ridge high school pto volume sixteen, fall issue december 2017

From the Desk of the Principal – Drew Krause

When I assumed the role The band played, the cheerleaders performed, as Ridge High School sports teams marched, the student body Principal this past July, cheered and even did the Wave in the I was excited about the bleachers, and the event culminated with a opportunity to work with few rounds of tug ‘o war that saw some the staff and students at unexpected results. It was fun to watch and Ridge. Initially, I engaged be a part of it. in various meetings with staff, parents, This is simply the beginning of more community groups, and our students. Some things to come. I am reminded of the phrase of those meetings were merely introductory, “The journey of 1000 miles begins with while others were on more substantive topics. one small step.” To that end, we have also Through it all, one common theme stood out made small aesthetic enhancements in the above others: the need to create more school grounds to create a campus-like feel School Spirit and Pride at Ridge. I found and display pride in all that we do. We will this to be somewhat vexing given Ridge’s continue to make improvements to show what reputation and all of the honors garnered by we truly are: THE BEST HIGH SCHOOL its students in so many different endeavors. IN THE STATE OF . This is But, as I continued to listen and observe, an incredible school with a gifted and caring it became clear to me that the student body faculty and students who are second to none. felt something was missing, and they wanted Coupled with a supportive community to do something about it. comprised of parents who care deeply about Late in the summer I met with student Ridge and its success, and you have all government representatives, class advisors, the ingredients for sustained excellence and PTO representatives with a request to moving forward. have a Pep Rally, something that had not I also want to personally thank the Class occurred at Ridge since the fall of 2013. of 2018 for the leadership and enthusiasm Careful planning ensued, which involved they have demonstrated this fall. You all have students, faculty, coaches, advisors, and been a shining light for our school. Your spirit administrators, with the singular purpose of has been contagious and clearly recognizable creating a Pep Rally that was spirited and at the football games, during Spirit Week, at unifying. I am happy to say that it all came the Senior Tailgate, and at the Homecoming to fruition on October 13th at Lee Field. Dance. I am more appreciative of this than The Pep Rally was something to behold, as it these words can express. brought together our school community in a Let’s continue to move Ridge High School way that had not been done in many years. forward and keep the Spirit and Pride grow ing!

1 SPIRIT WEEK!! “Tropical Day” Oct. 9-13, 2017

PEP RALLY!!!

Senior Tailgate

2 RIDGE PTO

A Word from Our School Spirit We have been working PTO Co-Presidents with Mr. Krause and other school organizations to add We hope you’re settling into the 2017- more Ridge signage around 2018 school year. The PTO has been very the school to show our busy with activities for students, teachers, school spirit. The PTO and parents. Read more about the fall provided the new campus events below. flags that are hanging on the light posts PTO Parent Orientation and Ridge t-shirts to the staff. There are spirit On August 28, the PTO kicked off the banners that have school year with an Orientation for parents been hung on the new to Ridge based on the PTO Parent back of the school Handbook. There were about 150 parents thanks to the Homecoming Committee, who came out to learn key information Booster Club, and Marching Band. INSIDE THIS ISSUE critical to the beginning of the school year More projects are in the works so be on at Ridge. The Ridge PTO Parent Handbook the lookout for more Ridge pride! Spirit Week ...... 2 http://ridgepto.com/wp- Suicide Prevention Week content/uploads/2017/09/Ridge-PTO-Par - A Word from the PTO ...... 3-4 ent- Handbook-2017.pdf provides in-depth PTO Executive Board ...... 4 Suicide Prevention information on all the areas of Ridge Week was held at PTO Class Parents ...... 4 and is a great tool to answer all parents’ Ridge for the first time Volunteers in Action ...... 5 questions. Principal Drew Krause and from September 12-15. District Supervisor of School Counseling Proactive Parent Workshop ...... 6 Joanne Marcus, Jillian Shadis assisted with the Orientation Save The Date For Dr. Bradley ...... 6 Scott Thompson, and Toni Anthony, and questions. along with Kaitlin Cartoccio from the Class Advisors ...... 6 Ridge PTO Membership Municipal Alliance, spearheaded the Ridge AMS Scholarship Winner ...... 7 week’s activities. Students wrote positive American Legion Boys ...... 7 Thank you to the 900 plus families and messages on notes and posted them outside Books for Kids ...... 7 teachers who joined the PTO! We are able the Counseling office and received to provide items, such as mini-grants, gifts I Can NOT Be Replaced wristbands. Ridge Yearbook ...... 8 to the high school, and teacher luncheons, Several outside organizations were also International Welcome Night ...... 8 on hand to answer questions and provide with your support. Counseling Department News ...... 9-10 The Ridge PTO handouts to students. Thank you to the Student Assistance Counselors ...... 10 offered advertisements organizers, parent volunteers, and students for the first time in our who supported this important week. Tutorial Center ...... 10 printed and online Choral News ...... 11 directories. Thank you Band News ...... 12 to those local busi - Ridge Recognition ...... 13 nesses that placed ads! While we did not get a chair for the Directory Production, Drama Club News ...... 14 we did have a couple of volunteers who Dance News ...... 15 devoted many hours to help the PTO. Girls Volleyball ...... 16 Without them, there wouldn’t have been a printed directory so we are extremely Cheerleading ...... 17 grateful to them. We need a chairperson Girls Soccer ...... 18 for Directory Production for next school Field Hockey ...... 19 year or we won’t be able to produce a ShopRite Cup Award ...... 20 printed directory. Please let us know if you’d be willing to help! Boys Soccer ...... 20 Varsity Athletes of the Month ...... 20

