My School is closing!!…read morehttp://www.northjersey.com/education/educationnews/Hackensack_Catholic_school_to_close.html Hackensack Catholic school to close Wednesday, February 18, 2009 BY JOHN CHADWICK NorthJersey.com STAFF WRITERS A Catholic elementary school in Hackensack will close in June because of declining enrollment, the Newark Archdiocese said today. Holy Trinity School, on Maple Avenue, has experienced about a 24 percent decline in students since 2000 and currently has an enrollment of 183, said Jim Goodness, a spokesman for the archdiocese. Church officials plan to merge Holy Trinity with St. Francis School, a parish school on South Main Street that also has suffered enrollment loss and is down to about 118 students. The archdiocese decided that St. Francis School would be the one to stay open because it has received extensive renovations in recent years. The school is under a flight path for Teterboro Airport and received government grants for soundproofing, Goodness said. "To try and level off the costs of providing education and stabilizing enrollment, which has fallen at both schools, the natural solution is that the parishes should combine their schools into one," Goodness said, adding that such issues as transportation and staffing were still being worked out. Holy Trinity is the sixth parish school that the archdiocese plans to close this year and the only one in Bergen County. The other schools are in Hudson, Essex and Union counties. Goodness said that schools with declining enrollments typically turn to the parish for financial assistance. But with parishes also struggling with changing demographics and increased costs, their ability to support schools is limited. "It is reaching the point in some parishes where they cannot support the school in the way they might have in the past," Goodness said. The pastor at Holy Trinity said the parish was contributing about $150,000 to $200,000 to the school, but the enrollment was still falling. The tuition is about $3,200 a year for parish families. **************************** How could I *not* give my Elementary school five stars? (Especially if it's Religious!) No, seriously. All kidding aside, this was a Catholic K-8 school, complete with boys and girls in plaid uniforms, nuns in habits, and daily assembly outside in the parking lot (YES, even in the SNOW) to 'line up' and take attendance. Though I was never baptised and never raised Catholic, I thought this was a great place. The teachers and sisters at this place ran a TIGHT ship. You wouldn't ever THINK of smack talking, much less bring stuff to school that didn't belong. The fear of the cruxifix at the front of each classroom was enough to set you straight, regardless of your religion. Looking back, for a faculty of ALL women, these ladies knew what they were doing- they did NOT take crap from us kids! AND, I even learned a few things, science and math, and they even had art and music class. Gym in those uniforms was pretty uncomfortable, though I was only there from 3rd through 5th grade ... and THEN I went to public school in Southern California! Oh, the horror!

I also attended Holy Trinity (K - 7th) from 1959 - 1966. Am…read moresorry to hear of its closing. It played an important part in my life.

We have sent both of our daughters to this daycare/preschool. The teachers really care about the…read morechildren and their well being. If there are any conflicts among the children they let you know at pick-up. They cater a hot lunch from a local Russian deli, which includes a soup, protein and vegetable. Far easier than sending your own lunch, and far healthier than any other daycare I visited - no chicken fingers and fries here. They are open later than most; follow a classroom environment with lesson plans for even the youngest class; great helping with potty training; get the kids outside every day (weather permitting); plan fun fieldtrips in the summer. The only drawback is the older facility, but there has been updates to A/C units, new flooring, etc., and they do have entrance security. If we had a third, we would not hesitate to send them to AdventureLand.

Heavy Russian spoken. Graduation is basically performed in Russian. So, kids come home and starts…read moreto speak Russian. For parent that wish that their kids speak English, this is something to consider.

Dwight Englewood's COVID response was great! They never had one transmission throughout the…read more2020-2021 school year. My family went through this school and all had positive experiences here. Highly recommend this school as it can set you up for life. The alumni relations are amazing and the mental health awareness is really important to the administration.

As a parent, I have never been more disappointed in an education system. If your child is a young…read moregirl here, protect them, or don't send them here at all. The faculty is ignorant; don't let the pretty campus fool you.

