FEBRUARY 23, 2015 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015, 9:59 AM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
When Bergen County Protect and Rescue fell into desperate times late last summer, the general public stepped up with an overwhelming response to assist the county’s only no-kill animal shelter. Though given a crutch, the Cliffside Park-based operation is still in constant need of community support, as it barely covers the monthly $10,000 operating costs to care for some four dozen cats and dogs until they’re ready for adoption.
Ridgewood has taken notice.
The Willard School community took a different approach while planning its annual theme day, which took place earlier this month to rave reviews and overwhelming positive feedback.
A school-wide program, theme days in the past were typically geared toward student enjoyment and learning. Previous theme days incorporated events such as spelling bees or “Amazing Race” style activities that promoted cultural diversity and education.
“They were fun, but we wanted to do something that put the emphasis on the children making a difference during the day rather than another fun event,” said Pam Chmiel, this year’s theme day coordinator. “Willard has a great track record in bringing conscious programs to the school … so we presented our theme as ‘philanthropy’ – giving time, talents and treasure and taking action for the common good.”
Chmiel, together with the Willard Home and School Association, Principal Caroline Hoffman and other parents, rebranded theme day as Willard Service Day 2015, which they hosted on Feb. 4. Student activities still focused on fun and learning, but they also centered on “giving back to those less fortunate or going through a difficult time.”
BFMS Student Wins New Jersey Youth Orchestra Competition
February 27,2015
Ridgewood NJ , BFMS flutist Sean Marron is the 2015 winner of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s Youth Orchestras Concerto Competition. As the winner, Sean will perform as a featured concerto soloist in the youth orchestra’s spring concert. Sean plays in Jason Curcio’s eighth grade band.
Photo: Jeffrey Lampiasi, Jr. and Jaesung Son pose with RHS Principal Tom Gorman and guidance counselor Peter Burkhard. The other finalists were not available for the photo
Ridgewood Schools National Merit Scholarship Finalists are Announced
Ridgewood NJ, The following five of the seven semi-finalists have been named finalists in the 2015 competition for the National Merit Scholarship awards: Jeffrey Lampiasi, Jr., Warren Li, Sumita Rajpurohit, Jaesung Son and Gabriel Voorhis-Allen.
National Merit Scholarship Qualifications
If you’re a high school junior or the parent of a high school junior, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the National Merit Scholarship qualifications, as most juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) in October of their junior year.
National Merit Scholarship Qualifications
In order to be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship Program, a student must: 1) take the PSAT/NMSQT during his or her 3rd year (junior year) of high school 2) be in high school and plan to enroll in college full time by the fall after his or her high school graduation and 3) be a U.S. citizen or a permanent U.S. resident with the intention of becoming a U.S. citizen. If a student meets these requirements, he or she will automatically be eligible to participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP).
Of the about 1.5 million juniors who take the PSAT/NMSQT each year, approximately 50,000 juniors with the highest PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index scores (or total PSAT scores) who meet the eligibility requirements described above qualify for NMSP recognition. That is, roughly the top 3% of 11th grade testers will qualify. Note that the Selection Index qualifying scores vary from year to year and state to state, as students are selected for NMSP recognition from each of the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. During the April following the PSAT/NMSQT administration, these 50,000 students are invited to select two colleges to which the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) will provide a reference.
During the September following the PSAT/NMSQT administration, approximately 2/3 of those 50,000 students will receive Letters of Commendation recognizing their academic abilities and potential. Commended students are not eligible for National Merit scholarships. The remaining 1/3 of the 50,000 students qualify as National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. For the Class of 2015, in order to qualify as a Semifinalist, students had to have earned a PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index score of at least 201 to 222 (240 is the highest possible PSAT/NMSQT score), depending on the state in which the student lives. To view a list of the qualifying scores by state for the class of 2015, visit our National Merit Scores page.
Once a student qualifies as a Semifinalist, he or she must complete the National Merit Scholarship Application and submit it to the NMSC in order to move on to the next round of qualifications (Finalist) and to be considered for a National Merit Scholarship. Additionally, if he or she has not yet taken the SAT and had those scores reported to the NMSC, he or she must do so in October, November, or December of his or her senior year.
