RIDGE PTOMonthlyun-cut

Volume 8 : Issue 6March 2, 2012

From the Desk of the PrincipalAre you a senior parent? Are you a senior parent for the first time? If not, are you a senior parent who was totally frustrated by your first, second, third…, senior? Let’s talk! [click - more on p. 6]

ridgepto@yahoo.com

What's Inside?

PTO Executive Board, p. 2[click here]

this weekend!

Upcoming Events

3/2 & The Secret Garden

3/3 7pm, PAC

3/6- Juniors HSPA Testing;

3/8 Others delayed opening

3/7 Senior Breakfast

3/10 SATs

3/13 Ridge Pops Concert

3/16 The Ridge Factor

From the PTO Co-PresidentsHappy March! Though this winter has been very mild, we are all looking forward to the spring weather. March is a very busy month at Ridge, for both business and pleasure. [click - more on p. 2]

Ridge Recognition, p. 3[click here]

AP Studio Art Exhibit, p. 5 [click here]

Guidance Department NewsThis is a busy month for the Guidance Department. We have AP Exam Registration coming up as well as registration for incoming freshmen from WAMS. Junior Conferences will also be taking place. [click - more on p. 3]

The Race to Nowhere The documentary “The Race to Nowhere” has received a considerable amount of attention, both nationally and within our own community. The Bernards Township PTOs are co-sponsoring an event to provide light on the subject. [click - more on p. 2]

“Pops” Concert features artist Greg Giannascoli Ridge High School’s 2012 “Pops” concert will feature several school bands as well as marimba and percussion artist Greg Giannascoli at the Ridge Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, March 13 at 7 pm. Admission is free. [click - more on p. 4]

Master Dance Classes, p. 5 [click here]

Athletes of the Month, p. 7 [click here]

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The Ridge PTO MonthlyEditor: Sue Frost

Submissions for the March 30 Friday Folder issue are due March 13 to ridgepto@yahoo.com. Questions and inquiries can be sent to that email address.

2011-12 Ridge PTO Executive BoardCo-Presidents Sarah Bonnefoi sarahbonnefoi@yahoo.com Tracey Tuthill gooserocks@optonline.net

1st Vice President- Sharon Power Volunteers sharonpower@optonline.net

2nd Vice President- Kathy Whitman Programs kcwhit4@verizon.net

3rd Vice President- Sue Frost Newsletter sue_frost@mac.com

Treasurer Aninda Katragadda aninda.katragadda@gmail.com

Recording Secretary Candice Hull hullscr@verizon.net

Communications Officers Kris Leopold pkekml@gmail.com Amy Venetianer amyv8@optonline.net

PTO INFORMATIONFrom the Co-Presidents, from p. 1Happy March! Though this winter has been very mild, we are all looking forward to the spring weather. March is a very busy month at Ridge, for both business and pleasure.

Business firstAll students wishing to log onto a computer or utilize an in-dividual device at Ridge must have completed the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) form by Thursday, March 1st. After that date, your student(s) will not be able to access the internet at school until such a time as the AUP has been signed.

Saturday, March 10th: the SAT will be administered. Make sure your student has had a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast.

All juniors, March 6th through 8th is HSPA testing. On Tues-day, March 6th, all juniors should bring a calculator.

All other students on March 6th through 8th: school will start at 10:15. Busses will pick up 2 ½ hours later than the usual time.

All seniors, Wednesday, March 7th is the senior breakfast. During the breakfast, many topics concerning your student’s last months at Ridge High will be discussed.

PleasureRidge has much to offer for your evening enjoyment. Tonight, Friday, March 2nd and tomorrow night, Saturday, March 3rd, the drama department is presenting the spring musical, The Secret Garden at 7pm in the PAC.

The RHS Pops will have their concert on Tuesday, March 13, at 7pm in the PAC.

