Superintendent’s Report10-01-19

Academics

Counselors have visited freshmen in all study halls during the month of September. They learned about Scior, and did surveys to learn more about their interests. Students enrolled in AP classes recently registered to take the AP test in May. This is a change from previous years, when students indicated that they would take the test late in the winter. The College Board has put these new procedures in place in an effort to encourage more students to take the exams. We support the change. At RFH, our AP teachers expect that all students in their classes will be successful on the AP exam. For that reason, we strongly encourage all students to take the exam. Success on the exam demonstrates mastery is specific content that is recognized across the nation by higher education institutions. Even if a college does not “accept” AP credits, having high scores on AP tests often exempt students from introductory courses, serve as elective credits in future majors, or may be accepted by schools that a student may transfer to later in their college experience.

Athletics and ActivitiesFall Festival - Thursday, Oct. 10

Our Student Government Association, along with many of our student activity groups and their advisors, invite the school community to our Fall Festival, which will take place on our turf field on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 6 - 8 pm. This is one part of our Spirit Week celebration leading up to our Homecoming Game on Friday, October 11. All are welcome. I strongly encourage parents to attend this event, and all of our events, with their children..In the past two weeks, I had the opportunity to attend multiple sporting events here at RFH including Volleyball, Boys and Girls Soccer, Field Hockey and Football. I applaud the sportsmanship of our students. In fact, I was fortunate to hear about the sportsmanship of our students from other coaches and to witness student school spirit in our stands. I encourage all of our fans to exhibit the same sportsmanship when at our games, and show respect to the officials, coaches and visiting teams.

District Goals UpdateGoal 5: Student Wellness

Dr. Stephen Dewey visited us on Sept. 26, and provided great scientific information about substance abuse and addiction.

On Thursday, October 3, the Monmouth County Schools Partnership for Wellness is hosting a Symposium on Mental Health & Wellness for parents at Brookdale Community College from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.

With regards to Goal 5, Improving Student Wellness, Two Rivers Competent Community partnered with us at RFH to bring Dr. Stephen Dewey to our community. He provided us a scientific explanation of substance abuse and addiction. The parents and students who attended found the information fascinating, and have asked for us to have him back for our students. Dr. Fico provided us with a link to one of his talks, which is linked on this slide and on our Student Wellness page. My colleagues in the Monmouth County Superintendents Roundtable have collaborated to bring experts together at Brookdale Community College. Some of the NJ’s leaders in mental health and wellness will be speaking to parents. Additionally, there will be a Wellness Fair where parents can learn more about resources available to them. Additional information can be found on our website.

Save the Date!

Save the Date!

Brian Williams Monday, Oct. 7

7:30 PM

Student Wellness Resources

In line with our Wellness Goal, we have been working with the towns of Rumson and Fair Haven, and the school districts of Rumson and Fair Haven to focus on kindness as a community for one week. Parents are invited to learn more about why kindness matters by attending our community wide event on Monday, October 7 at 7:30 PM at the RFH auditorium. This will kick off our Kindness Week in our community.

A few reminders

● It’s not too late to support the RFH High School Foundation at Ladies Night on October 2.

● School is closed on Wednesday, October 9.

● School is closed for students on Monday, October 14 - staff will have a Professional Development Day.

● There will be a delayed opening for seniors on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Sophomore and Juniors will take the PSAT. Freshmen will take the CogAT.