the Board of Education. It would meet monthly and provide its insights and recommendations throughout the year as issues arise and as the council deems needed.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/Ridgewood_mulls_forming_citizens_panel_to_advise_council_on_fiscal_issues.html

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Teacher Evaluation Plan Gets Mixed Reviews in First Public Forum

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Teacher Evaluation Plan Gets Mixed Reviews in First Public Forum
Educators raise questions, concerns about heavy emphasis on student test scores
By John Mooney, March 14, 2013 in Education |Post a Comment

The Christie administration took its new teacher-evaluation system on the road yesterday — and the maiden trip left few doubts there are going to be some bumps along the way.

State Department of Education staffers held the first of a half-dozen public presentations on the new system, this one at Toms River High School North.

Held at the end of the school day, it drew more than 200 people, many of them educators who will be judged under the new system. Many were from the Monmouth and Ocean counties, although some traveled from as far away as Ridgewood and Westfield.

Most of the two-hour session was a tutorial on the detailed process, unveiled last week, that will rate every teacher and principal based on a mix of measures — including student performance – starting next year.

There were few objections voiced when the new regulations were initially presented to the State Board of Education. But questions and comments from the audience yesterday indicated the plans may get a tougher reaction as they are presented around the state.

At the end of yesterday’s session, there were still plenty of people in the audience with questions, including local union leaders whose members will soon face the new rating system.

https://www.njspotlight.com/stories/13/03/13/teacher-evaluation-plan-gets-mixed-reviews-in-first-public-forum/