The Principal's Post
Dear RMS Families:
We have made it to the end of the school year! The month of May is always a busy time at Ridgeview. We are winding down spring sports, we will recognize our scholars who have made academic achievements, hear the delightful sounds from our choir and instrumental music scholars, and a myriad of PBIS incentives are planned to round out the final weeks of the year!
As we are winding down the year, it is my expectation that all of the scholars at Ridgeview remain focused on their academics, follow our established PBIS Behavior Expectations—"Be RMS" and the CCS/Ridgeview Dress Code. We want everyone to end the school year on a safe and positive note.
Have a fantastic summer!
With Joy,
Natalie M. James, Principal
Calendar of Events
- 5.8, Thurs, 4:30 pm: Coed Track Meet at Africentric (Finals)
- 5.8, Tues, 5:30 pm: Boys Baseball - BYE
- 5.12, Tues, 6:00: RMS Academic Awards Night (by invitation only)
- 5.19, Monday 5:30 pm: RMS Art Show
- 5.19, Monday, 6:00 pm: RMS Choir Concert
- 5.21, Wed, 6:00 pm: RMS Instrumental Music Concert (orchestra and band)
- 5.22, Thurs: PBIS End-of-Year 6th Grade at Bowlero
- 5.22, Thurs: PBIS End-of-Year 7th Grade at The Columbus Zoo
- 5.22, Thurs: PBIS End-of-Year 8th Grade at Urban Air
- 5.26, Mon: Memorial Day - No School
- 5.28, Wed: Field Day at RMS
- 5.28, Wed: 8th Grade Clap-Out
- 5.28, Wed, 6:00 pm: 8th Grade Promotional Ceremony (by invitation only)
- 5.29, Thurs: Last Day of School
- 6.19, Thurs, 9:00 am: Champions Golf Course, 3900 Westerville Road, Columbus, OH 43224
- 8.25, Mon: First Day of Classes 1 - 12
All the scholars must go home first and return for the after school event. All must be picked up immediately after the event. Those who are not picked up on time will not be allowed to stay for any after-school activities the remainder of the school year.
It IS Rocket Science!
On Monday, May 5th, Mr. Sztul's and Mrs. Rupp's seventh grade Science classes began to work on the final project of the school year.
The scholars have studied space and earth’s relationships with our moon and sun. A great deal of human understanding of the relationship between the moon and sun has been made much clearer by the invention of rockets. Rockets have sent satellites and astronauts into space to help study this information.
Students are learning about model rockets and in addition, they will build their own rocket. Over the next few weeks, our students will be doing all of the necessary steps and activities to create their rocket. These rockets will be made from scratch using paper tubes, cardboard, styrofoam, paint and other materials. In addition to creating rockets, students will make journals and blueprints to share their ideas and plans.
Lastly, the first launches will be on either May 21st or May 23rd. It has become an annual tradition here at Ridgeview. We are excited to do such a great project.
Ridgeview Reading Raiders!
Hi Reading Raiders!
Now is the time to gear up for the Summer Reading Challenge at Whetstone Library.
It begins right after school ends, so be ready to begin on Saturday, May 31st!
Happy reading!
Melissa Lawson, MLIS
RMS Librarian
Remember, you can apply for a library card or use your school ID.
Register by July 30th!
Girls and organizations between the ages 5 - 18 are encouraged to apply online.
Event Details:
Registration Deadline: July 31, 2025
Event: 2026 (exact time to be determined)
This is a powerful opportunity to uplift and celebrate the next generation of Black leaders. We encourage parents, educators, mentors, and community members to register girls who may have an interest.
Visit us online to register and for more details
https://epicyouth.org/ or click on the logo above.
Thank you for helping us shine a light on the excellence within our community!
Eryn Hathaway
Executive Director | EPIC Youth
The Counselor's Corner: Summer Break Ideas
Greetings RMS Families,
In an effort to maximize your scholar’s summer break, here’s a few ideas.
- Encourage structured activities
- Balance screen time with hands-on experiences
- Foster a love for learning through reading
- Explore new ideas and places
- Pursue creativity
- Set clear expectations
- Maintain consistent sleep schedules
- Provide opportunities for social interaction
Lastly, have a safe and fun summer break and we look forward to seeing our scholars
back in the building on Monday, August 25!
(Click on the links below for more detailed ideas)
Sincerely,
Julie Thomas
Your RMS Counselor
A Message from Nurse Gina
May Nurse Newsletter:
It’s hard to believe that we are now in our last month of the school year! It has been such a pleasure taking care of your students each day! Here are a couple of reminders for the month of May:
A. End-of-Year Medication Information
If your student takes any daily medications here at school or has an emergency medication in the clinic (epinephrine, inhaler, etc.), those medications MUST be picked up by the parent/guardian BY Thursday, May 29th. These medications cannot be given to your student to take home. If they are not picked up, they will be properly discarded.
B. Finally, here are some things to remember to keep your student(s) healthy and safe this summer …
1. Continue to practice hand hygiene
2. Keep children away from burn hazards
3. Avoid trampolines
4. Dress children in sun protective clothing and apply sunscreen
5. Avoid using wire grill brushes
6. Ensure children wear a helmet while riding bikes/scooters
7. Be mindful of bugs that thrive during the summer
8. Encourage water safety with children
9. Stay hydrated, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion
Please read more on this information in the attached link:
Staff Spotlight: 3 Retiring Teachers
This month’s spotlight is on our three retiring educators: Ms. Cummings, Mrs. Hoffman, and Mrs. Grimm.
MS. CUMMINGS: She has been a teacher for 33 years and has taught at Ridgeview MS for 21 years. Her most enjoyable experience at Ridgeview was working with the staff and the students. In the future, Ms. Cummings plans to volunteer more in the community, travel, read books, and relax. Lastly, her favorite quote is from Malcolm X: "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today."
MRS. HOFFMAN: She has taught at Ridgeview for 28 of her 34 years in education. Her most enjoyable times were working with a great staff. When she retires she plans to rest and then work part-time and possibly as a substitute teacher. Her words of wisdom are: “You are wonderful just the way you are. Don’t let anyone's judgement of you keep you from shining.”
MRS. GRIMM: She has been an educator for 33 years, of which 27 years were at Ridgeview. She has enjoyed woking with amazing staff of teachers who have become family to her over the years. As a result, she feels very fortunate to have known so many amazing teachers! Her retirement plans include travel, gardening, organizing, painting, hanging with her son Sully, family time, reading only books she wants to read, and sleeping in past 6:00 am. When asked to provide her words of wisdom she shared, “Rise to the occasion and give life your best, knowing that life is very short.”
Special Needs Assistance for Families - ESL Services
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
PBIS
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.
Parents Review This Important Information With Your Scholar
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?
Diversity: Strength is in Diversity and Inclusiveness
Diversity – the concept of understanding that each individual is unique, and that each of our individual differences share a purpose in society. Unfortunately, diversity has not always been embraced. But as we continue to grow as a society, we are starting to see the importance of bringing difference races, nationalities, religions, and sexes together as one team and community. And doing so holds a number of advantages for communities and groups. Let’s take a look at three major benefits that come along with diversity:
- Diversity drives creativity and innovation
- Higher rates of Productivity and Performance
- Personal Growth
Click on the link below to see the remainder of the article.
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.
The RMS PTA Needs Your Help
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".
Stop at the Attendance Office 1st!
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!
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