March 3, 2023
RHS travels to Iceland
RHS Iceland spent six days this February exploring the land of Fire and Ice. Students hiked a glacier, toured a geothermal power plant, visited a tomato greenhouse that grows tomatoes year round due to geothermal technology, visited a glacier cave, as well as other activities. A highlight of the trip was an evening venture out of Reykjavík, which resulted in a beautiful view of the Northern Lights.
In the Classroom
Physics
Physics CP students studied the electricity unit – they marveled at the Wimshurst machine, made series and parallel circuits, and finished with designing playdough Makey Makey controller connecting to their favorite Scratch games. They held hands, sang, and completed the circuit to celebrate Valentine’s day when the RHS Cappella Singing Grams stopped by.
Latin Students
Last week 50 Ridgewood High School and George Washington Middle School Latin students took a joint field trip. The Liberty Science Center has a very short-term exhibit on Pompeii including replica casts, ancient technology, artifacts, and interactives. Sock Skating and the Infinity Climber were also big hits. Check out our Instagram for more pics @ridgewoodlatin.
English Classes
Recently, all English classes participated in the African American Read-In. Students read works from writers such as James Baldwin, Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou, and Claude McKay, to name a few. The National African American Read-In (AARI) is a groundbreaking effort to encourage communities to read together, centering African American books and authors. It was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. This initiative has reached more than 6 million participants around the world.
Charity for Soccer Club
Charity for Soccer Club advisor Ms. Shah and RHS students met with former professional soccer goalkeeper, Julio Tsasse. Julio is the president of the charity called Kids in Cleats to provide students in Cameroon with soccer cleats, education, and access to literacy with modern technology. Ridgewood High School students have organized a computer donation to students in Cameroon, as well as held soccer clinics for young children to support the Kids in Cleats organization.
If you wish to donate any new or used soccer cleats, students can drop them off at RHS room 394.
Money can be donated on https://kidsincleats.org/
Any form of contribution is most appreciated by the club and the charity!
Aisan Festival
Over 120 Students have been working hard preparing for today's live performance of the Asian festival and luncheon. The annual Asian Festival continues with a benefit tomorrow evening in suport of Doctors Without Borders.
Around the Building
Maroon & White Recital
On Thursday, February 16th, the third Maroon & White Recital of the 2022-2023 school year was held. The Maroon and White program is currently celebrating its 60th season and highlights outstanding Ridgewood High School musicians, artists, and dancers. Musicians and dancers are selected through competitive audition, while artists are chosen after an extensive portfolio review.
Students pictured: Aditya Udeshi, Maeve Cunningham, Michelle Hashem, Aashi Jesalpura, Joonyoung Rhee
National Merit Scholarship Finalists
Of the 16,000 NMSC Semifinalists, four RHS students have advanced to Finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship competition. Finalists will be considered for National Merit Scholarship Awards offered in 2023. Congratulations to seniors, Kate Minn, Chloe Cho, Ethan Holden, and Lucas Wang!
Black History Month
Mr. Rathgeber has been posting passages from past and present Black poets outside the door of Room 234 with a new piece of paper being addded each day. As we conclude Black History Month this week, please stop by and read some if you have not already!
Students pictured: Ruslan Chernets, Leonid Krivenko, Andrii Onizhuk, Oleksandr Bararbash, Aleksandra Khoma, & Mariia Saveleva
Snow Day!
Some of our students took advantage of this week's snowfall by building a snowman on the football field.
RHS Ski Team
The Boys and Girls Alpine Ski Team qualified for State Championships on Feb 24 & 27. The JV team participated in the JV Championships on Mar 1. A select group of 5 RHS racers also qualified for individual races at the Race of Champions. All-league racers are Riley Burke, Julie McGinley, Alex Mueller, and Ethan Holden. All-league Honorable Mention racer is Kaitlyn Lafferty.
Best of luck to Riley Burke and Alex Mueller who were named to the NJ State team and will be racing in the Eastern High School Championships in New Hampshire, March 3-5.
Riley Burke
Alex Mueller
FENCING ATHLETES
Vera Witte came in 11th out of 233 competitors in her “Junior” epee fencing event in Junior Olympics out in Denver. RHS student Tessa Randleman medaled with an 8th place in Cadet epee and came in 56 in Junior epee, and Isa You came in 111 in Cadet epee and 119 in Junior epee. Congrats to some of our students who participate in this sport outside of RHS!
Announcements
Upcoming Meetings & Events
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)
March 14th-17th: NJGPA - 11th graders, Delayed opening for Grades 9, 10 &12
March 24th: Enrichment Day
March 31st: Last day of 3rd marking period