Hello RMS Families,

I hope all of our families are doing well. As shared previously, we are currently in the midst of our Ohio State Testing at Ridgeview. All students are expected to follow the 3B’s of RMS Testing to ensure an optimal testing environment for all students to do their best on each assessment. Students who meet and/exceed the expectations during testing will be eligible for our established rewards.

Additionally, as we are heading towards the end of the school year and it is critical that all students are making a valiant effort to finish strong. All students are expected to follow our PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Support) expectations “Be RMS” and the CCS/Ridgeview Dress Code. As a reminder, students are not permitted to wear the following at Ridgeview.

1. Pajama pants and/or any type of sleepwear

2. Short clothing of any kind

3. Bonnets, scarves, bandanas, and durags

4. Slides, house shoes, and/or flip flops

5. Crop tops/belly shirts

6. Pants/jeans/shorts with multiple holes in them

For a complete list of items, please see the CCS Guide to Student Success and the Ridgeview Middle School Family and Student Handbook, which are both available on our website. Please take the time to review both our behavior expectations and the dress code with your child.

Thank you for your continued support!

Be Well,

Natalie M. James Principal

Ridgeview's Assistant Principal, Mr. Reese, offers these words of wisdom ...

"You are enough as you are perfect in your imperfection"

HuffPost

• 4.23, Tues, at 5:30 pm: Dominion Softball at Ridgeview
• 4.25, Thurs, at 5:30 pm: CCP Girls Softball at Ridgeview
• 4.25, Thurs, at 4:30 pm: Track & Field Meet at Beechcroft HS
  
• 4.29, Mon: PTA Fundraiser Flower Sale Delivery
  
• 4.30, Tues, at 5:30 pm: Ridgeview Softball at World Language
• 5.2, Thurs: PTA Meeting via Zoom
• 5.7, Tues, at 5:30 pm: Indianola Softball at Ridgeview
• 5.7, Tues, at 6:00 pm: Instrumental Concert
• 5.9, Thurs, at 5:30 pm: Ridgeview Softball at Dominion
• 5.14, Tues, at 6:00 pm: Choir Concert

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. It will be very important for students to be in attendance and have their Chromebooks fully charged each day.

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

6th graders completed a learning style assessment and discovered ways they learn best and strategies to help promote their best learning.

All 8th graders have finished their course plans for high school in SchooLinks, an online platform. Once completed, all guardians should have received a notification from SchooLinks. Students and I worked together to schedule classes for high school. Hopefully all 8th graders shared their schedule requests, recommendations and plan with family members.

Soon, rising 7th and 8th graders will begin to schedule classes for the 2024-25 school year.

Any student that wants to attend the Columbus City School Summer Experience/Summer School should sign up through the Parent Portal. If any assistance is needed, please reach out to me and I can help. Spots fill up quickly!

We are launching an online tutoring resource program for this quarter. Ridgeview has partnered with Varsity Tutors for Schools (refer to the two pages below this article) to provide students a suite of effective online learning resources that cover grades K-12. Students can get extra homework help or prepare for the next big test whenever they need it. Reach out to me with any questions!

Sincerely,

Julie Thomas

Your RMS Counselor

Over the last few weeks, we have provided families with test dates and encouraged families to work with students to prepare for the upcoming tests this month. See these last minutes tips below and for more insight click here.

• Make sure your child gets time and space for homework.
• Make sure your child gets enough rest and a well-balanced diet.
• Consult with your child’s teacher to find out if there are specific skills you can practice at home.

• Ask the teacher for the testing schedule and a practice test so that you can familiarize your child with the format ahead of time so he knows what to expect.
• Respond to any concerns your child has with encouragement and support. Emphasize that there are lots of ways to express what you know, and that these tests are just one measure.

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.

Greetings,

Focusing on methods to become and/or stay healthy is always a good idea for getting your mind and body in shape to live a long and strong life.

April is Stress Awareness Month. Check out the two links below for ideas for coping and avoiding stress for your student and the family.

Walking has always been a great exercise option (check out the last link below). All one needs is a pair of walking or tennis shoes and a place to walk inside, outside, a treadmill, or walking in place. Although we may have missed the National Day for Walking, walking is a form of exercise that is an option that can be easily incorporated into your daily schedule. Remember to start small--by increasing the speed of your walk or the amount of minutes you walk. Don't overdo it! Instead be comfortable and challenge yourself with realistic goals. And, most importantly ... BE CONSISTENT!

Be and Stay Healthy!

Nurse Gina

This month our spotlight is on Ridgeview Middle School’s 6th grade math and social studies teacher Mrs. Hawthorne.