3 Mini-Grant Program 6. Philip Pernice, English: Mindfulness Thanks to the efforts of our co-VPs Fundamentals and Educator Essentials of Volunteers, Shannon Yu and Joanne The PTO awarded approximately $2,900 online professional development reim - Marcus, we have filled most of our to the Ridge staff for the fall mini-grants. bursement to support Social Emotional Committee Chair positions but there Seven applications were submitted and Learning district goal. are still opportunities to help. If you’re all of them were funded in part or whole. 7. Laura Rieder, Psychology: interested, please email the PTO at The mini-grants will be used to purchase Enchroma colorblind glasses for use in [email protected] , which is our requested equipment, help fund programs, AP Psychology and other departments new email address. and support professional development for We look forward to a great school year! use in many different areas of the school: Alyson McCauley and Christine Ziegler English, Fine and Practical Arts, Media Ridge PTO Co-Presidents Center, and World Language. PTO Meetings

Congratulations to the following Melissa and Chip 2017-18 RIDGE PTO recipients: Dayton, founders of EXECUTIVE BOARD You Can NOT Be Co-Presidents 1. Frank Caccavale, Technology and Replaced , presented Alyson McCauley Engineering Education: a Proactive Parenting workshop to about Christine Ziegler 70 parents on October 25 to give parents Co-Vice Presidents, Volunteers a better understanding of the teen brain, Joanne Marcus mental health, and substance abuse. Shannon Yu Parents gained tips for building trust and Vice President, Programs Rebeca Cuadros resiliency with kids and improving International Technology & Engineering Newsletter Editor Educators Association (ITEEA) communications and expectations. More Betsy Bacot-Aigner Conference in Atlanta. details on the fall meeting, which was Treasurer 2. Jason Caputo, Fiorella Bologno, and co-sponsored by the Bernards Township Kelly Tang Jennifer Kang, World Language: Municipal Alliance, can be found on page 6. Co-Vice Presidents, Communications GoPro Hero5 and SD card for use in world Mark your calendar for January 31 Achint Kaur language classes to record dialogue for when Dr. Michael Bradley returns for the Ged Ong learning purposes. fourth time to the Ridge PAC to discuss Recording Secretary with high school parents Crazy-Stressed: Lisa Laurino Saving Today’s Overwhelmed Teens BOE Representative: Elaine DiDario with Love, Laughter, and the Science of Resilience. There will be a second meeting Board members may be reached at on February 1 at the Bernards PAC for [email protected] middle school parents. These presentations PTO Class Parents 3. Mary Jane McNally, Media Center: are being co-sponsored by the Ridge and 24" Color Poster Printer use for by teachers, WAMS PTOs, BHS and BMS HSAs, If you have concerns and questions Bedminster PTO, Municipal Alliance, that you would like addressed by the clubs, athletics, and PTO. The Student Gov - school administration, please bring and Community in Crisis. ernment is funding the remaining amount. them to your PTO class parents. Rachel Miranda, Dance: 4. Thank You Volunteers They meet with Mr. Krause every Dance Professor Artist-in-Residence month to raise issues and concerns. program for filming and choreography Grade 9 Doreen Beim and Vandana Mehta of Dance III students. The PTO will be Lastly, we want to thank all the volunteers funding 3 visits. who work hard on the many PTO and Grade 10 school events. We’d like to thank Achint Lisa Laurino and Yongyong Tang Kaur and Kim Matarante for their expertise Grade 11 with Directory membership and distribu - Kristina Folkart and Doreen Yan Lin tion, Rachna Garg and Preeti Vivek for Grade 12 their help with back-to-school nights, Elaine Edge and Dorit Kransdorf Ameetha Iyer for a successful Week of 5. Bruce Morozko and Kristin Fox, THE RIDGE BRIDGE Ceramics: The Old Oak Tree ceramic tile Respect, Gayle Shimoun and Jennifer Macchiarola for the distribution of school project for Advanced Ceramics and Wood - Editors: Betsy Bacot-Aigner working students. pictures, Alicia Martine for the wrapping and Geraldine Ong paper fundraiser, and all of the Welcome Submissions may be made via email to Desk volunteers. [email protected]

4 Ridge PTO Events “Volunteers in Action”

5 Fall PTO Program: they will likely cover up their issues. Proactive Parent When our kids come to us, don’t react. Instead, embrace that time and be sure you Workshop with are there 100% to listen, help, and support Chip & Melissa Dayton them - leaning in to the problem instead of avoiding it. We need to teach our kids that they need to experience the consequence of their choices. “You have to let them fail.” And be there with them, added Melissa. If they come to you, explain to them how to overcome a problem. As parents, if we never let our kids fail, then when they go to college and fail, who will be there to support them? And if they never failed and then lose their job later on, how will they react? We also need to rethink healthy discipline practice within the confines of the family. Discipline is not punishment. On Wednesday, October 25, more than 70 Instead of telling them to “go to your attendees participated in a Proactive Parent room”, have a conversation with them, Workshop led by Melissa and Chip Dayton teach them. at RHS PAC. According to a study at the University According to the Daytons, we live in of Michigan, the same areas of the brain a busy society and kids are in constant get activated during social rejection as stress. They are frequently logged into during physical pain. The Daytons also Save The Date: their computers, always checking their shared warning signs of suicide, such as grades for example. We, as parents, talking about feelings of hopelessness, Jan. 31, 2018 push them to have a high success rate. feeling trapped, or being in unbearable The Daytons shared the results of one pain; talking about being a burden to Dr. Michael Bradley study among teens, where 80% of the kids others; increased consumption of alcohol on surveyed perceived that their parents and drugs. valued their achievements more than At the end of the workshop, the Daytons “Crazy-Stressed: their character. shared new ideas about achieving success: Saving Today’s Melissa shared that this is a great time “Do what you love, follow your vocation, for our kids to learn. Since their frontal do charity, do what you do well, give to Overwhelmed Teens lobe is under development, they are others. What is your sense of purpose?” impulsive and their decision making takes with Love, Laughter, longer. It is very important to understand and the Science of and have a conversation with them, and to ask how they feel. We also have to be Resilience” mindful about the chemicals in our brain that link to happiness: for example, taking Useful resources shared by the Daytons Class Advisors 2017-2018 a walk with our kids liberates endorphins, (www.youcannotbereplaced.com ): the excessive use of a mobile device can Class of 2018 (Seniors) - Local: Common Ground Grief Center; Kim Clark- [email protected] become addictive and increases dopamine Tim Howard- [email protected] transmission, and oxytocin increases 2nd floor Youth helpline; Monmouth Medical Mobile Crisis Class of 2019 (Juniors) bonding (but may not necessarily be with Chiara Kupiec- [email protected] - Personal Growth: Dr. Henry Cloud; Brene the right person). “Our whole culture has Dawn Piper- [email protected] to go back to the conversation face to Brown; Dr. Thomas Legere - Substance: Steered Straight; Kevin Sabet face,” added Melissa. Class of 2020 (Sophomores) - National: Erika’s lighthouse; American Vivian Scaturro- [email protected] According to the Daytons, unpredictable Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Kimberlee Sweet- [email protected] responses create an insecure relationship. Jordan Porco Foundation; When we as parents react, our kids shut Class of 2021 (Freshmen) - Apps: Laudate; My3; Headspace down. If we want them to com e to us, Emily Lipnick- [email protected] - Books: Living an authentic life; Purpose Driven Janine Quimby- [email protected] we have to respond better. Otherwise, Life; Man’s Search for Meaning; Reefer Sanity 6 SCHOOL CONNECTION Character and Nontraditional Achievements Can Earn a Ridge Senior $18,000 in 2018

