Principals from Forest Avenue School and Linden Avenue School presented the program’s positive impact, noting that it encourages students to manage emotions and improves behavior. The strategy includes greeting students at the door and using positive affirmations, which help students feel valued and supported. The presentation emphasized the “EXL” model—Engage, Explore, Communicate, Empower, and Launch—as a framework for the program. Teachers are encouraged to engage students by sharing positive personal experiences, which builds community and trust within classrooms. The principals expressed their gratitude to the Glen Ridge Education Foundation for supporting the program.

Training for the program extends beyond teachers to include custodial and substitute staff. The board discussed plans to involve families in the program, potentially organizing a parent night to further explain the initiative. The importance of family communication and involvement was underscored, with the possibility of integrating program themes into home discussions.

In addition, the board meeting featured various updates from the student representative, who reported on school activities, including a club fair with over 40 clubs and successful student council events. The representative highlighted athletic achievements, with the girls’ volleyball team leading their division and boys’ soccer boasting a strong record. College visits from institutions like Vanderbilt University and Syracuse were noted, alongside upcoming events such as the homecoming dance and yearbook portrait sessions.

A separate presentation attended by approximately 300 parents focused on guidance services, receiving commendations for its comprehensive coverage of topics and addressing parental concerns. The school also hosted Chinese students and held a Chinese Honor Society induction ceremony.

The board accepted two significant donations: supplies for a pollinator garden at Ridgewood Avenue School from the Glen Ridge Environmental Advisory Committee, and funding for food catering during a professional development day from home and school associations. These contributions were warmly received and appreciated by the board.

During the public comment period, a parent, Charlie Brin, raised concerns about the effectiveness of the student representative in conveying broader student sentiments. He urged the board to consider how the student voice could better reflect the concerns and experiences of the student body. This led to a discussion among board members on enhancing the representative’s role through coaching and facilitating regular meetings with the communications committee to foster deeper engagement.