Tag: Ridgewood Schools

Posted on by — Leave a comment

The Perfect Storm – Battling the Prescription Drug and Heroin Epidemic

Bayer_Heroin_bottle

The Perfect Storm – Battling the Prescription Drug and Heroin Epidemic
Presented by Ridgewood Public Schools

State of New Jersey Drug Initiative Coordinator Douglas Collier will address district parents and guardians next week on the growing problem of prescription drug abuse and heroin addiction among school-age children. The program, “The Perfect Storm: Battling the Prescription Drug and Heroin Epidemic,” will be presented on Tuesday, November 18 at Benjamin Franklin Middle School auditorium, 335 N. Van Dien Avenue, Ridgewood, from 7-9 p.m.

The program, which will include practical prevention strategies and resources, is free and open to the adult public. Mr. Collier works in the state’s Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Criminal Justice. He retired as a Special Agent in the Drug Enforcement Administration, Mr. Collier’s presentation is part of the 2014-2015 Curriculum Outreach Program for parents and guardians, developed by the Department of Curriculum,

Instruction and Assessment. The series consists of individual evening presentations throughout the school year, focusing on current topics in education. 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].

Hotwire US

Posted on by — 8 Comments

Reader says How about we get someone other than a builder, developer or spokesperson for the developer to write letters

Clock_Ridgewood_theridgewopodblog.net_-16

Reader says How about we get someone other than a builder, developer or spokesperson for the developer to write letters

How about we get someone other than a builder, developer or spokesperson for the developer to write letters. Then I might take you half seriously.

Would the author of this piece be the same Louis J Reynolds that owns LJ Reynolds construction in Ridgewood? The website mentions they are multi family property pros. If so, no conflict of interest here folks, move along, nothing to see.

https://ljreynolds.com/

WOW! You really can’t make this stuff up. Damn Hudson County contractor (specializing in multi-family conversions) newbie living in the Heights. Those of us who have been around a while and have put kids through RHS can tell you, with certainty, that many families move into rental units in Ridgewood for a limited duration just to have their kids go through RHS. My kids friends live in a one bedroom with two parents and a sibling. How? Two kids kids share the bedroom and mom/dad sleep on the pull-out couch, that’s how. And then they move on after 4 years or so.

Mr Reynolds, why did you move to Ridgewood instead of Hoboken? Did you like our low density feel, our good schools, etc? I didn’t move here for the urban vibe.

Esurance

Posted on by — 18 Comments

Pros of multifamily housing outweigh cons

unnamed-24

Pros of multifamily housing outweigh cons

NOVEMBER 14, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Downtown housing: pros outweigh cons

To the Editor:

Like many other passionate residents of Ridgewood, I’ve been closely following the discussions around the proposals for new multifamily housing in downtown and I believe the benefits will outweigh any negative impacts.

While I wouldn’t live anywhere else, I have the uneasy feeling that Ridgewood is kind of idling. The vacant storefronts, the empty car dealership lots, give me, and others, a sense that Ridgewood is stuck, with no plan for the future.

So along comes a group of developers with proposals to do something – and it’s up to all of us to figure out if it’s a good idea, given any number of inevitable alternatives. I think it is.

As we and our neighbors age, new downtown housing will give all of us the opportunity to downsize one day into a modern apartment without having to leave the town we love. And who knows – maybe our young adult kids will move back into town with other young professionals, who aren’t ready to buy a house yet and want an easy commute.

Stores and restaurants will also benefit by having patrons not just on the busy weekends, but on the off-days too – shopping and dining without the need for a car.

But most importantly, I’ve learned our schools would see minimal impact. According to the Board of Education, 277 non-garden style apartments in town yield a mere 17 public school children.

The use of non-garden apartment data is the most accurate predictive measure of school age children in this case, since the proposals fit this category of housing. And besides, how many families with kids would rent a luxury apartment when they can already rent a house in town with a backyard for the same price?

The schools superintendent also says that some schools do have capacity, such as Orchard, which would be fed by The Dayton, for instance. Using the data above, The Dayton would yield very few children, certainly at a level that could be absorbed across K-12th grade classrooms.

So when looking at the full picture, I believe the Planning Board and Village Council must act to bring some degree of new housing, and progress, to Ridgewood.

Louis J. Reynolds

Ridgewood

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-pros-of-multifamily-housing-outweigh-cons-1.1133324

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Ridgewood Gymnastics earns first state-finals bid since 2011

imgres-3

Ridgewood Gymnastics earns first state-finals bid since 2011

NOVEMBER 14, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014, 12:31 AM
BY GREG TARTAGLIA
SPORTS EDITOR |
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

Ridgewood High School advanced to the NJSIAA team gymnastics finals for the first time since 2011 by scoring 108.325 at the North 1 sectional meet last Saturday at RHS.