It doesn’t take a Last year, Ridge AMS awarded a 4.5 GPA and 2400 $15,000 grant to Molly Perdek (RHS ’17). to receive a It was the largest scholarship presented at scholarship. Ridge’s 2017 Awards Night, other than The 2018 Ridge ones connected to a particular college or Alumni Memorial university. Graduating Ridge seniors can Scholarship is look - “This is the 12th Ridge AMS scholar - learn more at the Ridge AMS website ing for graduating ship,” according to Jane Cullinan (RidgeAMS.googlepages.com , google seniors who have demonstrated “character, (RHS ’67), who chairs the Ridge AMS “Ridge AMS”), or by contacting determination, and nontraditional achieve - Board of Trustees. “What started with the RHS Guidance counselors. This year, ments” during their tenure at Ridge High announcement of a $1,000 grant has applications will be accepted via email School. This year’s award is $18,000, the grown dramatically. We’re grateful for to the Ridge AMS selection committee. group’s largest to date. the support of Ridge alumni and the Instructions appear on the website. The award recipient may use the funds community, and proud to say that 100% for virtually any educational, vocational or of the donations go to scholarships. Deadline for applications is Wednesday, personal growth expenses — meaning We're committed to making a meaningful February 28, 2018. tuition, a gap year, a car to get to work, contribution to a deserving senior's future. studio time, or something a graduating That’s the purpose of the Ridge Alumni Ridge AMS is a 501(C)(3) funded entirely senior needs that Ridge AMS organizers Memorial Scholarship – honoring the past by donations. Ridge AMS contributions haven’t yet thought of. by supporting the future.” are tax-deductible. American Legion Boys State Program

Dear Parents: Graduation is Friday along with a family I am the committee chairman for the Boys picnic. One boy is elected Boys State The RHS Media Center recently concluded State program for American Legion Post Governor, who serves as an ambassador its annual Books for Kids book drive. 12 in Somerville. We’ve sent a few junior for Boys State during their coming year Thanks to the Basking Ridge community’s boys from Ridge to Boys State over the and two are elected Boys State senators incredible generosity, we were able to past few years and would like to send and will attend Boys Nation in Washington, collect over 3,000 books! Books were sent more. DC. Former Boys State attendees are to libraries in Newark, Irvington, Asbury Boys State seeks to educate our future Governor Christie, Congressman Leonard Park and Long Branch and will be distributed leaders in the duties, rights, and privileges Lance, Senator Bob Menendez, basketball as gifts to needy children. We were also able of US citizenship. We aim to provide great Michael Jordan, TV commentator to send books to the Salvation Army’s understanding in our system of govern- Tom Brokaw, and former president Bill After-Care programs in Bridgewater and to ment: how it works and how the various Clinton.Additional information can be “Books for Taiwan”, which ships books to people elected to public office go about found at: www.aljbs.org. The week at Taiwan’s rural elementary schools, jails, making decisions, getting support for it, Boys’ State almost always begins on Fa- public libraries and culinary schools. We and signing the resulting legislation ther’s Day and ends the following Friday. are truly appreciative of the contributions into law. Feel free to call me if you have ques- made by so many students, families and Each day there are seminars given tions. The Legion requires that candidates faculty members. A special thank you to by people from various lines of work. have finished their junior year of high Mr. Brush’s Mathematics students who A college fair is also held that has drawn school, maintained an excellent academic contributed to almost half of the total as many as 80 colleges from all over standing, and have no serious disciplinary donations! It was especially heartwarming the country, a newspaper published, issues. The Ridge Guidance Dept. will to see the students hand-deliver those very and they even have a band. Weather and contact me to come up to Ridge and heavy bags and boxes of books! We’re time permitting, a part of each afternoon speak to those interested in going to grateful that the campaign was such a is devoted for intramural sports. Boys’ State, so speak to your boys if they huge success and would like to extend a It’s a college-level program run in five are interested. sincere thank you to all who donated so busy days starting with the election of generously. The books were truly beautiful mayors on Monday and a governor and Frank Higbie, American Legion Post 12 and will certainly brighten the holiday two senators on Friday. (732) 356-0271 season for many children. 7 Yearbook Information

To Buy a 2018 Yearbook: Order online on Jostens.com or go to:

http://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1057891/ Ridge-High-School/2017- Yearbook/2016092904185057792/CATALOG_SHOP/ Cost: $85 Cover personalization and icons $5 each Attention Seniors and Parents of Seniors: Baby Ads are due by Friday December 15 !! 4th Annual International Welcome Night

The Bernards Township Public School District had its 4th annual International Welcome Night last September 11, 2017 from 6:30 to 8 P.M. at the WAMS Media Center. The evening’s activities were led by Katherine Stotler, District Supervisor of World Languages & ELL. New families in the district were made welcome, and Mrs. Stotler shared basic information about our school district. Representatives from various school and community groups were also present during the event, such as the YMCA, the Bernards Township Public Library, PTOs, and other organizations. Each representative gave a brief overview of the services they offer. The evening also provided new families with opportunities to interact socially and meet with other families in the district.

