From the Superintendent of Schools ...

Dear School Community Member:

Good morning. I hope everyone is enjoying the mild fall weather we have been experiencing. However, it might be coming to an end based on the long range forecast. Before you know it, we will be following winter weather threats and debating school closings.

At the PRSD we continue to enjoy the typical fall events for this time of year. The elementary school students have been enjoying a variety of assemblies and events thanks to the PTO's at each school. The fall athletic season at PRHS has been competitive and enjoyable. And, it would not be November without the annual Fall Drama at PRHS. This year the Little Theater Players are performing "Puffs," which is a takeoff on the Harry Potter series.

Speaking of the theater, we are finalizing the design for the HS theater renovations. The current plan includes a new proscenium, curtains, lights and sound system. Also included in the plan are backstage changing rooms, prep areas and a bathroom for the performers. Once the project is finalized, our architect will begin to prepare the bid documents. Next month, I hope to include a design schematic as an attachment to this newsletter.

Lastly, the BOE's regular monthly meeting has been moved to November 17th. Starting at 6 PM in the HS theater, the Board will conduct its regular order of business and then interview all of the candidates who applied for the vacant position. Just like last time, the interviews will be open to the public. Thank you to all those who expressed an interest in this important community service.

That's all for now.

Owls Together,

Robert M. Gamper, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

PRHS Student Cell Phone Policy

STUDENT CELL PHONE POLICY: The administration recognizes the importance of cellular phones from an emergency and safety standpoint. However, please be reminded that parents should continue to call the school for any emergency and should not attempt to reach students by cell phone during the day. Students must abide by the following guidelines:

1.Cell phone use is permitted before and after school, as well as during the school day in common areas of the building. They include hallways and the cafeteria (Grades 9-12 only).

2. Cell phone use is not permitted in classrooms and/or during instructional time. Students may not leave class to use their phones.

In addition to the policy above, no cell phones will be allowed (seen or heard) in the school’s locker rooms or bathrooms. Park Ridge High School is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of any electronic device.

VIDEOTAPING, TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS, OR RECORDING ANY PERSON IN THE SCHOOL WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF STAFF AND/OR ADMINISTRATION IS PROHIBITED.

Details of the school cell phone policy can be found on page 24 of the student handbook.

November 17th BOE Meeting Update

Please note that the BOE meeting on November 17, 2025 will start at 6 PM in the HS theater. Immediately upon opening the meeting, the Board will conduct its regular monthly business. Once completed, the BOE will interview applicants for the vacant position in public session. All are welcome to attend.

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

PRHS Little Theater Players

Park Ridge High School’s Little Theater Players are taking on "Puffs - Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic!" 

Evening performances are Friday, November 14th and Saturday, November 15th @ 7:00 PM. The Sunday, November 16th matinee will begin at 2:00 PM.

Plus a FREE Senior Citizens’ Matinee on Wednesday, November 12th @ 1:00 PM

Park Ridge High School, 2 Park Ave, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. 

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 2025-26 School Calendar

On November 18th, 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