Vol. 1…No. 27
Observer: Optimists
Macky’s New York: Welcome To The Machine
Siobhan’s New Gig: Borobabi
Steve Tenney, RHS 1976
The Buddy Bench
Superintendent’s Letter To Ridgewood Community—22 March 2021
Montclair Art Museum 2021 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Cindy Myer, RHS 1977, CEO Ridgewood Moving Services
Observer:
Optimists
While it can seem like a stretch to say that some good things will result as of our experience with the Covid pandemic, it’s up to each of us to ask ourselves if this is true. The answers we provide determine if our own optimism has returned. There is no problem with being sad. Covid has left us all with that very normal feeling.
Today’s Observer is about the optimists amongst us. A synonym for this I believe is entrepreneur. They are bellweathers and the ones I look towards for new ideas. Maybe the idea has been thought of already but the optimists are trying it with more modern tools and different attitudes.
I’m starting to believe our current generation of students in high school and college will be extremely entrepreneurial given the knowledge they have been forced to derive from online learning. They see the benefits of collaboration and how people can contribute when they are not in the same room but are committed to a common goal. This is a huge accomplishment which they may not have undertaken if they had been following their old routine of sitting in classrooms and being governed by a system of bells to signal when to go to the next class. Nothing wrong with the classroom setting if the teacher is dedicated and the students are willing, but as we well know that is not always possible.
My observation about our nation’s youth puts me in the optimist’s camp. I believe the Internet will only become more important to business and education. It will continue to allow for varying solutions and viewpoints to be experimented with. I particularly like the ability for people to work at they own time and in their own place towards common goals. This will include eliminating unnecesary commutes and allowing people to get the sleep they need.
I look forward to the day when our children are judged not by their ability to simply get up early and then show up for school. Much better will be the when, to paraphrase Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, we judge our children not by their attendance but by the quality of their character. I aver that how much sleep one gets is directly related to how well one develops as a human being. Not to mention the depth and breadth of the contribution they are capable of making to our Commonweal.
Many thanks to my classmate Dr. Anne Robinson for contributing to and clarifying my position on the subject of sleep.
Macky’s New York:
April 3, 2021 - Flushing Meadows
Welcome To The Machine.
There is a strange energy surrounding the Unisphere - it's hard to explain but when I am there...I feel as though a few frames per second are missing from my vision and collective memory - the light appears choppy...the birds I am certain fly backwards...people seem to disappear and then reappear and craziest part...the bubbles in my vodka soda float from the top of my Gatorade bottle to the bottom which truly upsets the natural order of things - in particular...my expert usage of my sippy straw.
Shot looking east.
#mackysnewyork
Borobabi
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Steve Tenney, RHS 1976, is on drums with his band mates from Tequila Rush.
The Buddy Bench
Brilliant idea. Who cannot recall a time from their youth where they were the odd person out.
Superintendent’s Letter
Regarding Incidents in Atlanta Towards Asian-Americans
Dear Ridgewood School Community,
We are deeply shocked and saddened by the horrific events that occurred in Atlanta, Georgia last week towards Asian-Americans. In recent days, vigils have been held across the country to mourn the lives lost in Atlanta and to call for the end of anti-Asian racism. This senseless act has precipitated growing concern and fear within the Asian-American community, and we must stand together against any acts of bias or intolerance.
The diverse student body of the Ridgewood Public Schools is cherished and celebrated. As a district, we are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where students have the opportunity to learn about each other. Beginning with our youngest learners, we foster a culture that values differences and promotes empathy. These beliefs are also at the forefront of the Ridgewood Public Schools Strategic Plan. As we re-imagine our future, our district is committed to creating an inclusive and responsive school community. This year, we have invested in diversity training for administrators and teachers, as well as established a Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) subcommittee of teachers and administrators. We appreciate the efforts of parents at each of our buildings who have volunteered to engage with us regarding these issues. These are vital first steps in defining priorities and fostering meaningful dialogue with district stakeholders.
As we confront the many obstacles of the pandemic, we strive to make these challenges teachable moments for our children. The Ridgewood Public Schools does not tolerate discrimination in any form, and we encourage families to discuss these issues as well. Our goal is that through discourse, children will enhance their understanding of other cultures and develop an appreciation for the beautiful differences among us all.
Respectfully,
Thomas A. Gorman, RHS 1987
Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
Montclair Art Museum 2021 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Seven Ridgewood High School students have been named recipients of the Montclair Art Museum 2021 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, a remarkable achievement for any young artist. Fourteen pieces of art were recognized, earning three Gold Key awards, four Silver Key awards, and seven Honorable Mentions. The virtual Scholastic Art Awards Ceremony was held on February 25, 2021. Learn more.
Cindy Myer, RHS 1977, CEO Ridgewood Moving Services
Peace