The Husky Pawprint 5/5/26
Ridgeview Elementary School
Dear Husky Families,
It’s hard to believe the school year is rapidly coming to a close. There is so much growth to celebrate in our students. Our youngest kindergarteners are ready for first grade, and our fabulous 5th graders are moving on to middle school. It’s remarkable to see the physical, emotional, and academic progress students made from August to May. They have developed new friendships, enjoyed Husky traditions, and contributed to the culture that makes Ridgeview such a remarkable place.
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week! Our teachers create safe, fun, and respectful learning spaces where students build self-confidence. If you ask any student what makes Ridgeview special, they’ll say, “It’s the teachers!” A heartfelt note or email sharing how they have impacted your child is the perfect gift. Thank you for recognizing our hard-working teachers this week!
While we will finish our school year off with cherished traditions, young students thrive with consistency and structure. Our school days will remain much the same over the next three weeks, filled with lots of learning. Attendance is always important.
We wish your family a fun-filled summer - it will be August 1st before we know it!
Mrs. Rapaport
This & That
Please remember to ALWAYS bring your photo ID card with you when you come to the school. Also, remember safety, please do not allow other people to enter the building when you enter or leave, we want everyone to ring the doorbell so we can screen them first.
Family Engagement
As a Title I school, Family Engagement is a priority for Ridgeview. We are always looking to improve the partnership between home and school to support student attendance and achievement.
Please complete the survey linked here to help us plan for the 26-27 school year.
Whole School Read Aloud
Our Whole School Read Aloud of The Wild Robot finished last week. We are planning for our next book - please provide feedback here.
Attendance Reminder: Please call the attendance line, (719) 494-8708 if your student is going to be absent. Make sure to leave the student first & last name, grade & teacher and the reason for the absence. Any unknown absences are recorded as unexcused. Attendance everyday is very important. Every day a student misses, they are missing out on important instruction, peer interaction and social skills. It is also very important for students to be on time to school. This really helps set routine, organization and sets them up for a successful day.
We are in full swing planning for next school year. Most everyone has filled out the Intent to Return form but if you have not done so yet, please fill that out on the parent portal or email Cindy in the front office at: cynthia.martin@d49.org. This information is very helpful as we plan staffing, class sections and supports for students. We understand that sometimes plans change, if that happens, please email Cindy in the front office at: cynthia.martin@d49.org
Staffing Updates
Beginning in the 26-27 school year, I want to share some staffing changes to key members of our team. Our Assistant Principal, Blake Hesselberg, has resigned from his position. In his 6 years at Ridgeview, Mr. Hesselberg has led important initiatives, including our continued implementation of Capturing Kids' Hearts. Ridgeview has maintained our Capturing Kids’ Hearts Showcase School status due in part to Mr. Hesselberg’s efforts. We are grateful for his many years of leadership and wish him all the best in the future.
Mrs. Mary Spencer has been hired as our Assistant Principal beginning in July 2026. Mrs. Spencer has served as our Dean of Students for the past 3 years. She is deeply committed to the success of the students, staff, and families at Ridgeview - we are excited to announce her as our new Assistant Principal.
Mrs. Holly Sproul will fill the position of Dean of Students/Instructional Coach in the 26-27 school year. Mrs. Sproul is another familiar face as a former classroom teacher and instructional coach at Ridgeview. Mrs. Sproul’s deeply compassionate and empathetic nature, coupled with her strong instructional knowledge, will ensure exceptional support to our families, staff, and students.
Additionally, our counselor, Mrs. Kara Woolery, will be moving on in the 26-27 school year. We are grateful for Mrs. Woolery’s many years of service to the students and families at Ridgeview and wish her the best of luck in the future.
Mrs. Keri Ellen White has accepted the role of Counselor beginning in the 26-27 school year. As an experienced classroom teacher, Mrs. White brings a wealth of knowledge on supporting students in the educational setting. She is eager to connect with families to support all our students.
Each of these talented individuals brings the experience necessary to uphold Ridgeview’s long-standing tradition of excellence. Our team is eager to partner with our families as we work together to take Ridgeview to even greater heights.
Parents and families are invited to join us for a Meet and Greet on May 13th from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.
When a two hour delay is called, school will start two hours later at 10:20 am. The doors open at 10:05 for arrival. Breakfast will NOT be served and there will be NO AM preschool. Please do not drop students off before 10:05 am.
