Ridgewood High School (New Jersey)

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Ridgewood High School
Location
627 East Ridgewood Avenue
Ridgewood, NJ 07451
Information
Type Public high school
Established 1919
School district Ridgewood Public Schools
Principal John Lorenz
Asst. Principal Jeffrey Nyhuis
Basil Pizzuto
Faculty 103 (on FTE basis)[1]
Grades 9 - 12
Enrollment 1,659 (as of 2009-10)[1]
Student to teacher ratio 16.11[1]
Athletics conference Big North Conference
Nickname Maroons
Website School website

Ridgewood High School is a four-year comprehensive public high school serving students from Ridgewood, in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States, operating as part of the Ridgewood Public Schools.

As of the 2009-10 school year, the school had an enrollment of 1,659 students and 103 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 16.11.[1]

Contents

[edit] Architecture

Composed of one central building, which, along with the original gym, was completed in 1919 at a total cost of $285,000, the building features brick walls, a slate roof and other stone features.[2] The building was planned to be opened at an earlier date but it was postponed because of World War I.[3] The building was designed by the noted architectural firm of Tracy and Swartwout, who also designed the Missouri State Capitol building.

[edit] Awards and recognition

During the 1986-87 school year, Ridgewood High School was awarded the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education,[4] the highest award an American school can receive.[5][6]

In the 2011 "Ranking America's High Schools" issue by The Washington Post, the school was ranked 27th in New Jersey and 917th nationwide.[7] In Newsweek's May 22, 2007 issue, ranking the country's top high schools, Ridgewood High School was listed in 549th place, the tenth-highest ranked school in New Jersey.[8] The school was ranked 472 in Newsweek's May 8, 2006, issue, listing the Top 1,200 High Schools in The United States,[9] and was ranked 323 in Newsweek's 2005 survey.[10]

The school was the 20th-ranked public high school in New Jersey out of 322 schools statewide, in New Jersey Monthly magazine's September 2010 cover story on the state's "Top Public High Schools", after being ranked 7th in 2008 out of 316 schools.[11] The school was ranked 24th in the magazine's September 2006 issue, which included 316 schools across the state.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag; see the help page

[edit] Athletics

Ridgewood High School now competes in the Big North Conference, following a reorganization of sports leagues in Northern New Jersey by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.[12] Before then, Ridgewood High School was one of the public high schools from Bergen, Essex and Passaic counties that were members of the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League. With 1,231 students in grades 10-12, the school is classified by the NJSIAA for most sports as North I, Group IV, which includes schools with enrollment of 1,120 to 2,479.[13] The school's sports teams are nicknamed the Maroons. Ridgewood High School athletics are broadcast locally on RHS-TV Sports, a student-produced sports television network, every Tuesday night at 8PM throughout the school year.

The football team won the North I Group IV state sectional championships in 1991, 2003 and 2004.[14] In 1991, Ridgewood, under coach Chuck Johnson, defeated North Bergen High School in football to win the North I Group IV state championship, the first ever for the Maroons. In 2003, the football team defeated Morristown High School 35-6 in the NJSIAA North I Group IV title game at Giants Stadium.[15] In 2004, the football team repeated the feat by defeating Hackensack High School 27-20, again at Giants Stadium.[16]

The boys lacrosse team has won state championships in 1990 (vs. Arthur L. Johnson High School) and 1991 (Montclair High School), along with Group III championships in 2004 (Westfield High School), 2006 (Randolph High School), 2008 (Montgomery High School) and 2009 (Shawnee High School).[17]

Ridgewood Softball, coached by Debbie Paul, won the 2005 Bergen County Championship and 2006 North I Group IV State Sectional Championship, defeating Bloomfield High School by 3-0.[18]

In 2007, the Boy's Tennis Team won their second State Sectionals title in three years, defeating Livingston High School 3-2 to win the North I, Group IV championship.[19] The 2008 Boys Tennis Team won their third consecutive North I, Group IV state sectional championship with a 4-1 win in the tournament final over Livingston High School.[20] In 2009, the Maroons defeated Bergen Tech 4-1 at Paramus High School for their fourth consecutive North I Group IV state sectional championship.[21]

In 2007, the Girl's Indoor Track and Field team came in 2nd nationally for the Shuttle Hurdle Relay. That same year, the team were North I, Group IV champions barely edging out East Orange Campus High School in a thrilling final 4X400m race. Although not running as fast as they did in 2007, the team came 1st in 2008 for the Shuttle Hurdles at the National Scholastic Indoor Championships.[22] In 2008, the Boy's Outdoor Track and Field team placed 6th nationally in the Sprint Medley Relay, the only sprint team to place at Nationals for RHS so far despite numerous previous Top 6 finishes in the Distance Medley Relay.

