District Update

November 2, 2026

LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Photo of female Superintendent Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez

Dear East Ramapo Central School District Community,

Welcome to November, a season of cooler days and an opportunity to reflect on the many things we have to be grateful for.

As we expand learning opportunities across our district, I am especially grateful for the educators and staff who make these programs possible. After-school programs at our elementary schools begin November 2, and the Senior Graduation Acceleration Academy, which launched October 24, is providing additional support for high school students working toward graduation. Their commitment to meeting our students’ needs helps create more pathways for learning and achievement.

We have also begun planning for the district’s 2027-28 budget, and I am grateful for the thoughtful work of our district leaders as we begin this important process. Our initial steps include establishing key dates, identifying priorities and engaging in conversations about the needs of our schools and students. I believe budget development should never happen in isolation. Our community deserves opportunities to understand the resources available to the district, how funding is allocated and the decisions that shape our priorities.

That is why we plan to begin hosting community budget forums in December and January. These forums will give families and community members opportunities to learn about the budget process, ask questions and share their perspectives. I am grateful for the voices and experiences our community brings to these conversations, and I look forward to working together to develop a budget that reflects our shared priorities and supports our students.

As we enter this season of gratitude, I want to thank our dedicated staff, families and community members for their continued partnership and belief in the possibilities for our district. Your commitment helps move our schools forward, and I look forward to the work we will continue to do together on behalf of every student.

Warmly,

Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez

SCHOOL SNAPSHOTS

Principal Jones looking at a document with a male student.

Senior Graduation Acceleration Academy

East Ramapo celebrated the opening of the Senior Graduation Acceleration Academy on October 24. The 12 week program, designed to support Spring Valley and Ramapo high school students who need additional credits to stay on track for graduation has more than 250 students registered.

Mira en español

BEHIND THE SCENES

New Hires

The East Ramapo Central School District welcomes Dr. Alberto Vázquez Matos, who joined the district as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning on September 25.

The East Ramapo Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Lynmara Colón, who began her role as Associate Superintendent for School Leadership, Strategy and Academic Performance on October 5.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Nationals Principals Month

Throughout October, ERCSD celebrated the principals who lead our schools as part of National Principals Month. Research from the Wallace Foundation identifies school leadership as one of the most important factors influencing student learning, second only to classroom instruction. Through a series of videos, we recognized the dedicated leaders who help create the conditions for meaningful learning and reaffirmed the district’s commitment to providing every student with high-quality instruction.

ERCSD ATHLETICS

Ramapo High School Boys Varsity Soccer

Ramapo boys varsity soccer advanced to the Section One quarterfinals for the first time in many years. Facing Scarsdale in the second round, the team fell just short, losing 2-1. The players fought until the final whistle, closing out their season with a strong showing and plenty to be proud of!

East Rampo Titans Varsity Football

The East Ramapo Titans varsity football team closed out its season with a hard-fought 21-16 victory over Mount Vernon. The Titans showed persistence and determination throughout all four quarters, ending the season on a high note. Congratulations to the team on a strong finish!

TRANSPORTATION CORNER

Providing safe and reliable transportation remains an important part of supporting our students.

ERCSD families who need assistance with 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.

Please note, a Contingency Plan is available on the Transportation Department page of the district website providing guidelines for parents and caregivers to follow should any unusual or unexpected issues arise.

On Tuesday, November 24, ERCSD will conduct a rapid dismissal drill. Schools will dismiss 15 minutes earlier than their regular dismissal time, so parents and caregivers should plan accordingly.

Additionally, Wednesday, November 25, will be a half-day for students. Dismissal times are as follows, and there will be no after school activities:

High schools: 10:49 a.m.
Elementary schools: 11:32 a.m.
Middle schools: 12:32 p.m.

Please note: All Kakiat S.T.E.A.M. Academy students in grades 4-8 will follow the elementary school dismissal time of 11:32 a.m.

SAFETY & SECURITY

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.

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.

Creating a safe school environment also means providing clean, well-maintained facilities where students and staff can learn and work comfortably. The district is committed to maintaining our schools and grounds to support a welcoming, healthy and secure environment for everyone.

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.

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) requires school districts to conduct one “rapid dismissal” drill each school year. Please note that the rapid dismissal drill in East Ramapo will take place Tuesday, November 24. All schools will dismiss 15 minutes earlier than their regular dismissal time.

TAKE NOTE

ParentSquare

A reminder that all district, school, classroom and teacher communications is sent through ParentSquare.

If you have not yet activated your ParentSquare account, we encourage you to do so today to ensure you continue receiving important updates, announcements, emergency notifications and messages from your child's school.

If you do not have a smartphone, you can still access ParentSquare from any web browser by visiting www.parentsquare.com.

If you need to update your contact information or have questions about activating your account, please contact your child's school.

For more information about ParentSquare, visit www.ercsd.org/parentsquare.

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

2026-27 INSTRUCTIONAL CALENDAR

SCHOOLS CLOSED

November 3: Superintendent's Conference Day

November 11: Veterans Day

November 26-27: Thanksgiving Break

RAPID DISMISSAL DRILL

November 24 (schools dismiss 15 minutes earlier than their normal dismissal times)

HALF DAY

November 25

FAMILY UNIVERSITY

November 5

Supporting Every Student: Special Education, Attendance & Family Connections

November 19

Math at Home & Preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences

FAMILY CONNECTIONS NIGHT

November 17 at 7:00 PM

Spring Valley High School

361 East Route 59 Spring Valley, NY

THANKSGIVING TURKEY GIVEAWAY

November 20

Central Administration Building

105 South Madison Ave., Spring Valley, NY

RAMAPO HIGH SCHOOL FALL PLAY

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

Friday, November 20 at 7:30 PM

Saturday, November 21 at 7:30 PM

Sunday, November 22 at 3:00 PM

SPRING VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL FALL PLAY

SHE KILLS MONSTERS

Thursday, December 3 at 7:30 PM

Friday, December 4 at 7:30 PM

Saturday, December 5 at 3:00 PM

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS

The next meeting of the East Ramapo Central School District Board of Education will take place on November 2 at 7:30 PM View the schedule for all upcoming meetings on the district website.

HAVE A QUESTION?

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.

KEEP UP WITH DISTRICT HAPPENINGS

ERCSD Facebook

@EastRamapoCSD

ERCSD YouTube

@eastramapocsd9090

ERCSD Instagram

@eastramapocsd

ERCSD Athletics Facebook

@ERCSDAthletics

ERCSD Athletics Instagram

@ERCSDathletics

November 2, 2026 November 2, 2026

LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

SCHOOL SNAPSHOTS SCHOOL SNAPSHOTS