Ridgeview STEM Junior High
October 11, 2024 Vol. 14
PRINCIPAL'S WEEKLY MESSAGE
Happy Friday Ridgeview families! Here are your weekly updates.
Thank you to all those who were able to come out to our Lunch With A Loved One event on Wed. We had over 120 families spend time with students. It was such an awesome day! During each session, we shared report card data with family members, as well as had spirit wear available for purchase. More info about spirit wear is further down in the newsletter if you'd like to make an order. We’ll have another one next quarter on Dec 5th! We hope you can join us next time if we didn’t see you this week. For those who did attend, please take a few minutes to fill out our survey. We thank you in advance.
Our last round of Parent/Teacher Conferences for the 1st semester will take place on Mon Oct 14th during the school day which means there is no school on the 14th. The sign up is the same process as our last two evening dates. If you have questions or are unable to sign up, please contact one of your students’ teachers for assistance.
On Oct 18th, we are holding a Teen Night! Tickets for this event are now on sale. More info can be found in the PTO section of the newsletter. However, students also know that their behavior during the school day is being monitored. Students who are not following T.I.G.E.R. expectations will not be permitted to attend. If they have already purchased a ticket but end up on the “no go” list, money will not be refunded. We don’t want to have to deny anyone the opportunity to attend, but we will if needed. We want the event to be a positive fun experience for all, which means behaviors must meet our T.I.G.E.R. expectations. If families have questions about Teen Night, please contact our PTO president Kelly Martin or a grade level administrator.
The end of Quarter 1 is fast approaching. Oct 18th is the end of quarter 1. Having all work completed is vital to student success/overall grades. Please make sure you’re communicating with your student about assignments and deadlines. Please also be advised that grade checks for winter sports will begin with quarter 1 final grades. Students will need to carry at least a 1.75 GPA (or a C-) in order to be eligible to play basketball, wrestle, or cheer. If you have questions about athletics, feel free to contact our Assistant Athletic Director, Evan Doughty, or our athletics secretary Ms. Tiffany.
Families, do you love popcorn? If so, we're having a popcorn sale! The Double Good Popcorn sale started yesterday, Thur Oct 10th at 5:00 pm and ends Mon Oct 14th at 5:00 pm. 50% of all profits comes back to the building to be used for staff, student, and/or building needs. Click here for the link and help us reach our sales goals! Thanks in advance for your support.
We are still having issues with students breaking the code of conduct by stealing tags/zippers off of student backpacks or other personal items. This is unacceptable! We don’t condone theft from anyone of anything. Students who do this will receive at least one day out of school (if not more) as a consequence. Please talk with your student about this, as we all work hard for the things we have. It’s not okay for someone to take anything without that person’s permission.
Lastly, please be advised Personal Communication Devices CANNOT be picked up by parents when school is not in session. Please plan ahead.
Take care and we’ll see everyone soon! GO TIGERS!
Important Dates:
Mon Oct 14: No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences
Fri Oct 18: End of First Quarter
Fri Oct 18: Teen Night!
Mon Oct 21: No School - Teacher Work Day
Sheila A. Evans, Principal
Ridgeview STEM Junior High School
BUILDING NEWS
Friendly Reminders
Early Dismissal Information
District Policy states that only guardians listed on Infinite Campus are permitted to pick up their student. If your student needs to be picked up early by someone who is NOT their guardian, a guardian must call the office to let us know who will be picking up their child. The other adult must present a valid ID to office staff for the student to be released to them.
Dress Code:
All students should have shoes that cover their toes and that are appropriate for school (no slides, sandals, or slippers). Crocs are appropriate but must have the strap for the heel.
Clothes should be appropriate length and cover all parts of the body (ex: no crop tops, spaghetti straps). If writing or pictures are on the clothing, it should be appropriate to wear at school. PJ’s are not appropriate clothing to wear to school.
Students are permitted to wear hooded sweatshirts to school, but cannot have the hood (or any hat) on their head during the school day.
Personal Communication Devices:
For this school year, when students enter the building, all devices (phones, wireless headphones or pods, iPads) are to be turned off and put out of sight for the entire school day. Smart watches may be used as a watch only. If it’s used for anything else, it will be confiscated.
If a student is seen with a device OR uses their smart watch for anything other than a watch, the device will be confiscated and locked up in the main office. The first time it’s taken, the student may pick it up at the end of the school day. After the first time, a parent will have to pick up the device - it will not be returned to the student moving forward.
Pick-up times for Personal Communication Devices will be Mon - Fri in the main office from 8:00 am - 1:45 pm and again from 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm as long as school is in session. The main office closes at 3:00 pm daily.
The purpose of this is to have our students more engaged in classes. Devices are becoming more of a distraction every single day. We want to set our Ridgeview students up for success in every class. We believe this will be a better start to doing just that!
