Clubs / Activities

ADVISORS:  Meredith Noah - mnoah@rih.org  
Hailee Gregory - hgregory@rih.org

Academic Decathlon is a competitive team that welcomes students of all grade levels, regardless of GPA.  Students meet regularly from October through March to prepare for competition with the goal of advancing to Nationals.  Practice times vary in order to be accessible to students involved in other activities and sports.  Each year there is a dedicated theme (such as World War II) and compete in Social Studies, Science, Math, Economics, Literature, Art and Music pertaining to that theme.  Select students will also participate in Speech, Interview and Essay.  Both team and individual awards are earned at each competition.  Parent Volunteers are needed for competition.

ADVISOR (Editorial):   Traci Maturo - tmaturo@rih.org
ASSISTANT ADVISOR (Editorial): Scott Dempster - sdempster@rih.org
ADVISOR (Business):  Tom Witterschein - twitterschein@rih.org

This activity, open to all interested students, culminates in the production of an annual yearbook, which is available for purchase every year. Representing all grade levels, it contains pictures, articles, and a myriad of memories surrounding each school year. Students may elect to work on any or all phases of the yearbook production including photography, editorial, layout, business, art, and computer production. This is a perfect activity for meeting new people and getting involved in an important high school endeavor. Applications for joining the yearbook can be obtained from the advisor in the spring or at the beginning of the school year.

ADVISOR:  Cynthia Vander Molen - cvandermolen@rih.org

Amnesty International is a student off-shoot of the largest organization devoted to recognizing universal human rights and freeing political prisoners and prisoners of conscience around the world. The group meets twice a month, and all are welcome to attend meetings at any time. 

ADVISOR: Sean Quirk - squirk@rih.org

All students interested in Art may meet weekly in Room 817.  Students can work on projects from their respective art classes, explore their own unique artistic voice with the medium of their choice, or work with Mr. Quirk on projects specific to the Club.  There is no formal membership, students can sign in and out when they like!  Creativity, an open mind and community are essential!  Come create with us!

ADVISOR:  Erik Sloezen - esloezen@rih.org

The Ramapo Marching Band allows 7th-12th grade students to participate in an engaging and musical environment. The Marching Band is an integral part of the high school experience with music and performances that energize the crowd and enhance the Ramapo Raiders Football Games! The halftime shows and HEAD CHOPPERS are the highlights of the football games, especially when the Raiders are winning. Being a part of the Marching Band allows for the development of teamwork, discipline, musical talent and physical fitness. The band also participates in competitions, school pep rallies and attends yearly workshops on band trips. Summer Band camp is also a vital part of bringing the band together for the Fall season.

ADVISOR:  Mark Friedman - mfriedman@rih.org

This is a group of 22 members who play the finest in traditional and contemporary jazz band music. Membership is by audition only and meets one evening a week.

In recent years the Jazz Ensemble has performed in Virginia Beach, Disney World and on Jason Malletman's Time Warner/CTV show "Mallet's Place", broadcast in Staten Island, NY, Los Angeles and in Maine. We have also performed at world famous Trumpet's Jazz Club in Montclair NJ.

ADVISOR:  Erik Sloezen - esloezen@rih.org

ADVISOR:  Erik Sloezen - esloezen@rih.org

The Ramapo High School Wind Ensemble is open to all students grades 9 – 12 by audition only.  The band rehearses during the day for 5 academic credits and performs the Holiday Concert, the FLOW Band Festival, the Spring Concert and Graduation. In addition the Wind Ensemble has been selected for performance In Orlando, FL, Anaheim, CA, Virginia Beach, VA, Toronto, Canada, Cleveland, OH, Hershey, PA and Washington, DC.

ADVISOR I:  Greg Hudak - ghudak@rih.org
ADVISOR II:  Kim Angerson - kangerson@rih.org

Students taking the course may express interest in joining in the Fall. They meet once a week for practice after school prior to four interschool meets, which are held once a month in January through April. Members also participate once a year in State Science Day in May.

ADVISORS: (I) Edward Salaski - esalaski@rih.org
(II) Peter Kanefke - pkanefke@rih.org

Students taking first-year or advanced placement chemistry may express interest in joining Chemistry I or Chemistry II League, respectively, in early Fall.  Each team meets once a week for practice after school prior to four interschool New Jersey Science League meets, which are held monthly from January through April.

ADVISOR:  Emily Reitter - ereitter@rih.org 

Do you enjoy singing?  At home?  On stage?  In the shower?  Come join Concert Choir!  This course is open to students in grades 9-12 and can be taken for 2.5 or 5 credits.  Students sing a varied repertoire of music in many genres with their peers and develop their voices and learn to read music.  Students also perform in a winter and spring concert.

