RIH Highlights & Happenings - October 11, 2024

October 11, 2024

A Message from the Superintendent

I had the pleasure of hosting a Meet and Greet Event for the FLOW Mayors, Council Members, Administrators, and Chiefs of Police on October 9. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our township leaders and celebrate our shared commitment to the success of our schools and students. I look forward to continuing this collaborative partnership with such dedicated individuals.

I am continually impressed by the work, talent, and achievements of our students. Keep up the excellent work! And a special thank you to our RIH staff and parents for their ongoing support, care, and cooperation.

Thank you to all who attended our RHS Open House on October 10. It was a fantastic event! We also eagerly anticipate our IHHS Open House on October 17. Finally, please mark your calendars for our Director of Special Services, Dr. Frank Mauriello's Parent Night event on October 24.

Yours in education,

Shauna DeMarco

Superintendent of Schools

Learn About RIH's Special Education Programs & Initiatives for 2024-2025

Join Dr. Frank Mauriello, Director of Special Education for the RIH, for an informative presentation on the district's special education programs and exciting initiatives planned for the upcoming school year. Learn about new programs and resources, support services available to your child, and how to get involved.

The presentation will take place on Thursday, October 24 at 7 p.m. in the Indian Hills High School Auditorium. Students are welcome to attend with their parents. Click here to RSVP.

If you cannot attend in person, you can access the presentation slides and recording on the District's Special Education website. Additionally, if you would like to discuss the presentation or have any questions, please contact Dr. Mauriello to schedule a one-on-one meeting.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Ramapo Showcases Vibrant Campus at Open House

Last night, Ramapo High School hosted a bustling open house that provided prospective students and families with a glimpse into the school's vibrant academic and extracurricular life. Student ambassadors led tours, sharing their personal experiences and enthusiasm for the school. Supervisors were on hand to offer insights into the school's curriculum and facilities.

Hands-on stations and student club representatives showcased Ramapo's academic programs and activities.

Be sure to join us for the Indian Hills High School Open House next week on October 17!

RIH Math Department Embraces LinkIt for Data-Driven Success

The RIH Math Department is thrilled to continue using LinkIt, a powerful data visualization platform, to enhance student achievement. LinkIt provides teachers with valuable insights into student performance, allowing them to identify areas for targeted support and personalize instruction.

By leveraging LinkIt's data-driven approach, the Math Department aims to create a more equitable and effective learning environment for all students.

RIH Students Gear Up for Election Duties

Students are making a difference in their communities with their participation in a unique program to serve as poll workers during the upcoming election. Under the guidance of the Bergen County Election Commission, students from the FLOW community attended a training session to learn about the various stages of the voting process and the specific roles they would play in assisting voters on Election Day. The two-hour training covered everything from voter registration verification to operating voting machines.

Students who successfully complete their duties will receive compensation from the county. Special thanks to Mrs. Ferro and Mrs. LaChac for providing the training space in their Media Center classrooms. This valuable experience will not only allow students to contribute to the democratic process but also provide them with valuable skills and a sense of civic responsibility.

New Graduation Requirement:

Financial Aid Application

A new state law has been enacted, requiring all public high school students to complete a financial aid application as a prerequisite for receiving a high school diploma. This new requirement aims to increase awareness of financial aid opportunities and encourage students to pursue higher education.

An informational letter was sent to students and parents of the classes of 2025, 2026, and 2027 on October 2. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact your student's guidance counselor.

New Student Registration Now Open

Registration for new students is now open in Genesis and will accept applications until November 15.

The flyer and QR code/link for registration have been shared with the FLOW Superintendents, Directors of Curriculum, Principals, and School Counseling Offices for dissemination to 8th grade parents/students. You can also find this information on our district website.

Please share this information with anyone you know in the FLOW district who is preparing for high school registration. We look forward to welcoming new students to RIH!

PSAT and Delayed Opening Schedule Announced for October 22

On Tuesday, October 22, both Ramapo and Indian Hills High Schools will host the PSAT for JUNIORS. The Juniors will need to arrive at standard time. Normal bus routes will run in the morning for the Juniors who make use of this service. Please note that there will be a school-based date for 10th grade students to take the PSAT later in the year after they have been exposed to more of the tested curriculum.

The 9th, 10th, and 12th graders will follow our Delayed Opening Bell Schedule. The buses will be scheduled to run a second time to accommodate the students in these grades who normally take the bus to school. Stay tuned for more information from the district on this matter.

In Our Classrooms

Indian Hills sophomores in Mrs. Myones & Ms. Wittlinger's class engaged in collaborative brainstorming using vertical whiteboards in preparation for their upcoming writing assignment.

Mrs. Deamer’s AP Statistics class at Ramapo conducted a hands-on lab using M&M’s to explore the concept of normal distribution, also known as the Gaussian distribution or bell curve.

Students in Forensics and Law & Human Rights, taught by Ms. Smalley, Mr. Michels, and Ms. Canoncao, had the opportunity to hear from guest speakers on careers in law enforcement. Special thanks to Paul and Rich for sharing their experiences as security officers and SROs.

