Ridgeline eNews

NOVEMBER

Thursday 11/6 Equity Committee Meeting via Zoom, 4-5 p.m.

Thursday 11/6 Book Fair at Barnes & Noble 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday 11/6 Read-a-thon ends

Friday 11/7 Bingo cards due

Friday 11/7 Flash sale - order Ridgeline gear!

Monday 11/10 No School - Planning Day

Tuesday 11/11 No School - Veteran’s Day

Wednesday 11/12 Dental Screening 9 a.m.

Thursday 11/13 Board Meeting 6-8 p.m.

Friday 11/14 Last day to order Ridgeline gear

Saturday 11/15 Bottle Drop Give starts

Sunday 11/16 Cancelled: Crisp Air Campus Clean-Up

Sunday 11/16 Book Swap 2-4 p.m., Ridgeline Gym

Thursday 11/20 Veggie Slicing Day

Friday 11/21 Stone Soup

Sunday 11/23 Rake-Pocalypse - outdoor work party , 9:30-12:30 p.m.

Monday 11/24 No School - Family Conferences

Tuesday 11/25 No School - Family Conferences

Wednesday 11/26- 11/28 No School - Fall Break

For Quick Access:

• Ridgeline 25-26 Events Calendar
• One Page School Calendar

Click here to view the full calendar as some dates may change. Please note that Ridgeline’s calendar differs slightly from 4J elementary and middle school calendars.

We kindly ask that you review and abide by these book fair etiquette guidelines: 📚

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families please stay together throughout the duration of the book fair. Teachers and staff will not be supervising students during the event. Additionally, please be mindful that Barnes & Noble will remain open to the public throughout our event. 🏬

👀 Encourage students to admire items on display by “looking with their eyes.” We want to be respectful of the merchandise and displays and not create additional work for Barnes & Noble staff. 🙏

🪑 Give/reserve general seats to those with mobility needs or who prefer to sit during their student’s or grandchild’s performance. Space is limited! ♿

💛 Thank you for helping us maintain courteous store etiquette during the Barnes & Noble Book Fair. We are so excited for this very special event and we assure you, the classroom performances are a real treat! 🎶📖

🤝 This venue has been a wonderful partnership for us in the past. We are so grateful they can accommodate our large community, and we would love to be invited back! 🌟

As part of the middle school micro-economy curriculum, middle schoolers will host a weekly sale on Wednesday, after early release. Items for purchase include cookies and popcorn that are made at school, as part of the Cookie Crew elective. All proceeds from these sales support the middle school end-of-the-year Adventure Trip.

Hello Ridgeline students and families!

After a year-long pause, Cookie Crew is ready to sell every week again—starting Wednesday, November 12!

Stop by (or send your student) to grab:

🎉 New menu item! Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies – light, fluffy, with a hint of fresh banana and rich chocolate chips. Be one of the first to try them and let us know what you think!

📍 Signs will guide you to the Cookie Crew stand. Sales start right after school and continue until we sell out or until 1:20 PM.

We can’t wait to see you there!

– Cookie Crew

Sunday, November 16 | 2–4 p.m. | Ridgeline Gym

Keep the reading momentum going and refresh your bookshelf at Ridgeline’s community Book Swap! Bring gently used books you’ve read and loved, and trade them for new-to-you favorites.

Donations

We encourage families to start setting aside books they would like to donate now.

• Bring boxes of books to the school anytime or to the Book Swap event
• If you have questions about the event, contact Madison McEwen at montgomery.madison@gmail.com.

Volunteering

• If you'd like to volunteer at the event sign up here
• We also need 14 people to donate 1 gallon of apple cider for this event

The Ridgeline Tradition:

The Stone Soup fable is all about sharing and cooperation—just like our school community! In this beloved tradition, students bring vegetables to create a variety of delicious soups for all to share. Family volunteers that help with veggie slicing and stone soup day are invited to be part of this event!

What’s happening?
On Thursday, November 20, students, with the help of volunteers will wash and slice vegetables in classrooms, to prepare for our Stone Soup celebration on Friday, November 21. Volunteers cooks will then prepare soups inspired by the fable itself.

