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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.

On Thursday, May 18th, Saddle River Day School graduated the Class of 2023 in the presence of families, friends, alumni and faculty and staff on our beautiful campus.

At Saddle River Day School, when we find a way to improve or enhance our student experience, we jump at the chance. So when Laura Hollis, Director of Technology, became aware of Girls Who Code, an innovative program with the mission to close the gender gap in technology education and careers, she and Head of School, Jalaj Desai, set about chartering a Girls Who Code chapter at SRDS for students in grades 3-5.

Dr. Zacaraev holds a Doctorate in Education from The University of Pennsylvania, where he studied Educational and Organizational Leadership. He earned his Masters in Education from the Teachers College, Columbia University, Klingenstein Center in Independent School Leadership and has been described as an "incredible talent."

Nowhere is this more evident, or important, than in the Middle School at Saddle River Day School. These transitional years, from grade 5 – 8, are critical in the development of students as scholars, communicators, and citizens of the world. As such, the mission of the educators and staff of the SRDS Middle School is to prepare their students for the demanding curriculum of the Upper School and beyond, while also challenging these developing young adults to try new things, confidently step outside of their comfort zones, and develop an awareness of the world and the people around them. 

Francis and Kristen Walsh, current Saddle River Day School parents and residents of Saddle River, have generously matched the $100,000 award. Thanks to the generosity of the Walsh family, the grant funds have been received and the school has been able to expand the innovative programming and academic offerings of its CIE.

With a roster of shows this robust, it’s no wonder that prospective students are beginning to pay attention to Saddle River Day School as ‘The Place’ to hone their acting, singing, and performing skills. And this is just the way Tyler Capa wants it. He’s here to develop, encourage and support each performer and crew member who steps on his stage.

Behind the scenes, SRDS Robotics team members are learning valuable, transferable life skills like project management, time management, and teamwork, as they have only a few weeks to get their robots battle-ready after they’ve received the challenge. Design thinking (and re-thinking), and making adjustments and brainstorming solutions in real-time are skills the students hone. Students are learning the gift of failure and resilience, and how to take what they’ve learned and apply it effectively.

We all have opinions. As we have seen in recent years, the way these points of view are communicated makes a great difference in the way they are received and we are perceived. This is why learning the art of debate is an important life skill for students at Saddle River Day School, so they can effectively, as debate coach and Middle School history teacher, Radley Glasser puts it, “develop and articulate their own thoughts, but also consider opposing opinions critically and empathetically, while engaging in civil, yet substantive, discourse."

We all know that to be a student at Saddle River Day School, one must have the intellectual curiosity and capacity to succeed. But ask an SRDS student what they do beyond their studies and it will quickly become evident that they have hearts to help those who are less fortunate. When called to make a difference in the world to -- as our mission statement says -- “become a caring and ethical contributor to society,” our students, faculty and families step up.

The Friday Speaker Series was developed to provide low stakes social and emotional support to the student body through topics including self-discipline and goal setting, the impact of gratitude on our daily life, financial literacy, mental health and wellness, and resilience.

In the Lower School at Saddle River Day School, there is, of course, an emphasis on giving our students the academic foundation necessary for future success. But our teachers are also focused on instilling a love of knowledge and an intellectual curiosity that make learning a lifelong passion. 

Here at SRDS, it is our mandate to evaluate our programs, pedagogy and curriculum to ensure that we are proactive in responding to the evolving needs of our students and families.

The SRDS Middle School will be offering a brand new Accelerated Science Curriculum for interested and qualified seventh and eighth grade students beginning in the 2022 – 2023 school year. 

Seven finalists from SRDS attend the MathCON National Competition in Chicago with three Honorable Mentions.

“How” and “Why” are some of our favorite and most used words around here. Because encouraging intellectual curiosity is how we achieve our goal of turning students into scholars and adolescents into successful adults.