District Update

Hello East Ramapo Community,

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering dedication of our teachers, staff, school administrators, and school community. I am so proud of what we have accomplished together, what we have overcome, and what we have to look forward to.

The District has been a veritable hive of activity over the past several weeks. This newsletter will provide a glimpse into the exciting happenings in all 14 of our schools, including the Pomona Middle School Library Grand Opening, the Family Welcome Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, the two high school Final Five celebrations, and a successful Right To Read movie screening.

Mark your calendars for November 28, 2023, when we will be holding an in-person Town Hall Meeting from 6pm to 7:15pm at Chestnut Ridge Middle School. We cordially invite the East Ramapo community to attend. You can find more information, submit a question or register for a seat at ercsd.org/townhall1123

I would like to wish all of you and your families a happy, healthy, and relaxing Thanksgiving. May the chairs around your table be filled with those you love.

Sincerely,

Dr. Clarence G. Ellis

Superintendent of Schools

On Monday, November 20, 2023, East Ramapo marked the official opening of its brand new Family Welcome Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception. Operated by ERCSD’s Family Resource Coordinators, the Family Welcome Center is a place where families can go to find support, seek information, participate in programs, access services and get to know other parents and children. Families in the East Ramapo Central School District can access FREE information and referral services regarding childcare, employment, tutoring, donations, counseling, health insurance, workshops, education/ESL, food pantries, childcare subsidies, camps, EPIC and more.

Click HERE to read more.

On Thursday, November 16, 2023, students, teachers, and administrators were welcomed into the freshly furnished and fully transformed Pomona Middle School library! New ADA-compliant furniture, shelving, cafe tables and a mesmerizing digital fireplace all came together to create a calming environment, designed to be a destination and oasis for Pomona’s students.
Click HERE to read more.

East Ramapo Central School District hosted an insightful community event on October 26, 2023 with a special movie screening of “The Right To Read” at Spring Valley High School. After enjoying refreshments in the gymnasium and engaging with the various community partners who supported the event, the crowd went into the auditorium to view the film which was presented by East Ramapo Central School District in collaboration with the Northeast Region of the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE). Click HERE to read more.

East Ramapo Central School District will be holding an in-person Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, from 6pm to 7:15pm at Chestnut Ridge Middle School. "Community Conversation with Clarence" is a chance for the public to connect with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Clarence Ellis.
Click HERE to submit a question and/or register for this event.

The American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief Fund (ARP-ESSER) has provided over $149,000,000 to East Ramapo Central School District, and much of this is funding capital projects. These upgrades are improving instructional and non-instructional spaces, such as flooring and ADA renovation, electrical systems, windows doors and ventilation. Click HERE to access the regular updates provided by the District.

Ramapo and Spring Valley High Schools hosted their Final Five commitment ceremony for the Class of 2024 over the past month. This joint promise between students, parents and mentors/teachers focuses on completing the final steps for graduation and post-secondary planning. Click HERE to see the Ramapo High School video. Click HERE to see Spring Valley video.

The final five steps are a commitment to:
1. Passing all regents exams and courses
2. Having an acceptable GPA, attendance and behavior record
3. Completing 60 hours of community service
4. Applying to at least one college
5. Taking the ACT or SAT

Want to stay informed? We invite you to follow our social media channels to see the powerful instruction taking place in our schools day in and day out. Stay up to date! Stay informed! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @EastRamapoCSD

As a unified community, the East Ramapo Central School District is committed to educating the whole child by providing a healthy, safe, supportive, engaging and challenging learning environment.

Website: www.ercsd.org
Location: 105 South Madison Avenue, Spring Valley, NY 10977
Phone: 845-577-6000