Ridgewood Avenue School leaders outline safety protocols, student programs and staff supports
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Summary
Ridgewood Avenue School’s new administrative team described schoolwide safety and reporting protocols, teacher supports (including Calm Classrooms and Capturing Kids’ Hearts), student engagement initiatives and a tech-team recognition; the school also noted a Blue Ribbon designation and a 125th anniversary.
Ridgewood Avenue School’s new administrative team presented an overview of priorities and programs to the Glen Ridge Board of Education, emphasizing safety protocols, staff supports and student engagement.
Dr. Harris and Dr. Nardiello told the board they implemented consistent schoolwide safety and reporting protocols so staff, students and parents "speak the same language," reorganized schedules and duties to align roles, and are communicating expectations clearly to families. The leaders said the changes are intended to allow early detection of students who may need follow-up supports.
They described teacher morale and wellness measures, including increased administrative visibility in classrooms, staff meals and a professional-development day with "adult recess" activities and meditation spaces. The presenters said the school has adopted Calm Classrooms practices, using the Calm app for brief meditations and sleep stories to help students and staff manage stress.
On student programming, the administrators previewed events such as a tiny rhino hunt, the Rhino Romp, Field Day, Read Across America week, and schoolwide incentive programs (a GOAT challenge). They also recognized the school’s student tech team, led by Mr. Almack, for producing morning announcements and a video for the board.
A separate speaker noted Ridgewood Avenue is a Blue Ribbon School celebrating its 125th anniversary and highlighted multicultural programming (Diwali, Lunar New Year), clubs and STEM work, therapy dog visits, and $12,000 raised for Jump Rope for Heart.
The presentation concluded with the board acknowledging the students’ contributions; the presenters said they had planned to bring student participants but kept them home because of weather.
