RPS Community in action

Implicit Bias Presentation

Ridgewood High School Social Justice Club

Three students from the RHS Social Justice Club, Laurence Fine, Nicole Constant, and Amy Adawalla, gave a presentation on Implicit Bias at the Board of Education meeting on April 12, 2021. A longer version of the program had previously been held at an RHS Home and School Association meeting, an RHS faculty meeting, and various club meetings. The students explained implicit bias and discussed Harvard's IAT tests which can be taken by individuals to measure implicit bias. They shared why we should study implicit bias, how it can lead to discrimination, and what questions should be considered when having these important discussions.

The Ridgewood High School Water Well Project

The family of RHS student Elif Saglik had the chance to host a high School student from Africa 5 years ago. During her one-month stay, Edna shared pictures of her life in Africa. Her story affected and inspired Elif to help people in other communities. Elif decided to start a project to open a water well. When she started her research, Elif quickly realized she needed others on board to make a real impact and opened a platform to collect donations. She also reached out to Mr. Fabish who helped by reaching out to others in the community. Through overwhelming support from friends, family and students, Elif led a project and represented Ridgewood High School's name globally. With this water well, a small community in Uganda can now have access to clean water every day. This well not only serves the individuals, but it also provides water for the crops and livestock.

RHS George Floyd Forum

On June 5, 2020, the RHS Social Studies Department hosted a zoom panel discussion for approximately 100 attendees. Guest panelists included:

• Johanna Garcia - Chief of Staff for New York State Senator Robert Jackson; lifelong community activist addressing the education, housing, and health care needs of Upper Manhattan; 2021 candidate for City Council, District 10 in New York City.

• Michael Tiffany - Retired Assistant Chief of NYPD Intelligence Division, Former Deputy Director in Washington DC Office of National Intelligence, Former Consultant of intelligence to the New York County District Attorney.

• Torre Watson - Teacher, Coach, Mentor in Ridgewood for the last 24 years. RHS Graduate (Class of 91’) and lifelong Ridgewood resident.

New Jersey School Segregation Symposium

Initiated by Social Studies teacher Charles Appel, the New Jersey School Segregation Symposium is a unique forum to engage high school students in discussions about the need for students of different backgrounds and in different circumstances to have the opportunity to interact with one another and expand their conception of community.

• 2018 - 300 students from Ridgewood High School participated

• 2019 - 500 students from four different high schools participated

• 2020 - 300+ students from 16 different high schools participated; this event was hosted by Rutgers University in Newark.