8th Grade News

A Message from the HSA for all 8th Grade Parents

Ridgewood Public Schools

January 29, 2026

January 29, 2026

Hello 8th grade Parents!

We know your inboxes are inundated with emails for your 8th graders right now. Hopefully, this letter will help summarize all of the upcoming Action Items regarding 8th grade events and answer any questions you may have. There is a lot of fun coming up for the 8th graders!

Here are your current action items:

  • Purchase 8th Grade Package (see additional details below) | Due March 1

  • Order Yearbook:

    • Yearbook Personalization Orders - refers to cover modifications, additional pages for signing, etc. | Jostens | Due Jan 30

    • Yearbook Parent Advertisement Creation Orders Due - Traditionally, 8th grade parents write short notes, and may include photos, to their graduate. This is an optional yearbook add-on. | Jostens | Due Jan 31

    • Yearbook Orders Due - this is for the actual book, if you have not previously purchased. | Jostens | Due by Feb 28

  • Camp Getaway 1st Payment of $200 (Refer to the email from GW and Mr. Bailey sent on 1/12 for more information.) | Due Jan 30

  • The Outsiders Field Trip paperwork is due back to homeroom teachers (for those attending) | Jan 30

  • 8th Grade Hoodie Orders Due, if purchasing | 8th Grade Package | Jan 30

  • Final Camp Getaway Payment Due: amount TBD | Due April 10

Please mark your calendars with the following important events:

Date

Time

Event

Where

Cost

2/18

10am - 6pm

The Outsiders - Broadway Play

NYC

$160 

hor

6/1-6/3

2 Full Days

8th Grade Field Trip to Camp Getaway

Kent, CT

Approx. $420

6/12

11:15am

Graydon

Graydon

Package

6/22

9:30am

“Donut” Forget Us Breakfast

GWMS

Package

6/22

6-9pm

8th Grade Party @ SPACE

Space

Package

6/23

9:30 am

8th Grade Promotion Ceremony

GWMS

None

Additional Information:

The 8th grade package costs $150 per student. Purchase the Package, which includes the following:

  • GW Class of 2026 T-Shirt & optional hoodie: Students have chosen a design for the class of 2026 t-shirts, which will be ordered soon! Optional hoodies featuring the same design are available for an additional $20, but must be ordered by January 30th. 

  • “One Last Splash Before High School” Day at Graydon Pool! We are excited to announce a fun-filled day at Graydon Pool. Festivities will include a DJ, a BBQ lunch, KONA Ice and lots of fun. More details to come.

  • GW Class of 2026 Party at SPACE: New this year, we will be hosting the 8th graders for an elevated evening bash at SPACE in Englewood. This event includes hors d'oeuvres, dinner, dessert, a DJ, dancing, games and more! Bussing from GW will be provided. More info to come. 

  • ”Donut Forget Us” Breakfast: This will be an opportunity for the students to gather, sign yearbooks, and reflect on their experiences at GW. As the name suggests, donuts, and beverages will be served.

To make all of this possible, we need your help! Please sign up to volunteer for one or more slots!

Finally, we are excited to announce that we have launched an exclusive 8th Grade GroupSpot page where we will share information and details on events throughout the year. Please use the sign up code below to join the page today. Even if you haven’t paid to join GroupSpot through the HSA, all 8th grade parents can still join this group at no cost:

  • Invite link

  • School Group Name: GW Graduating Class of 2026

  • Invite Code: bAvW2

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We look forward to a special year for our 8th graders!

 

Warmest Regards, 

Alicia Fisher, Kate Leahy, Sarah McCourt & Britt Tunick

8th Grade Activities co-chairs

Email the GWMS HSA