Principal's Message

Mr. Esdale and I often refer to the “Big Stage” performances as a metaphor to illustrate our drive to prepare students to transfer what they have learned in our classrooms to new, larger, and different contexts. In essence, we have used existing courses and programs and developed new ones like Design Thinking to provide students with multiple “Big Stage” opportunities.

Significantly, this Fall our Design Thinking class partnered with RHS alum, NJ Assemblywoman, Holly Schepisi (R), to provide potential ways the New Jersey government could address the complex issue of legalization of marijuana. Subsequently, she invited NJ Senator, Ron Rice (D), to hear proposals and qualitative research that our students prepared to assist government officials as they grapple with the logistics of legalization. In the end, Assemblywoman Schepisi and Sen. Rice found common ground based upon one of our student proposals, and they used this as a launching point to prepare bipartisan and bicameral legislation to address this issue. We are more than proud to say our students delivered on the “Big Stage”. As a result, by constructing an actionable plan and executing the presentation of the findings, our students learned that what they have to say matters and that civic involvement is vital to the democratic process.

Furthermore, we have a vast array of existing courses and programs that prepare our students to succeed on the “Big Stage”. A fitting example of this work is our Drama Club’s current preparation for their production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” (March 21-23). The lighting, set design, singing, acting, dancing, marketing , and endless hours of rehearsing are examples of how students must draw from what they have learned in order to create an entertaining show. Most importantly, I share this production as clear example of the opportunities we work to provide for our students to engage in authentic learning experiences, and to also encourage you to come see the show and the great things our students and staff are capable to producing.