Newsletter #15
January 21, 2024
A Note From Ms. C
Greetings, RES Community!
It may have been a short week, but it was packed with valuable learning for our students at Ripton!
This week, students from grades 2 through 5 had a special visit from Sylvie and Celia from United Way to discuss vaping prevention. It was heartening to see our students actively engaged in the conversation, sharing insightful comments and reactions. These discussions are vital for creating awareness and empowering our students to make informed choices about their health. This presentation made an even deeper impact on our fourth and fifth grade students. As students processed reactions to what they learned, together with Ms. O and Ms. C, they began discussions about steps that can be taken to channel frustration into positive action.
This spirit of action and voice is seen throughout our school - students are using their voices in powerful ways from advocating for a weekly Recess Magic the Gathering Club, to student-centered planning for a talent/lip sync show, to supporting each other when working through challenges in and out of the classroom.
I am so grateful for the collaborative spirit and positive energy that defines Ripton Elementary School. The active involvement of our students, parents, and staff, all go such a long way to together to support our kiddos!
With gratitude,
Meg
Thank Yous!
A huge thank you to Erin for all of her help and organization in planning our Monday Rikert ski days! This incredible opportunity for our students would not be possible without her planning and tireless efforts!
Our well-loved stove/oven will be retired this Monday as we make way for a brand new stove in the Ripton Kitchen! A huge thank you to Maryann, Eric, and Bruce for making this super-helpful addition possible!
A special thank you to Debi and Bryan Waters for purchasing and delivering school snacks generously funded by FORS. Your dedication to supporting our school community does not go unnoticed, and we appreciate your time and kindness!
To all of the folks who are volunteering to transport our students to Rikert and Salisbury - THANK YOU! We know the volunteer process is a cumbersome one, and cannot thank you enough for persevering through the red tape. We are so grateful for you all taking the time out of your busy days to come and help our kiddos get to and from skiing and rehearsals safely!
Dismissal Reminders
Thank you, everyone, for your flexibility and responding to the changes in dismissal - it goes a long way in ensuring that our dismissal time goes smoothly!
Friendly Reminders: If a last-minute change is needed, please let us know via thee avenues, only:
Sending a note in with your child to let us know of the change
Calling the office (802-388-2208)
Email: Riptonoffice@acsdvt.org
The day is often unpredictable and notification directly to the office is the only way we can ensure that the information is received by whomever is helping with dismissal for that day. Thank you!
Pickup Location
It is important that we dismiss kiddos directly to a caregiver and it is often difficult to see who is outside, so we are asking that caregivers please come to the Bell Room to pick up their kiddos.
After buses leave, you are very welcome to drive up to the circle if needed.
FREE DENTAL CARE FOR ACSD STUDENTS!
ACSD schools are participating in the 802 Smiles Network, which promotes dental health programs in Vermont schools. This means your child is eligible for a free dental screening at school and may be eligible to receive preventive dental services at no cost to you.
All you have to do is to fill out the online consent forms by February 1st, 2024. We also have paper forms that will be sent home.
The registered dental hygienist can provide the following free services:
Dental Screening (simplified dental check-up)
Fluoride Varnish (brush-on liquid that can help prevent cavities)
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) (brush-on combination of silver and fluoride that can help stop cavities from getting bigger)
Dental Cleanings (helps keep the mouth healthy and clean!)
Oral Health Education (teaches students how to brush, floss, maintain good oral health)
Dental Sealants (a thin layer of material placed on back teeth to prevent decay)
Our schools will be served by dental hygienist, Michael Messina. If you choose to participate, Michael will send you a follow-up letter after your child’s screening explaining the services provided, whether additional treatment is recommended, and help connect you to a dental professional, if needed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the school’s dental hygienist, Michael Messina at michaelmessina.rdh@gmail.com or our school nurse.