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Superintendent's Message
District Newsletter
Dear Ridgefield Park School Community,
Welcome to the Ridgefield Park Public Schools digital newsletter. We hope you find this to be an excellent way to stay connected with our district family. In this edition, we are pleased to share numerous examples of the exceptional learning experiences taking place across our schools.
From innovative academic projects that challenge our students to apply real-world skills to creative arts programs that foster personal expression and community engagement, our district provides a comprehensive educational experience that extends far beyond traditional classroom instruction. Our students actively participate in community service projects, competitive athletics, hands-on learning experiences, and artistic celebrations that demonstrate their academic mastery and personal growth.
This newsletter represents just a small sample of the remarkable work happening daily throughout our district. I encourage you to connect with your child's teachers and school administrators to learn more about the specific programs enriching your child's educational journey.
As we celebrate these current achievements, we are also thoughtfully planning for the future of our educational community. Our district is evaluating the most effective way to house our 7th through 12th grade students. Currently, our 7th and 8th grade students are housed in the same building as our 9th through 12th grade students. We are considering restructuring this arrangement and would value your input to guide this important decision. A 7th and 8th Grade Building Placement Survey will be coming soon.
Thank you for your continued support of the Ridgefield Park Public Schools. Together, we are creating an environment where every student can thrive.
Best,
Dr. Joseph P. Vespignani
Superintendent of Schools
Take Five Briefing
Board of Education Meeting - May 14, 2025
We understand that members of our school community may not be able to attend Board of Education meetings. To help keep stakeholders informed, the Take Five Briefing has been developed to touch upon five key topics discussed at the most recent public Board meeting.
Honors Civics Class Presentation: Students showcased their civic engagement projects during the Board Meeting, demonstrating their understanding of government processes and community involvement.
RPJSHS EverAlert Clock and Notification System: The Board approved a significant safety infrastructure upgrade with the installation of a new notification system throughout the RPJSHS, enhancing our emergency communication capabilities.
New Job Descriptions Approved: Several positions were established including Financial Analyst, Human Resource/Office Manager, Network Administrator, and IT Support Specialist, strengthening our district's administrative structure.
2025-2026 Board Meeting Schedule: The Board approved next year's meeting calendar, giving families advance notice of when important district decisions will be made throughout the upcoming school year.
HIB Incident Reports: The Superintendent presented the 2023-2024 District and School Official HIB Grade Report, reflecting our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, positive learning environment for all students.
News From Our Schools
Ridgefield Park Co-Op Service Project
Students at the Ridgefield Park Co-op participated in a service project collecting dental health items for the Center for Food Action in Englewood. Led by teacher assistant, Ms. Noonan, the pre-school students prepared 75 bags for distribution. The Center for Food Action expressed tremendous gratitude for this generous contribution.
Ms. Dinkjian and Her Second Grade Class at Grant School
Second grade students at Grant School have just completed their currency unit. Students have been calculating amounts of money, making change, playing store, and familiarizing themselves with the value of various coins and how to use them. The students enjoy learning through play, and families are encouraged to reinforce this learning by discussing money concepts during shopping trips.
Students are currently conducting independent research on animals of their choice and will publish their findings in bound books. This project demonstrates how we integrate literacy, research skills, and student choice to create meaningful learning experiences.
Small Group Instruction with Ms. Marin and Mrs. Conversano at Grant School
Second grade students at Grant School have been developing their literacy skills through work with beginning blends and common endings, while also focusing on handwriting improvement for neat, legible writing. Students are enjoying various books and reinforcing their skills through IXL practice, with families encouraged to support daily reading at home.
Fourth grade students successfully completed their NJSLA assessments, demonstrating the dedicated preparation and hard work invested throughout the year. To celebrate the completion of testing, students enjoyed outdoor activities and a movie celebration. As the school year concludes, students are reviewing key mathematical concepts learned this year, including various strategies for adding and subtracting two-digit numbers to 100.
Both grade levels are looking forward to the final weeks of school, warmer weather, and opportunities for outdoor learning activities that enhance the traditional classroom experience.
Lincoln School Celebrates Mother's Day
Staff vs. 6th Grade Basketball at Lincoln School
Lincoln School held its third annual staff versus sixth grade basketball game on May 20th. The staff team included Mr. Espinal, Mr. Fells, Mr. Rapp, Ms. Domke, Ms. Baeza, Ms. Rosales, Ms. Lane, and Dr. Ferraro. The sixth grade students demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and competitive spirit in a closely contested game, with the staff team ultimately prevailing. The event drew a capacity crowd of Lincoln School families and staff, highlighting the strong school community and spirit that makes these annual traditions so meaningful.
Updates from Ms. Awadallah at Lincoln School
In Mathematics, Ms. Awadallah's students at Lincoln School are developing practical life skills by learning to write checks and balance checkbooks. They are also engaged in a digital road trip project across the country that requires both independent and collaborative work to reach their destination successfully. Students apply skills learned throughout the school year to read and display data while determining location, distance, and travel costs. They will work cooperatively to complete digital math escape rooms and create statistical data representations.
In Science, students have been exploring the characteristics of living and nonliving things and their interactions within ecosystems. They are currently conducting research projects focused on different biomes. Each student researches a specific biome with a partner, investigating unique climate conditions, plant and animal life, and the interdependence of living and nonliving elements for survival. Students will present their findings through both presentations and visual representations, demonstrating their understanding of complex ecological relationships.