We’re collecting more devices daily. If your student has a device confiscated and it doesn’t belong to them, the person that it belongs to AS WELL AS the student who had it taken from will be added to our spreadsheet for a confiscated device. Please make a note of this.
What's Happening In the Media Center?!
Exciting news! 🎉 We are proud to announce that this week Ridgeview 8th grade students participated in a unique learning experience by engaging in a Zoom author talk with Lois Lowry, renowned author of The Giver. This opportunity allowed students to ask insightful questions via video, showcasing their curiosity and passion for literature. The ELA teachers will be sharing the author recording with their students when they read The Giver!! What questions would you ask her? 🤔📚
School Fees were applied to all students at PLSD on September 9th. Please check your Parent Portal to see your balance, and pay online.
HOW TO PAY FEES:
- click 3 lines in upper left corner
- select FEES
- select school year & student
- add fee to cart
- check out/save a payment form in portal
HOW TO APPLY FOR FREE/REDUCED FEES:
- click 3 lines in upper left corner
- select MORE
- select MEAL BENEFITS
- follow all prompts to end/SUBMIT
If approved, your student fees will fall off of the account. Please see the Income Guidelines below.
If you have any questions about your child's fees, please contact Tiffany Dalton at tiffany_dalton@plsd.us or 614-548-1702.
PICTURE ORDER DETAILS
Click on the camera to order!
Event Code: FE61024
Questions?
Customer Care
M - F 8am - 5pm:
1-877-515-1447, Option 1
Orchestra Concert
Come support our Ridgeview Jr High and Pickerington High School Central's Orchestra.
Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024, 07:00 PM
Pickerington High School Central, Opportunity Way, Pickerington, OH, USA
RIDGEVIEW CLUBS
Yearbook Club
Meetings take place every Tuesday at 2:45 pm in room 105
Want to make history and learn new skills? Want to meet new people and get involved? Yearbook Club Welcomes you!
Mrs Garwood: allison_garwood@plsd.us
Diversity Club
Meetings are on the first Friday of every month from 2:45-3:30pm
- Explore different cultures
- Celebrate diversity
- Promote inclusivity
- Engage in community service
Are you interested in learning about different cultures, celebrating diversity, and making a positive impact on your community? Then the Diversity Club is the place for you!
Mrs Hoffman: beth_hoffman@plsd.us
JAM Club
(Jesus and Me Club)
Meetings are on Wednesday's from 2:45-3:30pm
Beginning October 2, 2024.
- deepen your understanding of the Bible
- grow in your personal faith
- build meaningful relationships with peers
Through interactive lessons, discussions, and activities, students will explore key biblical principals, learn how to apply them to daily life, and develop a stronger sense of community and spiritual growth.
Mr. Stubbs: kurt_stubbs@plsd.us
Video Editing Club
Meetings take place on Wednesday's from 2:45-3:30
Want to be involved in the Friday Video Announcements? Meet new friends, learn new skills, help our school and be creative!
Open to everyone!
Mrs Kissell: kim_kissell@plsd.us
STUDY TABLES
All students involved in clubs are offered an opportunity to stay after school for Study Tables. A contract does need to be signed by the student in order to participate.
Please see the office to get your copy!
Become A Volunteer At Ridgeview!
Ridgeview is always looking for volunteers from our families and it's now easier than ever! If you're interested in sharing your time, please click the link below and fill out the Google form. Approval will be communicated once the application process is complete.
JOIN OUR TEAM
Click on the pictures below to apply!
Become a Substitute
The application process begins at the Fairfield County Educational Service Center website.
SPIRIT SHOP - WINTER EDITION
If you're paying with Venmo, there will be a fee - $1 for $20 and $1.75 for $40 or more. Please add the extra in your payment.**
Payments of cash and/or check will be accepted in the office with Ms Tiffany.
Email: tiffany_dalton@plsd.us with any questions!
Rachel Ross
School Nurse
Mindy Stillwell
Health Care Assistant
A NOTE FROM THE NURSE
IMMUNIZATION REMINDER: In order to start school, all immunizations must be up to date.
Click HERE for complete guidelines.
School-Based Health Clinic
Pediatric Associates has an office located at Tussing Elementary that is available to all PLSD students and the community of Pickerington. The clinic offers the following services: helping with sore throat, headaches, earache, bad cough, strep test, immunizations, blood work, physicals, well check-ups, sports physicals, medication, asthma, etc.
The clinic is open on Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 - 3:00 and closed from 1:00 - 2:00 for lunch. Walk-ins are welcome or to schedule an appointment call 614-864-3222.
