Study: Many N.J. teachers wary of new evaluations
Tuesday, February 5, 2013 Last updated: Tuesday February 5, 2013, 5:15 PM
Associated Press
TRENTON — School administrators in New Jersey districts that tested a new ways to evaluate teachers are bullish on the changes, but teachers remain skeptical, according to a report from Rutgers University.
The state Education Department released the results Tuesday from a study it commissioned on the changes. It also released a second study of the same districts from an advisory committee.
In a statement, Education Commissioner Christopher Cerf said there are good signs and lessons from the reports, particularly that participating schools developed a culture where teachers and administrators wanted to improve.
“While we never expected the first year of the pilot to be perfect, we are motivated by the finding that educators are having more meaningful conversations than ever before about effective teaching, which of course is the first step to helping continuously improve student outcomes,” he said.
The 2013 Congressional Art Competition has begun, and I am currently accepting submissions in my New Jersey district offices.
The Congressional Art Competition is sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives, and it is open to all 9th-12th graders. The first-place winner from each congressional district is invited to attend a reception in Washington, D.C., and the winning artwork is displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year.
On this page, you will find the 2013 guidelines and the Student Release form. Artwork may be dropped off at the Eastern District Office, 266 Harristown Road, Suite 104, Glen Rock (201-444-5454) or at the Western District Office, 83 Spring Street, Suite 302A, Newton (973-300-2000) between now and Monday, April 22, 2013. Please call in advance to let my staff know you will be dropping off the artwork.
I sincerely hope you will consider participating in this wonderful opportunity. Please do not hesitate to contact Christina Garfinkle at my Eastern District Office at (201) 444-5454 if you have additional questions.
A GUIDE TO THE NEW JERSEY OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT WHAT IS THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW?
The Open Public Meetings Law, which is commonly referred to as the “Sunshine Law”, was enacted in 1975. It establishes the right of all citizens to have adequate advance notice of all public meetings and the right to attend meetings at which any business affecting the public is discussed or acted upon. – N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 to 10:4-2
IS THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW THE SAME THING AS THE RIGHT-TOKNOW
LAW?
No. The Open Public Meetings Law refers to public meetings. The Right-to-Know Law refers to public records. N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1 to 47:1A-4
TO WHOM DOES THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETING LAW APPLY?
The law applies to any public body of the state, county, or municipal level of government that has legal authority to vote on public matters or to spend public funds.
TO WHOM DOES THE LAW NOT APPLY?
The law specifically exempts the Judiciary, grand and petit juries, parole boards, the State Commission of Investigations, The Apportionment Committee and any political party committee. In addition, the Law exempts informal or purely advisory bodies and meetings of a
public official with subordinates.
ARE ALL GATHERINGS OF PUBLIC BODIES SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS
OF THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW?
No. In order to be covered by the provisions of the Law, a meeting (whether attended in person or conducted by means of communications equipment) must be:
(1) open to all the public body’s members, (2) attended by an effective majority of the members of that public body, and (3) the members present must intend to discuss or act upon public business. For example, political caucus meetings and change encounters of members of public bodies, or gatherings attended by or open to all members of three or more similar public bodies are not covered by the Law.
However, the Open Public Meetings Law specifically prohibits any person or public body from failing to invite a portion of its members in order to avoid the requirements of the Law.
WHAT MUST A PUBLIC BODY DO TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE
OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW?
The Law requires public bodies to provide the public with: (a) adequate advance notice of all its meetings, (b) the right to attend its meetings, and (c) reasonable comprehensive minutes of all its meetings. In each of these areas, the Law sets forth specific requirements:
A. ADEQUATE NOTICE
The Law requires the public bodies provide the public with adequate advance notice of all its meetings. This can be accomplished by either:
(1) an “Annual Notice” or (2) a “48-hour notice.” The “Annual Notice” containing the time, date, and, to the extent known,
the location of each meeting, must be provided within seven days of the annual organization or reorganization meeting of the public body. If there is no organization or reorganization meeting, “Annual Notice” must be provided by January 10th.
