April 5, 2020
Good Afternoon Ramsey and Saddle River Communities,
Twenty-two glorious years ago today, I somehow conned a Ramsey High School graduate to walk down the aisle with me. We planned to celebrate by taking a cruise through the Greek Islands, but unfortunately, COVID-19 came along … Instead, I made her a waffle. From scratch and with love! I can still close my eyes and vividly remember the moment we held hands to say our vows. Megan is my best friend and has allowed me to put my heart and soul in this job. It has been truly a blessing being home with her for three weeks now. We’ve caught up on all the happy memories we have built together and everything I’ve done wrong for the past 22 years. But there is a silver lining: When this over, we will be like newlyweds again … Right?
As Ramsey goes into its Spring Break, it is important for adults to listen to their kids’ feelings about what is happening, and to reassure them and remind them that we are all in this together. It is also important not to minimize their disappointment, but to hear and validate it. If you need help, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I want to thank you for your patience during this time of transition to online schooling. We do know that Schoology has been inconsistent at best. Understandably, they were not prepared for millions of students to use it as it has been over the past three weeks, and we have been assured that they are ramping it up. Aren’t we all doing that in some ways? Ramping up our determination, our motivation, and our innovation? My hope is that when we get back from Spring Break, we will see Schoology’s improvement.
I do hope you enjoy the week with your family. To help with the stay-cations, I am excited to announce several enrichment courses to be offered next week. They require registration in advance. For example tomorrow we are offering classes in Fitness and Movement, Computer Science, and ELA. Refer to the email sent out on April 5.
Wide Open School has plenty of other ideas, with easy access to Pre-K-5 programs like virtual field trips to zoos and national parks, and games that entertain while teaching about digital citizenship. For grades 6-12, the site serves up a collection of quick crafts for people who struggle to sit still, and fun how-to videos for creating a meme or a song. If your kids have had enough screen time, click this link to some non-technology ideas.
By now, many of us know someone who has been impacted by this dangerous virus. However, we continue to hear inspiring stories from this surreal time. Our Ramsey community has real-life heroes who put their lives in jeopardy for us. For us!!! We can draw from their courage as we work through our own emotions. As we enter into the holy time for many of us, I remind you to show compassion and empathy for each other and to look out for neighbors who might need assistance. You can play a supporting role by giving canned and dry foods, monetary donations and volunteer time. If you are interested, please see this complete list of how you can assist.
While “school” is out, I implore you not to allow your children to congregate. I know it is very difficult for children to understand, however, I am asking, begging you, please do not allow your children to gather. Social distancing is a matter of saving lives.
Don’t forget to send your pictures and/or positive words to ramseycares@ramsey.k12.nj.us.
I got a lot of smiles this week reflecting on my wedding day. If you have the time, send me a picture of your wedding, your names, and 2-3 sentences about your favorite memory from that day. I’ll compile those on a simple website and announce the address so we can all “share the love” during this time of social distancing.
Sincerely,
Matthew J. Murphy, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
Ramsey Public Schools
Twitter: @drmatthewmurphy
Facebook: @RamseyNJschools
Instagram: @RamseyNJschools
Cc: Staff
