The Husky Pawprint 4/3/26
Ridgeview Elementary School
Husky families,
Beginning in the 26-27 school year, I want to share some staffing changes to key members of our team. Our Assistant Principal, Blake Hesselberg, has resigned from his position. In his 6 years at Ridgeview, Mr. Hesselberg has led important initiatives, including our continued implementation of Capturing Kids' Hearts. Ridgeview has maintained our Capturing Kids’ Hearts Showcase School status due in part to Mr. Hesselberg’s efforts. We are grateful for his many years of leadership and wish him all the best in the future.
Mrs. Mary Spencer has been hired as our Assistant Principal beginning in July 2026. Mrs. Spencer has served as our Dean of Students for the past 3 years. She is deeply committed to the success of the students, staff, and families at Ridgeview - we are excited to announce her as our new Assistant Principal.
Mrs. Holly Sproul will fill the position of Dean of Students/Instructional Coach in the 26-27 school year. Mrs. Sproul is another familiar face as a former classroom teacher and instructional coach at Ridgeview. Mrs. Sproul’s deeply compassionate and empathetic nature, coupled with her strong instructional knowledge, will ensure exceptional support to our families, staff, and students.
Additionally, our counselor, Mrs. Kara Woolery, will be moving on in the 26-27 school year. We are grateful for Mrs. Woolery’s many years of service to the students and families at Ridgeview and wish her the best of luck in the future.
Mrs. Keri Ellen White has accepted the role of Counselor beginning in the 26-27 school year. As an experienced classroom teacher, Mrs. White brings a wealth of knowledge on supporting students in the educational setting. She is eager to connect with families to support all our students.
Each of these talented individuals brings the experience necessary to uphold Ridgeview’s long-standing tradition of excellence. Our team is eager to partner with our families as we work together to take Ridgeview to even greater heights.
Parents and families are invited to join us for a Meet and Greet on May 13th from 4:00 - 5:00 pm.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
Mrs. Rapaport
Month of the Military Child
With just seven weeks of school left, we are in the home stretch. There is still a lot to do to include state testing (CMAS) which starts next week.
April 7 - April 24 - State Testing (CMAS) 3rd - 5th grades
Monday, April 13th - PTA meeting @ 4:00 pm in the library
Friday, April 17th - Popcorn Friday
Friday, May 22nd - Last Day of School, early release @ 12:30pm
3rd Grade: Testing April 7-17. Testing at 12:55-3:10pm - Main Testing Days Tuesday-Thursday
4th Grade: Testing April 7-17. Testing at 8:35-10:50am - Main Testing Days Tuesday-Thursday
5th Grade: Testing April 7-24. Testing at 8:35-10:50am - Main Testing Days Tuesday-Thursday
Small Group and Individual Testing will occur throughout the day for students as needed.
Make up testing for assessments will occur April 7-24 throughout the day
Our students have worked so hard this year, and we are so proud of how much they have learned. This is their chance to show off what they know and take pride in all their hard work.
To help your student feel ready and do their very best, please keep these three things in mind:
Get Plenty of Sleep
A good night’s rest helps the brain stay sharp. Please make sure your child gets to bed early so they wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go.
Eat a Healthy Breakfast
A breakfast with plenty of protein (like eggs, yogurt, or nuts) gives students the energy they need to stay focused all morning.
Promote Pride and Effort in Your Child's Work
Encourage your child to do their best to show how much they have truly learned. Please tell your child how proud you are of their continued effort to work hard in their learning. They have put in so much effort to get to this point, and we want them to feel that pride! Remember: If you know it, show it!
Battle of the Books is staying in action through April! We’re gearing up for the Regional Battle at Colorado Springs College and couldn’t be prouder of the team’s progress. Let’s go, Ridgeview!
This & That
Please remember to ALWAYS bring your photo ID card with you when you come to the school.
Attendance Reminder: Please call the attendance line, (719) 494-8708 if your student is going to be absent. Make sure to leave the student first & last name, grade & teacher and the reason for the absence. Any unknown absences are recorded as unexcused. Attendance everyday is very important. Every day a student misses, they are missing out on important instruction, peer interaction and social skills. It is also very important for students to be on time to school. This really helps set routine, organization and sets them up for a successful day.
