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Ridgewood’s “The New Players” Shine in Scotland, Performing Harriet the Spy for International Audiences

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photos courtesy of the Ridgewood School System

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood, NJ — The New Players, Ridgewood High School’s celebrated student theater group, recently embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to London and Edinburgh, showcasing their talent on an international stage. Their journey included visits to iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London and Kensington Palace, with accommodations at the historic University of Edinburgh.

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Making History: Ridgewood Crew Wins First International Gold to Cap Summer of Standout Performances

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Rising sophomore Graham Richardson won three races during Ridgewood Crew’s 2025 summer season, the last of which was a historic gold medal in the Mens Under 17 singles event at the prestigious Royal Canadian Henley Regatta in St. Catharines, Canada.  (Photo credit: Mark Riedel)

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Crew scored the first international gold medal in its 21-year history to cap off a 2025 summer rowing season that saw standout performances — and 15 top-three finishes — across two regattas in New Jersey and Canada. 

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Beyond Teaching: How Educators Can Protect and Uplift Every Child

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In today’s complex world, teaching goes far beyond textbooks and lesson plans. Classrooms reflect society—and every child brings their own story. While some children thrive easily, others carry invisible burdens. Abuse, neglect, poverty, emotional trauma; these are not issues confined to headlines; they often sit quietly in our classrooms, behind polite smiles or disruptive behavior. Educators are uniquely positioned to notice when something isn’t right. But awareness alone isn’t enough. Teachers must be equipped not just to teach, but to protect, support, and advocate for their students. 

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New Jersey Schools Clash Over Student Cell Phone Bans as Statewide Policy Stalls

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With the new school year just weeks away, New Jersey school districts are taking matters into their own hands over student cell phone use—while the state stalls on creating uniform rules

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Governor Phil Murphy called for a statewide ban on student cell phones during his State of the State address in January, citing classroom distractions and social media’s negative impact on mental health. The resulting bills, S3695/A4882, however, would only require the Commissioner of Education to draft guidelines within 90 days—if passed.

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Are Ridgewood’s Turf Fields Really “Safe”? ASTM Testing Only Tells Part of the Story

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photo courtesy of Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog 

RIDGEWOOD — While Ridgewood High School’s Stadium turf field recently passed ASTM G-max testing (the industry standard for measuring shock absorption and surface impact), community advocates are warning that this certification does not tell the full story when it comes to player safety or environmental health.

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Ridgewood School District Reopens High School Turf Fields After July Storm Damage

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photos by Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Less than a month after severe flooding from the July 14 rainstorm caused over $50,000 in damage to two high school athletic fields, Ridgewood Public Schools has announced both facilities are officially back open and safe for play.

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Ridgewood High School Marching Band Pays Tribute to Neil Edara

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photos courtesy of Ridgewood High School Marching Band

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood High School Marching Band remembers Neil Edara (RHS Band Alum) who recently unexpectedly passed away:

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Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Ridgewood Becomes Next Filming Location of Netflix Movie

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Ridgewood is in the spotlight this week as Netflix begins filming its upcoming teen musical drama, “Don’t Say Good Luck,” at Benjamin Franklin Middle School. The production, which stars Sunny Sandler, is being co-produced by her father, comedy icon Adam Sandler, and is expected to continue filming across New Jersey over the next two weeks.

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Ridgewood BOE Considers $4.28M Artificial Turf Projects Amid Public Health and Environmental Concerns

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — In the wake of a New York Times front-page exposé highlighting the widespread use of artificial turf across New Jersey, residents of Ridgewood may want to take a closer look at their own backyard. The Ridgewood Board of Education (BOE) is currently evaluating a plan to install artificial turf fields at three local schools—without fully assessing the long-term health, environmental, and financial consequences.

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Ridgewood Board of Education Grapples with $50K Flood Damage to High School Sports Fields

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photo courtesy of Boyd Loving

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood, NJ – July 2025 – The Ridgewood Board of Education is considering its next steps after two high school sports fields sustained $50,380 in flood damage during the July 14 rainstorm.

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Ridgewood Public Schools Awarded $72,000 DEP Grant to Plant Trees and Combat Climate Change

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood, NJ – Ridgewood Public Schools has been awarded a $72,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP), Sustainable Jersey, and The College of New Jersey as part of the Trees for Schools program.

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Luke Pash Named Ed Grant Award Winner After Historic Senior Season for Ridgewood High School

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ – Ridgewood High School senior Luke Pash has officially etched his name into New Jersey track and field history. NJ MileSplit has announced the winners of the third annual Ed Grant Award, honoring the state’s top male and female high school track and cross-country athletes, and Pash’s incredible 2024-2025 season made him an easy choice for the prestigious honor.

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Ridgewood Board of Education Meeting Monday, July 21st, 2025

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ , the Ridgewood Board of Education will hold its next public meeting on Monday, July 21st, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Education Center, located at 49 Cottage Place, Ridgewood.

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Whitewashing Anti-Israel Campus Protests: The Academic Spin on Hate

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Columbia University, New York: The sight was jarring—elite college students at one of America’s most prestigious institutions pitching tents and chanting “Globalize the Intifada”. These so-called “Hamas Hipsters,” privileged students at $80,000-per-year universities, have become the face of the post-October 7 anti-Israel campus protests that have swept across the country.

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Ridgewood School District Issues Safety Warning During Summer Construction at Ridge & Glen Elementary Schools

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RIDGEWOOD, NJ — The Ridgewood Public School District is urging residents to stay away from Ridge Elementary School and the Glen School this summer while important construction projects are underway.

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