RIDGEFIELD PARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS WWW.RPPS.NET RESPECT, PREPARE, PERSIST, SUCCEED
RESPECT, PREPARE, PERSIST, SUCCEED RIDGEFIELD PARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS AT A GLANCE RIDGEFIELD PARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS WHAT: A thriving school district that prioritizes students’ well-being and success to meet the needs of the future WHERE: Ridgefield Park, New Jersey WEBSITE: www.rpps.net 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10
Education is about more than academics— it’s about preparing young people to thrive in every aspect of their lives. At Ridgefield Park Public Schools, this philosophy is woven into the district’s recently revised mission statement, which emphasizes integrity, respect, empathy, resiliency, and strategic partnerships with families and the community. PREPARING YOUR YOUTH TO THRIVE IN SCHOOL AND BEYOND 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10
To make this mission visible and actionable, the district has also adopted a motto: “Respect, Prepare, Persist, Succeed.” Now displayed prominently in every classroom, it serves as a daily reminder to students and staff of the values that guide the district’s work. “Our focus is to increase student experience while improving student achievement,” explains Dr. Joseph Vespignani, Superintendent of Schools. “We want every decision to be centered around the needs of children and their growth.” FACILITIES THAT SUPPORT THE WHOLE STUDENT In the past two years, Ridgefield Park has invested heavily in facilities that nurture not only academics but also physical and emotional well-being. Among the most notable additions is the new Wellness Center, which houses both a Student Assistance Coordinator and a social worker. This space ensures students have access to professional support when they need it most, reinforcing the district’s commitment to addressing mental health alongside academic success. Complementing this is the Scarlet Strong Training Center, a fully equipped space for fitness and strength conditioning. With the guidance of a certified strength and conditioning coach, all students now gain access to state-of-the-art equipment and structured training programs that promote lifelong health habits. The district has also introduced an outdoor patio learning space at the junior-senior high school, providing a flexible environment for collaborative and creative learning beyond traditional classrooms. CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION: LEARNING BY DOING Preparing students for the future means equipping them with both knowledge and practical experience. Ridgefield Park has made Career and Technical Education (CTE) a cornerstone of its approach, with programs that bridge classroom learning and realworld skills. Alina Duran, Supervisor of Business, Art, Music, and CTE, points to the CHiRP Café as one of the district’s proudest initiatives. A joint venture of the culinary and business pathways, the café is entirely studentrun, giving young people hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, customer service, and hospitality management. “Technology is a tool that prepares students for careers and higher education,” Duran explains. “But experiences like the CHiRP Café also allow them to engage with the community in a meaningful way.” Other initiatives include a new STEM pathway that introduces students to engineering and computer 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10 RIDGEFIELD PARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
science concepts through project-based learning. In the 25-26 school year, STEM Design I: Engineering Design is being introduced to the program of studies. In the 26-27 school year, the pathway will grow to include STEM Design II: Robotics. Plans are also underway to introduce job shadowing and schoolsponsored internships, beginning with a small pilot group and expanding over time. INTEGRATING AI RESPONSIBLY Like many districts, Ridgefield Park is grappling with the rise of artificial intelligence in education. Rather than approaching it only as a disciplinary issue, leaders have formed an AI Integration Committee to explore how technology can be harnessed to foster critical thinking skills. “We don’t want to simply react to misuse,” Dr. Vespignani says. “We want to be proactive about using AI as a tool for innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.” By establishing clear policies and encouraging thoughtful application, the district is preparing students for a future where AI is a standard part of higher education and the workforce. 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10
INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS Behind every great program is a strong foundation of infrastructure. Paul Egu, District Operations Manager, says that Ridgefield Park is in the midst of significant upgrades, including: • New classroom flooring, painting, and HVAC to modernize facilities. • A $2.5 million technology infrastructure project, ensuring robust systems to support digital learning. • Replacement of the district’s aging cabling system with Cat 6/6e, providing faster and more reliable connectivity. • Investment in new Chromebooks to ensure every student has access to digital tools. • A $1.5 million roof replacement project. These upgrades reflect a broader commitment to creating an environment where both students and staff can excel. ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY Strong schools are built on strong partnerships. Ridgefield Park has prioritized community engagement as a central part of its mission. Dr. Martinez, Board of Education President, emphasizes that the district’s transparency and 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10 RIDGEFIELD PARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
