RIH School Board 2/9 1

Student Film Editors

There were numerous accolades for student achievements during the course of the RIH School Board meeting. Also discussed was the impending vote concerning the controversial “conduct away from school” policy; expenditures on technology vendors; and, concerns over discrepancies in teacher performance.

Consistency in the Classroom

Concerns were expressed to the board over discrepancies in teacher performance and the impact it has on the students. It was reported that some students will seek out the assistance of other teachers in order to ascertain subject matter being covered for exams. The resident speaking expressed strong concern that a lack of faith on the part of students was indicative of the seriousness of the matter. The board responded that they have been working on assuring that all students receive a consistent quality of teaching in each class, and hoped that the implementation of mid-term exams might offer more structure for material being covered.

The issue of curriculum was raised in general by another resident who found curriculum development in the high schools to be woefully inadequate. Identifying on history subject as having a curriculum that appeared to be developed by the staff, he commented that the majority looked to be a work product that was simply compiled from various Internet resources. He expressed the opinion that there was not enough effort going into the curriculum development overall, and apparently no oversight towards requiring teachers and/or supervisors to develop an RIH curriculum. Specifically, the resident identified the physical ed program as being a curriculum built off a summer day camp program. The resident used the example of the student smart board presentation–reported on below–as an example of how students will rise to the expectations of their teachers.

Technology Expenditures

An agenda item to approve the purchase of 200 Apple computer products, with accompanying software licenses and adapters raised questions from residents. Totalling over $200,000 for the laptops, the board was questioned over the existing policy of being an Apple “shop”. Apple computers, while arguably a better technology, are substantially more expensive than many other computers. A student addressing the board stated that students use the Microsoft Software on the Apple computers, and it seemed illogical to buy more expensive laptops for routine use. He suggested a more technologically agnostic approach to purchasing computers that would allow for more competitive bidding, but retain Apple products for graphic arts, video, and labs where the product is known for its excellence.

Out of School Policy

The Board will be having its first reading of the controversial policy which dictates student conduct 24/7. The policy has been under discussion for over a year, and it is expected to pass despite strong opposition by parents. The fundamental objection is the school’s willingness to impose suspension and other restrictions on students based on an accusation. Parents expressed opposition to school officials assuming this authority arguing that an innocent child may be wrongfully punished, and that parents should be allowed to deal with the situation themselves. The first public reading is the first step in passing the new policy which requires two readings.

Smart Board Presentation

Filmed Presentation

The smart board presentation was a creative short film edited by the students. The accompanying photo is a screen shot showing a student using the smart board as part of a class exercise. The boards use touch screen technology to allow students to interact as if on a computer screen, but with more interaction as students or teachers can move things around the board, write on the board, and present computerized lessons, videos, and slides.

This technology is probably one of the most revolutionary tools available to teachers, and the presentation created by the students was impressive. Although they incorporated other students into their film about the smart board, created by using the smart board, the special ed students exemplified the practical uses in terms of how it helps advance their studies and skill set.

Mock Trial Team

Trial Team Kudos

The board meeting also had in attendance members of the Indian Hills Mock Trial Team which recently defeated Bergen Catholic’s Crusaders to move forward to the North Jersey Divisional. The New Jersey Bar Foundation sponsors the year long event with state competition continuing into March. Each year alternates between a civil and criminal case which is prepared for the students. They are giving material that would often be created during the discovery phase of a lawsuit, and must prepare themselves to act as either defendant or plaintiff at the toss of a coin.

With help from their academic coach and a local attorney acting as a professional resource, the students prepare their questions as attorneys, act as witnesses, and prepare opening and closing remarks. This years case was topical as it dealt with the long running problem concerning the music industry as it seeks to protect the intellectual property of singers and musicians. For those interested in perusing the 56 page workbook, it is available as a Pdf .

Channel 12 Challenge

Rising to The Challenge

Also mentioned during the course of the meeting was the job well done Ramapo on Channel 12’s Challenge quiz show. The students defeated Union City North in a very competitive game. The Challenge tests high school students’ knowledge of history, arts and literature, science and math, as well as questions dealing with pop culture. It is only available on Cablevision which sponsors the show, but residents can watch the episode featuring Ramapo at the bottom of this article.

Academic Decathlon

Finally, recognition was given 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.

Channel 12 Challenge show is below