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
PARCC Proficiency Test Is Good For Students, N.J. Education Chief Says
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — Some New Jersey parents have come out so strongly against a new computer-based math and language arts test that they have refused to allow their children to take the exam – but state education officials have rushed to its defense.
As CBS2’s Christine Sloan reported Tuesday, the state’s largest teachers’ union is also against the exam — called the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers – PARCC for short.
But New Jersey state Education Commissioner David Hespe said the students will benefit from being challenged by the exams. (CBS News)
FEBRUARY 9, 2015, 9:59 PM LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2015, 10:02 PM
BY HANNAN ADELY
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
A movement to get parents to keep their children from taking new state exams next month — fueled by protests on social media and encouragement from the teachers union — is gaining steam.
New Jersey requires all students to take the tests, but they do not need to sit for the exams to go on to the next grade or graduate.
State Education Commissioner David Hespe has urged school leaders to respond to the growing opt-out movement by explaining to parents the merits of the tests. In meetings, letters and online communications, school leaders say the tests will provide detailed information about what each student knows, better prepare teens for college entrance exams and build critical thinking skills.
But they are also trying to address parents’ complaints that the tests cut into instruction time, hamper creativity and fail to adequately measure learning. Some parents have delivered heartfelt pleas to school officials about the stress their children feel.
“We try to provide a balanced approach and let parents know there are benefits to taking the test. All they hear about is negative,” said Mark Toback, superintendent of Wayne schools.
Shore House Raffle: Buy a $100 chance for a seven-bedroom shore house vacation. Only 500 tickets will be sold; the drawing will be held at the final Jamboree performance on February 7.Click here for details and the order form.
The Fashion Show is April 19. The Committee is now securing donations for the auction. Click here for more information and the donation form. Items may be dropped off at Gail Mandell’s office, Life Opportunities Unlimited, 75 North Maple Ave. Suite 104 Monday – Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fashion Show chairpersons are ShariHellman (201-310-6286 [email protected] and Gail Mandeli (201- 248-2575 or [email protected]).
PG-15 upcoming monthly meetings: March 12, April 9 and May 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the RHS Library.
Dues are due. Make $165 check payable to “RHS Class of 2015” and mail to Sharon Walker, 94 Sherwood Road, Ridgewood, NJ 07450.
Class of 2015 Project Graduation Representatives
Chairpersons Tara Callaghan 201-803-7778 and Rosie McCooe 201-602-8097
Chairpersons email: [email protected]
Treasurer Sharon Walker [email protected]
Communications Jeff Coster [email protected]
Democrats in Trenton look to remove superintendent salary caps
FEBRUARY 8, 2015, 11:32 PM LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2015, 11:35 PM
BY ALLISON PRIES
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
Saddle River is on the hunt for its third superintendent in three years.
Alpine wants permission to keep its interim leader beyond the two-year state limit.
And Ho-Ho-Kus is hoping its high-achieving, parent-involved district appears attractive to superintendent candidates — even though it can offer them only $135,000.
Leaders in some small, wealthy North Jersey school districts say the superintendent pay cap — instituted by Governor Christie in 2011 — has dealt them a particularly hard blow. Once seen as appealing places to work, these districts now are having trouble drawing and retaining top candidates because they’re competing with larger districts that are allowed to pay more and New York State, which has no salary limits. What’s more, they are willing to pay top dollar, but can’t.
On top of it, many of these chief executives often work double duty as principals, so offering them less than what they could earn in subordinate roles elsewhere isn’t always an easy sell.
Christie targeted superintendent salaries five years ago with his Reform Agenda to help school districts keep costs low and better finance priority services.
Superintendent salaries had risen, on average, 46 percent or $100 million between 2001 and 2010, according to the governor’s office.
The cap resulted in the reduction of salaries for about 360 school superintendents, or 70 percent, for a potential savings of nearly $9.8 million statewide, $2.2 million in Bergen County and $650,000 in Passaic County, according to the state data.
When the cap was imposed, Christie’s move was panned by educators and praised by fiscal conservatives, who complained about the state’s high property taxes — and even higher per-pupil costs for suburban districts.
Today, the New Jersey Senate Budget Committee will vote on a bill sponsored by Sens. Paul Sarlo, D-Wood-Ridge, and M. Teresa Ruiz, D-Newark, that would roll back the caps, prohibiting the state Department of Education from regulating the maximum salary a school district can pay its superintendent. The bill was already considered by the education committee, Sarlo said.