On March 15th at 7pm in the PAC, Dr. Maurice Elias will follow up the screening of the film “Race to Nowhere” with a presentation and discussion which will center on how to provide balance for the youth of today and how we parents can help them navigate the difficulties of juggling academic, athletic, and social pressures.

Finally, this year’s junior fundraising event is The Ridge Fac-tor, a talent show featuring acts from all students at Ridge. Come cheer on your favorite act Friday, March 16 at 7pm in the PAC.

Warm regards,

Sarah and Tracey

Thursday, March 15, 7pm at RHS PAC

Dr. Maurice J. Elias

Nationally renowned speaker, author, Rutgers University Professor of Psychology

and licensed psychologist will discuss:

From Race to Nowhere to Race to Somewhere:

Preparing our Children for Life, College, and Career Success

-Emotionally Intelligent Parenting: A life of balance-How to prepare students for the tests of life, not a life of tests-How parents and schools can work together to prepare children for success

Co-Sponsored by the PTOs of all Bernards Township Schools

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SCHOOL NEWSRidge RecognitionAccomplishmentsEnglish teacher, Janine Quimby, has been invited to present a paper at Plymouth State University on April 21st.

Daisy DeSimone was selected to light the torch at the Open-ing Ceremonies of the New Jersey Winter Special Olympics.

The New Jersey Science League Competition was held at Bernard’s High School on February 9, 2012. The New Jersey Science League is a competitive science organization operat-ing within the state of New Jersey. Science League consists of a series of four local monthly competitions which allow students to demonstrate their ability in Science. Scores are then ranked statewide.

Chemistry I earned first place honors and was represented by Ian Peczak, Jeffrey Cai, Catherine Chen, Karn Dalal, and Kevin McCoy. Ian earned the top score at this competi-tion. Physics I also took first place and was represented by David Mazumder, Aneesh Vaidya, Jared Shimoun, and Adit Namdev. Aneesh earned the top score in this division. Eric Wei earned top score in the Physics C exam. Biology I placed first and was represented by Oliver Tang, Jeremy Mazum-der, Renee Hastings and Kavil Parikh. Renee earned top score in this division. Biology II earned second place honors and was represented by Devea De, Farsha Rizwan, Alina Ruzick and Sejal Shah. Chemistry II tied for second place and was represented by Jonah Lee, Amanda Li, Traci Li, Bhagya Arikala and Akshaya Sekar.

On January 25, 2012, the kindergarteners from Cedar Hill School were treated to a special “Creative Theatre” presenta-tion by the high school students from Mrs. Megan Kern’s “Theatre 1” class. In one of the Ridge PAC lecture halls, the Ridge students first led the kindergartners in a creative exer-cise called “The Balloon Stretch” where everyone got involved in a fun and interactive adventure. The performance then continued as the high school students presented an African folk tale titled “Talk,” which is about a farmer whose crops and animals start talking to him. The hilarious play was well received by the young audience. One girl announced during a question and answer session held afterwards, “I loved your play.” The performers were Samantha Bosin, Jillian Lar-diere, Amanda laVersa, Caroline McKenna, Ally Picardo, Alex Piro, Charley Randall, Colleen Risavy, Julius Trom-bino, Kailyn Williams, Megan Woods and Egi Zalla.

Sophomore Nicola Boulter completed the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) High School Equestrian Ath-lete program. The USEF High School Equestrian Athlete pro-gram encompasses young equestrians involved in all breeds and disciplines from the grassroots to international competi-tions and is sanctioned by United States Olympic Committee.- click here to continue on page 4

Guidance Department NewsAP Exam Registration n Registration closes on March 4 at 11:30pm. n Cancellation Information:

- Any/all AP Exam cancellations will be processed through the Guidance Office; cancellations cannot be done online through Community Pass.

- Cancellation forms available in the guidance office or on the Guidance AP Web site.

- From March 5, 2012 until March 29, 2012, the refund will be $50.00 per test. From March 30, 2012 until the end of AP Testing, exams may be cancelled, but there will not be a refund. This includes any student who is absent for any reason at the time of the exam.

