What's New in Ridgefield Park

This is the image for the news article titled Congratulations Class of 2024!
Congratulations Class of 2024!
06/25/2024
On Wednesday, June 19th, approximately 220 students earned their diplomas from Ridgefield Park Junior-Senior High School. We are proud of the Class of 2024 and their contributions to the Scarlet Nation as scholars, athletes, artists, performers and volunteers. Best of luck to all on their next chapters!
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RP Early Childhood Advisory Council
Ridgefield Park-Early Childhood Advisory Council (RP-ECAC)
05/31/2024
The Early Childhood Department successfully hosted its first Ridgefield Park-Early Childhood Advisory Council (RP-ECAC) meeting. The RP-ECAC serves as a platform for community stakeholders to collaborate on developing, evaluating, and addressing the needs of the residents of Ridgefield Park. We had an excellent turnout, and we have already begun making progress on important initiatives. Your participation and input are valuable to us, and we would like to extend an invitation for you to join future meetings. Our next meeting is scheduled for June 5 @ 7PM via Google Meet. Those who have previously completed our RP-ECAC Member Form will receive information on how to join through email. If you wish to attend and have not yet completed the form, please complete the RP-ECAC Member Form. ​We hope to see you there! ​ Additional information about the program can be found in the Preschool section of the school website. The latest news can be found in our June Newsletter.
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Aviation Students and Northstar Helicopter
Northstar Crew Visits RP
04/30/2024
Mr. Steffen's Aviation class had the opportunity for a visit from the Northstar crew from the New Jersey State Police. Students were able to witness the landing on the field in Veterans Park. The pilots and flight crew explained the role of Northstar in various operations, from medical transport to assisting with search-and-rescue missions. It was incredible to get up and close with the aircraft and experience rotor downwash!
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Student Assembly
RP Schools Empower Anti-Bullying Message
04/05/2024
On April 4th, Grant School students got an inspiring visit from D. West, a former pro-footballer-turned-sports-analyst-and-motivational-guru! D. West, a Jersey native himself, shared his own story of overcoming challenges like bullying, growing up with less, and navigating family dynamics. But more importantly, he hammered home the message of lifting each other up, not pushing each other down. Sixth grade students from around the district were invited to attend, and all students left feeling empowered by his reminder that we can all persevere, no matter the struggle! In related news, Lincoln's K-5 buccaneers set sail on an anti-bullying adventure on April 2nd courtesy of the PTA! This interactive assembly was all about building self-esteem, kindness, and teamwork (think "good pirates" who work together!). Filled with laughter and learning, the program encouraged students to be responsible crewmates, both at school and in life. Ahoy, mateys, the high seas (and a positive school environment) await! (P.S. Big thanks to the Bergen PAC for bringing this program to our shores!)
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Award Ceremony
Unsung Hero Award Winner
03/14/2024
On Tuesday, March 5th, senior Rylie Nagle was awarded the Bergen County School Board's Association Unsung Hero award for Ridgefield Park High School recognizing her contributions to the school and community, her selflessness, and her ability to persevere despite obstacles.
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Students at Regeneron DNA Learning Center
AP Bio Students Visit Regeneron
02/07/2024
Ridgefield Park AP Biology Students recently visited the Regeneron DNA Learning Center where they performed a restrictive enzyme experiment. Student scientists broke down viral DNA with enzymes and used Gel electrophoresis to analyze the size of fragments the enzymes produce.
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Grant Staff
The Great Kindness Challenge
01/26/2024
On the week of January 22nd, Grant School participated in The Great Kindness Challenge to promote kindness in our school and community. Each day had a theme and students were excited to participate. On Monday students dressed up as a rock star or famous celebrity and modeled kindness by saying “Kindness Rocks.” On Tuesday, Grant School was powered by kindness and students and staff wore superhero shirts or costumes and empowered others to be kind. On Wednesday, we “teamed up for kindness” and wore our favorite sports team shirt. That day students were encouraged to score points with kind acts. Grant School students wore neon or sparkles to “let our kindness shine!” and on Friday we wore royal blue to represent school spirit and to “show our spirit of kindness.”
