💚 Show your support: Join us in wearing Green this Thursday in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month!
Join the tradition, join the fun...the Orchard HSA is looking for creative, handy, and enthusiastic parents to help design and build this year’s 4th of July float!
View the full flyer and sign-up details here!
Ready to join the team or have a trailer we can use? Reach out to Orchard HSA Vice President Sara Lerner at orchardvolunteerlead@gmail.com or (908) 591-1323. Even a small amount of your time makes a huge difference in making this neighborhood tradition a success!
View the full flyer and sign-up details here!
Ready to join the team or have a trailer we can use? Reach out to Orchard HSA Vice President Sara Lerner at orchardvolunteerlead@gmail.com or (908) 591-1323. Even a small amount of your time makes a huge difference in making this neighborhood tradition a success!
We’ve once again partnered with 1st Day School Supplies to offer convenient, teacher-approved supply kits for every grade. Each kit will be delivered directly to your child’s classroom before the first day of school.
Our online store is now open! Place your order by July 1 and check school supply shopping off your to-do list.
Our online store is now open! Place your order by July 1 and check school supply shopping off your to-do list.
Get ready for Field Day fun on Friday, May 29!
We're looking for volunteers to help with games, snacks, water, and capturing memories for our video slideshow. It's an outdoor event, so please bring sunscreen, a hat, and water to stay comfortable. Sign up to lend a hand!
Remember to stop by the Field Day Swap Pop-Up Shop today after school by the main entrance. Get your child ready for Field Day with "gently loved" athletic gear at no cost!
We're looking for volunteers to help with games, snacks, water, and capturing memories for our video slideshow. It's an outdoor event, so please bring sunscreen, a hat, and water to stay comfortable. Sign up to lend a hand!
Remember to stop by the Field Day Swap Pop-Up Shop today after school by the main entrance. Get your child ready for Field Day with "gently loved" athletic gear at no cost!
As the temperatures have heated up, our Lost & Found collection has grown massively! All week long, we will have the clothing items displayed under the front awning for easy browsing. Please swing by before or after school to track down your child's favorite missing sweatshirt, light jacket, or water bottle. Note: All unclaimed items will be donated to charity immediately after school this Friday, so don't wait!
Ridgewood Touch-a-Truck Day 2026 is Cancelled!
With a full morning of likely on and off rain in the forecast for this Thursday’s Ridgewood Touch-a-Truck Day 2026, an abundance of concern for the well-being of event-goers has caused them to Cancel the Event. Please share this information. Thank you.
With a full morning of likely on and off rain in the forecast for this Thursday’s Ridgewood Touch-a-Truck Day 2026, an abundance of concern for the well-being of event-goers has caused them to Cancel the Event. Please share this information. Thank you.
Something wicked this way comes.
RHS New Players presents "Macbeth" -- Shakespeare’s legendary tragedy of power, corruption, and the supernatural.
Do not miss this incredible show! "Macbeth" transforms the RHS Little Theater into the dark and mystical world of medieval Scotland.
Tickets: rhsnewplayers.com
May 14 at 7 PM
May 15 at 8 PM
May 16 at 8 PM
May 17 at 2 PM
Tickets are limited for all shows, with best chance of seeing the show on Sunday at 2:00pm.
Photos: Stephanie Stearns Dulli
RHS New Players presents "Macbeth" -- Shakespeare’s legendary tragedy of power, corruption, and the supernatural.
Do not miss this incredible show! "Macbeth" transforms the RHS Little Theater into the dark and mystical world of medieval Scotland.
Tickets: rhsnewplayers.com
May 14 at 7 PM
May 15 at 8 PM
May 16 at 8 PM
May 17 at 2 PM
Tickets are limited for all shows, with best chance of seeing the show on Sunday at 2:00pm.
Photos: Stephanie Stearns Dulli
5th and 6th Graders!
Join us for GWMS Math Night on April 30, 2026, from 3:30–4:30 PM in the GWMS cafeteria.
This fun-filled afternoon of board games, cards, dice, and arcade-style math activities is open to all RPS 5th and 6th grade students; please register using the QR code on the flyer. Students must stay for the full duration of the event. Direct any questions to lderuiter@rpsnj.us or bdaidone@rpsnj.us. Sponsored by GWMS’s National Junior Honor Society and Math Counts.
Join us for GWMS Math Night on April 30, 2026, from 3:30–4:30 PM in the GWMS cafeteria.
