RPS Update

Welcome back! I hope the winter break and holiday season brought you time for rest, joy, good health, and connection.

For me, it was especially meaningful to have all of my children home and to hear about their semester adventures. Gabby, who studied abroad, took full advantage of every opportunity and proudly shared stories of exploring multiple countries on a true college budget. Izzy—like many first-semester college students—quickly reacquainted herself with the fridge (and voiced a few complaints), dropped off her laundry, and shared the trials and tribulations of college life and growing independence. André, as the younger brother, took it all in, gently reminded of what it’s like to be a “freshman” when upperclass siblings return home. And now, as expected, it is quiet again with the girls back at school.

The new year offers a natural opportunity to reset and think about hopes and goals. Whether you set resolutions personally, professionally, or physically, goal-setting is an important part of growth and reflection. For our students, I hope they take time to consider their hopes for 2026 and remember that habits, actions, and small, consistent steps can lead to meaningful outcomes. Cheers to the year ahead!

On Monday evening, I will present my proposed FY27 budget to the Board of Education. This presentation is the primary focus of the Board’s agenda and marks the official launch of budget season, which will conclude in May with a community vote. In addition, the Board of Education will hold its full-day cost center budget meeting, virtually, on Saturday, January 24. This important session allows Board members to ask detailed, line-by-line questions of school and district-level leaders. I encourage you to tune in.

Again- Happy New Year!

Warm regards,

Susie

Susie Da Silva, Ed.D

Please consult your school calendar for upcoming concerts, workshops, early dismissals, and opportunities to get involved. Be extra nice to RHS students next week; midterms start!

Good! RPS approaches the big transitions—starting kindergarten, sixth grade, and high school—with purpose and planning, working together to make these important milestones smoother. If you intend to send your student to kindergarten next year, please register. Also, please help by encouraging neighbors, friends, and coworkers with kindergarten-eligible students to register today to attend all mini-kindergarten and orientation programs.

Eighth-graders and their families learned about some public alternatives to RHS in October. As a reminder, the application deadline for Henry Abbott Technical High School in Danbury is approaching. On Wednesday, January 14, RHS will welcome eighth graders and their families for the Rising 9th Grade Curriculum Evening and Elective Showcase. The photo below shows RHS counselors at Scotts Ridge yesterday. RHS counselors will visit East Ridge next Friday to meet with ERMS eighth-graders about this exciting next step.

Ridgefield PTAs are teaming up with the Ridgefield Playhouse to bring Dr. Becky to town on February 24. Every ticket includes a copy of her new children’s book, plus Q & A, and a book signing. Don’t miss the chance to mingle with other Ridgefield parents, meet Dr. Becky, and pick up practical parenting tips. Limited tickets available.

Sure, the short days of winter are upon us, but don't you need a little pop of spring on your calendar? For the third year in a row, our entire high school orchestra program has been invited by the Board of Selectpersons to kick off the town's Concert Happenings In Ridgefield Parks (CHIRP) series, a staple of summer life here in Ridgefield. Tuesday, May 26!

Because of the weather-related closure on Tuesday before break, the current last day of school is Wednesday, June 17. Please note that this is subject to change in the case of closures. Please see all related correspondence on the RPS calendar webpage.

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. See new flyers from CT Pride in this week's eBackpack.

Ella Tiktin earned the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award in recognition of her passion for service. RHS nominated Ella who then had to sit for a two-hour proctored exam. Ella writes, "This award was very meaningful to me. It felt great to have my efforts recognized for raising money for children in need. Especially because my school counselor, Ms. Lori Bran, advocated for my nomination. The DAR Good Citizen award recognizes four qualities, one of which is service, which is important to me. As I continue my education in college, I would like major in public policy so I can continue to make my impact on those in need." Congratulations Ella!

On the Wednesday before holiday break, the RHS Business Department welcomed back 2017 alumn Chris Sacchi for an engaging session on Sports Marketing. Sacchi, representing the Savannah Bananas, gave students a behind-the-scenes look at how the organization completely reinvented the business of baseball. The Savannah Bananas are now a world-famous baseball team that blends high-energy entertainment with a fast-paced, fun-first style of play.

Beyond marketing strategies, Sacchi shared career advice that resonated with our aspiring business leaders. He challenged the students to rethink networking, emphasizing that "quality connections far outweigh quantity," a lesson RHS student Lilou Bonnaudet cited as her most valuable takeaway.

"This visit embodies our commitment to authentic, project-based learning," said business teacher Jesse Peterkin. "By analyzing real-world case studies like the Savannah Bananas, our students are seeing how innovation, risk-taking, and a customer-first mindset drive actual business success."

On Wednesday at Farmingville Elementary, students touch a Mood Meter as they walk into their Physical Education class. “We do this before every class,” says PE teacher Steven Ethier. “It’s a good way for students to gauge where they are at emotionally.” The whole class touches either “Green” or “Yellow,” meaning they are excited and ready to learn. “If someone touches red, we know something might have happened, and we can be alert.” The Mood Meter is one way Social and Emotional Learning is reinforced in PE.

The Volleyball unit is starting this week, but first, students stretch and warm up in groups. They start a three-minute jog. Mr. Ethier reminds third graders that they will begin the Pacer in fourth grade, so it’s good to learn to ‘pace” and build stamina. Some students can’t resist sprinting and tire quickly, while others seem able to run forever. “I play soccer, basketball, and baseball,” says one third grader. “I’m a runner.” Students cool down with a few laps and then gather for a lesson.

They learn the proper hand position and arm movement to propel the ball forward over the net, rather than up in the air. They divide into groups to try to bump the ball over the net, considering trajectory and form. They keep track of scoring, earning three points for a clean inbound hit, which also builds math skills. At the end of each class, third, fourth, and fifth graders play Newcomb—a volleyball variation that might be familiar to many generations.

The FES students are excellent sports and inclusive while still having a great time. They give each other opportunities to hit and catch the ball. They think of strategies to support those who haven’t quite figured out how to bump the ball over the net. They are kind to their teammates. Some fifth graders start trying to serve and set.

Fourth and fifth graders across the district signed up for Art LEAP—an enrichment program run by elementary art teachers. In the December 19 issue of RPS Update, we shared some of the creations from students at Branchville, Ridgebury, Scotland, and Veterans Park elementary schools. Here are some of the Venetian-inspired masks created in LEAP by Farmingville and Ridgebury students with art teacher Rachel Penney. These students created masks after learning about the history and cultural significance of mask-wearing in many different cultures around the world. Students focused on the Venetian style, patterns, and use of gold and metallic colors.

Ah, midterm exams...the stuff that bad dreams are made of for some high schoolers and middle-aged college graduates. But for ninth graders at RHS, thanks to the efforts of student leaders and kind-hearted faculty, the stress of midterms will melt away. On Thursday, RHS hosted Cocoa and Cram, which is a fun way to help ninth graders prepare for midterms and tap into veteran students' experience and study habits. The evening, cocoa included, provided time for connection, study-skill review, and fellowship. The Student Life Office has plans for stress relief throughout the next two weeks. You got this, RHS!

We would never turn our noses up at a chance to share these adorable snowmen from the Farmingville halls.

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