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Student with Acceptance Certificate
RPHS Scores Big on Early Decision Day
12/21/2023
On Thursday, December 7th, the High School Counseling Department held Instant Decision Day, a day where seniors can meet with a college official and receive a same-day admission offer; all offers are non-binding. In addition, students are offered scholarship money. Thirty students and 9 colleges participated in IDD. 118 applications were processed and all 118 applications were accepted! A total of $5,695 was saved in application fees, and our students were awarded $1,049,000 in merit-based scholarships.
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Cast of Peter and the Princess
Better than Broadway
11/16/2023
In November, the Roosevelt PTA helped support an opportunity for the students in grades 3-6 to try their acting and musical skills. Our students put on a performance of Peter and the Princess. The students spent just one week rehearsing their lines and songs with the Better than Broadway production company. With the help of the Junior Senior High School Principal, Mrs. Cavins, we were able to watch the dress rehearsal on their stage. Later in the evening of November 17th, the students performed once again for their parents, friends, and other family members in attendance. With a student population of 200 students in grades 3-6, we must say there is a lot of talent to be proud of.
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Student Donating Blood
Blood Drive at RPJSHS
10/27/2023
The Future Health Professionals Club sponsored the first blood drive with Vitalant on October 11th in the Auxiliary Gym. Over 85 students and staff signed up to donate. Of those, 65 individuals were registered and 39 pints of whole blood were collected as well as 3 power red donations. “Whole blood can help many types of patients, especially those undergoing surgery and trauma patients. Power Red donations pack double the impact because the automated procedure collects a concentrated donation of red cells that can help twice as many patients. Power Reds are especially helpful to trauma victims, newborn babies and sickle cell patients.” The Future Health Professionals hope to run a second blood drive in the spring.
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New Playground Games
Grant Playground Upgrades
09/30/2023
Over the summer, Grant School’s playground got spruced up! Various interactive designs were installed both in the back playground as well as the path leading up to the kindergarten entrances. Near the kindergarten doors we have the alphabet and numbers for our young learners to practice with. On the back playground students have been enjoying using the lines on the basketball courts to play a half court game. Also, a sensory path was installed around the court for students to practice their gross motor skills. There are two four square courts, three different hopscotch courts, a twister board, a world map and an area to play the game Mirror Me. In the middle of the playground we have a conflict resolution circle which provides students who are experiencing conflict with strategies to help resolve any challenges. Overall the students have been enjoying our new designs during outdoor recess time.
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“No Borders” Multicultural Event a huge success!
“No Borders” Multicultural Event a huge success!
05/31/2023
For the first time in many years, on May 31st, students at the JSHS held a formal celebration of our great diversity with an assembly called “No Borders”. This was a joint collaboration between several senior members of the National Honor Society (Eric Ocampo, Isabela Gonzalez, Aamna Irfan, Gauri Bhandari, and Maya Craft) and junior Shirley Peralta-Ortega. These student leaders developed a plan and followed through on advertising, auditions, rehearsals, and planning the details of actual assembly. The day included face-painting flags from around the world and students wearing clothing to represent their cultures. Students performed solos as well as group numbers with vocal and dance performances in front of an enthusiastic crowd. We can’t wait to do it again next year and establish this tradition for our students. All photos by Aamna Irfan
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RP Administrators
RP at BCASA Job Fair
04/25/2023
On Saturday, March 25, the district administrative team represented Ridgefield Park at the BCASA (Bergen County Association of School Administrators) Job Fair. This year's event was hosted in Upper Saddle River. Representatives from over 70 districts in the account attended and met over 400 candidates seeking employment as teachers, support professionals and administrators. This is an excellent networking opportunity to meet some of the prospective new staff members for the upcoming school year.
