RPS Update

Welcome back! I have enjoyed learning about how our faculty and students spent their April break. Many members of our community traveled abroad both professionally and personally, and have so many learning experiences to share- Finland, Paris, London, and Italy to name a few. Our Finland cohort shared the value of early language learning in schools and homes across Finland. Further, the emphasis on teaching children to communicate beyond the “mother tongue” is critical in contributing and collaborating in a global world.

On the topic of languages, our staff is preparing for a Tri-State Consultancy visit that will be studying our 6-12 world language program. For those of you that don’t know, the Tri-State Consortium is a group of educators from NY, CT, and NJ that visit schools to provide them with an outside lens on programming and instruction. We look forward to gaining their perspective and recommendations for our continued growth.

This is the time of the year when we begin to transition to end-of-year planning and events, while also thinking ahead to next year. As we reflect, both formally and informally on this year, we will begin to prioritize our hopes and dreams for the future of RPS. If you have thoughts to share, reach out!

Warmly,

Susie

Susie Da Silva

Rely on your character, not your emotions, to do the difficult task of leadership.

(Developing the Leader Within You), John C. Maxwell. The Daily Reader

Caption: Photo above Ridgebury kindergarteners with their Earth Day letters

Begins at 6:45 p.m. with an executive session.

The public session is expected to begin at 7:15 p.m.

The meeting is to be held in the BOE Conference Room at 90 East Ridge Rd.

Entrance doors are located off Governor Street, directly opposite the police station cell tower. All public comments must be made in person. (comments taken at the beginning and end of the meeting)

To watch, use our RPS YouTube link: https://bit.ly/3gr9aSs

View the agenda here: https://bit.ly/3mTANf7

The RHS Spring Band Concert is on Wednesday, April 26 at 7 pm in the RHS Auditorium. Free and open to the public.

Design Credit RHS student Sarah Caudill, who plays tuba in the band.

April 29 at 11:30 am on Tiger Hollow

RHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse

The public is invited to support the Simpson family and raise funds for the Nia Hailey Simpson Foundation Scholarship.

A link to RHS Athletics Page is here.

It's a busy time of year! Please check your school's calendar often to see all the events.

The tentative last day of school for students is Monday, June 19.

It is an early dismissal day for students.

The tentative End-of-Year PD Day for Teachers is Tuesday, June 20.

The full district calendar can be found here.

Host Dr. Wes DeSantis is talking trash on today’s episode of Ridgefield Tiger Talk! Joining him on the podcast are Jill Browne, the Director of Finance for Ridgefield Public Schools, and Tiffany Carlson, Recycling Coordinator, for the town of Ridgefield. They talk about the current way RPS manages waste in schools and how we are piloting a forward-thinking composting system that not only benefits the environment but also the community. Thanks for listening!

The Board of Finance passed the Board of Education Operating and Capital Budgets early this month without reductions. In an email to RPS administration and BOE members, BOF Chair David Ulmer wrote, "Just a note to thank you all for your work on this year's budget. All BoF members spoke last night and voted in favor of a motion to adopt the budget as presented. Again, we appreciate your time in attending our meetings and answering our questions as well as your ongoing efforts in support of all Ridgefield students."

In an email to staff after the vote, Assistant Superintendent Cory Gillette wrote, "Last night I watched our Superintendent receive compliments from the Board of Finance as they voted to fully support the Board of Education’s budget for FY24. This moment was just one of many examples of Dr. Da Silva’s fierce advocacy and devotion to RPS students and staff. Susie always takes the time to celebrate the accomplishments of the RPS Community. She deserves to be celebrated too."

The Annual Town Meeting is on Monday, May 1.

The Town Budget Vote is on Tuesday, May 9.

More information on the BOE budget here.

Photo Right Caption: Ridgefield Cheer

Please help us in our effort to go green by checking students' e-Backpacks in our newsletter. In this week's backpack, for example, you will find information about Rid Litter Days (tomorrow and Sunday), how to become a foster parent, and youth sports and scouts opportunities. Organizations that meet the RPS policy may submit their request for inclusion to cmelagrano@ridgefieldps.net. Thank you!

At the April 3 BOE meeting, Branchville first graders shared their weaving during the student showcase (video above) organized by art teacher, Jen Zeyer. The students' "quilts" are a good metaphor for a district. Like a quilt, a district is stitched together carefully where the various components—families, staff, and students—come together through hard work and collaboration with each strip integral to the whole. After the student showcase, Superintendent Dr. Da Silva, NEA-R teachers union leader Robin Collins, PTA Council President Angela Rice, and other community members independently spoke about both how wonderful our RPS community is and how damaging social media can be to our community's fabric. "When people show me what is posted, it doesn't even line up with the community I see," said Dr. Da Silva. She pointed out how the PTAs are struggling to get volunteers, college students aren't going into teaching after graduation, and teachers don't want to be administrators. Please listen to their eloquent and impassioned statements about the potential social media has for spreading misinformation, toxicity, and disengagement here. Please reach out directly to classroom teachers, building leaders, or administrators via email prior to and instead of posting about individual teachers, staff, PTAs, BOE members, or parents. Thank you for being a part of our RPS community, where all members are supported and valued.

