As parents, we want our children to be upstanders, not bystanders, meaning that if they see a problem or an injustice, they should step in, get involved, and ask how they can help. In the case of Sahil Polepalle and Devraj Dhupar, both members of the Saddle River Day School class of 2025, they have learned that lesson well. 

When deciding on a school for your children, academic rigor, enrichment opportunities, and educational philosophy are just some of the important factors you consider. But there is more to a school than its academics and there are other things that make a child’s educational experience great. At Saddle River Day School, one of those factors – one of the x-factors if you will – is Chef Mark.

Science Department Chair, Dr. Vanessa Robinson exemplifies a philosophy of education that focuses on empowerment and self-sufficiency. Spend a few minutes with her, and you'll see that she's dedicated to teaching with an emphasis on long-term learning and growth, utilizing her own research project on fruit flies as her teaching tools.

Every big idea starts with a question. A “why” or a “how” or an “I wonder…” that leads the questioner through a process of brainstorming, testing, evaluating, and revising that will eventually, with effort and a little luck, lead to an answer that solves a problem, improves a process, or discovers something brand new. This process, called design thinking, is embedded into the pedagogy and curriculum of each subject taught at Saddle River Day School, in ways that are often discernible, and occasionally imperceptible. 

PJ is a highly dedicated and experienced Physical Education Teacher, Athletic Director, and Coach with a passion for promoting health, wellness, and athletic achievement. He is committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment that encourages student growth, teamwork, and personal development.