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Kindergarten Registration Website
March District Updates
03/31/2023
The 2022-2023 school year is not yet complete, but planning for 2023-2024 is well under way. Kindergarten registration for the upcoming school year is now open. Go to rpps.net and look for the “early Kindergarten Registration here” link to learn everything you need to know. Follow the link to learn about the process and access the online forms that will get you started. If you have a little one getting ready to join us in our schools, why not get started with the process now? If you have a friend with a qualifying child, please pass the word along. As you may already be aware, the 2023-2024 school year will include the expansion of the Ridgefield Park Public Schools Pre-K program. This program will be open to 3 and 4 year olds who are 3 years old by October 1, 2023 and are too young to qualify for kindergarten. Space is limited, and inclusion in the program will be based on a lottery system. Winners of the lottery will be contacted through email and advised how to proceed. Please watch our District website for updates on the program and drawing information. In more district news, we are pleased to announce the recent launch of the Ridgefield Park Public Schools Board of Education YouTube Channel to be found at: https://www.youtube.com/@RidgefieldParkBOE. This channel has become home to the video records of all public meetings of The Board of Education. It currently contains all such meetings that occurred between July 1, 2022 and March 16, 2023. To receive notifications of new postings, just subscribe to the channel. Future uploads will occur shortly after each meeting. Please allow a few days for the processing and publishing of these records.
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Family Learning Night
Family Learning Night
02/01/2023
On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, the Home & School Connection Committee hosted a Family Learning Night as Roosevelt School. Bussing service from both Grant and Lincoln School was offered free of charge for families to attend. Ms. Laura Wood and Mrs.Simone` Aynillian presented to parents a glimpse into the classroom during English Language Arts and Math Class. While the parents were engaged in the presentation, students were eating pizza and snacks and socializing with new friends. After the presentation, students were invited to play various educational games while parents watched and listened in on their interaction with their peers. At the conclusion of the event, students were provided with take home bags of math manipulatives to support their math learning and homework at home. Fun was had by all!
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MVP Nadia Otuyelu
RP Hosts Brian Long Classic
01/17/2023
On Saturday, January 14, the HS Boys Basketball program hosted the annual Brian Long Classic, a Coaches vs. Cancer event. In years past, this event raised funds for the Brian Long Memorial Foundation. Brian Long was a lifelong friend of Coach Gaskin, but also a son, husband, father, brother, uncle and Detective Lieutenant in the New Milford Police Department. He passed away after a battle with kidney cancer. This year, with the support of Brian Long’s family, the funds were donated to the children of Tim O’Hare. Tim was a Bergenfield HS graduate who donated his life to service as a member of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and a member of the Waldwick Board of Education. He, too, succumbed to his battle with cancer. This worthwhile event brought out teams from Bergen Tech, Lyndhurst, Bergenfield, Garfield, Hasbrouck Heights, Park Ridge, Wood-Ridge, and New Milford. Our own Lady Scarlets matched up with Wood-Ridge and claimed the victory. Coach Gaskin and his boys basketball team matched up with New Milford and played an excellent game, which resulted in a New Milford win at the final buzzer. Congratulations to our Scarlet players who earned their respective MVP titles: Nadia Otuyelu and Erind Kukaj. Huge thanks to all the coaches and players, Mr. Ryan Buchmuller for being the announcer and DJ, and to the Florio family for the decor and amazing concession stand!
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Holiday Presents
Santa Train
12/21/2022
Through the generosity of All Schools Special Needs, some of our students were given the opportunity to ride the Santa Train. The students boarded the train in Hoboken, where they joined Santa Claus, the Grinch, and many of Santa’s helpers. This wonderful tradition as been sponsored by Railmen for Children for over three decades. Each of our students received a present from Santa!
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Staff Members
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
11/30/2022
During the professional development day in November, 22 faculty and staff members became certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid! This 10-hour training is designed to teach how to help an adolescent who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. This training of staff is the first step in bringing the Teen Mental Health First Aid training to students. We look forward to continuing this program and bringing knowledge and support to those who may need it.
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PreK Classrooms
The Beginnings of Universal PreK
10/14/2022
The Ridgefield Park CO-OP Preschool has partnered with the Ridgefield Park School District to provide the first Universal Preschool in the district. The Universal Preschool is being funded by a Preschool Expansion Aid (PEA) Grant that was awarded to the district by the State of New Jersey. The Village of Ridgefield Park was the only school district in Bergen County to be awarded the grant to cover educational expenses for each student (at $15,500) for a total award of $235,00 from the NJDOE this year! Each year the Ridgefield Park School District will be increasing the number of preschool classes that will be available and funded by the NJDOE up to about $3,000,000 annually. Information for a lottery and sign up for next year's classes will be announced in the Spring. For more information, see our Board of Education Newsletter.
