RIH Highlights & Happenings - October 30, 2026

October 30, 2026

A Message from the Superintendent

Dear Ramapo Indian Hills Families,

Happy Halloween! There is so much energy, pride, and achievement across our district to celebrate.

First, congratulations to Ramapo High School student-athlete Lorenzo Guarino and Indian Hills High School student-athlete Brendan Godfrey on being nominated for the 2026 Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year Award. We are incredibly proud to have these two exemplary young men representing our district!

To support student wellness, the district hosted licensed psychologist Dr. Jarrod Spencer to present on how sleep directly impacts mental health and performance. Additionally, during School Violence Awareness Week, students, staff, and local law enforcement joined together to foster safe, connected, and supportive environments across all schools.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in making our district such a wonderful place for our students to learn and grow. Wishing you all a safe and happy Halloween weekend!

With gratitude,

Shauna DeMarco

Superintendent, Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District

Fall FLOW Leadership Roundtable

The district hosted its annual fall FLOW Leadership Roundtable for the FLOW Mayors, Council Members, Borough Administrators and Police Chiefs on October 29th. District administrators, principals, and department leaders shared current news with our local leaders to keep them aprised of the many highlights and goings on in the district.

Attendees met at the board of education offices to receive updates on a variety of topics. We thank all attendees for coming to learn more about the work that goes on in our high schools and the ways we support our students.

More pictures here

Ramapo's Young Man of the Year

Congratulations to Ramapo High School varsity football student-athlete Lorenzo Guarino, who has been named Ramapo’s nominee for the prestigious 2026 Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year Award! Recognized during a recent Friday night home game, Lorenzo embodies the exceptional character, leadership, scholarship, and community service that this conference-wide honor celebrates. We are incredibly proud to have him represent the Raiders on and off the field.

Read the full article here to learn more about Lorenzo's outstanding achievement and the legacy behind this award.

Indian Hills' Young Man of the Year

Congratulations to Indian Hills High School varsity football student-athlete Brendan Godfrey, who has been nominated for the prestigious 2026 Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year Award! Recognized during a recent Friday night home game, Brendan embodies the exceptional character, leadership, scholarship, and community service that this conference-wide honor celebrates. We are incredibly proud to have him represent the Braves on and off the field.

Read the full article here to learn more about Brendan's outstanding achievement and the legacy behind this award.

Prioritizing Wellness

Ramapo and Indian Hills High Schools welcomed Dr. Jarrod Spencer for a series of engaging student presentations centered on well-being and personal performance.

A licensed psychologist, nationally recognized speaker, author, and expert in health and sports psychology, Dr. Spencer delivered his highly requested program, “Sleep: The #1 Factor in Mental Health & Performance,” to our students.

Click to learn more about the district-wide assembly, learn how cell phone use affects sleep, and see more photos at the district website

Upcoming Wellness Initiatives

Our district has partnered with Thrive Alliance Group to promote mental health in our schools. Our shared goal is to provide families and staff with resources to create a climate and culture of well-being. Several sessions are scheduled throughout the school year, the first is set for November 12.

flyer for the Thrive Online Series 1 of 3

Spotlight on Stopping School Violence

During School Violence Awareness Week (SVAW) our district provided students, staff, and law enforcement an opportunity to discuss methods and best practices for keeping schools safe.

Visit our website to see more photos taken during the activities that students across the district participated in and read more about the district-wide SVAW

Promoting Drug Prevention

This week, students and staff across the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District recognized Red Ribbon Week, a national awareness campaign promoting drug prevention and healthy, drug-free lifestyle choices. Throughout the district, Student Assistance Counselors and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) student leaders organized engaging activities at both Ramapo and Indian Hills High Schools. Highlights included students taking pledges to live drug-free, cafeteria information tables with themed giveaways and educational facts, and interactive demonstrations—such as using impairment goggles at Indian Hills and welcoming peers with a morning "clap-in" and facts about substance use prevention at Ramapo. Thank you to our counselors, SADD advisors, APTS, and student leaders for their efforts in sparking meaningful conversations about wellness and positive choices across our school community!

Red Ribbon Week at Ramapo

Red Ribbon Week at Indian Hills

Partnering for Success

Thank you to all the families who joined us for Partnering for Success, an informative and successful evening with Dr. Frank Mauriello, Director of Special Education for RIH. We highlighted the district’s special education programming and the initiatives planned for the 2026–2027 school year.

For those who were unable to join us, the slide deck and recording of the presentation are now available. Click here to view the slide deck. If you would like to discuss the presentation further, please contact Dr. Mauriello to schedule a mutually convenient time to speak.

Click to view the recorded presentation