1-29-2023

Dear Rippowam families,

This past Friday was our  January Fun Friday!  Students made cards for children in the hospital, played games, sang karaoke and played basketball and soccer outside.  These events are planned monthly to foster student connections and build a positive school climate.  One of our goals this year is that each student Rippowam has at least one trusted adult in the building they feel connected to.  Fun Fridays are another way to strengthen these connections.

Winter (aka Holiday) Bazaar raised $1200 for Boston Trip

After a few years of a hiatus from COVID-19 restrictions and then canceled school, our students finally experienced the ‘shop till you drop’ feeling of the Winter (aka Holiday) Bazaar.  Thanks to the generous donations of community members, students visited the Bazaar (set up in the main cafeteria) and could purchase anything for the bargain price of $1.  Thanks to the PTO and teachers who worked to make this event a huge success.

First Rippowam Movie Night was a success!

A huge thanks to our 8th grade team for hosting our first movie night of the year.  Also thanks to our amazing PTO for the popcorn maker!  Students and staff gathered in the auditorium to watch Puss in Boots:  The Last Wish and spend time together.  We look forward to hosting more events for students to spend time together outside of school. 

Boston Trip has 91 students signed up

Thank you to Ms. Hadin and the 8th grade team leading this trip.  Their efforts organizing and marketing this trip have ensured that for the first time in 3 years, 91 8th graders get to participate in an overnight trip to Boston.  Students will be able to see many of the places they have learned about in Social Studies this year. 

2nd quarter ended Friday, 1/20

Finalized grades will be available in the Parent Portal of PowerSchool on Friday, February 3rd.

Schedule Changes

You may notice your child’s schedule or teachers changing.  Monday, January 23rd was the start of the 3rd Quarter - some of our classes are quarter long and therefore change.  Semester long classes also change at this time as well.  Students recently took the Reading Inventory and Math Inventory mid-year assessment.  Based on this data, we also may change or add reading and math support classes.  While changes may be surprising for students, we work to schedule each young person to receive the academic support they need.  If you have questions about your child’s schedule, please reach out to their school counselor. 

Counselor for Grade 6:  Jessica Fortilus - JFortilus@StamfordCT.gov

Counselor for Grade 6:  Matthew Roberto - MRoberto@StamfordCT.gov

Counselor for Grade 8:  Tracey Shelley - TShelley@StamfordCT.gov

Parent Pick Up/Drop Off  reminder

We have noticed an increase in parents stopping in the middle lane of our Parent Pick Up/Drop Off area in front of the school.  The left lane is parked cars and the right lane is the pick up lane.  The middle lane is meant to be for parents to drive through after pick up/drop off is completed.  Please do not drive up and stop in the middle lane to pick up or drop off your child.  It causes frustration and unnecessary traffic for all involved.  Thank you.

Covid Positive Cases for the week ending 1/27/2023: 2

We will continue to report confirmed positive cases for our school community on a weekly basis.  Our school nurse has free Covid tests available for students.

Best,

Kristina Colmenares

If you didn’t see the Superintendent’s weekly message, please click HERE.