We need volunteers to:
🍴 Sign up to help slice veggies in all the classrooms on Thursday & help with Stone Soup day

Want to brush up on the fable? Here is one version of the Stone Soup story

We’re joining forces for one giant fall campus clean-up! If you were signed up for the November 16 work party — great news — we’re rolling it into one big event on Sunday, November 23.

🛠 What to Bring:
Rakes, gloves, water bottles, snacks, and your favorite leaf-crunching crew (aka: your family).

🌧 Rain or shine! Dress for the weather — we’ll be working no matter what.

🍂 Main mission: rake and move all remaining campus leaves to the street for City of Eugene pick-up.

✨ Lighter jobs available too — all ages welcome (and this means more volunteer hours for your crew)!

👉 Sign up in Track It Forward and join the fun! Let us unite —and join forces and fight the elements to end the tyranny of falling leaves in 2025! 💪🌬️🍂

It’s almost time for student-family conferences—a great opportunity to connect, celebrate progress, and set goals together!

Conference Dates:

• In-person: Monday, November 24, and Tuesday, November 25 (no school these days)

• Virtual option via Zoom: available upon request

Sign Up Below:

• Find your student’s class and select a day and a time that works best for you!
• In the comments: include your child’s name and if you will be attending in-person or via Zoom.
• Here is the link to sign up.

***Additional information will be provided on what to expect from family conferences in upcoming teacher emails.

Missed the first ordering window? No worries — we’ve got you! 🎉

We’re opening ONE more week to snag your Ridgeline spirit wear!

🗓️ Order Dates: Nov. 6–Nov. 14
👉 Place your order here!

✳️ Important: This is a quick turnaround!
Order deadline: Friday, Nov. 14
Gear will arrive by the end of November — just in time for cozy season!

👕 2025–2026 Ridgeline Gear Options:
• T-Shirts: $15 — Black or Light Blue
• V-Neck Shirts: $24–$32 — Black
• Crew Neck Sweatshirts: $40–$52 — Black or Light Blue

Let’s show that Ridgeline pride — order today! 💙

✨💙Blue Bag Prep:

Thank you to Trina Mills, Amanda Donofrio, Amanda Bedortha, and Jen Anonia for helping us get ready for Holiday Give! ♻️🙌

We’ve officially launched our 2025–2026 volunteer teams and there's always room for more volunteer power! Click on the links below if you want to be part of one of the fun volunteer teams! These groups are a great way to connect with other Ridgeline families and get in your volunteer hours!💌

Event Teams:

• Stone Soup
• Teacher Conference Dinner
• Student Talent Show - Coming in December 2025

• Student Marketplace - Coming in February 2026

• Spring Walk + Roll to School - Coming in April 2026

Ongoing Teams:

• Lunch Bunch

• Library Team

• Crossing Guard Crew

• Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB)

• Hospitality Team (staff care )

• Helping Hands Material Prep Team (book covering, sign making, etc)

• Campus Care Crew

There’s a place for everyone to get involved and make this year amazing! If you have questions or want to learn more about any of these teams email Bethany at bethany.dilla@ridgeline.org or visit Track It Forward.

***Classroom volunteer opportunities are now available. Look for these sign-ups through your classroom organizer emails.

Volunteers are an essential part of the Ridgeline community, and there are many ways to get involved!

• From serving on committees, preparing materials at home, and helping with grounds work, to assisting in classrooms, chaperoning field trips, acting as crossing guards, and more—your time and talents make a big difference.

Each family is asked to contribute 40 volunteer hours per school year and we’d love to help you find volunteer opportunities that fit your schedule and interests.

• To participate, all volunteers must first complete a background check and sign the Volunteer Code of Conduct.
• Once these two steps are complete, the School Community Coordinator will notify you by email that you are green badge approved and ready to volunteer!
• Visit our website or contact Ridgeline’s School Community Coordinator, Bethany Dilla, or learn more.

Hello Ridgeline community!

The Ridgeline Board of Directors will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, November 13, at 6:00 pm in the Ridgeline library and over Zoom. All Ridgeline community members are warmly invited to join our regular board meetings, and to make a public comment. The designated time for public comment is at the start of meetings.