This fun-filled afternoon of board games, cards, dice, and arcade-style math activities is open to all RPS 5th and 6th grade students; please register using the QR code on the flyer. Students must stay for the full duration of the event. Direct any questions to lderuiter@rpsnj.us or bdaidone@rpsnj.us. Sponsored by GWMS’s National Junior Honor Society and Math Counts.
Volunteer as a Class Parent for the 2026-27 school year.
The HSA is looking for parents to help with classroom logistics, holiday parties, and teacher support. It’s a great way to be a part of your child’s daily school environment. Read the class parent info sheet for more information and sign up here to volunteer.
The HSA is looking for parents to help with classroom logistics, holiday parties, and teacher support. It’s a great way to be a part of your child’s daily school environment. Read the class parent info sheet for more information and sign up here to volunteer.
Kind Minds - Facilitated by Minding Your Mind and the RPS Counseling Team - April 23rd: 5:30-7pm
Join us for Kind Minds, a free interactive evening event for students and parents on Thursday, April 23rd from 5:30–7PM in the GW Auditorium. Led by a licensed clinician through Minding Your Mind, this engaging program will help you and your child build real tools for managing stress and anxiety, understanding emotions, and strengthening empathy and connection. The target grade levels are Grades 3 through 6. Come ready to participate — this isn't your typical presentation! RSVP Required.
RPS Community - The Village will begin a two-day overnight road work project that will begin tonight at 7 p.m. and run through tomorrow (April 20th and April 21st) on North Broad Street, from East Ridgewood Avenue to Franklin Avenue. Please plan accordingly.
Last Chance: Digital Parenting Presentation: Snapchat Parental Controls
Is your child on Snapchat? Ridgewood Public Schools and the Federated HSA have arranged free access to a 45-minute tutorial that gives you the practical tools to understand the platform and set up parental controls — straight from someone who helped build it.
Watch now at digitalmom.me/ridgewood - Available March 15 – April 15
(Free to all Ridgewood community members)
Watch from home, on your own schedule.
Your Guide: Sarah Gallagher Trombley
Sarah is a former Snapchat executive — she knows exactly how the platform works and what parents need to do to keep their kids safer on it. Now she helps families navigate the digital world through her company, Digital Mom Media. This is rare, inside knowledge, delivered in plain language.
Volunteers Needed!
The Orchard HSA is planning a fun week of surprises to celebrate Orchard teachers and staff. We need your help!
DONATE: Your donation will help fund treats, special events, decorations, and small gifts throughout the week. Any contribution helps!
VOLUNTEER: Want to be part of the committee? We need help with planning, decorations, day-of coordination, and more. Sign up here!
Thank you in advance for supporting our wonderful teachers and staff!
Questions, contact Sarah McCourt or Alex Hayes.
The Orchard HSA is planning a fun week of surprises to celebrate Orchard teachers and staff. We need your help!
DONATE: Your donation will help fund treats, special events, decorations, and small gifts throughout the week. Any contribution helps!
VOLUNTEER: Want to be part of the committee? We need help with planning, decorations, day-of coordination, and more. Sign up here!
Thank you in advance for supporting our wonderful teachers and staff!
Questions, contact Sarah McCourt or Alex Hayes.
April 20-24, 2026
Please join us as Orchard participates in the Bergen 250 Initiative: United We Serve. This countywide volunteer campaign celebrates the 250th anniversary of American democracy through community service. As part of our district's unified effort, Orchard is taking the lead on a Spring Food Drive! Please help us show our commitment to helping others by sending in non-perishable food items during the week of April 20! Boxes will be available by the main office.
Please join us as Orchard participates in the Bergen 250 Initiative: United We Serve. This countywide volunteer campaign celebrates the 250th anniversary of American democracy through community service. As part of our district's unified effort, Orchard is taking the lead on a Spring Food Drive! Please help us show our commitment to helping others by sending in non-perishable food items during the week of April 20! Boxes will be available by the main office.
Orchard Yearbooks are now on sale!
It’s been a year to remember. Preserve these moments forever with the 2025-2026 Orchard Yearbook. Featuring 88 pages of beautiful photos and events, this book celebrates every student in our community. Order now to make sure your child has a keepsake to cherish this June!
Deadline to order is May 8th. Don't miss your opportunity to have this wonderful keepsake for your student. The yearbook covers every grade from Kindergarten to 5th!
It’s been a year to remember. Preserve these moments forever with the 2025-2026 Orchard Yearbook. Featuring 88 pages of beautiful photos and events, this book celebrates every student in our community. Order now to make sure your child has a keepsake to cherish this June!
Deadline to order is May 8th. Don't miss your opportunity to have this wonderful keepsake for your student. The yearbook covers every grade from Kindergarten to 5th!
