Dear Families, Faculty, and Staff,
As we approach our long weekend to honor Memorial Day, we acknowledge the sacrifices our soldiers made for the freedoms we experience each day. We extend our gratitude and appreciation.
Members of the Board of Education and I will be offering two Community Outreach sessions. The purpose of these sessions is to hear from the RPS community on topics that are relevant to them. Our first session will be on Wednesday, May 29, from 11:30-12:30 p.m. and our second session is scheduled for the evening of Monday, June 3, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Both sessions will be held in the Board of Education Conference Room at Central Office, 90 East Ridge Road. RSVP using this link to let us know what matters to you. Looking forward to it!
In my last update, I shared that I would be communicating weekly resources or tips for those of us who are navigating the challenges that come with smartphones and adolescents. Last week, we provided families steps in creating parent controls for those adolescents who currently have a cell phone. For those who are considering purchasing a smartphone, in addition to considering the age of your child, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you consider the following questions:
What would your child use the phone for?
What are your child’s challenges that might make having a phone more difficult?
How would you know your child is being a responsible phone user?
What are the other ways they can connect with friends?
Do you have a regular way to check in with them about how life is going, including their digital life?
These questions, regardless of age level, are important to ask if your child has access to an open-ended device. As a reminder, RPS students in grades K-8 are prohibited from having their cell phones out during the instructional day or on the school buses.
Enjoy the long weekend.
Warmly,
Susie
Susie Da Silva, Ed.D
Be a Buddy!
RPS is offering a FREE one-week day camp style program that pairs students with peers from their schools to build social skills through play and making lasting friendships. Activities include music, sports, arts, field trips, and more! Transportation to and from is provided!
Dates: July 15-19 (Mon-Fri)
Elementary program, Grades PK-4
- at Barlow Mountain Elementary
- 9:00-3:00 pm
Middle and High School programs, Grades 5 and up
- at Scotts Ridge Middle
- 7:45-1:45 pm
Here's the link to the webpage.
And here is the direct link to the application.
Please read through the RPS Update for opportunities for reflection, celebration, and community building. Check your school's calendar for important dates.
Senior Prom is Friday, May 31.
RPS in collaboration with Ridgefield Music Parents, a dedicated group of parent partners, funded the commission of "Blue Hour," by Jessica Meyer. The composer was at East Ridge last week to work with Symphonic Director Shane Peters, Co-Director Juliana Chetcuti, and the Middle School Symphonic Orchestra students on the piece and run a workshop.
The public is invited to the "Blue Hour" premiere on May 29 at 7 pm at East Ridge Middle School.
Please check your students' e-Backpack for important information. Organizations that meet the RPS policy may submit their request for inclusion to cmelagrano@ridgefieldps.net
“I’d almost say you have to experience the Memorial Day Celebration for yourself,” says Veterans Park Elementary Principal Dr. Sheri Prendergast, who saw the ceremony herself for the first time last year. “It’s a true community event—led by Veterans Park students, recognizing the importance of the day, in song, and with speeches.”
On Tuesday, members of the Veterans Park student council—fifth graders Cora, Ryleigh, Karoline, and Riley and teacher advisors Matthew Hoey and Kelly Rivera—spent their lunch period going over plans for today’s ceremony and discussing the significance of the day to them. “I remember the ceremony from when I was in kindergarten,” says Cora, whose grandfather, retired Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Army John Martin, is coming from Ohio to speak at the event. “I remember the songs and finding my parents in the crowd.”
The students remember connecting with family members, who served in the armed services—grandfathers and great-grandfathers, in particular—about their sacrifices and service. Ryleigh also remembers the songs. “I remember Oh Beautiful’, which the second graders sing with sign language. “I like how even deaf people can understand.” Every year, the third grade sings the Ray Charles classic Fifty Nifty United States, holding up the states in alphabetical order. “I had Ohio,” says one of the girls. Another says, “I had Colorado.”
VPES alum RHS Senior Fiona Carcich is enjoying her senior internship with her former elementary teacher Joy Craig and looking forward to today. “I remember everyone dressed in red, white, and blue,” she says, “And the songs. I remember the students speaking.” She also remembers what state she held up in Fifty Nifty, “Oklahoma!”
Fifth-grader Riley will speak about how Memorial Day means more than just a day off of school. Riley says that she’s comfortable public speaking and has written and given speeches in the past. “We all have,” the council members say, admitting that talking in front of a big crowd can be easier than just a classroom. Riley will also sing the National Anthem with a select VPES chorus. Music teacher Ryan Dunne leads the music portion of the event, and Mr. Hoey reminds the room that retired VPES music teacher Susan Goff returns every year to play Taps.
The speaker, First Selectman Rudy Marconi, Superintendent Dr. Da Silva, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Liz Hannaway, Ridgefield police Chief Jeff Kreitz, and Ridgefield Fire Chief Jerry Myers, are just some of the other expected guests. Anthony Ippoliti from the United States Marine Corps will raise the flag.
A source reports that the Veterans Park Memorial Day celebration might date back to 1972! “It’s certainly been going on for twenty-five years,” says VPES secretary Ann Callahan, who has been at the school that long. Thank you to everyone at Veterans Park and their guests who put on this town-wide celebration of all those who serve, especially those who lost their lives for our freedom. Happy Memorial Day.
Over 100,000 students in the 50 States, District of Columbia, and 26 other countries take the National Latin Exam. At RHS, 33 students opted to take the exam this year. From those, Nicole Herde earned the rare distinction of a perfect score with the Honor of Most Excellent and a gold medal. Other gold medal honorees were Alex Irving, Cam Morales, Catherine Thompson, and Pearce Steele. Award winners earned scores above the national average and 18 RHS students earned medals and awards. See the full list here. Latin is at the core of our language and heritage. Fun Fact: E pluribus unum, "Out of Many, One," was the traditional motto of the US, significant because the motto has thirteen letters just as the country had thirteen original colonies.
Congratulations to all!
East Ridge Counselor Celebrated As Intern Supervisor
East Ridge counselor Amy Jonsson received her award for exceptional mentoring and support for school counseling interns at the Connecticut School Counselor Association awards ceremony at UConn. The photo is of Ms. Jonsson with ERMS principal Jennifer Phostole.
Way to go!