8 News and Notes from the Ridge Counseling Department

Please click on the “Academics” tab of The Bulletin contains information about the Option II website for the details and AP Exams, their administration, and exam applications: security policies and procedures designed http://bernardsboe.ss5.sharpschool.com/de - to provide all students with a fair and partments/counseling_department/ridge_hi uniform testing experience. On exam day, gh_school_counseling/option_i_i/ all exam-takers sign their answer sheets, Note: Mrs. Shadis is still overseeing the indicating that they understand and agree News and Updates Option II Academics program. to the policies and procedures in the Bulletin. Shortly after students receive this Option II Athletics Navigating the College Admissions Process Bulletin, parents and students should be on Mr. Krause and Mr. Thorp are the new Counselors met with juniors on Nov. 30 the lookout for a letter sent home regarding Option II Athletics Supervisors. during the school day to discuss not only registration for AP exams. The mailing will The program is no longer coordinated the college admissions process, but also provide you with specific information and by Mrs. Shadis. Mrs. Eckel remains the how to find the right school. directions for registering. Option II Secretary , and she is now located in the front of the Counseling Suite. College Planning Night Sophomore Career Module An evening event geared toward sophomore Counselors will meet with sophomores Seniors - MP1 Grades and junior parents, College Planning Night in the computer labs upon return from the Students who needed their first marking was held on November 30 at 7pm in the holiday break for a career presentation. period grades sent to college(s), should Ridge PAC. Sophomores will then access their personal have completed this online form (no later December 2017 Naviance account and take a “Career than November 8), which was the last day Interest Inventory” to help them identify of Marking Period 1: The College Application Process Continues their strengths/weaknesses, likes/dislikes, https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQ for Seniors and potential fields of interest. LSd9E9fJbvp2cYRdFZdrqVC During the month of December, 5BEFiIQC9bLq1MmWYVhTf1qP4Rw/vie Counselors will continue to process Naviance “Training” for Juniors wform college applications for Rolling, Early On January 9 and 11, counselors will meet Please note: if a college contacts us Decision II and Regular Decision deadlines. with juniors in the computer labs during and specifically requests a student’s Remember to request transcripts for their Social Studies class to further explore grades, we send them even without this schools with early January deadlines well Naviance as it relates to college searches. form on file. before December 23, as no staff will be available to send materials over the For Seniors College Visits holiday break. Senior English Language Arts classes will Juniors and seniors have been encouraged report to the Counseling Office on either to sign up for College Representative visits PSAT Results January 18th or 19th to have them update to Ridge, which began to taper off in early PSAT results will be returned to students any responses they have had from colleges December. Dates, times, and registration once available, along with directions on in Naviance. This “Midyear Naviance for college visits are on Naviance. If your how to find information online that will Check-In” and system clean-up allows child lost his/her Naviance username or help them use the scores to prepare for the Counseling Department Staff to password, please ask him/her to see one of future standardized testing. Much of the send midyear grades more efficiently the counseling secretaries. Please also note information that can be extrapolated from and effectively. that parents cannot sign their children up the PSAT scores is online, as opposed to The Counseling Department will auto - for College Visits; students must log on being printed on the Score Report itself. matically send midyear grades to any col - themselves, register, and print out the The counselors strongly advise students lege you have applied to. No additional confirmation page. Students must also to use their Online Access Code to log requests are required, and we need no ask their teacher for permission to attend at onto their personalized College Board additional forms. These midyear reports least a day in advance. website for more information. The website go out in mid-February. All colleges and code will be found on the PSAT require them, so there is no “opting out.” Option II Academics – Spring Courses Score Report. The deadline to apply for approval for January 2018 spring 2018 courses taken outside of Ridge was November 15. Students were advised For AP Students to apply to take a Financial Literacy/ In mid-January, all AP students will Personal Finance course, or any other receive a hard copy of the Bulletin for AP course not already offered at Ridge. Students and Parents during the school day. 9 News and Notes from the Ridge Student Assistance Ridge High School Ridge Counseling Counselors Update Student Assistance Counselors Department... continued September 2017 Mr. Chad Gillikin - grades 9 & 10 General Reminders National Suicide Prevention Week 908-204- 2585, x616 Mrs. Toni Anthony - grades 11 & 12 Sunday, September 10 marked the 908-204- 2585, x145 Counseling Department Website beginning of National Suicide Prevention For the most up-to- date news and Week, and provided an opportunity to School Violence Awareness Week information, please remember that the start the school year on a healthy note. Monday, October 16 kicked off New Jersey’s RHS Counseling website is constantly The Ridge SACs collaborated with the School Violence Awareness Week. being updated: PTO, Mr. Thompson/Ridge Wellness Club, The district as a whole observed this week http://bernardsboe.ss5.sharpschool.com/de the Health Department, and several other by providing age-appropriate instruction partments/counseling_depa organizations to promote two themes: to discuss methods for keeping schools rtment/ridge_high_school_counseling/ “Kindness Takes Courage” and “You Can safe from violence, and to learn how to Not Be Replaced.” Scholarships & Special Programs recognize students in need of help. The Ridge Wellness Club promoted Ridge raised awareness in various ways, All scholarships and special programs You Can Not Be Replaced by handing out including morning announcements received by the Counseling Office are wristbands that remind students that they posted on Naviance. While many are are irreplaceable. The goal of the campaign and posters. geared toward juniors and seniors, there is “to reduce the factors that can contribute Domestic Violence Awareness Month are a number that any student, grades 9 to someone in crisis while empowering October also marked Domestic Violence through 12, can apply for. Log in; click young people and families to improve “Colleges,” then “Scholarship List” to see relationships, communication, and trust.” Awareness Month, the purpose of which the current offerings. Check back often, Students were asked to wear the wristband is to connect, educate, and empower as we post new opportunities as soon as until they saw someone that they feel victims of domestic violence. Ridge raised we receive them. needed the reminder that they, too, cannot awareness of this important issue by be replaced. asking students and staff to wear purple on Additionally, local mental health October 19, which was the official organizations set up tables outside of the Domestic Violence Awareness Day. cafeteria during lunch periods to promote Also on that date, the Student Government wellness and mental health services: Officers attended a Leadership Sympo - • High Focus Centers sium on the topic of Consent. The presen - Tutorial Center • Zufall Community Health Center tation was given from Zufall Health and • American Foundation for Suicide focused on NJ laws, consent, and sexual There is a new Prevention assault prevention tips. pilot program Additionally, on Friday, November 3, underway • National Alliance on Mental Illness members of the School Safety Team, for providing (NAMI NJ) including the SACs and members of the extra help to Wellness Club volunteers also asked Ridge Feminist Club, were at the football students instead of the Tutorial Center. students to write kind words or statements game and collected money for Safe and Administrators, supervisors, and teachers on Post its, so that the Ridge lobby would Sound, an organization which helps approached Principal Krause during the be filled with positive messages. domestic violence victims. Safe and Sound summer months suggesting changes. October 2017 provides support legally, physically, and Data and feedback suggested that students Week of Respect emotionally to victims. They also provide preferred working with their own teachers education for all. In addition to the and the number of students utilizing the Monday, October 2 fundraising at the event, the Feminist Club Tutorial Center for help was diminishing. began New Jersey’s is hosting a feminine products drive, At Back to School Night, most teachers annual Week of collecting tampons, sanitary napkins, etc., mentioned their availability for extra help Respect. Students and which will be donated to the Safe and during the day and before and after school faculty were asked Sound Shelter of Somerset. for students to seek extra help. If this to wear royal blue format proves successful, the Tutorial to join the Stomp Out Center will be repurposed over the next Bullying campaign. Many students also few months. Teachers’ schedules are signed a pledge to not bully. Teachers posted under the Tutorial Center on the were encouraged to infuse topics like website and many teachers have provided respect, empathy, and kindness into a period 0 option before school to accom - classroom lessons. modate students with conflicts. 10 Ridge Music Department Highlights CHORAL NEWS 2017 New Jersey All-State Mixed Choir Members sang two concerts…