Our meeting agenda includes a staff report from lower el teacher Rachel Quinn and reports from our administrators and committee representatives. We will learn from our Executive Director about Ridgeline's most recent financial audit, insurance renewal for staff, and her annual goals. We will hear from our Principal about the School Improvement Plan. The Board will discuss our current administrative salary schedules, approve our annual work calendar and goals, and look at one policy for renewal.

You can find the agenda here.

In order to attend virtually, please use this Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84074040106pwd=R6PzazBjJFrxabUMtT92ZabaJ7bptn.1

Meeting ID: 840 7404 0106 Passcode: 824778

Community members can also reach the Board of Directors via email (board@ridgeline.org). Public comment may also be made in writing and emailed to the board prior to the meeting. In order to be fully considered at this meeting, comments must be received by noon on the day of the meeting. Please clearly label the email subject line as: "Public Comment." Prior to the meeting, board members will read, review, and take into consideration all comments.

Are you a Fred Meyer shopper? You can support Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School every time you shop—at no extra cost to you! Simply link your Rewards Card to Ridgeline, and Fred Meyer will donate a portion of your purchases to our school.

How to Join:

1. Sign in to your Fred Meyer digital account.
   
   

2. Under My Account, select Community Rewards.
   
   

3. Search for Ridgeline Montessori and click Enroll.
   
   

Once you’re enrolled, you’ll see Ridgeline Montessori listed in the Community Rewards section of your account.

💙 Out-of-area relatives can help too!
This program works anywhere Fred Meyer operates, so encourage friends and family to sign up and support Ridgeline! ➡️ Learn more and enroll here

Thank you for supporting Ridgeline while you shop!

Questions? Email us at giving@ridgeline.org or visit Fred Meyer’s Community Rewards FAQ.

🧤 Take a peek at the images below — if you see something that belongs to your student, contact the office and we’ll help reunite them with their long-lost gear! Let’s get those jackets, water bottles, and hoodies back where they belong! 💙

Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School is part of the eScrip program, where a portion of your purchases can support our school. Locally, Market of Choice donates up to 4% back to Ridgeline when you shop with a registered card!

Involve Out-of-State Relatives:

This program is also a fantastic way for out-of-state relatives to support Ridgeline! Just send them this registration link—they can enter their zip code and select stores they already shop at. Shazam! Every purchase can help support our school!

Here’s the Scoop:
From January to July we’ve raised $319.10 through eScrip. Let’s see what we can do throughout these 6 months, from July through December! We have over 100 supporters signed up, but less than 20% are actively using it this year. We’d love to see more families join in!

How to Join in 3 Simple Steps:

1. Sign Up: Go to eScrip Sign-Up and enter your zip code, school name, and up to 4 card numbers (no expiration dates or CVVs needed!).

2. Shop at Market of Choice: Use your registered card.

3. Watch Ridgeline Earn!

Already registered? Log in to eScrip and make sure your cards are up to date.

Thank you for supporting Ridgeline! For questions, email us at giving@ridgeline.org or check out How eScrip Works.

To help us keep attendance accurate and the school day running smoothly, please follow these guidelines:

Absences or Appointments

• If your student will miss any part of the school day, notify the office by phone or email at attendance@ridgeline.org, and copy your child’s classroom staff.
  
  

Late Arrivals

• If your student arrives late (after an appointment, etc.) without prior notice, attendance may not be updated before the daily reporting pull, and you may receive an absent notification.
  

• To avoid this, please email attendance@ridgeline.org before the start of school.
  
  

Wednesdays (Early Release Days)

• Early release days are especially busy, particularly between 11:45 a.m.–1:05 p.m. when staff are managing medications and other student needs.
  

• If you need to pick up your student early on a Wednesday:
  

• Please notify the office before 11:00 a.m.
  

• Pick-ups may happen before 12:45 p.m.
  

• We cannot accommodate early pick-ups between 12:45–1:05 p.m. Last-minute requests during this time will need to wait until the 1:05 p.m. dismissal.
  
  

Thank you for helping us make attendance and transitions smooth for all students!