On Monday, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Cory Gillette and Visual Performing Arts Chair Michael McNamara presented to the BOE Curriculum Committee in a particularly engaging and comprehensive meeting that addresses many recent questions from families and the RPS community about art. Ms. Gillette also credited Elementary Director Linda Johnson, RHS Assistant Principal Michael Yagid, RPS staff, and outside consultants for their work in this department. Ms. Gillette, Mr. Mac, and Mr. Yagid gave a detailed timeline of Visual Performing Arts Growth at RPS from 2021-24 that was cut off due to time constraints. They touched on Professional Development, Community Partnerships, Parent Involvement, and much more! The full timeline can be found here. To watch a recording of the meeting, please click here.

Before the break, Ridgefield celebrated paraprofessionals! The photo above shows Scotland Elementary's cheerful seasonal gifts. Below some of the preschool paras enjoy snacks and small tokens of our big appreciation. The RPS Paraprofessional of the Year will be announced later this spring. Thank you, paras, for this vital role you play in our schools. We couldn't do it without you!

Before the April break, the RHS chapter of the National Honor Society sponsored a dance with seniors at Ridgefield Station. Please read the press release about this fun community event submitted by NHS leaders Skylar Kleinman and Corrie Vakil.

Ridgefield High School’s National Honor Society (NHS) hosted the first ever “Senior-Senior Prom” on March 30 in collaboration with Ridgefield Station, a local assisted and independent senior-living residence.

The NHS chapter features RHS seniors who excel in and outside of the classroom. This year, NHS members led and contributed to community service initiatives through two American Red Cross blood drives and the collection of several hundred books, coats, canned goods, and toiletries distributed to Ridgefield and Danbury philanthropies. “Senior-Senior Prom” was just one more way to get involved in the community. NHS advisers, Amy Christofer and Liz Karlan, were thrilled that this dream event became reality: “We have an amazing group of students on our executive board this year. When we mentioned the idea of a Senior- Senior Prom, the girls really ran with it. It turned out even better than expected,” said Mrs. Karlan. “It made a big impact on the kids who participated.” NHS President Skylar Kleinman said, “Prom is one of the most exciting and memorable high school events; we wanted to create an atmosphere where the Ridgefield Station seniors could relive their fond teenage memories.” The event included dancing, student musical performances, hors-d’oeuvres, and a photo wall--and was almost entirely student-coordinated with over a dozen hours of planning.

NHS seniors combined their talents to create a heartwarming evening. “Some of our members are musically or vocally talented, others have creative craft skills. This event allowed everyone to be involved in a way that showcased their unique abilities,” says Corrie Vakil, a member of the NHS executive board. “While our dancing skills weren’t perfect, it was fun to attempt to waltz with the Ridgefield Station residents. They wore the biggest smiles throughout the event and radiated such happy energy.”

NHS students hope to create an impactful legacy by making “Senior-Senior Prom” an annual tradition, and NHS advisers hope to coordinate more events with Ridgefield Station in an effort to encourage intergenerational relationships between students and residents.

As author and Brooklyn teacher Torrey Maldonado makes his way from the Ridgefield High School auditorium to the Scott Ridge Middle School library, students and staff stop the charismatic author to pose for selfies and fist bumps as if he’s a rock star. Maldonado came to RPS the week before the break to be a part of two related SRMS initiatives, No Place for Hate and One Book, Two Schools.

During the No Place for Hate assembly SRMS student ambassadors presented to their classmates about anti-bullying initiatives that are meaningful, straightforward, and practical. Three RHS Student Ambassadors gave candid speeches about their own experiences receiving or perpetrating discrimination relative to race, religion, or neurodiversity. Maldonado complimented the students’ work by noting that we are all the same, whether we live in Brooklyn or Ridgefield. He tied themes from his books about young people finding their voice and identifying their role in smart decision-making. "Flex your superpower and be an ally!" said Maldonado.

After the assembly, students returned to their teams for important discussions and reflections. Maldonado and the One Book, Two Schools SRMS student book group met virtually with their counterparts from Rogers Park Middle School in Danbury to continue their discussion about Maldonado’s book What Lane.