She was born and raised in Youngstown, OH; however she has lived in Virginia Beach. She is the oldest of six—a brother and four sisters. This June she will celebrate her 14th wedding anniversary.

She attended Youngstown State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Education and Ashland University where she earned a Masters Degree, School Treasure/School Business Manager. She states the important lessons she learned are as follows: "As a child I learned to trust the adults in your life and heed their advice. As a adult, I have learned to value people and always think about how my words and actions make someone feel.”

In her spare time, Mrs. Hawthorne enjoys crossword puzzles and Sudoku. She enjoys watching the football and basketball playoffs and she loves track and field. In fact many may be surprised to learn that Mrs. Hawthorne was a star sprinter in high school in the 100 meter dash and the 4x100 meter relay.

Here favorite books are the Hunger Game series. She has no pets or children; however, she has 12 nieces and nephews that she treats like her own children. She appreciates the dining experience and relishes trying foods from a variety of cultures. However, hands down, she would say that, “A good soul food Sunday dinner would be my favorite!” When asked what she really enjoys, she responded, “I love making my family happy by planning family events with lots of good food and games for everyone to enjoy. I love going away on vacation. I’ve enjoyed the Rivieria Maya with my husband, girls’ trips to Jamaica and Cancun, and laughing hysterically during cousins' getaways in upstate New York.” Two trips on her bucket list are: a road trip across the United States in an RV and visiting the Scandinavian countries.

In closing, she chose teaching as a career because she had a good time in school and always enjoyed it. She loved math and wanted to help others grow to love math!

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)

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!

Encourage your student to exercise kindness, connection, inclusion, empathy, 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.

Be Kind! Spread Love, Not Hate!

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

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!

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

April's focus in THE VIEW is - AT ENTRY AND DISMISSAL.

BE RESPONSIBLE:

• Arrive at 7:15 am
• Enter/dismiss with necessary supplies including your Chromebook and homework assignments
• Go directly to assigned homeroom
• Keep cell phones and electronics off and put away on time

BE A MEMBER:

• Enter/Dismiss quickly and orderly
• Wait patiently for buses
• Follow the rules, requests, and expectations of all staff

BE SAFE:

• Walk only on sidewalks
• Watch out for cars and buses
• Be mindful of and report problems and unsafe conditions, i.e., mud,puddles, cracks, etc.
• Resolve conflicts nonviolently and in a mature manner

Click HERE for the full meaning of Be Responsible, Be a Member, and Be Safe for all nine categories.

1. in the HALL (check The VIEW September edition)
2. in the CLASSROOM (check The VIEW October edition)
3. in the RESTROOM (check out The VIEW November edition)
4. in the CAFETERIA(check out (The VIEW December edition)
5. in the AUDITORIUM (The VIEW January edition)
6. on the BUS (The VIEW February edition)
7. at RECESS (The VIEW March edition)
8. at ENTRY AND DISMISSAL
9. and AGAINST BULLYING

#2: "Be RMS" Golden Ticket Kona Shaved Ice Truck Grade Level Parties

It's another opportunity for students from each grade level.

Qualification Period: April 15 - May 3, 2024

Event Date: Friday, May 3, 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
• Hoods down and hats off
• Display RMS behavior throughout the building, at recess, and on the bus
• Follow the CCS/Ridgeview Dress Code
• Leave book bags, fanny packs, and book bag purses in your lockers

• NO 190s, REMOVALS, SUSPENSIONS, EXPULSIONS, BUS WRITE-UPS, or AFTER SCHOOL DETENTIONS
• Keep your cell phones put away
• Stay out of your lockers in between classes
• No headphones, earbuds, Air pods, or cell phones
• The administration will have final say in who will be eligible to enter into the drawing.

#3: "Be RMS" Homeroom vs. Homeroom Dodgeball Game

From March 4 - 28, students had to opportunity to qualify for the dodgeball competitions for all grades. And of course, staff was available to participate. Listed below are a few exciting pictures from the competition on Thursday, March 28th.

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.

• Varsity Tutors for Schools - To gain more information, refer to the The Counselor's Corner article presented earlier in this issue.
  

• Academic Support - https://www.ccsoh.us/search?query=academic+support&referrerPageUrl=https://www.ccsoh.us/

• Summer Experience: - https://www.ccsoh.us/domain/3052

Greetings!

Our SPRING FLOWER SALE delivery of flowers is April 29th!

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE NEXT PTA MEETING: Thursday, May 2, 2024.

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

Here's a list of Columbus City School Partners providing assistance.

• 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 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

PTA: RidgeviewMSPTA@gmail.com

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