A new rule is on the books for all math classes at Benjamin Franklin (BF) Middle School, geared toward relieving students' stress and promoting well being.

A new rule is on the books for all math classes at Benjamin Franklin (BF) Middle School, geared toward relieving students' stress and promoting well being.

Ridgewood school adopts new homework policy
Friday, April 1, 2011
BY KELLY EBBELS
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS
STAFF WRITER

A new rule is on the books for all math classes at Benjamin Franklin (BF) Middle School, geared toward relieving students' stress and promoting well being.

Benjamin Franklin Middle School recently adopted a new math homework policy that has become popular among parents, students and teachers.
The policy: If a student doesn't finish homework within an allotted time set by the teacher, a parent or guardian can sign the paper where they left off, and the student receives full credit.

Implemented a month ago, Principal Tony Orsini said the new policy has so far been popular with parents, students and even teachers – who have said it has helped their students focus, and given teachers the information they need to better tailor their homework and their lessons to students who just aren't grasping the concepts of quadratic equations or other subjects.

http://www.northjersey.com/news/119042434_Math_homework_part_of_equation_.html

BOE Elections: the Handicapping Continues

BOE Elections: the Handicapping Continues

The light and turf debacle are a distant memory now....people have short memories.

It's not easy to predict how this election will pan out but let's take a look...

Sheila - her base is reliable and they will remember to vote. 1600 votes.

Laurie - similar to Sheila, she has a faithful group of followers...I say 1500 votes.

Chris - the wildcard...it's not a secret that she is the overwhelming recommendation of the CRR (anti-Valley crowd). That's worth 600-700 votes alone. This is hard to forecast but I think she earns 1200 total votes. That's not a bad number for a first-timer with limited name recognition (so far).

All bets are off however if folks get strategic and only vote for one person...i.e. Selective Voting. That scenario will keep Ms Krauss close to the leaders.

Ridgewood Schools 2 Myths

Ridgewood Schools  2 Myths 

Myth 1- Ridgewood already has one of the lowest costs per pupil in Bergen County. That's proof that the BOE has already been fiscally responsible for years

Myth 2- Also Ridgewood has one of the highest ratios of students to administrators, another indication of fiscal responsibility

First Northern Highlands is a regional high school and they are ranked #14 (HSPA) in the state. Tenafly has a send/receive relationship with Alpine and they rank #26 (HSPA) in the state while Ridgewood ranks #48. When comparing similar districts Ridgewood is the same or higher than most.

I about fell off my chair reading your comment. Admin pay is shifted to the instructional column in order to show those ratios. Bottom line is either we have too may admin or we have very expensive teaching staff. Angelo Desimone recently addressed the issue of excessive admin costs by saying he moved those dollars to the instuctional column. Ridgewood has been doing this for years.

The BOE has not shown fiscal responsibility. While some districts might have a higher or similar cost per pupil the truth is our BOE continues to give more and more to pay, compensation, excessive levels of admin and two teacher classrooms while less and less goes to our kids. Evidence the recent phone-a-thon to purchase microscopes and the never ending fundraising in town.

There is a much bigger & complex picture than cost per pupil and ratios, Anyone can play with that "connected" math!

Medicare discloses preventable errors

Medicare discloses preventable errors
Thursday, April 7, 2011
LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY APRIL 7, 2011, 10:19 AM
BY LINDY WASHBURN
THE RECORD
STAFF WRITER

For the first time, Medicare is disclosing the rate of "never events" at individual hospitals.

These largely preventable events, ranging from patient falls to objects left in the body after surgery, cause complications for patients and additional costs for the federally funded system.

Preventable medical errors are estimated to kill as many as 98,000 hospital patients each year.

