March 23, 2020
Dear Ramsey and Saddle River Communities,
As we embark on our second week of this new adventure, I can’t help but wonder if there was a course on how to lead a school district through a pandemic. I might have missed it! Over these past 10 days, I have had wide-ranging emotions as both a parent and Superintendent. Is my daughter going to get back home from overseas? (She did.) Are my elderly parents going to be OK? (So far so good.) Will this distance learning thing really work? (It is.) What about the elderly in Ramsey? Our group homes for people who do not live independently? People who are losing their jobs? People who are sick? Yet every time I hit a low point, another great example of what makes Ramsey, well Ramsey, comes shining through. I asked for food donations, and they arrived the very next day. Personal protective equipment for Valley Hospital? Presto, within hours I was getting masks, gloves, etc.
It is this type of coming together, the empathy and compassion, that reminds me that we will get through this together.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to give us feedback, because that is the key to improvement. We’ll continue to review the data to make necessary adjustments. As we are at home longer and longer, I implore you: Do not use social media to criticize our teachers, administrators, and staff. I couldn’t ask more of them and I am so proud to be an educator. Use social media to promote all the good that is going on and to minimize the mandates for social distancing.
Remember this:
- Check on our elderly neighbors and parents.
- If you know of anyone who needs to talk to a mental health counselor, have them contact me (mmurphy@ramsey.k12.nj.us) or (929) 430-7450.
- If your child would like a birthday day shout out – just send me the particulars!
- Shop local! For years, Ramsey businesses have supported our schools. Now it is time to support them. Buy a gift card, order food, etc.
- I will continue to accept food donations and personnel protective equipment at the Board Office (25 N. Franklin Turnpike) Monday-Friday from 10 am-2 pm.
I wish I could tell you how long we are going to be out, but at this point, the decision is up to the Governor. This I know: Working together will help us recover more quickly and return stronger than ever.
Keep in touch, keep positive. I have no doubt that this will be our finest hour.
Sincerely,
Matthew J. Murphy, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
Ramsey Public Schools
Twitter: @drmatthewmurphy
Facebook: @RamseyNJschools
Instagram: @ramseyschooldistrict
