Category: Village of Ridgewood

Readers debate Construction impact on School children

Wow… HUNDREDS of trucks all at the same time as drop off and pick up. Hard to imagine it would take HUNDREDS of trucks per day. I hope not. But, what above the expansion at Willard School — that went on while kids were in the building. What about the $40 million expasion (which took 2 years) of the train station. That included heavy sub-ground drilling within 1/2 mile of GW and directly in front of the Senior Housing. What above when West Side Pres was rebuilt dirctly next to GW? I know each of these was smaller, but in every case life went on as usual, and once it was done everyone got to enjoy the finished product.

or….

Schools are not comparable ever: their evolution is directly commensurate with the number of kids in town. Willard did not double in size, and West Side Pres only replaced a building that had been destroyed by fire. Whatever “enjoyment” (I, for one, don’t “enjoy” hospitals) we might get from the “finished product” (more traffic, etc.)—nothing outweighs what we will have to endure during construction, or the de-valuing of our homes, which is permanent…

Please don’t talk about the hospital serving Ridgewood!! Only 5% of Valley patients actually live here. Most Valley employees live elsewhere.

C’est la vie to Paris Trip
July 25,2013
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WESTWOOD NJ, A little out of our way but we think there is a moral to this story .

A group of Westwood Regional Junior/Senior High School students may be out thousands of dollars after booking a trip to France with a Virginia company that is going bankrupt, the Record reported.

The group of 13 girls and one boy each paid Maridan Travel USA $3,678 for a the trip which would have taken them to Paris. Some  even worked extra jobs to save money  for the trip.

Parents contacted the Ridgewood blog and said form the beginning the whole thing was a bit off. One parent told us that parents were asked to pay cash while others questioned weather the company really went bankrupt or not, still other ask why the schools would send business to a company with such a bad reputation ?

Worse yet some parents indicated they were pressured by the school system to keep quite on the matter .

The Record is reporting that Maridan president Nina Turek Skrpec was selling off assets to pay back the three groups whose trips were canceled, including the one from Westwood. Students trip. (https://www.northjersey.com/news/Dream_trip_to_France_goes_down_the_drain_for_Westwood_students.html)

Rewrite of No Child Left Behind Passes House
Lindsey Burke
July 19, 2013 at 3:27 pm

The House has just passed the Student Success Act (SSA), a proposal sponsored by Representatives John Kline (R–MN) and Todd Rokita (R–IN) to rewrite the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law. The proposal aims to fix some of NCLB’s most egregious policy flaws.

Importantly, the proposal would eliminate Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), which requires all students to be proficient in reading and math by 2014. While AYP sounds like a worthwhile goal, this federal mandate resulted in states watering-down proficiency standards in order to make students appear to reach the mandated target. The SSA would eliminate AYP and allows states to design their own accountability systems, placing this function back at the state and local level, where it belongs.

The SSA would also eliminate the burdensome—and ineffective—Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) mandate. The HQT required teachers of core subjects to be state certified and have a bachelor’s degree. The SSA returns something that should clearly be local school policy to the purview of principals and state leaders. Moreover, literature on teacher certification shows that there is no difference in a teacher’s impact on student achievement if he or she is traditionally certified, alternatively certified, or uncertified. The HQT mandate was a paperwork burden that the SSA would wisely eliminate.

The SSA would also remove maintenance-of-effort regulations that require states to spend money in order to secure federal funding. And it includes strong language clearly delineating that standards and assessments are not to be dictated by the U.S. Secretary of Education—important at a time when the Obama Administration has been pushing states to adopt Common Core national standards and tests. An amendment by Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer (R–MO) further strengthened that provision, providing a “sense of Congress” that “states and local educational agencies should maintain the rights and responsibilities of determining educational curriculum, programs of instruction, and assessments for elementary and secondary education.”

In previous posts, we noted that the SSA in its original form suffered from two major policy limitations: that while it wisely eliminated the burdensome HQT provision, it replaced it with prescriptive language about how local school districts were to evaluate teachers. It also missed an opportunity to allow states to make Title I funding—funding for low-income school districts—portable, following a child to any public, charter, or private school of choice.

Those policy limitations were addressed in part by two amendments to the bill.

