RAMAPO INDIAN HILLS 

REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 

Maximizing opportunities to meet the needs of all students for a meaningful life

I have been inspired by the conversations taking place within our learning community. This past week provided me with opportunities to engage with members of our leadership team to discuss the points of pride in our schools while directing our focus toward areas we will continue to evolve. Our exchange of thoughts emphasized a talented and dedicated faculty who support our highly motivated and intellectually curious students.

Ramapo Indian Hills is shaped by a supportive parent community that values engaging educational experiences, strong community relations, and a compelling effort on communication. Classroom learning experiences are described as innovative and thought-provoking. Our students are recognized for their dedication and effort, depth of kindness toward each other, willingness to take on new challenges, and ability to collaborate to achieve their goals. In difficult times, the community comes together to support one another and our students. In times of pride, the exuberance is palpable.

There is much to be proud of in RIH. We can accomplish a great deal when we work together constructively toward a common goal. I look forward to engaging our broader learning community in continued dialogue so we may enhance the experiences for our staff and elevate, prepare, and propel our students for life beyond high school.

All my best,

Dr. Rui Dionisio

Superintendent of Schools

The District’s After School Academic Assistance Program has been successfully underway for over a month and provides struggling students with an additional opportunity for extra help in Math (Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2), English (Grades 9 and 10), and Science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). The feedback from the faculty who are offering extra help sessions has been positive, citing that students have been very receptive to the extra help, students are able to have their individual questions answered, and this personalized review makes for an efficient session to improve student learning. The current After School Assistance Program schedule and additional information can be found on the District’s website.  

The District hosted the University Program Open House for current 8th-grade students from the FLOW communities this past Tuesday night. The UP Open House provided an overview of the Engineering and Design University Program, the International Studies and Business University Program, and the Science, Medicine, and Research University Program. Current 8th-grade students and their parents/guardians heard from our students, teachers, and supervisors in what proved to be an informative and engaging Open House for all who attended! Additional information about the District’s University Programs, including the UP Open House general presentation slide deck and application information can be found on the District’s website.  

This year, we will be visiting the Roberto Clemente Elementary School in Paterson, NJ to bring some of the season's joy to the students, and we are asking for your help. We hope our Ramapo students and families will consider donating a $20 Target gift card in an envelope with their name on it and drop it into Señora Rodriguez’s mailbox in the Ramapo High School main office. 



Our goal is to collect 282 gift cards for each one of the Roberto Clemente students. Unfortunately, we are struggling to achieve this goal in a timely manner. We need to complete this collection by the second week of December since we are planning to visit the Roberto Clemente Elementary School on Thursday, December 16th. 

Even though the Holiday Festival won’t be a traditional celebration this year, we can still make this Holiday season a special one and make a difference in the lives of these children. Thank you so much in advance for your generosity!

Sincerely, 

Señora Rodriguez, HF Advisor & The HF Committee​​​​​​​

Take advantage of the wonderful opportunities and insights provided by our school counselors in the Guidance Departments to support all of our students on their journey. Please read the current news in our Guidance and SAC Newsletters below and reach out to your counselor or supervisor with any questions.

We were so pleased to welcome all students back into the building this year! Although we are still working on getting back to what was considered “normal,” students at all grade levels have demonstrated their resilience and are seeing success in academics, athletics, and co-curricular activities. We are looking forward to our students’ continued growth and accomplishment. Happy Holidays! Please take a moment to read our SAC Newsletter. We hope everyone enjoyed their much needed time off. Be present with the ones you love and use this time to take care of yourself. 

Andrea Saladino & Jasmen Mantashian 

Student Assistance Counselors (SAC)

Remembering Mrs. Paula Rubenacker

Mrs. Paula Rubenacker, beloved faculty member of the Wyckoff Schools, passed away this week at the age of 45. The family will receive visitors on Monday, December 6, 2021, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Vander May Colonial Funeral Home in Wayne. The obituary can be viewed here. 

Mrs. Rubenacker faithfully served the students and families of Wyckoff for the past eleven years as elementary school counselor and social worker at Washington School, and then at Lincoln School beginning this past September. Mrs. Rubenacker was a caring and sensitive professional who consistently supported her students and their families with expertise and warmth. Parents, students, and staff regularly sought her listening ear and sound advice, and she was willing to provide help and calm reassurance wherever needed. Mrs. Rubenacker's confident spirit and giving nature have left a legacy that will long be remembered in the Wyckoff School District as we work to carry her important work with children forward with honor and intention. 

We are prepared to support any WSD students, staff, or families who may be grieving at this difficult time. Please reach out to your child's school counselor with any concerns or for needed support. The loved ones, colleagues, and students of Mrs. Rubenacker are in our thoughts and prayers.

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