EDUCATION CENTER • 49 COTTAGE PLACE• RIDGEWOOD NJ •07451 Contact: Debra Anderson, Public Information Officer, 201-670-2700, ext. 10555 danderson@ridgewood.k12.nj.us Cheryl Best, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, 201-670-2700, ext. 10532 cbest@ridgewood.k12.nj.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 22, 2014 -- The Ridgewood Public Schools will partner with the Ridgewood Public Library to present the next-up program in its Community Outreach Program series in January. The program, an engaging panel discussion on “Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Gender Issues,” will take place on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at the Benjamin Franklin Middle School Auditorium from 7-9 p.m. The program is free and open to the adult public. The panelists will discuss the social pressures and challenges that impact the behavior of boys and girls, and the distinction between problematic and “normal” teen behavior. Panelists include professionals Jamie Ciofalo, M.A., Owner/Founder of Power Educational Consultants, LLC; Maggie DiPasquale, Founder of Modern Mentor Program, Emme Endeavors, LLC; Kate MacHugh, MSW and expert on girl bullying, author and professional speaker; and Andrew Yeager, Certified School Psychologist and Founding Member/Coordinator of the Bergen County Association of Student Assistance Professionals. The Community Outreach Program was developed for parents and guardians by the district’s Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. The program consists of individual evening presentations that focus on current trends and issues in education. On Thursday, March 5, Hawes School Principal Paul Semendinger and Physical Education staff members Susan Kameno and Craig Mahler will present the latest research on exercise and the brain, with implications on learning and education. The program will take place from 7-9 p.m. at the Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, floor 3. “Special Education Learning Issues” will be the final program on Tuesday, May 26. Dr. Kim Buxenbaum-Turner, district Director of Special Programs, will provide an in-depth, parentfocused look at the district’s Special Education program. The program will take place from 7-9 p.m. at the Education Center, floor 3. For more information, please contact the office of Cheryl Best, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at 201-670-2700, ext. 10532 or cbest@ridgewood.k12.nj.us. ###