Ridgewood September 2025 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

September 29th-October 3rd - Spirit Week

October 2nd - Active Intruder Drill at Ridgewood

October 3rd - 11:30 Dismissal, Teacher In-Service

October 6th-10th - Fall Break, No School

October 13th - No School, Columbus Day

October 14th-November 7th - World's Finest Chocolate PTO Fundraiser

October 21st - Picture Retakes

October 21st - Ridgewood Skate City Night PTO Fundraiser, 5-7pm

October 22nd & 23rd - Dental Bus at Ridgewood

October 24th - End of 1st Quarter

October 29th - Report Cards Go Home

October 31st - Halloween Parties

November 1st-30th - Octeen PTO Fundraiser

November 13th - Culver's Night PTO Fundraiser, 5-8pm

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 are dropping off your student by car in the car drop off lane, please stay in your car. If you are looking to get out of your car, please park in an available parking spot or along the street. By getting out of your car, it stops traffic in the car drop off lane. Please also remember to drive slow and watch for children.

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.

We will have an active intruder safety drill at Ridgewood on Thursday, October 2nd. The safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority. These drills are a critical component of our comprehensive safety plan and are essential for ensuring that all students and staff know exactly how to respond calmly and quickly in the event of an emergency. This drill reinforces the safety aspect of our 3 B's (Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe). Thank you for your continued support as we work together to keep Ridgewood a safe place for all of our students.

Fall break will take place October 6th-10th. There is no school for students this week. Enjoy your time off!

There is no school on Monday, October 13th due to Columbus Day.

We need your help! As part of our district's strategic plan, we're working to define what an "EMSD Learner" looks like. We're calling this the EMSD Essentials, and your input is crucial in shaping it.

We invite all parents to a meeting to share your ideas and feedback. Please join us:

• When: October 15 at 5:00 p.m.

• Where: Administration Building

3451 Morton Drive

East Moline

Your perspective is essential in helping us create a vision for our students that reflects the entire community. If you plan to attend, please fill out this form so we know how many to expect: Parent RSVP

We look forward to seeing you there!

Our picture retake day will take place on Tuesday, October 21st. If you child was absent on picture day or you would like your child to have their picture retaken, please let your child's teacher know.

Kindergarten and new students to the State of Illinois:

Please remember to turn in your child's State of Illinois physical form with up-to-date immunizations. There is a part on the physical form that needs to be filled out and signed by a parent before turning it into the office or sending it with your child to school. This needs to be done no later than October 15th or your child will be executed from attending school starting that day.

If you have made an appointment for your student and it falls after the October 15th deadline, please reach out to me directly or send a note from the Doctor's office stating when the appointment is. Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns. My email is apauwels@emsd37.org or you can call 309-752-2570 and ask for the nurse.

All Students:

Bethany's Dental Bus is coming back to Ridgewood October 22nd & 23rd! This is an amazing program that gives free dental exams, cleanings, and sealants for children that qualify. Please look for consent forms to be sent home with your child.

Thank you:)

Mrs. Pauwels

Be Bold, Be You, Be a Cub!

On Fridays, students and staff can wear bold, bright colors or Ridgewood apparel to show that we are proud to be a Ridgewood Cub!

Our next meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 14th at 5:30 in the Ridgewood Library. We hope to see you there!

Got questions? Just want to connect? Feel free to reach out to:

ridgewood.pto.emsd@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/people/Ridgewood-PTO/61578691561332/

Co-President: Ana Calil

Co-President: Audrie Peterson

Secretary: Sydney Fetters

Treasurer: Katie Crimmins

Upcoming Events:

October 14th-November 7th - World's Finest Chocolate PTO Fundraiser

October 21st - Ridgewood Skate City Night PTO Fundraiser, 5-7pm

November 1st-30th - Octeen PTO Fundraiser

November 13th - Culver's Night PTO Fundraiser, 5-8pm

Thanks for being part of Ridgewood—we’re excited to grow, give back, and make great memories with you!

— The Ridgewood PTO Team

Brain breaks are short mental breaks taken. They help children remain calm, focused and engaged, and they’ve been shown to reduce stress. This guide below shows you how to implement effective brain breaks at home. In this guide “At Home Brain Breaks and Active Calming” by Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor Bailey Lewin, you’ll find dozens of brain break songs and games. As you read through the resource, click the images for videos and songs that accompany each activity. The guide also features active calming strategies that will keep you and your children in the optimal brain state for learning and problem-solving.

Link to resources

Did you know that you can order Ridgewood apparel at anytime? See the link below. You can also find this link on the EMSD website.

East Moline School District Apparel