3/28/2026

Dear Rippowam Families,

It’s hard to believe that we are 4 school days away from Spring Break! 

Thank you to our PTO for hosting a wonderful Spring Book Fair this week. Every HEART class had the opportunity to browse and shop for new spring reading, and it was great to see so much excitement around books.

A huge thank you to the O’Neill family for partnering with Mr. Orsino and members of our Raptor Pride Council to create a video for our incoming 5th graders, reminding them that they will not only survive—but thrive—in middle school. Please take a moment to enjoy the video linked HERE.

We also want to thank the students from the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council for bringing the “Soul Mirror” art installation to Rippowam. Originally created by Westhill High School student Sierra Champ, this project features a bulletin board with messages that promote self-confidence and self-love and invites students to reflect on positive affirmations and see themselves in a supportive and uplifting way.

Upcoming events:

• APR 3rd - 10th - NO SCHOOL SPRING BREAK

• APR 16th & 17th - SCIENCE NGSS ASSESSMENT (8th grade only)

• APR 21 - SBA ELA ASSESSMENT

• APR 22nd - EARLY RELEASE DAY/SPRING COMMUNITY DAY

• APR 29 & 30th - SBA MATH ASSESSMENT

No School on Friday, April 3rd through Friday, April 10th for Spring Break
Students return to school on Monday, April 13th

Important Dates and Grading Updates for Q3
Please note the following upcoming dates related to grading and report cards due to the snow days:

• April 2: End of 3rd quarter

• April 24: 3rd quarter final grades available in Parent Portal

Last Day of School Update
The Board of Education voted to eliminate the 181st day of the 2025–26 school year. If there are no additional snow days, the last day of school will be Thursday, June 18, meeting the state requirement of 180 school days.  Fingers crossed for no more snow days!  More information about graduation/moving up ceremonies will come in early April.

March Madness Attendance Challenge
Our March Madness Attendance Challenge begins Monday. Congratulations to all of the winners and HEART classes that moved on to round 3! Each week we will celebrate students and Heart classes with strong attendance. Students from each grade who attend every day will be randomly chosen for VIP lunch, and the HEART class with the highest attendance will earn a VIP dismissal pass.

Incoming 9th grade parent nights:

• 8th grade students attending AITE:
  AITE will host parent night for incoming 9th graders on Thursday, April 30 from 6 to 7:30 pm

• 8th grade students attending Stamford High:
  Stamford High School will host parent night for incoming 9th graders in May on a date to be determined.

Best,

Kristina Colmenares
Principal, Rippowam Middle School

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