THE VIEW
Newsletter for Ridgeview Middle School (Issue 3: 10.2023)
The Principal's Post
Pumpkin spice and everything nice!
Happy Fall Ridgeview Families!
As the weather is cooling down, we are heating up at Ridgeview! We are already into the seventh week of the school year. With only two weeks left of the nine weeks, we want to make sure that all students stay focused on their academics and finish the first grading period strong!
Parents/guardians, you play a crucial role in your child's success. Please make sure to check Infinite Campus, Google Classroom, and/or Canvas on a weekly basis. Also, please make sure that you are asking to see your child's "Weekly to Do List" which they are supposed to fill out each Friday during Core Enrichment class. This form is supposed to be signed by a parent/guardian and returned the following Monday.
I look forward to seeing each family at our RMS Fall Family Mix and Mingle, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023!
Be Well,
Natalie M. James
Principal
Superintendent Dr. Chapman's Message
Getting Real with Mr. Reese
Ridgeview's Assistant Principal, Mr. Reese, knows ...
Never give up.
Today is hard, tomorrow will be worse,
but the day after tomorrow will be sunshine.
--Jack Ma
Calendar of Events
- 10.17, Tues, at 5:15 - 5:45 pm: Community Board Meeting at Independence HS
- 10.19, Thurs, 3:00 - 6:30 pm: Parent & Teacher Conference
- 10.24, Tues, at 5:30 - 7:00 pm: 2023 RMS Fall Family Mix & Mingle
- 10.24, Tues: End of Quarter 1
- 10.25, Wed: Records Day (Students Not in Attendance)
- 11.2, Thurs at 6:00 pm: PTA Zoom Meeting
- 11.9, Thurs, 3:00 - 6:30 pm: Parent & Teacher Conference
- 11.28, Tues, at 5:15 - 5:45 pm: Community Board Meeting at Briggs HS
- 12.19, Tues, at 5:15 - 5:45 pm: Marion - Community Board Meeting at Franklin HS
Sports Schedule for Volleyball and Soccer
- 10.9, Mon, at 4:30 pm: Medina at RMS
- 10.11, Wed, at 4:30 pm: RMS at World Language
- 10.16, Mon, at 4:30 pm: RMS at Woodward Park
- 10.18, Wed, at 4:30 pm: RMS at Dominion
- 10.23, Mon, at 4:30 pm: Indianola at RMS
- 11.7, Tues, at 6:30 am - 7:30 pm: Election Day
Columbus City Schools Board Meets with the Community
The Community Board Meeting dates are as follows:
- 10.17, Tues: Independence HS
- 11.28, Tues: Briggs HS
- 12.19, Tues: Marion - Franklin HS
Families are encouraged to attend the Board of Education meetings beginning at 6:00 pm. There will be a 30-minute open discussion time held from 5:15 - 5:45 pm where families and community members can speak to board members without early sign up.
Families are always welcome to attend regular board meetings at 3700 S. High St. but must sign up to speak by 3:45 pm the day of the meeting. For a full list of board meeting dates, please visit: Board of Education / Homepage (ccsoh.us)
RMS Policy - After School Athletic Events
Pick up time is 5:30 pm. Students who are not picked up on time will be ineligible to attend any after school activities for the remainder of this year.
Note: Volleyball Game cost is $3.00.
The Counselor's Corner: Mrs. Thomas
Physical Development
This is a time in your child's life where you can expect rapid growth spurts -- and get ready for puberty. Many middle school students tend to associate how they "think they look" with how they feel about themselves. Sometimes physical, social, or academic problems can develop if they have a poor self-image. Some tips for building a positive body image include:
- Listen to what your children say, and discourage "put-downs" about their appearance.
- Reassure your children that you accept them "as is" -- be careful how you suggest changes in dress, hair style, etc.
Struggle for More Independence
As children grow older, they will become more independent and self-reliant. This can often lead to conflicts in the home because at this age, young people begin to rely less on their parents and more on their friends. Some tips for reducing the tensions that often occur with this struggle for independence include:
- Be a good listener.
- Set reasonable limits and teach your child how to avoid self-destructive behavior.
- Help your child learn to solve problems rather than relying on others for solutions.
- Provide privacy and freedom -- when it is deserved.