The Maroons placed runner-up to Ramapo (110.425) for the fourth year in a row but had one of the five best scores in the state besides the five section champions. That earned them a spot in Thursday’s team finals at Montgomery.

Two Ridgewood girls also qualified for Saturday’s state individual tournament in Montgomery, which begins at 11 a.m.

Yurina Harada collected bronze medals in the North 1 all-around (37.275), uneven bars (9.25), balance beam (9.35) and floor (9.325) competitions and placed fourth on vault (9.35). The senior heads to Somerset County seeking to defend the 2013 state floor title that she shared with Julianna Drapkin, who transferred from Bishop Ahr to Holmdel this year.

Maroon sophomore Mika Tamura earned her first trip to the state finals by scoring a fifth-place 36 in the sectional all-around. She was fourth on floor with a season-high 9.3 and tied for seventh on beam with a 9.1.

https://www.northjersey.com/sports/high-school-sports/girls-gymnastics/maroons-earn-1st-state-bid-since-2011-1.1133385

Posted on by — Leave a comment

RIDGEWOOD BOE MEETS ON NOVEMBER 17

images-1

RIDGEWOOD BOE MEETS ON NOVEMBER 17

The next Regular Public Meeting of the Ridgewood Board of Education will be held on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. 
 
The public is invited to attend the meeting at the Ed Center, 49 Cottage Place, Floor 3. The meeting will be aired live on FiOS channel 33 and Optimum channel 77. Or it may be viewed live via the district website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us using the “Link in Live” tab.

Click here to view the agenda and addendum for the October 20, 2014 Regular Public Meeting.

Click here to view the webcast of the October 20, 2014 Regular Public Meeting.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

RHS Senior Earns Bergen County Award

Matt Mandeli Honor 11_14

Photo: RHS principal Dr. Thomas Gorman, teachers Nancy Reilly and Lynne Feeney, and Ridgewood Paul Aronsohn, congratulate Matt Mandeli at the Bergen County Salute to Champions Breakfast.

RHS Senior Earns Bergen County Award
 
Ridgewood NJ, RHS senior Matt Mandeli was honored in October at the Bergen County Salute to Champions Breakfast, for his work over the years with disabled students and adults. Matt has run events such as the annual Club LOU, a night of dancing and fun for the disabled members of the community. He is also a co-president of Project Interact at RHS, a club dedicated to helping the less fortunate. Mandeli was nominated for the award by Ridgewood’s mayor, Paul Aronsohn.

Posted on by — 1 Comment

High School Female Athlete of the Week: Sam Halvorsen of Ridgewood

CCHomejpg

RHS Ladies cross-country

High School Female Athlete of the Week: Sam Halvorsen of Ridgewood

NOVEMBER 11, 2014    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014, 1:21 AM
BY CHUCK O’DONNELL
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

Sam Halvorsen’s transformation from middle school soccer player to high school cross-country standout has sometimes been as bumpy and winding as the North Jersey courses she traverses.

On the days when the path seems fraught with obstacles, the Ridgewood junior knows she can turn to Carleen Jeffers, her teammate, friend, neighbor, training partner and carpool-to-school buddy.

“It definitely helps because I know if I’m not having a great day, she’s always there to help pull me along,” said Halvorsen, The Record Female Athlete of the Week. “She always pushes me to be a better runner.

“When I first started running, I wasn’t that good at pacing. So she was always helping me figure out where I should peak during the race.”

Jeffers was the one who suggested they surge to the front at the one-mile mark of the North 1, Group 4 championships Saturday. Halvorsen said they passed a pack of three or four runners and never looked back. Halvorsen finished first in 18:52. Jeffers was second, just four seconds behind. “For this race,” Halvorsen said, “I felt really confident because I knew she had my back. I knew she would have my back if I tripped or something. It’s always reassuring to have her there.”

Halvorsen played soccer for years while growing up, but decided to give running a try when she got to high school. She said she was inspired by her cousin, Rodolfo Crispin, who went on to compete at the University of New Hampshire after an accomplished career at Ridgewood.

Powerful strides notwithstanding, it seems competitiveness runs in the family. When the Halvorsens go skiing on weekends for what is supposed to be a relaxing winter retreat, Sam just can’t take it slow.

https://www.northjersey.com/sports/high-school-sports/athlete-of-the-week/h-s-female-athlete-of-the-week-sam-halvorsen-of-ridgewood-1.1130697

Posted on by — 3 Comments

RHS Marching Band Steps to Success

RHS_Band_theridgewoodblog.net_

file photo

RHS Marching Band Steps to Success

The RHS Marching Band just finished their competitive season in Allentown, PA at US Bands National Championships, where they came in second place out of 17 competing teams.

