11/4/2023

Dear Rippowam families,

As you know, this was a challenging week with internet safety and social media issues and the swastika discovered by a staff member in our gymnasium.  However, I believe strongly in the warmth, kindness and strength of the Rippowam community and have been in many conversations this week on ways to grow our young people’s sense of belonging, empathy and tolerance.  I look forward to sharing many of these ideas and plans with you in the coming weeks.

Quarter 1 grades will be posted in Parent Portal Friday, November 17th
The 1st quarter closed yesterday.  Grades will be finalized and accessible in the Parent Portal on Friday, November 17th.  Parent/Teacher conferences are Wednesday, December 13th-Friday, December 15th.  More details to come.  

No school for students Tuesday, November 7th or Friday, November 10th
Tuesday is election day and students do not report to school.  Friday, November 10th, school is closed in observance of Veteran's Day.

Support Rippowam’s Thanksgiving Gift Card Drive
The Rippowam’s PTO is leading the Thanksgiving food drive by asking for $20 gift card donations to local grocery stores (Stop & Shop, ShopRite/Grade A, Acme) .  They hope to provide $100 worth of gift cards to families in need in our Rippowam Community.  Donated gift cards or cash can be turned into the main office or you can Venmo money to  @RippowamPTO.   They will be accepting donations until Friday, November 17th and will be displaying a Turkey of Thanks in the main office for every donation.  Please help our Rippowam families in need have a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

If you know of any organization that would sponsor a family or two, please let us know and we can connect with them.

Rippowam demonstrates its Community spirit
Mr. Jouannou’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. 
 

High School Information Night for Eighth Graders

Stamford Public Schools offers rigorous, specialized high school programs that are open to students

regardless of their zoned high school, but many of these programs require students to apply for admission during eighth grade. To help families navigate this process, the Teaching and Learning Department will host a High School Information Night for eighth grade students and families on Wednesday, November 15 at 6 pm via zoom. Representatives from AITE, Wright Tech, the Academy of Finance (Westhill), the Stamford Regional Agriscience Program (Westhill), the Early College Studies Program (Stamford High), the High School of Business (Stamford High), the International Baccalaureate Programme (Stamford High School), and JROTC (Westhill High School) will participate.

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.