A “48-Hour Notice” is required when a public body wishes to convene a meeting which has not been listed on the annual notice or regularly scheduled meetings. The Law mandates the public body to provide a written notice at least 48 hours prior to the convening of the meeting.
The “48-Hour Notice” must contain the time, date, location and, to the extent known, the agenda of the meeting.
Both the “Annual Notice” and the “48-Hour Notice” must be (1) prominently posted in at least one public place reserved for such announcements, (2) transmitted to two newspapers in time for publication 48-hours in advance of the meeting, (3) filed with appropriate Municipal or County Clerk or the Secretary of State if the public body has statewide authority, and (4) mailed to any person upon request.
B. MEETINGS
The Law requires that public bodies permit all members of the public to attend their meetings. However, the right to attend meetings does not entitle members of the public to participate in the meetings. The public body may exclude the public only from portions of a meeting
known as the “executive” or “closed session.” Prior to excluding the public, the public body must first adopt a resolution at a meeting which is open to the public indicating generally what matters will be discussed in closed session and when these discussions will be disclosed to the
public. The following items are permitted to be discussed in closed session.
1. Any matter considered confidential by federal law, state statue,
or court rule;
2. Any matter in which the release of information would impair the receipt of federal funds;
3. Any material which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of individual privacy if disclosed;
4. Any collective bargaining agreements or other discussion of the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement,
including negotiations leading up to such an agreement.
5. Any matter involving the purchase, lease or acquisition of real property with public funds, the setting of banking rates or investment of public funds where disclosure of such matter could adversely affect the public interest.
6. Any tactics and techniques used in protecting the safety and property of the public and investigations of violations or possible violations of the law.
7. Any pending or anticipated litigation or contract negotiations in which the public body is or may become a party, and any matter falling within the attorney-client privilege, to the extent that confidentiality is required to preserve the attorney-client relationship.
8. Personnel matters related to the employment, appointment or termination of current or prospective employees, unless all individuals who could be adversely affected request, in writing, that the matter be discussed at a public meeting.
9. Any deliberations of a public body occurring after a public hearing that may result in the imposition of a fine upon an individual or the suspension or the loss of license or permit belonging to an individual. The New Jersey courts have recognized the potential for misuse of the closed session exceptions by public bodies and have, therefore, strictly construed these exceptions in an effort to further the legislative intent of providing open public meetings in most instances.
C. MINUTES
The Law requires the public body to keep reasonably comprehensible minutes of all its meetings, showing the time and place, the members present, the subjects considered, the actions taken, the votes of each member and any other information required by law to be recorded by
minutes. These minutes are to be made promptly available to the public. In addition, the Law requires that a statement be entered into the minutes at the outset of each meeting indicating (1) that adequate notice has been provided (specifying the time, date, and manner in which the notice was provided), or (2) that adequate notice was not provided and an explanation for the failure of public body to provide adequate notice.
Reader says Have Paul and Al learned nothing from the Valley fiasco?
46 emails and mulitple meetings between only two councilmen, meetings that other council people were not aware of despite asking if anyone was meeting with developers does not sound above board, nor ethical given the scope of zoning changes being asked of the village. Have Paul and Al learned nothing from the Valley fiasco.
And the irony of Gwenn “can’t we all just get along” Hauck, blaming Bernie Walsh for the dysfunction on the Council, while Al didn’t even have the courtesy to stay seated while Bernie spoke, (or tried to speak – as Paul gave the floor to everyone but her), was laughable.
Paul and Al are bullies and appear to be in bed with the developers. And I would strongly recommend that the League of Women Voter’s review the tape – because in my view they are misogynists as well.
Quiet Time at Valley Gives New Moms Privacy for Rest and Bonding with Baby
January 31, 2013
Ridgewood NJ, Excited visitors, squabbling siblings, and photo ops can take their toll on a new mother who is exhausted from giving birth and needs private time to bond with her new baby.
