RAMAPO INDIAN HILLS 

REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 

Maximizing opportunities to meet the needs of all students for a meaningful life

"It's only when you grow up and step back from him —

or leave him for your own home — it's only then that you can measure his greatness and fully appreciate it." Margaret Truman

June 19, 2022

Dear Ramapo Indian Hills Community,

In school, it is often the case that we wind up before we begin to wind things down. This year has been no exception and our schools have been bustling with incredible energy and activity.  I have enjoyed meeting with our amazing students and hearing their perspectives on how we can continue to improve Ramapo Indian Hills. Congratulations to our graduating seniors from our Student Council and a special welcome to our new student representatives who will carry the torch next year.

This week's Morning Brew highlights some of that important work and celebrates what is so special about our school district. We recognize our amazing educator Staff Member of the Year recipients, showcase the State of Our Schools, provide an update on the Strategic Planning process, ask for insight via Thought Exchange, and highlight our engaging Summer Learning Academies opportunities for students, just to name a few. As your Superintendent of Schools, I can proudly share that Ramapo Indian Hills is on the right track and we are excited for what the future will bring to support our students and staff. We hope you enjoy the read.

Today is also a day to appreciate all of the amazing dads out there. Happy Father's Day to you and your beautiful families. 

All my best,

Dr. Rui Dionisio

Superintendent of Schools

This year, we invited the Ramapo Indian Hills community, students, and staff to nominate a non-teaching staff member who has had a positive impact on our school community, who has helped you personally, or who has gone above and beyond!

Our wonderful non-teaching staff is composed of case managers, social workers, psychologists, therapists, nurses, technology specialists, custodians, grounds and maintenance staff, administrative assistants, and security guards.

This year’s recipients are professionals recognized for consistently showing support and compassion for our students, parents, and fellow staff members.   

After receiving feedback from our community, we are proud to announce the recipients of the Non-Teaching Staff Member of the Year Award. They have a positive impact on our school community and have gone above and beyond.  The  Non-Teaching Staff Recognition Award recipients are:

Kristen Peterson

Administrative Assistant, Ramapo

Joel Reid

Technology Department, Ramapo

Lisa Wasserman

School Nurse, Indian Hills

Dr. Dionisio recently presented The State of Our Schools at the June 13, 2022 Board of Education meeting. Please click here to access the slide presentation.

Strategic Planning

The District kicked off our first Strategic Plan meeting on Friday, May 27th which was a huge success. The Steering Committee members engaged in discussions about what information will help us build a broad understanding of the current strengths of RIH, as well as inform our decisions and inspire solutions with an agenda that guided this important work. Our progress will be guided by engaging in feedback sessions through focus groups and the use of Thought Exchange as our committee identifies needs. The RIH District website includes a tab on the mega menu bar with information related to the strategic planning process for members of our community who wish to stay connected to our progress. A special thank you to the talented and passionate Steering Committee members for their efforts and dedication to the strategic planning process.

Strategic Plan Steering Committee Members

Parent Community

Mr. Eglinton Manner

Mrs. Poppe

Administrators & Supervisors

Dr. Dionisio

Mr. Smith

Dr. Vacca

Ms. Ng

Mr. Guido

Mr. Mancino

Mr. Kaplan

Mrs. Leggour

Faculty & Staff

Mr. Mungiello

Mr. Russo

Mrs. Frissora

Mr. Joe Verdon

Mr. Walty

Mrs. Fezza

Mr. Weydig

Mr. Aramburu

Mr. Michels

Mrs. Clancy

Mrs. Berens

This past week, our students at Ramapo and Indian Hills were asked the following question in Thought Exchange:

When considering which high school to attend,

what factors were most important to you that guided your decision?

Parents, now it's your turn. Please click here to share your perspective in this Thought Exchange.

Ramapo Indian Hills Summer Assignments 2022

The Ramapo Indian Hills summer assignments have been posted to the District’s website under Academics > Academics > Summer Assignments 2022. Please check the listing of courses for assignments due at the start of the 2022-2023 school year.  

RIH Summer Learning Academy 2022

The Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District is excited to offer weeklong sessions across several content areas through the 2022 Summer Learning Academy. These sessions are aimed to provide students with hands-on in-person learning experiences, skill review and reinforcement, and performance-based opportunities that address learning needs due to the disruptions caused by COVID. Each session is held over 4 days in the assigned week, with some sessions being offered multiple times over the five weeks of the Summer Learning Academy Program. All sessions are taught by the District's highly qualified staff and open to Ramapo Indian Hills students, only, free of charge. Sessions are also open for registered incoming freshmen. Please click here for more information and how to register.  

Superintendent's Corner Column 

Welcome Dr. Frank Mauriello

New RIH District Director of Special Education

June 14, 2022



I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Frank Mauriello as the new District Director of Special Education for the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District. 

Dr. Mauriello is excited to work with an outstanding team of educators, students, and parents. In his new role, Dr. Mauriello will continue to focus on a student-centered philosophy with a collaborative and caring approach. In order to achieve District goals, he supports open communication and the development of strong relationships with colleagues, students, and parents. Dr. Mauriello has served as the Director of Special Services for the Verona Public Schools for the past seven years where he prioritizes the needs of students in every decision. Dr. Mauriello will focus on building relationships based on openness, trust, and support as he supports the District's initiatives. Read more here.

Board Policy Update

The Board of Education regularly reviews policies and regulations via the Board Policy Committee. Policies and regulations are guided by legislation and state statutes in accordance with the law. The Superintendent of Schools and Board of Education receive guidance from our policy company and legal counsel before making recommendations and hearing feedback from our community. It is important to note that the recommended policies are drafted and guided by the law through federal regulations, U.S. Code, and state statutes. 

The Board recently approved first reading policies regarding the administration of surveys. The consideration for the administration of surveys as it relates to policy provides parents' choice, informed consent/permission from parents, and follows a newly established approval process via the chain of command with oversight by the Superintendent of Schools. The draft policies are inclusive of the exemptions under federal regulations, U.S. Code, and state statutes to protect students and provide parents with choice with parent permission. 

As our new Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Dionisio developed an administrative approval process this year with our supervisors/administration in accordance with Board policy prior to the administration of surveys.  Any request by a staff member to administer a survey must accompany a rationale in accordance with Board policy with a review and approval via the newly re-established chain of command (supervisor -> assistant principal -> principal -> director -> superintendent). The new Board policies include,  "In addition to the provisions of 20 USC §1232h, 34 CFR §98, and this Policy, the Superintendent or designee shall ensure compliance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:36-34 and Policy 9560 – Administration of School Surveys before students are required to participate in any academic or nonacademic survey, assessment, analysis, or evaluation."

School Calendar

The 2022 - 2023 School Calendar has been Board approved and is posted on the District website. The School Calendar may be accessed below or by clicking here.

Welcome to the

Ramapo High School APTS

Association of Parents, Teachers & Students

Welcome to the 

Indian Hills High School PTSO

Parent, Teacher, Student Organization

The Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education implemented a new video streaming platform on our District webpage. RIH Board of Education meetings may be viewed directly on our District website by clicking here or at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/RIHBOELivestream

Archived Board of Education videos may be accessed at the following link. Additional information is available on the District webpage under the Board of Ed tab at the top of the page.

STAY CONNECTED

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER