The Wise Owl

The Official Newsletter of the Park Ridge School District

October 2025

“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

October 13 - Early Dismissal (Students Only)

October 14 - BOE Meeting (7 PM - HS Theater)

October 23 - PRSD Reverse 911 Test Message (7 PM)

November 4 - Staff Only (Schools Closed for Students)

November 6 & 7 - NJEA Convention (Schools Closed)

Important Reminders

BOE Test Score Presentation

At the BOE meeting on June 16th, Dr. Bernardo presented our 2025 NJ Graduate Proficiency Assessment 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:

I hope you will agree that the school year is off to a fantastic start. The September weather was absolutely perfect for all of our back to school activities. Needless to say, our students and staff members have hit the ground running in all aspects of school life.

Thank you to all of the parents who joined us at Back to School Night in each building. The partnership that is fostered when parents take an interest in their child's education is very much appreciated by our faculty and creates a tremendous sense of pride within the school community. Thank you for this.

Speaking of "Owl Pride," our fall sports teams are off to an excellent start. Our student-athletes continue to represent Park Ridge in a positive manner that includes a high level of sportsmanship. The Owls always enjoy a generous amount of support at home or on the road. I want to wish them the best of luck as we move closer to the county tournaments and state playoffs.

Lastly, the district will be sending a reverse 911 test message to all staff members and parents on Thursday, October 23rd at 7 PM. This system will be used in case of a school closing or change in schedule due to inclement weather. It is difficult to think about snow and ice when it is 80 degrees outside, but the colder weather will be here soon.

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.

K-3 Early Literacy Universal Screening

Literacy Screening: Please click on the link to see the letter from our Curriculum department regarding the early literacy universal screening process for K-3 students:

DIBELS Letter

PRHS 8th grade trip - Philadelphia - Parent Informational Meeting

REMINDER: There will be an 8th-grade Parent Informational Meeting regarding the 2026 8th-grade trip to historic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, October 9th, at 6:30 pm in the High School Theater. We will discuss the itinerary, cost/insurance, rules/regulations, etc. All participants are asked to take the CFAR trip insurance. Please plan on attending, as there will be a lot of important information discussed. If you are unable to attend, there will be information posted on the high school website.

Please feel free to email me with any questions at: HeatherLoll@parkridge.k12.nj.us

Special Education Parental Advocacy Group (SEPAG)

The Special Education Parental Advocacy Group (SEPAG) will hold its first meeting on October 22, 2025 at 7pm in the East Brook Media Center. This group is open to all parents and is an opportunity to provide input on systemic issues facing our special education students. Please Click Here for more information.

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

﻿The Wise Owl