During the February of senior year, NMSC will notify those Semifinalists who have qualified as Finalists. Of the roughly 16,000 students who qualify as Semifinalists, about 15,000 of them will qualify as Finalists. Of those 15,000 Finalists, approximately 8,200 of them will be selected for Merit Scholarships, which can be a National Merit Scholarship, a Corporate-Sponsored Merit Scholarship, or a College-Sponsored Merit Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on skills, abilities, and accomplishments as exhibited through a student’s application materials.
Ridgewood students skirt danger as debris from N.Y.C. building falls on waiting bus
FEBRUARY 25, 2015, 10:32 PM LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015, 10:35 PM
BY MARY DIDUCH
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
Debris from a four-story Manhattan building fell on a yellow school bus whose driver was inside, waiting for Ridgewood elementary school students to return from a field trip.
The bus driver, Daniel Campbell, 45, who was not injured, told the New York Daily News that he thought he might die when the incident occurred suddenly Wednesday afternoon. Campbell was napping when a portion of the building at 642 W. 57th St., near 11th Avenue, partly collapsed onto the vehicle, he told the News.
The students from Somerville Elementary School were on a field trip to New York City, Ridgewood Superintendent Daniel Fishbein wrote in an email. No one was injured, but the bus was damaged, so another bus from the company picked up the students, staff and chaperones, he said.
“Luckily none of our students, staff, chaperones or the bus driver were hurt,” Fishbein said
A Letter from Dr. Fishbein on PARCC, Policies and Procedures
February 24, 2015
Dear Parent or Guardian:
Next week, we will begin the implementation of the New Jersey state-mandated PARCC assessments in our schools. Although we have been administering state-mandated assessments for decades, these particular required assessments have been subject to much debate and controversy.
Simply, all New Jersey public school districts are mandated by the State of New Jersey to administer these assessments and students are required to participate. On Monday, February 23, 2015, the Ridgewood Board of Education updated Policy #2622 – Student Assessment. (A link to the policy is provided below.)
The State of New Jersey does not recognize parents who do not permit their children to take the PARCC assessments. However, in preparation for the administration of PARCC in the Ridgewood Public Schools, we have developed an administrative process we will follow under Procedure #2622 – Student Assessment. Because this is a procedure, it is not subject to Board of Education approval. (A link to this procedure is provided below.)
Below are links to relevant FAQ information from the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) and from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). In addition, significant PARCC information may be found on the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment page of our district website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us. The link to the PARCC information is located on the right side of the page.
Ridgewood School District presents a program on exercise and the brain
February 19 , 2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood School District educators will present a program on exercise and the brain in its next Curriculum Outreach Series program in March .The program, “Exercise and the Brain,” will be offered on Thursday, March 5 and will feature
Ridgewood Public Schools Physical Education staff members Susan Kameno and Craig Mahler along with Hawes School Principal Paul Semendinger. The presentation will take place from 7-9 p.m. at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, floor 3. It is free and open to the adult public.
The presenters will focus on the newest research on brain/body connections and discuss how exercise isone of the leading contributors to brain cell development, specifically in the region of the brain that is responsible for learning and memory.They will also discuss how exercise contributes to meaningful learning in the classroom and review successful programs that have demonstrated increases in student achievement. Information will also be shared on how exercise can help students with ADD improve attention/ focus and raise energy levels. “Exercise and the Brain” is part of the district’s 2014-2015 Community Outreach Program series for parents and guardians , developed by the district’s Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. The series consists of individual evening presentations on current trends and issues in education.
Upcoming on Tuesday, April 21, “Raising Financially Literate Children” will be presented by financial planner Kerry Fitzgerald, who will share strategies to help children learn to make prudent financial decisions starting early in life through independence. The program will take place at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, floor 3, from 7-9 p.m.“Special Education Learning Issues” will be the final program of the 2014–2015 series , with Dr. Kim Buxenbaum -Turner, district Director of Special Programs, who will provide an in\-depth, parent-focused look at the district’s Special Education program. The program will take place from 7-9 p.m. at the
Education Center, floor 3, at a date to be announced in late May or June.For more information, please contact the office of Cheryl Best, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at 201 -670-2700, ext. 10532 or [email protected]
FEBRUARY 20, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Whether you like it or not, PARCC testing is coming to Ridgewood. The new state-mandated assessment exams are slated for administration for the first time on March 2.
