We are excited that our girls and boys lacrosse teams both won the Bergen County final round of competition at Mahwah High School on May 7. It was great to see so many people from our community support our teams during the games. We are extremely proud of our coaches and players.
Unfortunately, despite previous warnings and pleas for assistance in my November 30 and December 11 letters regarding the conduct of our fans at the MetLife Stadium football championship game, Ridgewood High School was again not portrayed in the best light in the stands or parking lot during the lacrosse tournament. Administrators from Mahwah High School have notified us that the parking lot parent tailgate in the Ridgewood section was left in a very poor state with trash and alcohol bottles strewn about. In addition, we had one Ridgewood adult fan verbally accost the referees after the game, which required police intervention.
Sadly, the incidents referenced above are not unique to this one weekend. Many of these negative behaviors are illegal, disruptive, and dangerous. Please note that the consumption of alcohol on school grounds, whether at RHS or another school, is illegal and will result in a summons. It can also place students and athletes attending the tailgates in potential jeopardy of accusations by others, resulting in an investigation of the incident. In addition, this type of behavior may result in the County and State athletic associations not allowing Ridgewood to host future events.
At RHS, we will continue to have educational discussions with our students about the effects of drugs and alcohol; assist in the emotional, psychological, and physical development of our teenagers; and teach about character and decision-making through academics, athletics, and the arts.
We ask for your help in being role models for our students and set the correct tone and image we want portrayed of the RHS community.
Respectfully,
Thomas A. Gorman, Ed.D.
Principal