Information about eight measures of care at the nation's hospitals was released Wednesday on Medicare's "Hospital Compare" website.

http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/119383199_Medicare_discloses_preventable_errors.html

Parks, Plants and People : Women Gardener's Event

Parks, Plants and People : Women Gardener's Event

Presented by the Women Gardeners of Ridgewood with featured speaker Lynden B. Miller Public Garden Designer, Director of the Conservatory Garden in Central Park and Author Please join us on: Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 12:30 PM (doors open at 12:00 noon) **book signing by featured speaker, Lynden B. Miller** **potting shed and unusual boutique sale** **beverages and dessert will be served**

Location: The Westside Presbyterian Church 6 South Monroe St., Ridgewood, NJ Tickets $20 prepaid, $25 day of event Prepaid Tickets: Make your check and mail (postmarked no later than 3/27) to: WGR, 504D Aspen Lane, Wyckoff, NJ 07481-1586 All Prepaid tickets will be at “will call” desk on April 7 www.womengardenersofridgewood.com Questions: 201-560-9977

BOE needs to become more fiducially responsible

BOE needs to become more fiducially responsible

Look into the increased number of students that are tutored over the years. Ask parents why they are having their students tutored. Ask the tutors that are advertised as supported by the HSA what they are tutoring the students. The answers are close at hand. You just have to open your eyes and face the realities and then have the guts to require that the BOE become more fiducially responsible.

Every one of the 25,000 citizens in VOR have been faced with that same responsibility for their own families. Everyone suffers increased healthcare costs, etc.

Everyone suffers possible loss of job if they don't preform. There are no guarantees. This is not a dress rehearsal folks. This is the real thing

State issues first permits for offshore wind farm

State issues first permits for offshore wind farm

The first company to file an application to build an offshore wind farm off the coast of Atlantic City is also the earliest to win crucial environmental permits from the state. (Johnson, NJ Spotlight)

http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/11/0407/0049/

Pay-to-play laws prompt drop in campaign donations

Pay-to-play laws prompt drop in campaign donations

Political contributions from government contractors have declined nearly 40 percent in the five years since state law began requiring "pay-to-play" donations to be identified in annual reports. (Symons, Gannett)

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20110406/NJNEWS10/104060355/0/NJLIFE/Pay-play-laws-prompt-drop-campaign-donations?odyssey=nav|head

Christie to detail teacher evaluations plans today

Christie to detail teacher evaluations plans today

Gov. Chris Christie, who has clashed with the public teachers union since shortly after entering the 2009 race for governor, will lay out new details on his teacher evaluation and tenure reform proposals in a speech today, according to two administration officials. (The Associated Press)

http://www.app.com/article/20110406/NJNEWS10/110407002/1007/NJNEWS10/Christie-detail-teacher-evaluation-plans-today

Ryan: Debt on Track to Hit 800 Percent of GDP

Ryan: Debt on Track to Hit 800 Percent of GDP; 'CBO Can't Conceive of Any Way' Economy Can Continue Past 2037
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
By Nicholas Ballasy

(CNSNews.com) – House Budget Chairman Congressman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said President Barack Obama’s budget strategy is to “do nothing, punt, duck, kick the can down the road” while the debt remains on track to eventually hit 800 percent of GDP. Ryan added that the CBO is saying it "can't conceive of any way" that the economy can continue past 2037 given its current trajectory.

Ryan also said that the House Republicans’ FY2012 budget, which he unveiled yesterday, would save Medicare and help the United States avoid a debt crisis.

http://cnsnews.com/news/article/rep-ryan-obama-s-budget-path-do-nothing

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Calls His State's Teachers Union 'Political Thugs'

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Calls His State's Teachers Union 'Political Thugs'

Christie Tells Diane Sawyer He Won't Run for President in 2012, But Will His Friend Donald Trump?

BY BRADLEY BLACKBURN
April 6, 2011


New Jersey's Gov. Chris Christie took another shot at his state's teachers today by describing their union leaders as "political thugs."

In an interview with ABC News anchor Diane Sawyer, Christie offered no apology for his often tough talk that has left some teachers feeling bruised. He also talked about the presidential possibilities of both himself and his "friend" Donald Trump, and criticism by Jersey rock icon Bruce Springsteen.

While sitting in the school library at Lincoln School in Kearney, N.J., Christie told Sawyer that it's essential for his state's education system to change and he blames the teachers union for the harsh cuts his administration is making, that includes layoffs and larger classrooms.

"I believe the teachers in New Jersey in the main are wonderful public servants that care deeply. But their union, their union are a group of political thugs," Christie said.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/jersey-governor-chris-christie-calls-teachers-union-political/story?id=13310446

BOE elections : What does Christina Krauss stand for?

