The Principal's Post
Dear RMS Families:
As the leaves are beginning to fall, we are revving up at Ridgeview! We are already nearing the end of the first nine weeks of the school year! There are only two weeks left and we want all of our Ridgeview scholars to finish strong! During the month of October, we will have our first two parent-teacher conference evenings (October 17th and October 22nd). I encourage each family to sign up to meet your child's teachers and to learn how they are progressing both academically and behaviorally.
Additionally, during our October 22nd parent-teacher conferences, we will be hosting a special meeting (5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.) for our English as a Second Language (ESL) families whose scholars will take the Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA) in February/March 2025. We want to take the opportunity to share the importance of the assessment with our families as well as the resources you can use to assist your child with growing in the English Language.
Finally, thank you for your continued support in helping your child to succeed! Enjoy the autumn weather, apple cider, pumpkin spice and everything nice!
With Joy,
Natalie M. James
Principal
Ridgeview Middle School
Intelligence plus character- that is the true goal of education.
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Getting Real with Mr. Reese
Ridgeview's Assistant Principal, Mr. Reese, offers these words of advice From Dr. Martin Luther King.
Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was an American Baptist minister, activist, and political philosopher who was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. A black church leader and a son of early civil rights activist and minister Martin Luther King Sr., King advanced civil rights for people of color in the United States through the use of nonviolent resistance and nonviolent civil disobedience against Jim Crow laws and other forms of legalized discrimination.
King participated in and led marches for ... (click here for more information)
Calendar of Events
- 9.15 - 10.15: National Hispanic Heritage Month (click her to learn more)
- 10.7 - 19, Mon - Sat: Panorama Survey Period
- 10.9, Wed: Instrumental and Vocal Music FUNraiser (check back here for specifics)
- 10.11, Fri: Girls Will! Summit 24 (this is a pre-registered event)
- 10.11, Fri at 7:00 & Halftime: 8th Grade Band Night at Centennial High School
- 10.17, Thurs from 3:00 - 6:30 pm: Fall Teacher Conference Meetings by Appointment
- 10.18, Fri: Professional Development Day - Students Not in Attendance
- 10.22, Tues from 3:00 - 6:30 pm: Fall Teacher Conference Meetings by Appointment
- 10.22, Tues from 5:30 - 6:15 pm: ESL Family Night
- 11.14, Thurs from 5:30 - 7:00 pm: Fall Family Fest Mix and Mingle at RMS
Power of the Pen Club
The Power of the Pen has started at RMS for the 2024 - 2025 school year for 7th and 8th graders.
This year, Mrs. Holbrook, Ms. Noble, and Ms. Debnam are leading the team. Currently there are 14 students in the club; however, there is still room for more writers. Thus far, our students already have written about where there love of writing began.
One of our previous published authors shared that the Potato Method is when a character experiences an internal conflict with an external conflict going on around them.
We are excited to see how far this year's Dream Team will go!
We meet in the library on Fridays during 8th period CORE Enrichment.
Chess Club
The Chess Club meets every Monday in the RMS library with Mrs. Holbrook.
Sixth graders meet during fifth period lunch and recess.
Seventh and eighth graders meet during 8th period CORE Enrichment.
Chess players of all skill levels are welcome to learn the basics or increase one's skill level.
The Counselor's Corner - Learning to Be RMS
Greetings RMS Families,
The Ridgeview Middle School theme for this school year is
Flying High for Student Success!
At Columbus City Schools our mission is that that "Each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in the global community."
"For many parents, preparing for their children’s college education begins when the child is born—with saving money. For children, college prep truly begins in middle school, whether they realize it or not.
This is the time of life when students need to:
- Learn how to study
- Learn how to advocate for themselves
- Find an extracurricular activity or two that they like and perhaps can excel in ..."
Continue reading this article by clipping on the link below ...
Sincerely,
Julie Thomas
Your RMS Counselor
A Message from Nurse Gina
Greetings!
This month I have four very important topics to share with you.
1. National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month and there is a month-long campaign to unite everyone to take on bullying https://www.stopbullying.gov/resources/get-help-now. Please take the time to share this article with your student.
2. International Walk to School Day
Second, International Walk to School Day is is always the first Wednesday in October celebrates the joys of walking and opens the eyes of students, families, schools, and community leaders. This event involves communities from more than 40 countries. Although we may have missed the date, it's never to late to exercise by walking to school. Click here to learn more about this international celebration.