Erik Aigner, Rebecca Blanchard, Karthik Iyer, Emmalee Lafean, Ginny Lafean and Melissa Nora joined 325 of the top high school singers in the state as they performed at the NJEA Convention on Friday November 10 and at NJPAC on The 2017-18 Ridge A cappella Choir with their director, Barbara Retzko, following their performance at the Sunday November 19. Jacobus Vanderveer House Colonial Christmas Celebration on November 26. Choralpalooza hosted clinician YouTube See flyer below for the “A Cappella Caroling Schedule”. Please join us at one of the upcoming performances. phenome Casey Breves… On Tuesday November 21, the Ridge High School Choral Program hosted Somerville HS, Hanover Park HS, Warren Hills HS, New Providence HS and Newark Academy in our annual Choral Festival, Choral - **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** palooza. Our clinician for the day was Sunday November 26 ² Vanderveer Housee ² 1:00 p.m. Casey Breves. From his webpage: Casey Frriday December 1 ² Somervillle Caroling Fesstival ² 4:00p.mm. Breves performs across the United States, United RRefeffororrmedmedd CChuhuurrcrcchh - MainMain Strreeeeett, Somerviilllllee Europe, and Asia as both a pop and classical Moonday December 4 ² Ridge OOak Senior Center ² 10:30 a.m.m. vocalist. Born and raised in New York, he sang Monday December 4 ² Bernards Twp. Library ² 1:00 p.m. with the GRAMMY Award-winning male vocal Tuesday December 5 ² Bishoop Janes Church ² 7:30 p.m. ensemble Chanticleer for three seasons (2010- Tuesdday December 12 ² AAUW ² Bernards Twp. Library ² 1:00 p.m 2013) immediately after graduating from Yale Wednesdays December 13 ² Somerseet Hills Lutheran Church ² 7:330 p University, where he was a member of Schola Tuesdays December 19 ² WINTERR CHORAL CONCERT ² 7:00 p.m. Cantorum, the Duke’s Men of Yale and the RidgeRidge High Schooll PerfPerffororrmingming Arts CenCenter Whiffenpoofs. He has recently been recording Thursday December 21 ² VNA of Basking Ridge ² 1:00 p m originals and pop covers, and releasing videos on YouTube. He has been a guest soloist on Saturday Night Live and recently sang with Adele at Radio City Music Hall. Casey lives in Los Angeles where he performs regularly. His debut EP, “Away We Go” and several single releases are available on iTunes and Spotify. His YouTube channel can be found at CaseyBrevesMusic . Region II Chorus auditions… were held at JP Stevens HS on Saturday December 9. Good Luck to the members of the Choral Department who auditioned! Winter Choral Concert … The Winter Choral Concert will be held on Tuesday December 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ridge PAC. Featured ensembles will include the Ridge Chorale, the A cappella Choir Honors, Voices of Ridge, Ridgemen, Madrigal Singers and the Concert Choir! The concert will conclude with the annual alumni song O Holy Night and the Grand Finale of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus . An evening not to be missed! 11 Music on the Move: Ridge Marching Band Gets the Community on Its Feet

