THE VIEW
Newsletter for Ridgeview MS (Issue 8 3.2024)
The Principal's Post
Dear Ridgeview Families,
We are quickly approaching the end of the year! On March 18th, we will officially kick off the 4th and final nine weeks of the school year! As we spring into this time of the year it is extremely important that all students remain focused on their academics and display RMS behavior. We also want to continue to encourage self-efficacy among our students and we want them to “see themselves achieving their dreams,” through hard-work, perseverance, and determination. This has been a focus through the year in our book, “Why Not You?”
Additionally, when we return from Spring Break, we will be shifting into Ohio State Testing in reading (6th -8th), Math (6th -8th), and science (8th grade only).
At Ridgeview, all students are expected to take their tests seriously and allow others the opportunity to do the same. To encourage an optimal testing environment, we focus in on the"RMS 3 B‘s of Testing."
- Be on Time
- Be Cooperative
- Be Ready to Show Growth
Students who meet or exceed our expectations during testing will be eligible for prizes/rewards.
Please support your child and the school community by reviewing our expectations with your child prior to the start of testing.
Be well and have a joyous and relaxing Spring Break!
Natalie M. James
Principal
Don't Miss Out ... Let Your Voice Be Heard!
(click on the title above or use the QR Code below)
Growing Together in Our Uniqueness!
Getting Real with Mr. Reese
Ridgeview's Assistant Principal, Mr. Reese, offers these words of wisdom ...
DON'T QUIT!
-Edgar Albert Guess
Calendar of Events
- 3.4-18: The Spring Panorama Survey is Open
- 3.6-20: PTA Fundraiser Flower Sale via Foertmeyer & Sons Greenhouse Co.
- 3.15, Fri: End of Third Grading Period
- 3.20, Wed: Records Day - No School for Students
- 3. 27, Wed at 4:30 pm: Track & Field Meet at Centennial HS
- 3.28, Thurs: 30-Minute - Early Release
- 3.29-4.5: Spring Break - All Schools Closed
- 4.5, Fri: Last day to buy a 2023-2024 RMS Yearbook
- 4.8, Mon: Professional Development Day - No School for Students
4.11, Thurs, at 4:30 pm: Track & Field Meet at Beechcroft HS
- 4.15, Mon, at 4:30 pm: Track & Field Meet at South HS
- 4.25, Thurs, at 4:30 pm: Track & Field Meet at Beechcroft HS
- 4.29, Mon: PTA Fundraiser Flower Sale Delivery
- 5.2, Thurs: PTA Meeting via Zoom
The Counselor's Corner: Preparing Our Students for the Next Phase of Life
Greetings RMS Families,
As your child’s school counselor, I am uniquely trained in child and adolescent development, learning strategies, PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), and more. I focus my time working with students in three domains – academics, college/career readiness, & future planning and social emotional supports.
As you can imagine, these are all very important roles as it relates to supporting your children through this important development period as they struggle to become their best self.
- As the building test coordinator, I am working with students and staff to prepare for state testing in reading and math at all grades and science for 8th graders. We are completing the Ohio English Language Assessments for our English Language Learners. I am also completing the accelerated math pathway assessments for selected 6th graders who met criteria to determine their best math pathway in grades 7 and above.
- As the College Credit Plus (CCP) Coordinator, I am working with students that are interested in learning about CCP and options to offer dual enrollment in high school and college courses for Columbus City School students as an accelerated pathway towards college and career readiness. To participate, students must: Attend an in-person session, watch the informational video, or attend a live virtual session with a parent/guardian; Submit a Letter of Intent to participate by April 1, 2024 in order to take CCP classes in their high school, on a college campus, or online; Apply to the college/university in which you wish to take CCP courses, adhering to their admission standards and deadlines.
- I am also working with 14 8th graders on their Young Scholar applications. The Ohio State University Office of Diversity and Inclusion Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a comprehensive pre-collegiate and collegiate student success program designed to enhance the academic, personal, and career development of its Scholars. YSP is an exceptional opportunity for academically talented, first-generation students with high financial need to advance their goal of pursuing higher education.
- All 8th graders are working with me to schedule classes for high school. Teachers have provided recommendations, and each student has a set time when they will schedule classes with me, both on paper and in Schoollinks. (Scheduling will be completed before the school choice lottery results are available. It is very important that students share their recommendations with their families.)
- I set up two college visits at Columbus State Community College (CSCC) and we had 90 8th graders attend to learn about options available at CSCC.
- All 8th graders completed a financial literacy activity to learn about budgeting and monthly expenses. If you have not talked with your 8th grader about this experience, please do. It was very eye opening for most of the students!
The pictures below capture some of our moments at Columbus State University and financial literacy as presented by the I Know I Can program.
Sincerely,
Julie Thomas
Your RMS Counselor
Gaining insight on the overall expectation for college students.
Hands on Interaction can be fun.
Experiencing graphic design up close and personal.
Students learning utilities can be a large percentage of expenses.
The entertainment budget depends on essential expenses and one's education attainment.
