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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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the staff of the Ridsgewood blog

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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PFAS Filters Coming to All Ridgewood School Water Fountains Following Persistent Parent Advocacy

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Clean water is finally on tap for Ridgewood students. During the July 10th Coffee Talk with Superintendent of Schools Mark Schwarz, it was confirmed that PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) filters are now being installed at all functioning water fountains across Ridgewood schools.

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Former Substitute Teacher Arrested for Sex Crimes at Fair Lawn Middle School Also Worked in Ridgewood

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A former Fair Lawn School District employee arrested for alleged lewd acts inside a middle school building has been confirmed as a former substitute teacher in Ridgewood, authorities and school officials said.

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How Higher Education Is Evolving to Meet Leadership Demands

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Today’s companies say they have trouble filling leadership roles. That’s not just a business problem—it’s a signal that many professionals aren’t learning the skills they need in time. 

Traditional education models often move slowly. They’ve struggled to keep up with what employers actually need. But that’s beginning to change. Colleges and universities are starting to redesign how they prepare students for leadership. The change is showing up in what’s taught, how it’s delivered, and how closely it ties to real-world experience. This shift matters for anyone hoping to grow into a leadership role—or hire someone who can lead well.

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