Yamaha Cup at MetLife Stadium Ridge Marching Band Seniors It begins in the searing heat of August the Presbyterian Church’s 300th anniversary, The band capped off the year with a trip and ends in the crisp chill of November. and you have an energetic musical schedule to Disney World in Orlando, Fla., where it It moves forward rain or shine, in boisterous that goes well beyond the usual football- joined in an exciting instrumental clinic Friday night rituals and stirring street season cycle. and represented New Jersey by marching parades. It is at once modern and a throw - For his ninth season, director Dan Zugale down Main Street USA in the daily parade. back, toe-tapping and heart-stopping. and his staff developed a challenging, And through it all, Ridge kids kept alive There’s nothing quite like the Ridge High engaging show called Duality, which cherished band traditions. Every home- School Red Devils Marching Band. considered the two natures of humanity game third quarter, after their performance, The 2016-2017 band continued its in musical compositions from Berlioz to Ridge band members took donuts and cider annual mission, providing that brassy, Beyoncé. Talented instrumentalists became to the visiting band for a few moments of boom-y live soundtrack at Lee Field, talented dancers as well, forming interesting hospitality and camaraderie. But the most without which Friday night football visuals and coordinating with the flags and important tradition — that of the band wouldn’t be the same. But this year’s band sabres of the color guard to delight crowds. working as a team, caring that extra bit, and color guard wasn’t just about Friday. Dramatic voiceovers woven into the songs working through fatigue, homework, and It was an everyday march toward musical emphasized the overall theme. weather to do itself and the school proud and theatrical excellence, turning the space Audiences and competition judges — that one came through loud and clear, between the sidelines into a stage for 15 approved. Ridge started off strong with a like the band itself. minutes of excitement time and time again first place at and Go Ridge! in weekend competitions against top bands concluded the season winning the Cadet around the region. Add to that the parades, Award of Excellence at Nationals in including a rainy Memorial Day in Liberty Allentown, PA, achieving the highest score In November, the Ridge Marching Band Corner and the community celebration of of all New Jersey bands. marched in the parade down Main Street USA at Disney World Magic Kingdom

12 RIDGE RECOGNITION

Ridge Recognition highlights the accomplish - This summer Business Education teacher Social Studies teacher Patty Tamagnini , ments of RHS students, faculty, and staff. Dawn Piper , attended a three-day married Julian Gorenstein, on August 12, If you or someone you know is deserving of accounting workshop in Philadelphia. 2017. The lovely newlyweds honey - praise and recognition, please send us an The Accounting Pilot and Bridge Project mooned in the Florida Keys! email at [email protected] . (APBP) is a program that trains high school educators to teach a higher level Clearly August 12, 2017 was a special day accounting curriculum that parallels those . . . Chemistry teacher, Jeff Stellitano , offered in college. Research conducted also got married on that day! Melissa by the AICPA has demonstrated that the Ciandella is the lucky bride, and these first accounting course high school newlyweds traveled to Wildwood, NJ students take impacts their decision to to celebrate their marriage! Students pursue accounting as a major and as a career choice. Births

On Tuesday, October 10, 2017, a group The Social Studies Department is getting Assistant Principal Gina Donlevie and of very talented Ridge High School smarter and smarter . . . both Liz Seiffert her husband Mike, welcomed a beautiful students gathered in the PAC and were and Laura Rieder earned Masters of Arts baby girl, Jordan, on May 25, 2017. inducted into the Ridge High School and Letters from Drew University this Big brother Brett is mighty proud of his Science National Honor Society (SNHS) . past May. The SNHS was created in 2000 to recog - new baby sister who weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21 inches long! nize those students who excel in the field Physics Teacher Matt Blackman , was of science. Its goals are to encourage honored by the National Science Teachers scientific thinking, to advance knowledge Association (NSTA) for making educational of science, to communicate with the games that are used by thousands of scientific community, and to share the Two days later on May 27, 2017, students worldwide every day. Matt has understanding of science. Through their Tech Education teacher, Mark Dotta and created games and apps such as Crack the outstanding commitment to scientific his wife Kirsten, also welcomed a beautiful Circuit and Action Graphing which are excellence at RHS, 54 students have baby girl, Mia Grace. Mia’s big sister designed to supplement and enhance earned special recognition by applying Tessa, is also very proud of her new little (but not replace!) good teaching. for and being accepted by the SNHS. sibling who weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz. and was While there are over 600 school districts 18.5 inches long. in the State of NJ, there are fewer than 80 Math Teacher Steve Brush , announced chapters of the Science National Honor that the RHS chapter of the Hearts For Society. This is a direct function of the Human Rights Club was recognized by immensely rigorous and stringent criteria the mayor of Bridgewater, Daniel Hayes, Lily Theresa Boop waited until after the for student membership set forth by the for its significant contribution to the RHS Class of 2017 graduated before national organization. The certificates "Tree 4 All" activity at the Bridgewater she made her entrance into the world. of achievement and award pins were Library on October 7, 2017. presented by Mrs. Margaret Mitchell, This considerate little lady is the daughter Travis Boop Ridge SNHS Advisor and Mr. Tom Misiak, Weddings of Math teacher, and his wife, Supervisor of Science and Technology. Jamie. Lily arrived on June 21, 2017 weighing 8 lb. 13 oz. and was 20.75 inches long. Her big brother Charlie, loves Members of the RHS Girls Golf Team “reading” to his baby sister! volunteered their time this summer serving meals at the Community Soup Kitchen and Outreach Center in Morristown. Special Education teacher Jennifer D’Armiento , married her high school Ethan James Harding made his way into sweetheart, Stefan White, on July 1, the world on August 7th and weighing 2017 in the happiest place on earth! 8 lbs. He is the handsome young son of They extended their stay and honey - English teacher Julie Harding and her mooned in Disney World too! husband Jason. Ethan’s arrival promoted Eric to the coveted role of big brother! Faculty 13 RIDGE CLUBS & ACTIVITIES Drama Club’s “Peter & the Starcatcher” Wows Crowds!

Peter and the Starcatcher , performed by Ridge High School, revealed the intricate prequel to Peter Pan. Filled with pirates, mermaids, lost boys, and mollusks, there were not many childhood dreams overlooked. The cast and crew spent two months perfecting the show, and reached record-high ticket sales for any fall play put on by the school. First-ever interactive seating was introduced and it brightened up the lives of everyone who dared take a seat on the stage. The cast and crew encouraged the audience to take flight back to their childhood and thriving imagination.

