January 19,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report that on January 10, a middle school Home and School Association discovered an unknown person instructed the treasurer of the H.S.A. to wire transfer money without authorization. The H.S.A. determined the email request was a fraud, the bank was immediately notified and the wire transfer was canceled. The Ridgewood Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.
January 17,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, As 2018 begins, the RHS Alumni Association is thrilled to provide our first video for your viewing pleasure. According to the the RHS Alumni Association Board of Trustees , “We are so thankful for all the alumni who appeared in, filmed and edited this film. Classes ranging from 1970 to 2015 had a hand in its creation. Please enjoy it, pass it along to friends, or even post it on line so we can connect with more alumni.”
RHS Brick Storytelling Video
https://www.rhsalumniassociation.org
Please continue to check out our site at RHSalumniassociation.org and register your information if you haven’t already.
Reminder: Jamboree Scholarship Fund – 2018 – Apply now!
January 17,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, For 72 years, the Jamboree Scholarship Fund has raised funds for need-based college scholarships for graduating RHS seniors by presenting an original musical revue, “Jamboree”. Each year more than 125 RHS parents and guardians contribute to the show by singing, dancing, acting, performing in the band, designing and making costumes, building sets, and being back-stage heroes. The whole production and all Jamboree fundraising efforts are 100 percent voluntary.
Please support Jamboree by attending Jamboree Night Live on February 7-10, 2018 at the BF Middle School auditorium. For more information and to support Jamboree’s mission, please go to www.rhsjamboree.org The Jamboree Scholarship Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) qualified charity and all contributions are tax deductible.
In the past decade, the Jamboree Scholarship Fund has distributed over one million dollars in scholarships to over 200 graduating seniors. In 2017 alone, Jamboree awarded $137,100 to 40 RHS seniors!
The Jamboree Scholarship Fund applications are due through the RHS Local Scholarship Common Application by January 12, 2018. The Jamboree Scholarship is a step toward fulfilling dreams! https://rhsjamboree.org/wp/
January 16,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, in her new book, The Campus Cure: A Parent’s Guide to Mental Health and Wellness for College Students is a first aid guide to your child’s emotional health, preparing you to handle the mental health problems and emotional ups and downs many young adults experience in college. With anecdotes and the latest scientific literature, this book will increase your awareness of common problems, pressures, and crises in college; illustrate how you can support your child and collaborate with campus resources; and provide stories of hope to parents who often feel alone and overwhelmed when their child experiences a mental health problem. While you have the passion to help your child, this book will provide you with the tools to guide your child toward health and happiness in the college years.
After decades as a psychiatrist working with college students, Dr. Marcia Morris took on a mission: to educate parents of high school and college students about the dramatic increase in mental health problems young adults experience, and the practical tools parents can use to help their children. Her 2015 New York Times article, “Dear Parent, Your Child Has Had a Psychotic Break” received widespread attention from both parents and mental health professionals. Her parenting articles have appeared in the Tampa Bay Times, The Conversation, the Gainesville Sun, and the Ocala Star Banner. She currently writes a Psychology Today parenting blog on “College Wellness: Promoting Happiness and Health in the College Years.”
Educating other psychiatrists about university mental health, Dr. Morris has written articles in psychiatry publications about suicide prevention, sexual assault, and medical student stress. In 2017, she presented talks at national meetings of the American Psychiatric Association, American College Counseling Association, and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education on the role of parents in college mental health. Dr. Morris is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Florida College of Medicine and the Associate Program Director for Student Health Psychiatry. Dr. Morris received an undergraduate degree from Harvard University, a medical degree from Yale University, and psychiatry residency training at New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center. She is a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a member of its College Mental Health Caucus.
Dr. Morris is committed to working with both parents and health care providers to find solutions to the intensifying college mental health crisis. With “The Campus Cure,” she hopes to give parents the tools that will lead their child from distress to success.
January 16,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ,Back for the 30th year! Super Science Saturday is March 3. Take the 2048 Future Challenge! Details at www.supersciencesaturday.org.
