2/28/2026

Dear Rippowam Families,

As we close out February, we are hopeful that it also means an end to the snow (and snow days!) and a turn toward warmer spring weather. We are looking forward to longer days and a strong start to the months ahead.

We also encourage all families to complete the Panorama Parent Survey (see links below!) if you have not already done so. Your feedback is incredibly important to us. We carefully review the data and use them to guide improvements and strengthen our school community. Your voice and partnership truly make a difference.

Upcoming events:

• MAR 6th - SCHOOLWIDE BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

• MAR 19th - SPRING FLING

• MAR 20th - NO SCHOOL FOR EID AL-FITR

• MAR 23rd - 27th - SPRING BOOK FAIR

School Climate Survey for Families is open

The Stamford Public Schools Climate Survey for Families is now open. The SPS School Climate Survey measures how welcome and safe parents and caregivers feel in their child’s school.  The 2026 School Climate Survey for Families is available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Ukrainian. The survey is hosted by Panorama Education and all responses are completely anonymous.

Please complete a separate survey for each child you have in Stamford Public Schools. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, March 27.

Teachers, staff, and students will have the opportunity to take the School Climate Survey in March.

Supporting Students During Ramadan
As Ramadan continues, we extend warm wishes to all of our families who observe this meaningful and sacred month. Ramadan is a time of reflection, prayer, community, and generosity, and we wish you a peaceful and fulfilling observance.

We are committed to supporting students who are fasting or who need time and space for prayer in accordance with their religious beliefs. Students are encouraged to speak with their school counselor or an administrator so we can ensure appropriate accommodations are in place.

District Calendar Updates

The two school closures earlier this week have pushed the tentative last day of school to Thursday, June 18. The official last day of school—as well as the dates for high school graduation and the elementary and middle school moving up ceremonies—will be announced no later than Thursday, April 2. You can print or download updated district calendars here.

Attention 8th grade students attending Westhill:
9th Grade Parent-Student Orientation at Westhill High School is Thursday, March 19, 2026 is 6:30 to 7:45 PM.  See THIS LINK for flyers in English and Spanish

ICYMI: Social Emotional Learning Info Session

Stamford Public Schools recently hosted a virtual parent session about social-emotional learning (SEL). More than 50 families participated in the session to learn about SEL and how it contributes to student success. Thank you to Coordinator for Access and Opportunity, Paola Ochoa, for creating this learning opportunity for families and to The Urban Assembly for partnering with us for this session. 

In case you missed it, you can view a recording of the session here.

Best,

Kristina Colmenares
Principal, Rippowam Middle School

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