Ridgeline eNews

RIDGELINE CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

SEPTEMBER

Thursday 9/11 Board Meeting 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Tuesday 9/16 McMenamins (on East 19th) school fundraiser, dine-in between 5:00-10:00 p.m.

Wednesday 9/17 Picture Day

Thursday 9/18 Ridgeline 101 for new families, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Thursday 9/25 Last day to order Ridgeline gear

Tuesday 9/30 Monthly Donor Drive ends

For Quick Access:

Click here to view the full calendar as some dates may change. Please note that Ridgeline’s calendar differs slightly from 4J elementary and middle school calendars.

Student Profile Updates – DUE TOMORROW - Friday, September 12

Last Friday, your student brought home a print out of their Synergy Student Profile page.

If you have not already, TONIGHT please sign, date, and return the profile—even if there are no changes.

Returning the profile:

Place it in the basket on the front steps or;
Have your student return it to their classroom teacher.
Deadline: Friday, September 12.

Keeping your contact information accurate ensures we can reach you during the school day. Thank you!

Monthly Donor Campaign: The Art of Giving

We are one week in to Ridgeline’s annual Monthly Donor Campaign! Throughout the month of September, we’re celebrating The Art of Giving — and inviting our community to join in.

Special September Match

For every new monthly donor OR any current donor who increases their gift by $5+ or more, a generous community member will give an extra $50.
If you want to increase your monthly giving, email giving@ridgeline.org.

BONUS raffle drawings:

We’re celebrating your generosity with raffles and limited-edition swag featuring Ridgeline’s rare red-tailed hawk logo!

For every new or increased monthly donor in September who signs up to give:

Up to $25/month → entered to win a custom Ridgeline black handled-mug
$26–$50/month → entered to win a limited-edition t-shirt
Over $50/month → Entered to win a limited-edition tote bag
Existing monthly donors who increase their monthly donation by $5 or more →will be entered into one of the categories above.
New donors who sign up to give $100/month or more → Automatically receive your choice of tote bag or t-shirt featuring our special edition red-tailed hawk design — no raffle required!

Why Monthly Giving Matters:

Monthly giving helps you plan.
It helps us plan.
It helps us direct volunteer efforts effectively.
And it helps make generosity a habit.

The Bottom Line:

As a public charter school, Ridgeline receives 20% less state and local funding than other similarly-sized public schools— the equivalent of receiving funds for just 4 out of every 5 students.
This leaves a $555,900 gap this year alone. Our fundraising goal is just $100,000—about $400 per student, or $33 per month, annually.
We hope to cover $45,000 of the fundraising goal through monthly donors.

Be Part of the Art:

Whether you give a little or a lot, your support makes a lasting difference.

Click here to become a monthly donor!

Friends & Family Night - Tuesday, September 16

Join us for the first fundraising and community event of the school year!

Where: McMenamins on East 19th
When: Tuesday, September 16
Time: 5:00–10:00 pm (dine-in only)

How it works:

McMenamins will donate 50% of food and beverage sales after 5 pm to Ridgeline. Please note: dine-in only (no online or delivery orders; Doordash and UberEats do not count).

To help with seating, we encourage families to coordinate and stagger arrival times—this will keep wait times manageable and spread out the fun throughout the evening.

Thank you for supporting Ridgeline—we look forward to another great turnout!

Picture Day – Wednesday, September 17

📸 New Leif Photography will be at Ridgeline on Wednesday, September 17 in the gym.

How to Order:

Order online: newleifphoto.inter-state.com
Ridgeline order code: 0192FRA
Paper forms are available in the front office for families paying by cash or check.

Other Details:

Orders can be placed online up to one week after Picture Day.
Once pictures arrive, families will receive a second-chance order form with a student-specific code.
Retake Day: Tuesday, October 22.

Ridgeline 101: Welcome to Ridgeline, New Families! - September 18

We are so excited to have you join the Ridgeline community! 🌟

You’re invited to our New Family Orientation: Ridgeline 101
📅 Thursday, September 18
🕕 6:00–7:15 pm

This is the perfect chance to:

Learn the ins and outs of being a Ridgeline parent
Get your questions answered
Connect with other new families

👶 Limited childcare is available for toilet-trained children. Sign up here!

We know the first few weeks can feel overwhelming as you settle in. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the office with any questions—big or small.

2025–2026 Ridgeline Gear – Order by September 25

Did you see staff wearing matching shirts at the Back-to-School Picnic? Now your family can order Ridgeline gear too!

👕 This year’s options:

T-Shirts: $15, black or light blue
V-neck: $24-32, available in black only
Crew Neck Sweatshirts: $40–$52, black or light blue

👉 Place your order here!

Order deadline: Thursday, September 25

(Short window for quick turnaround – gear expected by early November.)

💙 Every student should be able to show Ridgeline pride! Families who qualify for financial assistance and have completed the Benefit Program Eligibility Survey can request a FREE t-shirt. E-mail Cynthia Friedman for more information.

Show your spirit and order today! 🎉

Ridgeline Meal Program

All Ridgeline students, regardless of family income, can take free morning snack and lunch if they want to!

What You Should Know

Families don’t need to do anything to receive free student meals; there is no sign-up or income verification process. ALL students can choose to participate in the meal program.

How You Can Help

As we dial in this new part of the daily routine, we ask that participating families review the weekly meal choices regularly. Having conversations with your student about which meals they want to participate in will help reduce overages and food waste.

MENUS & ALLERGENS

There is a new link to view the weekly menu and it’s been updated on the Ridgeline website, under Ridgeline Meal Program. It is also available on LINQ Connect.

Instructions

Filter ‘School’ to Spencer Butte Middle School.
On the far right hand side, under the 'Menu Plan’ dropdown there is a '2025 Fall - Ridgeline Lunch’ option.
Under the ‘Calendar Mode’ toggle between weekly or monthly views.
Hover over any item to see nutrition information or use filters for allergens and dietary restrictions.
You may print menus by using the icon in the right corner of the menu page.

Nut Allergies

4J Nutrition Services does not serve tree nuts or nut products (including peanuts). Note that some items are made in facilities that possibly process nuts.

***4J Nutrition Services offers vegetarian options, but typically not strictly vegan meals in most cases due to the requirements for participating in the National School Lunch Program through the USDA.

What is Normalization?

In Montessori, the first six weeks of school are known as the Normalization Period. This is when classroom communities settle into routines, build relationships, and establish a peaceful learning environment with as few outside interruptions as possible.

After this period (ending October 23), students and teachers will be ready to welcome volunteers into classrooms. Now is the perfect time to:

Complete and sign your Background Check form, and provide a copy of your driver’s license (email both pieces to bethany.dilla@ridgeline.org)

Sign the Volunteer Code of Conduct (both available on our website)

That way, you’ll be ready to jump in when the time comes!

Want to learn more? Watch for an upcoming Ridgeline Revealed article talking about Normalization at the end of September.

Picnic Highlights: 100% Chance of Popsicles & Rain-Soaked Memories

A huge thank you to everyone who came out for our annual Back to School Picnic! We weren’t sure what the weather had in mind, but it turned into a gorgeous evening filled with connection, laughter, previewing new Ridgeline-branded t-shirts, showcasing monthly donor drive special-edition swag, and enjoying tasty fruit popsicles.

And then… at 6:55 pm sharp, the sky decided the party was over. It POURED! We’re pretty sure Tuesday night set the record for both the fastest clean-up in Ridgeline history and the most efficient family exit strategy ever. Silver lining? The kids loved it (many went home soaked and smiling), and bedtimes weren’t too late!

Big thanks to Alma Vasquez and Peek-a-Book Delight for keeping us cool with delicious all-fruit popsicles. Missed out? You can grab more at their downtown shop: 861 Willamette St, Eugene.

Volunteer Thank Yous

Round of applause goes to Amanda Donofrio and Jen Anonia for tagging 100 Blue Bags and volunteering at the Back to School picnic.
Shoutout to Alden McEwen for taking great pictures of our community at the picnic.
Thank you Blaise Cooper and Sarah Adkison, for your work weeding and refreshing the lower elementary garden beds.
Thanks to Tanya Lopez & Megan Ary for helping out Room 3 with production work.
Special thanks goes to Amy Thomas for caring for the Room 4 fish tank throughout the summer.
Many thanks to our Library Team volunteers Madison McEwen, Aryn Bartley, and Jen Anonia for reshelving books, and for cataloging and organizing them each week.
High fives go to Crystal Huskey and Sean Upton for working wonders with book covers and hard creases - thank you!Thanks again to Sarah Whitsell for designing and redecorating the fall-themed library bulletin board - it looks so good!

Volunteer Opportunities - NEW

Volunteer Opportunity: Ridgeline Tee Party 👕🎉

Join us for a Ridgeline Tee Party! We need 5- 7 volunteers to help press, fold, and package school t-shirt orders alongside the fabulous Dandi Turner, former Ridgeline parent and longtime volunteer.

📅 Date: Saturday, October 18
🕙 Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (we’ve set aside 5 hours but anticipate it will take less time)
📍 Location: Ridgeline Library

It’s a fun, hands-on way to earn volunteer hours, support our school, and connect with fellow Ridgeline families! Click here to sign up in Track It Forward

Volunteer Opportunities - Ongoing/Still Needed

Lunch Line Assistant - STILL NEEDED

We need one volunteer every Tuesday to help support our fabulous Meal Coordinator and classroom staff during the lunch hour. Primary tasks include: Restocking hot and cold food, and assisting students making food selections.

Volunteer Crossing Guards - STILL NEEDED

Help Ridgeline students safely cross W. Amazon to access the Amazon Trail and the creek bridge by volunteering as a crossing guard. Your support is needed most on Thursdays and Fridays from 8-8:30 am and 3-3:20 pm. Sign up for a morning or afternoon shift (or two!) by visiting Track it Forward, and make a difference in our community!

Lost & Found Manager - create a process to organize and return lost items (weekly or monthly)

Ongoing facilities tasks - weeding and grounds clean up (on your own time)

Volunteering - What You Need to Know

Volunteers are an essential part of the Ridgeline community, and there are many ways to get involved!

From serving on committees, preparing materials at home, and helping with grounds work, to assisting in classrooms, chaperoning field trips, acting as crossing guards, and more—your time and talents make a big difference.

Each family is asked to contribute 40 volunteer hours per school year and we’d love to help you find volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule and interests.

To participate, all volunteers must first complete a background check and sign the Volunteer Code of Conduct.
Once these two steps are complete, the School Community Coordinator will notify you by email that you are green badge approved and ready to volunteer!
Visit our website or contact Ridgeline’s School Community Coordinator, Bethany Dilla, or learn more.

Track it Forward - Information for New Volunteers

Why It Matters

New beginnings prompt the opportunity to form new habits! When it comes to volunteering, we need everyone to consistently track ALL volunteer hours throughout the school year in Track It Forward. Volunteer hour reporting is important for us to show support for Ridgeline when applying for grants and for reporting to our sponsoring district, Eugene 4J.

How to Get Started

If you are new to Ridgeline and have not yet created a Track it Forward account for logging your volunteer hours, please take a moment to do so. If you are a first-time Track It Forward user and have not set up an account you will need to create an account first.

Go to https://www.trackitforward.com/user or go to the App store on your device and search for Track It Forward
Next download the App
Create your account/log in
Sign up for volunteer opportunities and log your volunteer hours!

Ridgeline Board Meeting - Tonight

Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! On behalf of the Ridgeline Board of Directors: we hope it's a great one! We will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 6:00 pm in the Ridgeline library and over Zoom. We welcome all Ridgeline community members to join our regular board meetings, and to make a public comment. The designated time for public comment is at the start of meetings.

This month's meeting agenda includes hearing reports from our administrators and board committees, learning from our Executive Director about changes to 4J TAG services and a potential partnership with the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector, and updating members on changes to public meetings laws.

You can find the agenda here.

In order to attend virtually, please use this Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83171591529?pwd=3uXTbvOiOa7CrAnOpmReoQaodxmL0J.1

Meeting ID: 831 7159 1529
Passcode: 346394

Community members can also reach the Board of Directors via email (board@ridgeline.org). Public comment may also be made in writing and emailed to the board prior to the meeting. In order to be fully considered at this meeting, comments must be received by noon on the day of the meeting. Please clearly label the email subject line as: "Public Comment." Prior to the meeting, board members will read, review, and take into consideration all comments.

Sincerely,

Jenny Noyce

President

Drop-off & Pick-up Instructions

Now that you’ve had a chance to experience drop-off and pick-up, you know it can get busy! To keep things safe and efficient, please follow these procedures:

Hug & Release Zone

Park and walk your student to the Hug & Release sign by the fence if you’d like to say goodbye in person OR if you student is not ready to get in and out of your vehicle independently.

Tell students their feet need to remain on the ground - DO NOT climb the fence!

Drop-off line

Drivers, pull all the way forward in the line. Do not drop-off (or pick-up) students in front of Building B.

Pick-up timing

The drive-thru opens at 3:05 pm. Please do not enter the fire lane early (before 3:05), unless you are picking up for an appointment before 2:45 pm (12:45 pm on Wednesdays).

Traffic flow: Exit with RIGHT turns only from the parking lot.

Safety reminders

Watch carefully for students using the crosswalk near Building B and those crossing W. Amazon.

Thank you for helping us keep drop-off and pick-up safe for everyone!

Air Quality Guidance

At Ridgeline, student and staff safety—including environmental impacts—is always a top priority. Each classroom is equipped with ERV units that circulate fresh outdoor air and high-quality air purifiers. When air quality is unhealthy, ERV units are turned off, purifiers are turned up, and in some cases, alternative exterior doors are used to help maintain indoor air quality. For full details, please see Air Quality Guidance.

On days when air quality is a concern, Ridgeline will:

Monitor air quality at 7:30 am, 11:05 am, and 2:30 pm.

Use the Oregon Health Authority’s guidance along with local AQI data from LRAPA sensors (posted on PurpleAir.com) to decide whether outdoor activities are safe.

Community Engagement Hotline 🎉

Hey Ridgeline families! We'd love to hear about the fun things you have been doing in the community! Maybe you’ve taken your kids to an event and thought, "This would be even more fun with more Ridgeline friends!" 👫🌟

Great news! 🎉 You can now send activity suggestions to the Community Engagement Team at CET@ridgeline.org (one of Ridgeline's awesome volunteer teams!) 📧. We’ll share your ideas through grade-specific channels so everyone can join in the fun! 🙌

🏀 Planning to attend a UO game?
🥾 Thinking about a hike up Spencer Butte?
🎨 Visiting an art exhibit?

Let us know! The more, the merrier! Just try to give us 1-2 weeks heads-up so we can spread the word through the weekly eNews, Ridgeline's Facebook page, and our fabulous Classroom Organizers. 💡 Let’s keep building community and connection through the activities we already love to do with our kids.

See you out there! 🌈💙

Marty Wilder & Laura Allen

On Behalf of the Community Engagement Team
📧 CET@ridgeline.org

Ridgeline’s Recommended Reading Articles

Ridgeline Revealed is a monthly article series that offers behind-the-scenes insights into the school, providing families with information on key aspects they may not typically see. Our goal is to share timely topics and increase transparency about day-to-day operations in a short, easily digestible format.

If you want to know more about a Ridgeline or Montessori-related topic, please let us know. Simply email your question or suggestion to ridgelineoffice@ridgeline.org with 'Ridgeline Revealed' in the subject line.

Articles from 2024-2025:

Ridgeline to River Group Ride & Plaza Grand Opening - this Saturday, Sept 13

Eugene is celebrating two major milestones with the Ridgeline to River Ride on Saturday, September 13th. This group bike ride marks the completion of a fully protected biking route that connects the south Eugene area to the Willamette River and the opening of the Downtown Riverfront Park and Plaza.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The group ride will begin at 10:30am at Ridgeline Montessori, with riders departing at 11:00am and picking up additional participants at Amazon and 24th around 11:20am.

The ride will conclude at the Downtown Riverfront Park and Plaza Grand Opening, which includes food trucks and live music.

Designed to be safe and accessible for all ages and abilities, the Ridgeline to River route links the E. Amazon Protected Bikeway, Amazon Path, the newly opened High Street Protected Bikeway, and the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path.

TELL ME MORE

The Riverfront Park and Plaza officially opened on August 7th and is the newest

addition to Eugene’s riverfront park system. This one-acre space blends natural and

urban elements, featuring a tree grove, interactive public art, a splash pad and water

feature, an adventure playground, and ample seating with views of the Willamette River.

When surrounding redevelopment is complete, the plaza will be framed by multifamily

housing and a restaurant, creating a vibrant urban gathering space.

The Ridgeline to Rivers Ride and Downtown Riverfront Park and Plaza Grand Opening invites everyone to come together, explore the finished biking route, and enjoy the beauty of Eugene’s evolving riverfront.

Middle School Ultimate Frisbee League - Ridgeline Students Welcome in Grades 5-8

Emerald Valley Ultimate is starting a new middle school Ultimate Frisbee team in Eugene!

Who: Students in grades 5–8
When: Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:30–5:00 pm
Where: Tugman Park
Start: Practices began Sept 8 (late registrations welcome)

Students are invited to try two practices for free before registering.

👉 See the attached flyer for details and registration information.

Eugene Family YMCA Early-Release Rec Swim – Wednesdays

💦 Starting Wednesday, Sept. 3, we’re adding new Rec Swim hours perfect for early-release days!

Details:

📅 Every Wednesday (throughout the school year)
🕐 1:00–3:45 pm
👨‍👩‍👧 Open to all ages
📍 Small Pool
✅ No registration required (standard Rec Swim policies apply)

A great way for kids (and families) to enjoy those extra Wednesday afternoon hours with fun in the pool!

Community Kids Art Classes

Check out this amazing opportunity to register for children’s art classes - taught by a former Ridgeline family. Can be facilitated online or in-person - location is close to Ridgeline.

Stem-Based Creative Art Classes

Check out the flyer below, highlighting some fabulous creative classes in Eugene hosted by an Art Therapist for kids ages 7-11.

FOREST Understory

Does your teen or tween love the outdoors and want to learn survival skills? Whole Earth Nature School has a transformative program called FOREST Understory that does just that! This unique opportunity is an eight-month program that immerses 6th to 10th grade students into the world of ancestral wilderness skills. On the first Saturday of every month, we focus an entire day on a unique skill and improve on lessons from the month before. FOREST Understory builds confidence, creates strong friendships, and deepens nature connection. Come join us for this amazing experience!