Maldonado and the SRMS librarians had connected via social media three years ago when they posted a short book review for What Lane? This resulted in a virtual discussion with SRMS students and Maldonado. "Our students wanted to continue the conversation, to visit Torrey in his middle school classroom in Brooklyn," says librarian Janine Johnson.

In response to that interest to meet with students from diverse communities with a recognition of how "books can be an important vehicle for conversation," Principal Tim Salem reached out to the administrators at Rogers Park MS in Danbury, and One Book, Two Schools was underway. Maldonado is pleased that What Lane and his most recent book, Hands, are vehicles for students to explore the importance of their voice and their treatment of others.

Maldonado connects with students about what we have in common. Like the NPFH ambassadors, he gives students the tools to stand up against bullying and be part of the solution to make a difference.

Recently, Tiffany Antkies eighth-grade East Ridge science students collaborated to design an earthquake-resistant structure in a timely STEM lesson. First, students discussed the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria and looked at the designs of the buildings that collapsed to discover why those buildings were not up to standard. Next, they researched building techniques to create a scaled blueprint for a model of an earthquake-resistant structure. They determined what materials to purchase to build their model within a limited budget. Finally, they constructed models and tested them using an earthquake shake table. They reflected on the strengths and weaknesses of their designs and what they would do differently if they could rebuild.

RPS celebrated the forthcoming Earth Day (Saturday, April 22) in many different ways! Jessica Oliveira's Ridgebury kindergartners wrote love letters to the planet with their promises to help clean and beautify Mother Earth.

Congratulations to RHS junior Elisabet Sigurdsson for earning the grand prize in this year's COLT (Connecticut Council of Language Teachers) Artwork Contest. COLT received 214 submissions from 31 schools across the state with the theme Discovering the Joy of World Languages.

RHS Teacher: Daniela Silvestri

Wednesday, April 26 at 7 pm—Spring Band Concert (Flyer above)

Thursday, May 4 from 7-8:30 pm—Visual Art Show and Concert Choir Performance (Flyer below)

Wednesday, May 10 at 5:30 pm—RHS Orchestra Spring Concert

The Connecticut Association of Schools recognized RHS student Harrison Beckenstein at its banquet on April 4. Art teacher Dana Phelan writes, "Harrison is a talented and prolific visual artist and we are very proud of his accomplishments." She sent RPS Update his drawing below, which hangs in the RHS art room. Way to go, Harrison!

East Ridge art teacher Hilary Lewis posted the wonderful self-portraits below on the District's k-12 art Instagram page. She writes "8th graders are finishing their mixed media self-portraits. Some great use of interesting materials." We agree. Beautiful compositions!

Lucas Williams, RHS class of 2023, has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his Track & Field athletic career at NCAA Division I Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. Lucas plans to major in Environmental Studies. An honor roll student and active participant in the National Honor Society, Lucas has been a member of both the indoor and outdoor track & field teams since his freshman year. Lucas holds the all-time RHS indoor pole vaulting record and is on track to capture the outdoor pole vault record this spring. He has had a decorated pole vault career at RHS, achieving All Fairfield County, All CT State, and All New England distinctions. Most recently, Lucas took 1st place in the pole vault event at the CIAC State Indoor Track & Field Open Championships and represented Ridgefield at the New Balance Indoor National Championships in Boston, MA.

Regan McGrath, RHS class of 2023, has committed to run Track & Field at Bucknell University and intends to study Biology. Currently, Regan is captain of the RHS track team in addition to being a high honor roll student and member of the National Honor Society. Regan competed on the All American Distance Medley Relay team at the 2022 New Balance Nationals.

Ian Uecker, RHS class of 2023, has signed a National Letter of Intent to play men’s soccer at Iona University. Ian plans to major in Business Administration with a minor in Sports Media. Ian was a member of the boys soccer team and was the captain for the 2022 season. He earned both the All-FCIAC First Team award and All-State First team award in soccer during the 2022 season. Ian is a member of the AC Connecticut USL Academy team.

At the end of March, the Branchville PTA sponsored the return of the ever-popular Take Apart Night, back for the first time since the 2019-2020 school year. Families bring in old electronics to disassemble as they identify components of circuitry and learn a bit about how they function. The PTA is especially grateful to the RHS Robotics Team, who were kind enough to attend and teach the younger students how to use their robots. Kids were overjoyed to learn how to make the robots complete actions like "throwing" a ball or moving in complex patterns.

This week's RPS Update features updates of two stories from previous editions. In the March 31 issue, RPS wrote about Branchville Elementary first-grader Colin Lisk who won the Heart award in the Branchville Writes competition. The Ridgefield Press wrote a more in-depth article about Colin and his friend group of Nacho Heads that was syndicated by Hearst. Find that heart-warming article here.

