As awareness of concussions and the long-term impact of CTE grows, it has become clear that high school football players need enhanced safety measures. In response, the Red Bank Regional Football Parent Group and the Red Bank Regional Buc Backers have collaborated to invest in the safety of our football players. This past fall, the Red Bank Regional Board of Education approved a proposal to accept donations for the purchase of innovative protective gear: the Guardian Cap.

The Guardian cap, which retails between $70 and $100, is a foam-padded protective shell for football helmets. The plan is to provide each high school football player, regardless of grade or position, the opportunity to wear the cap during practice. The intention is to proactively find ways to keep the game safer for our kids.  Although the Guardian Cap does not prevent concussions and head related injuries, they are an additional layer of protection to help reduce impact.

The Caps are beginning to look more familiar as they have been used during NFL practices since 2022 for certain positions. However, in the fall of 2023 the NFL mandated Guardian Caps for all teams and all players — at all times — during practice.  You may have also seen some NFL players wear them during games.

When some of the parents with players on the team found out that these protective devices were available to High Schools, in partnership with the RBR Buc Backers, they took charge with fundraising activities and also with a few anonymous donors funded the entire purchase of 100 Guardian Caps.  “It was important to us to leave a legacy of safety while also supporting the latest technology available to our team. If it's good for the NFL, with professional athletes that know how to properly tackle, it has to benefit our high school level athletes just learning the game. Our kids deserve the same safety equipment as these high-level professionals,” said   Jennifer Borenius, one of the representatives of the Football parents.

Guardian Caps are currently worn by 300,000+ athletes nationwide to help reduce impact during practice. They are growing in use and are worn by 275+ colleges, 3,000+ high schools, over 750 youth programs, all 32 NFL Teams, as well as all 9 CFL Teams. 

When looking to evidence-based opinions, the Commissioner of the NFL Roger Goodall stated, “We’re trying to take head contact out entirely in some fashions. The Guardian Cap has been a very important change for us as it’s shown to reduce impact. It has been very effective and reduced concussions by 52 percent.” 

 

Coach Fallon was thrilled when he learned of the purchase being made on behalf of the Red Bank Regional Program.  “The idea that we could be a leader in safety and encourage more kids to play the game of football makes me excited about the upcoming season.  We will have the opportunity to teach kids the right way to play the game, with the knowledge we are adding additional safety to the game that has become the industry standard.”  Coach Fallon believes other teams will follow suit.  

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are having an excellent start to the school year! After the great turnout at Back-to-School Night, I’m excited to share these important district updates with you. This letter contains information, links, and resources that will keep your student on the path to success.

An Important Change: The New Master Schedule for 2024-25

RBR has launched a revised master schedule this year in which classes will meet more frequently but for shorter periods. This helps promote a dynamic learning environment that supports student engagement. This change is designed to boost academic performance across all grade levels, especially for our underclassmen. The MOD structure, with lunch periods and study halls, will remain in place.

Key Program Highlights: Student Success is Our Priority
Here are a few key highlights from our overall school program, reflecting our commitment to supporting the important work happening in our classrooms every day:

• Teacher Collaboration: We’ve built in common planning times for our teachers in most core academic courses. This means greater teamwork and collaboration between staff, helping to ensure your child gets the best educational experience possible. In most cases, teachers also have at least one prep period daily to refine their lessons and support their students.
• Class Sizes That Work for Your Student: Small class sizes mean more individualized attention for your child and more manageable workloads for our teachers. Right now, 94% of our classes have fewer than 25 students, 84% have fewer than 22 students, and 74% have fewer than 20. In ELA classes, 96% have less than 20 students and 82% of our math classes have fewer than 20 students. 
• Upgraded Cell Phone Policy: Students are now required to place their phones in designated carriers at the start of each class. This helps keep the focus where it belongs—on learning—and gives students a needed break from technology and social media.

Academic Support When Needed

While these structures provide a strong foundation for learning, academic challenges are inevitable. Please continue to emphasize the importance of seeking extra help directly from teachers. Please remind your student to reach out for help when they need it. All have dedicated times to offer extra assistance. Encourage your child to take advantage of these resources, and review the extra-help times and locations.

