RPS Update

Happy Halloween! I know many of our younger students are looking forward to an early evening of “trick or treating”. I can’t help but be nostalgic about times gone by- my memories as a kindergarten teacher singing all the spooky songs, but also being with my own children during this high-spirited holiday. Savor every moment. Time goes by quickly.

The weather took a turn yesterday– cold, rainy, and windy! This is the time of the year when we need to be reminded that changes in the weather can impact the school schedule. Please be sure to check this link for our weather protocols and procedures.

From time to time, we hear about information posted on social media. While we do not respond to this type of communication, we encourage you to reach out directly to your child's school. In addition to being the best way to develop meaningful relationships, it is also the best way to receive the most accurate information.

November is another month of abbreviated weeks. On Tuesday, November 4, schools will be closed for students so that we may offer the community an opportunity to vote in our buildings. We recognize the community focus, intentions, and time commitment. Regardless of the outcome, we wish everyone the best of luck and look forward to partnering with newly elected officials. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, our staff will be here at RPS engaged in high-quality professional learning- RPS is a learning organization!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend, and remember to turn the clocks back!

Warmly,

Susie

Susie Da Silva, Ed.D

Photos above: From kindergartners to RHS seniors and staff, RPS showcased its spectrum of talents. From left, Farmingville is learning about healthy eating. The student section at the Homecoming Football is a whiteout. Barlow Mountain pre-school teachers make their mark, dressed as a box of crayons. Scotts Ridge eighth-grader Erin McHugh sings Coldplay's "Yellow" during the Student Showcase at the Board of Education meeting.

Dr. Da Silva's children dressed for Halloween circa 2013

Ridgefield teenager Ruby Weiner (shown right with Dr. Da Silva and Penny, the 4-pound Dachshund puppy) reached out to RPS this week to ask for help stocking her Little Pantries—six* small free-standing food pantries around town. Ruby says meals, like spaghetti and sauce, peanut butter and jelly, canned tuna or chicken, or macaroni and cheese, have been flying off the pantry shelves. In November, RPS will partner with Ruby for a District-Wide Food Drive to address shortages and rising need. If you're a staff member, student, or parent willing to help with the Little Pantry Food Drive initiative at your school, please email Alison Pratt. In the meantime, please consider stocking the pantries listed below. Ridgefield families in need or willing to help others beyond the RPS Ruby's Pantries initiative can reach out to Ridgefield Social Services and learn more about available local resources in this letter.

*The sixth pantry at Ballard Green is only for Ballard Green residents.

Ridgefield's Little Food Pantries are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for families facing food insecurity.

Last week, Superintendent Dr. Da Silva shared a Community Brief on Safety and Security. Today, we wanted to share more information and reminders about the Say Something App, a 24/7/365-day/year way to connect with live clinical help. In particular, we would like to share a link to the comprehensive presentation by Dr. Liz Hannaway and RHS Assistant Principal Michael Yagid to the BOE on April 7, 2025. View their presentation here (approximately 34-minute mark). Say Something is multilingual and anonymous, empowering students to get help before a crisis. Students and staff receive training on using the app at the beginning of the school year and are reminded about its availability throughout the year. Sandy Hook Promise provides RPS with this invaluable service free of charge as long as RPS and the town meet their high standards for Mental Health Support and SEL learning. Say Something does not replace school counselors or trusted adults. It also doesn't replace 911. The presentation about this life-saving app—the background on how RPS chose and qualified for Say Something and its connection to first responders and District administrators—shows the district's commitment to students and families. RPS Cares! Please review our Safety and Security Webpage to see our FAQs, understand CT laws, and are prepared in the event of a crisis.

Please remember to update PowerSchool if you move or change phone numbers.

NOTE: RPS holds parent-teacher conferences in November. Please check your school calendar for school-specific Early Dismissals and other events.

