Vol. 1… No. 26
Observer: Our Times
Macky’s New York: Dad Cooking The Sauce
A Peaceful Rally: Stop Asian Hate
Ridgewood Superintendent’s Column: Spring Forward—26 March 2021
The RHS Alumni Externship (RAX) program
The Carroll Virtual Art Gallery
RHS Alumni Association Career Lecture Series
Observer:
Our Times
I’ve been watching events around the world for the last year from the corner of a shire which has one of three zip codes, depending upon the Internet search engine. The streets of Queens were not laid out with the same grid-like precision which the Dutch Burghers gave to Manhattan. The first few years were confusing but I have gotten used to it and simply accept that my address is open to interpretation. Better to accept it than to fight needlessly about who is right. Most people have a GPS in their phone and that is usually enough. If not, I tell people to look for the garden, except at night.
What I have seen this past year from my perch in Western Queens has been both inspiring and terrifying at the same time. The inspiration has come from the likes of people going about their jobs because their work doesn’t allow them to work from home. It’s come from my neighbors who keep an eye on the street and if they see me fumbling around on a home improvement project wander over to lend an opinion, then more often than not, a much needed hand. The terrifying events of the pandemic really don’t need explaining, except if you have never lived close to people who are dying and the medical professionals tending to them don’t understand why.
It’s only been recently that the terrifying moments have been outnumbered by the hope of plentiful vaccinations and people generally coming to grips with the facts that we need to wear masks and be socially distant from one another for a while longer. I admit this is not a trivial burden and that we as a society face mounting social and economic costs as a result of these measures. Above all, we need to ascertain very soon whether getting the Covid shot will make us non-infectuous.
Once we get the vaccine to a significant number of people, all are troubles are will not be behind us. I still see fear in people’s eyes and hear it in the voices, mostly from my Asian American neighbors. I use the word “Friend” and “Love” when I speak to them or about them. They are facing difficult times and feeling the rage of angry and ignorant people. They are all just trying to fit into the great American Melting Pot, like generations of Americans before them. The abuse they are receiving is unconscionable and goes against everything we hold true about what used to be referred to as the American Dream.
I’m hopeful this careless regard of people fades like the Covid virus. Though like Covid it has left its mark and a memory which we will be much slower to forget.
Macky’s New York
June 5, 2018 - Upper east side.
The old man spooning meat sauce into the dish.
The sauce took 7 hours...the old man...700,000 hours.
Both were under done.
91st street at York ave.
Time 9pm.
#mackysnewyork
Superintendent's News
Spring Forward—26 March 2021
Recently, we moved our clocks ahead (spring forward - fall back) due to Daylight Saving Time. (I bet all of us wish we could move forward just a little bit and have Covid behind us.) And this past weekend was the beginning of spring. With the gray, cold days of winter behind us, spring brings renewed hope and optimism. The final stretch of the school year is here, and I am pleased with the academic growth and commitment of the Ridgewood students during such a challenging year. The District has been sharing the activities and accomplishments of our students and faculty via our various communications, social media networks, and reports from our student representatives at Board of Education meetings. It is amazing to witness the perseverance and strength our students have developed in the face of adversity.
In March, RPS students study and celebrate Women's History Month, recognizing the significant contributions and achievements of women throughout American history, as well as contemporary women who are breaking barriers and reaching heights only once dreamed possible. Just over 100 years ago in 1920, women gained the right to vote in the United States following a 72-year suffrage movement led by courageous leaders who hoped for a more equal society. The suffragettes did not lose sight of their goal despite many years of resistance and disappointment. They held onto hope and optimism during those moments when it seemed as though they lost the battle.
More than 8 million women voted across the United States for the first time in the Presidential Election on November 2, 1920. According to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers, “women have registered and voted at higher rates than men in every presidential election since 1980.” Spring forward to January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris is sworn in as the first woman vice president of the United States. Countless women have left their mark in science, politics, arts, athletics, journalism, and much more. Across the curriculum, students learn about influential women who inspire girls and young women of today.
Some role models closer to home are our very own distinguished alumni. The Ridgewood High School Alumni Association recognizes the achievements of graduates who have made significant contributions to society, continuing the tradition of excellence.
Tony award-winning actress Ali Stroker was recognized in 2020 for her advocacy and initiative as co-founder of Women Who Care, which supports United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, and Be More Heroic, an anti-bullying campaign touching the lives of thousands of students, as well as her work with several other service organizations and her professional success. Ms. Stroker has maintained a close connection with the Ridgewood Public Schools, continually giving back to her home community by sharing her personal experiences and insights with students during school assemblies.
Also added to the list of RHS Distinguished Alumni in 2020 was Deborah G. Thomas, Ph.D., a graduate of the Class of 1971. Ms. Thomas worked in the field of higher education for over thirty years in a variety of positions at Yale University, including serving as a member of the Yale Corporation Fact-Finding Delegation to South Africa, which led to the establishment of new educational initiatives. Aside from her successful career, Ms. Thomas is deeply committed to service within her local community.
Another Ridgewood alumna who made the headlines this past year was Kim Ng, the first woman to become the general manager of a pro sports team, as well as the first East Asian American to lead a Major League Baseball team. These are just a few examples of the women who are paving the way for future generations.
Aside from role models that are admired from afar, our students are influenced by women who excel in their area of expertise. RPS female administrators, teachers, coaches, and advisors educate students in all subject areas and grade levels, encourage creative expression, challenge students to be active, and give them outlets to explore their passions.
Within our schools, we are witnessing exciting shifts in the number of female students who are pursuing studies in fields that have been predominantly male. One example is in the area of computer science. Ridgewood High School is the recipient of the 2020 College Board's AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for expanding young women's access to AP Computer Science Principles. Ridgewood High School is one of only 831 schools to be honored with this esteemed designation. Many female high school students are also participating in the Women Who Code club.
Nobody achieves their goals alone. They build their success upon the shoulders of others and the foundation laid by the sacrifices of previous generations. A common thread of all successful women and men is their commitment to their goals and aspirations through hard work and determination. The journey forward is full of possibilities. We all have the unique opportunity to make a difference and to meaningfully contribute to society through our work and service.
While we look toward the achievements of others, whether they be the vice president of the United States or a favorite teacher, the women who have the greatest impact upon our students' lives are right at home. Nothing compares to the love, guidance, and support of mothers and grandmothers. The influence of these women is immeasurable and will guide the next generation of girls and boys as they spring forward to make a positive difference in the world.
Tom Gorman, RHS 1987
The RHS Alumni Externship (RAX) Program
The RHS Alumni Externship (RAX) program is an opportunity for current RHS juniors and seniors to meet, receive mentorship from, and network with alumni (and parents) from a variety of career backgrounds. RAX sessions will be virtual and take place this May and June. RAX session hosts will share a day/week in the life of their job, discuss how they navigated from high school/college to their career, and allow time for interactive Q&A. For more information, please visit the RHSAA Externship page here. RAX is open to all RHS juniors/seniors. All applicants are required to provide one character reference. Once accepted, students will have the opportunity to indicate their session preference. Students must attend the session they assigned to, but there will be an opportunity to watch recordings of other sessions.
The Carroll Virtual Gallery
Each month we will exhibit our Maroon and White artists here. Please enjoy the virtual walk through of our gallery space and current exhibit, as well as bios of each of our artists.
RHS Alumni Association Career Lecture
RHS Friends, Alumni & Students,
Join us April 27 for the 4th installment of the RHS Alumni Career Lecture Series featuring John Elton of the venture capital firm Greycroft Partners.
RSVP:
Peace