RPS Update

I think I can speak for all superintendents in Connecticut when I say there’s a real sense of relief when snow starts falling after a snow day has already been called. That said, we certainly didn’t need this much snow to feel reassured! Looking ahead, we are expecting some snow Sunday evening and are hopeful that any impact on our schools will be minimal.

At RPS, we take great pride in being a learning organization—one that learns from one another and from colleagues both within and beyond our field. I recently revisited a podcast hosted by Jen Lang that featured Assistant Principal Michael Yagid from Ridgefield High School, and I was once again struck by the depth of insight and innovation he brings to his work. The conversation reinforced just how much our educators have to offer and the meaningful impact they have on students and colleagues every day.

If you’re interested in learning more about artificial intelligence in schools, I encourage you to explore these resources on Co-Intelligence:

• A BookBit (3-page overview) of Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI (pdf or online version)

• A podcast conversation (also on YouTube) with school leaders Mike Yagid and Jason Strzalkowski discussing the book and the novel ways they are using AI in their schools

On the topic of learning, the BOE Curriculum Committee met last week and discussed a number of important topics: Tri-State Consortium Visit (technology lens), Enrichment Pathway and Academically and Intellectually Gifted Programming, and Curriculum Budget- you can find the presentation here. In addition, parents can watch the math placement presentation: The recording is available on the public curriculum site.

It wouldn’t be budget season if I didn’t mention the word “budget” at least once. On Monday, February 2, 2026, the Board of Education will continue deliberations on the Superintendent’s FY27 Proposed Budget during their remote meeting. We will also welcome First Selectperson, Rudy Marconi and the town’s Director of Facilities and Public Works, Jake Muller, who will provide an update on Prospect Ridge. We hope you can tune in, and please remember that all budget documents are available on our website. Please check out the new podcasts on the Budget Website. Thank you to Dr. Wes DeSantis and the VPA leaders for all of their help on this.

Warmly,

Susie

Susie Da Silva, Ed.D

Captions above from left to right: Digital Drawing by Emily Ufier (SRMS Gr. 7), Scotland singers with Dennis Arcano, Choral Festival, Digital Drawing by Vale Hanley (SRMS Gr. 7)

If you're like us, you're dreaming of warmer weather! RPS Summer Bridge is the perfect low-cost option. Run by RPS teachers and built for engagement, Summer Bridge will offer new Intensives for rising 4th and 5th graders. Middle school options will be introduced on the Website next week. Please note that last year, some courses filled up on the first day, so please be ready on February 6 at 12:30 pm. and continue to check the website for new additions for every level.

On this week’s episode of Tiger Talk, we sit down with RHS English teacher Jaclyn Aaron and English Department Chair Patricia Boutilier. We dive into their captivating new course, Mysteries, Mayhem, and True Crime, discussing its origins, the importance of such topics for student engagement, and the incredible buzz it’s generating around RHS. Thanks for listening!

NOTE: The make-up date for the January 26 BOE Special Meeting is Monday, February 2, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be remote. A link to the meeting and agenda can be found on the Board of Education's webpage.

The week before the February recess (2/9-13) is We LOVE RPS week—an opportunity for our faculty and staff to share their big appreciation for each other in small ways. Stay tuned for more information on discounts at local businesses and restaurants, as well as other ways to show We Love RPS.

Due to Monday's school closure following the winter storm, the last day of school is now Thursday, June 18, 2026. It is an early dismissal day for students. RHS Class of 2026 Graduation is on Wednesday, June 17.

The District announced that RPS has invited a Tri-State team to visit the District this spring to study our district's technology implementation. This study brings together leading educators from New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut to review the district's strengths and potential areas for improvement. The last RPS Tri-State Consortium visit focused on World Language, which helped inform the creation of an Elementary Spanish Program and more. For extensive information on RPS technology, please visit the Website.

Please help RPS go green by checking your students' e-Backpack weekly for important information. This week, we have new information about a girls' ice hockey program, looking to expand. Organizations that meet the RPS policy may submit their request for inclusion to cmelagrano@ridgefieldps.net. See new flyers from CT Pride in this week's eBackpack.

On Wednesday, during FLEX, RHS students who won their classroom Poetry Out Loud competition or who elected to compete if their English classes didn't participate recited poems to determine who would move on to the State competition. From ninth graders to last year's state champion to some of our most accomplished RHS senior thespians, performed a variety of verse from Walt Whitman to Frances Ellen Watkins Harper. Judges included assistant principal Christine Hopkinson, art teacher Jane Grassi, and English teacher Julie Henderson, who were evaluating students' form, expression, artistry, and accuracy. English teacher Kevin Higgins, who runs the RHS program with Ms. Henderson, announced that this year's winner is sophomore Chloe Archibald (photo above left), who recited "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus. Lia Munoz Rojas (photo on right) took second, and Julia DeRoma (photo center) captured third. Isla Aske, Carson Bloechle, Makenzie Klugman, Casey Fischer, Amelia Weltman, Francesca Bellizzi, and Noah Berne (photo with judges and finalists below) also participated in this wonderful morning of poetry recitation.

