RPS Update

We celebrated great news this week with the passing of the Board of Education and Town budgets! With this phase complete, we can begin solidifying plans for next school year. Here are a few highlights we are excited about: expanding Spanish to Grades K-2, hiring a teacher leader to support gifted students and enrichment, and expansion of the music pathways.

Our seniors are out and about on their internships this week, learning and growing in a self-selected area of interest. This capstone experience is one in which our students have been looking forward to all year. If you see a senior around town, don’t hesitate to ask them about their experience and view our special Internship section below.

The weeks continue to be filled with art shows, concerts, and celebrations. We are so proud of our student progress and hope you are also. I know that our students are excited to display their work. If you want to see a beautiful piece, take a listen to this clip from last Friday’s RHS chorus concert. Juniors (and their dates) are heading to prom tomorrow. Have a great time and stay safe!!!

Earlier this week, I sent this letter on behalf of our secondary administrators and Central Office leadership team. We are thankful for the supportive responses from families, while recognizing that a single letter isn't enough. We ask for your partnership as we continue our efforts alongside community members. If you have advice or ideas for our team, please feel free to email any one of us. Together, we can do anything!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Warmly,

Susie

Susie Da Silva, Ed.D

During a Special Meeting on Wednesday night, the BOE voted to appoint Rachel Marino to fill an empty Republican Board seat. Ms. Marino is a teacher and RPS parent. Thank you, Ms. Marino, for stepping into serve.

RPS recognized students receiving the annual CABE (Connecticut Association of Boards of Education) and WCSA (Western Connecticut Superintendents Association)/CAPSS awards during Monday's BOE meeting. RHS, East Ridge, and Scotts Ridge chose two students for each prize. Principals spoke about these exemplary students, in and out of the classroom, as well as in the community. BOE Board Chair Tina Malhotra joined principals to present CABE awards, and Superintendent Dr. Susie Da Silva joined in the presentation of CAPSS.

Please read what the principals wrote about the ERMS, SRMS, and RHS CABE winners.

Please read about ERMS, SRMS, and RHS WCSA/CAPSS students.

Congratulations and thank you!

The photo below shows students recognized with SRMS Principal Tim Salem

CABE:Bradan Janso and Victoria Poole-Rodriguez

CAPSS: Lorelei Meyerhoff and Sean Murphy

With ERMS Principal Jennifer Phostole

CABE: Kiera Knox and Richard Zhuang (missing from photo)

CAPSS: Kian Griffin and Gabriella Memoli

With RHS Principal Dr. Jacob Greenwood

CABE: Lloyd Mills and Molly Williams

CAPSS: Naomi Vakil and Bryan Fitzpatrick (missing from photo)

Ridgefield Public Schools announced today the appointment of Joy Squitieri as the new Counseling Supervisor at Ridgefield High School. Ms. Squitieri graduated cum laude from Cornell University with a degree in applied mathematics, and holds a Master's Degree in School Counseling from Long Island University and a CT 6th Year Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from University of Bridgeport.

Ms. Squitieri started in the RHS Counseling Department in 2022 and has been a school counselor since 2004. RHS School Counselors help students navigate their four years of high school and prepare for post-secondary success. They advise students and families on course selection, offer grade-wide seminars on various topics, work with small groups, oversee standardized testing, support all learners, help students discover their strengths, and so much more!

In addition to her role as an RHS School Counselor, Ms. Squitieri has been a student advisor on No Place for Hate, and serves on the following: Teacher Leader Course, School Climate Committee, Senior Internship Committee, Artificial Intelligence Committee, Counselor Intervention Team, Western Connecticut State University Regional Crisis Team Committee, and Tri-State Consortium Member.

Ms. Squitieri writes, "As I step into the Counseling Supervisor role, I am honored and thrilled to continue my work within Ridgefield High School. The strong relationships I've established as a school counselor will enable further collaboration and communication to drive students' personal development, academic growth and post-secondary success."

Here's an opportunity for the Class of 2026 kick-off their college application process! RHS Counseling has announced dates for Camp Common App for this summer—a hands-on workshop about that annual rite of passage for most RHS seniors. The options are Friday, August 1 OR Thursday, August 7th from 10am - 1pm. Students can register here!

There are a few spots left in the Elementary Summer Bridge program. Register here!

Remember to check your school calendar for art shows, concerts, field days, and other end-of-the-year events!

Junior Prom is Saturday, May 17, and Senior Prom is on May 30. RHS families with students heading to prom, please make driving arrangements and keep the lines of communication open. Let's keep everyone safe through this season of celebration.

RPS knows that the following six months are some of the busiest times for moving. Please let your building leaders know if you are planning a move that will change your children's school. Ask your neighbors with school-age children if they have registered. We love our RPS Village!

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. Pride in the Park organizers are looking for volunteers. Please look in the e-Backpack or visit their website for more information on LGBTQ+ events and ways to get involved.

This week, Scotland Elementary’s grades K–2 had an exciting opportunity to engage in a hands-on STEM challenge in the school library using 3D Doodler pens. As part of RPS's ongoing commitment to introducing students to real-world problem-solving and career exploration, this activity combined engineering design with creative exploration.

SES Library and Media Specialist Gonillo reports that the lesson introduced students to the basic principles of engineering by designing and building simple structures with the 3D pens. Using warm, flexible plastic that quickly hardens into solid shapes, students were challenged to think critically and creatively as they constructed towers, bridges, and imaginative prototypes. These activities not only developed their fine motor skills but also encouraged teamwork, planning, and perseverance—key components of the engineering design process.