In 2010, the Girls' Lacrosse Team won the Tournament of Champions with a 7-6 win against West Morris Mendham High School.[23] They also won in 2011 with a comeback against rival Moorsetown, winning 10-9

The Ridgewood boys cross country team has won Group IV state championships in 1991 and 1992.[24] The team, headed by Coach Mike Glynn since the 1970s (with the exception of a two-year break), has won multiple titles at the Bergen County Meet of Champions since the 1990s, earning Glynn recognition from The Record in 2010 as its Coach of the Decade.[25] Notable runners in previous years include Joe Lemay, who went on to represent the United States at the World Half Marathon Championships and the World Cross-Country Championships, and Bob Keino (son of Kenyan Olympian Kip Keino), who won the New Jersey State Meet of Champions in both 1992 and 1993.[24] Taro Shigenobu qualified for the Nike Cross Nationals in 2008, and was recognized by The Record as its runner of the year in 2009 and as part of its All-Decade team in 2010, joining Michael Cator, Byron Williams and Ari Zamir on its list of top Bergen County runners.[25] The girls team won Group IV titles in 1980, 1992, 1998 and 1999, and won individual Group IV championships in 1984, 1993, 1997 and 2001.[24]

Girl's soccer coach Jeff Yearing, in his 25th year of coaching, won his 400th career game in September 2011, placing him second among all active Bergen County coaches.[26]

[edit] Campus

The newest part of the school, the state of the art Science wing, was completed in 2001 and contains 15 laboratory classrooms, three computer labs and a new industrial arts center. A new fitness center, gymnasium, and multipurpose room, the Campus Center, were also included in the renovation. Due to their proximity to the Ho-Ho-Kus Brook, the school's fields often flood during heavy rains and spring runoff.

[edit] Music

Ridgewood High School's Music department offers three orchestras, three choirs, three concert bands, a marching band, two jazz ensembles, and numerous small ensembles. Ridgewood High School was named a Grammy Signature School in 2004.[27]

The three Curricular Bands are the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Wind Ensemble. Henry Heyzer conducts the Symphonic Band.[28] The Symphonic Band is an entry-level band where students focus on sharpening their skills in rhythm, pitch, and balance. The use of method books and exercises is supplemented by appropriate concert selections (Level 2.5 to 3), and these skills are developed in an enjoyable environment.[29]

In Concert Band, a mid-range ensemble, there is emphasis on building knowledge of phrasing and characteristic tonality. There is also a greater emphasis on technical ability. Jeffrey Haas conducts both this ensemble and the Wind Ensemble. Selections are normally from Levels 3 to 4.5. Students in Concert Band have the opportunity to play traditional orchestral literature in Symphonic Orchestra. The Wind Ensemble places a great emphasis on developing a sense of musical maturity appropriate to college/professional literature (Levels 5 and 6), so technical ability is a prerequisite for admission. Students have the opportunity to play in Chamber Orchestra, the Wind Ensemble's orchestral equivalent. Members of Wind Ensemble are regularly selected for Bergen County Band, with Ridgewood High among those schools sending the largest number of students to County Band each year. Members of Wind Ensemble are also regularly selected for Region I Band, which encompasses all of North Jersey. Over the years, Ridgewood High School has sent band students to All-State and All-Eastern Ensembles.

The two jazz ensembles, the Big Band and Jazz Lab, perform throughout the year and compete in International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE)-sanctioned competitions. The jazz ensembles also frequently perform with guest artists. Past guests include jazz greats such as Chris Vadalla and Conrad Herwig. Members of the RHS jazz ensembles are regularly selected for the Region I Jazz Ensemble and All-State Jazz Ensemble.

The RHS Marching Band won second place at the USSBA NJ State Championships in 2005. The band has also won USSBA All-States Championship titles in 1992 and 1997. The uniforms are similar to The Cadets.

In 2010, 21 Ridgewood High School band members were selected to perform in the 2010 All Bergen County Band, the most ever chosen from one school. More than 350 students from around the county auditioned for 85 positions in the performing ensemble that recognizes the best high school musicians in Bergen County.

