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. 258 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx