The Wise Owl

The Official Newsletter of the Park Ridge School District

March/April 2026

“Owls Together: Community, Friendship, and Kindness”

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.

Upcoming Dates

March 13 - EB & WR Only - Early Dismissal (Parent - Teacher Conferences)

March 16 - BOE Meeting (7 PM)

April 3 - Schools Closed (Religious Holiday)

April 6 - Staff Only Day (Schools Closed for Students)

April 13-17 - Schools Closed (Spring Recess)

April 27 - BOE Meeting (7 PM)

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

From the Superintendent of Schools ...

Dear School Community Member:

Good afternoon. I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather. Even if it is short lived, it is still a nice reminder that spring is not too far away.

This is always a busy time of year. The next few months find us finishing this school year, but already preparing for September. Ordering supplies, hiring new staff and planning summer cleaning are already underway.

Scheduling has already begun for our summer programs. Our Extended School Year (ESY) program and Kindergarten Hoot Camp will run from July 6 - July 31 at West Ridge School. A registration link for our Hoot Camp can be found in the information below.

On Monday evening, the BOE will be recommending the 2026-27 tentative budget for submittal to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools for approval. I am pleased to announce that the presented budget maintains all of our current programs, services and staffing levels for next year. For those who are interested in attending our annual budget hearing, it is being held on Monday, May 4th at 7 PM in the PRHS Little Theater.

Lastly, the PRSD has three (3) emergency closing days built into the 2025-26 school calendar. So far, the district has used two (2) "Snow Days" on January 26th and February 23rd. If the last emergency closing day is not needed, all students and staff members will enjoy a longer Memorial Day Weekend. Accordingly, all schools would be closed on Friday, May 22nd. 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

Superintendent Search

The Park Ridge Board of Education has contracted with the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) to conduct their superintendent search. Information regarding the search can be found under District Highlights on the PRSD website. Please click on the link below to view the search calendar:

Search Calendar

Kindergarten Hoot Camp

This summer Park Ridge will once again be offering Hoot Camp from July 6th to July 31st. This year it is being held at West Ridge School. Hoot Camp is an exciting introduction to elementary school and is available to all incoming kindergartners in Park Ridge. All Hoot Camp instructors are certified teachers. Hoot Camp consists of a fun-filled four-week curriculum full of activities and lessons that will help prepare your child for kindergarten. Each day, children will participate in activities that will help develop their confidence in reading readiness and math skills, social/emotional growth, and fine & gross motor skills. Hoot Camp provides a balance of learning and having fun, all while meeting new friends!

Please note the cost of the program will be based on enrollment.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, you can contact Lisa Conforti at lisaconforti@parkridge.k12.nj.us.

You can sign you child up here: Hoot Camp Link

2025-26 PRSD Calendar Update

The PRSD has three (3) emergency closing days built into the 2025-26 school calendar. So far, the district has used two (2) "Snow Days" on January 26th and February 23rd. If the last emergency closing day is not needed, all students and staff members will enjoy a longer Memorial Day Weekend. Accordingly, all schools would be closed on Friday, May 22nd.

An official notice regarding a school calendar change will be sent to all community members at the end of April.

East Brook & West Ridge - 2026-27 Kindergarten

Park Ridge children who will be 5 years old by October 1, 2026, will be eligible for full day Kindergarten Registration for the 2026-2027 school year.

Children living west of Pascack Road will attend West Ridge Elementary School. Children living on or east of Pascack Road will attend East Brook School. Please attend the orientation where your child will be registered.

Please contact the main office at East Brook or West Ridge to make an appointment to register your child.

PRHS - NJGPA Testing

Based on state requirements we will administer the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) during the school day on March 16-20 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.

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 by July 1st. Please see the design schematics below:

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.

2025-26 User Friendly Budget

2025-26 Budget Flyer

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

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 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

﻿The Wise Owl