Dear Ramsey and Saddle River Communities,
We were surrounded by unfavorable choices as the path of 2020-21 was paved with rocks through hard places. But I am sure that history will reflect well on the decisions made in Ramsey School District — not only during the pandemic but before it. The past 15 months showed us how important it is to have foundational elements of the Ramsey vision embedded in our school district. Several years ago, we had no idea how soon and how strongly that vision would be tested. The pandemic tested it in 2020 and 2021, and it is clear that past vision put Ramsey on a solid future path.
Our strong belief in foundational knowledge, “the 4Cs” (critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication), as well as personal attributes such as self-direction, responsibility, and academic mindset, were tested time after time. Who knew that our investment into 1:1 technologies, a common learning platform, and social-emotional learning would have such an immediate and intense payoff? When put to the pandemic’s test, we passed with undeniable proof that the students and staff of Ramsey School District — and our supportive parents and community — cannot be stopped. Yes, we slowed at times. And yes, we pivoted when necessary. But: We refused to cancel our vision that included continual progress, and we have so much to be proud of.
- In-person learning from Day One of this uber-challenging year
- Student achievement in the classroom, on the field, and the big stages like no other.
- Continued focus on teaching for understanding, sharpened to prioritize the most important elements of our curricula
- Imaginative planning so students could still enjoy milestone activities such as athletics, concerts, and graduation
Our vision was never just to make it through the year. In Ramsey, we kept pushing toward the goals we had set before the world turned upside down. Those included, but by no means were limited to:
- Continued progress in the areas of equity, inclusion, and diversity to include all students in the benefits of a Ramsey education. Now more than ever, a greater number of students have access to better curriculum, teaching, and programs than ever before.
- Developed 8 new courses to culminate in a Defense of Learning for our high school seniors; this impressive capstone is much more common at the college level.
- Increased the number of students who take at least one AP course.
- Increased the number of students who take AP Computer Science.
- Increased implementation of Social-Emotional Learning – RULER.
We will keep that pledge in 2021-22, no matter what the world tosses at us.
Congratulations to our graduating class and every Ramsey student — all of whom showed such resilience and determination through the past 15 months. Congratulations to our school staff and the Ramsey community, who did so much more than “make it through.” You are the reason I am looking forward to 2021-22.
Sincerely,
Matthew J. Murphy, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
Ramsey Public Schools
