From the Superintendent of Schools ...

Dear School Community Member:

Good afternoon. I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather. Hopefully, it will stay mild as our spring sports teams take to the fields, courts, and track next week.

Speaking of athletics, the PRHS Lady Owls basketball team plays in the state sectional final tomorrow (Friday, March 7th) at home against Mountain Lakes. This is a rematch from the sectional final game last year that Park Ridge won 43-28. The game starts at 5 PM in the PRHS main gym ... please arrive early as we are expecting a large crowd for the game. Go Owls!

As we enter the home stretch of the school year, planning has already begun for our summer programs. Our Extended School Year (ESY) program and Kindergarten Hoot Camp will run from June 30 - July 25. The location of the programs is still being determined, due to construction at EB and WR this summer. The BOE was awarded Rod Grants to subsidize the cost of replacing the HVAC systems in the newer additions at both buildings. We plan to complete this work in July/August.

The PRSD has three (3) emergency closing days built into the 2024-25 school calendar. So far, the district has only used one (1) "Snow Day" on February 6th. If the last two (2) emergency closing days are not needed, all students and staff members will enjoy a longer Memorial Day Weekend. Accordingly, all schools would be closed on Friday, May 23rd and Tuesday, May 27th. An official notice regarding a school calendar change will be sent to all community members at the end of April.

That's all for now.

Owls Together,

Robert M. Gamper, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Focus: PRHS Social Studies, World Language and Media Productions

Written by Kelly Epstein, Supervisor

As we dive deeper into the school year, there’s a lot of exciting activity happening across our Social Studies, World Language, and Media Productions departments. Here’s an update on all the incredible things our students and staff have been up to!

World Language Department News

Our World Language students have been busy this year, and we are thrilled to announce some exciting achievements! Recently, students completed their Seal of Biliteracy testing, and we are proud to share that 20 Seniors and 6 Juniors have earned this prestigious recognition. These students tested in a record number of six different languages this year: Spanish, German, French, Russian, Korean, and Turkish. This accomplishment is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements! A special shout-out goes to our amazing World Language staff for preparing our students for success on this rigorous test. Your dedication makes all the difference!

In addition, the World Language department is excited to announce the upcoming 49th Annual International Dinner, scheduled for Thursday, March 6th. Students in grades 9-12 enrolled in a World Language course are encouraged to prepare a meal associated with their language and share it with their families and teachers. It’s always a fun-filled evening and a great opportunity to experience a variety of cuisines. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy dinner out!

Social Studies Department Highlights

February and March have been busy months in the Social Studies Department, with students engaging in meaningful projects and lessons in honor of Black History Month and upcoming Women’s History Month.

In addition, Mr. Manzo’s U.S. I classes recently completed a fascinating project where they created multi-layered media Newscasts. These projects focused on current Constitutional issues, exploring how these issues connect to the Constitution and reflect opposing viewpoints. The students poured their creativity and critical thinking into their projects, producing outstanding examples of news shows. Their hard work and dedication are truly commendable!

In Mrs. Epstein’s Psychology classes, students participated in the annual Perception Olympics, testing their sensory and perceptual skills in a series of fun and challenging activities. It’s always an engaging and educational experience for everyone involved!

Welcome Mr. O’Hanlon!

We are excited to introduce our newest addition to the Social Studies department: Mr. John O’Hanlon! Mr. O’Hanlon joined us in November and brings with him a wealth of experience. A 2018 graduate of Springfield College, he is in his 7th year of teaching. He’ll be teaching history courses and Media Productions here at Park Ridge High School. Outside of the classroom, Mr. O’Hanlon is an active coach, coaching cross-country, track, and boys’ basketball in various districts including Park Ridge. We’re so glad to have him as part of our community and look forward to his contributions!

Upcoming Events

There’s a lot to look forward to as we head into the spring months! Here are some exciting trips and events coming up in both the World Language and Social Studies departments:

• Psychology classes will be heading to the Museum of Illusions in New York City.
• German classes will take a trip to the Tenement Museum and enjoy a meal at a local German restaurant.
• French classes will explore the Art Museum and dine at a French restaurant.
• Meanwhile, our Media Productions classes will be preparing for the New Jersey High School Film Challenge and participating in workshops hosted by Jackson Liberty High School in April.

As always, we are incredibly proud of all our students and teachers for their continued hard work and dedication. 

