Branchville Bulletin

Dear Branchville Community,

I hope this message finds you well and that you enjoyed the February recess.

If you haven't followed the budget discussions, this may be the time to do so. Significant budget meetings take place this week, and these meetings directly impact our school's goals and programs. On February 24th, the Board of Education will potentially adopt or modify the Superintendent’s Proposed Operating Budget for FY26. On Tuesday the 25th, there is a crucial town referendum. Please see below for details. Every vote matters!

The PTA DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) is hosting a panel discussion this week. At 7:00 p.m. on the 26th at Branchville, there will be an opportunity to engage with local experts about supporting children when they ask questions concerning race, gender, culture, and society.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our school. Educating everyone takes everyone!

In partnership,

Keith L Margolus

Principal

While we can not tell people how to vote, it is important to go out and vote-- the implications on future operating budgets without a new building are significant.

Our kids deserve better!

If you don't follow Board of Education conversations, this is the time to listen in. I encourage you to watch the budget presentation here.

Click on the image below to visit the budget Information website.

Coursey of the PTA, please see the budget timeline below.

The Aimsweb and NWEA Score Reports

We conduct universal screener assessments for all grades K-5 three times a year. These assessments take place in the fall, winter, and spring.

The winter assessment results are available for you to view in PowerSchool.

Below, you will find instructions for accessing your child’s score report and for more information about universal screeners see: Elementary Universal Screeners: aimswebPlus & NWEA

THE BES PTA DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION & BELONGING COMMITTEE PRESENTS HOW DO I EXPLAIN THAT? TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT QUESTIONS SURROUNDING RACE, GENDER IDENTITY, CULTURE AND ABILITY

Check out the new page,engagED on the RPS Curriculum Site pictured and linked below.

RPS distribution flyers for outside groups via a Digital Backpack.

Organizations that meet the RPS policy may submit their request for inclusion in the digital backpack. Please help us in our effort to go green by checking students' Digital Backpacks Organizations that meet the RPS policy may submit their request for inclusion to cmelagrano@ridgefieldps.net. Thank you!

If you are looking for a comprehensive description of our school practices and procedures, please review the K-5 Student Handbook.

Visiting BES

If you are visiting BES, one way to expedite the entry process is to fill out this form or use the QR code in advance of your planned visit (teacher meeting, PTA meeting, mystery reader, library or art volunteer, etc.) and your badge will be waiting for you when you arrive. If you have something to drop off for your child during the school day such as a forgotten lunch or instrument, there will be a table outside of the entrance to place the item.

• • When you arrive to enter the building, we ask that you press the video doorbell button and identify yourself. You will then be granted access to the vestibule.

  • Once in the vestibule, please do NOT hold the door open for a different guest entering the building. We cannot open the second set of doors until you are inside the vestibule. While this may be inconvenient and feel impolite, we are standardizing access to the buildings across the district so that everyone knows what to expect.

For visits to BES during the school day, I recommend that you arrive early as it takes some time to process your visitor badge. For a visit that is not arranged a day ahead of time, calling the main office ahead of your visit is a helpful practice.

February

2/17 - 2/21 No School (February Recess)

March

3/20 - Early Release (Professional Learning)

For a comprehensive list of upcoming events, please see the calendars below.

RPS Events Calendar

Rotational Calendar

PTA Events Calendar

To withhold directory and media publications (including Instagram) please follow this path when you are logged in to PowerSchool.

• On the left-hand side please click on "Demographic Change."

• A number of tabs will appear. Click on "Directory & Media OptOut.

There you will find the option to withhold directory and media information. It is helpful if you notify us of the change. Please email, administrative assistant, Catherine Basso, at cbasso@ridgefieldps.net

Never hesitate to reach out to us about this publication or any other questions you may have. We are a phone call or an email away.

Keith L Margolus

Principal

kmargolus@ridgefieldps.net

Website: https://bes.ridgefield.org/Home
Location: 40 Florida Road, Ridgefield, CT, USA
Phone: 203.894.5850