At The Valley Hospital’s Center for Childbirth, the afternoon hours of 1 to 3:30 p.m. have been designed as “Quiet Time,” a period when the lights are dimmed, soft music plays, and new moms and their support persons are encouraged to sleep and bond with their baby with skin-to-skin contact. During Quiet Time visitors and siblings are asked to wait in the waiting rooms, and hospital personnel only enter a mother’s room if she asks for assistance. There is a sleeper chair in each room to allow the father or other support person to rest.
“My husband, Robert, and I loved Quiet Time because it gave us private time to talk, sleep, and get to know our new daughter, Emily,” says Limor Regular, of Wyckoff, who delivered her third daughter at Valley in early January. “I had a lot of visitors and with my two other little girls in the room with us, I wouldn’t have been able to rest without Quiet Time.”
In addition to giving new moms needed rest and privacy with their newborns, Quiet Time also encourages them to room-in as a family, learn their babies’ feeding cues, and prepare for caring for their baby at home. When a family rests during the day in the hospital, they are better equipped to room-in with their baby at night.
“In observing Quiet Time, we are responding to patient satisfaction surveys that told us new mothers felt they did not have adequate rest time after childbirth and were disturbed by hospital interruptions and too many visitors,” says Beth McGovern, MSN, RN-OB, a clinical practice specialist for Valley’s Women’s and Children’s Services. “Now, just before 1 p.m. our nurses and patient care associates go to each room to see if the mothers need anything, and then we tuck them in for a nap. Our whole floor instantly feels calmer. Everyone, even our staff, is noticing the benefits of Quiet Time.”
Quiet Time is also observed in Valley’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, when parents are encouraged to practice “kangaroo care” by placing their babies skin to skin.
Quiet Time is an important component of the hospital’s Patient- and Family-Centered Care model and a step on Valley’s journey to become a designated Baby-Friendly Hospital. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a global initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the goal of which is to achieve optimal infant feeding outcomes, mother-baby bonding, improved health outcomes for mothers and babies, and elevated patient satisfaction.
Valley’s quest to become designated a Baby-Friendly Hospital is a four-phase rigorous endeavor that includes the development of new policies, research, data collection and dissemination, and a site visit. The journey creates an environment that is supportive of best practices in maternity care.
This process fits in with Valley’s holistic approach to childbirth and mission to keep mothers and their babies together as much as possible. In 2011, mother-baby nurses began newborn admitting procedures directly after birth. Such duties as assessing the baby’s health and taking footprints are now accomplished in the room with the mother, instead of whisking the baby away to the nursery for a bath and assessment.
“Research has shown that as newborns transition to life outside the womb they self-regulate their body temperatures better when placed skin to skin to their mothers right away rather than being separated,” says McGovern. “Keeping them with their mothers after birth also enables them to breastfeed successfully for the first time.”
Mrs. Regular says she was pleased with Valley’s approach to promoting a natural birth experience. “I enjoyed keeping Emily with me as much as possible, and giving her special time alone with me and her father before her sisters came to visit,” she says.
The Valley Hospital Center for Childbirth is a component of the hospital’s comprehensive Women’s and Children’s Services, which includes private labor/delivery/recovery suites and private post-partum rooms; the Center for Holistic Birth and hydrotherapy tub; maternal-fetal medicine services; genetic counseling and screening; the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and its Peek-a-Boo ICU™; Birth Doula Program; the Women’s and Children’s Resource Center; the Fertility Center; a host of family education and childbirth preparation classes; and the eLearning Childbirth Education Program. For more information, call 201-447-8403 or visit www.valleyhealth.com/Obstetrics.
Caption: Robert and Limor Regular at home in Wyckoff with baby Emily and daughters Tamara (left) and Maya.