Representatives Steve Scalise (R–LA) and Rob Bishop (R–UT) offered an amendment, which was included in the final version of the bill that passed the House today, to remove the prescriptive teacher evaluation language. This amendment was important not because conservatives dislike accountability for teachers; on the contrary, conservatives have long championed tying teacher evaluations to student performance on assessments and linking personnel decisions and compensation to those evaluations. But as originally drafted, the SSA would have mandated such evaluation systems for states and school districts, wresting personnel decisions out of the hands of principals, who would have had to follow Washington prescriptions for how they evaluated their teacher workforce.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R–VA) introduced an amendment, which was included in the bill that passed the House, that would allow states to make their Title I dollars portable to any public or charter school of choice. Full Title I portability—i.e., allowing funds to follow a child to a private school as well—is better policy, but this is an improvement on existing statute.

Which could be the analysis of the policy in the entire SSA. It makes important improvements to NCLB that could significantly reduce red tape for schools. Ultimately, however, conservatives should push to dramatically limit federal intervention in education—not by “fixing” NCLB but by allowing states to completely opt out and spend dollars on their most pressing education needs. The A-PLUS proposal would allow such flexibility, and it remains the bright line in the sand for conservative policymakers interested in restoring state and local control of education.

https://blog.heritage.org/2013/07/19/rewrite-of-no-child-left-behind-passes-house/?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=EducationReview

Detroit and the Bankruptcy of Liberalism
Rich Tucker
July 22, 2013 at 7:00 am

Detroit is a showcase for the liberal agenda — and now it is bankrupt. More than 50 years of control by big-government liberals and union bosses have left a once-great American city crippled and deteriorating.

Last week Detroit became the largest city in American history to declare bankruptcy. Few were surprised, as the city’s been struggling for years.

The unemployment rate in Detroit is 16 percent, more than twice the national average. The city’s government-run schools have failed, with just 7 percent of eighth graders proficient in reading. It takes police about an hour to respond to calls, and the city has more than $18 billion in unfunded liabilities. The city’s population has dropped by a quarter in just the last decade, as hundreds of thousands have voted with their feet and left.

It hasn’t always been this way, of course. For decades, the city of Detroit was a manufacturing powerhouse. The assembly line was perfected there, and brought with it the idea of a middle-class lifestyle based on manufacturing. Tanks and planes made in Detroit helped make the U.S. the arsenal of democracy. And after World War II the city boomed, producing cars that helped make the American dream achievable for millions. Motown Records produced music that defined a generation, with artists who remain household names such as Diana Ross and the Supremes, Marvin Gaye and the Jackson 5.

https://blog.heritage.org/2013/07/22/detroit-and-the-bankruptcy-of-liberalism/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Morning%2BBell

Senate Candidate Steve Lonegan Takes the Fight to Newark, Calls Booker Out on Vouchers

“Cory Booker has failed the children, the parents, and the taxpayers of Newark in never providing school choice and never solving the deep problems confronting Newark.”

Irvington Resident Asks Booker to Tell the Truth on Vouchers :“My children don’t have the luxury of waiting another 10 years for our politicians to get their act together.”

NEWARK, NJ – In a press conference in Newark today, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Steve Lonegan kicked off his “Exposing Cory Booker” tour by calling on Cory Booker to explain why he never implemented school vouchers for children trapped in Newark’s failing public schools.

In the past, Cory Booker has claimed to support school vouchers, but during his seven years as mayor of Newark, Booker never implemented vouchers. And last week, when called out by Mayor Lonegan, Booker’s campaign said, Booker’s “first priority is strengthening public education,” but “in areas where schools are currently failing our children, however, he believes that parents should have options.” (Philadelphia Inquirer, 07/13/13)

“Seven years ago, I was excited when Cory Booker ran for mayor and pledged to make a real difference in Newark’s failing education system,” Mayor Lonegan said. “I was excited because there was finally a Democrat promising to institute real school vouchers in one of America’s poorest cities. But now it’s seven years later, and absolutely nothing has happened.

“Cory Booker has failed the children, the parents, and the taxpayers of Newark in never providing school choice and never solving the deep problems confronting Newark. When a child drops out of school, their chances of turning toward crime goes up; their chances of being trapped in a life of poverty goes up; their chances of being dependent on the government welfare system goes up. All because Cory Booker refused to live up to his promises.

