10/14/2023

Dear Rippowam families,

Thank you to the students and families who made our Spanish Heritage Night a huge success, especially those who brought homemade goodies like Pao de Queijo, calamari and other sharable dishes.  A huge thank you to our Community School Manager, Shawn Davis, and teacher volunteers - Heather Macura, Michele Philips and Cindy Guidotti - for helping run the event.  We look forward to having many more family engagement events over the course of the school year and hope to see you all there.

Cross Country Update
I want to update you about intramural cross country. Due to the ongoing bus driver shortage, the district transportation office has informed us that First Student does not have enough drivers to staff regularly scheduled afternoon bus routes at our elementary schools and simultaneously transport hundreds of middle school students to cross country meets. This is a disappointing development for all of us, but one out of our control.

We value this sport as one of many experiences we offer to middle school students. To keep the heart of the experience, and to respond to the participation of all interested students, I am working with my fellow middle school principals and the cross country coaches to create a contingency plan so our student athletes can still compete in cross country meets. We will be back in touch soon once we finalize Rippowam’s plans.

Should the bus driver shortage continue next year – which we have been informed is likely – we will explore hosting in-person events on Saturdays when bus transportation would not be an obstacle.  This is a learning opportunity for all of us. We are adapting instead of surrendering. With your continued support, our students will continue to be the benefactors.

Wednesday, 10/18 is Picture Day
All students will have the opportunity to have their picture taken during the school day.

After School Activities at Rippowam
21st Century and Community Schools after school activities are set to begin on Monday, October 16th on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.  We realize the bus shortage means buses may arrive very late.  If your child participates in our after school programming, see below to sign up for the Remind classroom and we will communicate with you important program and bus information.

Roscco/Community Schools after school program starts next week!  See options below below and use THIS LINK to register your child.  Students will participate in academic support/enrichment as well as vendor-led enrichment activities.

Click HERE to join the Remind Updates about busing for our Roscco/Community Schools after school program

Click HERE to join the Remind Updates about busing and programming for our 21st Century after school program.

High School Information for 8th graders
Please CLICK HERE for information on High School options and programs for students. 

Upcoming Events/Family Fun Opportunities

• Wednesday, October 25th is Community Day:  It is an early release day for students and we will have community building activities as well as a fundraiser to support the March of Dimes.

• Friday, October 27th:  Halloween Movie Night!  More information to come.

• Tuesday, October 31st:  Pink Out Day at Rippowam for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Best,

Kristina Colmenares
Principal, Rippowam Middle School

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