Dear Ridgeview Families:

I hope each family is doing well. Though it may be cold outside, we are heating up at Ridgeview as we are in the midst of preparing for the Ohio State Tests (OST) which will begin March 25th! At Ridgeview, our vision statement is that all of our scholars “will show a year’s worth or growth or more in reading and math as measured by District and/or state assessments by the end of each school year”. All year our teachers have been preparing your child to meet this goal. How your child performs on the OST also impacts Ridgeview‘s State Report Card. I am requesting that each family does the following to help your child be successful and to show growth on each of their assessments.

1. Begin to have conversations with your child around the importance of doing their best on the upcoming tests.

2. At home, as a family, familiarize yourselves with the pertinent information and resources that are available regarding the test. See the link in the Parent’s Corner in this issue of The View to access this information/resources.

3. At home, encourage your child to take the practice tests and/or review the released testing items. See the link in the Parent’s Corner in this issue of The View to access the resource.

4. Ensure that your child is completing their i-Ready Math and ELA personalized pathways. Time to complete these pathways is given in school every Tuesday and Thursday of each week during Core Enrichment classes. Your child can also continue to make progress on their pathways at home if they have access to an electronic device.

5. Encourage your child to utilize the RACE Method when answering short answer and extended response questions. Opportunities to practice this method are given in various subject areas on a regularly basis at Ridgeview.

Remember, parent/family support is key in moving each scholar forward. We want each Ridgeview scholar to shine on the OST!

With Joy!

Natalie M. James, Principal

Check out one of Mr. Reese's favorite motivational quotes.

• Late February: Spring Sports Conditioning Begins
• 2.26, Wed at 6:30 pm: Centennial High School’s Northwest Strings Festival - (at Centennial HS)
• 3.1, Sat: CCS Jazz Fest - RMS performs at 9:30 am
• 3.5, Wed: RMS PTA Flower Fundraiser
• 3.6, Thurs: PTA Meeting on Zoom

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/83610318134?pwd=5uzHiGt7NEHhjJtqDpy0oqTpa9Npmv.1

Meeting ID: 836 1031 8134

Passcode: 5C5JcK

• 3.10, Mon 4:00 - 8:00 pm: Band Fundraiser at Chipotle at 771 Bethel Rd.
  
• 3.21, Fri 10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Columbus HBCU College Fair (Columbus Metropolitan Library, 96 South Grant Ave.)
  

Spring sports conditioning and try outs will begin the last week of February..

Paperwork was distributed the first week of February and physicals must be completed before competition begins.

The Coaches are as follows and you can email each coach by clicking on the name.:

• Girls Softball: Coach Steele
• Coed Track: Coach Sztul
• Boys Baseball: Coach Boerner

Ridgeview Middle School students participated in the “Filling Up on iReady” challenge during the entire second grading period (Oct. 24 through Jan. 17). The challenge was started to increase motivation in students to help grow their reading and math skills.

A total of 80 sixth grade scholars, 48 seventh grade scholars, and 19 eighth grade scholars participated in the challenge. These students turned in completed cards for either math, reading, or both that were verified by their teachers that they scored 80% or higher on ten lessons. Many scholars completed several cards during the challenge because once a card was completed, scholars were able to receive a new card. Each week our scholars were recognized by receiving a special treat for their hard work and by having their name displayed on the bulletin board in the cafeteria.

Congrats to 147 RMS Scholars!

During Core Enrichment on Friday, January 24, 2025, all scholars participated in the Be RMS Reboot.

There were unique methods for participation:

1. Video: The “Be RMS” Reboot 2025 video was shown to the classroom, followed by discussion. The video is about 21 minutes long and all classrooms used this method.
2. Slides: The second option was Google slides. The method involved having teachers read everything aloud to scholars and play each of the embedded video clips.

GOAL STATEMENT

Make sure scholars have been reminded about the expectations.

Create an enjoyable video for each area.

Mrs. Rupp and Mrs. V are at it again!

Currently, they are working with the Korda Institute contact Mrs. Danielle Bomar to create another challenge that will begin later this month. Shhh! It’s a secret for now until the partner is selected and students are notified about the the second challenge.

This past spring the community partner was the Columbus Metro Parks (CMP). The project focused on a real issue—attracting diverse populations to the parks. The project focused on the current audiences and identifying new audiences (e.g., age, culture, family, etc.) who may not be familiar with the beautiful parks. More specifically, CMP wanted to attract old and young alike and moms with young children. To tackle this problem, collaborative teams were established and various primary research methods (e.g., field surveys, face-to-face interviews, etc.) as well as secondary research (e.g., articles, similar cities with parks, etc.). A Decision Filter was implemented in order to assess and ascertain the essentials. Students worked with the two RMS teachers in developing questions and interviewing techniques.

Lastly, the individual groups were responsible for creating the presentation and presenting the solutions to the challenge.

Stayed tuned for a status update next month!

