The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
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 26, 2020
Dear Ridgewood School Community,
We are starting to receive calls and emails concerning RPS families and employees with positive COVID-19 results. From what I hear, these individuals started having symptoms after school was closed. When someone tests positive for the virus, the appropriate public health department is notified and follows up with the individual. These investigations are private, and only the public health department determines who must be contacted. How individuals release personal health information is their decision. COVID-19 is an illness, and there is no shame in being diagnosed. If you are diagnosed and need help, we are here for you and so are your neighbors. People can shop for you and your family and leave packages at your door.
Continue reading Ridgewood School Home School Day 9 ,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
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, at Mondays Ridgewood Board of Education meeting, Ms. Poelstra provided an update on the Home Instruction Plan. Information about the plans for K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 are posted on the homepage of the district website for easy access. These Google sites contain valuable resources for students and parents to help them through the process. For K-5, the Google site has sections by grade level where parents can access the daily lessons. Initially, daily lessons were posted in the morning, but after receiving feedback from parents, the district began to post them the evening before, which gives working parents time to review and prepare for the next day of home instruction. Teachers are online every day from 8:00-12:30 to answer questions. The middle school and high school websites are designed specifically for the students to give them easy access to information about the schedule, attendance, resources, technology issues, and more. Additionally, our Technology Innovation Specialists are evaluating tools that be used for face-to-face instruction, particularly with the elementary students.
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
March 23, 2020
Dear Ridgewood School Community,
We all made it through our first weekend of this period of home instruction. I am sure you needed rest. Please remember the Governor’s closure of schools is open-ended. I wish I could give you a definitive timeframe, but that is unknown. When I have new information, I will let you know as soon as possible.
Continue reading Ridgewood School Home School Day 6 ,Due to COVID 19
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ , the CDC has offered some times to keeping children healthy while schools out . They don’t need to wear face-masks ,but they do need to wash their hands often .
CDC: Tips to keep children healthy while school’s out
Continue reading CDC: Tips to keep children healthy while school’s out
March 19, 2020
Dear Ridgewood School Community,
The stress associated with COVID-19, school closure, and the many disruptions happening in our daily lives may understandably increase frustration, confusion, and anxiety in our students, staff, and families. Please know we are increasingly aware of the toll this crisis is taking on our collective mental health and want to be sensitive to the growing needs of our parent community, especially those who must balance the competing demands of work, child care, virtual learning, and self-care. To that end, as noted in the mental health section of our home instruction pages, we aim to provide a growing list of resources, suggestions, tips, and information that will help our community maximize resilience and emotional well-being at this important time, and we will continue to update these resources as we learn more. Please reach out to your child’s guidance counselor if you have specific fears or concerns.
Continue reading Ridgewood School Home School Day 4 ,Due to COVID 19
March 18, 2020
Dear Ridgewood School Community,
I want to thank parents and caregivers for partnering with us to continue educating our students. We fully recognize the heavy lift we are asking of you and appreciate your assistance and input on how we can do things better. In the days and weeks to come, news about the spread of COVID-19 will likely intensify due to increased testing. However, by practicing social distancing and following preventive measures, we can flatten the curve of coronavirus. Our actions now will contribute to our recovery later.
Continue reading Ridgewood School Home School Day 3 ,Due to COVID 19
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, we received this from our friends at the Boca Raton Museum of Art
According to the National School Boards Association, kids who study art are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement. Studies show that art helps kids earn higher report card grades because skills developed through art lead to better learning in other areas.