RHS Dance Team Excels
February 18, 2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, The RHS Dance Team excelled at their second competition of the season on February 7 at Pascack Valley High School. The team received high scores in “jazz technique” as well as “level of difficulty.” They are currently preparing for the New Jersey Dancers State Championship. The team is made up of nine RHS students and coached by Caitlin Musso.
RHS Athlete is Recognized for outstanding contributions to the RHS Girls Soccer team
February 19,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, RHS senior soccer and lacrosse player Natalie Weil was recognized at the National Girls and Women in Sports Day celebration on February 1 at Seton Hall University for outstanding contributions to the RHS Girls Soccer team, where she also served as one of the team’s co-captains. Sponsored by the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport, the event celebrated the many achievements of girls and women in sports, recognizing female athletes, coaches and administrators.
Photo: Natalie Weil with RHS Girls Soccer coach Jeff Yearing.
Ridgewood High School Wrestling senior reaches 100 career victories
FEBRUARY 13, 2015 LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015, 12:31 AM
BY MATTHEW BIRCHENOUGH
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
RIDGEWOOD — Over the course of four seasons, Nick Saglimbeni’s role on the Ridgewood High School wrestling team has changed. His goal — to win matches — has remained the same.
Ridgewood’s Nick Saglimbeni became the fourth wrestler in program history to reach the 100-win plateau.
The Maroons senior picked up his 100th win on the mat in an 8-5 decision versus Bridgewater-Raritan on Jan. 31, becoming just the fourth wrestler in Ridgewood history to reach the mark, joining all-time wins leader Joe Oliva (Class of 2014), Brandon Giovanetti (2012) and Mark Romeo (2002).
“It was definitely always a goal of mine, especially since freshman year when I got in the lineup and started winning matches,” the senior said Tuesday night.
Back in his debut season, Saglimbeni thrived as the only freshman on the varsity squad in 2011-12, earning All-County honorable mention and Big North Freedom Division first-team accolades at 113 pounds.
Nayeon Park from George Washington Middle School Among the Winners Announced for Third Annual Adolescent Immunization Awareness Contest
Middle School and High School Winners of the Annual Protect Me With 3+ Video and Poster Contest Promote Vaccine Awareness
Newark, NJ – February 13, 2015 – The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey, in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health, today announced the winners for the third annual Protect Me With 3+ adolescent immunization awareness video and poster contest. The winning entries can be viewed at https://protectmewith3.com.
Video Contest Winners:
1st place: Timothy Smith, Samantha Tracy and Liam Keller from Cherokee High School located in Marlton, New Jersey (Burlington County, Flu).
2nd place: Emily Churak from Henry Hudson Regional located in Highlands, New Jersey (Monmouth County, Flu).
3rd place: Gavriel Epstein from Torah Academy of Bergen County located in Teaneck, New Jersey (Bergen County, Tdap).
Poster Contest Winners:
1st place: Nayeon Park from George Washington Middle School located in Ridgewood, New Jersey (Bergen County, Tdap).
2nd place: Virendra Ghate from Terrill Middle School located in Scotch Plains, New Jersey (Union County, Flu).
3rd place: Sophia Iacona, Margot Rizzi and Paris Mercurio from Terrill Middle School located in Scotch Plains, New Jersey (Union County, MCV4).
Classroom Winners
Poster: Patricia Selby from Terrill Middle School located in Scotch Plains, New Jersey (Union County).
Video: James Gregg from Henry Hudson Regional located in Highlands, New Jersey (Monmouth County).
The top three winners in the poster and video categories received prizes and the opportunity for their submissions to be distributed during statewide immunization awareness activities.
In its third year, the Protect Me With 3+ contest increases awareness about the importance of four adolescent immunizations: tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap), human papillomavirus (HPV), meningococcal conjugate (MCV4) and influenza.
“The Protect Me With 3+ contest offers a unique opportunity for New Jersey residents to learn about the importance of adolescent vaccinations. We are very happy with this year’s winners, as their efforts have helped to raise public health awareness,” commented Ilise Zimmerman, Executive Director, of Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey.
