RPS Update

This past Monday, my colleagues and I shared the District Priorities for the 2023-24 school year. These priorities outline the high-leverage work that the faculty and staff will be engaged in across the year. As I reflect on the plan for this year, and subsequent years, I am reminded of the philosophy of my former district, “schools exist for children.” Our priorities serve all children—and this is the only reason we exist.

Over the course of the year, we will be collecting feedback on the RHS journey from both the student and parent lens. Mid-week, my colleagues and I met with three seniors for lunch. Our time was spent learning about the strengths of the RHS experience, and areas for growth. Some of the topics included the college process, lunchroom dynamics, Flex Time, the school schedule, and friendship groups. We were so impressed by our students' ability to articulate their perspective, while also considering that others may have a different point of view.

Our School Security Officers are adjusting to school life, and caring for the safety of our children. These retired law enforcement officers' environment has definitely changed and it is so heartwarming to see the relationships they have developed with our students already! Our new SSOs joined our families and students at the first Friday night football game as members of our security team. On the topic of football, you may remember that last year I sent a note to families asking that younger students not be dropped off without supervision: more specifically, students unsupervised in the Tiger Hollow II field. Last week, at our first football event a young student was hurt and required emergency medical services; and so I am asking the same of families again. We want these events to be an enjoyable experience for all.

Please know that while our bus routes are settling, there is road work across Ridgefield that continues to impact timing on some routes. We apologize for this inconvenience.

Tonight, at sundown, many of our RPS families will observe Rosh Hashanah—"Shanah Tovah.”

Have a wonderful weekend,

Susie

Susie Da Silva, Ed.D

Instagram: rpssuper

Photo above: Farmingville students celebrating International Dot Day. More photos below.

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”- Jimmy Dean

Early dismissal schedule is here.

The full district calendar can be found here.

Caption: National Merit Semi-finalists: Victor, Gabriel, Kyle, Sophie, Anjali, Angelina. Missing from photo: James

On Wednesday officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Congratulations to the following Ridgefield High School students who achieved this honor:

James M. Cox-Donovan

Angelina E. Craine

Anjali Hareesh

Sophie Shen

Kyle Song

Gabriel Uceda-Sosa

Victor Uceda-Sosa

These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and approximately half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar® title.

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 320 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

This morning, six of the seven RHS Class of 2024 Merit Semi-Finalists met with Counseling Supervisor Stephanie Cheung to learn about the next steps in the scholarship contest and take a photo. Principal Dr. Jake Greenwood congratulated the group, noting that this class had the most recipients of the honor in the last couple of years. There were two in last year's class. Twins Gabriel and Victor Uceda-Sosa shown with Dr. Greenwood said that they celebrated with cake. One of the recipients said that they had told their parents via text:) Good luck, Tigers as you move through the finalist stage.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

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

This year, RPS reached out to literacy expert Ben Powers to audit our curriculum and assessments in the area of reading K-8. He and his CoLAB team will visit our K-8 classrooms to see how we are teaching literacy. In response to his findings, he and his team will provide professional learning in areas where growth is needed for our teachers, specialists and administrators. Over the next nine months, we look forward to sharing his story, insight, and recommendations. Here is a short Q&A:

What is the CoLAB?

I have been working with kids since 2000—as a teacher, researcher, head of a boarding school, and currently, Director of the Southport School, a small private school serving students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. We wanted to expand our impact and scope beyond the 100+ Southport students. In 2017, we started the CoLAB to partner with public and private schools and teachers. Recently, we set up a certificate program with Sacred Heart University to offer training to teachers on dyslexia and the science of literacy.

What is different about teaching students who learn to read easily and those with challenges?

It’s a question of dosage. Every kid should receive literacy instruction that aligns with what we know from decades of research. Students with dyslexia or other struggles to read just need more of that. Historically, general education teachers have taught one particular way that really isn’t based on the research of how kids learn. It’s based on how we thought kids learn. So, when students didn’t get it, they were pulled out and offered a different approach in Tier 2 and possibly even a different approach in Tier 3 intervention. That can be counterproductive. All students benefit from an informed approach.

What has been your first impression of RPS?

First and foremost, our relationship with RPS is a partnership. The leaders and teachers I have interacted with have been people heavily invested in better outcomes for kids. They will put in the work to get more positive outcomes. CoLAB spent the summer reviewing RPS curriculum resources and has started meeting with RPS teachers. Soon, we will observe students in their classes to see how the resources are being used and align with best practices.

What would be your advice to parents with students struggling to read?

I was the kid in the resource room. I had a lot of shame around my disability. I’m a parent of four kids—two of whom inherited my language processing disorder. I get it. I understand wanting to fix this, but it’s important to understand that this doesn’t happen overnight—to set realistic expectations and be patient. Many factors can cause students to struggle—a disability, anxiety, factors outside of the classroom environment. We are talking about a real shift in what we are doing in the classroom, and that takes time.

The RPS Transportation Department continues to work with families to find efficiencies in the bus and van routes and implement new technologies. There are numerous road closures affecting routes. If you have a transportation concern, please fill out the Transportation Inquiries form.

Thank you!

Scotts Ridge Middle School counselors send a quarterly newsletter to families. The one they sent this week exemplifies the depth of feeling that runs through the staff of RPS. They are here to help. Here is a link to the whole newsletter and some notable selections below.

Liz Reynolds, Grade 6

"It's not uncommon for a parent to leave me a voicemail or send an email saying "I'm not sure if I should bother you with this…' or 'I wasn’t sure where to start…' I want to assure you that I not only would like your input, I need it! After all, no one knows your child as well as you do and that knowledge can be invaluable for planning the work I do with them. I love being able to collaborate with families and parents to help each and every child strive for their goals. School Counselors can offer a variety of services such as short-term individual counseling, check-ins, skill-based workshops, student advocacy, developmental guidance, family consultation, collaboration with teachers, case management, and restorative practices."

Nikki Smith, Grade 7

"I had sent this link out last year but I think it’s still relevant. 7th grade brings challenges for students as they settle into their new teams and classes... Sometimes they hit friendship bumps along the way. Here are some great tips that may help your student navigate difficult situations with peers and to encourage healthy relationships."

Stephanie Boatman, Grade 8

"...In the coming months, I will be going over alternative high school options with our kids. There are many great, free options in the area for students who are interested in agriculture, technical trades, global studies, and many many more. Eighth grade is certainly a busy one. A lot may have changed over the summer so do not hesitate to call or email me with any updates about your child or family. As you know, I did get married this summer, here is a photo from the big day!"

Last Sunday, the CT PTA Symposium recognized the East Ridge PTA for increasing

its membership by more than 50% in the 2022-2023 school year. Wow! ERMS PTA grew in terms of teachers and parents, and the expansion of members allowed for more engagement, enrichment, inclusion, and fun.

"PTA memberships are a valuable asset to all of the schools in the Ridgefield," writes PTA council president, Kelly DeBald. "Your PTA membership shows that you support the overall mission of the organization- the children. PTAs nationwide strive to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children."

"Throughout the school year, you will see picnics, assemblies, parent programs and special classroom activities that are provided through mini grants. At the High School level, the PTA facilitates the distribution of multiples scholarships for seniors. Additionally, PTAs support our teachers through various appreciation events throughout the school year.

All schools are currently running membership drives. If you have not already become a member, show your support by doing so TODAY! Across the district, parents and teachers are joining their schools' PTA. Please click here to support our schools!"

Veterans Park first graders show their warm-up moves. Don't forget to breathe, RPS!

This year RHS students taking photography or interior design can choose to count the credit toward science or art requirement. This change recognize the technical parts of these classes—measurement, engineering, and precision—and to give students choice and voice in their course selection process. The photos above are from Photo 1 students.

Every year, a member of the RHS Varsity Boys Basketball team wears #34 in remembrance of Tyler Ugolyn, an RHS alum who died in 9/11. Senior Alister Walsh found out this summer that he earned the honor this year. "I wanted to wear jersey #34 the ever since I was a kid in youth basketball," he said. "Obviously, I didn't know Tyler but I know his character through people who have worn #34. It's like a chain reaction. It means leadership and passion for basketball. It meant you were the best."

Please read more about Tyler Ugolyn and the history of #34 in this 2021 Ridgefield Press article.

Ridgefield Responds: Hope for Ukraine seeks relief and essential school supplies to send to the children in Ridgefield’s sister city, Druzhkivka, Ukraine. Many families reached out for clarification on Rechargeable or Solar lanterns requested. Ridgefield Responds offered the following guidelines.

- LED for longer lasting lights
- Rechargeable: solar and/or power bank or 220 v source
- if rechargeable, should include USB cable so that it can be charged at a power bank.

Here are some links they provided to possible options.

• https://a.co/d/4B5ZdU3
  
• https://a.co/d/3g53Oep
• https://a.co/d/bYEUgG4
• https://a.co/d/cIyVGB3

Thank you for your help supporting their remote learning environment!

Children are in need of school supplies at all ages.

To focus our efforts, we ask that each grade collect donations as assigned in the attached outline.

We will collect items at each school throughout the month of September.

On October 1, RPS will race to end Duchenne at Barlow Mountain Elementary. This is a family friendly event with an art station for kids along with the run/walk. RPS art teachers Megan Kounnas and Alison Anderson will be assisting with the art project. Find more information about Team Teddy, the event, and registration here.

Today was the first meeting of the RHS Student Council after a Grade 9 election run-off. Council Advisor Jenn DeJulio and Student Body President Hannah Yu lead this formidable group.

Juniors Grace Winkler and Gabby Lauretani will continue their amazing friendship and athletic domination at the University of North Carolina. The girls (RHS Class of 2025) committed to the UNC Tar Heels for lacrosse this week. Catch this duo in action at the next RHS Varsity Field Hockey home game on Tuesday vs Trumbull at 4 pm. Congratulations, Grace and Gabby!

The Garden of Ideas, a local landscaping company, delivered the plants this morning for the Nia Simpson courtyard. The community will gather this Sunday at 9:30 am to install a native plant garden. The Committee wants to thank the Garden of Ideas for all their help.

The Ridgefield Library announced that Scotts Ridge Middle Schooler Henry Flood was their Grand Prize Summer Reading Raffle Winner. What was his reward beyond the joy of reading?...Henry got to ride to school today in a fire truck!

On Instagram, Ridgefield Library thanks the Fire Department for the special prize. The Library writes, "We truly have a wonderful community here in Ridgefield." RPS agrees! Love your Library...and your Fire Department.

Echo, the snowy owl puppet, helps make reading fun! Echo is part of Fundations, one of the district's elementary literacy curriculum resources.

Today, September 15, some elementary schools celebrated International Dot Day. Inspired by Peter Reynolds' classic children's book, The Dot, students drew chalk circles and celebrated creativity. Sign it, FES!

We would love to hear from you! Families and staff can submit stories, comments, or corrections to RPS Communications. Please follow us on Social Media with links below.