We must prevent overcrowded classrooms at Willard and fight to maintain the number of class sections and retain the teachers Willard deserves. PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION TO REINSTATE WILLARD'S 4TH KINDERGARTEN SECTION. THIS PETITION WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE RIDGEWOOD BOARD OF EDUCATION ON MONDAY APRIL 27TH AT THE PUBLIC BOARD MEETING.

FACT #1: Willard is currently at capacity for incoming Kindergarten enrollment with three full class sections. At this time, the district is not allowing a fourth section at Willard, which we historically have had up until this year. Any new Willard Kindergarten registrants will beassignedto another school in the district in an effort to fill all of those schools’ Kindergarten classes to capacity to maintain budget efficiencies.Although reassignments have been done in the past, it was due to building capacity issues. This is not the case. Willard has room to house a 4thsection of Kindergarten.

FACT #2: Class sizes are being maxed out to Board recommended levels to accomplish more efficiencies. Ridgewood has one of the highest student to teacher ratios in the area.

CONCERN #1: Research shows students, particularly those in the lower grades, benefit from smaller class sizes (less than 20). It is essential for their success. In Kindergarten and 1stgrade, the foundation for the education of our children lies in learning to read, understanding basic math, and writing. All students need individualized attention from their classroom teacher in setting the foundation for their future. With maxed-out class sizes, our children will not receive the attention and education they are entitled to and deserve. In a district like Ridgewood, we should not strive to max-out capacity in the classroom but rather find ways to create more ideal classroom environments. The district’s approach is not an acceptable cost cutting tactic. We should not withhold a needed section at Willard and transfer students from their home school (leaving an empty classroom) to fill every Kindergarten classroom to their utmost capacity. Our children and teachers are paying the price.

CONCERN #2: Those who purchase a home in the Willard area expect for their children to attend Willard, Ridgewood’s only Blue Ribbon elementary school, not be forced elsewhere and bused across town. A disservice is being done to these children. They are never fully a part of either school community as they will not the same benefits as other children in the neighborhood in which they live., e.g., they won't be able to walk to and from school, meet and attend class with kids from their own neighborhood, etc. because they have to travel. The timing of their return to Willard is uncertain.

CONCERN #3: Once Willard is structured with three sections in both Kindergarten and 1st grade, there is significant concern that we will never get these sections back and class sizes will be maxed-out across every grade. Will transferred students ever be permitted to return? Furthermore, each year, Willard will continue to lose a section and a valuable teacher in each subsequent grade as these classes progress through the school system. Our class sizes will be maxed-out at every grade level and kids will be bused out of Willard as a normal course of business.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!