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Dear Rippowam families,
We made it through January! February is Black History Month. This month, we'll be honoring the rich history and remarkable achievements of African Americans. Students will be learning about important figures and events that have shaped our world. You can use resources found HERE to celebrate Black History Month with your child.
A HUGE thank you to our PTO president, Tracie Dinc, for organizing our annual Penny Wars Pie in the Face event! Yesterday, the winning red team was invited to the auditorium and students were selected via raffle to choose a staff member they would like to pie in the face. Staff volunteers included red team teachers Mr. Ruckdeschel, Mr. Stanton and Ms. Redden, exploratory teachers Ms. Guidotti and Mr. Joannou, all three administrators, school security Mr. Christian and our community schools grant manager Mr. Davis. The rest of the school could watch via livestream. Check out the Rippowam PTO account on instagram to see it!
What is the implication of the change in Federal Immigration Policy for students at Rippowam?
Connecticut’s Multilingual Learner Bill of Rights states that all students—regardless of immigration status—have the right to attend public school. SPS does not collect information about immigration status, nor do we consider this information relevant to our mission. Furthermore, Connecticut’s Trust Act limits the authority of local police departments to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
We understand that the recent change in policy that removes schools as a protected area from US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement
(ICE) enforcement actions has understandably caused some concern and anxiety among our staff, students and families. While the risk of ICE activity may still be relatively low, it is more likely now than in the past.
ICE agents cannot enter non-public areas of the school without a valid judicial warrant signed by a federal judge or consent, unless there are exigent circumstances such as a national security or public safety threat. An administrative arrest or removal warrant is not sufficient to enter non-public areas without consent. School officials should verify the agent's identity and credentials. Generally, the interior of a school building is considered a "non-public" area.
The City of Stamford is fortunate to have a strong network of community partners who stand ready to provide assistance and support to families navigating the immigration system. Should you or someone you know need assistance, please contact the Office of Family & Community Engagement at 203-977-5312 or OFCE@stamfordps.org, or reach out to your school’s parent facilitator to be connected with the appropriate community resources.
Additionally, if your child is asking questions about this, please let them know they can speak to an administrator or mental health support at the school. It is important that all students understand that any student - regardless of their immigration status - has the right to get an education at SPS and not to assume that if a student speaks a language other than English that they are not in this country legally.
Math i-Ready Mid-Year Assessment this week
Preliminary ELA data looked really promising and showed student growth! Students will be taking their i-Ready Math mid-year assessments February 5th-6th. They are taking these assessments in class over the course of 2 days and we will run a special testing schedule. These tests are UNTIMED. If your child doesn’t finish, we will pull them from classes later in the week to support.
Make sure your child comes with a charged Chromebook and their charger
On testing days, students will report to their testing room at 7:35 after homeroom and announcements. Please be on time.
Any electronic device (cell phone, smart watch, etc) must be turned off and placed in their book bags that will be left along the front wall of the classroom.
During the testing period, students will have school-issued headphones and have about 90 minutes each session.
Bring a book! If students finish testing, they can read a book or rest - they cannot be on their laptop or talk while other students are testing.
Quarter 2 closed on Thursday, January 23rd
Grades will be visible for parents on Thursday, February 6th.
Schools closed Friday, February 14th and Monday, February 17th
Schools are closed for February break these days.
Best,
Kristina Colmenares
Principal, Rippowam Middle School
If you didn’t see the Superintendent’s weekly message, please click HERE.
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