11/18/2023

Dear Rippowam families,

2.5 school days until Thanksgiving break!  In the spirit of thanksgiving, our Rippowam community wishes you the warmth of family and friends this weekend and are so grateful that each of you are part of our extended Rippowam family.

Quarter 1  are posted in Parent Portal
Grades will be finalized and accessible in the Parent Portal on Friday, November 17th.  When you log into the Parent Portal, look on the left navigation menu for “Student Reports.”  This will list all report cards.  When you choose your child’s Quarter 1 Report Card, you will be prompted to digitally sign the receipt.  This is a new feature.  Parent/Teacher conferences are Wednesday, December 13th-Friday, December 15th.  You will have the opportunity to choose 10 minute team meetings with your child’s teacher either virtually or in person. More details to come.

Wednesday, November 23rd is an Early Release day
This Wednesday is an early release day for all Stamford Public Schools and schools are closed on Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Rippowam ends at 11:45 on early release days.

Rippowam Intramural Basketball
I know there have been a lot of questions regarding intramurals this year. First Student does in fact have a bus driver shortage, but we feel we have come up with a plan that will allow for intramurals to continue and will communicate tryout and game schedule shortly.

Basketball/Fitness clubs for the winter
Please see your PE teacher for permission slips.

• Monday - Monday only club Basketball

• Tuesday - Fitness Center

• Thursday - Thursday only club Basketball

Welcome to new staff at Rippowam
Welcome to the following new faces you may see around the school - we are very excited to welcome them to our Rippowam family

• Karol Meza:  0.5 School Social Worker (Monday, Wednesday and alternating Fridays - shared with Davenport)

• Cody Hansen:  Sub pending CT certification for Arbor (ASD) Program

• Bill Savarese:  Sub pending CT certification for Aqua Team Special Education co-taught classes

Pre-Order your 2023 Rippowam Yearbook now!

Tutoring Support for English Language Learners on Friday grades 7-12
Click HERE for the sign-up form link for Grades 7-12 fall program on Fridays, 3:30-5:00 pm.  This will take place at Building One Community in Shippan to support academic achievement and English language support to immigrant students in Stamford.   This form along with more information is also available on our website by scrolling to the bottom of the home page: https://www.elss-fairfieldcounty.org/

Rippowam demonstrates its Community spirit
Ms. Carter’s advisory is hosting a Veteran’s Care Package Drive.  Each grade level has items assigned to them to help create holiday care packages for our veterans:

• 6th grade:  Magazines/puzzles/stationary/games/cards

• 7th grade:  Non-perishable food items and snacks

• 8th grade:  Necessities - soap, deodorant, socks, toothbrush/toothpaste

Please donate for our annual Holiday Bazaar
On December 13th, our cafeteria becomes a holiday marketplace for our students to purchase items for loved ones at bargain prices.   Please donate items for this event:  we are collecting toys, games, housewares, accessories and small electronics, they can be gently used or brand new. Everything can be brought to the main office by December 8th.

High School Information for 8th graders
Please CLICK HERE for information on High School options created by Rippowam school counselors and CLICK HERE for the SPS website with information about High School programs for students. 

Best,

Kristina Colmenares
Principal, Rippowam Middle School

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