Ramapo Holiday Fest: 'All for the Kids'

The holidays came early Friday for hundreds of Paterson schoolchildren who visited Ramapo High School.

The Franklin Lakes school was transformed into a winter wonderland to the delight of elementary-aged kids from Roberto Clemente School and School #3 in Paterson, who were bused free to Ramapo for the 35th annual Holiday Festival. Indian Hills students did their part, too, spending the day visiting with kids in the city.

Months of effort on the part of students, parents and teachers culminated with an all-day festival that celebrated the spirit of giving around the holidays. The Paterson kids, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds, were able to pick out holiday gifts, coats and mittens while enjoying games, a holiday play and pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

"It's one of the most wonderful things I've ever seen a district do," said Superintendent Dr. C. Lauren Schoen, who was attending her first holiday festival. "The impact on the (Paterson) kids is immeasurable."

The festival was truly the product of a community effort that produced a holiday display that could likely compete with any of the commercial offerings that can be found over the coming weeks. Students spent weeks decorating the school to elaborate effect, even moving classes to accommodate the work. Games of skill could be played for a prize in the cafeteria; kids worked up a sweat bouncing in a moonwalk set up in the gym. Displays of books, winter apparel and stuffed animals could be found in the halls, and many of the classrooms were decorated and featured activities for the youngsters, who were paired with Ramapo "buddies."

Perhaps one of the most impressive displays could be found in the resource room, which no longer resembled a classroom after the Ramapo students finished their work. Senior Andrew Macagna led the effort to transform the room into truly something special: wall-to-wall decorations, lights, a Christmas tree, walls covered in wrapping paper, gifts, snacks and more.

Senior Danny Chaupiz helped decorate the resource room, an effort he said took about two weeks. Students stayed after school and came in on weekends to make sure the display stood out.

"It's all for the kids," Danny said.

"Everyone worked really hard," student Kelly Gilmore said.

Resource room teacher Jennifer MacKay of Wyckoff praised the efforts of the students, who even spent their own money on decorations and readily gave up personal time to create something memorable.

"The kids want to be here. They've done it all," she said.

MacKay is a Ramapo graduate who has seen her share of Holiday Festivals, as both a student and teacher. Still, she came away impressed by the dedication of her students, and was happy to still be able to take part in the annual initiative.

"I love this school," she said.

Parent Margaret Ajamian, who helped the Holiday Festival Committee stage the display, pointed out that festival planning became something of a full-time activity for many of the kids, who were putting in as much time as other students spend on sports teams and other clubs. 

Kelly, one of the students involved in the resource room spectacle, said the reason is simple: "We love helping out.

"Christmas is my favorite holiday."

Of course, the students also got help from parents on the Holiday Festival Committee, who solicited donations from throughout the FLOW area. Donated money paid for the kids to be bused to Ramapo, and businesses were asked to help give what they can. For example, Kohl's in Paramus provided winter clothes available to the children, who could be found crowding the hallways, hand-in-hand with Ramapo students.

"It's a very significant project. We're very blessed this year," said Terri Ahlmeyer, co-chair of the Holiday Festival Committee.