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Roosevelt School Students
Hispanic Heritage Month
09/30/2022
Nothing says community more than our Junior Senior High School students coming to Roosevelt School to read and work on projects with our students. On September 21st, the students in Hispanic Arts and Culture divided between four different classrooms and spent some time with our students. This was a perfect way to join the two schools together as well as recognize Hispanic Heritage Month. All students involved had a great time with their role models and look forward to another opportunity in the future. Special thanks to Ms. Rodriguez and Ms. Morales for setting this up along with the high school students who were well prepared and provided our Roosevelt students a fun and engaging learning environment.
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Top of RP BOE Newsletter
End of Year Events
06/24/2022
This year's end of year events are in full swing! Over the past couple of weeks Ridgefield Park Public Schools has hosted many milestone events for our students. Our elementary schools and Jr./Sr. High School hosted their Spring concerts last month and were a huge success. Our Academic Awards and Scholarship Ceremony took place on May 19th, as well as we hosted both our Underclassmen and Senior Athletic Awards on June 1st and 6th, respectively. There also was a Bergen County Valedictorians Breakfast on June 7th, which was attended by our own valedictorian George Ye as well as many of our RPPS staff. Our Jr./Sr. High School Prom took place on Thursday, June 2nd at The Grove in Cedar Grove, NJ. The students got all dressed up and danced the night away with their friends and classmates. We also hosted our 8th Grade Formal on Thursday, June 9th at the Knights of Columbus in Ridgefield Park. Learn more about these events and more in our June edition of Ridgefield Park Board of Education Newsletter.
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Honor Societies Inductees
Honor Societies Induction
05/16/2022
On the evening of Wednesday, April 13, the High School celebrated the induction ceremony of the Multi-Disciplinary Honor Societies. New members were inducted into their respective ceremonies by their advisers. New members received a membership certificate and recited the pledge to their organization in front of a proud audience. The societies who inducted new members include: Business Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Italian Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, English Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and English Language Learners Honor Society.
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A scene from the play Newsies
Newsies - a Spring Smash Hit!
04/04/2022
From Thursday, March 31 through April 2, 2002, student actors and crew presented Disney’s “Newsies” musical. Directed by Mrs. Linda Gerdes, with the musical direction of Mr. Leo Leuci, the musical was a spectacular success. Students in grades 7-12 had the opportunity to shine, whether on stage or behind the scenes as part of the crew. This performance was a special final high school moment on stage for seniors Fifi Latinwo, Gedalias Liriano, Lesly Meyers-Gelin, Oliver Pashman, Taylor Parris and Elaine Tosado. It was also the final show to be directed by Mrs. Gerdes, after 17 years of successful productions. The audience was blown away by the incredible talent of our student actors. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these Scarlets.
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Student in Virtual Wax Museum
Grant's Living Wax Museum
03/31/2022
The 6th Grade students held the annual 2022 Grant School Wax Museum on March 29th. The students posed as wax figures to portray all types of interesting people which included artists, actors, athletes, inventors, politicians, musicians, cultural leaders, and all kinds of trendsetters from all walks of life. The wax figures come to life as the visitors approach them to talk about their “claim to fame” and other interesting parts of their life. The students prepared for the Wax Museum by reading a biography and taking notes in a graphic organizer. From their research, the students then chose what they would share with visitors, and practiced their “speeches” in school and at home. Students from Kindergarten to the 5th grade, as well as the parents and guardians of the 6th grade, enjoyed learning about all the people represented at the Wax Museum. The event was captured on video and pictures were taken to later be viewed by all. All of the 6th grade students participated in this year’s wax museum and expressed how excited they were to perform for the entire student body. It was great to see the expressions on the visitors’ faces and the reactions by not only the visiting classes but also from the teachers and parents when first seeing the students dressed as the wax figures in full costume. The 6th grade students remember attending the wax museum as young students and looked forward to this year’s event. They did an amazing job and put in a great deal of time and effort.
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Extended Day Programs
Extended Day Programs at RP!
02/14/2022
Extended Day Programs are after school activities offered for students in grades K-12. These after school programs help support students academically, socially and emotionally and are offered in all of our district school buildings! If your child is looking to get involved after school, if they need extra help with homework or could use additional academic support, this is the place! More information about our extended day programs can be found through the main menu. Just mouse over "Academics" and click the "Extended Day Programs" link in the additional resources section.
