1/20/2024

Dear Rippowam families,

Winter has arrived!  And our wonderful mental health and student support team has worked to create a Rippowam Caring Closet to ensure that all of our students have warm clothes this chilly season.  Our staff members had an open donation drive from the public and worked with the Jewish Family Services of Greenwich to create a space with clothing racks where students can go and find items that fit their body and personality.  The goal of this project is to ensure students have basic needs and feel connected to our community.  If your child is in need of items like socks, hats, gloves, and winter jackets please fill out THIS FORM and a staff member will take your child to the closet and give them time to pick what they want.  Thank you to our dedicated staff for making this vision a reality for our Rippowam family.

2nd Semester beings on Monday, 1/22
Your child’s elective classes may change and students who have technology lab will now have literacy lab (and vice versa).  If you have questions about your child’s schedule, please contact their guidance counselor.

ROSCCO Session 2 begins on Monday, 1/22
ROSCCO After School program runs from 2:15-4:15 Monday – Thursday.  Students have an hour of academic support and then can choose from enrichment activities like food decoration with Nora’s Bakery, indoor soccer with Hernandez Soccer and cooking with Ms. Correa.  Use this GOOGLE FORM to sign up!  Space is limited and sessions fill up fast.

i-Ready Mid-Year testing is happening
Students took their  i-Ready mid-year assessments for ELA between January 11th-17th and will start Math assessments January 22nd -26th.   They are taking these assessments in class over the course of 2-3 days.  Please make sure your child comes to school daily with their school-issued Chromebook charged daily for testing. 

Budget Presentation Information
At the BOE Fiscal Committee meeting on Tuesday night, Chief Financial Officer Ryan Fealey presented the 2024-25 proposed operating budget. During the presentation, he shared important information about the types of programs, services, and staff positions that could be eliminated if our City Boards do not approve the entire requested increase. If you were unable to watch the meeting live on Tuesday night, you may watch the recording at this link:  rmd.me/SVk7xjo6Krw

The superintendent is also hosting opportunities for staff, students, and families to ask questions and share feedback about the proposed budget. The sessions will be via zoom on Tuesday, January 30 as follows:

• Students – 5:00 p.m.

• Families and Community – 6:00 p.m.

Thank you in advance for your support and willingness to be an active participant in the budget process this year. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Valentine’s Day Carnation Sales
Students can pre-order your friends, family or staff members a flower to celebrate Valentine's Day!  You can purchase flowers for 1 each and write a card.  They will be delivered on Valentine’s Day.  Orders end Friday, 2/9.  Bring cash to the main office or students can purchase from PTO volunteers at lunch waves.  Parents can send a flower to your child.  Bring cash to the main office or Venmo @RippowamPTO  and fill out this Google form.

Updates about Rippowam Spanish Classes
Ms. Charles is scheduled to return from leave in the upcoming weeks.  Students have been completing her assignments via google classroom.   The class will be graded using P for pass if students have completed the work provided.  There will be no numerical grades assigned.  If you have any questions, you can reach out to me via phone or email.

We are working to staff Ms. Cedeno’s position.  If we are unable to find a replacement World Language teacher, we will look for other elective opportunities like Technology.

PTO Penny War Fundraiser for the month of January!
Proceeds from our penny wars fundraiser will go to support grade level field trips.  Pennies are “positive” points and the team with the most positive points will be rewarded.

• Each penny counts as one positive point for YOUR team

• Each silver coin counts as negative points for OTHER teams

• Put your pennies in your team jar and silver coins or bills in other team jars
   

Best,

Kristina Colmenares
Principal, Rippowam Middle School

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