Oh no, I may need another job for all the extras.
Math & Literacy can be Fun at RMS!
Erin Hendricks, author
Students intently listening to a local author present her book--One Day--and provide writing tips.
Math & Literacy can be fun for the family
Reach for the Rings was a family event encouraging math and literacy learning.
Students Attending Received Extra Credit
Fun math stations were enjoyed by all.
Important Test Dates for RMS Students
Ohio State Testing Dates at Ridgeview
- ELA (6th-8th): Tuesday, April 16th and Thursday, April 18th
- Math (6th - 8th): Tuesday, April 23rd and Wednesday, April 24th
- Science (8th): Tuesday, April 30th
The RMS 3 B's of Testing Incentive Program
Students will be expected to:
- Be On Time each day of testing (7:30 am).
- Be Cooperative during testing.
- Be Ready to Show Growth on their assessments.
Students who meet or exceed these expectations during the course of
testing will be eligible to receive rewards.
Congrats to the Power of the Pen Students!
RMS Power of The Pen students deserve an extra kudos for their valiant fight at last month's Power of The Pen regional competition.
Over 30 schools competed and an RMS student received his Best of Round Award to huge applause from an audience that included his family. He will compete in the state competition!
Donella Braddix
Gifted and Talented Curriculum Specialist
Nurse Gina: Nutrition and Eye Care
Greetings,
It's always a great time to think healthy. This month, I am encouraging you to--
* Eat Healthy
* Take Care of Your Eyes
Check out the links below to learn more about how you can help your child and family to experience optimal health.
Stay Healthy!
Nurse Gina
Teacher Spotlight: 138 Years of Service from 4 Retiring RMS Educators
We are thankful for the service of four RMS teachers who will be retiring at the end of the year. So, this month we will focus on our four fabulous educators pictured left to right: Coach O'Brien, Ms. Moore, Ms. Jefferson, and Dr. Quaranta, III.
As they complete their last quarter at RMS, we thought it would be interesting to share a little insight with you. Each was asked the following questions:
1. How long have you been a teacher?
2. How many years were you at RMS?
3. What was your most enjoyable experience(s) as a teacher?
4. What are your future retirement plans?
5. What words of wisdom would you want to give your RMS students?
Here's what they had to say in their own words.:
Ms. Jefferson: 8th Grade Math
- This is my 35th year teaching.
- This is my 35th year at Ridgeview! I have never taught anywhere else.
- My most enjoyable experience as a teacher has been chaperoning our trips to DC and Chicago.
- Moving to Dallas, Texas and discovering a new passion!
- Strive for Excellence - you can never get back your middle school years!
Ms. Moore: 6th-8th Grade Computer Technoloy
- I've been in education for a total of 31 years.
- I've taught for 8 years at Ridgeview MS.
- My most enjoyable experience as a teacher is when I share the excitement of discovery with young people.
- My future retirement plans are to spend more time with my family – especially my grandchildren and to attend my son's wedding this July in Seattle, WA. Also, traveling and lots of reading would be wonderful.
- Words of Wisdom: "You become what you believe. Always believe in the best of yourself!"
Coach O'Brien: National Board Certified Phys. Ed Teache, Assistant Soccer Coach, & Head Baseball & Basketball Coach
- 35 years of service. All in Columbus City Schools. Teaching Health and Physical Education at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels.
- This is my 12th year of Teaching Physical Education and Coaching Sports at Ridgeview Middle School.
- I have been fortunate to have taught and watched thousands of students grow up throughout my 30 plus years of teaching.
- My plans for retirement are to travel with my wife, who is also a Physical Education Teacher in another district. She and I are retiring together at the end of this year. Alaska, Colorado, Ireland, and the Carribbean are on our list of destinations to visit over the next several years. Spending more time Hiking-Biking-Fishing and Golfing are additional ways I will spend more of my free time in the future.
- One of my favorite quotes comes from a Chinese Proverb: "I Hear, and I Forget. I See, And I Remember. I Do, And I Understand."
Dr. Q: American History 8 / World History 7
1 Number of years as a teacher: 37 years.
2. Number of years at RMS: 27 years.
3. Most enjoyable experience(s) as a teacher: When students return to say hello.
4. Future retirement plans: Spend time with family
5. Words of wisdom for RMS students: Your future is in your hands.
Coach O'Brien
35 Years of Service
Ms. Moore
31 Years of Service
CCS Safety Measures
For the Safety of All Students and Staff
Lockers are the property of the Board of Education.
The Contents of all lockers
ARE SUBJECT TO RANDOM SEARCH AT ANY TIME.
Ohio Revised Code section 33.13.20(B)(1)(b)
Stop at Attendance Office 1st!
Attention all RMS Families,
Everyone (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!
2024 Columbus City League Middle School Track Schedule for RMS
The RMS Track and Field Team is comprised of 7th and 8th graders.