STEARCLEAR OF DUI ON SUPER BOWL SUNDAY IN NY, NJ & PA
Designated Driver Service Available Across Northern and Central NJ, NYC Rockland County, NY and Berks County, PA
WYCKOFF, NJ (Jan. 29, 2013) – STEARCLEAR, the smartphone app designated driver service, will be on high availability come Super Bowl Sunday across multiple counties in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Super Bowl Sunday is one of the worst days of the year for DUI and DUI related crashes and fatalities, and to help keep its customers safe and impaired drivers off the road, STEARCLEAR franchisees will be adding drive teams and expanding on-call hours to meet demand. For Super Bowl Sunday STEARCLEAR’s service will be available to customers in the following areas:
· Bergen County, NJ
· Mercer County, NJ
· Morris County, NJ
· Hunterton County, NJ
· Somerset County, NJ
· New York City – Manhattan
· Rockland County, NY
· Berks County, PA
In recent years Super Bowl Sunday has rivaled other big holidays for drunk driving in the U.S. such as St. Patrick’s Day, the Fourth of July and Halloween. In 2010, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), forty percent (40%) of the fatal crashes on Super Bowl Sunday were related to drunk driving. In that year, alcohol contributed to a fatal accident every 52 seconds.
STEARCLEAR is available on the iPhone and Android platforms and is the first app of its kind that connects customers directly with drive teams that pick them up and get them and their car home safely. STEARCLEAR began operating in NJ earlier last year. The company has more than 3000 customers and has completed more than 400 rides in the last few months.
“Unfortunately, many people opt to drive their car home rather than risk leaving it overnight somewhere after having a drink or two,” said Craig Sher, CEO and Co-Founder of STEARCLEAR. “We saw that it was a big problem and created STEARCLEAR in order to provide a safe, efficient and reliable alternative to driving yourself home after you have had a drink.”
Taking advantage of the service is easy. Just download the STEARCLEAR app for the iPhone or Android, fill out a few details, add a credit card for billing and you are ready to go. Open STEARCLEAR up and it will identify your location so you can call for and confirm a drive team. The team arrives and drives you and your car home. At the end of the ride STEARCLEAR calculates the pickup and mileage fee and allows you to leave a tip and complete the transaction with the drive team.
About STEARCLEAR
STEARCLEAR is a technology company dedicated to providing “last mile” services to consumers and businesses using smartphone applications and sophisticated GPS technology. Its flagship designated driver service provides customers with one-touch access to local driver teams that pick them up and get them and their car home safely and responsibly. The company is currently featured on SeedInvest.com, an equity based crowdfunding platform. STEARCLEAR franchise opportunities are available across North America, EMEA, Australia and South Africa. More information can be found at www.stearclear.com.
Soda, candy out under USDA’s proposed school snack rules
By Elise Viebeck – 02/01/13 01:45 PM ET
The Obama administration proposed regulations Friday that would prohibit U.S. schools from selling unhealthy snacks.
The 160-page regulation from the Department of Agriculture (USDA) would enact nutrition standards for “competitive” foods not included in the official school meal.
In practice, the proposed rules would replace traditional potato chips with baked versions and candy with granola. Regular soda is out, though high-schoolers may have access to diet versions.
“Although nutrition standards for foods sold at school alone may not be a determining factor in children’s overall diets, they are critical to providing children with healthy food options throughout the entire school day,” the proposed rule states.
“Thus, these standards will help to ensure that the school nutrition environment does all that it can to promote healthy choice, and help to prevent diet-related health problems.”
The rules are a product of the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which also overhauled the nutritional make-up of regular school meals. They would apply to any school, public or private, that participates in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program.
Valentines Day Boudoir Photo shoot for that Someone Special
At the Studio or in the Privacy of your own home
So, what is boudoir photography exactly?
Boudoir photography is a sexy new trend that’s especially popular as a wedding day gift from a bride to her groom. Some also create a gift for their boyfriend or just for themselves. Boudoir photos are usually taken wearing either just a little, or well, nothing at all. They’re hardly X-rated though, but rather PG-13 — as in classic pinup-inspired pics, or what the pros call ‘implied nudes.’ That means you’re not wearing anything, but you’re also not showing off anything either (think shot from the back, or lying on your stomach).
When should I schedule the session?
If you’re spending time and money on an exercise and beauty routine, you may want to wait until a week or so before the wedding to show off the results. Plus, a fun and pampering photo shoot is a good way to indulge and take some time out from wedding planning. Though you might be inclined arrange for the session on the morning of your wedding, resist the urge. For one, you’re not likely to feel very sultry if the rain clouds looming over your outdoor ceremony site are the first thing on your mind. Second, do you really want your to-be mother-in-law walking in on you while you’re posing in just your veil? Stick with a separate shoot so you’ll have time to really feel comfortable and get some great shots.