ADVISOR:  Emily Reitter - ereitter@rih.org 

We know you LOVE singing!  Chamber Choir is for the more seasoned singer in grades 10-12, and meets every day for 5 credits.  Students sing a varied repertoire of music and continue to develop vocal and music reading skills.  An audition for the instructor is required.  Students perform in a winter and spring concert.

 ADVISOR: Jamie Sporn - jsporn@rih.org

The RIH Dance Team explores the world of dance and performance.  The RIH Dance Team includes students from both schools, freshmen through seniors. We perform at multiple dance festivals throughout the school year along with performances at basketball games. This team allows dancers to expand their dance experience through different genres such as hip hop, lyrical, jazz and modern. Tryouts/evaluations are required at the initial practices and experience of some level of dancing is expected. Bus transportation to Ramapo High School will be provided for Indian Hills’ students. Team practices take place every Friday, commencing September 13, 2019, at the Ramapo High School dance studio with the initial practice and sign up on that day.

ADVISOR:  Maryanne Kopp - mkopp@rih.org 

The Ramapo Indian Hills District Debate Team is open to all students who are serious about learning the art of debate.  The club meets several times a month from September through May.  Experienced debaters introduce new members to formal debate.  Practice debates are held in the fall to prepare for competitive debates.  The club is affiliated with the North Jersey Debate League which hosts interscholastic debate tournaments.  There are Junior Varsity or novice competitions for beginners, and daylong Varsity tournaments for experienced debaters.

ADVISOR:  Gale Fanale - gfanale@rih.org 

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.  DECA Members Gain 21st Century Skills.  DECA Members are Prepared to Become Leaders.  DECA Members are Motivated for the Future.  There are regional, State and National competitions testing the delegates business and leadership skills.

ADVISOR:  Kim Angerson - kangerson@rih.org 

An environmental and animal rights group which promotes its ideals through celebration of Earth Day in April, attending local awareness activities, book recycling, letter writing campaigns to various legislators, and handing out literature to students. We have guest speakers, informative videos and make T-shirts. Meets twice a month September to June. Everyone is welcome.

ADVISOR:  TBD

Ramapo Film Club (RFC) is for anyone who has a passion for film.  We provide a place to meet up on a weekly basis and watch a variety of films chosen, researched, and introduced by our members.  Afterwards, we hold a casual discussion on the film, as well as socialize over drinks and snacks.  Some highlights include an annual Academy Award party, field trips, special movie meet-ups, and more. Parent-signed permission slips are required in order to view R-rated films for any members under the age of 17. 

ADVISOR: TBD

ADVISOR:  Kim Angerson - kangerson@rih.org 

Interested students meet once a week after school or during study hall to learn greenhouse techniques and help maintain healthy plants in our own greenhouse.

ADVISOR:  Angela Rodriguez - arodriguez@rih.org 

The Holiday Festival is an annual planned day of festivities at Ramapo for approximately 350 children from the Roberto Clemente elementary school in Paterson.  Many leadership positions are available on activity committees, which meet everyday after school from September through December.  Requirements are a desire to be part of a service, a willingness to commit the necessary time and being a positive role model.

ADVISOR:  Thomas Basili - tbasili@rih.org 
Assistant:   TBD

The Interact Club is a community service club that plans and participates in social activities that benefit the less fortunate in our community, nation, and the world.  Interact members do everything from tutoring elementary school students in Paterson, helping to run the Buddy Walk at the Wyckoff YMCA supporting those with Down Syndrome, our annual Coffee House with student performers to raise money for different causes, food packaging for the needy, shoe/clothing and book drives, and many other programs that support health, service and interacting with others.  Meetings are held once a week.

ADVISOR:  Thomas Basili - tbasili@rih.org

ADVISOR:  Maria Tombalakian - mtombalakian@rih.org 

The French Club is a channel for cultural and linguistic exchange.  It welcomes all students who take French at our school.  It is a great extra curricular activity that offers students a taste of French culture through documentaries, trivia games, music, food, film and a whole lot more! 

ADVISOR:  Leo Castano - lcastano@rih.org 

The group meets twice a month. Club members have cultural activities as well as an Italian feast and field trips throughout the year. 

ADVISOR:TBD

This club meets twice a month. The first meeting is for the officers and the second is for all members. The club fills the piñatas for the Holiday Festival, makes Spanish food throughout the year, goes on a trip to New York City to see Spanish dances or a play, and offers dance classes once a year to its members. It contributes to worthy causes, money for which is raised through bake sales.

