The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
April 2, 2020
Dear Ridgewood School Community,
During times of adversity and stress, I find myself thinking of others who are going through the same experience, but in this case, I am particularly aware of those who are on the front line in a much riskier position than myself. I think of the medical community who took an oath to treat any patient who needs care, even when that care puts them in harm’s way.
Continue reading Ridgewood School Home School Day 14 ,Due to COVID 19
April 1, 2020
Dear Ridgewood School Community,
So many April Fools’ jokes come to mind today…unfortunately, none are funny. I wrote this sentence first thing this morning; then, many people called, texted, and even forwarded an April Fools’ Day letter allegedly from my office saying we have no April break and are going to be in school until July 21st…not true! But, it was kind of funny and “got” me and many others. People are creative.
Continue reading Ridgewood School Home School Day 13 ,Due to COVID 19
March 31, 2020
Dear Ridgewood School Community,
Good afternoon! I hope this update finds you and your families doing well. Although we are not together in school, we are continuing to find creative ways to maintain some of our traditions. This week is Spirit Week! For me, I have celebrated our Elementary School Spirit Week as follows:
Maroon Monday: Ridgewood gear! As Superintendent of the Ridgewood Public Schools, I have plenty. Back in the good old days when my wife, Sue (she asked me not to only refer to her as my wife…. done) and I cleaned out some closets, we found 17 Ridgewood sweatshirts, dozens of t-shirts, and much more. We did not donate any. My kids participated in sports at RHS, so we had plenty of gear to go around.
Team up Tuesday: I am a Dallas Cowboys fan. Ok, stop rolling your eyes and muttering under your breath. For all of you Giants fans, Jason Garret is your problem now.
Continue reading Ridgewood School Home School Day 12 ,Due to COVID 19
March 30, 2020
Dear Ridgewood School Community,
In response to recent updates, I have received several emails asking that we teach through the spring break. First and foremost, parents, students, and teachers are tired. This weariness is not necessarily from the hard academic work, but most likely from the stress we are all experiencing. While our intent is not to add pressure to this already difficult situation, remote learning is stressful for everyone involved nonetheless.
Continue reading Ridgewood School Home School Day 11 ,Due to COVID 19
March 27, 2020
Dear Ridgewood School Community,
Thank you for all that you have done to make week two of this historic situation in U.S. public education so successful. You may have heard that yesterday, Governor Murphy tweeted:
“Let me be clear: The decision to reopen school districts rests with me. We will not be prepared to revisit the closure until at least April 17th, at the very earliest. The decision to reopen will be based on careful discussion with our public health and safety experts, and with our educators and districts. We will be guided by facts on the ground. “
Continue reading Ridgewood School Home School Day 10 ,Due to COVID 19
March 25, 2020
Dear Ridgewood School Community,
This is a very dynamic and ever-changing situation, and as expected, the number of reported cases of COVID-19 continues to rise. While I have not received any “official notice,” I am comfortable saying that we will be closed the week of March 30-April 3. Spring break is the following week, and, as in the past, it will be homework free. This will allow families time to regroup, organize home schedules, and get recharged for the resumption of probable home instruction on April 13th. Based on the trajectory of reported cases, and most unfortunately, deaths, I presume our closure will continue for a while.
Continue reading Ridgewood School Home School Day 8 ,Due to COVID 19
March 24, 2020
Dear Ridgewood School Community,
The number of reported confirmed COVID-19 cases is rising in the state, the county, and Ridgewood. This escalation is the direct result of increased testing, and it speaks to the need to continue social distancing. We are starting to receive reports from Ridgewood families, alumni, and school employees about confirmed and suspected cases of COVID-19. There are many rumors circulating about who has COVID-19, and I hope that as a community we do not add undue work to the Health Department.
Continue reading Ridgewood School Home School Day 7 ,Due to COVID 19