All four meets begin at 4:30 pm and are listed below:
March 27, Wed: Centennial HS
Competing: Ridgeview (Home Team), Indianola, Woodward Park
April 11, Thurs: Beechcroft HS
Competing: Ridgeview, Dominion (Home School), Mifflin
April 15, Mon: South HS
Competing: Ridgeview, South (Home Team), Hiltonia, Johnson Park
April 25, Thurs: Beechcroft HS
Competing: Ridgeview (Home Team). Woodward Park, Indianola, Medina
Special Needs and Services: Cultivating Hope Everyday
Encourage your student to exercise kindness, connection, inclusion, empathy, and belonging and acceptance at RMS.
Be Responsible. Be a Member. Be Safe.
Help teach your student to include students with disabilities in their circle of friends.
Below is information about the Special Olympics available at RMS.
Special Olympics
The Ridgeview Adapted Physical Education crew competed in a basketball skills competition at the end of February. The competition at West High School included: passing, dribbling, and shooting. The team was amazing! Many of our students took 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place ribbons. The students had a wonderful time.
We look forward to our track event in May and hope you will encourage students and parents to attend and support our students.
Great job everyone!
Coach Scott
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
March's focus in THE VIEW is - AT RECESS.
BE RESPONSIBLE:
- Be on time
- Dress appropriately for weather conditions in accordance with dress code
- Leave with a pass, use pass appropriately, and return within the specified time frame
- Stop play, and return equipment respectfully when the whistle is blown
- Keep cell phones and electronics off and put away
BE A MEMBER:
- Make new friends
- Use and return equipment appropriately
- Respect everyone, appreciate differences, and help one another
- Follow the directions of staff at all times
- Line up quickly and orderly
- Enter the building quietly and be considerate of classes in progress
BE SAFE:
- Keep hands, feet, and objects to self
- Play safely and respectfully
- Stay in assigned areas
- Be mindful of and report problems and unsafe conditions i.e. mud, puddles, cracks, etc.
- Report problems to an adult
- 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 (The VIEW January edition)
- on the BUS (The VIEW February edition)
- at RECESS
- at ENTRY AND DISMISSAL
- and AGAINST BULLYING
#2: "Be RMS" Homeroom vs. Homeroom Dodgeball Game
It's another opportunity for students from each grade level.
Qualification Period: March 4 - March 28, 2024
Event Date: Thursday, March 28, 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
- No horseplay or playfighting
- Stay out of your lockers in between classes
- Keep your hoods down and hats off
- No headphones, earbuds, Air pods, or cell phones
- The administration will have final say in who will attend the event.
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.
- Academic Support - https://www.ccsoh.us/search?query=academic+support&referrerPageUrl=https://www.ccsoh.us/
- Summer Experience: - https://www.ccsoh.us/domain/3052
Celebrating Diversity in March
INCLUSION is the celebration of DIVERSITY put in action
~ Brookes Publishing
Check out these celebrations in March:
- March 1 -31: Women's History Month
- March 4: National Grammar Day
- March 8: International Women's Day
- March 10: Daylight Savings Day Begins
- March 17: St. Patrick Day
- March 20: Spring Equinox (Start of Spring)
- March 10 - April 9: Ramadan
Remember, we are better when we work together.
PTA Point-of-View
Greetings!
THANK YOU to the families who donated items for dinner for the staff during conferences! The staff really enjoyed and appreciated it.
Our SPRING FLOWER SALE kicked off on March 6th and runs through March 20. Flowers will be delivered April 29th! Flyers were sent home with students on March 6th and links were emailed to families on March 6th as well. The email comes from no-reply@fundraisit.org . We are hoping to raise enough funds for something extra fun at this year’s field day.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE NEXT PTA MEETING: Thursday, May 2, 2024 (there is no April meeting).
The PTA is not possible without volunteers to serve on the board. The current members of the board are 8th grade families and are moving on to high school for the 2024/2025 school year. Members for the 2024/2025 board should be chosen in April and begin planning in May for the next school year. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer in any of the below roles for the 2024/2025 school year, please send an email to: RidgeviewMSPTA@gmail.com expressing your commitment for the role. Currently, all positions for next year are open.
- President: The president shall preside over meetings of the organization and executive board, serve as the primary contact for the principal, represent the organization at meetings outside the organization, serve as an ex officio member of all committees except the nominating committee, and coordinate the work of all the officers and committees so that the purpose of the organization is served.
- Vice President: The vice president shall assist the president and carry out the president’s duties in his or her absence or inability to serve. The vice president shall also oversee the committees of this organization.
- Secretary: The secretary shall keep all records of the organization, take and record minutes, and send notices of meetings to the membership.
- Treasurer: The treasurer shall receive all funds of the organization, keep an accurate record of receipts and expenditures, and pay out funds in accordance with the approval of the executive board. He or she will present a financial statement at every meeting and at other times of the year when requested by the executive board, and make a full report at the end of the year.
OUTSIDE OF FUNDRAISERS: KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS – has been our best way to raise money. If you have not done so already, PLEASE, make RMS PTA your organization.
Our number is 84721
Create a Digital Account
Link your Card to the Organization
Your Organization earns
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.
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".
Mark your calendar to attend our May 2, 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 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