- There can be no exceptions to this policy.

Registration for 2012-2013 Continues

n Councelors will be at WAMS from March 6-9 through scheduling conferences with 8th grade students.

n Upperclassmen registration will resume during the week of March 12 and will conclude on March 22.

n All students have until April 5 to change course requests. AFTER THIS DATE, THERE WILL BE NO COURSE CHANGES ALLOWED FOR THE 2012-13 SCHOOL YEAR. PERMISSION TO CHANGE ELECTIVES WILL ONLY BE GRANTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION AS A RESULT OF SCHEDULING CONFLICTS. Level changes will continue to be made as described in the program of studies.

Junior Conferences n Junior Conferences start on March 23 and run throughout the month of April. - Letters indicating the date and time of your individual counselor/junior student/parent meeting were mailed home prior to February break. Should you not be able to attend, your child will still meet with the high school counselor at the appointed time. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we are unable to reschedule appointments.

n Prior to the Junior Conference: - Students should complete the “Primary List of Colleges” worksheet and bring it to the appoint- ment. Students received this in January (additional copies can be downloaded from the Guidance Web site or their counselor’s On-Course page).

- Students should log into their Naviance account and complete the “Colleges I’m Thinking About” section. [click here to go back to page 1]

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SCHOOL NEWSRidge High School “Pops” Concert features Marimba and Percussion artist Greg Giannascoli, from p. 1Ridge High School’s 2012 “Pops” concert will feature several school bands as well as marimba and percussion artist Greg Giannascoli at the Ridge Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, March 13 at 7 pm. Ad-mission is free.

Giannascoli was a winner of the 2001 Artist International New York Recital/Young Artist Competition and was also a top prizewinner of the 1997 Patrons of Wisdom Interna-tional Young Artist Competition held in Toronto, Canada. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras and in recit-als throughout North America, Europe and Asia, including Carnegie Hall, Theatro Juarez in Mexico and the Glenn Gould Studio in Canada. In the past few years, he has premiered over 20 new works for the marimba.

Giannascoli is a faculty member at the esteemed Julliard Pre-College and is also the coordinator of the percussion depart-ment at New Jersey City University. He has presented master classes at some of the top music schools including the Julliard School and The Manhattan School of Music. His 5th solo CD, Prism Rhapsody: Show Pieces and Encores, was released in November 2011.

Giannascoli will perform two well known works with the Ridge Wind Ensemble that have been transcribed for marim-ba and wind ensemble. Rhapsody in Blue is a classic Gersh-win piano showpiece that will feature the marimba. Flight of the Bumblebee is the quintessential instrumental solo ar-ranged for marimba that will end the concert with a flourish.

Dan Zugale, director of Ridge High bands, states, “I like to bring in guest artists to work with the band so my students can get a chance to experience musicians of the finest quality. Through this experience, the students will hopefully learn what it takes to become a true musical artist. It also serves as motivation for my students to work hard. Playing behind a soloist is a special challenge and in order for it to be successful, the students have to really know their part and how they fit in with the rest of the ensemble. Lastly, I like to think of our concerts as community events

and this is a great way to bring a little more interest to the band program.”

Four other Ridge High ensembles will perform at the Pops concert: The Percussion Ensemble, led by Joe Keefe, will perform Stormbreak by Jim Casella and Rainforest Journey by Charlie Sivils. The Jazz Band will perform two works: Funkathustra is a funk version of Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra which is also known as the opening theme for the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Sister Sadie, an up-tempo swing arrangement of the classic Horace Silver tune.The Concert Band will perform A Disneyland Celebration, featuring familiar music from the theme park. The Wind Ensemble will then perform “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” with the William Annin Eighth Grade Band, and conclude the concert with the two works featuring guest soloist Greg Giannascoli.- Article written and submitted by Don Grossmann, Ridge Band Publicity