How long does it take?
Though it depends on the package you choose, your boudoir photo session will probably last about two hours. Why so long? It takes time for hair and makeup, plus the additional lighting setup. It may also take you a little while to relax. Most brides aren’t used to lounging around wearing little, if any, clothing in front of the camera, so your first few shots will likely look a bit stiff.
Where should I have it done?
In my studio in Old City Philadelphia or a posh hotel room. Your own home or a borrowed home is another option. The main key is to get a number of different backgrounds for poses are important, and they’ll also need lots of natural light.
What should I wear?
The most important thing — choose outfits that make you feel sexy. A good rule of thumb: Bring something white, something black, and something in a bright color so you can mix and match. A corset will create sexy curves. In addition to lingerie, don’t forget shoes, jewelry, and that engagement ring.
Should I bring anyone along?
Though you don’t want to turn your shoot into a three-ring circus, it’s a good idea to bring a friend. Why? You’ll feel more at ease if you can make a few jokes with a pal, plus she may be able to help with suggestions. Another idea: Bring a bottle of bubbly. A little champagne may help loosen things up. You’ll be posing like a pro in no time — but of course, this is a one-time-only exclusive for a very special audience (your very lucky groom).
ArtChick
Church Street Studios
122 Church Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
United States
Daytime phone 215-650-7052
“Kristine DiGrigoli” [email protected]
Art exhibit in Ridgewood features the Jersey Shore
Friday, February 1, 2013
BY EILEEN LA FORGIA
STAFF WRITER
The Ridgewood News
Greg Bennett has spent his life in Cape May County – growing up in Bridgeton and now living and painting in his beach block home and studio in Strathmere. His oil paintings on exhibit at the Cottage Place Gallery capture the beauty of the New Jersey coast as only a native can. Bennett paints the bay and marshes of his small tight-knit barrier island community.
Bennett calls his most visited subjects the seascapes and landscapes that surround him. His work is greatly influenced by his environment. “I’m a perfectionist,” he said. “I like the winter palette because of the variations in the many grays in the landscape.”
“Winter Evening at the Point” shows St. Mary’s Retreat at Cape May Point on the bay where it meets the Atlantic; “Huddled” is a painting of backyard chairs which the artist felt were huddling to keep warm. Smaller oil paintings in the winter theme include: “Storm’s End,” “Inverted Boat in Winter,” “Changing Over to Rain” and “Winter Sunset.”
Anti-Bullying Report Recommends Greater Autonomy for School Officials
A task force charged with looking at the benefits and challenges of New Jersey’s new anti-bullying law has published its first report, recommending that schools be allowed more discretion in identifying and investigating possible acts of bullying.
The unit was formed last spring on the heels of the 2011 passage of the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights (ABR), which imposed tough new requirements on schools to not just act on accusations of bullying but to resolve the issue within a set timeframe. (Mooney/NJSpotlight)
The Old Ken Smith Property one of the key CBD properties involved in the “Sunshine law” dispute
Readers, Council Meeting Raised More Questions about Meeting between Developers and selected Council members
I just watched the meeting. The public needs to see the emails in question. How many meetings did Albert Pucciarelli and Paul Aronsohn have with terminal construction, what did they promise terminal? Looks bad. Maybe cause for an official investigation.
The behavior of Mayor Paul Aronsohn and Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarelli is an embarrassment for all the town. They were rude and unprofessional in their discussion with Councilwoman Walsh. I was proud to see that Mrs. Walsh maintained a calm, professional manner. Despite their repeated attacks, she never lost her cool. Thanks Bernie.
Its no secret that Deputy Mayor Albert Pucciarell has had it in for Walsh ever since she did not support him for Planning Board President. His ego could not except that and has said as much. No doubt thats why he ran for council to get even.