leaders like Dr. Vespignani, that means equipping students with broad exposure to opportunities, civic responsibility, and cultural awareness. One of the district’s programs has received national recognition from the Center for Civic Education: Project Citizen National Showcase.This achievement demonstrates Ridgefield Park’s success in developing citizenship skills and preparing students for both local leadership and global engagement. EXPANDING ACCESS AND EARLY EDUCATION Looking forward, Ridgefield Park is preparing for several key initiatives. Within just two years, the district has expanded its universal Pre-K program from 5 to 12 classrooms, with all 12 classrooms set to operate this year. This significant expansion ensures that more families in the community have access to high-quality early education, setting a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Additionally, the district is considering a responsiveness have fostered deep trust with local families.“Our community has placed a lot of faith in us, especially during recent elections. We take that responsibility seriously,” he says. Dr. Vespignani and Dr. Martinez view families as essential partners, not just participants, in education. This approach has strengthened communication, increased involvement, and ensured that school decisions reflect community needs. BUILDING GLOBAL CITIZENS While much of Ridgefield Park’s work focuses on local impact, the district also places a strong emphasis on preparing students to be global citizens. For Thinkers, Rise. Magnetic Literacy is a core program for Grades K–6 that moves students beyond surface-level knowledge, paving the way to deeper understanding, and helps them connect ideas and express their thinking with clarity and purpose. Don’t miss the start of something extraordinary. Sign up to be the first to know more about Magnetic Literacy. 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10
reconfiguration of the junior-senior high school, potentially separating seventh and eighth graders from older students. A community survey revealed strong interest in this change to further support students’ academic and social growth during a critical transition period. Ridgefield Park Public Schools has made clear that its focus is not just on academic outcomes, but on the whole student experience. With expanded facilities, innovative CTE programs, AI integration, infrastructure upgrades, and deep community engagement, the district is building an education system that is resilient, inclusive, and future-ready. This comprehensive approach to supporting students is already yielding significant results. Students have demonstrated remarkable improvement in several academic areas over the past two years. NJSLA English Language Arts proficiency has increased from 49% to 59%, while NJSLA Mathematics proficiency has increased from 34% to 45%. Most notably, high 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10 RIDGEFIELD PARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Curriculum Associates www.curriculumassociates.com Founded in 1969, Curriculum Associates is a mission-driven education company committed to grade-level success for every learner. We support more than 14 million students and one million teachers across the U.S. with our award-winning service and evidence-based programs including i-Ready®, Magnetic®, and BRIGANCE®. n Allen Associates Insurance Services www.allenassoc.com Allen Associates has been a leader in the field of Employee Benefits since 1960, serving close to 300 groups of all sizes. With experienced, dedicated professionals, we deliver trusted solutions and build lasting relationships with clients and communities. school geometry proficiency improved dramatically from 36% to 71% in just one year, and 83% of students now meet graduation-ready standards in English Language Arts. While the district remains focused on continuing to move the needle on student performance, they are proud of these initial gains. These results reflect the district’s holistic investment in the student experience that translates directly into measurable academic achievement and demonstrates the power of putting students at the center of every decision. “Our vision is to provide every student with opportunities to succeed academically, socially, and personally,” says Dr. Vespignani. “That means investing in the right spaces, the right programs, and the right relationships.” For Dr. Vespignani, Mr. Egu, Ms. Duran, and Dr. Martinez—the path forward is clear: stay grounded in core values while embracing innovation, community, and global awareness. By living out their mission of Respect, Prepare, Persist, and Succeed, Ridgefield Park Public Schools is shaping not just students, but the citizens and leaders of tomorrow. 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10
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