“Last year, Newark passed a milestone when its school budget flew past the $1 BILLION mark, funded by suburban taxpayers across the state. And despite one of the highest per-pupil costs in the nation – at nearly $24,000 – we continue to see massive drop out rates. The graduation rate in Newark is an astonishingly low 29 percent.

“But this isn’t just about statistics – this is about people. This is about children who have been failed by Cory Booker’s education system. Cory Booker can put out all the tweets in the world – it doesn’t change the fact that he has failed a generation of students.

“I call on Cory Booker to say once and for all whether he will support school vouchers in the U.S. Senate or whether he will allow President Obama to deny children the hope of a better future. New Jersey children and parents deserve an answer. Minnie Cuebas, who spoke about how she can’t afford to send her three daughters to private school, deserves an answer. New Jersey voters deserve an answer now.”

Lonegan Asks Booker: Are You For School Vouchers or Against?
July 17.2013

“It is time for Cory Booker to man up and say once and for all whether he will support school vouchers if he is elected to the U.S. Senate or will he join President Obama in shutting down school voucher programs.”

Ridgewood , NJ – Republican U.S. Senate candidate Steve Lonegan demanded an explanation from Cory Booker on his position on school vouchers.

Throughout his political career, Cory Booker has portrayed himself as a supporter of school vouchers, but it is time for him to put his money where his mouth is. During his seven years as mayor of Newark, Booker never once made an effort to introduce school vouchers in Newark’s failing public school system.

And last week, when called out by Mayor Lonegan, Booker’s campaign said, Booker’s “first priority is strengthening public education,” but “in areas where schools are currently failing our children, however, he believes that parents should have options.” (Philadelphia Inquirer, 07/13/13)

Translation: Cory Booker is not man enough to admit his true position on school vouchers.

“It is time for Cory Booker to man up and say once and for all whether he will support school vouchers if he is elected to the U.S. Senate or will he join President Obama in shutting down school voucher programs,” Mayor Lonegan said.

“Cory had seven years to give low-income students in Newark a chance at receiving a quality education. Instead, he has offered platitudes and vague statements. Cory Booker: “Will you support school vouchers in D.C. or continue to force students trying to succeed to remain in failing schools?”

file photo by Boyd Loving

Christie disagrees with Westfield’s decision to put armed police in school

Gov. Chris Christie says he disagrees with Westfield’s decision to put an armed police officer in their schools.

Westfield voted on Monday to reinstate the position of school resource officer, which will place a specially trained police officer in the high school full-time at a salary of $100,000. (Wright-Piersanti/Star-Ledger)

https://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2013/06/christie_disagrees_with_westfields_decision_to_put_armed_police_in_school.html#incart

RHS Graduation Speech June 2013
Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D.

Dr. Fishbein delivered the following speech at the Ridgewood High School commencement on June 26, 2013.

Thank you, Dr. Gorman. Good evening. I would like to extend my congratulations to the members of the Class of 2013, as well as to your parents, your families and friends, to the faculty members and administrators who have taught you and guided you, and the entire Ridgewood community who have been so important in your development and success.

We are he re tonight to publicly celebrate that success, to express our pride, and to award you the diplomas that officially certify you as graduates of one of the best public high schools in this nation. This moment signifies a most important achievement. You have proven yourselves accomplished and ready to move on to the next level, to accept new challenges toward becoming fully engaged adults and responsible citizens.

When you think back about your time at Ridgewood High School and your entire Ridgewood Public School experience, you will remember the good times, the teachers, your friends and all the accomplishments that make you who you are today.

One of ironies about the road to success is that challenges,historical events
, and even failure are a key part of that journey. And while tonight we concentrate on remembering the good times, it is important to remember, too, that the difficult times, the events that challenged you and may even have ended in failure, have been just as important in shaping your growth as have the best grades you may have earned, the awards you may have won and the praise you have received for doing well.

Just as you faced challenges in school from your earliest years–when your first lessons focused on learning to tie your shoes, then progressed to the basics of reading and writing–I want you to understand that your educational experience with the Ridgewood Public Schools is a sum of successes and sometime disappointments that is truly greater than the whole.