Last night was Ms. Walsh’s finest hour. It was Mr. Pucciarelli’s and Mr. Aronsohn’s worst performances ever. They were an embarrassment to all of us. Imagine such unprofessional, name-calling behavior from our elected official. At least Ms. Walsh is a shining example of how to lead. She is a class act.
Paul Aronsohn could not control the meeting because he is probable just involved as BIG AL. He did not have his consultants there to help him. Typical of his style of politics he went on the attack Walsh intimating that she tried to fix a ticket and when she had the answer for that he brought in the old standby Gabbert’s raise. How many time are we going to hear that line?
I’ve posted this before: if I’m a 20 something IB analyst at Citi working all hours, I am not going to commute to Ridgewood.
Reason #1: NJ Transit thinks that everyone works Fred Flintstone hours and has scheduled their express trains to Ridgewood (even before Sandy) accordingly.
Reason #2: The Office, Park West and Mac Murpheys are terrible places to try to get laid.
Reason #3: Ridgewood cops don’t tolerate the kind of stuff NYC and Hoboken cops will tolerate.
It doesn’t add up. Maybe it would be a great place for divorced Dads who want to stay close to their kids in town, kind of like the place where Millhouse’s Dad had to live in the Simpsons.
The Hermitage, a National Historic Landmark and house museum
Special Exhibit: Valentines and Victorians
January 25-February 28, 2013
In 1847, Esther Howland of Worchester, Massachusetts, designed the first American handmade Valentine. Coincidently, the first U.S. postage stamp was issued on July 1, 1847—perfect timing to mail Valentine’s Day cards!
Also in 1847, Elijah Rosencrantz hired the architect William Ranlett to renovate his 1760s farmhouse as a prestigious family home. Today, the romantic Gothic Revival-style Hermitage is a National Historic Landmark and a historic house museum that showcases the Victorian era of the mid-to-late nineteenth century. Rose-motif wallpaper gives a romantic feeling to the front parlor of The Hermitage, a room where the Rosencrantz family entertained during the nineteenth century. Hand-painted vases and vintage Valentines—and of course, red roses—adorn several of the rooms to celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Hermitage. Valentines exchanged by members of the Rosencranz family from the Hermitage Archives are also on display.
The Hermitage will celebrate Valentine’s Day from January 25 through February 28, 2013. The museum is open for guided tours Wednesdays through Sundays. Tours begin at 1:15, 2:15, and 3:15 pm. Please call ahead to be sure a volunteer docent is scheduled to conduct tours and to check for closings in case of inclement weather.
335 North Franklin Turnpike, Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ 07423-1035 • Telephone: (201) 445-8311 • E-mail: [email protected]
Laptops, smartphones, iPads, minis. Gone are the days of black and white composition notebooks and three-ring binders
The Ridgewood News Superintendent’s Corner January 2013 by Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D. BYO…Device!
The following column appeared in The Ridgewood News on January 25, 2013.
Laptops, smartphones, iPads, minis. Gone are the days of black and white composition notebooks and three-ring binders. Say hello to a new world where kids routinely read, write and do arithmetic with the aid of their computers both at home and at school, where on any given day talk about the galaxy in science class might refer as much to a new electronic device as to the stars.
A survey last fall revealed that nearly 99 percent of our high school students and almost 97 percent of our middle school students use a home computer for school projects or homework. The survey also showed that nearly 54 percent of our high school students and almost 44 percent of our middle school students routinely bring a smartphone or other Personal Electronic Device (PED) to school. To address this new reality, that our children are permitted to be plugged in at home but were unplugged at school, late last fall the administration asked the Board of Education to approve a policy making the district’s wireless Internet access available to students when in our buildings. This policy, dubbed BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), enables students to now use their PEDs as accessory tools in their academic studies. BYOD was implemented at our high school in November and will soon be introduced at the middle schools.
With BYOD, kids used to having the electronic world at their fingertips for research and report-writing at home now can have it available to them at school, too, and not just in the computer lab. BYOD turns the whole school building into an all-learning environment, allowing students to do online research, reading, writing, and even getting a jump start on homework virtually anywhere — while eating lunch in the cafeteria, for example, or during a free period or study hall.