Super Science Saturday was started in 1989 by Mr. Jim Wallace, a sixth grade science teacher at Ridgewood’s Benjamin Franklin Middle School. What began solely as a science day for students has evolved into a broad experience for children, adults, and families from all over the tri-state area. Now in its 28th year, Super Science Saturday is an annual, half-day, non-competitive event providing a showcase for the variety of scientific explorations and applications that are alive in our community. Not only do professional science presenters share their work, it is unique in that students present alongside them, learning from adult presenters as mentors and peers.
Though Mr. Wallace has since retired from the Ridgewood Public Schools, his small idea has grown to a day that brings over 1,500 area residents together to celebrate science. As we look to “reinvent” Super Science Saturday this year, we increasingly rely on the community to provide support before and during the event. Parents, students and teachers have all taken a role in making this day a success. Please find out how you can get involved by visiting our volunteer page.
Dear Parents and Staff:
On Monday, January 15, the Ridgewood community will celebrate the annual observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday with a full schedule of activities beginning at 10 am at the Ridgewood Methodist Church, 100 Dayton Street.
The event will begin with a 10 a.m. interfaith service with the Rev. Dr. Calvin G. Sampson.
The service will be followed by an outdoor march through downtown Ridgewood and a community lunch. The program will also feature Ridgewood and Glen Rock student speakers and musical performances by the Indian Hills Chamber Choir, Men of Umoja Chorus and The Young Voices of Mr. Bethel.
Please communicate the value of this remembrance celebration to your children. I look forward to joining you on Monday, January 15.
Sincerely,
Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
January 14,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Introducing this years RHS Jamboree producers ;Tony Cambria, Carrie Johnson, Meghan Bracken and James Sharo.
Since 1947, Jamboree has presented an original musical revue to raise need-based scholarship funds for college bound Ridgewood High School seniors.Over 125 individuals have volunteered their time and skills to put on a show that runs for 4 nights. This years show will be the 72nd edition “Jamboree Night Live” where you are invited to be part of our audience as we indulge you in all things TV ? at our in town studio.
You can show your support three ways
1. By placing an ad (https://rhsjamboree.org/wp/journal-ads)
2. Donating (https://rhsjamboree.org/wp/donate-now)
3. Seeing the show February 7, 8, 9 & 10th (https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3141550)
For more info email [email protected]
file photo by Boyd Loving
January 12,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report that both the Ridgewood Police and Fire Department responded the G.W. Middle School on January 8, to investigate an activated alarm of fire. Upon arrival and it was determined the fire alarm was activated maliciously. The school staff and the Ridgewood Detective Bureau are investigating the false public alarm incident.
file photo by Boyd Loving
January 11,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, concerns mounts over S 3447, the (interscholastic) sports bill. The bill would allow massive consolidation in high school sports and create super all star school districts .
If you think this could put Ridgewood High school at a disadvantage , Please call Gov. Christie’s office today! Your courteous message can be as simple as this: “Please veto S 3447, the (interscholastic) sports bill.
Critics claim this bill will hurt small school districts, charter schools, and home schools. After it was mangled by hastily added last minute amendments, not even one Republican lawmaker supported it, not even Democratic Senator Paul Sarlo, and not even its GOP co-sponsor, Diane Allen. Not even the NJ high school sports association (NJSIAA) supports it as it creates big powerhouse teams at the expense of small schools. It was rushed through without thought to its unintended harmful consequences, and it should be VETOED by the Governor.”
If the staff member is hurried fielding calls about 100+ bills awaiting the Governor’s action before his tenure ends in 5 days, just say “Please VETO S3447 – the Sports Bill.” If a longer conversation develops, home schoolers may wish to check out the “Background” below from HSLDA and me. But, noting the diverse opposition, it very seriously affects far more than home schooler’s and should be VETOED!
If the phone is busy, keep calling. Husbands and wives count as separate voters; both should call! It is unnecessary to identify yourself other than as a concerned citizen/taxpayer.
Please pass this on quickly to others. Thank you for standing with us for freedom and liberty! And, similarly, when you end your phone call with the Governor’s Office, please offer your own loud and clear “Thank You.”