Cast & Crew of “Peter & the Starcatcher”

14 Ridge Dance Department Happenings Ridge Dance Students Learn from a Hip Hop Master! In October, Ridge students participated in a hip hop master class with Cebo. Cebo has won some of the world’s largest dance battles such as Juste Debout and House Dance International. In 2003, he Ridge Dance Team Prepares set out to open a studio in Japan based on for the Upcoming Season teaching the fundamentals of street dance. This fall, the Ridge Dance Team worked The studio is called Next Generation with Jude Cassion and Vanessa Salgado New York Studios. It now has well over to learn choreography for the team’s one thousand students making it one of competition season this spring. Cassion the largest street dance schools in the and Salgado are both professional chore - Chugoku region of Japan. He is the ographers; Cassion choreographs in program director for Everybody Dance New York City for Jude Cassion Produc - Now! , a nonprofit organization that tions and Salgado’s credits include NBC’s provides weekly hip hop and street dance Emmy award winning series SMASH and programming for young people through - Disney Cruise Line’s Frozen. Working out the United States. In this master class, with both choreographers has provided the students learned various street styles and Ridge Dance Team members an invaluable those participating will perform in the opportunity to network with professionals Winter Dance Showcase 2018 on January in the industry of dance and compete with 19 at Ridge PAC. The students truly unique and entertaining performances this enjoyed learning from Cebo and look spring. To fund its competitions, the team forward to performing their hip hop dance ! hosted a car wash on Sunday, September 17 Hip Hop with Cebo (photos above) and is very grateful for its remarkable success. In addition, the team participated in the RHS Pep Rally for the first time and had so much fun representing Ridge Dance! They look forward to a wonderful season this spring as they compete throughout New Jersey!

Hip Hop with Jude (photos left & below)

15 Ridge Girls Volleyball 2017 A Magical Unprecedented Season

While Ridge graduates six impactful seniors from the squad, Coach Milot has a pipeline of players ready to carry the mantle. Ridge will return four starters: pin hitters Isabela Garcia (109 kills) and Chelsea Winegar (109 kills) both Second Team All , outside hitter Peyton Robb, (111 kills) NJ.com’s Second Team All Group IV, and libero Rachel Tam (337 digs) NJ.com’s First team All State and The Player of the Year. Ridge Volleyball is looking forward to defending its Group IV title next After not making States last year, year. Bring it on! Ridge Girls Volleyball was determined to not just make it back to the tournament, but to make a statement. The girls set out with two goals: 1) to win Counties, and 2) to do well in States. Mission Accom - plished, and then some! They not only won counties, Ridge finished the season 26-1, a historic and magical season that saw them win the Skyland Conference Title over perennial powerhouses North Hunterdon and Hunterdon Central, Somer - set County Finals defeating Bridgewater- Raritan and Mount St. Mary's, and Group IV State Title besting Westfield in three sets in the semis and Cherokee in two in the Finals. Their only blemish was a tough tight loss against River Dell 25-23, 25-22 in the Tournament of Champions. After a long grueling season, the girls left every - thing on the William Paterson University court until the last whistle. The herculean effort was symbolic of what the Ridge girls put into every match this season. In 2017, Ridge was led by its three senior starters: middle blocker Evelina Adamczyk and setter Zoe Pan, who were both First Team All Skyland Conference, and middle blocker Julia Syrdahl, who has committed to D2 Goldey-Beacom College. Ridge also graduates three seniors who have made significant contributions in their Ridge careers: outside hitter Sophia Maggio who usually provides instant offense when she enters the game, setter Salma El Agizy, who gives the opposition a different look when Ridge runs a 6-2 offense, and defense specialist Carollyne "CC" Conway, who came up big in the Tournament of Champions against River Dell. 16 Ridge High School Cheerleading Fall 2017

The Ridge Cheerleaders have been hard at work this year, encouraging their team and leading the football fans under the Friday night lights. This season the Varsity team had the lucky opportunity to teach members of PEC, cheers at a special clinic in preparation for a Friday night Varsity football game. The cheerleaders loved the opportunity to further engage the community in special events. In addition, the RHS cheer team was able to host the Ridge Youth Sports cheerleaders to further unify the programs and offer an opportunity for younger athletes to learn HS level material and join in on leading the crowd in cheers, stunts, and dances. There, the cheer community of Basking Ridge wore gold in honor and support of pediatric cancer. The cheerleaders were also able to encourage the Gran Fondo cyclists at the best NJ Cycling event at the Seeing Eye rest stop in Peapack Gladstone, where they chanted “Cyclists! Take a break, get a drink of water!”. They won the cyclists’ hearts, who chanted, clapped back, and graciously thanked them.” In addition, the September Athlete of the Month is Katelyn Mackey. Katelyn’s skills inspire growth in others on the Varsity Cheer team. Having made Varsity since her sophomore year, her fan favorite standing tucks and her all-star level flying ability makes her a strong asset to the team. Katelyn’s love and pride for team is contagious and her morale holds others to that same standard. At games, you can find Katelyn’s stunts directly in front of the fan section as she is a seasoned crowd leader and a true performer on the track or in any routine. Katelyn is pictured on the top (flyer position) of the photo to the right.

17 Ridge Girls Soccer Ties for State Championship!

The Ridge girls soccer team has done something most other teams would only dream of, and that is, becoming a Group 4 State Champion for the 2nd time in three years and for winning the North 2 Sectional Championship three years in a row. The Ridge Girls team ended the 2017 season with an 18-4-2 record (see chart to the right) and saw several team members State Semi-finals: Beat Morris Knolls 1-0. earn All-Conference and All-State honors, State Championship: After 2 overtime including one member being selected to periods, the State Championship was participate in the All-American game. awarded to both teams as penalty kicks The girls dedicated this season to local are not used in the final game. Goalkeeper Ally Lindsey (above) 4th grader Katie King, who is battling Captains: Erin Keefe, Kaitlyn Madden, cancer (see photo top right). All players Sam Weyrauch stepped up to play for Katie and found strength as they went undefeated in their last 6 games. The following are more highlights from Ridge girls soccer: All State: Maddy Lui, Kaitlyn Madden, Sam Weyrauch, Erin Keefe All Conference: Ally Lindsey (GK), Maddy Lui, Kaitlyn Madden, Erin Keefe

Second Team All Conference: Sam Kaitlyn Madden (left); Sam Weyrauch (above); Erin Keefe (above right); Weyrauch, Molly Mahoney Seniors & Coaches (below left); Maddie Lui (below right) Honorable Mention: Katie Arrigan Selected to participate in All-American Game: Erin Keefe Sectional Championship: Knocked off undefeated Westfield for the second season in a row on penalty kicks. Ally Lindsey made 3 saves and Heather Cortese netted the game winner on the 6th kick.

