2/10/2024

Dear Rippowam families,

Our Penny War fundraiser has ended!  Thank you to all families and students who participated…and to our incredibly dedicated PTO president Tracie Dinc, who was at most lunch waves this past month and is counting pennies and coins this weekend.  The winning team will be invited to the auditorium on Thursday to see some staff members - myself included - get a pie in the face.  This week we will also celebrate Valentine’s Day with carnation deliveries to those who pre-ordered and have an assembly on Black History Month featuring a panel of African American sorority and fraternity members. 

February break is coming!
School will be closed Friday, February 16th through Tuesday, February 20th.  Students return on Wednesday, February 21st. 

6th grade laptop updates
Our 6th grade students will be receiving a 1-to-1 laptop to start bringing home this week.  We started the year with laptop carts while students got used to classroom routines and school expectations.  In addition to the signed UAP by parents, 6th grade students will participate in a workshop regarding responsible electronics use and digital citizenship designed by our Technology Integration Support Specialist, Mr. Orsino, and will have to pass an assessment on the topic in order to receive their laptop. 

Spanish Class update
Interviews to find coverage for our two Spanish teachers have proved unsuccessful.  We are aware that this is frustrating for both students and parents alike and are working with our Teaching & Learning department to use Edgenuity, a web-based program that offers credit-bearing courses that are aligned to the Connecticut State and Common Core Standards. The flexibility of Edgenuity allows for students to engage in their stand-alone courses and coursework asynchronously; they are completely online without a live teacher. Instruction is provided to the student through a series of videos, written text, and activities for practice. The self-paced program evaluates the student and provides an overall grade. SPS content teachers will be assigned to work with students after school to support their progress in Edgenuity coursework.  We hope to get started with Edgenuity after the mid-winter break. 

7th grade dental screenings
The dental screenings for students in 7th grade attending Rippowam Middle School will be taking place during the weeks of   02/21/2024 - 4/26/2024 The licensed dental hygienist will perform a basic screening of your child’s mouth, teeth and gums in the school based licensed dental clinic. This screening is a visual and manual assessment of your child’s mouth with the use of a sterile mirror and explorer. When the dental hygienist finds dental concerns, the parent/guardian will be given a written referral to a dentist of their choice.

Rescreening of all referred children occurs between the months of April and June. Please be advised that you have the right to be present at these dental screenings. If you do not wish to have your child screened, send a written note to your school’s dental hygienist listed below:

Dental Hygienist:   CBaranowski, RDH
Contact number:  203 - 977 - 4890
EMAIL:  cbaranowski@stamfordct.gov

Rippowam Caring Closet is open
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. 

Meet our Mental Health and Student Support Team
Rippowam is hosting a family engagement opportunity during school hours on Friday, February 23rd from 7:30-9:30am to discuss the resources and support we have available for your child.  Meet members of our team, resources available at the school AND meet community partners that can offer support for your family.  Attendance letters will be provided for those who may need to miss work. 

ROSCCO Session 2 has started!
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.

Best,

Kristina Colmenares
Principal, Rippowam Middle School

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