Emergency Resources
Crisis Text Line: text "HOME" to 741741
Nationwide Children's Youth Hotline: 1-614-722-1800
Teen Hotline: 1-614-294-3300
Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
Safe Schools Tip Line: Call or text 1-844-723-3764
Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 1-614-221-5445
Sheriff Department: 1-740-652-7900
Ridgeview's Counseling Team
Student Counselor (A-Ga)
Student Counselor (Ge-N)
Student Counselor (O-Z)
College & Career Symposium - October 19, 2024
Pickerington Local Schools invites all students in grades 7 through 12 and their families to the College & Career Symposium on October 19th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with registration starting at 9:30 a.m., at Pickerington High School Central.
During the event, you can:
Get assistance with college applications and essay writing
Get your financial aid questions answered
Explore military options and future career paths
Learn about College Credit Plus and Advanced Placement courses, and how your child can earn college credit at no cost to families
Post-Secondary planning for students with disabilities
Meet with college and workforce representatives
The keynote speaker for the event is former Ohio State and NFL standout, and Top Youth Motivational Speaker Doug Worthington. “Coach Doug,” specializes in teaching personal responsibility, accountability, and setting high standards. When it comes to success in life, nothing is handed to you–you have to EARN IT!
Light refreshments will be available, and local food trucks will be onsite with additional food options for purchase. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore your future options and get a head start on college and career planning.
Don’t forget to register using this registration link!
We look forward to seeing you there!"
Please click the pic for the link!
Earning Foreign Language Credit and/or Seal of Biliteracy through the AAPPL assessment
2024/25 PLSD Language Assistance Guide & Helpful Links
We have a new Family liaison that speaks Amharic, Oromo, Afan Oromo. We would like to get him connected with families that could use his help. The new liaison's name is Wagari Beti. He can be reached at wagari_beti@plsd.us or 614-638-7292.
ATHLETIC INFORMATION
Winter Sports Registration is now OPEN!
Please be sure that your student is registered on Final Forms.
Swim Meeting
There will be a swimmer/parent meeting Monday, October 14th from 6 - 8 pm at Pick Central HS in the commons area. Anyone interested should plan to attend.
Boys & Girls Basketball
First day try-outs can begin: October 25
Girls Basketball:
Conditioning is held every Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 3-4pm, beginning October 4th.
Boys Basketball:
Open Gym Dates: 10/15; 10/17; 10/22; 10/24
RJHS Main Gym 5-7 pm
Wrestling
Open Mats are being hold on Wednesday's & Saturday's for all 7th & 8th graders at the Pickerington High School Central Field House.
First day of practice: November 4
Please scan the QR code for more information.
Winter Sports Information
Be sure to register your student in Final Forms so that you get all of the up to date information regarding try-outs and practices.
Athletic Event Ticket Pricing
Students: $5 Adults: $7
Cash/Card is accepted at the gate. If you pay online, there will be additional fees.
Click here to purchase tickets: https://www.pickerington.k12.oh.us/Page/126
You may purchase a Tiger Club Pass ($50/student) or a Central Club Pass ($100/adult) that is good for all regular home games for every sport.
To purchase Club Passes, use the same link as above and select Central. Once there, you will select Purchase Yearly Passes.
**Students are now required to show their student ID card to attend athletic events. If your student does not have an ID card yet, you can show the attendant your Infinite Campus information from your phone until your ID arrives**
PTO CONNECTION
Happy Friday!
It was a short week for the students, but felt like the longest week ever "Happy Fall" to you all! We have tons of exciting things coming up over the next few weeks and just want to keep each of you up to speed on all that is going on.
Fall Dance is October 18th from 6:00 to 8:15 at Ridgeview, this is a Ridgeview student event only. Tickets can be purchased using Venmo, Cash App with QR codes listed in Google Doc below. When paying with Venmo please be sure to pay $11, Cash App $10 but most importantly be sure to include your student's first and last name, grade and lunch period. Students will have the option to purchase with cash Tuesday through Thursday by seeing Ms. Tiffany in the Office and on Friday directly at the school store during PAW Time. Starting 3rd period lunch, we will hand out wristbands that your student will be required to wear throughout the day and wear to the Fall Dance. Please make sure they do not take these off when they get home. We have a sign-up genius for volunteers that would like to help monitor the event and or donate see link below.
QR codes: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1DLRSur08XJii5SO5Frd57JzgllRhw53bn7HPa159WFo/edit#slide=id.p
We appreciate your willingness to help make this event successful and ask that you consider signing up for volunteer positions and consider donating as well. Thank you all in advance. Please review the available slots below and click on the link to sign up.
