Dear Ramsey and Saddle Riviuier Communities:
Congratulations to Valedictorian Erica Gjini and Salutatorian Caroline Schwanewede. The entire Ramsey community applauds your hard work and dedication. Let’s just say, no one in the Murphy household was holding their breath to see if I would be recognized as either. It was more like, “Do you think he will graduate? He better graduate … He can’t do senior year again!”
As we enter the time when seniors announce their post-graduation plans, we are excited that we have students going to Ivy League schools such as Harvard, as well as those planning to enter the military or the workforce. Many will go to small or large, public or private colleges. However, now more than ever, our Profile of a Ramsey Graduate is at the forefront of what our future citizens need to be successful in this ever-changing world – a strong foundation in content, the 4Cs (critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity), interpersonal skills and habits of mind are needed more than ever to solve the problems that did not exist a mere six months ago!
Remember that where (or if you) go to school, is not who you will be – the experiences you have in Ramsey will set you up for success no matter what path you take! Here is an interesting article to read.
Last Monday 70+ cars, including vehicles from Ramsey Fire, Ambulance, and Rescue services, thanked the healthcare workers at Valley Hospital. It was capped off by a powerful duet from RHS graduates Jeffrey Castellano and Katherine Thumm. On Tuesday night, I launched “Let’s Talk Mental Health” with Michael Tozzoli, an hour-long YouTube webcast dedicated to helping our community cope with COVID-19. Look for a new episode shortly! This being Mental Health Month, I was honored to participate in the 3rd Annual Mental Health Symposium for Bergen County Educators. If you would like a Ramsey Stigma-Free window sign or T-shirt, please click here!
As we enter the third week of May, our staff will work on getting your child’s belongings from the school – your principal will be in touch. Construction projects are continuing to improve and expand our schools, most notably to build the space necessary to offer All-Day, Everyday Kindergarten. We are on track to begin that important enhancement this fall, although we don’t expect all of the expansion work to be complete.
We are also working on end-of-year activities. Unfortunately, the mixed messages and lack of clarity from state-level leadership have presented a clear disadvantage. We are working on several different plans, and we will be able to communicate with you if and when we get clear, consistent guidelines. We feel strongly that we must celebrate and acknowledge the end of the year as best we can. Stay tuned, and thank you for your continued patience.
Please don’t forget….
- Ramsey Strong and Ramsey Responds continue to need your help. They are among the many ways to help during the COVID-19 crisis.
- If you would like your child to get a birthday shout-out, please send me the name, picture, and date with a few day’s notice!
- I am still collecting food and PPE equipment at the Board Office: 25 North Franklin Turnpike, between 10am and 2pm Monday through Friday.
- Don’t forget to send your pictures of support for the healthcare workers and First Responders
Have a wonderful week, although remember that physical distancing is still in place! Please respect the rules. Safety still remains our number one priority!