In addition to building, students learned how professionals in the real world use similar technology in careers such as architecture, product design, video games, and even fashion. By making connections between what they were creating and how it applies to future jobs, our young learners began to see themselves as future innovators and problem-solvers.

Ms. Gonillo writes, "We are proud to see our library transform into a vibrant hub for early STEM exploration, where curiosity and creativity thrive. Providing these types of experiences at an early age builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning and helps our students imagine what’s possible in their future!"

Our heroes! This week, Farmingville Elementary celebrated School Lunch Hero Day. This day was created by Jarrett Krosoczka, an author who visited FES, based on his graphic novel series, Lunch Lady. FES Library and Media Specialist Marissa Sallati reports that every student in every class created letters, posters, notes, and pictures to express their gratitude to Ms. Rosa. FES made her a special apron, just like in the book, and the PTA gave a generous gift card donation. Every student made sure to thank her at lunch. It was a really special day celebrating the one-woman team that serves our students lunch every day!

Thank you to all Food Services staff!

The Scotland Student Council hosted a Building Hope fundraiser last night, which raised over $3,500 for the Appalachian Service Project (ASP). ASP is an organization that helps repair houses for those in need in Appalachia. SES students held an assembly last week to learn more about ASP and the 320 Ridgefielders (high schoolers, young adults, and adults) who will head down to Kentucky and Virginia at the end of June to work on homes.

Last Friday, the RHS Chorus performed its spring show featuring the Sounds of the '60s. Soloists Charlottte, Abigail Black, and Charlotte Overs hit pure gold with their solos in "Stop in the Name of Love." Ridgefield Music Parents, our close partners, helped us recognize our seniors, the two Charlottes and Peter Karlotous, shown with Chorus Director, Lauren Verney-Fink.

Junior Eve Aronow has been passionate about the Ridgefield Playhouse since she began performing in "The Nutcracker" ballet on its stage over a decade ago. Recently, this sugarplum fairy gave back by collecting and redeeming over ten thousand bottles and cans to raise money for the Playhouse’s Arts in Education program. On point! Or should we say, "En pointe!" The Ridgefield Playhouse is currently celebrating its 25th year. Happy quarter-century, Ridgefield Playhouse! Thank you, Eve. Please read more about this ballerina's passion for the arts in this Hamlet Hub article.

Catch a game while spring sports seasons fly by! Tomorrow, Saturday, May 17, RHS Girls and Boys lacrosse play at home. It's senior day for GLax, and BLax is hosting an afternoon event to support Kindness Over Muscular Dystrophy. See the RHS Athletics website for more information and schedules.

Tiger Hollow, the RHS athletic complex, will install a Walk of Fame. The Walk of Fame seeks to recognize and honor former outstanding RHS student-athletes, coaches, and athletic program administrators for their accomplishments and services to athletics. Tiger Hollow is currently accepting applications for inductees for the Tiger Hollow Walk of Fame. Find more information on the criteria and how to nominate HERE.

Barlow Mountain kindergarteners mailed their persuasive letters this week. Students tried to "use their words" to convince the recipient to do what they want. For example, writing to cousins to ask them to visit, or writing to parents to convince them to let them have a puppy. Kindergartners said, "I hope we get a reply in the mail."

How cute to see Scotland Elementary students enjoy books and snacks together.

Branchville Elementary PTA co-presidents rolled up their sleeves and climbed to new heights (stapler sometimes in hand) to help hang the student art show. Thank you, Mary Jo, Katherine, and our PTA partners for all you do to support our students and schools.

What are this year's Senior Interns up to? Stay tuned to RPS Update to see our special correspondent's report.

RHS senior Murphy Everdell is the RPS Communications Department's first intern. Murphy plans to study journalism at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University next year. In addition to a raft of responsibilities, she will be documenting her classmates during their internships. From the Town Hall to the schools to local businesses and nonprofits to a service trip to Panama, seniors complete these important capstone projects every year, acquiring life skills and on-the-job training. Keep up with interns on the Ridgefield PS Instagram and here. Thank you to Murphy and to all the organizations that serve as mentors and share their time.

Seniors Mia Colabella and Michael Riccio are currently interning with officials at the Ridgefield Registrar of Voters. The interns are officially sworn in, become CPR and ADA certified, and assist the office with any needs they may have. They recently helped out during Voting Day, where all items on the Budget Referendum passed successfully! At the Referendum, the interns helped with the books, distributed ballots, and engaged with voters.

We know their help is much appreciated!

Senior interns Theo Janzon, Amanda Filippelli, Isabela Tejada, and Leah Cascioli currently work at Branchville Elementary School, where they provide support for teachers and work closely with students. These seniors are only in the first few days of their internships and are just beginning to settle in. It was great to catch up with them, and we can't wait to see the work they do and the impact they leave on the school in the next few weeks.

These RHS senior interns, Naomi Vakil, Lexi Bitner, and Zoe Daigle, work at the Board of Education, helping Assistant Superintendent Cory Gillette with curriculum, administrative tasks, and school events. Recently, they sorted through inventory, determining how to distribute merchandise to the different RPS schools for the end-of-year celebration raffle. The interns were also tasked with making a video about the upcoming End-of-Year celebration, which Dr. Wes DeSantis gladly helped with, pictured below. The girls are also currently designing a celebration table for each of the nine schools and planning a breakfast menu for the last day of school. They attended the Farmingville and Veterans Park Art Show.

These girls are busy and excited to be bettering their community with the guidance of Ms. Gillette.

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.