BOE elections : What does Christina Krauss stand for?

What does Christina Krauss stand for? I'm not a fan of Goodman and Brogan, but how do I know that Krauss isn't worse than they are? You can't vote for somone who is a blank slate. Look what that did for us in the Presidential election two years ago.

Krauss should tell us where she stands on the math curriculum, the balance between sports and academics, the upcoming teachers' union contract, administrative staffing levels, and special ed costs, to mention a few issues that matter.

Board of Education Candidate Debate - April 7

Board of Education Candidate Debate - April 7

The League of Women Voters is holding a candidate night at the Board of Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, Thursday, April 7th, starting at 7:30 p.m. All residents are invited to attend.

It will be broadcast on Channel 77.

Readers are looking for roll back on automatic pay increases for Teachers

Readers are looking for roll back on automatic pay increases for Teachers

All I know is that this contract had better roll back some of the automatic pay increases that were granted while every other resident saw reduced income in the past 3 years. Pay increases should have nothing to do with seniority and everything to do with performance. Pay our best teachers more and reduce pay for our under-performing teachers. Eliminate tenure and let's get back to a truly high performing school district, instead of paying lip service to ideals from days gone by.

It is not acceptable to ask taxpayers for a tax increase in order to pay for budget to pay for endless annual pay raises for all teachers. Nor do I see any reason for the budget to increase over previous years. Let's start taking cost out of the school budget, by addressing the real driver of 80% of the costs in the budget

Six officials collect their paycheck, state pension

Six officials collect their paycheck, state pension

At least six county officials — Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan, Sheriff Michael Saudino and his four undersheriffs — are collecting state pensions and county salaries, pushing their annual income, in all but one case, above $200,000. (Gartland, The Record)

http://www.northjersey.com/news/politics/119306324_Six_officials_collect_their_paycheck__state_pension.html

Redistrict : New map protects old guard

New map protects old guard

Change may not be coming anytime soon to South Jersey, thanks to a new legislative map that appears to protect Democratic incumbents here. (Roh, Gannett)

http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20110406/NEWS01/104060354/1006/New-map-protects-old-guard

North Jersey Masters Novice Racers Workshop

North Jersey Masters Novice Racers Workshop
Thu, April 07, 2011
Time: 6:15 PM
Location: Dunkerhook Park, Paramus NJ, Dunkerhook Park, Paramus NJ

North Jersey Masters, the organizers of the Ridgewood Run, will be conducting a road racing workshop. This workshop is designed for those new to racing, runners looking to get more enjoyment from a race, or runners who are looking to improve their racing chops. The program will commence on April 7th and continue every other Thursday with the final sessino bring the Ridgewood Run on Memorial Day, May 30th.

If you or someone you know is new to runnig and looking to do your first race this workshop is for you. It is open to anyone of any ability, as long as you are fit to run. The Novice Racers Workshop is coached by Tome Treimel.

Each session includes discussion of running technique, form and mechanics followed by a light workout to demonstrate the concepts and work on form. These classes are informal and will be tailored to fit those who attend. Classes are held in the vicinity of Saddle River Park in Paramus.

Cost Free with registration in the 2011 Ridgewood Run.

For more information call 973-333-4837 or email at info@njmasters.com

Wednesday, April 6, is the deadline for registering to vote in the Annual School Election

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE? DEADLINE IS APRIL 6 TO VOTE IN THE ANNUAL SCHOOL ELECTION ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27

Wednesday, April 6, is the deadline for registering to vote in the Annual School Election.
Any registered voter can choose to vote by mail-in ballot. April 26 is the deadline for mail-in ballots to be received.

Click here for more information on voter registration and mail-in ballots.
NEW! Click here to go to the New Jersey School Boards Association's special voter information website, Vote April 27. The site contains a variety of information for parents, seniors, students and voters, related to the upcoming school election on April 27.

We really need some fresh thinking, especially with a crucial REA contract to negotiate

We really need some fresh thinking, especially with a crucial REA contract to negotiate

The BOE and RPS have been in decline since the hiring of John Porter. Using the term "never listens" may be hyperbole, but it is very close.