Congratulations to Ambassador Girl Scout, Sherry Kuo, of Troop #40, in receiving special recognition toward her Gold Award called Keeping Kids Afloat, a disaster relief project designed to aid children in our community who become emergently displaced from their homes due to flooding, fires or other natural diasters. Sherry has joined forces with local shelters to develop safety kits or “lifesavers” that will help comfort and aid children during the disaster. Kits include toiletries, children’s books and stuffed animals. Comfort items are stocked and distributed immediately to homeless children. Contact Sherry if you wish to contribute items to this worthy cause.-submitted by Colleen E. Pine

Ridge Rocognition, from p. 3Mrs. Mitchell arranged for students in her Honors Chemistry classes to participate in the 2012 Central New Jersey Re-gional Brain Bee Competition held on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School hosted by the Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology. At lunch, members of the faculty were available to discuss careers in neuroscience with the participants.

The Regional Brain Bee is the first round in an international competition for high school students to match wits with other New Jersey students in the field of neuroscience. The competition consisted of a written test, an oral test, and “Jeopardy”–style questions. Ritesh Akkisetty, Brendan Chou, Ahsan Khan, Julia Nelson, Michael Radice, and Anil Salem represented Ridge High School at this event.

Julia and Michael were chosen as semi-finalists for the “Jeopardy” final round. Julia tied with two other contestants in a close race for third place honors in the final round.- submitted by Mary Ellen Peters

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AP Studio Art: Roots, Rocks, and RelicsWhat do roots, rocks, and fossils have in common? They are the subjects of the Ridge High School ’s AP Studio Art class exhibit at the Environmental Education Center. Ms. Jeffries' AP Studio Art classes began the year studying and explor-ing the relationships between rocks, roots, and fossils. The students’ drawings developed into large scale deconstructed and re-assembled images using charcoal, coffee as washes, as well as other non-traditional materials. In addition to the drawings the students produced new interpretations of fos-sils made from clay. The sculptures will be incorporated into the flatwork exhibit to produce a three-dimensional effect. This work has inspired the Ridge art students to dig into the concept of drawing and expand their repertoire of materials to present a very intriguing and surprising exhibition. The exhibit is open at the Somerset County Park Commission, Environmental Education Center daily from March 1 through April 1, 9am to 5pm. - Submitted by Jane Parks, Environmental Events Specialist, Environmental Education Center

Dance Master Classes are Back for Spring 2012!

Classes are for all levels, beginners welcome!

TRICIA OLDS When: Wed, March 21st & 28th Time: 2:45-4:00 Where: Ridge Dance Studio Cost: $12.00 for both classes

Tricia Olds is a Brooklyn based actor, dancer and improvisor. Ms.

Olds earned her BFA in Drama with Honors from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. She began dancing at the age of four and has trained in a variety of styles. She is the co-founder of Tisch’s Pulse Dance Project and was also a member of NYU’s Purple and White Dance Team. As a young dancer, Tricia competed with DANCEAMERICA and performed at Disney’s Epcot Center. She has also performed pieces by Danny Buraczeski and Jack Hayes at the Boston Summer Dance Festival. She was featured in Christine Philion-Dufour’s modern dance concert Shorts in Portland, Maine and performed Adrienne Hawkins’ piece “Ta Ka Ta Da” at Portland School of Ballet. Most recently Tricia has been creating and performing at the Stella Adler Studio’s Center for New Work in Movement and Dance Theatre. Through the M.A.D. program Tricia studied at Springboard Danse Montréal with Margie Gillis and recently toured Toronto and Vancouver with Canadian choreographer Kate Hilliard. While continuing to study and create, Tricia currently teaches dance at New Canaan Dance Academy in Connecticut. In Tricia’s class, your student will learn Street Jazz!