During Innovation Lab this week, Scotts Ridge Middle School students used Turing Tumbles to understand how computers work. Turing Tumbles are mechanical coding tables that students "program" to solve logic problems and comprehend coding as a series of switches. The systems are simple, marbles following courses using gravity, but the opportunities are endless. Innovation Lab is a new course for seventh and eighth-graders this year.

On Holocaust Remembrance Day, the middle school principals and 6-12 Humanities Supervisor, Dr. Annie Tucci, shared information about a series of educational activities our students will participate in during the first and second week of February. These programs have been thoughtfully planned in collaboration with Social Studies Departments at both schools, and both East Ridge and Scotts Ridge will be implementing the same curriculum and activities. With the passing of Holocaust survivor Judith Altmann at 100 years-old, RPS lost a devoted educator and partner. Her stories of resilience and humanity live in anyone fortunate enough to have heard her speak. This year, RPS will welcome Renee Pessin, the daughter of two Holocaust survivors and a local resident with connections to the Ridgefield community. Middle school families can check their email for more information on the program.

On Tuesday, RPS kicked off a three-night festival season with the Choral Festival. Because of Monday's cancellation, the rehearsal schedule was condensed, but of course, our unflappable RPS music department pulled off greatness. Perhaps the finale, with all grades singing "Shine Like Stars" in a combined chorus conducted by RHS Choir Director Lauren Verney Fink and SRMS Director Michael Labarre, was the highlight. However, the fifth-grade version of "Together We Are Better," conducted by ERMS teacher Dr. Kimberly Russell, was an excellent choice to reflect the district's SY26 theme, Better Together, and the group sounded as though they had been singing together for months. Beautiful!

The RHS Concert Choir reprised "Songs of the People," composed by RHS senior Leigh Kovalsky, which they sang as a world premiere in December 2025, and the Madrigals hit a high note with a song from Pitch Perfect 2. Please see the Choral Festival program to view all the soloists and singers. Hats off to students, Ridgefield Music Parents, and our outstanding music staff, including Ryan Dunne, who "corralled" everyone into excellence. We're looking forward to the Orchestra and Band Festival next week.

Last semester, Scotts Ridge students were introduced to artist Alberto Giacometti, who was best known for his elongated sculptures of the human figure. Students also learned that the artist had a distinctive drawing style and recreated it by making quick gesture drawings with exaggerated human poses. Students then, using wire, created their Giacometti-inspired sculptures, focusing on gesture and movement to convey a feeling.

Editor's Note: In a story in last week's RPS Update about a student-athlete mental health clinic for RHS coaches, we gave the incorrect name for a mental health partner. We partner with Zack Etter at Holistic Athlete for training, consultation, and support.

Athletic Director Dane Street anchored last Saturday's All-Day Budget Presentation.

RHS Athletics makes up 1.62% of the total school budget.

Upwards of 60% of RHS students participate as athletes

RHS Athletics engages the student body beyond athletics, through Tigers Lair, Tiger TV, Pep Band, the National Anthem singers, and more.

The District has reduced Play to Participate fees from $225 per sport per season to $50.

RHS Athletics' gate fees are now aligned with those of our peer districts.

Student wellness and strong communication with families and students continue to be a priority for RHS Athletics

Let's go, Tigers!

Last Saturday, the RHS Science Olympiad Team competed at Columbia University. Ashwika Krishnan (12) and Astrid Kropas (12) earned 4th place in Write It, Do It. Kevin Ye (9), Haresh Karthikeyan (9), and Supriti Divya Saravana (9) earned 2nd place in Picture This. Advisor Sarah Bentley reports that the team has grown substantially, adding 15 new members this year. Fantastic!

The Scotts Ridge Chess Club sponsored an intramural tournament after school this week. 6th grader Will Rees captured the trophy, and everyone had fun. SRMS Chess Club advisor, Brendan Leslie, writes, “Some of these kids can play!” Mr. Leslie credits RPS parent Terry Kim from The Way of the Board in Ridgefield for helping to set up this tournament. Mr. Kim provided the boards, pieces, clocks, and software to organize the matches and results. Thank you!

Last week, the Branchville Elementary PTA's DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Committee sponsored a Family History Fair. This annual tradition gives BES fourth and fifth-graders the opportunity to research and share their unique heritages, histories, and family traditions. Students put a lot of effort into their presentations, researching topics such as family recipes, genealogy records, their families' countries of origin, family publications, military service accolades, and more. Third, fourth, and fifth graders visited the Fair during the school day to appreciate this research, see trifolds, and photos. In the evening, families explored the Fair. Better together!

Even the doors on some Scotland Elementary rooms provide opportunities for earning and fun. Please see some of the creative entries in this friendly school-wide competition below. Which polygons can you find?

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.