New Jersey parents joining nationwide boycott of state standardized tests
Thursday April 4, 2013, 12:13 AM
BY LESLIE BRODY
STAFF WRITER
The Record
A handful of New Jersey families will join an increasingly vocal national group boycotting state standardized tests this |spring, in the belief that they hinder true learning, fail to measure students’ skills, waste time and squander money.
This fledgling revolt comes at a time when education officials in New Jersey and elsewhere are relying more heavily on test scores to evaluate teachers, principals and schools, with the strong backing of President Obama and the vehement opposition of powerful teachers unions.
Jean McTavish, a Ridgewood mother and principal of an alternative high school in New York, said her 10-year-old son, Zak, used to stress out simply seeing the owl in the logo of the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge test, or NJ ASK. Zak and his 13-year-old brother, Ian, won’t be taking the tests this May.
Reader says , The truth behind Valley’s fantasy is the massive structure is simply already too big to expand any further
I am glad the Bergen article used the correct measure — the Hospital is going to severely expand, not reduce. Valley tried to get through the night talking about “reductions” in its expansion plans. The truth behind Valley’s fantasy is the massive structure is simply already too big to expand any further, and certainly not on the obese scale presented at last night’s meeting.
From what Valley said last night: The buildings and parking garage will be expanded with a 90% increase in density to what is there now, nearly double the current size. Maximum height will go up to almost 100 feet, further dwarfing surrounding properties. The plan still calls for the same number of parking spaces (2000) so it seems school children and other pedestrians will still face the same amount of increased traffic, despite the claim that certain operations will be conducted elsewhere. There will still be massive excavations impacting our underground water streams, requiring the destruction of bedrock and requiring hundreds of thousands of trips through town by dump trucks carrying off debris. Linwood avenue will be expanded in order to allow for the increased traffic and construction vehicles. (Does this mean the taking of private property from Linwood homeowners?) Today’s technology, we are told, requires larger, single occupancy rooms, yet we are not assured tomorrow’s technology and profit seeking won’t mean large singles are turned into double or triples (and maybe that’s the real reason for the increased number of parking spots.) The loading zone for trucks, with their noise, exhaust, etc., are all being moved down next to BF middle school and the playing fields.
All in all, Valley made it clear that to remain on par with other regional hospitals serving the NorthEast, it needed to expand even if the expansion did not otherwise fit within its space or the neighborhood. Once again, we are being asked to sacrifice our the Village so Valley can remain economically profitable with other major hospitals.
The Mayor asked a very interesting question: last time a prime justification for doubling the Hospital’s size was that overnight hospital beds were needed because of the shrinking number of hospitals. Why then, the Mayor asked, does Valley need the same number of beds as identified in the last expansion plans when Pascack Valley has re-opened down the road. Valley’s answer this time was that it wanted what it wanted. A particularly galling response when one considers Valley uses its financial might (relying on Ridgewood resident donations and funding of Valley’s tax-free status) to fund litigation opposing entities like Pascack Valley from administering to the sick.
I thought one of the most interesting points was not articulated well enough and Valley skirted away from it. Their opening presentation noted that other options, such as moving the entire baby birthing and care operations to another location, was not “feasible.” Valley later explained it was too costly, but it absolutely refused to provide any support for this saying the issue was “private.” In other words, Valley is asking the Village to change its way of public life, while saying the reasons are “private.” Hopefully the Planning Board will see through Valley’s thinly veiled reasons for wanting to expand. I would like to see the Board return to that at the next meeting, and if Valley won’t justify or explain this as one of the reasons for expanding, then the Board should refuse to consider the unavailability of other locations as a reason for expansion.
All in all, a good night for Ridgewood residents who respectfully presented question after question to Valley’s hired guns who sounded absolutely charming, but by the end of the night revealed that, as with the past plan, “these are the things that Valley wants” and that, in and of itself, is the reason the Village should cave and give it to them.
VOTE NO TO THE SCHOOL BUDGET. Ask your neighbors to do the same, ignoring the fact that the two people running for the school board are incumbents.
