Fostertown Dedicates the Ramos "Rainbows" Reading Room in Honor of Former Principal Maritza Vargas Ramos
The Fostertown community proudly gathered to celebrate the opening and dedication of the Ramos “Rainbows” Reading Room, a newly renamed library space honoring the lasting legacy of former principal, Mrs. Maritza Vargas-Ramos. The dedication followed the Board of Education’s unanimous approval on September 30, recognizing Mrs. Ramos for “her educational service to the students of Fostertown School” and the profound impact she made across the 91桃色 District.
During the Board meeting proposing the renaming of the space, current Fostertown Principal Dr. Isabela Carias-Vasquez brought many to tears, describing Mrs. Ramos as “a dedicated and inspirational educator whose commitment…spanned over two decades,” and a leader whose presence “was a vibrant and dedicated beacon of leadership…among her staff, colleagues, and the community.” She reminded the Board that even the youngest learners affectionately called her “Mrs. Rainbows,” a joyful nickname that reflected her warmth and the hope she brought into the building.
In her remarks, Dr. Carias-Vasquez emphasized that naming the library in Mrs. Ramos’s honor ensures a permanent tribute rooted in literacy and learning: “The Ramos Reading Room will ensure a dedicated space to not only literacy and reading, but lifelong learning in the building that Mrs. Ramos loved. It will always carry her name—the name of a leader, a mentor, and an educator who believed passionately in the potential of every child.”
Board members echoed these sentiments with deep appreciation during the approval discussion. Mr. Ray Burgarelli shared, “The love that Mrs. Ramos had for those kids—and the accessibility she gave parents and teachers—was incredible. Naming the library for her truly makes me happy, and it’s well deserved.” Mr. Mark Levinstein reflected on her leadership with gratitude, noting that the entire school community benefited from “her direction and guidance as she led that building.”
At the dedication event, colleagues and loved ones spoke of Mrs. Ramos’s extraordinary leadership, her fierce advocacy for students, and her belief that every child could achieve greatness. She championed literacy and learning, encouraged staff to grow into the best versions of themselves, and nurtured the vibrant school community she cherished. Her 12 years at Fostertown, remarkably long for a school principal, left a permanent imprint on generations of students and educators.
Mrs. Ramos’s passion for learning made this library dedication especially fitting. The newly opened Ramos Reading Room celebrates her belief in the transformative power of education and her steadfast commitment to every child who walked through Fostertown’s doors.
During the dedication, Mrs. Cristine Briggs shared stories of her unwavering commitment to children, her powerful advocacy for what was right, and her ability to form genuine connections with everyone she met. Known for calling every student “her baby,” Mrs. Ramos led with both strength and heart, championing excellence while nurturing a true sense of family within the building.
A special acknowledgment was shared for the family of Xavier Torres, a former Fostertown kindergartener, whose generous donation made the dedication plaque possible. Their contribution honors both Xavier’s memory and the profound relationship their family held with Mrs. Ramos.
Colleagues described the library’s creation as a “labor of love,” rooted in the belief that this was exactly the kind of space Mrs. Ramos would have embraced—one that sparks curiosity, strengthens literacy, and fosters a love for reading among children. As Mrs. Cristine Briggs, noted during the ceremony, “Mrs. Ramos had a profound love of learning, so it is only fitting that we dedicate this library in her honor.”
As the plaque was unveiled and presented to her daughters, the sentiment shared throughout the room was clear:
Mrs. Ramos will always have a forever home at Fostertown School. Her legacy, marked by resilience, leadership, integrity, and boundless love for children, will continue to inspire all who enter the newly dedicated Ramos Reading Room.
As was shared during the ceremony, once a member of the Fostertown family, always a member and Mrs. Ramos will forever have a home here. Her legacy will continue to inspire students, staff, and families for generations to come.
We are honored to welcome our community into the Ramos Reading Room, a space built on love, leadership, and the lasting memory of a remarkable educator.
Remarks were provided by , when the official naming of the space was approved by the Board of Education in the fall of 2025.
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