UPDATED ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
3 p.m.:
11.02.12
Dear RPS Parents and Guardians,
I hope everyone is doing well. I am heartened by today’s news that power has been restored to George Washington Middle School, joining the three schools that never lost power: Hawes, Somerville and Orchard.
It is my hope that more schools will come on line over this weekend. But as you can imagine, PSEG is overwhelmed by the devastation from this storm and so I do not know if we will have school starting on Monday, November 5th. I will keep you informed with an update over the weekend.
With the uncertainty of our schools being ready for next Tuesday’s General Election, we are currently working with the Village on alternative polling location sites. As soon as the polling site plan has been finalized we will spread the word.
For those who continue to be without power, Somerville School will be open both this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. to charge your cell phones and other electronic devices.
Information about other services available to residents can be found on the Village of Ridgewood website at www.ridgewoodnj.net. Residents may also sign up there for the Ridgewood reverse 911 system. This is extremely important and easy; simply click on the E-Notices link in the right column and fill in the contact information.
Also available through the village website is a link to a special web page for post-hurricane information from the Ridgewood Office of Emergency Management. There you will find important resources such as a listing of local warming shelters, a special needs registry, shelter information and tips for food and generator safety.
One resource that is needed at this time is blood. The blood supply is low and those in medical need can use our help. If you are in a position to help and can travel, I encourage you to please donate blood at your earliest convenience.
A tremendous amount of clean-up has already occurred and will continue throughout the Village, thanks to the hard work of the Village Operations workers and the leadership of the Village administration and elected officials. But there are still many treacherous areas with downed wires and trees leaning on wires. Please be careful as you resume your regular activities. And please remember: No branches are to be put in the road. The Village is making every attempt to pick up garbage, recycling and leaves in a timely manner and they will get to you.
Lastly, as I watch the news I am concerned about some deterioration of civility caused by stress and the loss of services after Hurricane Sandy. Mediating disputes should not be something the police and emergency services should be dealing with at this point in time. Communities grow stronger by how we treat each other in times of need and distress. It’s important that we continue to do what Ridgewood does best, and that is to watch over each other and help each other. Please be careful, monitor your children and watch over your neighbors.
Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D
Superintendent
Ridgewood Public Schools
Dan’s message was on point.
He should be the mayor as well as supt.
Where are the Mayor and Deputy Dawg ?
No photo op available for our Mayor and the Deputy Mayor is probable out flying his airplane with Audrey and Gwen is the flight attendant