SUPERINTENDENT’S HIGHLIGHTS
DECEMBER—GIVING
In this season of giving, it seems very appropriate to celebrate the many ways that our students, parents and staff give back to individuals and groups in the Glen Ridge community and beyond. These efforts, large and small, complement our character education emphasis and build on the foundation of generosity created by Borough residents through the decades.
Generosity starts with our youngest children and speaks to basic needs. Linden students collected enough money to purchase 22 turkeys for the Human Needs Food Pantry in Montclair. This donation was in addition to the 68 full bags of groceries donated to the Pantry. Linden also held a soap collection for needy individuals and looks forward to the upcoming winter clothing drive.
At Forest Avenue School, members of the school community participated in the FAS Neighbors in Need Food Drive, collecting over 120 meals for needy individuals served by the St. Peter Claver Food Pantry in Montclair. This year, as in years past, the FAS Character Education Committee will run the Forest Avenue Giving Tree, a drive to collect hats, mittens and scarves for Family Connections, Inc., an East Orange-based family service agency.
Like their counterparts at Linden, Ridgewood Avenue students also held a soap drive. In the wake of the tragedy in Paris, fifth graders sent letters to Parisian students wishing them happy holidays. Ridgewood students also collected books and money to donate to a school in Newark. As part of the “Caps on Cancer” fundraiser for cancer charities, students paid one dollar apiece for the privilege of wearing caps during the school day.
Glen Ridge High School is home to at least nine clubs and regular activities with a community service focus. They include: Community Service Club, Crush ALS, Cupcakes for Cancer, Environmental Club, Girls Learn International, GR Serve Day, Key Club, Sharing the Arts and Builders Club. In the past several weeks students collected food, backpacks and toys for charity. Many assisted with the Ashenfelter 8-K on Thanksgiving Day. The Community Service Club spent a day working at St. Ann’s Soup Kitchen in Newark. A Giving Tree collection provided gifts of clothing to needy Newark students.
At a time when acts of intolerance and cruelty seem to dominate the daily news, it gives me special joy to know that our students are devoting themselves to activities that increase understanding, improve the lives of others and foster goodwill. They are an example to us all.
Best wishes to you and your families for a happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season.