The RHS Marching Band earned a score of 96.050 in Group IVA competition and was also awarded ”The Cadets Award of Excellence” in recognition of the band’s achievement in Creativity, Performance and Overall Effect.

The band has had a very successful competitive season this year, placing first in September at Pequannock High School, winning the award for Best Music, and placing first at JP Stevens High School, sweeping the caption awards for Best Music, Best Visual and Best Overall effect.

They also placed first at Jackson Memorial’s “Showcase of Champions” in October. The band won the caption awards for Best Music and Best Overall Effect, as well as the Esprit de Corps award. Also in October, the band performed at Rutgers University for US Bands NJ State Championships, placing third out of 13 bands, and winning the caption award for Best Visual.

The RHS Marching Band also took third place out of 13 bands the US Bands Yamaha Cup, held at MetLife Stadium in November. The band scored a 91.413 and won the caption award for Best Color Guard with a score of 398/400.

The band, under the direction of John Luckenbill, still has a few performances left. Their remaining performance schedule is below:

Monday, November 24 – Legends Classic Band at the Barclay’s Center

Tuesday, Nov. 25 – Legends Classic Band at the Barclay’s Center

Friday, December 5 – Downtown for the Holidays Performance

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Student photos of skimpy Michelle O lunches raise ire of parents

Haskell-skimpy-lunch

Student photos of skimpy Michelle O lunches raise ire of parents

November 10, 2014

KYLE OLSON

Kyle founded Education Action Group in 2007.
Find Kyle on Twitter.

Archive »

HASKELL, Okla. – A chicken patty, small scoop of mashed potatoes and carton of milk aren’t enough to sustain a high school boy.

But under the school lunch regulations championed by First Lady Michelle Obama, that’s what Haskell High School served recently.

Haskell High School senior Darrel Bunch took a photo of one of his recent skimpy school lunches and sent it to Fox 23.

“It’s mostly the portions,” Bunch says. “Last year we started getting less food.”

“Last year, my boys started calling me, ‘Can you please bring me something to eat?’ ‘We’re still hungry,’ or, ‘This is gross,” the student’s mother, Cheryl Bunch tells the news station.

Another photo taken by a different student showed a single cheese-filled bread stick with marinara sauce.

“When they serve a bread stick and marinara, it’s like, ‘Here, I’ve given up on trying to find you something nutritious and healthy,’” Cheryl Bunch says.

The school refused to allow the news station to show that day’s lunch servings. They wouldn’t even speak on camera.

https://eagnews.org/student-photos-of-skimpy-school-lunches-cause-concern-among-parents/

Posted on by — 2 Comments

Former Rep. Marge Roukema dies at 85

imgres-2

Former Rep. Marge Roukema dies at 85

NOVEMBER 12, 2014, 11:26 AM    LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014, 11:48 AM
BY HERB JACKSON AND JAY LEVIN
STAFF WRITERS |
THE RECORD

Former Rep. Marge Roukema, who was the longest-serving woman in Congress when she announced her retirement in 2002 after 11 terms, died at Christian Health Care Center in Wyckoff. She was 85.

The cause of death was not immediately available, but Roukema had Alzheimer’s disease.

A moderate Republican whose independent streak occasionally riled the more conservative members of her party, Roukema was the sponsor and leading advocate in the House for requiring employers to provide 12 weeks of unpaid family leave for employees. The bill was vetoed twice by President George H.W. Bush before it was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.

She also sponsored a law making it a federal crime to not pay child support, and was a leading advocate for Bush’s elementary and secondary school reform, though she was instrumental in deleting provisions for vouchers to private and parochial schools.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/former-rep-marge-roukema-dies-at-85-1.1131845

Posted on by — 24 Comments

Drug sweep at Ridgewood High School

DSCF9229

Drug sweep at Ridgewood High School
November  12,2014
Boyd A. Loving
9:28 AM 

Ridgewood NJ, A unannounced drug sweep of Ridgewood High School was conducted on Wednesday, 11/12.  Ridgewood PD uniformed and plain clothes officers along with members of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit were observed entering the East Ridgewood Avenue side of the High School building shortly before 0900 hours.

DSCF9222

DSCF9225

DSCF9209

DSCF9231

DSCF9211

Photo credit:  Boyd A. Loving

Give thanks, send smiles! Save up to 30% on your Thanksgiving Flowers & Gifts purchase at 1800flowers.com. (Offer Ends 11/27/2014)show?id=mjvuF8ceKoQ&bids=216823

Posted on by — 4 Comments

Got Freedom? Thank a Veteran

VetsDay2011V_theridgewood+blog.net_

Got Freedom? Thank a Veteran
NJ Tea Party Coalition

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations came into effect. On November 11, 1919, Armistice Day was commemorated for the first time.

