Welcome to Ridgefield Park Public Schools

Dr. Angela P. Bender, Superintendent


Please note: This site is a work in progress in hopes to get the information out to you as quickly as possible ~ Thank you for your understanding. Stay well.


WELCOME TO RIDGEFIELD PARK SCHOOLS

At our June 9th, 2021 BOE Meeting, Dr. Angela Cristini, Executive Director of the Meadowlands Environmental Center & the VP of Institutional Advancement for Ramapo College Presented the following information about our joint venture ...
...
Summer Academy 2021!

Take a look and see some of the experiences of our Summer Academy
NorthJersey.com was so impressed they shared the following!

https://www.northjersey.com/picture-gallery/news/bergen/lyndhurst/2021/07/30/students-learning-meadowlands/5432119001/


Thank you Dr. Cristini and everyone at the Meadowlands Environmental Center
for helping us create wonderful experiences and memories!


RP_Summer_Program_2021_Dr. Cristini

Summer Academy Program Information...

Look What's Coming for Our Students & Families Summer 2021!


Summer Academy Planning (2).mp4
Copy of District Goals - May Review.pptx

DISTRICT GOALS - ACCOMPLISHMENTS



BOE MTG 3_17_District Goals MARCH Review.mp4

January 10, 2021

Congratulations Coach Murri, NJSCA Inductee 2020 Class Hall of Fame

A Dr. Stephen Ferraro Production - Thank you Dr. Ferraro!

BTSNWel2020.mp4

Back to School Night Welcome 2020


Parent_Plan_Ridgefield_Park_8_4_20.pdf
Coronavirus Update 7-29-20 (2).pdf

Summer Construction Projects

FAQ Ltr to Parents 8-14-20.pdf
Bender Supt April 24 2020.pdf

April 16, 2020 email

I hope this email finds you and your family doing well. If you have not already heard, Governor Murphy declared all New Jersey schools will remain closed until at least May 15th. Prior to May 15th, the Governor will again announce, based on the status of the virus, a decision if the May 15th date will be extended.

We are living in uncertain and unprecedented times. Questions arise daily and we are all working hard to work through any challenges while keeping what is in the best interest of our children educationally and health-wise at the forefront. Please remain positive and know we are doing our best to work collaboratively to come up with creative solutions. Again, I ask you to bear with us as we continue to work through these unsure and challenging times. Remember, every day is a day closer to our return. We are in this together.

Please stay safe, stay home, and be well.

Respectfully,

Dr. Angela Bender


Welcome to Ridgefield Park

April 3, 2020 Email

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Ridgefield Park Community,

I hope this email finds you and your family doing well and staying positive. We must believe this tough time which we are facing will make us stronger.

As we close out our third week in our new, however temporary way of life, keep in mind we are one day closer to this being behind us.

While our children are resilient, they take their cues from our behaviors and demeanor. Knowing at times it is not easy, all adults need to continue to display positive attitudes. Find one thing every day to be thankful for…I am thankful for being a part of the kind and caring Ridgefield Park Community. We got this... while we are apart, we are still together at heart! Remember, RP can also stand for Resilient People, Remain Positive, or perhaps even Reflect with Pride on who we are as a Village.

Please see the beautiful poem below and participate. Be safe, be well and I am looking forward to seeing you and the rainbows soon.

Respectfully,

Dr. Angela Bender

Children and adults around the world are posting handmade rainbow artwork in the windows of their homes to spread hope and cheer during the dark days of the coronavirus pandemic. Mrs. Anderson, an Art teacher at Lewis F. Cole Middle School, Fort Lee wrote a poem for all of us asking to do the same. We hope that you participate and fill the Ridgefield Park community with some sunshine and rainbows. The poem that

Mrs. Anderson wrote was also picked up by School Arts Magazine and Association for Middle-Level Educators to be published through their respective media platforms. Let’s help to make the positivity go viral in our community and beyond.

