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The Official Newsletter of the Park Ridge School District
December 2025
“Owls Together: Community, Friendship, and Kindness”
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The Owl Mission
The Park Ridge School District is committed to educating and empowering all students to think critically and creatively to express their full potential. We cultivate a community of lifelong learners and nurture all students to be kind, ethical, and responsible citizens, as well as independent, productive members of an increasingly complex and interconnected world. As a district, we embrace individuality and value cultural diversity, equity, and mutual respect.
The Owl Vision
We are dedicated to creating a culture and climate of collaboration and acceptance, where all members of the district are encouraged to challenge themselves and learn from their experiences. We recognize the importance of interconnection and encourage development of multiple intelligences and divergent thinkers. We strive to support our students as they grow academically, socially, physically, and emotionally, and recognize that this process is enhanced through collaboration within the larger community. The Park Ridge School District strives to advocate for the individual needs and goals of every member of the school community, by fostering an environment where growth and well-being are paramount.
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Upcoming Dates
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December 3, 4 & 5 - Early Dismissal (EB & WR Only - Parent/Teacher Conferences)
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December 15 - BOE Meeting (7 PM)
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December 17 - BOE Special Meeting - Superintendent Search (7 PM)
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December 23 - Early Dismissal (Students & Staff)
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December 24 - January 2 - Holiday Recess (Schools Closed)
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Important Reminders
BOE Test Score Presentation
At the BOE meeting on October 14th, Dr. Bernardo presented our 2025 NJSLA/DLM Spring administration results to the public. The complete presentation can be found at this link Click Here
2025-26 K-6 Student - Parent Handbook
Please be sure to review the information contained in the handbook Click Here
2025-26 Statewide Assessment Schedule
The assessment schedule for the current school year can be found at this link ... Click Here
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From the Superintendent of Schools ...
Dear School Community Member:
I hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving recess. The next few weeks are always a great time to work in schools. The energy and excitement in the classrooms and hallways that builds until the holiday break is palpable.
As promised last month, the design schematics for the HS theater renovation are included in this newsletter. The focus of the project is on the stage and backstage area. The new proscenium is going to be impressive and the backstage area will be much more functional for our performers.
At the BOE meeting on November 17th, the Board approved the 2026-27 PRSD calendar. For planning purposes, please note that students will start before Labor Day in September. A link to the calendar has been included below.
Best of luck to all of the students who are performing in the upcoming winter concerts. I know we all look forward to enjoying the holiday sights and sounds that accompany the performances at all three schools.
Speaking of winter, it looks like there are a few snow chances in the upcoming forecast. Please be advised that all weather related decisions are made in conjunction with the other school districts in our area. In addition to the reverse 911 notification, all school closing or alternate schedule information is posted immediately on the PRSD website once a decision is made. When in doubt, please check the website.
That's all for now. I want to wish all of the members of the school community a happy and healthy holiday season. Best wishes for a positive and productive 2026!
Owls Together,
Robert M. Gamper, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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PRSD Winter Concerts
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PRHS Vocal Concert - Thursday, December 4th @ 7 PM (Little Theater)
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EB Vocal Concert - Tuesday, December 9th @ 7 PM (MPR)
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PRHS Instrumental Concert - Wednesday, December 10th @ 7 PM (Little Theater)
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WR Vocal Concert - Thursday, December 11th @ 7 PM (MPR)
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WR Instrumental Concert - Wednesday, December 17th @ 7 PM (MPR)
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EB Instrumental Concert - Thursday, December 18th @ 7 PM (MPR)
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PRHS Marching Band
The Park Ridge Marching Band concluded a historic season of dominance by winning the US Bands Group 1 Regional A State Championship and the Ludwig Musser Classic at MetLife Stadium. After their first competition, the dedicated band established an unstoppable rhythm, earning First Place in every subsequent performance. This incredible run was capped by a season-ending high score of 89.1, demonstrating their commitment to excellence. Their hard work transformed a summer of preparation into an unprecedented string of victories and championship titles. Congratulations to the entire marching band on an exceptional, championship-winning season! While the competitive season has ended, fans can still catch the PRHS Marching Band at seven upcoming parade appearances including the Westwood Home for the Holidays Parade on Saturday, December 6th, the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade, the NYC Greek Independence Day Parade, and the Tri-Boro Memorial Day Parade.