Then watch the council let the budget go through anyway, as happened last time it was voted down. There is little down side .Still a good thing to do. Schools have been bludgeoning parents and kids for years about this. They need to shut it down.
Any Ridgewood resident who is a registered voter may cast a ballot in the Annual School Election on April 16.
Any registered voter may cast a mail-in ballot. Mail-in ballots must be completed and returned to the County Clerk by the close of polls on Tuesday, April 16.
Sponsored by Ridgewood Recreation and the NJ Governor’s Council
on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
Village teens have the opportunity to come together as both George Washington and Ben Franklin Middle Schools join to form a “mixer”. Each evening offers students a chance to get acquainted with future classmates while enjoying music and dancing with DJ Sound Illusion, refreshments, fun and games.
6th Grade – Friday, April 12th, 7:30 to 9:30 pm
7th/8th Grades – Friday, April 19th, 7:30 to 9:30 pm
(Ridgewood teens only)
The Anne Zusy Youth Center, 131 N. Maple Avenue
(NOTE: all parents must drop off and pick up youth in the rear lot
of Village Hall at the Community Center entrance.)
A donation of $8 will be requested at the door. All donations will benefit the Community Center.
Adult chaperones are always needed. Please contact the Recreation Office at 201-670-5560 if you are able to volunteer.
Editors note : the Record always omits the fact that the only one making out from an increased gas tax are unions . An increase in gas taxes is a direct payoff to unions looking to get reelected .Years of mismanagement of the High Way trust fund is not even acknowledged . The fact is the state does a terrible jobs allocating resources and spending money . residents have already payed for good roads and bridges , yet politicians since Jim Mac greevey have failed to deliver .In our town look at all the waste , a $9 million Village Hall renovation that was nothing less than a total fiasco as well as many $400,000 golden toilet projects ,it is a wonder anything get done …
Analysis: N.J. gas tax still taboo
Friday March 29, 2013, 11:14 PM
BY JOHN REITMEYER AND KAREN RO– USE
STAFF WRITERS
The Record
New Jersey commuters should get used to idling in traffic, making sudden detours when a bridge fails an inspection and standing on overcrowded railcars.
That’s because the $1 billion state fund that pays for transportation upgrades is tapped out, able to pay only the debt it has accrued over the past decade and leaving a transportation system ranked among the worst in the country with little money for repairs and improvement. And there is no political will in Trenton, by Republicans or Democrats, to increase New Jersey’s 10.5-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax, which provides the main cash for the state Transportation Trust Fund.
With Governor Christie seeking a second term this year, and gearing up for a possible presidential run in 2016, he is unlikely to push to raise the gas tax. In fact, he’s repeatedly dismissed talk of increasing the tax, even when asked in the wake of superstorm Sandy if it could be a tool to help fund the state’s recovery.
And Democrats, who control the Legislature and have been critical of how Christie has handled transportation spending, have not put forward a plan to fix the state’s transportation problems. They too lack the political courage to push a tax hike, especially with all 120 seats in the Legislature on the November ballot this year.
Filling your gas tank may not hurt as much for the rest of the year.
After surging nearly 60 cents from late December to a $3.79 peak Feb. 27, prices have fallen for 25 of the past 29 days. Nationally, regular-grade gas now averages $3.65 a gallon — about 26 cents below year-ago levels. USA Today
Amanda Knox “anxious” as Italy’s high court weighs her acquittal of roommate murder
By Associated Press, Updated: Monday, March 25, 7:16 AM
ROME — Amanda Knox was “very anxious” as Italy’s top criminal court heard arguments Monday from prosecutors appealing her acquittal in the murder of her roommate, her lawyer said.
“She’s carefully paying attention to what will come out,” attorney Luciano Ghirga said as he arrived at Italy’s Court of Cassation. “This is a fundamental stage. The trial is very complex.”
Prosecutors are asking the high court to throw out the acquittals of American Knox and her Italian ex-boyfriend in the murder of 21-year-old British student Meredith Kercher, and order a new trial.
WINTER STORM TO IMPACT THE TRI-STATE TODAY AND TONIGHT...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT
TONIGHT...