ArtPop is hosting a school-wide lesson on Photography!
All grades are heading into the darkroom (figuratively!) for a deep dive into photography. We’ll be observing cameras through the ages and letting students lead their own creative "photoshoots."
To make this a success, we are looking for 3 extra sets of hands per class. Parents can volunteer to help in the ARTPOP SignUpGenius.
Tuesday 4/21 - Grades K-2
Wednesday 4/22 - Grades 3-5
Additionally, we are asking for magazine donations. We will have a box for donations outside the main office from April 15th to 17th. Any type of magazine is appreciated. Please email orchardartpop@gmail.com with questions.
All grades are heading into the darkroom (figuratively!) for a deep dive into photography. We’ll be observing cameras through the ages and letting students lead their own creative "photoshoots."
To make this a success, we are looking for 3 extra sets of hands per class. Parents can volunteer to help in the ARTPOP SignUpGenius.
Tuesday 4/21 - Grades K-2
Wednesday 4/22 - Grades 3-5
Additionally, we are asking for magazine donations. We will have a box for donations outside the main office from April 15th to 17th. Any type of magazine is appreciated. Please email orchardartpop@gmail.com with questions.
Cast your vote! The 2026 Auction Initiatives have been chosen, and now you can help pick what's next for Orchard.
Your voice has the power to shape the future of Orchard School! Every two years, our community comes together at the Orchard Auction to fund transformative, long-range projects that go beyond our typical annual budget. This biennial tradition puts the choice directly in your hands. Read the official Auction Ballot Letter 2026 to see the four exciting initiatives under consideration and learn how you can cast your vote to prioritize the projects that matter most to our students over the next two years.
Your voice has the power to shape the future of Orchard School! Every two years, our community comes together at the Orchard Auction to fund transformative, long-range projects that go beyond our typical annual budget. This biennial tradition puts the choice directly in your hands. Read the official Auction Ballot Letter 2026 to see the four exciting initiatives under consideration and learn how you can cast your vote to prioritize the projects that matter most to our students over the next two years.
Reminder: 4th and 5th Grade Parent & Student Presentation sponsored by the Federated HSA: Dynamic Influence (Robert Hackenson)
Dynamic Influence specializes in "edutaining" presentations about social media dangers & cyber safety for schools and parents. Hackenson uses entertainment like magic, hypnosis, and visual effects, to deliver memorable and engaging lessons to encourage responsible digital citizenship to a young audience. All parents of 4th and 5th grade students are encouraged to attend.
April 9th
Orchard: 9 am - Travell: 11 am - Willard: 2 pm
April 10th
Ridge: 9 am - Hawes: 11 am - Somerville: 2 pm
Dynamic Influence specializes in "edutaining" presentations about social media dangers & cyber safety for schools and parents. Hackenson uses entertainment like magic, hypnosis, and visual effects, to deliver memorable and engaging lessons to encourage responsible digital citizenship to a young audience. All parents of 4th and 5th grade students are encouraged to attend.
April 9th
Orchard: 9 am - Travell: 11 am - Willard: 2 pm
April 10th
Ridge: 9 am - Hawes: 11 am - Somerville: 2 pm
Celebrate inclusion with a district-wide Spirit Week to promote kindness, acceptance, and school spirit all week long.
Monday, April 6 – Wear Neon 🌟
Tuesday, April 7 – Team Jersey Day 🏈
Wednesday, April 8 – Orange Out 🧡
Thursday, April 9 – Comfy Day 💤
Friday, April 10 – School Spirit Day 🎉
Be a part of team inclusion!
International Night is coming to Orchard on April 17th!
This is an opportunity for Orchard families to share and celebrate their heritage with the Orchard community!
This year’s theme of festivals will showcase our wonderful community from around the world.
For more information, please reach out to co-chairs Karan Sampat and Anabelle Andon.
Complete the enrollment form to sign up and reserve a table.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSda334vTbeVCv1XJtrOX0gFiHcz_EX7yF9THlgU83euuhBi6w/viewform
Plan to offer food at your table? Please complete the food form by April 3rd to share your tasty, traditional treats!
This is an opportunity for Orchard families to share and celebrate their heritage with the Orchard community!
This year’s theme of festivals will showcase our wonderful community from around the world.
For more information, please reach out to co-chairs Karan Sampat and Anabelle Andon.
Complete the enrollment form to sign up and reserve a table.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSda334vTbeVCv1XJtrOX0gFiHcz_EX7yF9THlgU83euuhBi6w/viewform
Plan to offer food at your table? Please complete the food form by April 3rd to share your tasty, traditional treats!
