District Update

Schools throughout the East Ramapo Central School District joined others across Rockland County to celebrate Rockland Read-In, a one-day literacy event encouraging students of all ages to “drop everything and read.” From pajama-clad elementary scholars enjoying guest readers and cozy reading time to engaging author visits and alumni speakers who visited the high schools, buildings districtwide were filled with meaningful activities that put the joy of reading front and center.

ERCSD teachers gathered in the Pomona Middle School library for a collaborative planning session focused on instructional alignment, led by Carnegie Learning representatives. The session centered on reviewing Unit 1 coursework and its rubric to ensure consistent expectations and promote equitable learning outcomes for our students.

East Ramapo schools welcomed Double Dutch Aerobics into physical education classes, introducing students to a high-energy activity rooted in Black American culture and urban history. At Kakiat S.T.E.A.M. Academy, scholars showcased teamwork and coordination as they mastered the rhythmic jump rope tradition, filling the gym with movement and laughter.

As part of an ongoing effort to improve transportation services, the district has introduced a new affidavit system for collecting nonpublic transportation applications. Nonpublic schools were given the option to participate.

Schools that choose to use the affidavit system will collect transportation applications directly from parents and submit a student roster to the district. A list of schools that have opted to use the affidavit system is available at ERCSD.org/Transportation.

If a school does not appear on the list, the school has opted out of the affidavit system. In these cases, parents are required to complete the standard transportation application or eForm, both of which are also available at ERCSD.org/Transportation.

ERCSD families who need assistance with other transportation-related issues should first contact their child’s principal. If the matter remains unresolved, they may then contact the Transportation Department at 845-577-6490.

The safety of our students and staff is always a top priority at ERCSD. Security personnel are stationed in every school, with school resource officers assigned to both high schools, and school officials are trained to respond quickly and appropriately in the event of an emergency.

With the support of Smart Schools Bond Act funding from the New York State Education Department, the district implemented a comprehensive security initiative this school year focused on technical enhancements including the installation of security cameras, card-swipe door access, lockdown buttons and police integration in every school building. To further strengthen our practices, the district also hired a consultant to conduct a districtwide audit of security policies and procedures, including all district- and building-level safety plans. Fieldwork for the audit is nearly complete, and once finalized, the consultant will prepare a detailed report with recommendations to enhance safety practices across the district.

We are also partnering with Putnam | Northern Westchester BOCES to provide updated training for building-level security personnel and principals on emergency and lockdown drills. Families and staff are encouraged to review New York state’s S.H.E.L.L. emergency response terms; more information is available on our Safety & Security page on the district website.

The East Ramapo Central School District has established protocols for deciding whether to close or delay school or cancel programs due to inclement weather or other emergencies. For information about notifications regarding emergency closings, visit the Emergency Closings page of the district website.

2025-26 DISTRICT CALENDAR

KAKIAT MIDDLE SCHOOL SPRING MUSICAL

Annie, Jr.

March 5 and 6 at 7:00 p.m.

RAMAPO HIGH SCHOOL SPRING MUSICAL

Mean Girls

March 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m.

March 15 at 3:00 p.m.

SPRING VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL SPRING MUSICAL

Annie

March 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m.

March 21 at 3:00 p.m.

FAMILY UNIVERSITY

Testing Season Prep: Supporting Students at Home

March 18, 6-7 p.m.

SUPERINTENDENT'S CONFERENCE DAY (No School for Students)

March 20

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS

The next meeting of the East Ramapo Central School District Board of Education will take place on March 10 at 7:30 p.m. View the schedule for all upcoming meetings on the ERCSD website.

The East Ramapo Central School District Website ERCSD.org is the place to go for all school related information, including how to access your student's report cards, check on the school bell schedule, learn about new policies and more. There you can also access the district’s online Staff Directory which provides staff contact information and can be easily be searched by individual name, department or school.