* LOCATIONS...NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY...NEW YORK CITY...AND LONG
ISLAND.
* HAZARD TYPES...WET SNOW.
* ACCUMULATIONS...SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 2 TO 3 INCHES WITH
ISOLATED AREAS UP TO 4 INCHES.
* WINDS...NORTHEAST 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH.
* TEMPERATURES...AROUND 40.
* VISIBILITIES...LESS THAN 1 MILE AT TIMES.
* TIMING...LIGHT SNOW IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP THIS MORNING...AND
CONTINUE INTO TONIGHT.
* IMPACTS...ANY ACCUMULATING WET SNOW ON UNTREATED SURFACES WILL
RESULT IN DIFFICULT AND SLIPPERY DRIVING CONDITIONS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW...SLEET...OR
FREEZING RAIN WILL CA-- USE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND -- USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.
The information in this section is a working document of Village Finance and Village Manager’s Office.
The Village Council approves the 2013 budget, after a thorough process of which these documents are the current discussion following department requests and CFO/Manager negotiations with the department.
Included in this folder are:
1.) 2012 Budget Newsletter (for reference) – Click Here
2.) 2012 Adopted Budget – Click Here
3.) 2013 edited budget discussion presented at 1-30-13 Council workshop
Pages 1 -14
General, budget options: base, zero increase, zero tax increase
Timeline (page 1-2)
Amount to be raised by taxation (page 3)
Budget Revenue (pages 4-6)
Budget Appropriations (pages 7-12)
Discussion of potential revenue increase (pages 13-14)
Please understand, this is not a final document. It will not be voted on by the Council in this form. There will be opportunities for you, if interested, to appear before the Council and comment or question the proposed 2013 Budget prior to final adoption by the Council. In addition to Council meetings the meeting times of department discussions with the Council will be posted on the Village’s website – www.ridgewoodnj.net
For the Report
https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/manager/2013VillageBudgetStatus.pdf
For Proposed modifications to the 2013 Village budget,
https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/manager/20130312BudgetMod.pdf
Virtual learning means increased opportunity, advocates say
TRENTON – Proponents of virtual learning told the Joint Committee on Public Schools Tuesday that giving students the opportunity to receive their education online enables students who don’t find traditional schooling stimulating to learn at their own pace.
Sponsored by Ridgewood Recreation and the NJ Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
Village teens have the opportunity to come together as both George Washington and Ben Franklin Middle Schools join to form a “mixer”. Each evening offers students a chance to get acquainted with future classmates while enjoying music and dancing with DJ Sound Illusion, refreshments, fun and games.
6th Grade – Friday, April 12th, 7:30 to 9:30 pm
7th/8th Grades – Friday, April 19th, 7:30 to 9:30 pm
(Ridgewood teens only)
The Anne Zusy Youth Center, 131 N. Maple Avenue
(NOTE: all parents must drop off and pick up youth in the rear lot
of Village Hall at the Community Center entrance.)
A donation of $8 will be requested at the door. All donations will benefit the Community Center.
Adult chaperones are always needed. Please contact the Recreation Office at 201-670-5560 if you are able to volunteer.
We know it hard to believe with snow on the ground but yes Trout Season officially open s in New Jersey on April 16th
The stocking trucks from the Pequest Trout Hatchery will begin rolling on March 18 as the spring pre-season distribution of this year’s trout gets under way. By year’s end, approximately 600,000 trout will be stocked throughout the state, but the action really got going on Opening Day, April 6, at 8 a.m.
The “production trout” average 10.5″ but were kept company prior to opening day by some of the more than 6,000 three to eight pound breeder trout which are also being stocked. This spring, trout will be placed in 88 streams and 90 ponds and lakes throughout New Jersey. Those trout will be in addition to some of the 26,000 bruisers still in the water from stockings in the fall and winter. Fortunately for the state’s anglers, trout remain available throughout the summer in many waters.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2013
Trout fishing in New Jersey continues to be some of the best available on the East Coast. The average size of the trout stocked is larger than trout stocked in neighboring states, and the Bonus Broodstock Lakes and the breeder stocking programs provide plenty of trophy size fish within a short drive from anywhere in the state. Aside from some allocation changes, noted below, the 2013 season is expected to provide the normally superb trout fishing opportunities New Jersey anglers have grown to appreciate.