Laurie is a train wreck (wants the teachers to get a fair contract-which is an entire thread on its own) and Sheila could be replaced by a recording of herself at a board meeting a dozen years ago.

We really need some fresh thinking, especially with a crucial REA contract to negotiate and the looming resignation of Dr. Fishbein

Ryan: Budget Fights Moral Decline as ‘Dependency and Passivity’ Weaken the Country

Ryan: Budget Fights Moral Decline as ‘Dependency and Passivity’ Weaken the Country
By Bridget Johnson
April 5, 2011, 9:54 am

House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan will warn at AEI today that the country is at a “tipping point” in its debt crisis that threatens to “curtail free enterprise” and lead to a “gradual moral-political decline as dependency and passivity weaken the nation’s character.”

The Wisconsin Republican detailed in today’s Wall Street Journal the magic numbers everyone has been waiting for: $6.2 trillion in cuts from President Obama’s budget over the next decade; $4.4 trillion in deficit reduction, as compared to Obama’s promised $1.1 trillion.

http://blog.american.com/?p=2951

Readers Conflicted on Goodman's Involvement in Contract Talks with Teachers

Readers Conflicted on Goodman's Involvement in Contract Talks with Teachers

Goodman won't give out any details on the negotiations because she says she's not allowed. Last year, the union voted not to open their contract to save jobs, which was their right. Now, we have some basis to offer a zero/zero/2 to offset the 4%+ during the past contract. Time to eliminate the steps completely, as the days of getting a step AND a bump are passe.

Goodman shouldn't have been selected for the negotiating team because a) her term was up and b) the steep learning curve in union contracts isn't a place to cut your teeth with our $90 million.

1:57 PM

Anonymous said...
I actually had a conversation about negotiations with Laurie a while back and she seems very strong. She has not said she wants a contract that is fair to the teachers but she said she wants a contract that gets approved by BOTH sides. You do realize that a contract must be approved by both parties? It's legal 101. That may mean holding out and letting the chips fall (or the strikers strike) where they may. I think we're in for some fireworks but I think they'll get it done. I am definitely voting for Laurie.

4:31 PM

N.J. treasurer lists range of cuts if Supreme Court rules against Christie in schools funding case

N.J. treasurer lists range of cuts if Supreme Court rules against Christie in schools funding case

New Jersey could face wide-ranging budget cuts targeting Medicaid, pre-schools and hospitals if the state Supreme Court rules more money must be set aside for school districts, State treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff told lawmakers today. (Rizzo, The Star-Ledger)

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/04/nj_treasurer_lists_range_of_cu.html

Gov. Chris Christie to appoint education task force to study N.J. regulation of schools

Gov. Chris Christie to appoint education task force to study N.J. regulation of schools


Gov. Chris Christie announced Monday that he will appoint a task force to recommend ways to reduce state rules governing public education and said more of those decisions should be controlled locally. (Symons, Gannett)

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20110404/NJNEWS10/104040365/Gov-Chris-Christie-to-appoint-education-task-force-to-study-N-J-regulation-of-schools

Republican Budget Plan to Eliminate National Debt: Ryan

Republican Budget Plan to Eliminate National Debt: Ryan
By: Jeff Cox

The Republican budget proposal will eliminate the national debt while still preserving costly entitlement programs like Medicare and Social Security, Rep. Paul Ryan told CNBC.

House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., holds a copy of his budget proposal 'The Path to Prosperity' during a news conference on the FY2012 budget resolution on Tuesday, April 5, 2011.

Speaking just hours before the spending plan gets its formal introduction before Congress, Ryan, head of the House Budget Committee, said the debt will peak at 74.5 percent of gross domestic product in 2014 and then drop from there.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/42429728

GOP Budget Proposal: 'Not a Penny' for Obamacare

GOP Budget Proposal: 'Not a Penny' for Obamacare
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
By Terence P. Jeffrey

(CNSNews.com) - The fiscal 2012 budget proposal unveiled today by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R.-Wis.) offers sweeping reforms in federal spending, including defunding and repealing the health-care law signed last year by President Barack Obama and converting the federal share of the Medicaid program into block grants to state governments.