ADVISOR:  Gale Fanale - gfanale@rih.org

ADVISOR:  John Gaccione - jgaccione@rih.org 

The Mathematics team participates in two different Math Leagues with approximately 12 meets at the county and state levels.  Additionally, team members get priority entrance in the annual, National American Mathematics Contest, hosted at our school.  Their purpose is to provide stimulation and opportunity for those students who wish to pursue mathematics beyond the regular classroom activities.  They participate as individuals and as a group depending on the competition.  All grade and ability levels are welcome.

ADVISOR:  Hailee Gregory - hgregory@rih.org

The Vincent J. Apruzzese High School Mock Trial Competition ("Competition") has been created for the purpose of developing an understanding of the American legal system by high school students.  The New Jersey State Bar Association devises  a new case annually, rotating between one of civil and criminal nature.  The Ramapo Mock Trial team works on case analysis, forming arguments for competition and then "acting out" the case against other competing Bergen County high schools.  The team is composed of student-attorneys, student witnesses and jury members.  Skills that are utilized in Mock Trial include strong communication skills, critical analytical skills, and theatrics in competition.  Larger goals include understanding proper courtroom decorum, including respect for the Bergen County Courthouse where competitions take place.  Preparation begins in the fall for the January competitions.  The team receives support from a volunteer Attorney-Coach currently practicing in the field. 

ADVISOR:  Michael Verdon - mverdon@rih.org

Open to all students with an interest in foreign relations, the Model United Nations club attempts to solve the world’s problems through international co-operation. Meetings are held once a month and we try to attend as many conferences as we can during the year.  Conferences usually run over a two-day span, and are where the students work together with delegates from other schools to save the world. In Model United Nations students work on their research skills, negotiations, compromise, international diplomacy, and oration, to become better students and global citizens.

ADVISOR:   Patricia Eichealaub - peichealaub@rih.org

ADVISOR:  Lisa Higbie - lhigbie@rih.org

ADVISOR: Tyler Wadhams - twadhams@rih.org
ADVISOR: Tyler Wadhams - twadhams@rih.org

Members meet after school in study groups to prepare for labs, projects, and competitions. Competition teams represent the school in NJAAPT Physics Olympics and Science League and State Science Day in May. 

ADVISOR:  Heather Manzo - hmanzo@rih.org 

The school newspaper is written for and about the school, its students, and all activities.  Publication averages 5-6 issues annually. The students do all desktop production. The paper has both editorial and business staffs. Meetings are called for editors and staff prior to the planning of assignments and production of each issue. All students are encouraged to submit a word-processed article for publication. Distribution takes place through homeroom and lunch sales. A full-year subscription mailed to the home is available.

ADVISOR: Danielle Migliacci - dmigliacci@rih.org

This club supports production of Rampage, our school newspaper, by canvassing ads, holding various fundraisers, maintaining a database for distribution of the newspaper and by maintaining a budget as well as forecasting future expenditures.  In addition, the club is responsible for managing subscriptions to our community, staff and students. 

ADVISOR: Megan Casey - mcasey@rih.org 

A new edition of the school newspaper is available via the school website.  This interactive school website permits timely posting of articles and photos of activities at Ramapo High School and within the community.  All students are welcome to join.

Advisors: Rachel Marsanico - rachelmarsanico@gmail.com  

A competitive dance team of more experienced dancers and the opportunity to represent Ramapo at competitions against other NJ high schools. Our goal would be to attend at least 4 competitions within New Jersey from January thru February, and hopefully qualify for a national competition in March which is typically out-of-state. Fundraisers to help raise funds for traveling and costumes might include selling stickers or car magnets, and Ramapo dance team merchandise with personalized logo.  Dancers would purchase jackets to be worn at competitions as is customary.

Dancer tryouts would be essential to build a talented team capable of being competitive at events. Practices may begin at school in September so that the team can be prepared for the first competition of the season after holiday break.

Advisor: Rich Burton - rburton@rih.org
and John Russo - jrusso@rih.org

Students interested in Mountain Biking (Beginners and Experienced Riders are Welcome) will be taught/review a range of basic skills associated with MTB trail riding including braking, gearing, cornering, climbing, and descending.

Meetings and group rides will take place every Wednesday after school at the Indian Hills MTB Trail next to the tennis courts and will include a 15-minute warm-up followed by a 45' trail ride around and through the IHHS campus.

Mr. Russo will serve as assistant coach and trail maintenance/engineering coordinator. The development of three clearly marked safe trails at both high schools will be the goal this year.  