About Discipline
Disciplining a middle school child can be especially challenging for parents. Children at this age are caught between childhood and adulthood. They are expected to act more maturely, but they still sometimes like to be treated as a child. They are likely to get into trouble as they seek greater independence and it is up to the parent to decide what rules are in the child's best interest. Some tips for disciplining a middle school child include:
- Establish clear, fair rules (stick to basics) and be consistent about using them.
- Discuss any problems or intended consequences first, then explain why you're displeased and listen to your child's side of the story.
- Use consequences as a tool to teach self-control and responsibility -- try to make it meaningful and appropriate to the offense.
You and your child can enjoy these middle school years if you:
- Help build a sense of self-confidence.
- Understand your child’s need to spend time with friends.
- Stay firm but flexible when necessary.
- And most importantly, keep the lines of communication open!
Next month's topics:
Emotional Development & Mental Development
Nurse Gina: October National Bully Prevention & Dental Hygiene Month And More
Greetings,
October's health and wellness focus is as follows:
- Preventing Bullying (watch the Youtube video)
- Taking Care on Your Teeth (learn 4 steps to proper brushing techniques)
- Covering Your Mouth When Coughing or Sneezing (don't spread germs)
- Wearing Your Mask Properly (do's and don'ts)
The links and pictures below are helpful to keeping your child healthy and safe.
Let's work together to have--
Healthy Bodies. Strong Minds. Long Life!
Nurse Gina
Follow the Tips Below for Staying Healthy
Report Card Highlights for Ridgeview
The staff worked diligently to close educational gaps and to show growth with each student.
Also, Ridgeview increased its performance index by 1.5% and reduced its chronic absenteeism rate by 7.4%.
Our ratings of a 3.5 met state standards. This year the staff is working towards earning a 4.0 on the report card.
Districts and school receive an overall rating of 1 - 5 stars in half-star increments. The overall rating is comprised of five rated components. The highlights of the 2022 - 2023 school year showing how RIdgeview scored on each component are below:
- Achievement (2 stars): Needs support to meet state standards in academic achievement
- Progress (4 stars): Significant evidence that the school exceeded student growth expectations.
- Gap Closing (4 stars): Exceeds state standards in closing educational gaps.
- Early Literacy: Not applicable. For K-3 students
- College, Career, Workforce and Military Readiness: Not applicable for middle school.
Pathway Express Kicks Offs with the OSU vs. Michigan Soccer Game on October 22 (Sunday)
Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Burleson
He was born in Gallipolis, Ohio. and lived there for 23 years before moving to Columbus with his beautiful and beloved wife, Shannon. He graduated from Ohio Valley Christian School, followed by the University of Rio Grande, where he earned a degree in Middle Childhood Education 4-9, Science and Social Studies, and a minor in Spanish.
He became a teacher to change lives in a positive way, to inspire students to be lifelong learners, and empower them to change the world! Those who have influenced him the most are his family, wife, and teachers/coaches in the past.
As a child, he spent most of my free time playing sports or working on his family's farm, where he grew up with one older sister (Hali). In 2015, he was a NAIA National Soccer Champion.
Something some may not know is that he is left handed and a beef connoisseur and his favorite food is a ribeye steak. His favorite movies include: Saving Private Ryan, John Wick, Tombstone, and 1917; while his favorite TV shows are Alone, Life Below Zero, and Mountain Men.
For fun, Mr. Burleson enjoys fishing, hiking, traveling, disc golf, and gardening. He has traveled to 6 countries and 38 states including Hawaii and Alaska, where he experienced Silver Salmon fishing on Kodiak Island.
In his spare time he studies microbiology and physiology. His favorite color is red. He and his wife are the proud parents of a Kobe, a German Shepherd.
In closing Mr. Burleson is a fan of The Ohio State Univeristy, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Cavaliers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Cincinnati Reds, and Columbus Crew.
If you ever ask Mr. Burleson, "How are you?"
He'll reply, "I'm living my best life!"
Special Needs and Services: Help Your Child to be Kind to ALL Students
Parents, sit down with your children and encourage them to be friendly and kind to ALL students. The link below is a great place to begin the conversation.
CCS Mission & This Year's School Theme
Columbus City Schools Mission: Each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community.
2023-24 School Year Theme: Start Strong. End Stronger!
The RMS PBIS Corner
There are four important topics to share at the PBIS Corner.
#!1: Congratulations!
Congratulations to RIdgeview MS for once again earning a Bronze Recognition Award for the 2023 Ohio PBIS Showcase.
#2: Thanks!
