RPS Update

As we begin this week’s RPS Update, we cannot help but acknowledge the sadness of the acts of violence we see unfolding in the world around us and what can seem like deepening and dangerous divisions. These events remind us how important it is that our schools remain places where all children and staff feel safe, welcomed, and cared for. RPS has much to unite us. Together, we must continue to nurture the sense of community that allows our schools to be a source of comfort, connection, and hope.

Our hallways, classrooms, playing fields, and meetings demonstrate hope and connection again and again. Just this morning, the RHS student government met for the first time to talk about their goals. Last Monday evening, our Board of Education welcomed representatives from the student government, the PTA, and teachers’ union (NEA-R). Their voices bring valuable perspectives to our shared work, and we look forward to the contributions they will make in the months ahead.

RPS is a great community that strives to make sure every individual—student, teacher, staff member, coach, and parent—knows that they are important. We are never perfect, but there is much more that unites us than divides us.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Warmly,

Susie

Susie Da Silva, Ed.D

Photo Caption: RHS student government, School Year 2025-26

Check your school's calendar for important dates and early dismissals! Check in here before planning family vacations and medical appointments or just to see what’s coming up. Take advantage of our interactive calendar features to receive alerts via email or messaged to your electronic devices.

Our RPS District Art Show opens in October at the East Ridge Art Gallery. Due to space limitations, we can only feature a fraction of the creative projects RPS students completed last year. Art teachers have selected artwork from every school and grade to reflect the diverse media and methods used, but not every student is represented.

RHS learned this week that Sebastian Utomo and Jayin Palicha are National Merit Semifinalists. Congratulations!

Does your child speak, or are they learning, another language outside of school? If they are in 10th grade or above, they may be able to take an exam in that language to earn the Seal of Biliteracy. If you are interested, please fill out this Seal of Biliteracy Testing Google Form this weekend and reach out to World Language Chair Allyson Power at apower@ridgefieldps.net with any questions. Thank you!

“I see my role as central to creating a culture of safety at Farmingville Elementary,” says Wendell Chapman, who has served as the FES School Security Officer for the past three years. “My experience and training as a police officer taught me crisis response and readiness in high-stress situations—I was a first responder, so I know CPR, AED, and emergency aid, but most importantly, I know what to do in a crisis and how to stay calm.”

For many students and families, Wendell is the first person they see in the morning. FES Principal Nancy Caron writes, “Wendell is the anchor of our school. He greets every child with a high five, knowing each student and staff member by name, and most families as well! He keeps a watchful eye on our grounds so that we can all feel safe, welcome, and cared for every day.”

Communication is key to fostering trust, says Wendell, who tries to involve himself in fun activities, be friendly, and stay vigilant. “Safety is the number one priority,” he says. “I get to know children and families during breaks, fire drills, and drop off and this contributes to a culture of safety and trust.”

Like Wendell, all RPS School Security Officers are retired law enforcement officers who spent their careers protecting their communities. The School Security Officers also work collaboratively with staff and local law enforcement to provide a safe learning environment for our students, staff and visitors. All of our schools have emergency action plans and school staff make security awareness a daily priority. Please visit the RPS Security and Safety webpage for a wealth of information on safety protocols, instructions on what to do in an emergency, and so much more.

A special thank you to Wendell and all RPS SSOs for helping keep our buildings safe.

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.

Circles for parents and guardians of kindergarteners start soon. Learn more about these free workshops and registration here.

Circles for parents and guardians of adolescents (grades 5-8) start in October. Learn more about these workshops and registration here.

All are invited to join Joyce Flanagan's Celebration of Life concert. Please use the QR code on the flyer or click here to reserve your seat for the event. Sun. Oct. 5th, 1:00 pm, in the RHS Auditorium. The concert will last about 90 minutes.

Joyce (Flan) was the Choir Director at East Ridge Middle School and then at Ridgefield High School for 35 years. She came out of retirement in the spring of 2023 to direct RHS's Into the Woods. Though she passed away last August, her impact will be felt and remembered for many years to come.

On Wednesday, the RHS Counseling Department offered the first fall Camp College App workshop. Seniors came to the LLC after school to seek advice on a variety of college application questions. RHS counselors helped students request teacher recommendations through Naviance, prioritize extracurricular activities, select essay topics, and more. The next Camp College App Event is scheduled for September 17. Click on the graphic below to register.

East Ridge eighth graders enjoyed a team-building and mind-expanding program this week that brought them together to solve problems, work together, and bond.

Scotts Ridge seventh and eighth graders matched wits and "fits" during team-building exercises.

On Tuesday, Farmingville fifth graders were swinging, singing, clapping, shaking, and learning during their music class. The unit is Folk Music, and FES music teacher Tyler Langworthy taught the grade two folk dances, "Alabama Girl" and "Sasha". The songs and dances took coordination and collaboration, but it didn't take long before the class was utterly absorbed in mastering the steps and the words.

Inspired by Heather Kojan's quilt, "Doors Wide Open," Branchville and Veterans Park Elementary students and staff are creating a collaborative school-wide collage quilt. "We all contribute unique and special individual qualities to our school, " writes art teacher Jen Zeyer. "Together, we open new 'doors' of opportunities, making us 'Better Together'.

The RHS Boys Golf team's recent low score gave the team a new high. Read all about the new school record and other happenings in the RHS Athletics Newsletter.

Veterans Park Elementary PE teacher Brian Piechowicz and Library and Media Specialist Liza Shaban lit up the hallways on an otherwise dreary Wednesday morning.

While every school celebrates back-to-school a little differently, there's no doubt that we are better together. The Barlow Mountain PTA rolled out Bobby the Bobcat, face painting, and frozen treats to make their back-to-school bash a blast!

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.