Monitoring Progress
Our district uses powerful assessment tools like Pre-AP assessments for ELA 9 and 10, and MAP benchmarks for Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. These tools give us insight into your child’s progress. For more information on assessments, visit the RBR Assessment Information Website.

 

Strengthening the School-Community Connection
One of our main goals this year is to strengthen the bond between our school and the communities that support it. We’re working on a new strategic plan for the district, and we value your input. If you’re interested in getting involved, click here to be part of the process.

We’ve also updated the Family Quick Resource Guide to make it easier than ever to access key contacts and information. If you’re new to RBR, check out the Freshman Parent Presentation we shared at Back-to-School Night. In addition, Mr. Clark’s weekly “Community Week at a Glance (C-WAG)” newsletter, is packed with updates and sent out every Friday.

Work Hard, Set Goals, and Make it a Great Year!
We are grateful for your ongoing support. You can help your student thrive by setting high expectations, encouraging them to attend extra help sessions, and getting involved in extracurriculars. Should you have any questions, concerns, or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Dear RBR Families and Students,

In light of the tragic school shooting at the high school in Georgia yesterday, I want to reassure everyone that Red Bank Regional has a robust set of security measures in place to keep our staff and students safe. This includes a full-time School Resource Officer from the Little Silver Police Department. Additionally, our security team—many of whom are former law enforcement officers—actively assists in closely monitoring the building.

Our procedures to identify and address potential security risks fully comply with the regulations and guidelines established by the New Jersey Department of Education. Staff and students engage in regular security drills and our protocols have been evaluated by external experts to ensure their effectiveness. We will continue collaborating with local law enforcement and state agencies to review and enhance security measures.

We kindly ask families to support these efforts by following all established security procedures, such as scheduling school visits in advance. Please also remind your student of the importance of reporting any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities. Your cooperation and vigilance are crucial in helping us maintain a safe school environment.

Thank you for your continued support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Louis B. Moore, Superintendent

Dear Students, and Families:

On August 6, I had the privilege of attending the ceremony where New Jersey's 2024-25 County Teachers of the Year were announced. I am thrilled to officially share the news that Dr. Sara Mazzone has been selected for this esteemed honor. Out of a distinguished pool of educators from the hundreds of public schools in our county, Sara emerged as the top choice.

In the coming academic year, Sara will be engaged in efforts in our state to strengthen education, network with colleagues, and represent New Jersey's public schools. She will also be in the running for selection as New Jersey State Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Mazzone is deeply respected by her students and colleagues for her unwavering commitment to student success. Her dedication is evident in the countless hours she invests in providing extra help and encouragement, developing curriculum, and strengthening instruction. Sara has led initiatives to enhance academic achievement, promote equity, and increase participation in advanced coursework. Her efforts have contributed to a remarkable 22 percent increase in enrollment in college-level English courses among juniors and seniors over the past four years.

In addition to her outstanding work in the classroom, Dr. Mazzone has excelled as a colleague. She developed and implemented a highly successful professional development program over the last two years.

A testament to her profound impact is a heartfelt letter from a grateful parent: "Your class was the first advanced class my daughter has ever taken. She was scared, nervous, and so insecure at the beginning of the year, but with your guidance and compassion, she thrived. She is leaving her junior year with much more confidence academically, and this is in large part because of you. You made her feel like she belonged in your class, and for that, I am forever grateful."

Sara has taught at Red Bank Regional since 2010. Sara earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Monmouth University and her doctoral degree in educational leadership from Rowan University.

Congratulations, Dr. Mazzone, on this well-deserved recognition!

Sincerely,

Louis Moore

Congratulations to Mr. Philip Greene on his appointment as RBR’s new STEM Supervisor! His extensive experience as a teacher, coach, and educational leader make him an excellent choice for the role. It's clear from his impressive accomplishments and service that he's deeply committed to the success and well-being of RBR students. His dedication to promoting collaboration, progress, and student-centered initiatives is truly commendable. I'm sure he'll excel in his new position and continue to make a positive impact on the RBR community. Best wishes to Mr. Greene as he takes on this important role!