I'm really surprised by the review about the Seedlings Classroom below. My son just started in the…read moreSeedlings Classroom this year and so far our experience has been wonderful. There was a simple miscommunication when it came to his diapers (super minor) and the teacher rectified it right away and contacted me to clarify/discuss. The teacher and/or school are always reaching out, even for something simple, to keep me and my husband apprised and informed. We appreciate this so much and truly find it to be a reflection of those they hire to nurture and educate the children. We find their COVID protocols very well followed, and we're not nervous sending our son here a few days a week. The staff, teachers and administration always greet us at pick up/drop off and make us feel like our sons going to a special place and loved. In reference to the other comment on curriculum, they're under 2 years. They are just getting acclimated to going to school, let alone the ability to do a true art masterpiece. I think that's a bit unrealistic when it comes to an expectation of artistic ability at that age. Our son has come home with some really great art projects and we're really happy with his progress being he's not even 18 months old. He's learning so much already and we're grateful. Overall, we're very happy with Ridgewood Montessori and will continue to send our son for years to come (as long as everything stays as great as it's been!). In addition, once our daughter is age appropriate we would love to continue the legacy with her attendance as well. Thanks RW for a great experience and for showing our son love, attention, and teaching him every week. We're proud to be part of this school!

My son has been at Ridgewood Montessori School since 2018. He began in 3rd grade and is now in 6th…read moreand I can't say enough positive things about the personalized education he is receiving. From the incredible teacher to student ratio, personal education plan for each child, and all students in the elementary school even learn a real instrument (mine is learning guitar) ... the list goes on and on. I have even been impressed by the amazing handling of the past 2 years of Covid protocol.... All impressive!! I personally feel that these children have had the most "normal" school experience possible during the past two years giving them support and consistency that children need. Teachers are very responsive to emails and always make themselves available both before and after school for any concerns both in person and via zoom. Administration knows all the children by name and engages with them regularly. We came from another private school where our experience was disheartening and are so happy to have found our Ridgewood Montessori School Family!

Parenthood is hard. Trying to find a place for your children to learn and grow doesn't make the job…read moreeasier. There are many things to consider and it can make your head spin. When considering a school for my son I knew that I wanted him to not just be another nameless student. I wanted him to belong to a community that was dedicated to him growing and learning as well has having fun and remaining safe while his father and I are at work. My son has been attending Rhymes and Reasons in Teaneck NJ for four and a half years. He is graduating in a few weeks to kindergarten!! During this time I have had the joy to watch my son flourish. He is lead by teachers with passion and I never have a doubt in my mind that he is protected. The school is consistent with its curriculum and rules while having an open door policy. I can drop in at any time unannounced if I want to! Here children are constantly engaged in play that teaches them their colors, numbers, vocabulary, as well as belonging, sharing, and leadership. Call me old fashioned but I believe that children learn best by getting up and DOING. I am happy to report that Rhymes and Reasons enriches its students with the same philosophy - there are no TVs there but there IS fresh air, toys, finger paint, and friendship! The school is pricey but when it comes to your children you get what you pay for and I am happy to invest in my son. When looking for a daycare I used Baby Center's guide to a good daycare. R&R meets every mark. Here is a break down: 1. A good daycare center should have a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and be known for its nurturing environment. R&R has 5 star reviews everywhere and Mrs. Marisa has lots of letters from parents talking about how much they love the school. CHECK! 2. A good daycare should have clearly established regulations for everything from operating hours to how to handle emergencies. The center should be able to supply you with a written copy of its policies. That way you know it takes its responsibility -- your baby -- seriously. If the center neither has an open-door policy nor encourages parents to stop by unannounced, chances are it has something to hide. Keep looking. A great daycare center will go beyond merely letting you in and invite you to become part of the center's community by helping with activities, accompanying the children on field trips, and so on. R&R gives all parents a handbook every year of all of it's rules. They don't bend the rules for anybody, making me feel confident that they are safe and well regulated while encouraging openness at all times. CHECK! 3. The best daycare centers have structured schedules that include plenty of time for physical activity, quiet time (including daily reading sessions for groups and individuals), group programs, individual activities, meals, snacks, and free time. As I've said before in this review they have a set schedule similar to a kindergarten that gives the children plenty of time to learn, play, rest, and get a well rounded head start for school. CHECK! 4. A trained, qualified staff - R&R's staff is CPR certified, keeps proper child to teacher ratios, and the staff interacts with the children with total positivism. The caregivers are responsible, enthusiastic, and well prepared. They also ask detailed questions about your child's health and care to help determine they right care for your child. CHECK! 5. Clean and safe facilities - The center is clean and sanitary. Floors, walks, walls, and all. The building is adequately heated, lit, and ventilated. Staff washes their and the children's hands regularly singing a hand washing song and after every diaper change. CHECK! I really wish we didn't have to leave but every child grows up and I'm glad that he did it in one of the best places we could find.

