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Volume 11, Number 16
May 5, 2015
Ridgewood Public Schools
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May 5, 2015
The next Regular Public Meeting of the Ridgewood Board of Education will be held on Monday, May 18,
2015 at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, Floor 3 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be aired live on
FiOS channel 33 and Optimum channel 77 and streamed via the “Link in Live” tab on the district website
at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us. Meeting webcasts are generally posted to the district website within 48
hours.
In this Issue:
From the Superintendent’s Desk
Board Briefs: Highlights from the Board of Education Meeting
Honors and Awards
News from the Ed Center
From the Village Community
Please note: News from the Ed Center and flyers are now posted below the Board Briefs.
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From the Superintendent’s Desk

District parents and guardians have the opportunity to provide
anonymous feedback to the Board of Education through the 2014-2015 satisfaction
survey. The survey period runs from Tuesday, May 5 through Friday, May 15. All district
parents and guardians with email addresses on file will receive an email link to the survey.
Click here for a letter to parents and guardians.
 Residents are reminded of the invitation to stop by for coffee and casual conversation
with Board of Education members and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Fishbein on
Wednesday, May 13 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place. All
residents are invited to drop in to share their thoughts, questions, suggestions and
concerns.
 The 2015-2016 school budget has been approved. Click here to view the presentation on
next year's school budget, given at the April 27, 2015 Board of Education meeting.
 Click here to view and download the 2015-2016 calendar. Click here to view and
download the 2016-2017 school calendar.
Board Briefs:



Highlights from the May 4, 2015 Board of Education Reorganization and Regular Public
Meeting
The webcast of the May 4, 2015 Board meeting will be made available on the district
website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us.
To review official minutes of prior Board of Education meetings, click here.
Presentations

Willard School Recycling Program
Teacher Christopher Kearns and student members of the Green Ambassadors Club
presented information on the organized efforts to recycle and change habits at Willard.
Students participate in all green initiatives at Willard including composting, recycling, replanting, the plant sale and energy saving.

Johnson Controls – Energy Savings Report
Company representative Valerie Moran provided information on setting up a guaranteed
energy efficiency program that will pay for itself over time, by setting up an Energy
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Savings Improvement Plan (ESIP), which is a state oversight program.

Resolution of Appreciation for Outgoing Student Rep
Rebecca Tomilchik has served as Student Representative to the Board during the 20142015 school year. The Board approved a resolution of appreciation in honor of Rebecca.

Introduction of New Student Representative
Outgoing Student Representative Rebecca Tomilchik introduced Joshua Schneider as the
2015-2016 Student Representative to the Board.

Enrollment Statistics
Superintendent Dr. Fishbein presented an overview of Ridgewood’s elementary school
enrollment over the past several years.
Administration

The Board approved the first reading of revisions to bylaws/policies and new policy, as
listed below and found as attachments on the agenda.
o Bylaw 0134 - Board Self-Evaluation, as listed on Attachment A (revised)
o Bylaw 0152 - Board Officers, as listed on Attachment B (revised)
o Policy 3212 - Attendance, as listed on Attachment C (revised)
o Policy 4212 – Attendance, as listed on Attachment D (revised- formerly Policy
4211)
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Policy 3218, as listed on Attachment E (revised)
Policy 4218, as listed on Attachment F (revised)
Policy 5200 – Attendance, as listed on Attachment G (revised)
Policy 5460 – High School Graduation, as listed on Attachment H (revised)
Policy 5465 – Early Graduation, as listed on Attachment I (revised)
Policy 6421.1 – Environmentally Preferable Purchasing, as listed on Attachment J
(new)
Policy 8630 – Bus Driver/Bus Aide Responsibility & Emergency School Bus, as
listed on Attachment K (revised)
The Board approved various administrative appointments, continuations and documents
for the 2015-2016 school year, as found on the agenda.
Curriculum & Instruction

The Board approved continuation of existing curriculum for RHS, the Middle Schools
Program of Studies, and existing Elementary Curriculum, as per the courses of study listed
on Attachment Q of the agenda, for the 2015-2016 school year.
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
The Board approved the continuation of the existing textbooks and new textbooks as
listed on Attachment R of the agenda for the 2015-2016 school year.

