10/21/2023

Dear Rippowam families,

In advisory this month, students have been thinking about the importance of community (click HERE to see a sample advisory lesson from October).  Students participate in activities and discussions about what makes a strong community, think about the things and people they care about and generate ideas about how they can give back to their community.  This month's theme culminates with our first Community Building Day - a day where staff and students engage in activities to make our Rippowam community stronger and participate in a fundraiser for the March of Dimes.  See below for more information.

Wednesday, October 25th is an early release day and Community Building Day!
On this early release day, we will not have academic classes.  Instead, students remain with their color teams and advisories to participate in activities like a pep rally, field day activities outside, color team challenges in the gym and school beautification art projects centered around the theme of community.  Dress in your team color!  Students will be dismissed at 11:45am. 

Rippowam demonstrates its Community spirit
It’s “SOCKTOBER” in Ms. Frangione’s 7th grade advisory.  Please donate socks, gloves and hats to the donation boxes in room 122 and the main office.  Donations will supplement our Rippowam Caring Closet to make sure our students have warm feet, hands and heads this year. 

Mr. Joannou’s 6th grade advisory is organizing  a Thanksgiving Food Drive.  Please bring non-perishable food items to the donation box in room 229 or the main office until 11/17. 

Ms. Guidotti is organizing Rippowam’s first Unified Sports Team to promote social inclusion through a grant from the Special Olympics.  These programs equip young people with tools and training to create sports, classroom and school climates of acceptance.  The goal is for students with disabilities to feel welcome and to be routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions.  Learn more about Unified Sports here.

This Wednesday, Mr. Davis, our Community Schools Manager, is organizing a 3-point shot contest for the March of Dimes.  Students pay $1 per 3-point shot and all proceeds support the March of Dimes Foundation. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  PTO volunteers will continue to sell fun pink accessories at lunch (tutus, necklaces, mustaches, headbands, etc) so students can wear them during the month and on Tuesday, October 31st - our Pink Out Day - where the entire community dresses in pink. All proceeds benefit the Bennett Cancer Center. 

Friday, October 27th is an 8th grade sponsored movie night from 5:30-7:30
Come see A Quiet Place 2 with your friends this Friday! Tickets are $5 in advance or $8 at the door.  Popcorn, candy, snacks and drinks will be sold.  Students can get a permission slip from their team leader and return to their team leader. Ticket sales support 8th grade field trips and events.

8th grade is sponsoring our first Spirit week of the year from 10/30-11:3:

• Monday 10/30: Pajama Day

• Tuesday 10/31: Pink Out Day

• Wednesday 11/1: Twin Day

• Thursday 11/2: Jersey Day

• Friday 11/3: Team Color Wars (wear the color of your grade level team)

Protect your child’s electronic device  from unsolicited AirDrop images
We have had a recent uptick in students using the AirDrop feature on their iPhone unsolicited pictures during lunch and hallway transitions. Please discuss with your child how to have the settings configured on your child’s phone, this will help prevent you from receiving any inappropriate pictures via AirDrop (see flyer attached for steps to configure). If your child tells you they have received an inappropriate AirDrop, please let the administration know.  AirDrop Configuration Steps 

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

Best,

Kristina Colmenares
Principal, Rippowam Middle School

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