“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt

May 6, 2022

Dear Colleagues,

It is impressive to work in our community where our faculty is deeply committed to their craft and always seeking to improve their teaching. But most importantly, it is inspiring to see such dedication to supporting the best in our students. The impact all of our educators have on our students is immense and extends well beyond academics. You greet your students at the door each morning, build a warm classroom environment, develop meaningful relationships and show them you care, act as a role model to whom our students can look up to, nurture them in their time of need, and seek out supports when they need help. You serve as a teacher, coach, and mentor. Suffice it to say you wear many hats and seek to open a child’s mind and touch their hearts.

This week is recognized as National Teacher Appreciation Week, a celebration that dates back to 1953 when Eleanor Roosevelt persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim National Teacher Day. The quality of the teacher in front of the classroom is the most important in-school factor affecting student achievement. Ramapo Indian Hills is fortunate to be able to recruit, retain, reward, and support outstanding educators that make a difference every day. We are proud of our faculty for your countless hours and devotion to planning innovative lessons, developing and supporting programs and initiatives that help us meet our student needs, engaging in staff development to further hone your craft, and collaborating with colleagues to make our schools better each and every year.

In that spirit, I would love the opportunity to receive an invitation from you to visit a specific lesson in your classroom and appreciate firsthand the incredible work you do each day with our students. I have included a link here and on the button below for faculty to sign up for my Superintendent Walkthrough Visits.

It is teachers like you who inspire our students to try harder and pursue their dreams that make our profession the most rewarding. Remember that your passion and purpose make all the difference in the lives of so many young people. On behalf of our district and our Board of Education, we thank you for your incredible contributions during Teacher Appreciation Week. But most importantly, thank you for all you do that makes Ramapo Indian Hills so very special each and every day.

All my best,

Dr. Rui Dionisio

Superintendent of Schools