'Twas the Spring 2020, when all through the land,

Not a creature was stirring, ‘cause it got out of hand;

The hospitals bursting, as nurses took care,

In hopes that this virus would get out of there;

The children were stuck in their houses all day;

With visions of parks and the sports they should play;

And dad needs a haircut, so he wears a cap,

And mom is so flustered, she just needs a nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

We sprang to the window, to see what was the matter.

Away to the window we flew like a flash,

Even the dog ran; he made a rare dash.

The moon shown so brightly, the street was aglow,

And it gave a rare luster to objects below,

When what to our wondering eyes did appear,

But a glisten of hope and a touch of good cheer,

Yes, a crazy Art teacher, so lively and quick,

We knew in a moment this wasn’t a trick.

More rapid than eagles, the colors they came,

And she whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

"Now, Crimson! now, Orange! now Yellow and Green!

On, Bluish! on, Violet! All colors in between!

To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!

Colors for everyone, rainbows for all!"

And then, in a twinkling, we all got to work,

We took out our colors and began the artwork.

The colors got rid of the clouds in our head,

And soon we all knew, there was nothing to dread;

We spoke not a word, but went straight to our art,

And filled all of the windows with smiles from our heart.

So please add a rainbow, filled with hope and good cheer,

For children to find as they walk far and near.

As we wait for the day, we can go out and play,

And resume work and fun and enjoy ‘normal days;’

We wish you adieu, “Mr. COVID-19,”

Because we’re stronger than you, and we WILL reconvene.

So follow directions and stay inside now,

I promise you all, we’ll get through this somehow.

Keep learning remotely, and talking with ZOOM,

God Bless you all, and get rid of this gloom



WELCOME TO THE RIDGEFIELD PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT

Update: March 27, 2020 Email

Dear Parents, Guardians, Teachers, Staff & Ridgefield Park Community,

We have successfully completed week two of the new way of educating our students - distance learning. However, we all miss the children and each other. Fortunately, we have ways of trying to replicate the human connection by using online video conferencing tools such as Zoom. Nevertheless, we know nothing can replace the human connection made by face-to-face conversations.

During Governor Murphy’s press conference, he decided that schools will not re-open before April 17, 2020. At that time, the Governor will reassess the state of COVID-19 in New Jersey, and decide in consultation with the NJ Department of Health and the DOE what to do moving forward.

Please see the website and the attachments below for more helpful information.

May this time pass quickly with good health for all, and a speedy recovery for those affected. Have a peaceful weekend.

Respectfully,

Dr. Angela P. Bender

https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/health-promotion/2019-novel-corona-virus

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1el_6-AArvQ1B7m1UvSCrY6JgOxRc8oGM/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b8PGJVlaoJjfGsovsvQzd1zqtMfWPXwP/view?usp=sharing




WELCOME TO THE RIDGEFIELD PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT

Update: March 25, 2020

Dear Parents, Guardians and Ridgefield Park Schools Community:

I hope this update finds you and your loved ones doing well. We are closing out our second week of "home instruction" due to this unprecedented time of COVID-19.

I have logged into various online classrooms, and I am very proud of the work our teachers are preparing and our students are accomplishing. I am sure you will agree, no one would believe this style of online instruction is new to the majority. This is hard work and I need to acknowledge our teachers and staff have been giving it their all, and are very successful. Parents, you are also to be commended for your dedication to helping our efforts as best you can ~ On behalf of myself and our staff, thank you.

There are a few items to share:

  1. We are working at two-week intervals. We are now about to complete week two. Next week we will be "homeschooling" again.

  2. We will follow the week of our spring break. No instruction will take place during the week of April 6, with no instruction on Monday, April 13th.

  3. Instruction after the break will resume on Tuesday, April 14th.

  4. All parks and school playgrounds are CLOSED. Children are not permitted on school playgrounds.

  5. Grab and Go Free/Reduced Meal Program is currently being served at the Ridgefield Park Jr/Sr High School from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

  6. If you need any help with instruction - contact the teacher/principal.

  7. Guidance counselors continue to be available by email.

  8. NJ COVID-19 Call Center - 1-800-222-1222

  9. Residents can now also text NJCOVID to 898-211 to receive text information and stay informed.

  10. Residents can also call the Bergen County Health and Safety Hotline at (201) 225-7000.

As always, I thank you for your continued support and your positive and upbeat attitudes you are sharing with your children. I pray this time goes by quickly and keeps you safe and well. And, remember... we are all in this together. We are the Village of Ridgefield Park - We got this!

Respectfully,

Dr. Bender



Letter to District:

March 20, 2020

This has been two weeks no one could have ever imagined. One week to learn how to transform a traditional classroom to online learning, and a weekend prepping a shipment of Chromebooks. Then on this past Monday morning, we opened our doors at the Jr. Sr. High School bright and early to disseminate Chromebooks to all 7-12 graders, our free and reduced lunch program turned into a “grab and go” process, and our elementary students began working on their home instruction at 9 a.m. I would like to report there have been minimal setbacks and the few were resolved rather quickly to the credit of our staff.

Throughout the last two weeks, I have received several complimentary emails from parents and staff, and I thank all who took the time to send the positive notes. Everyone has worked hard to bring their absolute best to the virtual world of teaching. Please take a moment to sit back and reflect on where we were and where we are now. You will be pleasantly surprised by the positive growth by students, teachers, and staff, and all of our district employees deserve to hear “thank you”. We close the week with "a job well done!" We even experienced our first WebEx Board of Education Meeting, which was successful.

A few important messages:

  • Please know all schools and their playgrounds are closed until further notice.

  • If you have instructional questions, please email your child's teacher and/or the principal

  • For technical difficulties email: rphelpdesk@rpschools.net

  • Continue to follow social distancing, hand washing, and healthy habits

Yes, it is Friday! A big thank you to teachers, staff, parents, and students. This was a successful week. I applaud our teachers and their collaborative efforts! Together, we made it happen, and I am proud to serve as the Ridgefield Park Superintendent. May these uncharted waters which we are traveling go by quickly and smoothly for you and your family.

Respectfully,

Dr. Angela Bender

WELCOME TO THE RIDGEFIELD PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT

Update 3/20/20 -- It is unprecedented times like these that show how our Ridgefield Park School System faculty and staff pull together for our students. We know our Village needs us and please know we are here.

Today from 10a.m. to noon is the last day to pick up Chromebooks for 7 - 12 graders. Please email Mr. Koenig with any questions.

Pomptonian Meals for those who qualify for Free and Reduced lunch are available from 11a.m. to 1p.m.

In the meantime, please maintain the positive attitude for your children. Our actions and reactions set the tone for their emotions. Right now they need to be assured that they are supported and taken care of during this unsettling time.

Further, set an example of some healthy practices by:

  • Frequently washing hands

  • Drink plenty of fluids (stay hydrated)

  • Cough/Sneeze into a tissue and then throw it out then wash hands

  • Wipe down commonly touched surfaces

  • Keep a social distance

  • Avoid hugs/handshakes - make the Peace sign with your fingers or elbow bump instead for Hello.

  • And, get plenty of rest.

Check out Resources for Parents Page discussing the coronavirus with your children

  • Public Hotline - Call the NJ COVID-19 1-800-222-1222
    Trained professionals are standing by to answer your call 24/7

  • Visit nj.gov/health
    NOTE: Hotline is not to locate testing, to get test results, or for medical advice

I will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation, stay in close contact with the NJDOE, NJDOH, the CDC and other health organizations and keep you updated as best I can.

Thank you for your support an understanding during this time. May this pass quickly and may you and your loved ones remain healthy!

Respectfully,

Dr. Angela P. Bender

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SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2020

SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2020

Thank you Andre Lam for your kind donation!

A BIG THANK YOU to Andre Lam at High Spirits Liquors, 215 Main Street, RP, for donating the plastic bags for our Chromebook distribution


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March 16, 2020 -- Chromebook Distribution began!

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