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Social Media and Mental Health Title Slide
Social Media and Mental Health
02/02/2022
Dr. Ferraro and Mrs. Sher presented an SEL topic this month on Social Media and Mental Health. Here is a recording, along with a copy of the presentation. This is part of the district's SEL initiative and we hope this information can help support you at home. Learn about the pros and cons of social media, what to look out for on devices, healthy ways to balance social media, and resources for families.
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DECA Competition Stage
DECA Success!
01/11/2022
DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) describes its mission as preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. The RP DECA club is currently in its 9th year, and we are proud to proclaim that it has been another record-setting year for our students!
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4th of July Parade Float
July 4th Float
07/14/2021
Happy Fourth of July! This year all three Ridgefield Park Elementary Schools participated together in the traditional town Fourth of July Parade. It was a great way to really kick off the summer season in true RP fashion. After overcoming many challenges this year, the theme of the 2021 float was, “We’re In This Together.” Members from all three PTA’s worked together to make this fun and colorful project come to life. Students and PTA board members from all of the elementary schools rode on their impressive creation while waving to the crowds, blowing bubbles and energetically dancing to great music. A great time was had by all!
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Egret at NJ Meadowlands Environment Center
RP Summer Academy Planning Underway!
05/14/2021
Central Office personnel and the Summer Session Planning Committee have been hard at work making preparations for extended learning during the summer of 2021. Increased funding from the NJDOE coupled with the need to reacclimate many students to an in-person educational environment have combined to make updating the summer program desirable. Partnering with the Meadowlands Environmental Center, the district will be offering a wide variety of hands-on, interactive science activities to supplement instruction for our K-12 students in need of additional math and language arts support. Lots of exciting opportunities have been included.
Read More About RP Summer Academy Planning Underway!
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Students Earn Associates Degrees
Seniors Earn Associate Degrees
05/13/2021
On Thursday, May 13th, 8 of JSHS seniors became the first cohort of students graduating from the Early College Program. This was the first group of students to participate in the program that allows students to earn their associate's degree while earning their high school diploma at the same time.
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Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Logo
RP Senior Named Jack Kent Cooke Scholar
04/16/2021
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation recently announced their 2021 Cooke College Scholars and our own Larissa Flores has been selected as one of the 61 winners! This year’s recipients, who represent 26 states, were chosen from a pool of more than 5,800 applicants from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Northern Marianas, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Cooke College Scholars receive up to $40,000 annually for up to four years to attend the college or university of their choice, along with ongoing educational advising from Foundation staff and access to a network of over 2,800 active Scholars and Alumni. Scholars will also receive opportunities for internships, study abroad, and access to graduate school funding.
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Rocket League Car
JSHS to Start an Esports Team
03/01/2021
ESports is a rapidly growing global trend that allows "gamers" to represent their schools on an organized team and allows for competition at the local, regional, state and even national levels. ESports have grown so much that colleges are even offering scholarships to epsort players.
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Scarlet Quill Masthead
Get `em while they last
02/28/2021
Available now... the first ever edition of "The Scarlet Quill, Jr." The Scaret Quill, RPJSHS's esteemed quaterly magazine, has been a staple in Ridgefield Park for many years. It's a great place to sample the journalistic talents of our budding authors, ane we're excited to announce that now you have another publication to help satisfy your literary appetite - "The Scaret Quill JR."
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Read Across America
Read Across America at RP
02/23/2021
Tuesday, March 2 is Read across America Day - a day to celebrate and promote the joys of reading. To celebrate virtually, Ridgefield Park Junior/Senior High School Media Specialist, Ms. Quinn, recorded a video reading of an excerpt from a school library book for students to watch and listen to. The theme for the week supports a 2020-21 district wide initiative to promote social justice and to celebrate our diversity. At our elementary schools, a similar theme is being followed during a week long celebration with lots of activities. Students are being challenged to keep the reading going throughout the month of March. ​ You can view the high school videos at:
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RPPS Web Site Homepage
RPPS Web Site Relaunch
02/22/2021
We are pleased to announce that the Ridgefield Park district website has a new look and feel. Click "VIEW MORE" for a full description and link to a video tour of our site.
Read More About RPPS Web Site Relaunch
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