February 17, 2023
In the Classroom
FBI Visit in Forensic Science
Students in the forensic science classes had a visit from Special Agent Hassell from the FBI. Special Agent Hassell brought along several of her uniforms, including a bullet proof vest. Several students were able to try on the vest and other jackets. Special Agent Hassell spoke with students about the Times Square Bombing case that she worked on and explained the role forensics played in the case.
Pictured: Special Agent Hassell and RHS senior Rambod Heydarbeygi
Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival Celebration
Chinese communities around the world celebrate Chinese (Lunar) New Year for 16 days (beginning this year on January 22nd). On January 26th, the RHS Chinese Club treated staff to a delicious lunch honoring the Chinese culture. On the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar is the Lantern Festival. Chinese people usually celebrate it by lighting beautifully colored lanterns, guessing the riddles written on the lanterns, and eating gluten rice balls (Tang Yuan). The lanterns symbolize people letting go of the past year and welcoming the new year with good fortune. The Lantern Festival marks the end of the celebration for Chinese New Year.
Club Happenings
RHS Unit Lunch Ping Pong Club
Mr. Luke Dolby (9th grade GA and teacher of Journalism) often visits students in Gym 1 to engage in activities, such as badminton and ping pong with them.
Valentine's Day Cards for Veterans
On February 11th, the American Red Cross Club co-president (Jackie Meskill) presented the local veterans home in Paramus with Valentine's Day cards that the club members prepared to celebrate the holiday.
Special Needs Siblings and Friends Club
The Special Needs Siblings and Friends club meets guest speaker Diana Stolfo (2001 RHS Alum) as they prepare for her upcoming presentation about World Down Syndrome Day. Pictured are club members: Dean Kat, Grace Choi, Brady Kaczmarski, Sean Meier, Chris Brady, Whitley Mueller, and Yvette Walla.
Around the Building
Black History Month 2023
In honor of Black History Month (and under the stewardship of juniors Olivia Best and Taylor Varcasia) the RHS community has been fortunate to hear daily announcements commemorating individuals and events that have shaped our collective history via the lens of the African American experience. The first week of February featured activists (Ida B. Wells, Rosa Parks) and events (Greensboro sit-ins). The second week highlighted the impact of prominent African Americans who have impacted the arts, sports, and education (Kendrick Lamar, Jacob Lawrence, Larry Doby, Amara la Negra, Langston Hughes). Stay tuned for next week’s focus on Civil Rights!
Click through this image carousel to see how the Math and Science Departments at RHS are honoring Black History Month via their bulletin boards!
Ridgewood Arts Foundation Scholarships
The Ridgewood Arts Foundation was founded by residents of the Village of Ridgewood who saw the need for a foundation to provide funding for the many worthy artistic endeavors within and near the Village of Ridgewood and to encourage the further development of the arts within the community. They granted scholarships to several RHS students during their fall granting cycle.
Pictured are RHS students:
-Aashi Jesalpura - visual art (painting)
-Maya Grant - film
-Vivian Yuan - visual art (painting)
-Madeleine Haskins - visual art (painting and digital)
-Markus Ryen - trumpet
-Anya Skulskaia - violin
Congratulations!
Maroon Awards
On Thursday, February 16th nine RHS students received Maroon Awards (nominated by staff members) for exhibiting fine character and contributing to a healthier school community. The award winners (pictured with various RHS staff) are:
-Aoife Kane
-Beck Echikson
-Noah Lee
-Alexander Mueller
-Michael Ip
-Rolan Bansil
-Anthony Canone
-Kendall McTigue
-Brady Kaczmarski
RHS Swim Team Breaks Records
The following school swim records were shattered at the Big North Swim meet at Hackensack HS:
Josie Marino broke the 100 breast record (1:09.32)
Josie Marino, Nichole Koltsov, Jill Grayson, and Isabel Lee broke the 200 free relay record (1:41.39)
Kaitlyn Schwartz, Josie Marino, Nichole Koltsov, and Isabel Lee broke the 200 medley relay record (1:53.31)
Isabel Lee broke the 100 free record (53.27)
Congratulations!
Pictured: Kaitlyn Schwartz
Announcements
NHS TUTORING POSTER.pdf
Upcoming Meetings & Events
February 20th-21st: February Recess (No School)
March 3rd-4th: Asian Festival 2023 at RHS
March 6th: Enrichment Day (Monday)
March 7th: Jazz Coffeehouse (7:00pm-10:00pm in RHS Campus Center)
March 13th: Professional Development Day (No School for Students)