The poster contest was open to New Jersey students in grades 5-8, while students in grades 9-12 were eligible to participate in the video contest. The public voted for their favorite entries from January 24, 2015 through February 8, 2015.
Honorable Mentions
Finalists in each category were also honored at the awards ceremony held at the West Windsor Public Library on February 12, 2015. The two video finalists were group entries by Ian McBride and Dominic Capasso, and Adam Danzger, Dana Tsipenyuk, Avital Rubinchik and Julia Pak. The two poster finalists were group entries by Justin Rizzi and Rachel Schuman, and Julia Zucosky, Colette Franciscus, Zoe Rouder and Carly Dvorin.
About the Organizers
The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH). Its mission is to improve the health of women, children, and families. The Partnership has more than 20 years of experience mounting community-based, consumer-friendly and culturally competent educational programs to parents, caregivers, pregnant women and individuals of child-bearing age. For more information visit: https://partnershipmch.org/
To learn more about vaccinations, please visit the Department of Health’s website: https://www.state.nj.us/health/cd/imm.shtml
10 Middle School Students Successfully Auditioned for Regional Band and Orchestra
February 14,2014
Ridgewood NJ, Several Ridgewood middle school students successfully auditioned for regional band and orchestra on Saturday, February 7. The auditions featured seventh and eighth grade students from around the northern New Jersey counties.
A total of 10 students successfully auditioned for the prestigious Region I Intermediate Orchestra for 2015. Six are students of Carol Sharar at Benjamin Franklin Middle School (BFMS) and four study under Janelle King at George Washington Middle School (GWMS).
The BFMS students whose names may be released are: Caleb Shi (Grade 8, violin), who received the highest score of any student in Region I Orchestra; Jodie Suh (Grade 8, viola); Christy Chang (Grade 7, violin); Daniel Son (Grade 7, viola); and Eugene Park (Grade 7, cello).
The GWMS students whose names may be released are: Emily Choi (Grade 8, violin); Emelienne Columbus (Grade 7, bass); Kate Bamberg (Grade 7, bass); and Andrew Madonna (Grade 7, bass).
In addition, Brian Brown, Band Director at George Washington Middle School, reports that the following three students made the NJSMA Intermediate Region Band. Those whose names may be released are: Edward Li (Grade 8, clarinet) and Kieran Corcoran (Grade 7, tenor saxophone), who received the highest score.
Ridgewood refines policies as opt-out movement gains steam
February 14, 2015 Last updated: Saturday, February 14, 2015, 9:30 AM
By Darius Amos
Staff Writer |
The Ridgewood News
Elisabeth Rose’s daughter used to enjoy going to school. She loved to read and loved to learn.
But all that changed once her child’s third-grade class began preparations for the state-mandated PARCC exams.
“She couldn’t understand the text and the questions … she’s not liking school anymore,” Rose said, speaking candidly at Monday’s Board of Education (BOE) meeting.
She further described her daughter’s transformation as one that “breaks my heart,” particularly after days when the student came home crying.
“It’s really sad because she can’t be the only one who’s having trouble in the elementary school setting. There was a time when [students] weren’t taught to test; they had the freedom to learn,” Rose added. “Please put something in place so the students have an option.”
Ridgewood NJ, The two snow days built into the 2014-2015 school calendar have now been used. Should another snow day be necessary, students will attend school on Monday, April 6, which is currently slated as a Professional Day for teachers. Further days will be taken from Spring Recess, starting with Monday, March 30 and working forward.
Ridgewood BOE Updates Procedure in the event a parent refuses to have their child participate in a Statewide assessment
February 12,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blogUpdate on BOE Policy 2622 – Student Assessment
Ridgewood Nj, The New Jersey Department of Education, pursuant to State law and regulations, requires all students to take State assessments as scheduled. There is no provision for a student to opt-out of Statewide assessments. Therefore, the Board requires all students to take Statewide assessments and the Board cannot grant permission to a parent for their child to opt-out of required Statewide assessments.
The procedures outlined below shall be followed in the event a parent refuses to have their child participate in a Statewide assessment.
At its February 9, 2015 meeting, the Board of Education approved, with revisions, Policy 2622 – Student Assessment as a First Draft. Click here to read the draft policy with revisions.The Board also made to revisions to new Procedure 2622. Click here to read the draft procedure with revisions