Driving directions to some of the state’s better know trout water access points can be found at www.njfishandwildlife.com/accesswater.htm. Anglers are reminded that access to locations along trout stocked streams may be available only through the good graces of private landowners. Please be respectful of their property and take care not to damage trees and shrubs. Leaving your fishing location cleaner than when you arrived helps maintain good angler-landowner relations and ensures continued public access to trout streams.
The in-season stocking schedule, covering the seven weeks following opening day, is available online at www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtstk13.htm and through the trout stocking hotline at 609-633-6765.
SPRING TROUT SEASON BASICS
Anglers should be aware that most trout-stocked waters are closed to fishing during the 3 weeks leading up to opening day (March 18 – April 6 at 8 a.m.). During this time most trout-stocked waters are stocked with trout to provide anglers with great fishing opportunities on Opening Day, April 6.Successful trout angler
During this pre-season period you might want to try fishing one of a handful of trout-stocked waters that remain open for fishing. Farrington Lake (Middlesex Co.), Lake Hopatcong (Morris/Sussex counties), Lake Shenandoah (Ocean Co.), Prospertown Lake (Ocean Co.), and Swartswood Lake (Sussex Co.) are open year round to fishing. Designated Trout Conservation Areas (Seasonal and Year Round) and Holdover Trout Lakes also remain open to fishing. (Note that fishing is not permitted on Seasonal Trout Conservation Areas from 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. on April 6, 2013). Trout caught in any of these waters during the pre-season period must be released immediately.
Those looking to fish during the pre-season period and keep their catch can cast a line in either of the state’s two Trophy Trout Lakes, Merrill Creek and Round Valley Reservoirs.
Be sure to check the trout regulations (https://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/2013/trtregs13.pdf) pertaining to all the above waters.
On Opening Day and the days that follow, there are a few regulations to keep in mind. On most waters anglers may keep 6 trout per day, and the trout must be at least 9 inches long. Since the trout reared at the Pequest Trout Hatchery average 10½ inches when stocked, most of the stocked trout you catch can be harvested if you chose to. June 1 is an important date, as the daily creel limit for trout on most trout waters drops from 6 to 4 per day.
The state’s sixteen major trout streams are stocked every week after Opening Day for the next seven weeks and they are closed to fishing from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the day of stocking. This allows the trout a chance to disperse following stocking and gives anglers an equal opportunity to fish for freshly stocked trout. All other waters may be fished at any time following Opening Day, including the day they are stocked. Many are stocked at least three times after Opening Day so be sure to check the trout stocking schedule to determine the stocking dates for the waters you plan to fish. Since every county has waters that are stocked with trout, spring trout fishing opportunities are never too far away
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EDT THIS MORNING…
* LOCATIONS…BERGEN AND EASTERN PASSAIC COUNTIES.
* HAZARD TYPES…FREEZING RAIN ON TOP OF EARLIER MODERATE
SNOWFALL.
* ACCUMULATIONS…A LIGHT GLAZE OF ICE ON TOP OF EARLIER SNOW
ACCUMULATION OF 3 TO 5 INCHES.
* WINDS…NORTHEAST 5 TO 10 MPH.
* TEMPERATURES…IN THE LOWER 30S.
* TIMING…LIGHT FREEZING RAIN EARLY THIS MORNING WILL TAPER OFF
TO SCATTERED LIGHT RAIN AND SNOW SHOWERS LATE THIS MORNING.
* IMPACTS…A LIGHT GLAZE OF ICE ON TOP OF ACCUMULATED SNOW WILL
MAKE TRAVEL DIFFICULT…ESPECIALLY DURING THE MORNING COMMUTE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW…SLEET…OR
FREEZING RAIN WILL CA– USE TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR
SLIPPERY ROADS…AND — USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.
