2/8/2025

Dear Rippowam families,

It was a hectic week with a delayed opening, a snow day and Math iReady testing.  However, we are very proud of how seriously students took the assessment and used their time to do their best.  If your child hasn’t finished, they will be pulled early next week to complete their testing.  Once we have all the data, we will share highlights.  In the meantime, preliminary data shows a positive shift in reading placement levels, with a decrease in the percentage of students below grade level and an increase in students at or above grade level.  On average, students are growing 105% of what they should be by this time of year in reading – that's even better than what's normally expected! Initial data for iReady Math growth shows positive trends, particularly in movement within placement levels. There's been a clear shift in the "Current Placement Distribution," with a decrease in students below grade level and a significant increase in students at or above grade level.

iReady family reports available
If your child has finished their assessment in Math and ELA, The iReady for Families Report is now accessible to parents. Log into your child’s Clever Account and click on the iReady icon to go to the iReady Dashboard. From the iReady Dashboard, click on the For Families dropdown and select the For Families Report. Enter District Report Code BX39PW to access your child’s report. You can ask your child to login into their clever at home.

• Directions in English for parents:

• Directions in Spanish for parents:

Schools closed Friday, February 14th and Monday, February 17th
Schools are closed for February break these days.

Pick up for confiscated devices is from 7-3 in the main office
If your child’s device is confiscated, please pick it up during the hours of 7-3.  We lock the phones after dismissal and office or administrative staff may not be available to retrieve them from the safe.  Please come during school hours of 7-3 or speak directly to an administrator.

Staff absences
Rippowam's staff, much like our student body, has been significantly affected by the recent widespread illnesses. While we are making every effort to maintain classroom coverage, we have occasionally needed to consolidate classes in the auditorium due to limited staff availability. We are hopeful that the worst of this period has passed, and we deeply appreciate your child's flexibility and understanding as our staff members recover.  If there is an issue with grading or questions about an assignment while the teacher is absent, students can reach out to their school counselor or administrator.  We will work together to support your child. 

February - April Attendance Challenge
Rippowam is celebrating student attendance from Tuesday, February 18th - Friday, April 11th.  Students who are present every day in the week have chances to be recognized first to get lunch and a seat of their choice in the cafeteria. Heart classes with the highest attendance will get called first for dismissal and teams that have the highest attendance overall will have prizes as well.  More details will be shared next week!

High School Program of Studies in available for 8th grade students
The 2025-26 High School Program of Studies is now available. The Program of Studies details the academic opportunities available to our nearly 5,000 students at AITE, Stamford High School, and Westhill High School. View/download the AITE Program of Studies and the Stamford High / Westhill Program of Studies or visit our website to view the content in 11 different world languages.  

Best,

Kristina Colmenares
Principal, Rippowam Middle School

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