The last RIH School Board meeting gave recognition to the Ramapo and Indian Hills teams which won first and second place respectively in the New Jersey Academic Decathlon Regional Competition. The teams now continue on to the state competition.
The Decathlon competition tests both a student’s knowledge and academic skills, but it is not just for students who normally excel in their studies. One of the beneficial aspects of the Decathlon is that each team is composed of students with various academic achievements. The team is divided into thirds with three students who having “A” averages, three having “B” averages and three with “C” averages. As mentioned by Ms. Scarpelli who welcomed the students to the Regional Board of Ed meeting, the students were familiar faces entering school in the dark morning hours and leaving in the evening twilight.
Team members begin working and studying together early in the fall. On competition day, all nine team members take the same tests, participate in the same events, and are judged by the same criteria. The team’s final score depends on the performances of ALL its members. The Decathlon competition consists of the following 10 events:
- Six written, multiple-choice tests (mathematics, science, social sciences, economics, literature, and fine arts)
- Speech (prepared and impromptu)
- Written essay
- Interview by a panel of business persons
- Super Quiz (the only public portion – a truly exciting climax to the day-long competition)
The regional competition which was held on 1/31/09 is followed by the State which is scheduled for 2/28/09. The meeting took a brief recess to allow board members to personally congratulate the teams and offer some lite refreshments.
Other Board News
The out of school conduct policy, which continues to attract parents to the board meetings, was not addressed. It has been sent back to committee for attorney review and will be placed on the agenda at a later date.
In response to resident concerns, the board reported that their review of curriculum development is still in progress; codifying requirements for teachers to post online class assignments as parents seek to monitor their child’s school work; and a more detailed clarification as to the financial basis for continuing with an Apple platform as part of the school’s technology plan.