The March 17 issue featured a story about a program that an RHS chemistry teacher was running during the morning FLEX period. Today's issue features the group's field trip to WestConn.

RHS Chemistry teacher Euan Hunter reports that he and his students visited Western Connecticut State University as a follow-up to their work during the Flex period on WW1 bullets brought to RHS from France in 2019. Christine Pittsley from the Museum of Connecticut History joined the group to learn more about this multi-disciplinary project.

Here is Mr. Hunter's report from the field trip.

Dr. Daniel Baluha from WestConn and his lab assistant were excited to see this novel use for the chemical analysis that they do. The students received a mini-lecture from Dr. Baluha in the background chemistry, a tour of the multimillion-dollar lab instrumentation room where the bullets will be analysed, and then they started work on the practical side of chemically digesting the bullets so they could be run through the mass spectrometer. We discovered that there was more to the bullets than first thought. The tips of the bullets were not pure lead as we expected but rather either a copper-coated or alloyed tip. This made them much harder. We assume that is to give them more penetrating power. Anyway, that meant that Dr. Baluha had to take a hacksaw to try and cut through the tips! The students digested some bullet fragments in concentrated nitric acid and that all but confirmed that the bullet tips do contain copper. Dr. Baluha will then run the students’ solutions through the mass spectrometer and send us the raw data to analyse.

Ms. Pittsley brought along some more artifacts that were recovered from the same trench in 2019, including a French spoon with a bullet hole in it. She asked the students how that may have happened. Most say, ‘It was in a soldier’s pocket when he got shot’, however, one of our students said, “Maybe they put it above the trench to check for snipers." Christine said this was the first group of students who have said that and that the museum believes that is the case for the spoon! She reiterated the Connecticut State Museum’s support for the Tiger Trench project.

Thank you to Mr. Hunter for sharing this update with us!

Assistant Superintendent Cory Gillette, Elementary Director Linda Johnson, Grade 6 English Jennifer Bray, Elementary Music Ryan Dunne, and Grade 7 Science Charlsie Vanderrest (recipient of the Dalio Philanthropy and CT Fund) toured Finland during Spring Break to continue their learning. Here is their jam-packed itinerary. Ms. Gillette and the teachers are part of Sacred Heart University's Teacher Leader Program. This tour was offered from this course and included educators from across the US and abroad.

Italian teacher Carmen Simonelli reports that a group of RHS Italian students traveled to Italy during the break. The group went to Venice, Florence, Siena, Assisi, Sorrento, and Rome. Molto bene!

We've got our "eye" on you, RHS European spring break travelers. The London Eye Ferris wheel that is. Trip chaperones Jenn DeJulio, Molly Helmes, Megan Osimanti and Adam Rapczynski wrote that "25 10th-12th grade RHS students got a real taste of Europe over Spring Break. We visited London, Paris, Normandy, and Amsterdam. Sleep may have been in short supply but an amazing and unforgettable time was had by all!."

At the April 3 BOE meeting, a representative from CABE (the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education) presented the Bonnie B. Carney Award of Excellence for Educational Communication to the Ridgefield Public Schools for the 2021-22 RPS News. The photo shows Superintendent Dr. Da Silva and district communications representative Alison Pratt with the award.

RHS LLC puzzle enthusiasts and students, Emma Levine and Sarah Rizzio (photo below), with the help of friends, finished the Sherlock Holmes puzzle that Sarah generously gifted the RHS Library Learning Commons. RHS Librarian Ericca Testa writes, "This is our fifth puzzle of the year, and we cannot put them out fast enough! We will miss these RHS seniors, but they are inspiring the underclassmen to join in the puzzle fun."

Bravo to the cast, crew, and organizers of the Scotts Ridge performance of A High School Musical JR. SO much fun! Please see the show's Playbill for the full ensemble and all the behind-the-scenes help.

What talent! The East Ridge Middle School production of The Lion King JR was a delight! Thank you to all those involved in creating the costumes, sets, and experience for the East Ridge community. It takes a village to put on these musicals. Please see all those involved with the production in the show's Playbill.

Farmingville Elementary fourth graders tied on bonnets and donned three-cornered hats for a fun day of colonial games, costumes, and history lessons at the Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center.

People were jumping, shredding, popping, and "ollieing" at Veterans Park Elementary this week. The VPES PTA brought in skateboarders from SK8 4 Life, which is a health and wellness program that caught everyone's attention.

The group's website outlines how they weave life lessons with skateboard stunts to discuss the following topics.

Mind: Positive thinking, overcoming obstacles

Body: Nutrition, exercise, drug-free lifestyle

Spirit: Uplifting others, building community

We would love to hear from you! Families and staff can submit stories, comments, or corrections to RPS Communications. Please follow us on Social Media with links below.