Marketing students at Ramapo in Mrs. Migliacci’s classes participated in the “Brand Your Brew” activity where they were challenged to create their own personal coffee brand and design a cup to reflect the elements of the brand.

Ms. Deming's French students enjoyed a fun-filled day of pétanque this week. This classic French lawn game, similar to bocce ball, is a popular pastime enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Our IHHS pétanque tradition has become a highlight of our fall and spring semesters.

Students in Mrs. VanderMolen's APUSH1 class at Ramapo transformed into "Ambassadors" representing various colonial powers. Through strategic negotiations and treaty-making, they competed for prestigious awards, forming alliances and advocating for their nation's contributions to the New World. The activity culminated in a lively debate.

Science students have been actively engaged in a variety of hands-on learning experiences. They've explored environmental science energy concepts with Ms. Ismailovski, used microscopes to examine cell parts with Mr. Michels, ventured outdoors to identify trees and leaves with Ms. Miller, and even participated in a team-building challenge to construct the tallest towers with Mr. Walkowich.

The IHHS String Orchestra is poised for an exceptional year, already diligently practicing a captivating work composed in the 18th century. Comprised of talented cellists, a violist, violinists, and pianists, this year's IHHS orchestra is well on its way to achieving great musical success. Way to go, Braves!

The League of Women Voters visited Ramapo on October 8 to help students register to vote. Guests of RHS and the Social Studies Department included Vicky Galow, Kumiko Suzuki, Sally Monahan and coordinator Beth Grossman.

Marking Period 1 Interim Reports

Now Available

Marking Period 1 Interim Reports are now available in Parent Access under the Grading Tab. Please review your child's report for any comments or concerns. To ensure we have the most up-to-date contact information, please check and update your Parent Contact Information in Genesis. Click here to log in to Parent Access.

On Our Fields/Courts

Ramapo is experiencing a strong fall season with several key victories. The football team has continued their winning streak, defeating Montclair and Passaic County Tech. They currently hold the #6 ranking in powerpoints for North Jersey-Group 4.

The girls tennis team has also had a successful season, earning the #2 seed in the NJSIAA Group 3 State Tournament. After defeating Morris Hills in the first round, they will host Tenafly in the next round. The team recently celebrated their senior day.

The girls soccer team has also made significant strides, reaching the #5 ranking in New Jersey. They concluded their regular season with a victory over Ridgewood on their senior day.

As the fall sports season heats up, Indian Hills teams are making a name for themselves with impressive performances. The boys soccer team recently delivered a stunning upset over Ramsey, ending the Rams' undefeated division streak that spanned over two years.

The girls tennis team also showcased their skills at the BIT Tournament, securing a well-deserved third-place finish. While the girls soccer team has encountered some setbacks, they remain focused and determined as they prepare for the postseason.

On the individual front, our gymnastics team celebrated their first win of the season, a testament to their dedication and growth. The cross country team continues to dominate, recently claiming the top spot in their division at the League Championships.

The girls volleyball team is making steady strides, working hard to improve their game with each match. And the football team is back on track after a dominant 47-0 victory.

Update from the Office of Curriculum, Instruction & Articulation

Revised 2024-2025 RIH Assessment Schedule

Please be advised that the 2024-2025 RIH Assessment Schedule has been revised. The RIH district has temporarily paused our quarterly assessment practices for the 2024-2025 to gather valuable insights into best practices that support student success and achievement. This initiative aims to ensure that our approaches are aligned with the most effective strategies, enabling us to better meet the needs of our students and foster their growth. We believe that by dedicating this time to research and reflection, we can enhance our assessment practices and further elevate outcomes for all learners.

Click Here to View the Full Assessment Schedule

Mentoring for Success: Empowering Novice Teachers and Mentors

The District Mentor Workshop, held on October 1, provided a valuable opportunity for novice teachers and their mentors to delve into the District Mentoring Program and the Stronge+ Teacher Evaluation Program. Through engaging discussions and activities, participants explored key topics such as Student Growth Objectives, Stronge+ rubric language, effective communication strategies, and building meaningful relationships with District Supervisors and administrators. The workshop fostered a collaborative and interactive environment, with participants actively contributing their insights, questions, and ideas.

Counseling Corner

National Merit Commended Students

RIH is proud to announce that several of our students have been recognized as National Merit Commended Scholars. These exceptional students, Hunter Bialoglow, Jia Chen, Isabella Saldano, Ruhaab Shuja from Indian Hills High School, and Victoria Acunto, Hudson Beauchamp, Gregory Cannizzo, Stephen Cannizzo, Matthew Deamer, Jacob Hamilton, McKenna Houston, Warren Hsu, Michael Jung, Lawrence Neuburger, and Matthew Ostrovsky from Ramapo High School, were identified as high scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT and have achieved a "commended" status, placing them in the top 3-5% of scorers nationwide.

RIH College Panel: October 15th

Join us for the RIH College Panel on Tuesday, October 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the IHHS Auditorium. Hear from admissions counselors from a diverse range of colleges and learn about the college admissions process, decision-making factors, current trends, and general advice. This event is open to students of all grade levels, as well as parents and guardians. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the college admissions process!

Click Here to View the October Guidance Newsletter