2019-2020 Begins with High Enthusiasm and Excitement

The summer was a busy time on campus at Saddle River Day School. Projects including a new roof on Main Hall (replacing the original roof, circa 1922), a new kitchen renovation and dishwashing system and upgrades to campus security, in addition to multiple summer programs, made the months of June, July and August fly by. Upper School students participating in preseason AP courses and Varsity and JV athletics were the first group to come back, beginning on Monday, August 19th. Students, faculty and staff all welcomed back Chef Mark and his delicious lunches!

Excitement, energy and enthusiasm filled the Saddle River Day School campus on opening day, boasting a record enrollment that is the highest it has been in the last 10 years. New student orientations in the Lower and Middle School divisions took place on Tuesday, September 3rd and the 7th and 8th grades took a trip to Downtown Sports for a fun-filled day of bonding off campus on Wednesday. The Student Council organized a BBQ for all new students in the Upper School, and grades 10-12 took field trips to High Exposure, Liberty State Park, and the Bronx Zoo. The freshmen class embarked on an overnight trip to Hands In 4 Youth in West Milford, NJ. On campus, opening day began with a festive outside “Welcome Back” reception for parents and guardians, hosted by the Parents Guild. Once back in session, the hallways were filled with students who were excited to be back and catch up with old friends and meet new ones. On Friday, the first ever “Rebel Spirit Friday” was launched with a pep rally for the entire school that did not disappoint.

Under the leadership of Associate Head of School and Interim Head of School for the 2019-2020 school year, Mr. Jalaj Desai, along with a new team of Administrators, many of whom have been at the school for years but are assuming new responsibilities, an enthusiasm and excitement for a new year, filled with promise, can be felt everywhere on campus!
 
“It was fantastic to feel the positive energy and excitement that the students brought back to campus with them,” Mr. Desai said. “Seeing them reconnect with one another and welcome those new to the community were the highlights of a wonderful week. We are off to a great start!”