The Republican proposal says one of its aims is “making sure that not a penny goes toward implementing the new [health care] law” enacted last year.

http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/gop-budget-proposal-making-sure-not-penn

Teachers Encouraged to Apply for PSEG Environmental Education Grants

Teachers Encouraged to Apply for PSEG Environmental Education Grants

(April 5, 2011 - Newark, NJ) – New Jersey teachers are encouraged to apply for funding through PSEG’s Environmental Education Grant Program, which provides funding to educators who can link their students' understanding of math, science, computer science, and technology with an enthusiasm and appreciation for the environment. This year, PSEG will award $35,000 in grants.

“Environmental education is fundamental to helping New Jersey’s youth become responsible world citizens, and offers creative ways for both students and teachers to tie their appreciation of nature to academics,” said Vaughn McKoy, PSEG director of corporate responsibility and sustainability, and president of the PSEG Foundation.

“Now in its 20th year, this program is a prime example of PSEG’s commitment to supporting the efforts of our grantees and improving the communities in which our employees live and work. This successful partnership continues to provide kids and the general public with a better understanding of the environment and environmental issues.”

Teachers of grades K-9 are encouraged to apply. Grants of up to $3,500 per project are available this year and can be used to purchase equipment, materials and field trips that would not normally be provided by the school or school district. Specific budget criteria are provided on the grant application. Applications that focus on ideas for the development of one or more classroom units, expansion or refinement of an existing course or curriculum, and extension of classroom work to community or after-school activities will be considered. Projects must be conducted over at least two years. Grantees will be announced by the end of October.

Teachers from schools in PSE&G’s utility service area and PSEG’s Estuary Enhancement Program area may apply, as well as schools located in New Jersey and Delaware within PSEG’s Emergency Planning Zone. Public, private, parochial, and charter schools are also eligible .Applications, which are available online, must be postmarked by Friday, June 24th. For more information on the towns, and to download an application, visit www.pseg.com/eegrants.

48% Say Their Views Closer to Tea Party Than Congress

48% Say Their Views Closer to Tea Party Than Congress
Tuesday, April 05, 2011

In the ongoing budget-cutting debate in Washington, some congressional Democrats have accused their Republican opponents of being held captive by the Tea Party movement, but voters like the Tea Party more than Congress.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of Likely U.S. Voters say when it comes to the major issues facing the country, their views are closer to the average Tea Party member as opposed to the average member of Congress. Just 22% say their views are closest to those of the average congressman. Even more (30%) aren’t sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/april_2011/48_say_their_views_closer_to_tea_party_than_congress

The RHS Class of '75 and '76 are combining to hold a Ridgewood High School Reunion from July 15th-17th this summer!!

The RHS Class of '75 and '76 are combining to hold a Ridgewood High School Reunion from July 15th-17th this summer!!

Our agenda includes:

July 15th: Mason Jar (Mahwah) Meet & Greet from 7pm onward.
July 16th: Lester Stables Family Picnic from 12 Noon - 3pm
RHS Tour from 3pm-5pm
Park Ridge Marriott Dinner/Dance from 7pm to Midnight

If you would like to attend, please send your $100 check to (and made out to) Kathleen Gabrielle
at 396 Frances Place, Wyckoff, NJ 07481.

Please email mmorrison@nac.net with comments or questions.

Thanks!!!

-Mitch

School Board Elections: Gerry Clark drops out of the running

Kelly -

After considerable thought, I've decided to remove my name from consideration for a board seat.

I've been unable to spend the required amount of time needed to become informed on all of the issues facing the candidates and voters this year.

Regards -

Gerry Clark

Math Wars: Work Harder – Learn Less.

Math Wars: Work Harder – Learn Less.

Work Harder – Learn Less. This is the conclusion of Arthur Hu in his assessment of 6th Grade Connected Math, which was published in the October 2003 issue of Education News. Hu goes on to state that “I am shocked to realize that the Dale Seymour “Connected Mathematics” is just as harmful for middle school as “Investigations” is for elementary school.

 It carries on the tradition of nightly homework that is a) hard to figure out b) takes forever to do once you figure it out c) after you’re done you haven’t learned any useful math d) it goes out of the way to make sure the #1 most important method to know is not taught, or allowed.”