We are in full swing planning for next school year. Most everyone has filled out the Intent to Return form but if you have not done so yet, please fill that out on the parent portal or email Cindy in the front office at: cynthia.martin@d49.org. This information is very helpful as we plan staffing, class sections and supports for students. We understand that sometimes plans change, if that happens, please email Cindy in the front office at: cynthia.martin@d49.org
When a two hour delay is called, school will start two hours later at 10:20 am. The doors open at 10:05 for arrival. Breakfast will NOT be served and there will be NO AM preschool. Please do not drop students off before 10:05 am.
News from the Enrichment Team
Mrs. Chaffin is our Library and Technology Teacher
Ms. Engman is our Art Teacher
Mrs. Glenn is our Music Teacher
Mr. Shanks is our PE Teacher
News from Music:
April is a busy month for music! We are focusing a lot on movement during testing and most classes are working with instruments. Our Husky Chorale students will continue to have their regular Tuesday and Thursday rehearsals throughout the month, and we will be singing the National Anthem at a Colorado Rapids game on Saturday, April 11th. Our Kindergarten students will also be performing this month on Thursday, April 23rd at 5pm and 6pm. Information will be sent through email by our Kindergarten teachers soon (if they haven't sent it already).
Info from Mrs. Chaffin:
2nd -- 5th grade:
During the 4th quarter, we are working to meet the end-of-year typing speed and accuracy goals. Students are able to practice typing skills and complete typing lessons during Library/Technology classes, but are encouraged to practice these skills whenever there is extra time in their regular classes or home (especially during Snow Days or E-Learning days!). Students are learning and practicing communications skills that they will use later in higher education classes AND in life!
1st grade:
During the 4th quarter we will be preparing for using Chromebook computers next year AND discovering more books in the Library. As we finish up our simple summary lessons, we will begin our library lessons on fiction genres and the Dewey Decimal system.
Kindergarten:
We are almost finished with our phonemic study of the alphabet. We will learn friendly words in sign language and learn how to check out books -- so we are ready for 1st grade Library classes!
S.O.A.R.:
Our gifted students are working hard on finishing their year-long projects in preparation for the 1st Annual RVES Gifted Fair on April 30th from 5:00pm-6:00pm. S.O.A.R. Students will be on hand during the Fair to present and explain their projects. Student projects and presentations will be graded on a specific rubric and the top students from each grade will be invited to the D49 District Fair.
Landsharks announcement from Mr. Shanks:
Landsharks Youth Running Club is a non-competitive program that introduces kids to running in a safe and encouraging environment!
Open to: Kindergarten-6th grade
Cost $75 (Financial assistance is available)
Team Shirt
$16 (Youth) $18 (Adult), same shirt used for both Fall and Spring seasons
Practices:
Held twice a week before school on Mondays and Wednesdays in the mornings before school 7:15-8:00. Students can go to breakfast after practice. Practices start on April 13th.
Meets:
Hosted at Sand Creek High School for 3 Sundays starting on April 26th
Meet 1- 50m run and 400m or 800m
Meet 2- 100m and 400m or 800m
Meet 3- 200m and 400m or 1600m
Focus:
Self-improvement, teamwork, and friendship
Registration opens February 2nd, 2026 at 9 am. Go to www.landsharksrunningclub.com to register.
PTA Info
The next PTA meeting is April 13th @ 4:00PM in the library.
If you still have money from the chocolate fund raiser, please return that ASAP.
Popcorn Friday will be April 17th. Each bag is .50 cents, students can purchase up to 2 bags.
Don't forget to order your yearbook.
https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob?jobNumber=15491326
Make sure to check out our link below for more details on everything related to PTA.
Good to Know
This section will have important links, phone numbers and our school hours. This section will probably stay the same each month but as we find more useful links for families, this is where you will find them.
School Hours: 8:20 am - 3:30 pm
Doors open for arrival at 8:05 am
**Please Note, there is NO SUPERVISION until 8:05 am.
~Doors for breakfast open at 7:45 am
~Early Release Dismissal is at 12:30 pm
~2-hr Late Start is at 10:20 am (NO BREAKFAST & NO AM PRESCHOOL)
Office Hours: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Main Line (719)494-8700
Attendance Line (719)494-8705
Health Room (719)494-8704
Administrative Assistant (719)494-8703
