Mrs. Melissa M. Cavins

Principal, Ridgefield Park Junior-Senior High School

The role of school administrator is varied, but the true meaning of this title lies in the root words.   “Administration” is derived from the Latin words ‘ad’ and ‘ministiare’ which means “to serve”.  My role as administrator is to serve the students, staff and community of Ridgefield Park and Little Ferry.

A proud graduate of Ridgefield Park Junior-Senior High School, I earned a BA in Spanish Language and Literature with a minor in Italian, as well as a Master of Education in TESL from The College of New Jersey.   Through continued postgraduate study at Rutgers, New Jersey City University, and Seton Hall University, I earned Supervisor and Principal certifications as well as an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership, Management and Policy from Seton Hall University.

I started my teaching career right here at RPJSHS as a teacher of Italian and ESL and served as Supervisor of the World Languages, ESL and Mathematics departments.   In 2016, I became Assistant Principal of Cresskill Middle/High School.   I am thrilled to have the opportunity to return to RP and serve as the principal of the building I called home for 20 years!

My goal is to cultivate an atmosphere of inquiry, inclusion and support where all students and staff are empowered to achieve their full potential - and carry a sense of Scarlet Pride with them always!

“It’s a Great Day to be a Scarlet!”