In this week’s episode of Ridgefield Tiger Talk, we welcome back to the show Kimberly Davis, Library Media Specialist at RHS, and Danny Martins, Department Head for Social Studies. They tell us about an exciting new club called Educators Rising. In this club, our students learn what it takes to become an educator, take on roles and responsibilities in different facets of education, and compete at the local and national level. We are already seeing our students gain many accolades. Thanks for listening!
On Tuesday during FLEX, junior Chana Goldstein and freshman Andres Erazo spoke about the full-size Formula One car they had made in partnership with their teacher Mike Cerniglia, fellow students, paras, and custodians. The car was a group effort—students of all abilities working together to create something awesome.
“This wasn’t just about building a car,” Andres said, standing proudly before the stream-lined cardboard model parked in the Student Center, “It was about building something that represents our school community. We wanted to create something to show what we can achieve when we come together.”
Students and staff gathered around the car in a joyful celebration of collaboration and accomplishment—admiring the car’s fantastic orange, black, and silver details. “Each logo represents different clubs in your school,” explains Chana. Every club is represented. Mr. Cerniglia uses an app to make the engine roar. After the introduction, admirers take turns sitting in the car and holding the custom RHS steering wheel. They pose for photos in the license frame cut-out.
“I wanted to focus on what students could do,” explains Mr. Cerniglia, who has taught special education at RHS for nine years but has just started with the RISE (Ridgefield Intensive Special Education) program this year. “The car shows how we achieve great things when we collaborate. Making this car gave students an authentic peer experience that goes way beyond what I could teach them. They painted; they taped; they researched clubs; they collaborated; they practiced social skills; they bonded, and the whole school sees the result, which exemplifies what we can accomplish together.”
In fact, after the unveiling, seniors Gigi Lewis and Ava Murdock, who became involved in the RISE classroom through the National Honors Society, are enjoying donuts and laughs with Chana and Andres. During the building of the car, student Sam DeSordi volunteered a lot of his time, losing himself in the project to the point that Cerniglia had to remind him to get to class. Thank you to teacher Adam Horvath and the Debate Team for help getting the large car through the small classroom door and into the Student Center!
Mr. Cerniglia explains that the idea for the car arose when he and paraeducator Andre DeSousa were talking about cars and thought about how great it would be if the class could build a full-size car around the plastic Adirondack chair they had in the class. Cerniglia writes, “I started sketching ideas on the board, and Mr. DeSousa suggested a Formula One car. During the following weeks, I saw some cardboard boxes that were going to be thrown out and asked the custodians if they could bring the boxes to the classroom. We put the chair in the center of the room, leaned the boxes against it, and then it just took shape from there.”
Everything on the car is found, recycled, or donated. They didn’t have orange paint, so they mixed yellow with magenta to create marbled orange trim. They used pierogi tins and Monster cans to make ducts and decorations. There are so many thoughtful custom details—Greenwood tires (for Principal Dr. Jake Greenwood) and patches for many RPS administrators, including DaSilva for the superintendent.
“We’re going to do something big again next year,” says Cerniglia. We can’t wait to see what this crew rolls out.
Please help RPS go green by checking your students' e-Backpack weekly for important information. Organizations that meet the RPS policy may submit their request for inclusion to cmelagrano@ridgefieldps.net. Check the backpack for Rid Litter Days opportunities.
The RHS Music Trip to New Orleans—In Photos and Video
The recent RHS music trip to New Orleans was an unforgettable experience filled with musical enrichment, cultural exploration, and thrilling excursions. Over the course of five days, students from the band, orchestra, and choir programs had the opportunity to showcase their talents, learn from esteemed professionals, and immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of one of America’s most musically significant cities.
Senior jazz saxophonist Maxwell Crook says, “As an aspiring musician growing up in a small town, traveling to a city where music is so integral to the people was truly a life-changing experience. New Orleans has given me a sense of purpose and confidence that will lead my passion in the future, as I know there is a place where I belong. This school trip was truly legendary and I will never forget the music I heard on the streets and the experiences I was able to have.”
Read the full report of this once-in-a-lifetime trip and all our music teachers' favorite parts in this recent Hamlet Hub article. See more photos and watch the videos below or on Instagram at RidgefieldHSMusic.
