On last week’s episode of Tiger Talk, Ridgefield Public School’s new Director of Safety and Security, Josh Zabin touched on Connecticut's gun laws, including Ethan's Law and other important safety reminders. Ethan's Law, named for Ethan Song who died at 15 years old while handling a firearm at a neighbor's house, covers the safe storage of firearms and ammunition with minors in the house. Please review the law here and join RPS in keeping schools safe and secure.
Photo Caption: Kristin Song holds photo of her son, Ethan
Credit: MARK PAZNIOKAS / CTMIRROR.ORG:
On this week’s episode of Ridgefield Tiger Talk, we are excited to have Katie Blake, a Family Consumer Science teacher from Ridgefield High School. She discusses with us her work in reviving Tiger TV. Many years ago, the high school used to host a few television shows, but as technology moved on, and some priorities changed, it was mothballed. But now, with the introduction of media production next fall, and some very passionate students, Tiger TV is ready for a modern comeback. Thanks for listening!
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!
We're excited to continue our Best Buddies program for its third summer! The Best Buddies program is a week-long opportunity for children to engage and play with peers who receive special services. The goal of the program is to promote social skills development, build understanding, appreciate neurodiverse learning, and make new friends. Program activities include sports, games, arts and crafts, music, dance, community trips, and other special events.
Mon. July 31 to Fri. August 4
Program hours - 9 am to 3 pm
Location: Barlow Mountain Elementary
Applications will be reviewed for matches with students recommended through their Individualized Education Programs (IEP), and will be determined by similarity in age/grade, gender, and school, when possible/appropriate. Students of any grade level PK-12 may apply.
Space is limited.
Please complete one form per child.
If accepted, we will make contact before the end of the school year with registration information.
Please email any questions to ashowah@ridgefieldps.net.
Anthony Showah, Ed.D., Assistant Director of Special Education
Ridgefield Public Schools announced the appointment of Dr. Kara Tanner as the Veterans Park Elementary Supervisor and new RPS K-12 English Language Learner Coordinator.
Dr. Tanner has been a literacy coach at Veterans Park for the past seven years and a lead teacher at Veterans Park this past year, as well as the TEAM (Teacher Education And Mentoring) Program District Coordinator, a state program for supporting beginning teachers.
She was VPES Teacher of the Year in 2020. She holds a doctorate from Western Connecticut State University and is an adjunct professor at Sacred Heart. Prior to Veterans Park, she was a literacy coach at Farmingville Elementary for four years and was a classroom teacher in Wilton and Greenwich.
Dr. Tanner writes, “Throughout my time at Veterans Park, I have come to know the wonderful school community that has become my second family. Each day, I enter the building feeling invigorated and excited about the school day ahead, where I have the privilege of teaching students, supporting parents, and working alongside phenomenal educators. I feel honored to continue to be a part of the outstanding VP community as the elementary supervisor.”
In addition to assuming the VPES Elementary Supervisor role currently held by Chris Olson who will move to Farmingville full-time, Dr. Tanner will lead the district’s K-12 English Learner department, a new role that will streamline the growing ELL department.
Veterans Park Principal Dr. Sheri Prendergast describes Tanner as being “an outstanding instructional leader and an extraordinary individual.” Dr. Prendergast writes, “She is incredibly knowledgeable, extremely efficient, kind, trustworthy, and possesses a true passion for her students and staff. Dr. Tanner works tirelessly to further district and school-wide goals and is the type of leader that makes other individuals want to grow professionally and personally.”
The RPS Gay Straight Alliance clubs are hosting the Fourth Annual Ridgefield Pride in the Park Celebration on June 3 from noon -3:00 pm at Ballard Park. As a fundraiser for the event, they are selling Pride Perks cards for $5. The card allows the holder to receive discounts from area merchants. New offers are being added all the time. A perk that many families enjoy is the Martin Park Beach pass discount. People can order them by going to the website ridgefieldctpride.com.
Ridgefield CT 06877