RAMAPO INDIAN HILLS 

REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 

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

Superintendent's Corner Column

“A goal is a dream with a deadline.” Ken Blanchard

December 11, 2022

We are committed to establishing a five-year strategic plan for the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District that will detail a vision, goals, and objectives that will define the District’s intended direction. The plan will prioritize efforts, allocate resources, align the community and District, and ensure organizational goals are backed by data and sound reasoning. Strategic direction will be developed from stakeholder feedback that will be used to guide, monitor, and evaluate school improvement. We continue to scale discussions to a broad audience with the use of Thought Exchange. Our strategic plan steering committee has been spearheading focus group discussions with our students and staff. This past week our team engaged in focus group discussions with interested parents and community members. We look forward to continue to identify our priorities and establish the direction for our schools.

Ramapo High School wrapped up the fall play "Girls in the Boat" last week and Indian Hills performed “No One is Alone.” Congratulations to all of our students, staff, and parents that helped make both weekends such a huge success.

I recently had the opportunity to join Mrs. Sibilia’s history class for a presentation by Mr. Delbuono on the 1918 Sayreville Shell Loading Plant explosion. Students were able to learn about important NJ history with time for class discussions on a significant event that happened in New Jersey over a hundred years ago.

The Board of Education recently approved the Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP) at the November 28th BOE meeting. DCO Energy provided public presentations in October and November at public Board meetings providing an update on the progress the district has made in planning efforts over the past year. The ESIP program will enable our district to implement LED lighting, solar installation, energy management system, lighting controls, and building envelope improvements with no additional increase to our taxpayers through this program that is sponsored by the State of New Jersey’s Board of Public Utilities Clean Energy program. 

There are so many wonderful activities and learning experiences to be proud of at Indian Hills High School and Ramapo High School. We hope you enjoy a glimpse below into what is taking place in our schools. Thank you to our faculty and staff for their dedication, to our students for their commitment, and to our parent community for your support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Rui Dionisio

Superintendent of Schools

Ramapo Girls Basketball

On December 7th, the Ramapo Girls Basketball team took a trip to NJIT to watch former player Madison Schiller compete for Colgate. It was an awesome experience for the program!

On December 4th, the Girls Basketball team gave a helping hand during the holiday season, supporting the Lions Club sell Christmas Trees.

RHS Guidance Happenings

The Fundamentals of Wellness & Mindfulness class hosted Kailey Napolitano, the Wyckoff Shoprite Dietician, for a discussion on nutrition and healthy decision-making when transitioning to independent food choices (especially with the transition to college!). Ms Napolitano brought each student small mason jars and ingredients for the class to make Overnight Oats as a great breakfast option.

Wellness Wednesday opportunities to unplug and unwind was held on Wednesday, December 7th. Holiday and Winter theme crafts. Career Speaker in the field of Accounting will be hosted this coming Wednesday, December 14th during Period 2. This presentation is open to all students and sign ups can be completed in the Guidance Office. 

Ongoing Community Service Initiatives are being supported by Guidance including, the Pajama Drive (Victoria Mirkovic, Sophomore), Feminine Hygiene Drive (Arya Kaul, Senior, Gold Award Project) and ongoing support for the Wyckoff Economy Shop (Mrs. Perry volunteered the past two weekends). 

Pasta Making Interdisciplinary Lesson

The students in Mrs. Lazzara’s Italian 4H class joined together with the students in Mrs. Kusma’s Baking and Cooking Throughout the World class to participate in an interdisciplinary learning experience.  The students prepared fresh pasta; specifically ravioli, spaghetti, and tagliatelle.  The students spent the afternoon working collaboratively to execute the recipes, work with various ingredients and kitchen equipment, learn new vocabulary terms, learn about the culture of Italian cuisine, and enjoy a meal prepared together. 

Virtual Robotic Surgery

Students in grades 10 and 12 in the UPSMR Program attended virtual robotic surgery with Liberty Science Center and Hackensack Meridian Health. Students were able to interact directly with the surgical team during the robotic surgery asking questions and viewing the surgery in real time. This year’s surgical visit featured a urologist using robotic surgery to repair a blocked ureter. Students will also be able to follow up with this week’s recorded Skype A Scientist session that features robotics in the biotech fields and applications in medicine.

Horticulture Wreath Sale

Indian Hills Horticulture students have been busy decking the halls and applying their knowledge of floral design principles, seasonal sales, and marketing with the annual wreath sale.  Students created natural wreaths with fresh cut greens, beautiful Chanukah, Christmas, and Winter themed wreaths, and of course a patriotic red, white, and blue wreath for the Home of the Braves.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

On Thursday, December 1st, Mrs. Frissora's and Mrs. Peller's senior English - Myth and Culture classes visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC to explore representations of myth and lore across time and cultures through art and artifacts. They even made a quick stop for a photo op in front of the tree at Rockefeller Center.

School Calendar

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.

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