18 Ridge Field Hockey 2017

The Ridge field hockey team began the shared goal keeping responsibilities, 2017 campaign with only 4 returners they each had standout games during the from 2016's starting line-up. Early in the season. Senior captains Sydney Mahon season, building team cohesion on and off (9 goals) and Carolyn Heffernan helped the field was the primary focus for head anchor the offense, while newcomers coach Kim Clark. The team worked hard Taylor Ligozio, Megan Olsen, Lauren during pre-season but had fun along the Lusardi, and Janie Islinger showed way enjoying barbeques and a white water dramatic improvements throughout the rafting adventure! season. Coach Clark expects great things The 2017 season was full of ups and from underclassmen Erin Macchiarolla, downs as the Red Devils finished with a Liz Ong, Grace Rhead, Haley Bell, and record of 9-12. Highlights of the season Katherine Polos in the years to come. included a 3-0 win over Mendham, Senior attackers Clare Mohan, Amelia which ended up being a turning point for Schmall, and Bissy Ursino have left a the team. The team was 3-7 up until the lasting impact on the field hockey Mendham game, which seemed to jump program and will be missed next year. start their offense. The team finished Perhaps one of the most memorable the second half of the season with a moments of the season was the 6-5 record! "Play-4-A-Cure" game against Pingry, Standout junior Noor Kaur led the during which the athletes and their team in both goals and assists, garnering families honored 4th grade Basking Ridge 12 of each. Sophomore Jaclyn Narleski resident Katie King. The girls donned was a consistent role-player, finishing purple ribbons in their hair and Katie was the season with 8 goals and 1 assist. able to join the team on the sideline. Key players also included a pair of The emotional game helped the team raise defenders - Maggie dePoortere and $1,700 for cancer research and make a Hannah Ingal, both senior captains were $600 donation to the King family. instrumental in the team's success during The 2017 season brought so much joy the latter half of the season. They will to all the athletes, parents, coaches, and surely be missed next season. Senior fans that comprise the Ridge Field Bridget Doherty and junior Nicole Roberts Hockey family - GO RIDGE!

19 Ridge High School Presented with the ShopRite Cup Award points to schools for success in state tournament competition in all sanctioned sports. Ridge garnered 82 points, which included those awarded for state championships in girls’ cross country, girls’ tennis, ice hockey, and girls’ track and field. Additional points were earned for sectional championships and state finalists in other sports, as well as for remaining disqualification free each season. Skyland Conference rivals Ridge High School was presented with the Linden High School on Friday, September Hunterdon Central, Bridgewater-Raritan, Fourteenth Annual ShopRite Cup Award 22, 2017. Presenting the award were Guy and Montgomery placed 2, 3, and 4 in being named the Most Outstanding Cisternino, Manager of the Bernardsville in the Group IV field. This marks the Athletic Program among Group IV ShopRite and Bill Bruno, Assistant Director 3rd consecutive year that the Red Devils schools in 2016- 17. The presentation was of the New Jersey State Interscholastic athletic program has been the recipient done prior to the home football game with Athletic Association . The NJSIAA award of this prestigious award. Ridge Boys Soccer

Jason Clingensmith

Gabe Jefferies Mark Stachowski VARSITY ATHLETES OF THE MONTH

September 2017 The ‘Ridge Red Devils’ boys varsity soccer Varsity boys Captains & Coaches: (l to r): Coach Enzo Minicozzi, Gabe Jefferies, Jimmy Waldron, Cheerleading – Katelyn Mackey team’s season was mixed with a 4-0-12 Ahmed Sheikh, Mark Stachowski, Coach Ken Cherry. Girls Cross Country – Amanda Passman record . They enjoyed wins against Boys Cross Country – James Glockenmeier Montgomery, Philipsburg, and Notre Three players received special recognition Field Hockey – Noor Kaur Dame and most notably beating Plainfield w i t h conference, county and state awards: Football – RJ Milligan to extend their “senior night win” record Gymnastics – Rachel Walker • Mark Stachowski - All Skyland to 8-0. The team also qualified for the Boys Soccer – Jason Clingensmith Conference 2nd Team; All Somerset Girls Soccer – Maddie Lui state tournament but got beaten in a tough Honorable Mention Girls Tennis – Navya Yemula first round draw against Elizabeth. Girls Volleyball – Rachel Tam-Libero The varsity, JV and freshman teams • Jason Clingensmith - All Skyland came together on Dec. 3, to close the Conference Honorable Mention; October 2017 season with their annual banquet, during All Somerset County Honorable Cheerleading – Cassie Raia Boys Cross Country – Will Pinto Mention which the boys, coaches and parents cele - Girls Cross Country – Mamon Stephen brated the 13 graduating seniors. • Gabriel Jefferies - All Skyland Field Hockey – Jaclyn Narleski The coaches recognized many players Conference 1st Team; All Somerset Football – Andrew Lusardi across all of the teams for their outstand - Gymnastics – Maggie Cooney County 2nd Team; All-State Team ing contributions during the season. Cap - Boys Soccer – Gabriel Jefferies Nomination tains thanked the coaches, staff, Girls Soccer – Katie Arrigan teammates and parents for their support, The evening closed with Coach Cherry Girls Tennis – Co-Captain Camila Scharlach and Tira Alvarez and challenged the rising seniors and un - announcing h is retirement, having served Girls Volleyball – Evelina Adamczyk derclassmen to work hard, have fun and 14 years as head coach, and special messages savor their time in the program. received from Alumni were shared. 20