Cramming for tests; struggling with difficult assignments; juggling a heavy work load; facing fierce athletic opponents; performing in front of a critical audience; and yes, even having to get to school on time…Learning the social, emotional and relationship skills to handle life’s pressures and demands are as equally important for the next chapter in your life as the strong academic foundation you worked so hard to secure.

You members of the Class of 2013 have together also faced some unusual trials, tribulations,and historical events during your time in the Ridgewood Public Schools. You have witnessed and lived through some extraordinary events that have shaped both our community and our country’s history. For example:

You were just starting first grade when our nation experienced the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the terrible tragedy of September 11th , 2001.You were in 5th grade when Hurricane Katrina hit our shores

You were in 8th grade and witnessed history when this nation elected the first black President of the United States.

You were freshmen when an earthquake occurred in Haiti.You were high school sophomores when Japan was struck by the largest earthquake in its history, triggering a tsunami that caused a nuclear plant disaster.

As juniors, you were challenged with a very personal loss, the passing of one of your own classmates, Nick Campenello.

And your senior year began with the one-two punch of Hurricane Sandy, followed by the heartbreaking shootings at the Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut.

With each of these events, you have learned more and more about yourselves as individuals and what it means to be members of a community. By witnessing these highs and the lows of humanity and history– and yes, even the wrath of the weather
–you have learned how to channel raw emotions into real efforts for relief. You have gotten a glimpse of the importance of seeking to understand and determining to do
better. You have come to appreciate that obstacles can be overcome and to hold out hope for a better tomorrow.

In a few short moments you will become Ridgewood High School graduates, which means that no matter where your life takes you, you will forever share a common bond with a unique and distinguished group of people, that is, fellow RHS alumni.

Tonight, you will celebrate at the final party of the Class of 2013. Tomorrow, you will start looking ahead to a new chapter in your life. Looking forward may be scary, but I am confident when I say– You are ready for the challenges ahead.

I want to say thank you to the entire Ridgewood community for your support of the Ridgewood Public Schools. I offer my best wishes to you, the graduates, and your families in your continued success.

As Superintendent, I hereby certify to the community that the students before you have met the State of New Jersey and the rigorous Ridgewood requirements for graduation.

Congratulations to all of you!

CONGRATULATIONS, RHS CLASS OF 2013

Ridgewood NJ, According to the BOE on Wednesday, June 26, over 400 Ridgewood High School seniors received their diplomas in the 118th annual graduation ceremony.

This fall, 87.0 percent will attend a four-year college and 5.7 percent will go to a two-year college. Ten will attend Ivy League schools. One graduate will go into the armed forces, and 2.7 percent will take a gap year.

Readers think School Activities fees though well publicized are “ridiculous”

Where did your children go go middle school? Are you new to the Village (or as I call it, the “Billage)?

With all due respect, I cannot cannot fathom that you did not know about the activity fee. I don’t know a single middle school or high school parent who is unaware of the activity fee as they send home notices about it at the beginning of every single school year and bombard you throughout the year. There were many, many e-mails and Skyward messages sent. You couldn’t access Skyward without going through the messages. My son, who is graduating tomorrow, received the e-mails through his own mail accounts and checked on Skyward, and with me to ensure, that our fees were paid. If a teenage boy can read and follow up on these e-mails, parents should be able to as well. Do you typically receive e-mails from your children’s schools? If so, you likely received the activity fee e-mails and didn’t pay attention to them.

And, a simple search on Google (“Ridgewood” “High School” “Activity fee”) would have provided you with answers. Are you unaware that RHS has a website? Take a look at it . . there is a big tab to the left that says “Clubs and Activities” and when you click on it, the first thing that pops up is “For general information about paying your fees, click here”. It’s not buried in the RHS website (which can be cumbersome).

The District likely assumes that you, as a parent, have read their extensive e-mails, Skyward messages and mailed information concerning activity fees and advised your children as to whether or not they can join clubs. They assume that your child has your approval to join the club since you have been notified of the fees repeatedly. Kids know if they join a club, there’s going to be a fee. I really don’t think it’s fair to blame this on Mr. Fishbein.

Personally, I think the activity fee is ridiculous. IF you even breath in RHS, the fee applies. I’d like to see a pay-as-you-play structure because I don’t think a kid who attends one Latin club meeting during the year should pay as much as a kid who plays 3 varsity sports (with multiple coaches, trainers, equipment, buses).