On Wednesday, the RHS lighting crew was working after school to make sure the stage was set for the RHS Fall play, PUFFS (Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic) by Matt Cox. PUFFS is essentially a parody on Harry Potter, told through the lens of the Hufflepuff house. We meet an all new cast of characters and follow these quirky and lovable underdogs from sorting to skirmish and sorcery. Don't miss this award-winning local theatre group. Their past two RHS fall productions The Play That Goes Wrong and Peter and the Starcatcher received awards for "Best Cast of an Ensemble Production", "Best Stage Management Team" and "Best Contemporary Play" at the Halo (Regional High School Theatre) Awards for the state of CT. Tickets available on the Theatre Booster website or following QR code on flyer below.

The RHS Madrigals are performing at Radio City Music Hall in just a few weeks...Sat. Nov. 22, 4:00 pm show! They are singing around 3:55 pm that day in the minutes leading up to when the Rockettes take the stage for their Christmas Spectacular Show. In an effort to help the choir be ready for this big performance, Choral Director Lauren Verney-Fink is asking the singers to come to their Madrigals rehearsal on Tuesday, Nov. 18, in their concert black attire. They will share a "mock performance" at 5:00 pm that day in the RHS auditorium with parents and any community members who want to come listen. Ms. Verney is going to ask the audience members to be deliberately disruptive and do everything they can to distract the performers. "It'll be good practice for the actual show," she writes. Get tickets to Radio City Music Hall here.

RHS counselors continue to support students with FLEX sessions about completing the Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System, FAFSA, and Admissions Decisions review. Junior parents, stay tuned for a Junior Timeline virtual evening session in early December!

Ridgefield Tiger Talk

On this week’s episode of Ridgefield Tiger Talk, we’re excited to welcome RHS 11th grader William Knispel. He’s the amazing young man who has started the teen chapter of the Ridgefield CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program. Working with the CERT program, he is bringing important training such as first aid, disaster response, and basic car repair, to name just a few. Visit the Ridgefield CERT website or search for “Ridgefield Teen CERT” on Facebook/Instagram for more information. Thanks for listening!

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.

“Technology is just a tool,” says RPS Director of Technology, Dr. Wes DeSantis, during his department’s presentation for parents on Digital Citizenship* last year. He reminds viewers that our students, raised as Digital Natives (D-Nats), need guidance to make good choices and use these tools effectively. RPS uses a progression to teach age-appropriate lessons and give access to technology and apps.

Between Digital Citizenship Week last week and Media Literacy Week this week, our library media specialists across the District have been coming up with a variety of creative ways to engage students in the six core topics of DigCit: Media Balance & Well-Being, Privacy & Security, Digital Footprint & Identity, Relationships & Communication, Cyberbullying, Digital Drama & Hate Speech, and News & Media Literacy.

Ridgebury Librarian Ellen Paradiso shares that third, fourth, and fifth graders district-wide used a variety of platforms—WeVideo, Wixie, and good old-fashioned pencil and paper—to create messaging about digital citizenship and the District’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Some classes wrote books. Others used upcycled materials to create PSAs in the makerspace. All used their creativity to collaborate with peers to remind each other not to share passwords, use time constructively, recognize fake images, and learn other important lessons about using technology safely and responsibly.

East Ridge and Scotts Ridge sixth and seventh graders recently completed a four-part series designed to empower them to control their own online identities, habits, and understanding. Students consider media balance, their digital habits and footprint, as well as perspectives and roles in cyberbullying scenarios that align with being a No Place for Hate school. Seventh graders design a digital wellness app and learn that the internet is like a tube of toothpaste-once information is out there, it's difficult to put it back. Both grades consider the drawbacks and benefits of generative AI and how to identify AI-generated images.

RHS ninth graders have just completed an eight-class progression that builds on lessons learned in Middle School. Topics such as how their digital footprint can be investigated during job applications or the college admissions process, privacy and security, and media literacy were central to the series, as students learned how to stay safe online and protect themselves against misinformation.

Last week, Dr. Wes DeSantis walked Central Office staff through Gemini, Google’s large language artificial intelligence application. He showed what Gemini can do well—summarizing long documents, translation, deep historical research, and meal planning for allergies and tastes. And what RPS Central Office workers should not use AI for—student data, grading, financials, etc. He noted that AI is not good at generating novel ideas. He encouraged playing with the program to learn how to complete work more efficiently.

*Please note: Since the Digital Citizenship Presentation was recorded last fall, RHS policies and protocols have changed—RHS students are required to use school-issued Chromebooks and store their cell phones during Instructional time. Elementary and middle school students still are not permitted to use personal devices, including smartphones, watches, etc., throughout the school day or on the bus. What hasn’t changed is the District’s belief in collaborating with families to provide resources to harness these technology tools and keep the reins on.

Last Friday, Dr. Wes DeSantis presented at the 2025 New England Educational Research Association (NERA) conference. He was invited to speak on our Technology Policies & Practices showcasing RPS's model to an audience of local school systems, representatives from other states, and higher education institutions. Dr. DeSantis highlighted RPS’s grade-level-specific integration of AI tools and our district's digital citizenship curriculum, which emphasizes responsible technology at developmentally appropriate points. Dr. DeSantis shared practical insights from Ridgefield's implementations while gaining valuable perspectives from other districts and colleges.

RHS Choral Director Lauren Verney-Fink found inspiration at a staff meeting last year. She was watching a video of RHS student Lia Muñoz Rojas’s award-winning recitation of the poem, “Songs for the People,” and thought, ‘What if the RHS Choir sang this poem?’

Mrs. Verney-Fink approached her AP Music Theory student, Leigh Kovalsky, who is also a member of the RHS Choir. What started as a theoretical idea for an AP Music Theory project blossomed into a beautiful full-scale choral composition that will premiere at the RHS Music Department’s Winter Concert in the Anne Richardson Auditorium on Wednesday, December 17 at 7:00 pm. The piece is a little over 3 minutes long and contains every line of the poem ‘Songs for the People’ by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper, a suffragist poet.

Leigh used the poem as her springboard and then wrote every note and rhythm from scratch. The overall mood of the piece is hopeful and uplifting, allowing the somber and reflective moments to stand out from the triumphant-sounding chorus. The Concert Choir began learning the piece in mid-October, and the singers immediately noticed how well Leigh’s music brings the text to life.

While Leigh was writing the music, Ms. Verney-Fink periodically updated Lia about the composition. To help introduce “Songs for the People” to the Concert Choir, Lia recorded a video of herself, which was shown to the singers. In the video, Lia spoke about her experience reciting the poem at the National Poetry Out Loud competition and also shared what the poem means to her. Lia will perform “Songs for the People” at the Winter Concert before the choir performs Leigh's composition. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the talented performance that earned Lia a spot on the national stage.

Ms. Verney-Fink asked Lia, “Which teacher encouraged and guided you as you participated in the poetry contests?" Lia answered, "Ms. Henderson made all of this possible for me. She means so much to me."

Thank you to Ms. Verney-Fink and English Teacher Julie Henderson for your constant inspiration and for giving RHS students these opportunities. Leigh and Lia, you inspire us with your talents!

When Farmingville talks about "Eating the Rainbow!," they don't mean Skittles. They are talking about fruits and vegetables and making it fun, tasty, and inclusive. Students earn stickers for their classroom rainbow by bringing in healthy snacks. How about them apples...and strawberries?!

Last week, second graders in Kelly Fontaine's class at Barlow Mountain Elementary School enjoyed learning about Diwali, the Festival of Lights. The students made kid-friendly diyas (clay lamps) with air-dry clay, gems, and LED candles. Happy Diwali to all who celebrate!

East Ridge Library and Media Specialist Devin Samaha reports that students competed in a chess tournament after school this week. He writes, "I was lucky enough to work with Mr. Terry Kim from Way of the Board here in town, who led our students through our school's first tournament, which included the use of clocks." Students did a great job navigating a challenging style of play known as "Blitz Chess," in which players have ten minutes each to make all their moves in their effort to win the match. Students played four rounds. Congratulations to the tournament winner, Cole Rottmann!