Janaury 9,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Parents & guardians, the next Tech Night is this Thursday. Here’s a note from Asst. Superintendent Ms. Stacie Poelstra:
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Happy New Year! We are delighted to be hosting the 4th Tech Night in our five-part series next Thursday, January 11th. This event will be held at 7:00 PM in the Campus Center at Ridgewood High School.
The goal of the next program is to make parents aware of parental controls that various mobile phone carriers provide, so parents/guardians can make informed decisions about their child’s tech use. Several providers including Verizon, Sprint, T Mobile and Apple will be at this event to assist you and answer questions.
Additionally, one of the breakout sessions will be a presentation by Finding Your Individuality on “Talking about Boundaries and Technology with Special Needs Youth.” In this session, Melissa Keyes DiGioia and Tracy Higgins will discuss ways apps, social media, and digital technology may be used for interpersonal communication. They will also explore the importance of boundary setting and decision making regarding content that may be shared with others.
We are pleased to bring you this unique opportunity on January 11 and look forward to seeing you!
Sincerely,
Stacie Poelstra
January 9,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood School System has announced a school Calendar update: Due to the snow day used on January 4, Ridgewood Public Schools will be open on Friday, May 25. Please make a note!
January 8,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, in his latest letter Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D., Superintendent of the Ridgewood Public Schools promotes the value of the Global Classroom . While the blog has always been opposed to the idea of “small town small mind “, Perhaps after the recent run of events at the schools the superintendent’s time would be better spent focus on the problems of the here and now and addressing those issues ie fighting ,bullying , name calling and worst favoritism .
The following column appeared in The Ridgewood News on December 29, 2017.
Over the past decade, I have had the pleasure of representing the United States on trips to different countries to learn about other educational systems and cultures. For example, I was fortunate to visit China the summer they hosted the Olympics and was surprised to see what looked like a semi-market economy. In Japan I visited the Hiroshima memorial site and witnessed firsthand how that country recovered post WWII. Finally, I was impressed on a trip to South Korea by how that country rose up from the ashes of the Korean War into a modern world economic power that is grateful to the USA for our intervention into that conflict.
These enriching trips were wonderful experiences that provided me with close-up and personal opportunities to observe a variety of educational practices in operation and learn about amazing countries and their beliefs, arts and traditions. They have also provided the district the opportunity to reciprocate and host representative educators around the globe back home in Ridgewood, for just as we have much to learn from our fellow educators abroad, our international colleagues wish to visit the USA because they want their school systems to emulate ours, too.
We are also fortunate to be able to offer several opportunities for our Ridgewood students and educators to travel abroad and engage with their fellow learners and educational professionals around the globe.
Here is a representative list of destinations, with brief program descriptions, that are made available to our Ridgewood students:
Ecuador, Iceland and Nicaragua RHS students travel on expeditions to Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Iceland with World Challenge School Expeditions. By managing important aspects of the entire experience, students gain life skills such as leadership, decision-making and teamwork – skills that are not easily taught in the classroom.
EDUCATION CENTER 49 COTTAGE PLACE RIDGEWOOD NJ 07450 www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us
Australia and Sweden RHS Global Classroom Club is part of an international organization. The students spend the year doing research on a particular educational topic supplied by one of the member countries. Selected club members then travel to that country’s host school and present their findings at the Global Classroom Conference. The countries involved in this organization are Australia, New Zealand, The Czech Republic, Germany, The Shetland Islands, Sweden, South Africa, and the United States.
France, Germany, Japan, Spain, China and Italy RHS students have the opportunity to experience other cultural traditions and languages by participating in homestay visits with host families in international countries. RHS families have also hosted families from Germany, France, and Japan.
Switzerland RHS physics students visit the international European Organization for Nuclear Research, also known as CERN, as part of a trip to Switzerland. CERN is a research organization that operates the largest particle physics laboratory in the world.
In sum, travel opportunities for our students and staff provide us all a chance to experience and better understand the world in which we live. They also help us expand our mission of excellence beyond our Ridgewood borders. I find that as we broaden our perspective of the world, we are better able to reflect on home and what makes us great as a country, state and community. These reflections then lead to being better role models.