The Orchestras, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, and Symphonic Orchestra, are all conducted by Kristi Gaspari, who replaced Amy Hotto in late 2009. Chamber Orchestra is the highest level of the three, and plays intermediate level literature. Many of its students are accepted into Region and All-State Orchestra.[citation needed] The Concert Orchestra is a middle-level orchestra focused on developing and expanding skills and playing styles. The Symphonic Orchestra is an entry-level orchestra. Some of the RHS string students attend pre-college programs in New York City at places such as the Manhattan School of Music.[citation needed]

Steven Borque serves as the choral director. There are a total of three curricular and two extra-curricular vocal ensembles at Ridgewood High. The Chamber Choir is a high-level choir that focuses on mastery of musical ability. It regularly wins accolades for the choral program, performing challenging SATB and SAB literature. The Concert Choir is the entry-level SATB/SAB choir, performing exciting works and focusing on improving musical ability. The Chorale is an entry-level all-women's choir, performing two-part (SA) literature. There are also extra-curricular vocal ensembles: the Madrigals and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

[edit] Administration

Core members of the school's administration are:[30]

  • Jeffrey Nyhuis, Co-Interim Principal: Guidance, Curriculum and Instruction
  • Basil Pizzuto, Co-Interim Principal: Administration and Student Services

[edit] Noted alumni

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d Ridgewood High School, National Center for Education Statistics. Accessed June 23, 2011.
  2. ^ Hanley, Robert. "The $25 Million Defeat", The New York Times, December 21, 1997. Accessed January 22, 2012. "The high school, built in 1919 for $285,000 (after one bond issue failed), sits on a little bluff and is one of Ridgewood's most imposing buildings."
  3. ^ "Ridgewood High School - History of RHS". http://rhs-profile.ridgewood.rhs.schoolfusion.us/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=106820&sessionid=0bb1f21f3f2268d946b78412093495d6. Retrieved 2010-09-09. 
  4. ^ Blue Ribbon Schools Program: Schools Recognized 1982-1983 through 1999-2002 (PDF), United States Department of Education. Accessed May 11, 2006.
  5. ^ "CIBA cited as one of the best by Education Department", Journal Inquirer, November 16, 2006. "The Blue Ribbon award is given only to schools that reach the top 10 percent of their state's testing scores over several years or show significant gains in student achievement. It is considered the highest honor a school can achieve."
  6. ^ "Viers Mill School Wins Blue Ribbon; School Scored High on Statewide Test", The Washington Post. September 29, 2005 "For their accomplishments, all three schools this month earned the status of Blue Ribbon School, the highest honor the U.S. Education Department can bestow upon a school."
  7. ^ Mathews, Jay. "The High School Challenge 2011: Ridgewood High School", The Washington Post. Accessed August 4, 2011.
  8. ^ "The Top of the Class: The complete list of the 1,200 top U.S. schools", Newsweek, May 22, 2007. Accessed May 24, 2007.
  9. ^ Top 1,200 High Schools in The United States, Newsweek May 8, 2006.[dead link]
  10. ^ America's Best High Schools, Newsweek, August 5, 2005.[dead link]
  11. ^ Staff. "2010 Top High Schools", New Jersey Monthly, August 16, 2010. Accessed June 22, 2011.
  12. ^ League Memberships – 2011-2012, New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. Accessed January 10, 2012.
  13. ^ 2011-2012 Public Schools Group Classification for ShopRite Cup–Tennis–Soccer–Basketball–Baseball–Softball for North I, NJSIAA. Accessed January 10, 2012.
  14. ^ Goldberg, Jeff. N.J.S.I.A.A. FOOTBALL PLAYOFF CHAMPIONS, NJSIAA. Accessed December 8, 2011.
  15. ^ via Associated Press. "High School Football Playoffs Roundup", The Press of Atlantic City, December 11, 2003. Accessed June 30, 2011. "RIDGEWOOD 35, MORRISTOWN 6: Senior Derek Pilipiak ran for two touchdowns and threw for another on a halfback option to lead Ridgewood to victory over Morristown in the North 1, Group IV title game at Giants Stadium."
  16. ^ Staff. "FINAL GANNETT N.J.TOP 20 FOOTBALL POLL", Daily Record (Morristown), December 6, 2004. Accessed August 4, 2011. "Last week No 8 Paul Gallo rushed for 111 yards and a TD as the Maroons avenged an earlier loss to Hackensack with a 27-20 win over the Comets"
  17. ^ HISTORY OF THE NJSIAA BOYS' LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIPS, NJSIAA. Accessed August 29, 2011.