My daughter had a truly amazing experience at Rhymes and Reasons. Our family is forever grateful…read morefor the kindness the teachers there showed her--she learned and grew so much thanks to their expertise and care. We highly, highly recommend Rhymes and Reasons!!

My oldest and my youngest daughter are both going in this school so far I am so happy that they…read moreare in this school I Iike the program teacher are great the best school

The worst place ever. They do not care about the children. The lady at the desk is the rudest…read moreperson I have ever spoken to. My daughter did not like the school at all but I thought it will be a great alternative to the public school but boy was I wrong.

Take my hand child care exceeded all expectations our family has ever had in a daycare, preschool…read moreand a summer camp! Our 2 daughters were enrolled for three years. My eldest stayed from 2-5 and my younger one stayed for a year and a half. The classes/teachers kept our kids engaged and supported their learning. We felt like we were part of a family at the school, as most of the teachers and staff are constantly helping all of the students out. The school was just right for us. There was a basic curriculum for learning and prepping for kindergarten. There is a typical morning drop off and pick up. That is up to the parents schedule. For safety, there is a key fob for entry so that no one can just waltz in. There are outside activities to keep them busy. There is reading, writing, play time, history, science, art, 2 snack times, a lunch, and even nap time for the little ones! The lunch and snacks are not given and parents must provide the meals, but on Fridays are pizza day. Summer camp provides snacks. For when the little ones have to go, the staff are all accommodating to assisting the kids. For the younger kids under 2, I am unsure as our kids didn't attend under those ages. The school has taught our daughters to have better social skills, help them with manners, use practical reasoning, interest in various books, music, education. The school even gave an open house and parent/teacher meeting(s). There are a couple of organized performances for the older ones including a music performance for preK 3 class and a graduation for the preK 4 class. I can go on and on and rant and rave but when it comes down to it, the school was perfect for our children and I can't thank all the teachers and staff for watching over our kids and giving them as much care as if they were their own. The other parents in the classes were just as supportive and we even had multiple play dates, birthday parties, and meet ups. Take my hand really built a community. I can honestly say that this school was one of the best things that happened for our daughters. I can't even begin to list everyone that have helped our kids our over there, but I am sure that they would do the same for any other kids looking to attend. I've seen mixed reviews online. Some really good experiences and some that didn't par with expectations. But I am here to say that it was perfect for our family and 2 daughters. The only downside is that your kids grow up and move on, but at least I am confident knowing that Take My Hand gave my girls some tools to use when they start new academics. - Stella and Penelope

My daughter LOVES Take My Hand and so do I. The staff is amazing. They are so loving and nurturing…read morewith the kids. The amount of crafts and activities they do is amazing. They play outside so much and foster so many interests. My 3 year old leaned about the butterfly's lifecycle with real butterflies. She was so excited every day to check on the status of the chrysalis. Same with baby chicks. The quality of the service they provide is outstanding. Its a safe environment that any child will enjoy. Very highly recommend