Although we have very little control over the rhetoric on the national and global level, we do have influence on what happens in our community, our homes, our school district and classrooms. Travel, and exposure to other cultures and practices, helps us build respect for others that are so critical for our children to learn. If they are surrounded by good behavior, they will behave in a manner in which they are immersed.
During the holiday season, when we tend to reflect on the year that is coming to a close, I hope you are able to say that many good things came your way in 2017. I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D., is Superintendent of the Ridgewood Public Schools
January 8,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, this is the Ridgewood school District Emergency Information . Next time there is a weather or other emergency the Ridgewood School District will respond to weather or other emergencies in one of four ways: cancellation of the school day; delayed opening; emergency early dismissal; or emergency minimum day. In these instances, district parents/guardians will be notified via the district website (www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us); an e-mail announcement; and the automatic telephone notification system. In addition, a message will be placed on the central office line at 201-670-2700; callers should press * for announcements.
1. NO SCHOOL.
2. DELAYED OPENING: Under the delayed opening plan, the school day will begin two hours later than usual. School bus schedules will operate two hours later. Children in grades K-5 who have not ordered lunches must bring a bag lunch to school. There will not be sufficient time for children to go home for lunch when there is a delayed opening.
3. EMERGENCY EARLY DISMISSAL: If it is necessary to dismiss early, every effort will be made to notify parents by way of announcements on the RPS district website, email, and the automatic telephone notification system. Middle and elementary school students will be released to responsible adults identified by parents on their child’s Emergency Card.
4. EMERGENCY MINIMUM DAY: If an early dismissal is anticipated before the start of school, for example, if weather conditions are expected to deteriorate after school begins but before the school day ends, all children will be dismissed at the closing times posted below. Every effort will be made to call an Emergency Minimum Day the night before or very early the morning of the anticipated emergency conditions via the customary notification channels. Cafeterias will not operate and lunches will not be provided. Students will attend school as follows:
RED Program: 9-11 a.m.
Kindergarten – Grade 5: 8:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Grades 6-8: 8:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Grades 9-12: 7:47 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Emergency closing information can also be obtained from: television news (Fox 5 WNYW-Channel 5, WNBC TV-Channel 4, WABC TV-Channel 7, WCBS TV – Channel 2, Cablevision Channel 12); the Fox News website, www.myfoxny.com; or the ABC website, www.7online.com. Please DO NOT CALL the police or fire departments or the individual schools for information on the closing of schools. These departments are not prepared to handle inquiries.
file photo by Boyd Loving
January 5,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Delayed Ridgewood School Opening – Friday – January 5, 2018❄️: Due to the hazardous road conditions expected in the morning, all Ridgewood Schools will operate under the delayed opening schedule. Under the delayed opening schedule, the school day will begin two hours later than usual.
School bus schedules will operate two hours later. Please keep in mind that snow drifts, icy roads and walkways may cause additional delays. For students who are walking to school or to bus stops, please allow extra time and use caution.
Elementary school children who have not ordered lunch must bring a bag lunch to school. There will not be sufficient time for children to go home for lunch when there is a delayed opening.
Thank you and please drive safely.
January 3,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Concert Tickets on sale now.A note about purchasing tickets for Concert. Tickets go on sale at 7 p.m. on Tuesday January 2nd and will sell out quickly. You can buy tickets online through the link below or you can call brown paper tickets and purchase from them. They are available 24/7 at (800) 838-3006.
This year we are limiting ticket purchases to four per performance per order. We have set up the tickets so that Block A and Block B are sold as separate shows. Please double check that you have the correct Block before ordering. Note, senior solos are performed three times and correspond to the senior’s show performance.
In order to choose your own seat, when you are first directed to the page with the seating chart, the system default is to assign you the number of seats you are requesting. If you want those seats, press “next.” However, if you want different seats, click on “Let me choose my seats.” First unclick the default choice and then click on the ones you wish to purchase and hit save these seats. NOTE: it is VERY important that you unclick the default seats before hitting save because if you do not, the default seats will remain in your cart and you will not be able to switch later.
Also, at the end of your transaction, if you hit submit more than once you may be charged twice. If this happens, contact Deirdre Power.