  18. ^ 2006 Softball - North I, Group IV, NJSIAA. Accessed August 26, 2006.
  19. ^ "Palisades Park wins sectional", The Record (Bergen County), May 22, 2007. "Quentin Sengun and Walter Green rallied to win what proved the be the winning match as top-seeded Ridgewood defeated third-seeded Livingston, 3-2, at Montclair Kimberley to win its second sectional title in three years."
  20. ^ 2008 Boys Team Tennis - North I, Group IV, NJSIAA. Accessed June 2, 2008.
  21. ^ 2009 Boys Tennis Tournament - North I, Group IV, NJSIAA. Accessed June 30, 2011.
  22. ^ Schwartz, Paul. "Ridgewood girls grab gold", The Record (Bergen County), March 15, 2008. Accessed July 9, 2008.
  23. ^ Mike Moretti. "Girls Lacrosse - 2010 NJSIAA Tournament of Champions - Round 2 - Game 1 - Girls Lacrosse". http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-2936389345523506976/ridgewood-7-mendham-6-high-school-girls-lacrosse-scores-and-results/. Retrieved 2010-09-09. 
  24. ^ a b c Cross Country State Group Team Champions, NJSIAA. Accessed September 1, 2011.
  25. ^ a b Staff. "All-Decade boys cross-country", The Record (Bergen County), June 10, 2010. Accessed September 1, 2011.
  26. ^ Leonard, Tim. "Girls soccer: Ridgewood’s Jeff Yearing wins 400th", The Record (Bergen County), September 21, 2011. Accessed September 21, 2011. "Tuesday’s win was No. 400 for Ridgewood coach Jeff Yearing.... Yearing was surprised by the gesture and thought his players didn’t know the milestone was fast-approaching. He started the season with 397 wins in 24 previous seasons."
  27. ^ GRAMMY Foundation Announces 2004 Signature Schools, MENC: The National Association for Music Education press release dated April 28, 2004, backed up by the Internet Archive as of July 3, 2006. Accessed June 30, 2011.
  28. ^ Henry Heyzer -Assoc. Director of Bands , Ridgewood High School Bands. Accessed October 18, 2011.
  29. ^ Symphonic Band, Ridgewood High School Bands. Accessed October 18, 2011.
  30. ^ Administration, Ridgewood High School. Accessed June 23, 2011.
  31. ^ "NJEA honors outstanding N.J. public school grads", NJEA Reporter, October 2007, Volume 51, Number 2. Accessed July 9, 2008. "A 1963 graduate of Ridgewood High School in Bergen County, Bakker credits the Dec. 7, 1953 issue of Life Magazine, which he unearthed at his grandfather’s house, for his interest in dinosaurs."
  32. ^ Rondon, Nayda. "Willie Geist: Getting “Freaky” in Ridgewood: The MSNBC commentator signed copies of his humorous new book at Bookends.", Ridgewood Patch, October 26, 2010. Accessed June 23, 2011. "Currently a resident of New York City, Willie Geist attended Glen School and Ridgewood High School, where he was captain of the football and basketball teams."
  33. ^ RHS Reunion Website
  34. ^ Klein, Alvin. "FOR STAGE NOVICE, 'ACTING IS IT", The New York Times, January 5, 1986. Accessed October 29, 2007. "He's not only having an awful day, he's having an awful time, as the actor, Robert Leonard of Ridgewood, puts it.... A junior at Ridgewood High School, Robert is enrolled in a work study program under which he gets credit for his theater experience."
  35. ^ Gene Andrew Maguire, Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Accessed June 10, 2007.
  36. ^ Crossette, Barbara. "New Face: Richard Muenz A Baritone Aspiring to Be an Arthurian Legend in His Own Time; Follows 'Most Happy Fella'", The New York Times, July 25, 1980. Accessed January 26, 2011.
  37. ^ Brown, Tim. "Can Kim Ng break the gender barrier?", Yahoo! Sports, July 3, 2011. Accessed January 26, 2011.
  38. ^ September in the Rain: The Life of Nelson Riddle, accessed April 22, 2007. "Riddle was born in Oradell, New Jersey. His father played trombone and piano and encouraged his son to take music lessons at an early age. Already a six footer in his teens, he attended Ridgewood High School and was encouraged by his school music teacher to continue his musical studies, which he would ultimately do most of his life."
  39. ^ GENERAL THOMAS M. RYAN JR., United States Air Force. Accessed January 26, 2011.
  40. ^ Confessions of a Backyard Submarine Builder National Geographic Magazine, November 2002. Accessed December 11, 2007.
  41. ^ RHS Athletic Hall of Fame: Kazbek Tambi - Class of 1979, Ridgewood High School, backed up by the Internet Archive as of March 3, 2009. Accessed June 30, 2011. "A three-year starter at RHS, Tambi is still the fourth all-time scorer in soccer at RHS with 81 career points."

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 40°58′37″N 74°06′22″W / 40.976967°N 74.106155°W / 40.976967; -74.106155

Public and Private High Schools of Bergen County, New Jersey
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