RPS Update
September 11, 2026
Dear RPS Community,
As we move through the opening weeks of a new school year, today offers an important moment for reflection. September 11 is a day we remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the extraordinary courage and service demonstrated by so many. Twenty-five years later, we continue to honor that day not only through remembrance, but through the values we choose to carry forward.
Values feel particularly meaningful as we begin a year in which we will be asking an important question across Ridgefield Public Schools: Who are we becoming?
On Monday, September 14, the Board of Education will hold its first regular meeting of the school year. This meeting follows the Board’s recent retreat where members discussed their structures, shared values, and meeting efficiency.
That work highlights something we believe across RPS- strong organizations continually learn, adjust, and improve. In that same spirit, I want to remind our community that there are many ways to stay informed and engaged in the work of our schools. Board of Education committee meetings provide opportunities to follow important areas of the District’s work in greater depth. In addition, our District website includes resources for families, information about our schools and programs, and curriculum videos (EngagED) designed to provide greater insight into what students are learning and experiencing in our classrooms. Our PTAs also provide a link between families and faculty. We encourage all of our faculty and parents to join their school PTA! An informed and engaged community makes our schools stronger.
Who Are We Becoming?
This spirit of continuous improvement will extend throughout the year as we begin our Strategic Planning Process. This will not be a process focused simply on producing a document or identifying a set of goals. We intend to use this year to study our District deeply, to listen, learn, ask questions, examine evidence, and think honestly on who we are today, how we have grown, and where we aspire to go next.
Throughout the year, we will create opportunities to hear from students, staff, families, community members, and our Board of Education. We will examine what is working well, where opportunities exist, and what our community values most for the future of Ridgefield Public Schools.
At the center of this work will be a question that is intentionally larger than any single initiative.
It is a question about our students and the experiences we want for them. It is about the adults who serve them and how we learn and grow together. And it is about the kind of school community we want to continue building. There will be much more to share about the strategic planning process in the weeks and months ahead. For now, our work begins with listening, learning, and remaining curious about what is possible.
Perhaps that is an especially fitting message for today. We honor the past by remembering. We strengthen the present by caring for one another. And we shape the future through the choices we make together.
And, for our friends and neighbors who recognize Rosh Hashanah that begins this evening at sundown, “Shanah Tovah.” Please note early dismissal for students this Thursday.
With gratitude,
Susie
Susie Da Silva, Ed.D
Caption: Artwork above by Scotts Ridge Middle School student Niko Gjuraj from the We Remember 9/11 video created by the SRMS Morning Show team with Grade Six, Emily Shiller, faculty advisor.
Seven RHS Seniors Named National Merit Semifinalists
RHS learned this week that Davis DeVito, Samuel Feliciano, Kaitan Gupta, William Knispel, Cobie Mischenko, Alina Mitev, and Ryan Zou are National Merit Semifinalists. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced that approximately 16,000 students nationwide—less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors—earned this prestigious recognition, determined by the highest-scoring entrants on the PSAT/NMSQT in each state. Semifinalists will compete to be National Merit Finalists and earn scholarships. Congratulations and best wishes, Davis, Samuel, Kaitan, Will, Cobie, Alina, and Ryan!!!
NEW! Educational Technology Corner
In July, RPS hired Dr. Taylor Wrye as the new Director of Educational Technology, and he has been hard at work! He reviewed the Tri-State Report from last spring's visits, which found much to admire at RPS in terms of resources, relationships, and expertise, as well as opportunities to improve communication and consistency.
Dr. Wrye rolled up his sleeves to work with administrators to come up with a Technology Plan for 2026-27, which focuses on student wellness and community trust. The community can expect intentional technology use that favors creativity over consumption, strong partnerships, and continuous review of our tools and approach. All these resources, district policies, and information about data privacy are available on the Educational Technology and Information Services webpage,
Schools across all levels will hold discussions on digital tools, keeping student well-being, inclusion, and clear communication as the North Star. As always, RPS Update will be continuing to report on these perennially important topics, communicating changes in action as we move forward together as 1RPS.
NEW! RPS LOVE Swag Alert
Reminder! Check Your E-Backpack
Please help RPS go green by checking your students' e-Backpack weekly for important information.
Join the PTA Today
PTAs and the RHS PTSA are the Ridgefield Public Schools’ most vital partners. Staff and families, please invest in your community by joining your school's PTA today. From back-to-school picnics to book fairs, grants to galas, our PTAs make RPS stronger. The RHS PTSA puts together a newsletter brimming with excellent information and thoughtful programming for high school families and staff. The photo above shows some members of the Scotts Ridge Middle School PTA after their meeting adjourned yesterday. Thank you to all PTA leaders and members. Join on the RPS website.
REMINDER! Paraeducators and Recess/Lunch Supervisors Still Needed
Join the RPS Team and Make a Difference
Are you or someone you know looking for employment that is local, rewarding, and works with your kids' school schedule? RPS is still looking to fill vacancies in our paraeducator staff. Paraeducators play a vital role in the district, working directly with students receiving special education services, faculty, and families. We find that some of our best employees are RPS parents, and we would love to welcome you to our growing team. Please check ridgefield.org for immediate vacancies and reach out today.
Those interested in joining as Elementary Recess & Lunch Supervisors can contact the Elementary schools directly or use the QR above right. Find connection and community at RPS! #1RPS
September Calendar
Please check your school's calendar and communications for important school events and early dismissal planning. NOTE: Early Dismissal for Students on Thursday, September 17.
RHS Counseling Corner
Face to Face with Grade 9
Representatives from colleges travel to RHS to meet with juniors and seniors. This is a great opportunity for our students to learn about different schools, ask questions, and demonstrate interest! Visit the Counseling website to learn who will be in town this week and sign up on Naviance.
Senior Parents Please Note—College Application Support on September 23
Camp College App Fall Edition is an amazing opportunity for seniors to get one-on-one help with their college applications with RHS Counselors!!!!! Counselors will be available in the LLC after school on September 23 to help seniors tackle their college applications. Sign up information below.
CT Kid Governor to Visit Ridgefield Library—Tomorrow, Sept. 12
The RPS elementary library team writes in to highlight a local event that might be of interest to families of fifth and sixth graders. Connecticut Kid Governor Tessa Hallinan and her cabinet will be visiting the Ridgefield Library, tomorrow, Saturday, September 12 at 11 A.M.! Current RPS sixth graders across the district participated in the CT Kid Governor election last fall in their fifth grade library class, learning about the three branches of government, evaluating the kid candidates' platforms, and formally voting on their pick for Kid Governor in November. Current 5th graders will follow the same path this fall, studying the Constitution, celebrating the separation of powers, and voting on a fresh crop of candidates to decide next year's CT Kid Governor. Come learn more from Tessa and the other candidates (her cabinet) about their experiences and how we can help support Tessa's inclusive campaign platform, "Everyone Belongs." Families interested in attending the event should register in advance with the Ridgefield Library.
Photos above: RPS fifth graders exercising their "right" to vote for Kid CT Governor last year.
REMINDER! RHS Senior to Kick for a Cause—Sept 19
Ridgefield High School senior Grace Jackson is a Black Belt and martial arts instructor at Legacy Martial Arts, where she has learned confidence and discipline over the past 11 years. Now, she wants to give back to the community with Kicks for a Cause, a community fundraising event she conceived and organized to fight child exploitation. Grace is hosting the event at her karate dojo to raise money to benefit the Tim Tebow Foundation. “100% of the profits will go to kids and protecting them,” Grace says. “I learned who I was and figured out my own identity through the studio—it’s my support system—so the idea of raising funds there to protect children made a lot of sense. I’m planning on having different stations, self-defense instruction, and an ice cream truck.” The public can learn more about the family-friendly Kicks for a Cause Ridgefield event here.
Date & Time: September 19, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Legacy Martial Arts, Ridgefield
REMINDER! RHS Language Department Seeks Students for Opportunity
Does your child speak, or are they learning, another language outside of school? If they are in tenth grade or above, they can take an exam in that language to earn the Seal of Biliteracy. Last year, RHS awarded 151 Seals of Biliteracy—130 to students taking World Language classes at RHS and 21 to students who speak or have learned another language at home. RHS will be offering this opportunity free of charge during school hours at the end of September. Please have your child register using this link by 9/18 and reach out to Profesora Power at apower@ridgefieldps.net with any questions.
More Summer Accolades and Recognition
RHS Future Business Leaders Take Texas
Submitted by RHS Business Teacher and FBLA Faculty Advisor Kelly Predham
When school let out in June, the school year may have been over for most students, but not for a group of 32 motivated and hardworking RHS students! Accompanied by Robert Keyes, (FBLA Advisor and Co-advisor) and me, they were off to San Antonio, Texas, to represent Ridgefield High School at the FBLA National Leadership Conference, where they competed, learned, and networked alongside more than 13,000 students from across the country.