EB & WR Parent Teacher Conferences

The last series of parent-teacher conferences will be held on Thursday, March 13th from 6-8pm. At this point in the school year, you should have met with your child's classroom teacher at least once. Report cards become live on March 28th at 3:30 in Powerschool Parent Portal. If you need assistance logging on, please email psadministrator@parkridge.k12.nj.us

2024-25 PRSD Calendar Update

The PRSD has three (3) emergency closing days built into the 2024-25 school calendar. So far, the district has only used one (1) "Snow Day" on February 6th. If the last two (2) emergency closing days are not needed, all students and staff members will enjoy a longer Memorial Day Weekend. Accordingly, all schools would be closed on Friday, May 23rd and Tuesday, May 27th. An official notice regarding a school calendar change will be sent to all community members at the end of April.

PRHS - NJGPA Testing

Based on state requirements we will administer the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) during the school day on March 11-14 for JUNIORS ONLY. Below are very important reminders for testing:

• Laptops must be fully charged and students must bring the charger with them to school.

• Students will also need wired headphones/earbuds for testing.

The rest of the students will follow a special bell schedule on the testing days. The start and end times for the school day remain the same for all students.

New HS Graduation Requirement - Class of 2025 through 2027

For PRHS graduating classes of 2025 through 2027, each graduating high school senior is required by law, as part of New Jersey’s new graduation requirement P.L. 2023, c.295, to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application (NJAFAA) in order to receive a diploma.

The FAFSA gives students access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or vocational school. Through completing the FAFSA, students can be considered for federal financial aid, including Pell grants, work-study programs, and loans. In addition, many states and colleges, as well as some private financial aid providers, use FAFSA information to determine students’ eligibility for aid.

The FAFSA is an opportunity to have access to the resources that are needed to consider and enter postsecondary education – whether it be 2-year, 4-year, or technical school. In addition, students who are NJ residents but do not meet the requirements for FAFSA may consider the NJAFAA as an option. The NJAFAA enables students to receive state financial assistance to support their post-secondary college and career goals.

If you do not qualify for the FAFSA/the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application or you wish to request that your student be waived from this graduation requirement, parents/guardians should complete the FAFSA/NJAFAA Waiver Form.   The form must be submitted to the Guidance Office by May 1st of your student’s senior year.

FAFSA completion benefits ALL students:

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid provides more than $120 billion in grants, loans, and work-study funds each year to help pay for college or career school. Visit StudentAid.gov today to learn how to pay for your higher education. The FAFSA must be completed to apply for grants, loans, and work-study. All financial information is kept confidential. Many students are eligible to receive financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college or career school. Age, race, or field of study will not affect eligibility for federal student aid.

Many college/university websites and fafsa.gov provide a financial aid estimator to estimate how much financial assistance students may receive. Financial need increases with college cost and some colleges can cost more than $65,000 a year. Many of these colleges, state agencies, and scholarship foundations require the FAFSA to award scholarships and grants to middle- and upper-middle-class students attending expensive schools. The most generous private colleges, for example, award need-based aid to some students from families earning more than $200,000 a year. FAFSA is a prerequisite for Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Grad PLUS Loans, and Parent PLUS. These loans are available without regard to demonstrated financial need and have lower interest rates than private loans.

NJAFAA may be an option for some students:

Complete the NJAFAA application if you are not a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen and meet all of the following criteria:

• Attended a New Jersey high school for at least three (3) years
• Graduated from a New Jersey high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma in New Jersey
• Registered for Selective Service (male students only)
• Are able to file an affidavit stating that you have filed an application to legalize your immigration status or will file an application as soon as you are eligible to do so

Important Links:

General FAFSA information: https://studentaid.gov/

FAFSA filing and eligibility requirements: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/ requirements

FAFSA Application: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

NJAFAA Application: https://www.hesaa.org/Pages/NJAlternativeApplication.aspx

Higher Education Student Assistance Authority: https://www.hesaa.org

If you do not qualify for the FAFSA/the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application or you wish to request that your student be waived from this graduation requirement, parents/guardians should complete the FAFSA/NJAFAA Waiver Form.   The form must be submitted to the Guidance Office by May 1st of your student’s senior year.

PRHS Locker Rooms & Fitness Center Update

Construction of the new locker rooms and fitness center is complete. The weight room is currently open to students/staff and the remainder of the cardio and weight lifting equipment arrived this week. Go Owls!

Click here to view Design Schematic

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

PRSD School Calendar

On November 20, 2023, the BOE approved the 2024-25 school calendar. The calendar is available at the link below:

2024-25 School Calendar

On November 18, 2024, the BOE approved the 2025-26 school calendar. Please be advised that school will open for students after Labor Day. The calendar is available at the link below:

2025-26 School Calendar