ALEXANDRIA WILLIAMSON When: Wed., April 18th & 25th Time: 2:45-4:00 Where: Ridge Dance Studio Cost: $12.00 for both classes

Alexandra Williamson is a graduate of Montclair State University. She holds a BFA in Dance and a minor in Musical Theater. Alexandra is a recipient of

Dean’s List honors and the Dance and Theatre Department Service Award. Alexandra currently dances for moe-tion dance theater, project: Smith, and DiMauro Dance Company. While at MSU she performed works by Robert Battle, Helen Tamiris, Shapiro and Smith, Martha Graham, and Bill T. Jones. She has also studied at the Paul Taylor School, Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, and Bates Dance Festival. Alexandra has a certification in Pilates and teaches in New York and New Jersey. She is also on staff at Union County College. Alexandra is thrilled to be working with the Ridge High School dancers! In Alexandra’s class, your student will be learning modern!

Eighteen Ridge Students Receive Region II Chorus Honors

Eighteen Ridge students were selected for the Region II Mixed and Women’s Choruses which performed their annual concert on January 29 at Monroe Township High School. Members of the Mixed Chorus were sopranos Samantha Cordasco, Sara DiDiego, Sarah Matsushima, and Lisa Woodridge, alto Niki Sumka, tenor Alexander Wilke and basses Dan Choe, Matthew VonBargen, and Devin McGuire. Members of the Women’s Chorus were sopranos Catherine Kelly, Taylor Munir, and Kelsey McKeon, and altos Katherine Corrigan, Julia Grossmann, Emily Jones, Sunwoo Chae, and Emily Vaias. - Article written and submitted by Don Grossmann

SCHOOL NEWS

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From the Principal, from p. 1Are you a senior parent? Are you a senior parent for the first time? If not, are you a senior parent who was totally frustrated by your first, second, third…, senior? Let’s talk!

The high school senior “beast” can be one of the most dreaded creatures to haunt parents since the beginning of our current school structure. The beast is a being of instantaneously changing personalities with tremendous manipulative powers derived through a combination of all the experiences of all stages of adolescence since the “ter-rible twos.” The most haunting of traits of this beast is that these powers are almost always directed at their keepers in life – their parents.

All jesting aside, being a parent of a senior can be as challeng-ing as anything we have previously encountered. Hopefully, I can provide you with some insights and strategies that may or may not apply to your senior and may or may not help with your problem.

Before you take any advice from me you should know something about the source and since I am basing my advice on experience, I will just tell you that I am currently in my thirty-third year in education and have raised three boys who are now all in their twenties (OK, one is thirty) and not incarcerated. So far – so good!

An elementary teacher/friend of mine and I were discuss-ing some of the advice that I offer to senior parents and she pointed out that kindergarten teachers give similar advice to the parents of their students. I guess it is true that everything is relative. Maybe you will see the similarities.

First and foremost you can bet that your senior is going to want their independence from you and will do things to dem-onstrate to you and themselves that they are independent. They will challenge curfews, take the car further from home than you might allow and, in general, test whatever they per-ceive as parent made parameters. Sometimes they will pick battles that make no sense whatsoever! Sense has nothing to do with it.

So, how might you handle this? First, do what they haven’t done – pick your battles. When doing so remember that in several months (and shrinking by the day) your child will be almost completely without your supervision. Are you prepar-ing them for that time of independence? This decision brings in issues of trust, safety and maturity. Discuss your concerns

with them in these areas. If your child has broken a trust, then you have a legitimate reason to be leery that they will do the right thing – explain this to them. Discuss safety issues with your child and evaluate if the activity is suitable for someone their age/ma-turity. Talk with other parents to gauge what the norm might be. We have all heard from our children that, “Everyone else is doing it.” How come we never bother to find out if that’s true? The goal here is to allow students to apply what they have learned about deci-sion making while being a responsible par-ent. You may need some smoke and mirrors.

Secondly, be prepared for the emotional roll-er coaster. As much as your student wants their independence they still want to have

the security of having you available. It is like independence with training wheels. This will cause them to transition rapidly through ego states and emotional highs and lows. The thought of leaving the nest will appeal to them one day and frighten them the next. Believe me when I tell you that you won’t have any trouble recognizing the state they’re in.

