Dear Families, Faculty, and Staff,
It appears that the winter break was enjoyed by our students, faculty, and their families. It serves as a reminder of one of life's most important gifts- time. How ever you spent your time during winter break, I hope it was exactly what you wished for.
When I was a kindergarten teacher, I loved watching my students create their “lions” and “lambs” as each animal was symbolic of the March weather. As a Superintendent, I am in the “lamb” camp all the way. Hoping for a calm, warm, month of March. Recently, I had the pleasure of reading to kindergarten and first-grade students at Branchville Elementary. Being in classrooms reminded me how lucky I am to have chosen this profession.
This week, our Board of Education learned more about school security, both in public session and executive session at their meeting on February 26. As our community knows, we pride ourselves on being transparent but when it comes to matters of keeping our children safe, we are cautious about what we share publicly. In the nearly four years I have been here, I have highlighted a necessary focus on security while also ensuring our schools are welcoming environments. In partnership, we should be proud of our progress.
Tuesday evening, we presented the Board of Education’s 2024-25 Operating and Capital Budgets to the Board of Selectpersons (BOS). As you would expect, the BOS asked important questions, and ultimately made non-binding recommendations to the BOF. The BOF Public Meeting is on Monday, March 25 at 7 pm.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Warmly,
Susie
Susie Da Silva, Ed.D
The tentative last day of school for students is now Friday, June 14. Teacher PD day is now Monday, June 17.
RHS Graduation (which will not change with weather-related closings) is at RHS
Friday, June 14 at 6 p.m.
Junior Prom- Portuguese Club, Danbury CT
Saturday May 18, 2024
Senior Prom - Serafresca at the IC, Stamford, CT
Friday May 31, 2024
In this week’s episode of Ridgefield Tiger Talk, we welcome back Dr. Anthony Showah. Assistant Director of Special Services. We discuss the many updates in the special services department, the expansion of the RISE program, pre-kindergarten, the transition program, how we can leverage AI in to help meet the needs of our students, and much more. Thanks for listening!
Please check your students' e-Backpack for this important information and other programs across the district. Organizations that meet the RPS policy may submit their request for inclusion to cmelagrano@ridgefieldps.net.
RPS is excited to be a part of the milestone experience of kindergarten registration with our youngest students and their families. We ask that RPS families alert their neighbors, friends, etc. that kindergarten registration is open. Because of the change in CT's cut off date, prior planning will be particularly important this year so please enroll students ASAP.
The State of Connecticut announced a new cut off date so all children who reach the age of five (5) on or before September 1, 2024 are eligible for enrollment. RPS wants to work with families during this transition year. Please read all of the information here.
The February 16 issue of RPS Update featured a story and photos of RHS English teacher Matthew Goetz's Poetry Coffeehouse. Below, we share a poem by sophomore Sadie Steckler (in photo).
This month's RHS magazine doesn't shy away from the hot topics important to RHS students—from junior parking protocols to breaking up on Valentine's Day to studying all February recess—read all about it, here.
On Wednesday, families, friends, and coaches celebrated members of the RHS Class of 2024 committing to continue their athletic careers in college.
Students who signed National Letters of Intent:
Madeline Pickett- Bentley University, Softball
Madison Collins- Fordham University, Track and Field
Students who signed commitments:
Eleanor Luft- Tufts University, Field Hockey
Brooke Miner- Wesleyan University, Field Hockey
Vincent Carr- Dickinson College, Golf
Madalen Brown- Lasell University, Softball
Elizabeth Grace (Lilybeth) Coury, Softball
Yael Everett- Hamilton College, Softball
Mikaella (Mika) Bernard- Bates University, Women's Lacrosse
Madison Brown- Rochester Institute of Technology, Women's Lacrosse
Sean Bell- Salve Regina University, Men's Lacrosse
Mia McGarrity- Endicott College, Women's Basketball
Luke Englert- The University of Rochester, Football
Austin McGoey- Trinity College, Football
William Diana- Amherst College, Track and Field
This is the second large event the RHS Athletic Department has organized for RHS seniors committing to the NCAA. Read more in the November 2023 issue of RPS Update.
Congratulations to all RHS student-athletes!
RPS often talks of the crucial role that PTAs play in our schools. PTAs are currently looking to fill roles for next year, and it's not too late to join as a member. Here are some letters from Branchville fourth-graders, thanking the PTA for underwriting their trip to the Ridgefield Playhouse before break. Thank you to all the PTA members and devoted volunteers for supporting our students.