A beginner trail for comfort riding and technique development. An intermediate mogul trail for utilizing shocks and continuous flow. A narrow trail for focused Corning skills. Basic hand tools will be used to terraform and maintain trail safety. All trail maintenance by the MTB Club will occur on campus and be checked by maintenance foremen for safety. 

Mr. Burton is a certified MTB Coach by the N.J.N.I.C.A. foundation and MTB race league which includes 26 teams from around the state. Mr. Russo, as assistant coach will also help coach the team on Wednesdays as well. 

ADVISOR: John Russo jrusso@rih.org, and
TBD

The Ramapo High School Robotics Club is a club for students that are interested in robotics.  The club uses Lego Mindstorm and Tetrix as an avenue to explore robotics.  The club meets once or twice a month between September and February for general meetings and to practice with Mindstorms, Tetrix and Robot C.  In February, we are given the competition rules for the annual North Jersey Robotics Competition at PCCC, and we begin to have weekly meetings and meet progressively more often leading up to the competition in middle May.  The competition is a great opportunity for students that have interest in engineering and design to be a part of a team an apply their creativity and ingenuity to solving novel problems using robotics. 

ADVISOR:  Karli Basilicato - kbasilicato@rih.org 

Upon entering High School, one is introduced to the constant peer pressure and temptation of smoking, drinking, drugs, and driving under the influence. This can be extremely overwhelming for many underclassmen and potentially threaten the success of upper classmen for their senior year. SADD is a club (that meets about once every two weeks) founded on the simple philosophy that young people, empowered to help each other, are the most effective face in prevention. Originally, the mission of SADD was to help students say “No” to drinking and driving. Today, the mission has expanded, helping to prevent destructive decisions, particularly underage drinking, other drug use, impaired driving, teen violence, teen depression and suicide.

ADVISOR:  Gale Fanale - gfanale@rih.org 

The School Store, located near the upper Gymnasium, provides spirit items and spirit clothing for staff and students.  This school-based enterprise is used to teach students how to run a retail business while providing the high school community with a service. 

ADVISOR:TBD

ADVISOR (Editorial):  William Manzo - wmanzo@rih.org
ADVISOR (Art/Production):  Lauren Gibson - lgibson@rih.org 

Each Spring, Serendipity publishes the best student writing, art, and photography submitted by any Ramapo student. The magazine provides an opportunity for two kinds of students - those appreciative of the arts and those who create them. Student volunteers edit the collection and everyone is invited to “submit to Serendipity.” Students meet weekly and four times a week near the deadline for publication in May. 

ADVISOR:  Peter Kanefke - pkanefke@rih.org 

Open to all students, novice to expert, anxious to have more opportunity to ski. Club will plan five after-school trips to Mountain Creek through the winter months. Members will be able to take advantage of discounted rental fees/lift tickets. Membership may be limited if demand is high.

ADVISOR:  Danielle Migliacci - dmigliacci@rih.org

Students trade stock in an online, real time environment and also participate in various competitions throughout the school year.  In order to make sound investments, students use Internet research including news updates, technical and fundamental analysis, and also strategize with their team members.  Economic and financial concepts learned through this club will be used for the rest of their lives.  The structure is engaging, and the learning is a natural part of the experience. 

ADVISOR:  Melissa Ferro - mferro@rih.org
Assistant:   Ornella Eustice - oeustice@rih.org 

Student Council provides a platform for the voice of the student body at Ramapo High School. It allows students to develop their leadership skills as they work closely together with their peers, teachers, and administrators. Student Council strives to promote a positive school atmosphere and school spirit. It offers a medium for the exchanging of thoughts and ideas to help the growth of student participation school wide. Student Council is responsible for making and approving school policy. Monthly Student Council meetings are run by the Executive Officers (President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and the Board of Education Representative as well as the Executive Board Members of Charity, Activities, and Publicity) who are elected in the spring of the preceding year. Homeroom Delegates are elected in the fall and participate in the monthly meetings. Appropriate class officers are also invited to general monthly meetings to establish open lines of communication between the classes and Student Council. They are responsible for activities such as Homecoming and all season pep rallies.  Along with social and academic activities, Student Council also raises money for a number of worldwide, state and local charities. 

ADVISOR:  Jill Matcovich - jmatcovich@rih.org  

TNT is comprised of natural student leaders throughout the building.  All members must be recommended by a faculty member.  Teens Need Teens meets several times a month to discuss and implement activities that promote a positive climate throughout Ramapo High School.  This includes new student breakfasts, the Pause Project, teacher appreciation notes, etc.

ADVISOR: Pierre Barreau - pbarreau@rih.org

Please see page 13 of the Ramapo HS Student Handbook