Somerville HSA meeting today.

I'll be heading over to the Somerville HSA meeting today at 1:30. (Sorry I don't know what room it's in -- probably the library?) Dr. Fishbein will also be there, too. I try to attend as many Somerville HSA meetings throughout the year as I can, and this one I felt was especially good to attend due to the recent questions about the BOE's response to Valley Hospital and the proposed Master Plan amendment. If you have questions, I hope to see you there.

Beware the survey? That’s just silly.

I hope all parents will complete the survey that we’re currently conducting regarding your opinions about our schools. Why now? If you recall, the Board has been talking about the survey for over two years now. The Communications Committee worked on the survey last year, but didn’t get it complete before the year was over. This year we worked on it in the Fall, but then we agreed we had to put it on the back burner while were consumed with the budget vote in March, April and into May. We got back to work a few weeks ago, and got the survey out as quickly as possible.

In the best of all possible worlds, I would not recommend running this survey so close to the very end of the school year. I know how distracted parents can be this time of year, with all the events, parties, deadlines, etc. A survey from the school district is probably not going to be a priority. But what could we do? The budget took longer than we expected, and the clock keeps ticking...

Then there’s the recent activity surrounding the Valley Renewal. The BOE has been in the news lately because a group of parents wants the Board to oppose the Master Plan amendment. They also want us to pressure the Village to conduct certain environmental studies sooner rather than later. We haven’t done it and that has upset some parents. What I find laughably curious is the contention that the timing of the survey and the Valley proposal are somehow related. What? What? I can’t even pretend to understand the logic of the argument, but trying to make some connection at all is very odd to me. Come on, people. How can I put this diplomatically…recently I’ve joked that you are giving us far too much credit to think we have masterminded some sort of conspiracy and that somehow this survey will be used for nefarious purposes re: Valley. Really.

As for the anonymity of the survey...it was always a priority. The survey is completely anonymous. We are NOT connecting survey results with email addresses. We are ONLY using email as a way to validate that survey-takers are parents or guardians.

Look, when I ran for the Board I mentioned that I thought the District should do some sort of annual report card for each school, showing what parents think. The Board made improving two-way communication one of its goals last year and again this year, and the communications committee worked on a survey as part of that goal, beginning over two years ago. We’ve discussed it at Board meetings. We’ve discussed it at HSA meetings. I’ve mentioned it to parents here and there. Every single time, I got nothing but positive feedback from parents, as in, “I’m glad to hear the District wants to hear our opinions.” This isn’t something we just quickly cooked up.

The survey questions are simple and straightforward. They have nothing to do with Valley or any other current event. They are "timeless." Please, parents, even if you are angry with the Board about Valley or any other issue, please answer these simple questions to share your opinions about your child’s school, day in and day out.

The deadline for participating in the online survey is Thursday June 17 at midnight. Any questions, comment here or email survey10@ridgewood.k12.nj.us

Tomorrow’s BOE Meeting agenda.

Some of the topics on tomorrow’s Board of Education agenda:

• Recognition of various parent volunteer groups, including Jamboree, Federated HSA, Super Science Saturday, Dads’ Night…as well as celebration of the RHS Girls’ Lacrosse Team for winning the state championship.

• Approval of a variety of staff changes for 2010-11. Many of these are due to the “bumping” that occurs when positions are eliminated and the tenured staff in those positions have bumping rights to other positions in the district. It’s a lot like musical chairs and it’s impossible to predict up front where everyone is going to land. We’ll also approve the resignation/retirements of several long-time staff members.

• Many of the construction bids are in for the Referendum Projects, and we’ll be approving several of them tomorrow night. The bids are mostly coming in below what was budgeted, so that’s good news! Very exciting to think about all the work that will be taking place beginning this summer.

Wow, it doesn’t look like a big agenda when I list it here, but those are big, detailed topics. As always, you are all welcome to join us at the Ed Center, 3rd floor, at 7:30 p.m. Or, watch on Channel 77 or online at the District website.

Post-graduate plans for the RHS Class of 2010.

Last night I had the honor of participating in the Senior Awards Ceremony at RHS. What an impressive group of students (and what a generous community in giving scholarships!).

Based on a survey of all 420 graduating seniors:

88.6% are attending a 4-year college (Last year, it was 88.0%)
4.5% are attending a 2-year college (Last year, it was 7.9%)
40.8% are attending a Public/State college (Last year, it was 40.1%)
59.2% are attending a Private college (Last year, it was 59.9%)
21.6% are attending a college in New Jersey (Last year, it was 22.1%)
16 seniors will be attending an Ivy League College (Last year, it was 12 seniors)

College destinations for the top 20% of the Class of 2010:

