“If you can clearly articulate the dream or the goal, start.” Simon Sinek

December 18, 2022

‘Tis the season for giving. The holiday season is one that is filled with happiness and good cheer as we walk through our school hallways. The Holiday Festival and concerts throughout the month of December are an extraordinary opportunity to spread joy through service to community. One cannot help but be overwhelmed by the smiles on children’s faces and the pride expressed by our staff as we stroll through our schools. I have been so impressed by the acts of kindness and spirit of giving that our staff helps foster with our students. 

Thank you to Senora Rodriguez and the Ramapo staff, students, and parents who recently hosted the Holiday Festival at Ramapo High School. There were so many smiling faces for the amazing children from the Roberto Clemente School in Paterson and the excitement from our students. Mrs. Gibson and Mr. Quirk recently hosted their Art Trip to the Met in New York City. I enjoyed spending time with our students and witnessing firsthand their passion for the arts as well as the dedication of our teachers to the art program.

Progress rarely follows a straight line. But as we press toward our forward motion, the path we lay out depends on all of us working together. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to our student’s best interests at heart in our schools and we are fortunate to have their support and partnership. I am proud of our learning community for the progress we have made as we strive to meet the needs of our students and staff.

Your engagement and feedback will help us shape the future of our schools. The strategic planning steering committee completed focus group discussions with our students, staff, and most recently our parents and community members. We are building trust with our stakeholders through alignment and contribution. As a result, we will establish bold, ambitious goals that will enable us to reimagine the allocation of time, enhance student & staff wellness, support culture & community, and advance student success.

I would like to extend a special thank you to our Board of Education members for their service to our school community. As their term as Board members comes to a close, we extend our gratitude to Mr. Carolan as Board President, Mr. Fortunato, Mr. Setteducato, and Mrs. Underfer for their dedication to our students, staff, and community. Their contributions and efforts this past year have made a difference in the work our Board does to serve our community. We continue to commit ourselves to our District goals that focus on the best interests of all of our students, staff, and schools. I am proud of the progress we continue to make in Ramapo Indian Hills and look forward to what we can accomplish in 2023. 

The holidays mark a moment reserved for slowing down, enjoying time with the people that matter most in our lives, giving back to those in need, and space for expressing gratitude. We wish you a happy, healthy holiday season and new year filled with joy. 

All my best,

Dr. Rui Dionisio

Superintendent of Schools

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