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 255 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10 RIDGEFIELD PARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
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