Spring Concert at Lincoln School
Lincoln School students presented their spring concert on May 22nd. After months of preparation, students performed a variety of songs. Third grade students showcased their recorder skills, while band members in the upper grades demonstrated their instrumental abilities during an evening concert.
The school encourages students to join band and begin learning instruments as early as fourth grade, fostering musical development and performance skills. Special recognition goes to Mr. Carbone for organizing and directing these successful concerts that highlight the important role of arts education.
Roosevelt School Art Exhibit (K-2)
Roosevelt School opened an art exhibit on May 13th at the Ridgefield Park Municipal Building, featuring artwork from all 135 kindergarten, first grade, and second grade students. Each student selected one piece from their portfolio for display in this community showcase. The opening event drew attendance from students, families, staff, and community members, including representatives from the Ridgefield Park Arts Association.
The student artwork will remain on display until June 10th. This partnership with the municipal building establishes a valuable community connection, with hopes to continue providing Roosevelt students with opportunities to showcase their artistic achievements in this public venue throughout the coming school year. The exhibit demonstrates the district's commitment to arts education and community engagement while celebrating student creativity and achievement.
Technology Update with Ms. Murray at Roosevelt School
Roosevelt School has experienced a highly productive year in technology education across all grade levels. Kindergarten students demonstrated growth in mouse usage and computer navigation, while first grade students learned Google toolbar functions and image searching for presentations. Second grade students studied animal characteristics to create research-based Google Slides, continuing their keyboarding development.
Third grade students embraced engineering challenges using Lego kits to design accessible buses and coding programs. Fourth grade students created Google Slideshows about New Jersey and explored Google Maps with custom pins and images. Fifth grade students applied engineering skills to reimagine shopping cart solutions, while sixth grade students developed Google Sites showcasing technology inventions that have improved quality of life.
Throughout the year, students learned responsible digital citizenship and developed essential technological skills. Families are encouraged to have students share their presentations and projects at home through their Google accounts, celebrating the incredible achievements accomplished this year.
Softball Begins Battle for State Championship
2025 Early College Graduates
On Tuesday, May 13th, seventeen students from the Class of 2025 received their Associate's Degrees at MetLife Stadium before earning their high school diplomas through the Early College Program, a partnership between Ridgefield Park Junior-Senior High School and Bergen Community College. These students completed a total of 60 credits through Dual Enrollment opportunities and BCC courses, enabling them to enter four-year universities with junior-level standing.
The district takes great pride in this innovative program and partnership with Bergen Community College that provides exceptional educational opportunities for students. Families interested in learning more about the Early College Program are encouraged to attend upcoming information sessions in the fall or contact Ms. Hasselberger, Supervisor of Counseling, for additional details.
Early College Program Graduates
Joshua Becker
Alexander Binetti
Jordan Cintron
Astrid Fernandez
Isabella Gomero
Kyara Gonzalez
Mark Kassab
Juliana Lara
Isabella Leuzzi
Daniel Lopez Taveras
Stephanie Marroquin
Martin Ndroqi
Lourdes Nova
Joseph O'Neill
Gabriela Roa
Patrick Santiago
Isabelle Stebovich
Visit the Ridgefield Park Public Library
We have highlighted a few exciting events below, but be sure to check out the full calendar for even more activities and programs!
Teen Tuesdays: Paint & Sip
Teens will be shown step by step how to paint a seasonal painting. Supplies and refreshments will be provided. For teens in grades 7th-12th. Registration is required.
Tuesday, Jun 10, 2025, 03:30 PM
Ridgefield Park Public Library, Cedar Street, Ridgefield Park, NJ, USA
Children's & Teen Summer Reading Begins today!
We have three different summer reading programs this year. They are:
- Early Literacy Program (Infants to Entering Kindergarten)
- School-Age Children (Entering 1st - 6th grade)
- Teens (Entering 7th grade - 12th grade)
After you register, please stop by the library and pickup your summer reading kit (while supplies last).
Click here to secure your spot! (Registration opens June 19 at 12AM)
Thursday, Jun 19, 2025, 12:00 AM
Ridgefield Park Public Library, Cedar Street, Ridgefield Park, NJ, USA
Forest Friends Puppet Show!
Want to help your child learn about their emotions at an early age? Come join us at the Ridgefield Park Public Library for an educational storytelling program called Forest Friends that will help students from kindergarten to second grade learn various social and emotional life skills. The students are told engaging stories from our Forest Friends puppets each session covering topics such as feelings and communication, honesty and truth, respect, self-image and self-esteem, decision making and diversity.
Presented by Children's Aid & Family Services
Registration Required
Click here to secure your spot! (Registration opens at 3:30PM on Monday, June 9)
Monday, Jun 30, 2025, 03:30 PM
Ridgefield Park Public Library, Cedar Street, Ridgefield Park, NJ, USA
Upcoming Events and Community Announcements
Additional information can be found by clicking on the flyer (when available).
The following events are not district sponsored:
Save the Date
June Events
June 16–19 - Early Dismissal for Students
June 17 - 8th Grade Promotion 6:00PM
June 18 - Board of Education Meeting 7:00PM
June 19 - Last Day of School for Students
June 19 - RPJSHS Graduation 6:00PM