How to Get Help

Food Pantries & Food Boxes

• Food for Lane County — Search for pantries and free food near you:
  https://www.foodforlanecounty.org/food/free-food-finder/
  
  

Meals for Seniors (60+)

• LCOG Senior Meals Program / Meals on Wheels — Find dining room or home-delivered meal options:
  https://www.lcog-or.gov/sdslane/page/senior-meals-program#cafe-60
  
  

Free Meals at Local Restaurants

• Jade Dumpling
  📍 207 E 5th Ave, Suite 100, Eugene (5th Street location only)
  🕛 Daily, 12 – 2 pm
  Ask for a “SNAP lunch.” Free to-go meals available for those impacted by benefit delays.
  
  

• Laughing Planet Café
  📍 All Eugene locations
  🕒 During all business hours
  Just ask for an “Adult SNAP Meal” or “Kids SNAP Meal.” No proof needed.
  
  

• Souper Bowls
  📍 22 Valley River Center, Eugene
  🕕 Monday – Thursday, 6:30 – 8 pm
  Ask for the Owner’s Special or Elana’s Special.
  
  

• Acorn Community Café
  📍 769 Monroe St, Eugene
  🕙 Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
  Free meals available while supplies last (first-come, first-served).

• Johnny Ocean’s Grille

📍 114 Oakway Center, Eugene, OR 97401

Kids eat free – All November 2025

More Support

• Food for Lane County offers updates and additional emergency food sites here:
  https://www.foodforlanecounty.org/food/free-food-finder/
  
  

How You Can Help

If you’re in a position to give, consider supporting local relief efforts:

• Donate food or funds to Food for Lane County: https://www.foodforlanecounty.org/ways-to-give/donate/
  
  

• Support Catholic Community Services: https://www.ccslc.org/foodsos
  
  

Volunteer for Food for Lane County: https://www.mobilize.us/foodforlanecounty/

Come learn about toilets and sanitation at this free, family-friendly event to celebrate the United Nations's World Toilet Day- Nov. 19th at Whirled Pies. We'll play games, learn about waterless toilets for home, community and emergency situations, and play trivia!

Taught by longtime Eugene art instructor Matt Hawk (15+ years experience, illustrator & designer, and former Ridgeline parent).

✅ Ages 8+ (younger by readiness) • Individual or small group
✅ 1 hr/week • Flexible scheduling • Year-round or school-year only
✅ In-person in SE Eugene (near Ridgeline) or virtual via Microsoft Teams

Cost: $25 per lesson (paid in 4-class blocks).
Sibling rate: $85/month • Low-income rate: $75/month (SNAP).
Group lessons available (each student pays individually).

Lessons are customized to student interests — animation, digital art (Photoshop/Procreate), comics, painting, sculpture, perspective, anatomy & more. Fun, project-based learning with optional long-term mentorship and portfolio building.

Contact: Kesha Hawk – thehawksaerie@gmail.com for full info & scheduling.

See Matt’s work: Instagram @thepopshopillustration | Facebook: The Pop Shop Illustration
Book series: Fontenot and LaFleur (Amazon)

Our Coyote Kids After School program is back! This is a fantastic opportunity for your students to connect with nature in their own neighborhood, disconnect from screens, and build meaningful relationships with their peers- all while playing games and learning new skills. This program will run Wednesdays from 2-5pm at Tugman Park and is open to kids from any school. All of the info is on the flier I've attached, but please let me know if you have any questions!

No School? No Problem! We have your upcoming No School days covered here at Kidsports. Kidsports is excited to offer PeaceHealth Play Days for kids when school is not in session. Your kids will get to spend the day having fun, being active, trying new sports & games, being creative and playing with friends.

Grades: 1-5

Cost: $60 per day

Extended Care: additional $15 per day

Days/Times: No-school days 9am–4pm

Extended Care: 8–9am and 4–5:30pm

Location: Kidsports Fieldhouse 2054 Amazon Parkway, Eugene, OR, 97405

Dates: Nov. 10, Nov. 11, Nov. 24, Nov. 25, Jan. 5, Jan. 19, Jan. 30, Feb. 2, Feb. 16, Mar. 30, Apr. 10, Jun. 5

Register Now