Listed below are RMS teachers Mrs. Rupp & Mrs. V and the RMS Korda Institute contact, Mrs. Bomar.

To All Ridgeview Reading Raiders!

Currently, I am reading two different retellings of the King Arthur legend, so this month I want to feature a few of my favorite fantasies you probably haven't read yet.

• Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi - This fast paced and funny book is highly promoted by Rick Riordan and written in his style, and it's the first of four. I'm currently reading this out loud with my daughter and listening to my 14-year old react in the other room, bemoaning that he didn't read it when I first recommended it.

• You Only Live Once by David Bravo is a standalone novel by Mark Oshiro, one of my favorite authors. David is beginning middle school and everything is wrong... So a timeline guide dog named Fea (think Dante in Coco) shows up to help him fix his problems!

• The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton is a delight in the vein of visiting Hogwarts again. Ella is the first conjurer (who works with the dead) to be allowed in the Arcanum, facing problems like a certain green girl we know at Shiz. The world building in this one is truly amazing.

• Nic Blake . . The Manifestor Prophecy by Angie Thomas is set firmly in the real world, phones and problems and all. You may know this author because of her gritty YA and the movies from them, but her magical world is well worth checking out.

• Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater is like a cozier, gentler, g-rated Twilight. The rest of the series is hit-or-miss for me, but I adore this one.

• Amulet: Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi is the first of a graphic novel adventure series with high stakes and fantastic art.

Happy Reading!

Mrs. Lawson

RMS Librarian

The RMS MVP Awards are back for the third quarter.

Here is how it works: Each teacher for each class will select two MVP scholars:

1. Best Grades
2. Most Improved

The awards will be submitted two times:

1. Mid-Quarter: February 14 (Friday)
2. End-of-Quarter - March 21 (Friday)
   

Now is the time to work to be a Most Valuable Person!

Greetings RMS Families,

It is important to note that State achievement tests tell us how well our students are growing in the knowledge and skills outlined in Ohio’s Learning Standards. These tests help guide and strengthen future teaching so we can be sure that we are preparing our scholars for long-term success in school, college, careers, and life. Also, test results allow citizens to know how their local schools are performing compared to others around the state.

The time is approaching for Columbus City Schools to implement its testing. Please mark the following dates on your calendar for Ridgeview's Ohio State’s Tests (OST) dates:

6th, 7th, & 8th Grades English & Language Arts (ELA)

• Part 1 - Tuesday, March 25
  
• Part 2 - Tuesday, April 1

8th Grade Science

• Thursday, April 10
  

6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Math

• Part 1 - Tuesday, April 29
  
• Part 2 - Thursday, May 1
  

Lastly, links below provide many ways to help your child:

1. Information and Resources (click HERE)
   
2. OST Practice Tests and Sample Test Items (click HERE)
   

Sincerely,

Julie Thomas

Your RMS Counselor

Greetings!

This is Nurse Gina and here’s some important information to share with your family this month..

Winter Health Reminders

A healthy school environment requires the cooperation and effort of us all working together. During this time of year we tend to see a higher incidence of strep throat, respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. I want to remind everyone that you can help to protect yourself and your family from many of these airborne illnesses.

Follow the Habits for Good Health listed below recommended by the Center for Disease Control…

Habits for Good Health

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze – throw the tissue away after you use it. If you do not have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol based hand cleaner.

• Stay away as much as you can from people who are sick.

• If you or your child gets the flu, stay home from work or school. Do not go near other people so that you don’t make them sick too.

• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.

• Dress for the weather. Come to school dressed for the winter. Wear layers of loose fitting clothing. Wear mittens and gloves. Wear a hat. Remember, the air that is trapped inside your clothing, warmed by your body heat, is the best protection from the cold.

February is National Dental Health Month!

• Lifelong habits begin at home. Make dental health part of your daily routine and share these reminders with your whole family:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, especially after breakfast and before bedtime. Drinking water after eating also helps to clear your teeth of food particles.

• Floss every day. An adult should help children under the age of eight to floss. Older children should be ready to floss on their own.

• Limit the number of times you eat snacks, especially the sticky ones and long lasting ones.

• Visit a dentist regularly for a routine checkup and a cleaning.

• Protect your teeth by wearing a mouthguard when playing sports.

• Don’t forget to change your toothbrush regularly, and after an illness.

Sweet Snack Facts

• Eating a lot of snacks with sugar may cause cavities.

• Every time you eat sugar, plaque in your mouth mixes with the sugar to make acid. The acid hurts the teeth and causes decay over time. This can be painful!

• The school nurse can help you find a dental home for your family!

Remember, there is a School-Based Health program at

Columbus City Schools and transportation may be provided.

(see below)

Mrs. Kautz was born in Columbus and was raised in Upper Arlington. She graduated in 2003 from Upper Arlington HS. As a youth she played soccer and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Her parents loved the outdoors and taught Mrs. Kautz and her sister and I to have the same appreciation for nature. Her sister, who is three years younger has always been her best friend.

She went to undergrad at Ohio University (graduated 2007) and studied Political Science and later obtained a Masters in Teaching grades 4-9 (with a specialization in teaching English/reading and Social Studies). She began her teaching career in Columbus City Schools in 2011, where she taught 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts at Linden McKinley until 2022. During the next two school years, she became a teacher on special assignment (TOSA) here at Ridgeview Middle School working with the Department of Academic Coaching and Development. When the district eliminated nearly all of the TOSA positions, she knew she wanted to stay at RMS. Fortunately, there was an opening in 6th grade, so she returned to the classroom this year and loves teaching 6th grade English and Social Studies!

Mrs. Kautz has been married since 2013 and they have two children—a daughter 10 and a son 7. Both children are competitive swimmers and she and her husband spend lots of time all over the state during the weekends. One of her favorite pastimes is watching them swim!

Her favorite restaurant is Cafe Istanbul—the Turkish cuisine is delicious and nearly the entire menu is gluten free. Also, she love tacos and all Mexican style food. Many would be surprised to learn that she has Celiac Disease and therefore is allergic to gluten. She has been gluten free diet for over 25 years. Nutritional health is important to Mrs. Kautz, but so is physical health. She enjoys a workout class every morning before school at 5AM. By the time school starts, she usually already gotten nearly 10,000 steps in. In addition, she is considering running a half marathon (13.1 miles) in the Spring.

This February she will have a special birthday … the Big 4-Oh and she’ll celebrate with a few days at the beach.

In closing, as Mrs. Kautz enters this new decade, she is so grateful for the life she has created for herself. She wakes up every day thankful for family and RMS students.

Chess Club

RMS will be participating in a Chess Tournament on February 28th. This team consists of six 6th - 8th graders. The players will be competing against other middle school students from Columbus City Schools. In the past, Ridgeview has been successful at this tournament and we hope to continue the winning tradition this year.

Power of the Pen

The Power of the Pen District Tournament is Saturday, February 8th, at Licking Heights MS. Our team of 7th and 8th graders will compete against many other teams in three 40-minute rounds of creative writing where they will write a story in response to a prompt. The winners will qualify to go to the Regional Tournament in Dublin on March 8th. From there, we hope to have several of our writers qualify for the State Tournament in April at Ashland University

Math Club

Currently, the Math Club meets on Thursday. A new Noetic Math Challenge is being prepared for only 6th graders. This online challenge is designed to empower young minds with advanced problem-solving skills and logical reasoning. Tentatively the Noetic Math Challenge will be held during 6th period CORE Enrichment on Monday for Mr. Casale’s students and on Wednesday for Mrs. Hawthorne’s scholars.

Did you know that free language assistance is available to Columbus City Schools parents regarding school programs and activities? You’ll be glad to know that it is!

Note, each issue of Ridgeview Middle School newsletter, THE VIEW, can be translated. Just go to the top of the newsletter and click on Translate.

In addition, Click on the link below to learn more ESL Language Assistance.

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.

2024-25 School Year Theme: Dream Big. Achieve More!

You are encouraged to help your scholar by staying informed about school assignments, teacher contact, and using the parent portal.

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.

Each parent is challenged to take the time to share this information with the RMS scholar.

It is only through understanding the

Vision, Mission, and 4 Core Values

that we can expect to experience success!

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.

RMS is a supporter of PBIS and encourages families to implement PBIS at home.

Qualification Period: December 2 - 20, 2024.

The showdown occurred at 1:15 pm on Friday, January 31st

The bottomline was-

• A special thank you for Dr. Cegala and Mr. Burroughs for orchestrating this challenge.
• Thank you to all the excited 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who qualified because they were “Be RMS” from January 10th - 31st!
• Congrats to Mr. Cooper, the winner of the January 2025 Fear Factor Compeitition!

Ridgeview Middle School has three behavior expectations. Students are expected to be RESPONSIBLE, be a MEMBER, and be SAFE at all times.

• 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?

Sincerely,

Julie Thomas

our RMS Counselor

February is Black History Month.

Click on the links below to learn more Black men and women who have contributed to society,

• The origin of Black History Month - Carter G. Woodson
• The Theme for Black History Month 2025
• Famous Black Women
• Famous Black Athletes
• Famous Black Educators
• Famous Black Scientiests

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/

The Ridgeview PTA requests your support.

WAYS TO PROVIDE SUPPORT: Here are two no cost efforts 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 meeting via Zoom from 6 to 7 PM.

March 6, 2025

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/83610318134?pwd=5uzHiGt7NEHhjJtqDpy0oqTpa9Npmv.1

Meeting ID: 836 1031 8134

Passcode: 5C5JcKJoin Zoom Meeting

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 5th: Beginning of the Spring Flower Sale

Stay tuned for more specific information.

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!

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)

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