27 November 2024

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

During this Thanksgiving season, we are reminded of the gifts for which we are grateful.

In our District, we are grateful for our students, who are ready to learn each day. We are grateful for our school families, who partner with us and place their trust in us. We are grateful for our faculty, staff, and Board of Education, who continue to have our students’ best interests at heart.

Recently, U.S. News and World Report magazine released the 2025 school rankings, which are dependent upon the data available for comparison, which, in most cases, consists primarily of test scores. As such, TBD and CDW are listed as 2025 "Best Schools.”  TBD is ranked within the top 4% of elementary schools in New Jersey. CDW is ranked within the top 3% of middle schools in New Jersey.

We do understand these rankings overtly recognize that which is measurable, and they do not explicitly honor the valuable, non-measurable strides made with students every day.

We also understand that measurable and non-measurable progress is possible because of consistent at-home support. Home-school connections allow school personnel to teach more than academics. Students learn about respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness — all of which are not able to be ranked.

We remain grateful for our wonderful Old Tappan school community!

Here is the November edition of our District Newsletter, with highlights of our work this month.

Wishing you and your family a delightful Thanksgiving holiday!

Respectfully,

Danielle M. Da Giau, Ed.D. 
Superintendent of Schools
Old Tappan Public School District