Understandably, there have been some questions about BYOD. The following points attempt to clarify concerns and answer questions.
How does BYOD work? BYOD allows students to access the district’s wireless Internet guest network, so that they can use their PEDs throughout the school building as accessory tools for note-taking, report-writing or Internet research. In the future, teachers will have the potential
to develop lesson plans incorporating the further use of technology in their classes.
Does BYOD become a disruption in the classroom? Teachers are responsible for supervising and monitoring the use of PEDs in the classroom. They reserve the right to have students shut down or close their devices for any reason at any time.
Who’s monitoring the kids on the Internet? Student Internet access is fully monitored by the district’s filtering software so that only approved sites can be entered. Students are only permitted on the guest network, so that social media sites are not accessible, nor are school systems and records. Students are also subject to the district’s pre-existing acceptable use policy governing the use of district technology. If a parent or guardian has not approved the annual consent to this policy, the child is not permitted to use the district’s Internet access.
Are students at a disadvantage if they don’t own a PED or bring one to school? There is no impact on students who choose not to participate. If a teacher requires the Internet for any assignment, the school and public library computers are available to students who do not have
a computer or Internet access.
Won’t BYOD lead to numerous lost or stolen devices? The BYOD policy was developed with the knowledge that the majority of middle school and high school students routinely bring cellphones and other handheld “smart” devices to school. While that number may increase
because of the new BYOD policy, any additional risk factor is most likely minimal, if any.
Does the district recommend a specific PED brand? The district does not require that students own a PED, nor does it make any recommendations. Any electronic device with Internet access capability can be used. In the future, the district plans to set up a virtual desktop environment, which will provide students and staff the capability of remotely accessing their personalized district desktops on demand. Their icons, folders, toolbars, even their wallpapers will be available to them from any place at any time. Virtual desktops will help students more efficiently manage their work between home and school. This enhancement will also help reduce the support and provisioning costs of maintaining the district’s computer equipment, as
well as extending the useful life of the equipment.
Will the BYOD policy lead to the phase-out of printed textbooks? The BYOD policy opens up the Internet so students may download readings or assignments. It does not replace textbooks but it does position the district to respond to the future of the textbook publishing industry, which will be largely electronic.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any further questions or concerns. Daniel Fishbein. Ed.D., is Superintendent of the Ridgewood Public Schools. Dr. Fishbein can be reached at 201-670-2700, ext. 10530, or via e-mail at [email protected]. For more information on the Ridgewood Public Schools visit the district website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RidgewoodPublicSchools.
Editors : the Record put together some lower-cost alternatives to alleviate area flooding , focusing a many new technologies and some old fashion common sense ideas , oddly omitting any discussion about all the run off from turf fields
Could low-cost options reduce flooding from Passaic, Hackensack rivers?
Sunday January 27, 2013, 11:20 PM
BY JAMES M. O’NEILL
STAFF WRITER
The Record
In the decades-old debate over how to reduce chronic flooding along the Passaic and Hackensack rivers, proposals have often involved huge, expensive infrastructure projects, such as a larger sewers or a $2.7 billion tunnel to carry the water out to sea. Now, there is a growing push for radically different, lower-cost alternatives — planting gardens on rooftops, installing grassy swales or depressions in highway medians and parking lots, adding rain gardens on front lawns and attaching rain barrels to residential gutters.
These varying strategies, collectively called green infrastructure, are all designed to do the same thing — capture rainwater before it ever reaches the storm drains, reducing the risk of flooding.
While many environmental initiatives are inherently controversial because they look to prohibit development or limit growth, there are generally few vocal opponents of green infrastructure. The principal obstacle remains the upfront cost to individual homeowners or developers who might consider embracing the strategy.
Proponents say those costs often cause people to overlook real long-term savings, since green roofs can better insulate a building, making it more energy-efficient, and the captured water can be used to irrigate lawns and run toilets, cutting operational costs. Green infrastructure can also increase property values and lower the huge costs many communities face to upgrade or replace aging sewer and water infrastructure.