American University
Amherst College
Bard College
Boston College (2)
Boston University (3)
Bowdoin College (2)
Brown University
Carnegie Mellon University
Colgate University (2)
College of William and Mary
Columbia University (3)
Connecticut College
Cornell University (4)
Dartmouth College (2)
Drexel University
Fordham University (2)
George Washington University (3)
Georgetown University
Hamilton College (3)
Johns Hopkins University (2)
Lehigh University
Loyola University (2)
McGill University (2)
Middlebury College
New York Institute of Technology
New York University
Northwestern University (2)
Pratt Institute
Rice University
Ringling College of Art and Design
Rutgers University
Skidmore College (3)
The College of New Jersey (3)
Towson University
Tufts University (3)
Tulane University
University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Michigan (2)
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
University of Pennsylvania (2)
University of Richmond (4)
University of Rochester
University of Vermont (2)
University of Virginia (2)
Vanderbilt University
Vassar College
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Wake Forest University
Washington and Lee University
Wesleyan University
Williams College

Congratulations and all the best to the Class of 2010 and their parents!

Tell us what you think! Parent/guardian survey launched today.

Adapted from today's press release:

The Ridgewood Board of Education is conducting a survey of parents and guardians whose children attend district schools. The online survey, an outgrowth of the Board’s ongoing commitment to enhance two-way-communication, was distributed by e-mail today.

“The Board of Education is always interested in learning parent and guardians’ perceptions of their children’s educational experience,” said Board president Michele Lenhard. “In undertaking this survey, the Board will seek to gather information on a variety of topics. We will use that input to help us align our goals with the community’s experience and expectations. Effectively, we are asking the simple question, ‘How are we doing?’ ”

The survey, designed to be given annually, will cover five general themes relating to: parent and child satisfaction in school; academics; extra-curriculars; facilities and communications. A sixth section will ask questions on a unique topic each year. This year’s special section will focus on the flow of school information and the district website.

Today, all Ridgewood district parents and guardians with email address on file with the district should have received an e-mail with a private link to the survey for each school that their children attend. The survey is to be completed based on the experience of the youngest child currently enrolled in each school. Respondents will have until midnight on Thursday, June 17, to complete the survey, which should take approximately 15 minutes to fill out.

Responses to survey questions will remain anonymous. The collected data will be shared with the community and will be used by the Board of Education as part of its evaluation of district policies and practices.

“Two years ago the Board identified enhanced two-way communication with the community as one of its goals for the school year, including the creation of a survey,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Fishbein. “This year again, one of the Board goals is to determine parent/guardian opinions on a variety of topics related to our schools and the education our students receive. The Board Communications Committee has worked hard to develop a brief, user-friendly survey that we hope will capture valuable data regarding our effectiveness. I am asking all parents and guardians to please make your opinions known by completing the survey before the June 17 deadline. Watch your e-mail box for your survey link. Thank you in advance for your participation.”

Dr. Fishbein sits on the Board Communications Committee along with me and Board member Sheila Brogan, and district public information officer, Debra Anderson.

Questions about the survey can be sent to survey10@ridgewood.k12.nj.us. Print copies of the survey will also be available at all schools and the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, for those without access to email.

Anyone who does not wish to receive further survey e-mails can opt-out of the survey by sending an e-mail to unsubscribesurvey10@ridgewood.k12.nj.us

The latest on Valley.

I would like to thank every parent who has asked questions, expressed concerns or shared opinions regarding the proposed changes to the Village’s Master Plan. Please know that your concerns are taken very seriously and have been given much consideration. The Board of Ed believes that governing bodies should interact in a professional and respectful manner, and according to established processes. It is for this reason that the Board has not taken an official position on the question before the Planning Board.

Yesterday a group of parents presented Superintendent Dan Fishbein with a petition signed by 600+ residents, asking the Board of Ed to ask the Planning Board for an environmental impact study before the decision is made on the Master Plan. First of all, I'm not totally sure why these petitions aren't being presented directly to the Planning Board. Why do you need the BOE to ask for the study? With all due respect, residents have had many, many opportunities to make their opinions known to the Planning Board over the past three years, and a request for an environmental impact study could have been made at any time directly. Why ask the BOE, when we've made it clear we're not going to get involved in the merits of the Master Plan amendment?

Even if we wanted to press for an environmental study, it is our understanding that such environmental studies are completed only when a fully engineered site plan is developed, not when the Planning Board is considering a Master Plan amendment. It's not the appropriate time. Concept plans currently submitted are not defined enough to make an environmental impact assessment. The DEP or other reputable environmental entity would not be able to come to environmental conclusions with the current concept plans.

The BOE’s testimony to the Planning Board is available on the district website. It contains detailed information on the health, safety and educational concerns that the BOE has regarding the proposed project. If the plan is amended and a project submitted for site plan approval, the developer's agreement will be the place for us to enumerate and put into writing specific safeguards for student health, safety and learning. At that point the BOE will take an active role to define our needs, and ensure they are met. The Board reached this position after careful consideration, discussion and community input.

I can also report that Federated HSA is establishing a committee specifically to gather parent input on Valley’s plans and activities. Board of Ed President Michele Lenhard and I will participate actively in this committee, and will share all concerns with the full Board and district administration.