In dealing with many seniors confused by their own fluctuat-ing perceptions and responses, I have found the most helpful posture to be one of acceptance and then assistance. By this I mean that you should not try to analyze why they feel the way they do, as this just frustrates them more. Instead, ac-cept that they feel what they feel and ask, “What do you need me to do?” or “How can I help?” Understand that the proper tone is needed here and a sarcastic attitude will not help. Don’t get angry when they respond inappropriately. Letting them know that what they are feeling is natural is validating; reducing their level of concern by referring to past fears that they successfully conquered can be soothing. They may not want or expect you to solve their problem at all. Sometimes saying nothing is the way to go.

The transition from high school is not unlike the transition to kindergarten, middle school or high school. The child is older and smarter but the change is more complex and difficult. Knowing your child and relying on your past experiences can help customize solutions to the difficulties ahead. Reaching out to other parents and school resources may prove fruitful.

I’ll see you at graduation![click here to go back to page 1]

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Congratulations !Varsity Athletes of the Month

January, 2012 !

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE BOOSTER CLUB DISPLAY IN THE LOBBY!Boys Swimming - Matt Glockenmeier (10) - Matt has been an exceptional swimmer throughout the entire season. He is our “go-to” swimmer and can compete in all events, all strokes. He placed top 6 at County Champs in the 200 Free and 100 Breaststroke, 200 Medley Relay and 400 Free Relay. He will be competing at Meet of Champions in March in two individual events and two relays. Girls Swimming - Stephanie Ruderman (10) - Stephanie has really excelled as a sophomore this year and has grown into a tremendous Sprint Freestyler. She leads the 200 Free and 400 Free Relay and has dropped considerable time in her 100 Free.

Ice Hockey - Nigel Wardrop (12) - Nigel’s all around defensive capabilities and his outstanding leadership qualities were key factors in helping Ridge capture first place in the Skylands Conference Ice Hockey League.

Girls Fencing - Alison Pine (11) - Sabre - Alison made great improvement as a fencer this season because of her hard work and dedication to the team. She is a great role model to the younger girls. Alison has a passion to win and does her best when she competes.

Girls Basketball - Elena Baurkot (12) - Elena is an extremely important part of our team. She leads the team on the floor with her great ball handling skills and off the floor as one of our team captains. Although small in stature, she is still one of our best rebounders!

Boys Basketball - Dylan Kerwin (12) - Dylan has been a diligent worker and great leader throughout the basketball season. Dylan’s a sharpshooter on offense and mixes it up on D. He has accepted an athletic scholarship to Philadelphia Science University.

Girls Winter Track - Rachel Conklin (12) - Shot Put - As a senior, Rae has developed into an outstanding shot putter. Her marks over the month of January steadily improved, culminating in a 4th place finish at the Skyland Conference Championships with a personal best throw of 32’ 7”. She followed up her medal winning performance from the Skyland meet with another jump in her personal best at the Randolph Shot Put Invitational. Her throw of 33’ 9 3/4” was good for a 6th place finish in the senior division and the 7th best overall throw in the entire girls division. Rae is also the undisputed leader of the Ridge throwers, setting her example through her work ethic and focus on her craft.

Boys Winter Track - Tim Livingston (11) - As a junior, Tim has improved tremendously and is becoming one of the better area shot putters. His personal best of 44’ 11” this past month made him the clear top thrower on the Ridge team leading a vastly improved group of throwers.

Boys Fencing - Connor Pelos (12) – Connor did show best results in January and led our team to win all our duel meets.

Boys Ski Team - Daniele Colbertaldo (10) - Daniele has placed first in several races and led boys to a league title.

Girls Ski Team - Kate Bondy (12) – Kate has been a consistent top finisher and has led the girls to solid finishes in every race.

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