Another update, PTO partners (all Pickerington local schools) yearly with Lori Sanders and the Pickerington Education Foundation for a Tree auction. Ridgeview's tree theme over the past 5 years has been "Date Night" however this year we wanted to go a different route our new tree theme is "The Grinch that Stole Christmas". The theme change was to go with a more specific color theme "that neon green" but also to grab the buyer's attention because who doesn't love "The Grinch" - with that being said we are looking for donations. This can be gift cards or gift certificates for restaurants, Top Golf, Dave & Busters, monetary donations, neon green lights, grinch ornaments, nothing is off the table. In the past we have had wine donated, wine glasses, board games, lottery tickets, anything you have unused can be donated. (if you are unsure, please reach out we can discuss this with you). All donations must be received by October 22nd. Please arrange to meet with Kelly Martin, Qiana Ellis or Angel Johnson for drop off of items. We will arrange to meet you directly either outside of the school building or a local store/restaurant for all donations. We appreciate your support with this event (PEF details are listed above under the school details) - PTO is responsible for the tree auction only. See sign up link below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4CA5A62EA2FA7-52268243-pefdonations
One final announcement, Sweetest Day is the 19th of October (Saturday) and we all know that our children are the sweetest in the world (when they want to be). PTO will be offering Cookie/Cupcake grams and candy grams for you to purchase for your child or for you to purchase for your child to give to a sweetie or best friend at school or their favorite teacher/administrator. The process is very similar to how the Fall Dance works, you will send your payment via Venmo or Cash App (cash option will be available one day only on the 23rd during PAW Time at the school store). We will take orders up until the 24th of October by 6:00p - from there we will refund any payments received as we will not order extras. All cookies/cupcakes are store purchased and will be packaged up for your student. See the cost details and options below:
Candy gram(suckers and airheads) 2 for $1.00
Candy gram with a message - $1.50 (includes sticker and ribbon)
Cookie gram - 1 cookie $1
Cookie gram with a message - $1.50 (includes heart sticker with their name, love mom and dad or friends name)
Cupcake gram - 1 cupcake $2
Cupcake gram with a message - $2.50 (includes heart sticker with name, message)
You can send more than one option, just be mindful of Venmo fee, anything over $10 be sure to add $1, if you send more than $5 include the $0.50 fee. Feel free to message us on Facebook or email us with any questions you have.
This is a great fundraiser that we do for Valentine's Day as well, we hope that you all take advantage of sending your loved ones something special to make their day. A flyer will be posted on Facebook this weekend and you will have the option to email us too with all questions.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Kelly Martin & Qiana Ellis
PLSD DISTRICT NEWS
2024-2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR
PLSD 2024-2025 District Calendar - click here
Districtwide Activities Calendar
Upcoming events and important dates are listed in the Districtwide Google Events Calendar, which is synced with individual building, program and athletic team calendars. Once inside the district wide calendar, to display the events of a particular building, team, program or activity, you will need to check the specific corresponding color-coded box(es) from the list on the left-hand side.
Pickerington Schools partners with the City of Pickerington and Yodel to bring you the Pickerington Community Calendar!
Visit this link to view all Pickerington Schools activities included on the calendar and don’t forget to “favorite” our Pickerington Schools schedule! Once favorited, Pickerington Schools' events will be front and center on your calendar, enabling you to see what’s coming up.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Click the Pic for Tix!
HELP Make Our Schools Safer
The Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Public Safety have launched the SaferOH tip line that will accept both calls and texts 24 hours a day.
This tip line allows students and adults to anonymously share information with school officials and law enforcement about threats to student safety—whether that involves a threatened mass incident or harm to a single student.
Every tip can remain anonymous. School safety analysts may ask for additional information, but the caller can remain secret or leave his or her contact information for later follow-up.
Calls or texts to 844-SaferOH (844-723-3764) are answered by analysts in the Ohio Homeland Security’s Threat Assessment and Prevention (TAP) Unit. When action is needed, the TAP Unit immediately forwards information to Pickerington Schools, local law enforcement agencies, and others, if necessary.
Ridgeview Values
RIDGEVIEW JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL MAIN OFFICE STAFF
Principal: Sheila Evans
Assistant Principal 7th Grade: Henry Lee
Assistant Principal 8th Grade: Kevin Smith
Dean of Students: Sydney Dillard
Building Secretary/Athletics: Tiffany Dalton
Building Secretary/Registrar: Lisa Holley
Attendance: Pat Petrini
Office Assistant: Madelyn Gomez
Counselors: Kris Owen: A-Ga, Erica Reynolds: Ge-N, Meghan Wade: O-Z
Nurse: Rachel Ross/Mindy Stillwell
Safety/Security: Jon (JT) Haynes
School Resource Officer (SRO): Mathew Swaney, Jeremy Collier
Ridgeview STEM Junior High School
Email: Sheila_Evans@plsd.us
Website: pickerington.k12.oh.us
Location: 130 Hill Road South, Pickerington, OH, USA
Phone: 614-548-1700
Twitter: @RidgeviewPLSD