THE VIEW
Newsletter for Ridgeview MS (Issue 6 1.2024)
The Principal's Post
Dear RMS Families,
Happy New Year!
At Ridgeview, we are moving full speed into the 3rd Nine Weeks! During the second half-of the year we will start off with a "January Restart and Refresh Campaign!” We will be reviewing building-wide PBIS Expectations, “Be RMS”, and encouraging students to put their best foot forward as they strive to be the best that they can be. Also, students will have the opportunity to become the MVPs in their classes as we will be recognizing and rewarding the top performer and most improved student in each class at both the interim and at the end of the quarter.
It will also be imperative that each family holds their child accountable for their behavior in school, following the CCS/Ridgeview Dress Code, and of course their academic performance. We need the support of each family to move each student forward.
Finally, I encourage each family to sit down with their child to find a focus word or word of inspiration (i.e., power word) that will propel them throughout 2024. Choosing a focus word can give your child “vision and direction” which will ultimately help them achieve their goals.
Be Well,
Natalie M. James
Principal
Help Your Child Identify the Skill/Talent Within!
Getting Real with Mr. Reese
Ridgeview's Assistant Principal, Mr. Reese, offers these words of wisdom ...
Always Do What You Are Afraid To Do.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson
Calendar of Events
- 01.15.24, Mon: All Schools Closed - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- 01.16.24, Tues: Professional Development Day. Students not in Attendance.
- 01.17.24, Wed: Records Day - Students not in Attendance.
Girls and Boys Basketball begins at 4:30 pm
- 1.22.24, Mon: Girls Indianola at RMS and Boys RMS at Indianola
- 1.24.24, Wed: Girls RMS at Medina and Boys Medina at RMS
- 1.29.24, Mon: Girls World Language at RMS and Boys RMS at World Language
- 1.31.24, Wed: Girls Woodward Park at RMS and Boys RMS at Woodward Park
- 2.5.24, Mon: Girls RMS at Mifflin and Boys Mifflin at RMS
OELPA
The OELPA (Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment) practice sessions will continue through January 26th. The testing window is January 29th through March 22nd.
In preparation for the OELPA (Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment) test, students are working one to two days a week in their CORE class on practice materials for the four parts of the OELPA test. They will be tested in the areas of--
- Speaking
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
In order for a student to pass the OELPA, they must receive all 4s and 5s on the assessments.
Important Note: The Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA) is the state summative test used to determine an English learner’s proficiency level and to exit from the English language program. The OELPA is aligned to the K-12 English Language Proficiency Standards and is used to meet the federal requirement of an annual assessment of English proficiency measuring listening, speaking, reading and writing.
The Counselor's Corner: Mrs. Thomas - Has Tips for New Year Resolutions
Happy New Year RMS Families,
As we all know, January is the time for reflecting on the past and making decisions or resolutions for improving for the coming year.
RMS families this is the time to work together to establish goals that are SMART--Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. Also, don't forget to include, Be RMS!
Check out the link before that was created to set goals in 2022, BUT is still relevant for 2024.
Sincerely,
Your RMS Counselor
Nurse Gina: Flu Vaccines & Holiday Healthy Eating
Greetings,
Here's a few suggestions on how to keep your student active during these winter months.
Check out the links below and let's work together to have students with healthy bodies, strong minds, and long life!
Nurse Gina
Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Calaway
The first spotlight for 2024 is Mr. Calaway, a RMS 7th grade social studies teacher.
1. He was born in Cleveland, OH on Friday the 13th. He is from a family of four and has one younger brother.
2. His education includes Woodridge HS, where he lettered twice in soccer. He graduated from Otterbein University with a degree in English; licensed teacher from Ashland College; and, he is currently working towards a Master's degree.
3. Mr. Calaway met his wife of 16 years while attending Otterbein University.
4. He is the proud father of two boys, who are 12 and 14 and they enjoy playing basketball and hockey.
5. He is a huge Columbus Crew and Blue Jackets fan.
6. He enjoys traveling with his wife around the world and most recently to Rome where he can be seen standing in front of the Colosseum (see the picture above).
7. His favorite food is hot wings.
8. Lastly, he became a teacher because he is motivated by students and this was the reason for him changing careers to become a teacher.
In closing, this worldwide traveler helps to make social studies more interesting by sharing his travel experiences.
After School Athletic Events & Safety Protocols Policy
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: Basketball Game cost is $3.00.
IMPORTANT: KNOW THE GAME DAY SAFETY PROTOCOLS LISTED BELOW
Use the QR Code below to access tickets available through Local Level.
Special Needs and Services: Help Your Child to be Kind to ALL Students
Let's resolve to be a kinder person to everyone.
Help teach your student to include students with disabilities in their circle of friends.
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
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
At Ridgeview, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is the ideal framework for our students to develop social-emotional competencies and improve outcomes. Below you will find our beliefs and monthly fun events and activities.
#1: Be RMS Definition
- Be Responsible
- Be a Member
- Be Safe
This month the focus in THE VIEW is - IN THE AUDITORIUM.
BE RESPONSIBLE:
- Enter quietly
- Sit in assigned seat
- Show maturity
- Be a good representative of the school
- Keep cell phones and electronics off and put away
BE A MEMBER:
- Listen quietly
- Applaud others’ efforts
- Respect everyone, appreciate differences, help one another
- Follow the rules, requests and expectations of all staff and presenters
BE SAFE:
- Use only the aisles and walkways to get to a seat
- Sit up in seats
- Keep hands, feet and objects to self
- Resolve conflicts nonviolently and with maturity
- in the HALL (check The VIEW September edition)
- in the CLASSROOM (check The VIEW October edition)
- in the RESTROOM (check out The VIEW November edition)
- in the CAFETERIA(check out (The VIEW December edition)
- in the AUDITORIUM
- on the BUS
- at RECESS
- at ENTRY AND DISMISSAL
- and AGAINST BULLYING
#2: "Be RMS" Students vs. Staff Fear Factor
It's another opportunity for students from each grade level.
Qualification Period: January 8 - February 2, 2024
Event Date: Friday, February 2, 2024
HOW DO STUDENTS QUALIFY TO ATTEND THE EVENT?
- Follow the school rules - "BE RMS"
- Go to class On Time and No Tardies
- Listen to ALL adults in the building
- Display RMS behavior throughout the building, at recess, and on the bus
- Follow the CCS Ridgeview Dress Code
- NO 190s, REMOVALS, SUSPENSIONS, EXPULSIONS, BUS WRITE-UPS, or AFTER SCHOOL DETENTIONS
- Stay out of your lockers in between classes
- Keep your hoods down and hats off
- Keep bookbags and heavy coats in your locker
- Keep electronics and accessories put away
- The administration will have final say in who will attend the event.
3. Highlights from the Students vs. Staff Volleyball Game
Tutoring, Academic Support, & Get a Library Card
Do you need academic support for tutoring for your student?
Click on the links below.
Also, help your child get a library card and make trips to the library a family fun activity.
Celebrating Diversity in January
INCLUSION is the celebration of DIVERSITY put in action
~ Brookes Publishing
Check out these celebrations in January:
- January 11: Learn Your Name in Morse Code Day
- January 15: Martin Luther King Jr Day
- January 21: World Religion Day
- January 27: Holocaust Remembrance Day
Remember, we are better when we work together.
PTA Point-of-View
Happy New Year!
We hope everyone had a restful winter break. See below are the fun and interesting activities going on or planned.
IMPORTANT JANUARY FUNDRAISER! On January 4th, we kicked off our pizza roll fundraiser. Your student should have brought home a flyer. Please help us raise $1,000 for activities this year. If you need more details, please send an email to RidgeviewMSPTA@gmail.com letting us know! Order forms & funds are due January 18th.
SAVE THE DATE! February 9th for the Winter Dance – Valentine theme - from 6 to 8 PM. Last year students had so much fun, you do not want to miss it. We need family support! Please sign up to chaperone or donate - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A4EABAE2FA57-47030511-ridgeview#/
RMS BOARD MEMBERS & 1 VACANCY: Your involvement is important, and we are still looking to fill one vacant position on our board. If you are interested, please send an email to RidgeviewMSPTA@gmail.com expressing your interest. Here are the 2023/2024 Ridgeview MS PTA officers:
- 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)
- Secretary: VACANT: shall keep all records of the organization
- Officer: Joanna Newman (parent to 8th grade student)
- Officer: Whitney Wagner (parent to 6th grade student)
BECOME A PTA MEMBER: Don’t have time to commit to being a board member but want to help?! Please let us know by becoming a member https://rmsraiderspta.memberhub.com/store and sending an email to RidgeviewMSPTA@gmail.com with the level of commitment you can give. There is no such thing as too little!! We are all working adults who help each other as needed.
PTA MEETING DATES: The PTA meets the first Thursday of every month, at 6 PM over 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 are Ridgeview.
STAY INFORMED: If you haven’t done so already, 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 by searching "Ridgeview MS PTA".
RMS BRANDED ITEMS: Our spirit wear shop is LIVE!! Get your RMS gear shipped directly to you. Shop our link: Ridgeview Webstore
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
WAYS TO SUPPORT RMS: 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
o If this is your first-time registering be sure to use our code: HXSC8XH4 – we receive a little bonus
o https://btfe.smart.link/c2jjdifkw?referral_code=HXSC8XH4
o 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.
o At Kroger.com or on your Kroger App, under Rewards, then Community Rewards, add our organization number 84721
o No cost to you and RMS PTA does not receive your personal information.
ONGOING FUNDRAISERS: Easy Ways to Provide Support: Here are two 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 February 1, 2024 meeting via Zoom from 6 to 7 PM.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81196889925?pwd=VGJKaEVkcXV1WllaZkRUcm9Gc052dz09
Meeting ID: 811 9688 9925
Passcode: RMSPTA
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