Thank you to the men of the Eta Nu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for supporting our Raider of the Month program with gift cards to give to our recipients.
#3: Big Fun - "Be RMS" Golden Ticket Event on September 21st!
Ridgeview honored 150 students for following Be RMS: Be Responsible; Be a Member; and, Be Safe,. A total of 50 students each from 6th, 7th, and 8th grades were rewarded with a cool frozen treat from 2 Good Treats. A good time was had by all of these RMS students who are positive role models for all.#4: "Be RMS" Student vs. Staff Dodgeball Game
Back by popular demand - the staff challenges the students. Here's how it works.
Qualification Period: October 2 - 27, 2023
Event Date: Friday, October 27, 2023
HOW DO STUDENTS QUALIFY TO ATTEND THE EVENT?
- Follow the school rules - "BE RMS"
- Go to class On Time and No Tardies
- No horseplay or play fighting
- Stay out of your lockers in between classes
- Follow the CCS Dress Code
- Keep your hoods down and hats off
- No headphones, earbuds, air pods, or cell phones
- Listen to ALL adults in the building
- Display RMS behavior throughout the building, at recess, and on the bus
- NO 190s, REMOVALS, SUSPENSIONS, ISS EXPULSIONS, BUS WRITE-UPS, or AFTER SCHOOL DETENTIONS
- The administration will have final say in who will attend the event.
#5: Understanding PBIS at RMS
PBIS--Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports--is a framework for creating a safe, positive, and equitable environment at RMS. At our school, we want every student to feel valued and connected to the school community in addition to being supported by caring adults.
At Ridgeview, we call this "Be RMS":
- Be Responsible
- Be a Member
- Be Safe
This month the focus in THE VIEW is - IN THE CLASSROOM.
BE RESPONSIBLE:
- Be on time and attend every day
- Come with supplies, including your Chromebook and homework everyday
- Use time wisely and complete and turn in all assignments
- Keep cell phones and electronics off and put away
BE A MEMBER:
- Respect everyone, appreciate differences
- Participate, raise your hand and ask questions
- Follow teacher’s rules and expectations
- Respect the materials of the classroom
BE SAFE:
- Keep hands, feet and objects to self and out of aisles
- Sit up in seats and push chairs under when you move
- Resolve conflicts nonviolently and with maturity
- in the HALL (check The VIEW September edition)
- in the CLASSROOM
- in the RESTROOM
- in the CAFETERIA
- in the AUDITORIUM
- on the BUS
- at RECESS
- at ENTRY AND DISMISSAL
- and AGAINST BULLYING
RMS VISION, MISSION, and CORE VALUES
The Vision: Each student at Ridgeview Middle School will show a year's worth of growth or more in reading and math as measured by District and/or state assessments by the end of each school year.
Our Mission: We exist to create an environment where students are educated through a lens of culturally responsive teaching, mindfulness, and the use of high-quality data. Collectively we aim to advocate, challenge, and support student growth in all areas of development.
Our 4 Core Values: 1. Create a safe, encouraging, inclusive, and supportive environment. 2. Maintain high expectations. 3. Inspire student success. 4. Demonstrate respect through empathy and inclusivity
Books, Books, Books - Why Not You?
RMS Clubs & Sports - Debate Team
Auditions are going on now and the first competition is this winter.
Coach Braddix has lead our RMS team for three years and is looking for another successful Debate Team!
Tutoring & Academic Support
Do you need academic support for tutoring for your student?
Click on the links below.
Celebrating Diversity in October
It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity, there is beauty, and there is strength.
~ Maya Angelou
Check out these celebrations in October:
- Sept 15 - Oct 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
- October: ADHD Awareness
- October: Dyslexia Awareness Month
- October: Global Diversity Awareness Month
- October: National Polish American Heritage Month
- October 9: Indigenous Peoples’ Day was formerly called Columbus Day
- October 10: World Mental Health Day
- October 12: World Sight Day
- October 19: Spirit Day (anti-bullying of LGBTQ+ youth)
- October 31: Halloween
Remember, we are better when we work together!
PTA Point-of-View
We hope your family has had a great start to the school year. In September, we had our first fundraiser of the year. The fall flower sale raised over $700.00. Thank you to everyone who sold and purchased flowers!
Your involvement is important, and we are still looking to fill two vacant positions on our board. Currently we have 8th grade represented. We strongly encourage 6th and 7th grade families to volunteer for the two open positions. This will give them some experience for next year when the 8th grade families move on. If you are interested, please email at RidgeviewMSPTA@gmail.com expressing your interest.