The Board approved the Comprehensive Guidance & Academic Counseling Program.
Human Resources

The Board approved the Ridgewood Public Schools Salary List for all known positions
and staffing as of May 4, 2015 for the 2015-2016 school year, as listed on Attachment
S of the agenda.

The Board approved all non-tenured Teachers, Administrators, and Nurse Aide for the
2015-2016 school year, as listed on Attachment T of the agenda.

The Board approved changes of assignment for the 2015-2016 school year, as listed
on Attachment U of the agenda.

The Board approved new positions for the 2015-2016 school year:
 0.5 FTE Kindergarten Teacher, Willard School
 0.5 FTE Kindergarten Teacher, Orchard School

The Board approved the following personnel actions, subject to receipt of
appropriate documentation and New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE)
certificate if required. Unless otherwise stated, effective dates are September 1, 2014
through June 30, 2015. Leaves of Absence are in accordance with the REA/Board
Agreement and utilizing the FMLA and/or NJFLA.
Ridgewood High School

Margaret Schaefer was approved as Director of the New Players Summer 2015
Program.

Deniz Ekin was appointed Long-term Substitute French Teacher, effective May 1, 2015
through June 19, 2015, at a daily rate of $125 per day, until the assignment ends.

Michael Galaviz, School Psychologist, has resigned, effective June 22, 2015, with one
year of Ridgewood service.
Willard School

Jaclyn Fanos, Primary LLD Teacher, will take a Leave of Absence, effective August 31,
2015 through December 12, 2015, in accordance with the REA/Board Agreement and
utilizing the FMLA and/or NJFLA leave entitlement; and an extended child rearing
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leave effective December 3, 2015 through June 30, 2016, with a reinstatement date of
September 1, 2016.
Finance

The Board accepted the following restricted donations for
the 2014-2015 school year, to be used as indicated:
Donor
Hawes HSA
Amount
$4,500
Use
To be used for field trip expenses.

The Board approved the lease of unused classrooms for the 2015-2016 school year as
listed on Attachment V of the agenda.

The Board approved the student activity fee of $100 at the middle schools and $150
at the high school for those students who participate in any co-curricular activity for
the 2015-2016 school year.

The Board approved the rental fees for the use of facilities for the 2015-2016 school
year, as listed on Attachment W of the agenda.

The Board approved tuition rates for the 2015-2016 school year for out-of-district
students and staff members’ children, as listed below:
Grades
Kindergarten
Grades 1-5
Grades 6-8
Grades 9-12
PreK(RED)
LLD
Multiple Disabled
Resource Room
Out-of District
Students
$ 11,139
$ 13,418
$ 13,801
$ 13,995
$ 20,340
$ 20,883
$ 29,884
$60.35 p/h plus
applicable aide
costs
Staff Members’
Children
$ 245
$ 475
$ 530
$ 587
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
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

The Board approved substitute rates of pay for the 2015-2016 school year as listed
below:
Teachers (up to five consecutive days): $92 per diem
Teachers (sixth consecutive days and up): $125 per diem
Long-term: Determined by administration after evaluation of educational
background and experience
Nurse: $130 per diem
Secretaries: $12.50 per hour
Secretaries (former RAES members): $13.25 per hour
Secretaries (Long-term): $17 per hour
The Board approved an agreement with Pomptonian Food Service (Food Service
Management Company) for the 2015-2016 school year. The Food Service Management
Company shall receive, in addition to the costs of operation, a fee of $.0992 per meal
equivalent to compensate the Food Service Management Company for administrative
and management costs. The Food Service Management Company guarantees the Local
Education Agency a minimum profit of ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) for school year
2015-2016.
The student price list is as follows:
Paid Lunch
Premium Lunch
Premium
Gluten
Free Lunch
Reduced Lunch
Milk
Pure Fruit Juice
2014-2015
Prices
2015-2016
Prices
$ 3.50
$ 4.75
$ 5.75
$ 3.50
$ 4.75
$ 5.75
$ .50
$ .75
$ 1.50
$ .50
$ .75
$ 1.50
Board Member Announcements

Sheila Brogan congratulated Board members Christina Kraus and Jim Morgan on
receiving their New Jersey School Boards Association certification.

Sheila Brogan reminded the public of the Teacher Recognition reception on
Tuesday, May 5. Residents are invited to drop in at the Ed Center, 49 Cottage
Place at 7 p.m.

Sheila Brogan’s May Legislative Report
The bills pertaining to PARCC tests approved by the Assembly in March continue to be stalled in the
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Senate. However, Senator Teresa Ruiz, chair of the Senate Education Committee, and Senator Stephen
Sweeney, Senate President, did send a letter last week to Commissioner Hespe. In the letter, they ask the
Commissioner to continue to base only 10% of a teacher’s evaluation on the PARCC test results. Last year,
a compromise was reached that reduced the weighting of tests to 10% this year, 20% next year, and 30%
in the following year. Ruiz and Sweeney’s request would keep the weighting at 10% for two more years
so that teachers and school districts could adjust to the new state tests.
(NJ Spotlight, 4/28/2015 “In Letter to Hespe, Sweeney and Ruiz Ask for New Compromise on PARCC”)
Information
New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:32-7.3 requires the Board of Education to report annually at
a public meeting a description of the types of pupil records it has authorized certified school
personnel to collect and maintain.
1.
Mandated pupil records shall include the following:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
2.
The pupil’s name, address, telephone number, date of birth, name of parent(s),
gender, citizenship, standardized assessment and test answer sheets (protocol),
grades, attendance, classes attended, grade level completed, and year completed;
Record of daily attendance;
Descriptions of pupil progress according to the system of pupil evaluation used in
the school district;
History and status of physical health compiled in accordance with State
regulations, including results of any physical examinations given by qualified
school district employees;
Records pursuant to rules and regulations regarding the education of pupils with
disabilities; and
All other records required by the State Board of Education.
Permitted pupil records are authorized by the Board to promote the pupil's educational
welfare and include the following as authorized by this Board upon adoption of Policy
and Regulation 8330. These records include, but may not be limited to:
a.
Personally authenticated observations, assessments, ratings, and anecdotal reports
recorded by teaching staff members in the performance of their professional
responsibilities and intended for review by another person, provided the record is
dated and signed by the originator. Information recorded solely as a memory aid
for the originator becomes a pupil’s record when it is reviewed by any other
person, including a substitute;
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b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
o.
p.
Information, scores, and results obtained from standardized tests or by approved
tests conducted by professional personnel;
Educationally relevant information provided by the parent or adult pupil
regarding the pupil's achievements or school activities;
Any correspondence with the pupil and/or the pupil's parents;
Driver education certificate;
Emergency notification form;
New pupil registration form;
Withdrawal or transfer form;
Change of schedule form;
Records of disciplinary infractions, penalties, and disciplinary hearings;
Records of the pupil's co-curricular and athletic activities and achievements;
Class rank;
Awards and honors;
Notations of additional records maintained in a separate file;
The statement from a pupil’s parent or adult pupil regarding a contested portion
of the record; and
Entries indicating review of the file by an authorized person
Honors and Awards
 The district has received word that Superintendent Dr. Daniel Fishbein has won a New
Jersey Press Association award for his monthly columns in The Ridgewood News. Dr.
Fishbein won Second Place in the category of column writing for a weekly newspaper in
the organization’s annual Better Newspaper Contest 2014. The winning columns were
Schools Cannot Do It Alone and Taking the Mask Off Addiction.
The columns were submitted by Edward Virgin, Editor, The Ridgewood News, as part of
its package of contest entries encompassing a variety of reporting categories. Ed accepted
the award for Dr. Fishbein at the organization’s annual Press Night on April 23.
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News from the Ed Center
Outreach Series Continues for Parents and Guardians
“Special Education Learning Issues” will be the final Curriculum Outreach Program on Tuesday,
May 26 with Dr. Kim Buxenbaum-Turner, district Director of Special Programs, who will provide
an in-depth, parent-focused look at the district’s Special Education program as well as findings
from her year-long study of the program. The presentation will take place from 7-9 p.m. at the
Education Center, floor 3. For more information, please contact the office of Cheryl Best,
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at 201-670-2700, ext. 10532
or email her at [email protected].
RHS New Players News
The remaining 2014-2015 season will feature:


A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m.; Friday, May 8 at 8 p.m.;
Saturday, May 9 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 10 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
A Festival of Student Written One Acts on Saturday, June 6 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
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BFMS Hosts Third Annual Memorial Day Remembrance on May 20
The public is invited to join the Benjamin Franklin Middle School community for a very solemn
remembrance on the night of Wednesday, May 20 in the Ben Franklin auditorium at 7 p.m.
This event is a short presentation on the true meaning of Memorial Day, featuring honored
guests from the community, as well as former and current military veterans. As in the past, there
will be a luminary display outside of the school to honor those who have served and paid the
ultimate sacrifice.
This year the school will be selling miniature flags before and during the event. All money raised
will be donated to the Wounded Warriors Foundation, an organization which helps veterans
wounded in past wars. It is our goal to continue to raise money for this worthy cause and even if
you do not purchase a flag, any donation you can make is greatly appreciated. In the past two
years over $4,000 has been raised.
Questions or donations may be directed to: John [email protected], Michael
[email protected]. Jason [email protected] or Mollie Van
[email protected].
Travell’s Annual Mayfair is May 9
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Jazz in the Wood is May 15
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Booster Club Runs Summer Soccer Camps
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Ridgewood Crew Posts Rowing Program Information
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Orchard School HSA Fundraiser is May 16
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Ridgewood Friends of Music host Korean Music Night is May 9
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RHS Project Graduation 2015 Updates

Can you help this week (May 5-9)?
200 Central Ave., Hawthorne - Painting and Light Construction
Tuesday, 7:30-10 p.m.
Wednesday, 7:30-10 p.m.
Thursday, TBD
Saturday , 8 a.m – 1 p.m.
Corset Shop, Maple Ave., Ridgewood - Crafting and Set Decoration
Tuesday, 7:30-10 p.m.
Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Saturday, TBD

Upcoming monthly meetings: May 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the RHS Library.

Dues are due. Make $165 check payable to “RHS Class of 2015” and mail to Sharon
Walker, 94 Sherwood Road, Ridgewood, NJ 07450.

Class of 2015 Project Graduation Representatives
Chairpersons: Tara Callaghan 201-803-7778 and Rosie McCooe 201-602-8097 or
[email protected]
Treasurer: Sharon Walker [email protected]
Communications: Jeff Coster [email protected]
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From the Village Community
Woman’s Club hosts Minecraft Event for Charity
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Village Civility Initiative Continues on May 11
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Ridgewood Soccer is Registering for Fall Play
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Eleventh Annual Wiffle for Cancer Tournament is June 7 at RHS
The 11th Annual Wiffle for Cancer tournament in memory of Nick Currey (RHS
2004) will be held on Sunday, June 7, starting at 12 p.m. at Ridgewood High
School. Online registration is now up and running for this year's tournament at
www.wiffleforcancer.org.
All proceeds benefit the Nick Currey Fund for Ewing Sarcoma Research. The organization is also
looking for individuals and businesses to sponsor this year's tournament. For further information
about the tournament and the Nick Currey Fund, visit www.wiffleforcancer.org. Any questions
should be directed to Ralph Currey at [email protected].
Click here for more details.
The Ridgewood Public Library Events: Register online at
www.ridgewoodlibrary.org or call the library at 201-670-5600.
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The Village of Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring the following
programs. Click here for program details/flyers and to print registration forms on the individual
classes. Registration forms can be submitted in person or by mail (cash or check only). Online
registration using Visa or MasterCard is done through Community Pass. Call the Recreation Office
at 201-670-5560 with any questions or if special accommodations are needed.
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
Graydon Pool and tennis summer badges are now available online. In-person assistance is
available in the Graydon Pool Office on Saturdays, May 9 and May 16. Opening date is
Saturday, June 6. Details for badges and the aquatic swim program are available on the
Village of Ridgewood website at www.ridgewoodnj.net/graydon.

Summer Day Camp runs Tuesday, June 30 through Friday, August 7. Cost per child for
this six-week program is $525. The registration deadline is Monday, June 22. More
information is available at www.ridgewoodnj.net/recreation.
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YMCA Announces Summer Camp Programs
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rps.eNews is a publication of the Ridgewood Public Schools. For submissions, comments or
suggestions, email the editor, Debra Anderson, at [email protected]. To
unsubscribe, email [email protected] and type in the subject line: unsubscribe
rps.eNews. Previous issues are archived on the district website: www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us.
Please note: In compliance with State of New Jersey law, no archived issues will carry students’
names or photos unless permission has been granted by parents or guardians.