Ridgewood March 2026 Newsletter

Vision: Academically, socially, and emotionally preparing today's students for tomorrow's world.

Mission: Ridgewood Elementary School will work collaboratively to provide a rigorous, standards-based, student-centered learning environment for all.

Core Values: Achievement, Equity, Integrity

April 1st - Report Cards Sent Home

April 2nd - Early Dismissal, 11:30

April 3rd - No School

April 7th - PTO Skate City Night, 5-7

April 9th & 10th - 1st Grade John Deere Planting Activty at School

April 14th - PTO Meeting, 5:30 in the Library

April 16th - Family Culture Night at Ridgewood, 4:30-6:30

April 24th - 4th Grade attends Band/Mariachi concert at Glenview

Walkers & Car Riders

Students may not be dropped off at school before 8:00. This is the same for walkers. Walkers should not arrive prior to 8:00. This is due to safety. Arrival time is between 8:00-8:20.

If you need to drop off your child prior to 8:00 or pick them up after 3:00, we have the Y-Care Program available at Ridgewood. Please see this link for more information.

When you are dropping off your child in the car line, your child may get out from your car anywhere along the sidewalk and walk on the sidewalk to the front doors.

Please stay in the car lane and do not pass cars. This is dangerous as a student could get hit.

Thank you for your assistance as we work together to create a safe environment for all Ridgewood students.

Click here to view the monthly breakfast menu.

Click here to view the monthly lunch menu.

Third and Fourth Graders will be taking the Illinois Assessment of Readiness Test March 24th-April 1st. The IAR Test is a computer-based assessment for all students in Grades 3 - 8 that is designed to measure students' progress toward the Standards in ELA and Mathematics. Please make sure students get a good night's sleep March 24th-April 1st. Thanks for all of your help and support!

At East Moline School District #37, the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We believe that a student's mental health is just as important as their physical health, and that early identification of needs is key to providing effective support.

In agreement with this commitment, we will be administering a universal mental health screening called SAEBRS (Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener) this school year. This is a brief survey for students and teachers that will help us better understand the social, emotional, and behavioral strengths and potential needs of our students. This screening will be conducted in the fall and spring by K-8 teachers, and in fall, winter, and spring for students in Grades 2 - 8. Teachers will be administering the spring screening the week of April 6th and students in Grades 2-8 will complete the survey during the month of April.

The decision to administer a universal mental health screener is part of an effort across the entire state. Upcoming changes in Illinois school code recognize that finding any potential risks early is crucial for student success, and our district is being proactive in this important work.

All information gathered through the screener is confidential and protected. The use of SAEBRS improves and strengthens our efforts to help all of our students be successful by allowing us to take positive and preventative measures as early as possible. You will be notified if your child is identified as needing any additional support based on the results, and our team will work with you to develop a plan, as appropriate.

Your partnership and involvement are important to your child's success and well-being. We understand that parents may have questions or concerns about universal mental health screening, and we respect your right to make decisions for your child. While we strongly encourage all students to participate, as the screening is a valuable tool for early intervention and creating a more supportive school climate, it is not mandatory.

If you have concerns, we encourage you to first reach out to your child's building principal. Our team would be happy to discuss the process in more detail and address any specific questions you have. Ultimately, if you decide that you do not want your child to participate, you may opt out of the screening process through notification to your building principal.

3rd Quarter Report cards will be sent home on Wednesday, April 1st for Grades 1-4.

Thursday, April 2nd is an early dismissal day. Students will be dismissed at 11:30 this day.

There is no school on Friday, April 3rd!

Marilyn McAllister, from John Deere will be coming to do a Greenhouse Event with our First Graders on April 9th & 10th. Students will learn how Mayilyn takes care of the plants at John Deere. Students will decorate pots and plant seeds. The students will watch their plants grow and eventually get to take them home!

On Friday, April 24th, 4th Graders from across the district will go to Glenview to listen to a Band/Mariachi concert. Glenview always puts on an amazing performance for our students!

The Dental Bus will be at Ridgewood May 4th & 7th. The link for online sign ups is https://flow.dentimax.com/p/kiosk/GKS

An "I Message' is a communication tool that helps children express feelings without blaming others. We teach them to use a simple formula "I feel [emotion] when [explain the situation] because [impact]". It shifts focus from attacking ("You are mean.") to sharing feelings ("I feel sad when you take my jump rope.").