These students earned their opportunity to attend Nationals by qualifying at the Connecticut State Leadership Conference earlier in the year. Once in San Antonio, they attended professional workshops, networked with students and business leaders, and continued studying, practicing, and preparing for their competitive events. Experiences like this are what make FBLA so valuable. Students are developing communication, leadership, teamwork, and presentation skills while building experiences and accomplishments that they can carry with them on their résumés, college applications, and into their future careers.
We were incredibly proud of all 32 students and how well they represented RHS, but this year also brought a very exciting first for our chapter! Elizabeth Wright, Claudia Padilla, and Rashi Ghorpade advanced to the National Finalist round in their event and had the opportunity to compete for a second time on the national stage. Their event focused on Event Planning, and they chose something very close to home as the subject of their presentation—our very own RHS Business Symposium!
Their presentation, delivery, and the story they were able to tell about what we do here at RHS impressed the judges and earned them a spot among the Top 14 teams in the entire country! This marked the first time an RHS FBLA team advanced to the finalist round at the National Leadership Conference, making it an especially exciting accomplishment for our chapter.
In addition to our students’ competitive success, the RHS FBLA Chapter received another exciting national honor when we were named a FBLA Champion Chapter. This recognition is earned through a chapter’s active participation, programming, and commitment throughout the year. It represents countless hours of planning and execution by our dedicated student officers, who work throughout the year to create meaningful opportunities and experiences for all of our FBLA members. We were incredibly proud to receive this distinction and were invited to a special recognition ceremony at the National Leadership Conference to celebrate the achievement.
We could not be prouder of all of our students—not only for how they competed, but for the professionalism, enthusiasm, and pride they showed while representing Ridgefield High School on a national stage. And, of course, we managed to squeeze in a little Texas history along the way with a visit to the Alamo!
Congratulations to all of our FBLA National competitors on an incredible experience and accomplishment!
Familiar Faces: New Roles
Liz Van Duyne Chooses to Grow With RPS
RPS Update’s limited series Familiar Faces: New Roles continues with the new Barlow Mountain Assistant Principal Liz Van Duyne.
Ms. Van Duyne joined the district eight years ago, slightly ahead of Superintendent Dr. Susie Da Silva and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Cory Gillette. She spent two years as a fourth-grade teacher at Farmingville Elementary before taking on the role of Math Specialist at East Ridge Middle School. Throughout that transition, she felt the steady support of leadership—citing Ms. Gillette, East Ridge Assistant Principal Tom Grace, and Scotts Ridge Principal Tim Salem as key mentors who encouraged her professional growth from teacher to leader.
What truly secured her commitment to the district, however, was seeing that same dedication to potential and growth mirrored in student programs under this administration. “I watched the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) grow,” Ms. Van Duyne explains, “and I wanted to be here because of the district’s focus on helping every learner reach their potential. I wanted to be a leader here, and I waited for this opportunity.”
Stepping into this role at Barlow Mountain, Ms. Van Duyne exemplifies the impact of years of shared investment and priorities—a commitment to students and faculty that makes RPS a district of choice.
What familiar RPS face has taken on Liz's role at East Ridge Middle School? Stay tuned to a future newsletter to find out. Please read last week’s "Familiar Faces: New Roles" column in last week's newsletter to read about college roommates who have become RPS office mates.
In the Schools
RPS Remembers 9-11
A Tragedy Which Brought Unity and Patriotism
Today is the National Day of Remembrance, marking 25 years since the 9/11 terrorist attack. The Scotts Ridge Middle School Morning Show crew put together this moving video to remind their community of the history, lives lost, and the resiliency of the American people.
Sixth graders have been studying the historian's craft through the lens of September 11th. One notable activity in this unit is interviewing family members or family friends over 35 to learn more about the tragedy through individual stories. Scotts Ridge sixth graders—Mae, Talia, Jackson, Brian, Hannah, and Grace—sat down with RPS Update to share these first-person accounts. While the interviews reflected different perspectives and very difficult circumstances, students said their families also taught them that the tragedy brought people together. They heard their parents say, “I have never felt more patriotic.” Another student said that their family member reflected on the international support—” We had people from all over the world here to help.” One friend said, “New York was united. Everyone wanted to help.” Students shared that boats came from around the area (“just like Dunkirk”) to help evacuate stranded victims and put out fires.
Here are some excerpts from the stories they collected:
Mae’s mom was in college in upstate NY when the airplanes hit, but her uncle was in the second tower. He was told it was safer to stay, but he was one of just four people in his company who decided to exit and therefore survived. Mae never met her uncle.
Grace’s grandfather was working in the Bank of New York, just 500 feet from the Twin Towers, and was on the 41st Floor when he saw the plane hit. He and his crew went downstairs, and then back up.
Hannah’s uncle had just moved to the New York area from England when he heard the news on the radio. He was painting soccer fields, and he put his brush down and drove to a place where he could see the towers. He watched the South Tower fall and wondered why he had moved to the U.S. He stayed in the U.S., became a firefighter, and served for almost five years because of that day.
Talia’s mom was in college and asleep when the first plane hit the tower. Her roommates woke her up, and then she saw the second plane hit. Talia’s mom remembers her sister was in New York but was okay.
Brian interviewed his family friend Casey, who was in middle school at the time. She said the class heard the sound of a plane overhead, and at first kids were excited because class stopped, but when they realized what happened, they were shocked and saddened because many of her classmates’ parents worked in the Twin Towers. She remembers their parents picking them up and going home. Casey’s own father was on the scene of the attack, trying to find survivors, and was forever changed and battled illness.
Jackson’s father described the confusion he felt when his mom woke him up on September 11, 2001, just after the first tower fell. He remembered the day as being crystal clear.
Elementary Spanish Starts Its Third Year
RPS Elementary Spanish teachers, Señoras Maddie Marek and Jill Quattrocchi, are back this year, filling our kindergarten to grade 5 classrooms with songs, games, movement, fun, and Spanish. This year marks the second year the district has offered a World Language for all elementary students (K-5) and the third year of World Language exposure for Ridgefield fifth graders, who were in third grade during the Grade 3-5 first-year rollout.
Even in the early days of the school year, lessons are almost exclusively in Spanish and combine science, geography, and cultural awareness. Fifth graders, for example, will visit the rainforests of Costa Rica, exploring ideas of biodiversity and native species while building communication skills and vocabulary. Fourth graders will look to Puerto Rico and learn about food, history, and wildlife. Students in grade three study Monarch butterfly migration, weather, and Mexico, while second graders learn about animals in Equatorial Guinea. First graders learn to say what they like…and what they don’t, while kindergarteners learn about making friends.
All students practice counting, colors, days of the week, basic conversation, and fluency. Sras. Marek and Quattrocchi teach at the same school on a six-day cycle, which encourages elementary-school siblings to have Spanish days and practice at home. Last year, students learned Spanish songs to perform at district and school concerts.
It's wonderful to continue offering this quality program to our students.
Leaning Tower of Psych II?
Students exercised their skills in brainstorming, mental sets, and reflection to construct the tallest spaghetti tower in Jennifer DeJulio's Psychology II class.
The HeARTs of RPS
Scotland Elementary unveiled its all-school sunflower mural inspired by artist Vincent Van Gogh!
RHS Athletics
This week was a big week for RHS Athletics; Principal Dr. Jake Greenwood said they played 23 games over three days! Here is this week's RHS Athletics newsletter. The photo above shows the RHS Girls Freshman soccer team, who notched a 3-0 shutout over rival Staples High School in their first game. Girls Varsity Soccer also shutout Staples. Find the full schedule of games and results on the RHS Athletics Webpage and come cheer on our Tigers!
1RPS: More Photos from the Week
Last week's newsletter photos were all about the "work" of getting back into routines. This week, we have pictures of special events that celebrated connection and new beginnings. We heard the RHS Freshman Dance was awesome thanks to the efforts of our student leaders and staff. Veterans Park PTA tapped into staff scoopers, a great D.J., and a whole lot of sprinkles to make the Ice Cream Social a sweet success. Barlow Mountain Bobcats were "havin' a blast" at their Back-to-School Bash.
Editor's Reminder
Keep the good news flowing this way. We love sharing photos and stories from the RPS Community every week, so please continue to reach out! At times, we make errors, which we correct in the next newsletter; to avoid confusion and cluttering inboxes, we resend a corrected newsletter only when necessary. You can reach out to Alison Pratt to submit stories, corrections, and feedback.
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