USBands Group 1 Regional A State Championship
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2025 National Honor Society Induction
Congratulations to the 2025 National Honor Society inductees! The induction ceremony took place on Wednesday, November 19th. Making it into the PRHS National Honor Society chapter is an amazing accomplishment and we are so proud of our inductee’s efforts. Students at PRHS become eligible to apply for the NHS at the start of their Junior year. Details and requirements of the selection process can be found on page 31 of the student handbook.
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East Brook & West Ridge -> Parent - Teacher Conferences
In early December, you will notice 3 consecutive 1pm dismissals for "Conference Week." Please see the breakdown below...
- Afternoon Conference (1 PM Dismissal) – Wednesday, 12/3/25
- Afternoon & Evening Conference (1 PM Dismissal) - Thursday, 12/4/25
- 1 PM Dismissal (Students & Staff) – Friday, 12/5/25
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Winter Weather Reminder
The Park Ridge School District has contracted the services of Finalsite (reverse 911) to notify the school community about school closings, early dismissals, delayed openings or other emergencies. Depending on the contact information you have provided, the system will send out a voice message, text and/or email to all parents/guardians. If warranted, this notification will be sent out in the evening, prior to the impacted school day. If not, the notification will be sent at 5:45AM on the morning of the impacted school day.
In addition to the Finalsite notification system, you can find school closing, early dismissal and delayed opening information in the following locations:
District Website: www.parkridgeschools.org
District X (Twitter): @parkridgesupt
Channel 7 – ABC7NY
Early Dismissal Schedule
- West Ridge: 8:35 AM - 1:00 PM
- East Brook: 8:35 AM - 1:00 PM
- Jr-Sr High School: 7:50 AM - 12:13 PM
- Owl House: 8:35 AM - 1:00 PM
Pre-School Early Dismissal Schedule
- Morning Session: 8:35 - 10:40 AM
- Afternoon Session: 11:00 - 1:00 PM
Delayed Opening Schedule
- West Ridge: 10:05 AM – 3:20 PM
- East Brook: 10:05 AM – 3:20 PM
- Jr-Sr High School: 9:15 AM – 2:44 PM
- Owl House: 10:05 AM - 3:20 PM
Pre-School Schedule for Delayed Opening
- Morning Session: 10:05 AM - 12:30 PM
- Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM - 3:20 PM
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PRHS Little Theater Update
The BOE is moving forward with a plan to renovate the HS theater proscenium and backstage area. The project includes new drapery, lights and audio system. In early 2026, the project will be bid, with the hope that construction will begin on July 1st. Please check back here each month for updates. Please see the design schematics below:
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2025-26 Park Ridge School Budget
On May 6th, the Park Ridge BOE held its annual Budget Hearing and approved their budget for the 2025-26 school year. Please feel free to review the documents below to gain an understanding of what is included in this year's PRSD budget.
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Laptop Refresh 2025
The Park Ridge School District has invested in the most recent version of MacBook Air laptops for our 1:1 program.
Please remember that when you come to pick up your laptop, every student must have a copy of the Laptop Agreement Form signed by a parent/guardian.
Laptop Agreement Form
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PRHS Online Cashless Payment Options for Lunch
Attention PRHS Parents/Guardians:
Parents now have the option to prepay for cafeteria meals online, via credit card or ACH Electronic Checking, using Pay Schools Central. For more information click on the link below:
Cashless Payment
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PRSD School Calendar
On November 18, 2024, the BOE approved the 2025-26 school calendar. The calendar is available at the link below:
2025-26 School Calendar
On November 17, 2025, the BOE approved the 2026-27 school calendar. Please be advised that school will open for students before Labor Day. The calendar is available at the link below:
2026-27 School Calendar
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