March 15, 2020
Dear Ramsey and Saddle River Communities:
I hope you were able to get outside and find some time to relax on this beautiful weekend. We could all use those kinds of breaks from the more serious issues at hand.
I am in regular communication with the Mayor and other officials. Cooperation and communication will be paramount to help our community get through this together. We are taking our cues from the professionals and we are doing our part in the joint effort to limit gatherings in schools, sports, and other large events. This is a health crisis.
It is very normal to have a wide variety of emotions. To help people with this, I have arranged for a mental health counselor to be available for ALL residents of Ramsey from 10 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday at the new Board of Education Office (25 N. Franklin Turnpike). Please do not come if you are sick. Instead, please send me an email (mmurphy@ramsey.k12.nj.us) and we will coordinate a phone or video counseling session.
I cannot stress enough the importance of social distancing. Please refrain from play dates, group pick-up games, outings, etc. Do not congregate on school property, downtown, or at a mall. Our fields, playgrounds, tennis, and basketball courts are closed. Parents: Stay strong, step in and say no to the get-togethers. I get it, both my children are at home. I have already had both my nails and toenails done.
Getting together must not happen. The quicker we halt the spread of this virus, the sooner we can get back to normal. We want this crisis resolved before it impacts more terrific school events including productions, concerts, athletics, promotion ceremonies, graduation, and prom.
Tomorrow night, Mr. Matteo will send an email outlining the latest expectations as they relate to online schooling. I ask for your patience and understanding with this. Please refrain from comparing or criticizing our teachers, administrators, and staff on social media. Remember, the children are watching. I cannot say enough about how seriously our staff members are taking their responsibilities. These are unprecedented times and very fluid in nature, and they will rise to the challenge.
Parents will also rise to the challenge by staying strong mentally, emotionally and physically. If I can do anything for you, please contact me. I know this will be Ramsey’s finest hour.
Sincerely,
Matthew J. Murphy, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
Ramsey Public Schools
Twitter: @drmatthewmurphy
Facebook: @RamseyNJschools
Instagram: @ramseyschooldistrict