In 1919, President Wilson proclaimed the day should be “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory”. There were plans for parades, public meetings and a brief suspension of business activities at 11am.

In 1926, the United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I and declared that the anniversary of the armistice should be commemorated with prayer and thanksgiving. The Congress also requested that the president should “issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.”

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) was approved on May 13, 1938, which made November 11 in each year a legal holiday, known as Armistice Day. This day was originally intended to honor veterans of World War I.

 A few years later, World War II required the largest mobilization of service men in the history of the United States and the American forces fought in Korea. In 1954, the veterans service organizations urged Congress to change the word “Armistice” to “Veterans”.

Congress approved this change and on June 1, 1954,

November 11 became a day to honor all American veterans, where ever and whenever they had served.

The following is a list of Veterans Day discounts on restaurants, goods, services and events for 2014.

https://www.military.com/veterans-day/veterans-day-military-discounts.html

Eight Ways to Express Appreciation on Veterans Day:

https://www.military.com/veterans-day/8-ways-to-express-appreciation-on-veterans-day.html?comp=7000023121580&rank=3

Posted on by — 25 Comments

“I can assure you that this Council takes safety very seriously . . . “*

do_not_enter_theridgewoodblog.net

file photo Boyd Loving

“I can assure you that this Council takes safety very seriously . . . “*

November 10,2014

Ridgewood NJ, Well why then Mr. Mayor would you and your fellow Council members vote to approve a plan to resurface Clinton Avenue that would require children to continue walking to and from the Ridge Elementary School in the middle of a street blocked only by two (2) portable “Do Not Enter” signs?

*Above quote by Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 in response to a resident expressing disappointment with the Village Council’s decision to resurface Clinton Avenue without constructing sidewalks.

do_not_enter2_theridgewoodblog.net

do_not_enter3_theridgewoodblog.net

file photos Boyd Loving

Posted on by — 17 Comments

Ridgewood street needs sidewalks

unnamed-4

photo by Boyd Loving

Ridgewood street needs sidewalks
Boyd A. Loving

Clinton Avenue in Ridgewood connects West Ridgewood and Godwin avenues near Ridge Elementary School. There are no sidewalks along Clinton; children walking to and from school must walk in the street. Because of that, the street is closed to vehicular traffic between 8 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. on school days.Clinton Avenue is scheduled to be resurfaced within the coming months. In conjunction with that project, police and the municipal engineer are recommending that sidewalks be installed on both sides of the street.Despite this recommendation, the Ridgewood Village Council has not authorized the installation of sidewalks on Clinton Avenue. Reportedly, this decision was reached after consultation with the 16 Clinton Avenue property owners, none of whom want sidewalks. No explanation was publicly offered as to why property owners feel that way.So, Clinton will remain closed to traffic before, during and after school hours when school is in session, and dozens of children will continue walking in the middle of that street.

As evidenced by the recent tragic incident in nearby Hawthorne (where an individual allegedly driving under the influence of an inhalant struck and killed an adult pedestrian walking on a street that was officially closed to traffic), a driver could disregard posted “Do Not Enter” signs and barrel down Clinton Avenue at the wrong time.

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/the-record-letters-sunday-nov-9-1.1129792?page=5

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Who should decide our children’s education

imgres-17

Who should decide our children’s education

NOVEMBER 7, 2014    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2014, 12:31 AM
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
Print

Who should decide education?
David and Terry Anzano

To the Editor:

Public education was intended to be locally controlled by parents and taxpayers. Ridgewood is arguably one of the best local, fully-funded districts in the state with some of the finest teachers and administrators working in our classrooms. For example, the wonderful music program showcases one of many areas of Ridgewood’s “Tradition of Excellence.”

We have become increasingly concerned that parental control is being replaced by mandated state and federal requirements which are tied to Stabilization Aid, waivers from No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top money. This funding dictates high-stakes testing, nationalized copy written standards, state longitudinal data systems and teacher evaluations.

So who decides what is best for our students? Is it the parents working with our teachers and administrators setting an educational path best for the individual learner? Or is it the state’s “one size fits all” approach? What role does our superintendent and Board of Education serve in securing our right to control our local education? Indeed our superintendent has stated that he is an agent of the state carrying out mandated directives from Trenton and Washington, D.C.

https://www.northjersey.com/opinion/opinion-letters-to-the-editor/letter-who-should-decide-our-children-s-education-1.1128795