Superintendent End of Year / Farewell Message

 

Dear Ramapo Indian Hills Community,

As a highly unusual school year draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for all you have done to keep us moving in a positive direction. Our teachers and staff have kept our students supported and connected to school while collegially encouraging and supporting one another.  Parents optimistically reassured their children, most often while trying to work from home  themselves. Students leaned in to this difficult situation, making the best of remote learning with little or no socializing with friends and the loss of clubs, activities and athletics.  Our children will hopefully be more resilient, patient, and tolerant having experienced this difficult time in our society. As a result of us pulling together through this storm, we are making great progress and I believe we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  The past few weekends have actually begun feeling a bit “normal” as visiting with some family and friends has resumed. 

While it is an extraordinary way to bring our school year to a close, it is also very atypical to end a career in this way. I am disappointed that I am not able to thank each and every one of our administrators, teachers, and staff in person for the wonderful job done each day in our District. These folks are the backbone of an outstanding school district with a tremendously bright future ahead. Our parents are committed and involved, supporting their children and believing in our schools. The students are remarkable teenagers making a difference every day and striving for the bright future they see ahead, all while committed to making their world a better place. It is my hope that they continue to keep kindness and caring close to their heart, giving back, and showing appreciation and respect for all human beings. 

At the end of July, my time in the District will draw to a close after having spent seventeen  years in the Ramapo Indian Hills family and nine in Wyckoff. I have often been asked about living and working in the same community and quite honestly, I could not imagine any better life than being able to go to work each day to hopefully make a small difference in my own community. It has been the greatest honor and privilege to live and work side by side with all of you.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity to serve this wonderful community. As the time draws near for my departure, I can promise you I will work with the incoming Superintendent, Mr. Bruce Watson and the Board of Education to ensure a smooth transition. 

I will always cherish the time I have spent in education and look back on my career with humble pride and wonderful memories. As our school year closes and I say good bye,  I will leave you with the words of the Irish Blessing,” May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

I wish you a wonderful summer filled with joy and good health.

Take care of yourselves and one another.

With gratitude and best wishes for a bright future,

Beverly MacKay

Superintendent of Schools