3/7/2026

Dear Rippowam Families,

We are hopeful that the week ahead will be our first in a while without an inclement weather interruption. As the weather begins to warm up, we are excited that HEART classes will start going outside again for recess!

I also want to extend a big thank you to our Community School Grant Manager, Shawn Davis, for organizing yesterday’s outstanding Black History Month presentation. