RPS Update
September 26, 2025
Our RHS Varsity football home opener is tonight against Hamden, a 7 p.m. kickoff at Tiger Hollow. Here are a few reminders from the Athletic Department for everyone planning to attend:
1) There are no bags/backpacks or outside food or drink allowed into the stadium
2) Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time at
https://gofan.co/event/4390356?schoolId=CT20035
3) Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children during the game. While we encourage attendance from fans of all ages, those 13 and under should be accompanied by an adult.
4) Sportsmanship is everyone’s responsibility, so please cheer for our Tigers and not against our opponents!
Please help RPS go green by checking your students' e-Backpack weekly for important information. Organizations that meet the RPS policy may submit their request for inclusion to cmelagrano@ridgefieldps.net.
Monday was a beautiful morning for Ridgefield fourth graders. All fourth graders travelled to the Ridgefield Playhouse for a morning of singing with the Ridgefield Chorale and members of the Ridgefield High School Chorus.
“We have been planning this program for months,” said RPS Elementary Director Linda Johnson, with palpable excitement that the day was here. “It’s such a great opportunity to introduce our students to choral performance, the history of music, the etiquette of being in an audience, and the joy of singing. We intentionally selected this grade level because chorus begins in fourth grade in all of our elementary schools. The experience today was a great way to enrich our choral curriculum.”
Johnson and her collaborator at the Ridgefield Playhouse, Arts in Education Director, Jodi Stewart, and Ridgefield Chorale leader Daniela Sikora, enlisted East Ridge music teacher Dr. Kimberly Russell, RHS chorus director Lauren Verney-Fink, and the six elementary school music teachers to make this memorable morning extra special. Ryan Dunne, the music teacher at Veterans Park, was instrumental in the planning and organizing of this event.
Verney-Fink, Dr. Russell, and Branchville Teacher of the Year, Betsy Anderson, each taught the group a different song, which helped engage the students while teaching posture, projection, and harmony. Ridgefield High School choral students Abigail Black, Elizabeth Campbell, Peter Jensen, and Christian St. Pierre were a big help in connecting to students. They sang with the students and spoke about their reasons for fitting chorus class into their busy school lives. “I’m a two-sport athlete,” said Peter. “My music classes are such a great break from the rest of my life, and I’ve met some of the best people.”
Some members of the Ridgefield Chorale also spoke about how singing has been a lifelong activity, even while pursuing other paths, such as being a geologist, college student, doctor, or parent. Ridgefield Chorale Director Sikora gave an engaging, brief history of singing to show how music is part of our traditions and cultures, and has always brought different people together—” singing wasn’t something that only some people did; everyone sang,” she said.
On the way out, many students said that “Take Down,” a tune from the wildly popular television show “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” was their favorite part. But others had never heard the song before. “I’ve never heard it, but I liked it,” said a Branchville student, who liked helping Ms. Anderson teach the hand motions to the song.
Playhouse representative Jodi Stewart said, "We are so happy to be able to partner with The Ridgefield Chorale and to offer this program to RPS students for free. We are grateful for the support of our Board and funders who help drive our mission of sharing arts education with our community."
Music Teacher’s Double Life Might Be the Secret to His Wrinkle-Free Start
If Dennis J. Arcano told you that he taught music in Bethel Public Schools for 27 years before coming to RPS this year to be the music teacher at Scotland Elementary, you might doubt him. You might ask him if he started teaching at the age of five or had a special fountain of youth. He doesn’t seem old enough to have that much experience under his belt.
Maybe the secret to his youthfulness is his life as a professional musician. In addition to teaching full-time, Mr. Arcano is a substitute musician on Broadway, which means that if a drummer is sick or unable to play, he is on. Mr. Arcano has also toured with the production of tick tick…BOOM!, a hit, autobiographical musical about the life of composer Jonathan Larson.
“Both parts of my life, teacher and musician, feed each other,” says Mr. Arcano. “I love being able to bring my experience as a professional musician into the classroom and vice versa. I tell my musician friends that teaching can be a lot more challenging than playing in the orchestra pit. You’re responsible for the musical future of hundreds of students each school year.”
Before we ask him for ID, SES Principal Jill Katkocin confirms that she worked with Mr. Arcano and his wife a long time ago in Bethel. Principal Katkocin was actually part of Mr. Arcano's decision to apply for the position. “We worked right across the hall from each other,” says Mr. Arcano. “My wife, who was also a teacher, actually saw the job listing first, and Jill was just a sign. She’s the best.”
Another draw for him to leave the comfort of Bethel was Ridgefield's arts culture. Mr. Arcano also works as Music Coordinator alongside Bryan Perri, the Music Supervisor of A.C.T. (A Contemporary Theater of Connecticut). "I know the town is culturally accepting and forward-thinking about the arts,” Arcano says, “There’s so much joy in the arts here, which is a dream for a music teacher.”
On a recent day, Mr. Arcano is channeling that joy with his fourth graders drumming to “Africa” by Toto, with students taking turns at the drum kit. "Who's my next Scotland Rockstar?" he asks. All hands go up.
Welcome to RPS, Dennis!
RHS junior Nicole Capone was recently honored as Volunteer of the Year at Ridgebury Farm and Stable at their annual event. She received a Certificate of Recognition from Senator Richard Blumenthal in acknowledgment of her dedication, having contributed over 500 volunteer hours this past year alone. Nicole has been volunteering at Ridgebury Farm and Stable since shortly after they opened in 2021—finding true purpose in caring for the horses and supporting the therapy sessions that make such a difference for the community. Way to go, Nicole!
Submitted by Liam Kristan
Wanting to remember one of my best friends I worked hard with the Gmelin family to help set this game up and attract a huge crowd. This game has been marked on my calendar for a while now. Not only was it against our rivals, but it was a celebration for Brandon. Brandon, as a person, was the most genuine, hard-working, and dedicated kid I've ever met. Playing the same positions as Brandon in both lacrosse and soccer, he taught me everything I know. My entire game is based on the teachings and time spent with Brandon. After his passing, I promised his family that I would continue his legacy.
Being named captain and receiving his number 9 for this year, I knew I had to step up. In the huddle before the game, without any words said, it was obvious that all my teammates felt the same way I did. Breaking the huddle down with a Brandon chant, we all knew we would win this game. Coming out hot, Martim played me a ball in behind, and I ran onto it and buried it in the back of the net for the first goal of the game. For me, this was the most amazing feeling I have ever felt. The community showing up in a sea of red, scoring the first goal of the game, wearing his jersey number and name on my cleats. It felt right out of a dream, and I couldn't be more grateful for all my teammates and the community who made this all a reality. Brandon was not only a teammate to me, he was my brother. And I promise this is just the start for this team, we have our eyes set on an FCIAC Championship with every reason to play for. Every game we play isn't just for our team; it is for Brandon.