Mr. Samaha says, "I am so proud of all our students who were humble in their wins and well-measured in their losses. In case students missed the opportunity this go around, we look forward to offering this compelling event again this winter."

The Diversity Book Club at RHS has just been rebranded as the Banned Book Club. Reading only titles that have challenged the norms of mainstream society, students have the opportunity to sharpen their reading proficiency while learning about major cultural issues. It offers students a chance to improve their discussion skills, analytical reasoning, and critical thinking.

“Banned Book Club is so fun! It builds a community,” club member Emily Reney says. To advertise this new club, the RHS Library has created a display of the most infamous banned books, including titles ranging from The Handmaid's Tale to The Diary of Anne Frank (see photo by Gia Kim).

"This club is for someone who likes to read but wishes reading wasn't such a solitary experience, and especially for someone interested in the politics that are inevitably attached to certain ideas or identities,” says club advisor Mayzie Potton. Selections are based on group interest and span discussions on religion, race, gender, culture, and more! Snacks and books are provided for club members, and all grade levels are welcome to join. The club meets from 2:15 to 3 on Wednesdays after school in C219.

RHS FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Student Leadership Team attended the Annual Fall Leadership Conference at the University of Hartford on Wednesday. In addition to their roles as officers for our local chapter, we are proud to share that three of our students also serve as leaders on the Connecticut FBLA State Chapter:

• Andrew Tebbe – State Treasurer

• Elizabeth Wright – State Council Member

• Alex Debrino – State Council Member

These students campaigned and were elected to their state positions last year. The Fall Leadership Conference brings together chapter officers and advisors from across Connecticut, along with a representative from the Connecticut Department of Education. This year’s event was planned and led entirely by the State Leadership Team — including our very own RHS students!

Each of our student leaders developed and delivered interactive workshops and professional presentations to more than 260 student officers and advisors from across the state. Their professionalism, confidence, and presentation skills were truly remarkable — far beyond what many adults have the opportunity to experience. Watching their growth from freshman, when they were new to FBLA, to accomplished state leaders is incredibly rewarding. They continue to build impressive portfolios filled with meaningful, real-world experiences that will serve them well in the future.

The day didn’t end there. After returning from the conference, our FBLA leaders went straight to the Ridgefield Playhouse, where they volunteered at the Community Tiger Shark Tank event. They served as ushers, greeting attendees and assisting throughout the evening. Our chapter was even recognized during the event for our students’ community involvement.

We couldn’t be prouder of this group — their leadership, professionalism, and service to both our school and community truly embody the spirit of RHS and Future Business Leaders of America.

We're obsessed with Scotland Elementary's fifth-grade self-portraits inspired by Tim Burton. Each one is so unique, special, and a little creepy cute—perfect for the Halloween season.

RHS Spirit Week ended with an all-school Pep Rally, featuring a dance by the fall captains. Whiteout was the theme for the student section, which took a mid-game flour shower. Our Assistant Superintendents, Cory Gillette and Dr. Liz Hannaway, managed to look cute, show Tiger pride, and stay warm.

Parent photographer Simon Mendez captured the excitement of the students and staff in his exceptional photos below. Middle school musicians joined the RHS Pep Band, and both the Cheer and Dance teams did not disappoint. Hats off to the Class of 2026 for capturing the Spirit Week trophy, announced by the Student Government Advisor Jenn DeJulio.

These are just a few of the "incredible" and "spicy" shots from this week's Halloween fun. Share your favorites to apratt@ridgefieldps.net for next week's newsletter.

The Scotts Ridge Morning Show crew was not afraid to ask this season's divisive question, "Candy Corn: Yes or No?" Watch the video to find out the resolution of this heated polemic. SRMS's tastes for this contentious confection were well aligned with those of the State of Connecticut.

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