3. Medications in School
All medications should be administered at home, rather than at school, whenever possible. When medications are needed during the school day, the CCS policy and guidelines must be followed. These guidelines are in place for the protection of all students. For ANY medication (prescription or over the counter, cough drops, etc,) to be allowed in school, written authorization by a physician/licensed prescriber and parent/guardian must be on file with the school nurse.
4. Illness Policy
Please keep your children home from school if they are experiencing ANY of the following symptoms:
- Temperature of 100 or higher
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Shortness of breath or wheezing during normal activities
- Cough that disrupts normal activities
- Yellow or green drainage from eyes
- Rash or draining sores
- Bad sore throat, earache or injury
Your student can return to school if they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications (Tylenol, ibuprofen); improving symptoms; no vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours.
Fondly,
Gina Rancitelli, RN, MEd, BSN, LSN
Licensed School Nurse
Ridgeview Middle School
office: 380-997-7600 | email: grancitelli@columbus.k12.oh.us
Teacher Spotlight: Meet Your Student's Teacher(s)
This month the focus is on all teachers. Now is the time for you to meet all of your young scholar's teachers. All you have to do is check your email and schedule an appointment. Here's the important dates and times:
10.17, Thursday from 3:00 - 6:30 pm
10.22, Tuesday from 3:00 -6:30 pm
Stop at the Attendance Office 1st!
Attention all RMS Families,
Everyone (i.e. all visitors, including parents) is required to enter the building via the Attendance Office.
This is the "check in" point that enables the school to manage
the safety and security for our students and staff.
Thank you for your Support!
Special Needs & Services: Behavioral Health Services
Emotional, behavioral, or developmental problems can be confusing for children and adolescents – and for those who love them.
Big Lots Behavioral Health Services at Nationwide Children's Hospital offers a wide range of services to address the needs of these patients and their families.
Where should you turn after a diagnosis of autism, Down syndrome or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? What if your child is experiencing anxiety, depression or problems with alcohol or drugs? The comprehensive, team approach brings together psychiatry, psychology, specialized pediatrics, counseling, parent support specialists, social work and nursing to help with every aspect of a child’s treatment As a national leader in childhood Behavioral Health research, we are pushing the field forward. As caregivers, we want to help with your child’s individual challenges.
If you are in an emergency, life-threatening situation, call 9-1-1 or go to an Emergency Department.
Click on the link below for more information and assistance
(the information for this article was obtained from the Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavillion)
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
PBIS October Activity
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based three-tiered framework to improve and integrate all of the data, systems, and practices affecting student outcomes every day. PBIS creates schools where all students succeed. This month's activity is listed below
Ridgeview Middle School has three behavior expectations. Students are expected to be RESPONSIBLE, be a MEMBER, and be SAFE at all times.
Because these expectations so so important, each student in attendance viewed videos addressing each of the topics during the first few days of the new school year.
Here's the areas addressed:
- In the Hall
- In the Classroom
- In the Restroom
- In the Cafeteria
- In the Auditorium
- On the Bus
- At Recess
- At Entry and Dismissal
- Against Bullying
Won't you help your child to Be Responsible, a Member, and be Safe.
You can find this information in its entirety by clicking HERE for RMS Behavior Expectations.
Sincerely,
Julie Thomas
our RMS Counselor
Diversity: Strength in in Diversity and Inclusiveness: Building a Better Tomorrow
Here's how you can promote cultural diversity at home and it's easy to get started.
Take action!
- Start talking about concepts related to culture, diversity and inclusion early. There are great books for parents that can help get you started.
- Look around your environment and consider the people in your life. ...
- Teach students how to stand up to teasing and bullying with conversations and role-playing.
For more details on how to foster cultural awareness at home,
click here to learn about this article from John Hopkins Medicine.
Help your child to understand that ...
Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another's uniqueness"
- Ola Joseph
Tutoring & Academic Support, Summer Experience, & Digital Tips
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.
The RMS PTA Needs Your Help
The PTA is looking for parents to help support the needs of our scholars at RMS. PTA is a parent-based organization that is essential to the school. Here's a few of the projects we've implemented over the past few years:
School Dance
Support for PBIS Initiatives
Monetary support for academic recognition (i.e., pennants)
Beautification of playground (i.e., picnic table and bench)
8th Grade Promotion
- Plan and implement fundraisers (e.g., raffles, flower sales, pizza rolls, and more)
- Field Days (i.e., supporting the last week of school activities)
- Appreciation activities for teachers (i.e., meals, gift cards, gift bags)
We are beginning to plan activities for this school year and could use your help.
Contact Kelly or Kim at ridgeviewmspta@gmail.com.
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 and dmyles@columbus.k12.oh.us
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