Here are the 2023 - 2024 Ridgeview MS PTA board members:
President: Michelle Manko (parent to 8th grade student)
Vice President: Adam Newman (parent to 8th grade student)
Treasurer: Carol Ferry (parent to 8th grade student)
Officer: Joanna Newman (parent to 8th grade student)
Vacant positions are as follow:
- Secretary: shall keep all records of the organization, take, and record minutes, and send notices of meetings to the membership.
- Officer: attends meetings and assists with event planning
New This Year: We plan to communicate using the REMIND app! We are excited to give this tool a try. Please sign up to receive our notifications. Text @rmspta112 to 81010 to be added!
Spirit Wear Shop is LIVE: Get your RMS gear shipped directly to you. Shop our link: Ridgeview Webstore
Yard Signs & Car Magnets: Looking for a Ridgeview Raiders yard sign or a magnet for the back of your car?!?! Sign up as a supporting (magnet) or gold member (yard sign) of our PTA! https://rmsraiderspta.memberhub.com/store
PTA Meetings: The PTA meets the first Thursday of every month, at 6:00 pm on zoom. Please join us for these meetings. They are filled with information about fundraisers, events, and how PTA funds are being allocated. It is also a good opportunity to meet other families with students at Ridgeview.
Mailing List: If you haven’t done so already, please get added to our mailing list! Send an email to us at RidgeviewMSPTA@gmail.com and ask to be added to the list to make sure that you are aware of upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
Facebook: Join our Facebook group at "Ridgeview MS PTA".
Ways to Provide Support: Here are some no cost/low time way to support the PTA:
● Download the Box Tops app, add Ridgeview PTA as your school and scan all your receipts
- If this is your first-time registering be sure to use our code: HXSC8XH4 – we receive a little bonus
- https://btfe.smart.link/c2jjdifkw?referral_code=HXSC8XH4
- No cost to you and RMS PTA does not receive copies of your receipts.
● Make RMS PTA your organization on the Kroger Community Rewards program.
- At Kroger.com or on your Kroger App, under Rewards, then Community Rewards, add our organization number 84721
- No cost to you and RMS PTA does not receive your personal information.
Mark your calendar to attend our
November 2nd meeting
via Zoom from 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81196889925?pwd=VGJKaEVkcXV1WllaZkRUcm9Gc052dz09
Meeting ID: 811 9688 9925
Passcode: RMSPTA
Don’t forget to stop by our table at the Fall Family Mix and Mingle on Tuesday, October 24th.
Sincerely,
RMS PTA
Got Questions? Call the FACTLine
Need Help? Check Out Our Community Partners
LSS 211 offers services from homeless shelters to senior living. Call 211.
- City of Columbus CARES Act offers assistance with utilities.
- Cap4Kids provides resources for families in the areas of meals, housing, utilities, mental health, and lots more!
- Charity Newsies offers clothing assistance & winter coats.
- Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio offers pharmacy services and medicines, counseling on proper medication usage, health screenings, wellness education, and social program assistance for those who cannot afford them. (614) 227-0301.
- Clintonville Resource Center serving all of Central Ohio by providing assistance through the food pantry, child and youth programs, senior services, and kinship care program.
- Franklin County Children Services 2022 Guide provides information on local emergency or non-emergency assistance to families.
- Mid Ohio Food Bank provides food locations by zip code.
- OhioKAN ensures every kinship and adoptive family who wants support navigating the resources available to them can get it.
- Project Connect provides help to families living in shelter, car, motel, campground, and doubled-up families.
- Emergency Broadband Benefit provides relief for broadband services and a laptop, computer, or tablet.
Ridgeview Middle School
Ridgeview Attendance email: attendance.ridgeview@columbus.k12.oh.us
Ridgeview Attendance phone number: 380.997.6994
FACTline Email: factline@columbus.k12.oh.us
FACTline Phone Number: 614.221.FACT (614.221.3228)
Customer Relations Phone Number: 614.365.8888
Customer Relations Email: customerrelations@columbus.k12.oh.us
Family Ambassador Debora Myles: 614.365.5506
Email: ridgeviewms@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: https://www.ccsoh.us/RidgeviewMS
Location: 4241 Rudy Rd, Columbus, OH 43214, USA
Phone: 614.365.5506
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgeviewProud