RPS Update

A big congratulations to RPS for passing its education budget. The District’s budget represents the values of the organization as well as that of the community. Favorable support nurtures the positive climate and culture that defines the excellence of RPS. School districts around the state have been challenged by budget cuts as a result of a loss of grant funding. Through conservative budgeting and a thoughtful focus, we have been able to continue to maintain the staff, programming, and experience our students, faculty, and families have come to know and expect. We look forward to growing our programs in world language, mental health supports, special education, new courses at RHS, school security, and more. In addition, families of RHS athletes will continue to see a reduction in their pay-to-participate fees. Bravo to all who supported the development of this budget, and carried it through during this budget season.

Many of us are reading (or listening) to the recent research on the impact of cell phones and social media on the development of young people. While RPS has the ability to create practices and policies for students during the school day, we don’t have the ability to manage family choices and what happens outside the school day. As both an educator and parent, I recognize the challenges in applying rules for our own children when they may not apply to other children; yet, the importance of applying limitations for children's growth and development is clear. Across the remainder of the school year and in advance of the summer, we will be sharing resources or tips for families that could be helpful to you, especially when some children will be enjoying less structured time. If your child currently has a smartphone, here are resources you might find useful in creating parent controls- (androids/iPhones).

It appears that my invite to the prom was lost in the mail once again- even still, wishing our juniors a fantastic prom this weekend!

Warmly,

Susie

Susie Da Silva, Ed.D

“We’ve overprotected our kids in the real world while under protecting them in the virtual one, leaving them too much to their own devices, literally and figuratively.”

—Tracy Dennis-Tiwary in “The Rise of Machines,” a New York Times review of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, April 21, 2024

At Monday's Board of Education meeting, high school and middle school principals presented the CABE (Connecticut ) and WCSA. Read the principals' remarks about each of these exceptional students and see more photos here. Congratulations!

Please read through the RPS Update for opportunities for reflection, celebration, and community building. Check your school's calendar for important dates.

Junior Prom is this Saturday, May 18. Have fun! Stay safe! Submit photos!

Senior Prom is Friday, May 31.

Tonight, some of the best runners in the State of Connecticut will compete at the Ridgefield Nightmare Invitational, starting at 8 pm on the Tiger Hollow track. In particular, senior Steven Hergenrother is shooting to beat the State record of 4 minutes and 5 seconds. That is fast! Dreams! Let's go, Steven! Let's go, RHS. Steven is expected to run around 9 pm.

In September, RPS Update shared some of the strategies East Ridge Counselor Caitlin DeMello shares with her middle school students. She created posters for the Counseling office, which remind students of ways to be their best. Ms Demello writes, "We feel that the more equipped students are to handle difficult situations and emotions, the more they can contribute as resilient, mindful citizens to our Ridgefield community." Please see Ms. DeMello's inspiring posters here.

RPS is offering a FREE one-week day camp style program that pairs students with peers from their schools to build social skills through play and making lasting friendships. Activities include music, sports, arts, field trips, and more! Transportation to and from is provided!

Dates: July 15-19 (Mon-Fri)

Elementary program, Grades PK-4

• at Barlow Mountain Elementary
• 9:00-3:00 pm

Middle and High School programs, Grades 5 and up

• at Scotts Ridge Middle
• 7:45-1:45 pm

Here's the link to the webpage.

And here is the direct link to the application.

Continuing the theme of environmentally friendly shows, this week Dr. Wes DeSantis welcomes Ridgefield High School Biology teacher, Arlyn Kilduff to Tiger Talk. She tells listeners about the Environmental and Sustainability Club, their involvement with the town, and current projects like the Pollinator Pathway and the RHS recycling audit. Thanks for listening!

RPS kindergarten registration has picked up with Orientation for youngest students just around the corner. If you haven't registered your child for kindergarten yet, please do immediately so that RPS can be prepared and to ensure that your student is able to access all the orientation activities. Registration required to attend mini-kindergarten! Please help us spread the word about this exciting rite of passage and register today.

RPS in collaboration with Ridgefield Music Parents, a dedicated group of parent partners, funded the commission of "Blue Hour," by Jessica Meyer. The composer was at East Ridge last week to work with Symphonic Director Shane Peters, Co-Director Juliana Chetcuti, and the Middle School Symphonic Orchestra students on the piece and run a workshop.

The public is invited to the "Blue Hour" premiere on May 29 at 7 pm at East Ridge Middle School.

Last week, RHS Scheduling Committee members—Principal Dr. Jake Greenwood and administrators Michael Yagid, Liz Karlan, and Danny Martins presented at the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) Showcase of Exceptional Schools. The topic was Flex First: Build Student Agency and Prepare for Productive Days. The conference focus was the importance of belonging and RHS Flex First Schedule was recognized as an innovative approach to build student agency. The presentation followed the journey used to implement a transformative morning flex period, reshaping students' and staff's daily experience. Through interactive conversation, the team delved into the powerful methods educators are using to leverage flex to connect meaningfully with students, provide targeted support to struggling learners, and personalize learning through flexible scheduling.

Voters supported the Town budget this week, including the Board of Education Operating and Capital Budgets. This means voters funded the introduction of an elementary World Language program, a plan to consider the renovation of the RHS Auditorium, the reduction of Pay to Play fees for RHS sports, and the work of educating Ridgefield's youth.

Some highlights from this week's BOE meeting include RHS Student Government leader Hannah Yu (and others) reporting on the success of Senior Field Day (photos in last week's RPS Update). PTA Council Co-Chair Angela Rice gave a report on the PTAs' enormous efforts to brighten and enrich our schools. Middle school principals Jennifer Phostole and Tim Salem joined Assistant Superintendent Cory Gillette to update the BOE on Middle School Pathways. An ESSER Funding Update highlighted the District's wisdom in using pandemic funds to supplement programming—extra tutoring, student support, and summer bridge—rather than pay for salaries or operating expenses. Many Connecticut districts face cuts in programming as these Esser grants end, whereas RPS's fiscally conservative approach leaves the District in a sound position. Chair Tina Malhotra announced that there would be day and nighttime opportunities for the public to give feedback and input to the BOE—dates to come.

View the full meeting and agenda on the Board of Education page.

Please check your students' e-Backpack for important information. Organizations that meet the RPS policy may submit their request for inclusion to cmelagrano@ridgefieldps.net

Please check your school's calendar for Art Shows and Concerts, including the flyers above for upcoming RHS and Middle School Orchestra performances.

East Ridge sixth graders made these 3D collages inspired by artist Charles McGee (1924-2021). ERMS art teachers Hillary Lewis and Christen Riegel asked students to consider Line, Value, and Pattern to create these cool collages.

Scotland Elementary art teacher Megan Kounnas unveiled the impressive talents of her students in the recent SES art show. Kounnas reports it was a team effort to hang the wonderful multimedia projects. Music teacher Jim Tornatore attended to coordinate student musical performances. Kudos to Ms. Kounnas and all the students for their creativity and growth.

This week, RHS senior Graham Kitchin achieved a goal he set six years ago. Kitchin is a member of The U.S. Air Force's official auxiliary, which focuses on Search and Rescue among other missions. On Tuesday night, Kitchin received the Eaker Award and was promoted to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel. The rank of C/Lt Col is the last rank before the final rank of Cadet Colonel or the Spaatz Award. In an email, Graham shared how important this honor was to him: "This is a big deal in the Civil Air Patrol," he writes, "because only 1% of all Cadets receive this award and promotion."

State Representative Aimee Berger Girvalo presented Graham with the Eaker Award and also presented him with a citation from the General Assembly of CT that is signed by the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, and the Secretary of the State. The other gentleman in the photo above is Squadron Commander, Capt Devin Pedone, Graham's "Unit" commander.

Congratulations, Graham!!!

A previous RPS Update reported on two RPS students snatching grand prizes in the Housatonic Regional Recycling Association (HRRA) poster contest. Since then, we've learned of more students earning recognition, including Ridgebury student George Loewengart, shown with Town of Ridgefield Recycling Coordinator Tiffany Carlson. Please see a full list of winning posters and the artists who created them here. Remember to Keep It Loose, Ridgefield...meaning don't bag your recyclables.

The Branchville PTA Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) committee welcomed educators from the Center for Empowerment and Education, who spoke with first and fifth graders about understanding empathy and ways to practice empathy in our everyday lives at home and in school.

This week, Branchville Elementary announced its Teacher of the Year, Kristi Byrne. The quotes from parents on the poster speak to the care Kristi has for her students and the Branchville community. This rounds out the RPS building TOY announcements—a celebration of all the excellent educators across the district, who go above and beyond for their students, families, and colleagues. A committee will select the district TOY from the following nominees:

Barlow Mountain Elementary—Lisa Whelan

Branchville Elementary—Kristi Byrne

Farmingville Elementary—Katelyn Root

Ridgebury Elementary—Danielle Maruschak

Scotland Elementary—Cheryl Osher

Veterans Park Elementary—Kelly Feeney

East Ridge Middle School—Marla Kay

Scotts Ridge Middle School—Jennifer Bray

Ridgefield High School—Kelly Predham

East Ridge Middle School Principal Jennifer Phostole and Farmingville Elementary Principal Nancy Caron attended the Urban Assembly 2024 Social Emotional Learning Symposium. We can't wait to hear all about it.

Followers of the RHS Boys Lacrosse Team and Kindness Over Muscular Dystrophy social media accounts have been able to enjoy the heart-warming connection between the squad and Conner Curran, an RPS student battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Conner holds a place on the team's sidelines and hearts so when they beat last year's State Champs Staples High School in overtime during the KOMD game this week, the team hoisted Conner on their shoulders. Good luck in FCIACs, Team Conner BLax!

ROAR Therapy Dog Holly was back at Barlow Mountain to listen to students read. It seems like Holly might master the words "BONE," "COOKIE," and "WALK." Those dimples!

Veterans Park Elementary students have gotten their hands dirty recently. Kaleidoscope Gardens will be at VPES three times this spring to work with Grades K-2.

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.