Finally, I have to comment on one of the more ludicrous and desperate allegations I've heard -- that Dr. Fishbein is somehow involved in a conflict of interest on the Valley issue, since his wife is a doctor with admitting privileges at Valley Hospital. Oh brother. This is like saying he has a conflict of interest as superintendent because he has children in the schools. Since the BOE and the administration have not taken a position on the master plan amendment (see the XX number of times I've already said this), where's the conflict? Fail.

I believe the Planning Board has all the info it needs to make a decision. The Planning Board is appointed by the Village Council (whom we elected), to make that decision. They've heard the opinions. They've talked to experts. Let's see what they decide.

Congratulations RHS Girls Lacrosse!

Ridgewood High School's girls lacrosse team won the school's first-ever women's state championship after defeating West Morris of Mendham 7-6. Abbey Van Horne summed up the team's feelings:

"We knew this was going to be our year," said an ecstatic VanHorne. "We've had so much fun playing together that we almost felt like it was our fate to win. When we we're out there playing together and having fun we almost feel unstoppable. I couldn't ask for a better group of teammates and to accomplish this with them is absolutely amazing."

You can read the full story of the championship game at Ridgewood Patch.

There will be a celebration at RHS after school on Wednesday.

Way to go, girls!

Students are encouraged to contribute to SSA "Breakfast Days."

The Social Services Association of Ridgewood & Vicinity's food pantry needs help stocking its shelves, so it's time once again for Breakfast Days. The Community Center Advisory Board and SSA are asking elementary and middle school children to bring in a favorite breakfast item, such as pancake mix, cereal, juice, granola bars or coffee/tea, to school next week, between June 7 and June 11. There will be collection boxes at each school, and any donation (non-perishable) will be welcome. Cereal is one of the most popular items in the pantry, and they have a hard time keeping the popular brands on the shelves. Consider having your child bring in a box of his or her favorite brand, to share with kids who will appreciate it as much as they do.

Any questions, contact Social Services Association of Ridgewood & Vicinity at 201-444-2980.

Rest in peace, Annie Z.

It's hard to deal with any loss, on some level, but the death of someone vital and engaged and always "there" is breathtaking, not in a "wow, look at the sunset" way, but in an actual catch of your breath, a sharp reminder of our own swift mortality.

Anne Zusy, who passed away on Thursday after a rapid descent at the hands of cancer, was a passionate community member, caring neighbor, energetic parent and a friend to many (including me). Over the years, I admired her tenacity and appreciated her commitment. I also got frustrated by what I teasingly called her "over-speaking," and laughed (sometimes jealously) at her candor in public.

Annie's passing is a real loss to the Ridgewood community. May she rest in peace.

Wake: Feeney Funeral Home, Monday 5:00-9:00 PM
Service: West Side Presbyterian Church, Tuesday 11:00 AM

The Big Valley.

I (along with the rest of the Board) received several emails last week from parents or other community members concerned about the Planning Board’s impending decision on whether to amend the Village Master Plan to accommodate Valley Hospital’s intended “Renewal.” The theme of the emails was that the Board of Education should “take a stand” and “protest” the project. Some people are confused as to why the BOE has not done this yet, and imply (or state outright) that we are shirking our duty to protect our students. (See today's Bergen Record for a story about those frustrated parents.) I would like to explain my personal reasons for my actions on this topic. (And this means, once again, that I’m only speaking for myself since it would not be proper or legal for me to speak for the Board or any other Board members.)

I believe it is right and responsible for the Board of Education to protect our students from the affects of a project that could impact their health, safety or education. Right now, there is not a specific project under review. There are ideas and intentions, certainly, but the Planning Board is considering amending the Master Plan. Later, when there is an actual project’s site plan and construction permits being reviewed, then the BOE will participate in the process to create the Developer’s Agreement. In that Developer’s Agreement, all the parties – Valley, the Village, the BOE, the neighbors, the County (I presume, due to the adjacent roads) and other major stakeholders will hammer out requirements, standards and expectations with regard to construction activity. I expect the BOE to play an active role in the process as a strong advocate on behalf of our students. I expect to be firm in our requirements and to participate fully and completely every step of the way, from the initial development of the Agreement through enforcement over the life of the project. That is the correct and most effective time, in my opinion, for BOE involvement.

I realize this is in direct opposition to what some parents/neighbors believe, but I do not believe it is right for the Board of Education to try and influence the Planning Board’s decision regarding the Master Plan. What does this mean? It does not mean I don’t care about children. It does not mean I’m stupid or irresponsible or naïve. It simply means that we disagree. Reasonable people can do that, you know? I am a firm believer that two people, when presented with the same information, can come to different conclusions.

This explanation isn’t going to please most of the people who emailed Board members last week. Maybe some of them will understand. All of them will have received Board President Michele Lenhard’s response on behalf of the Board. (According to our bylaws the Board president responds on the group’s behalf.) But for those who are able to listen, even to information you don’t like, thanks for reading.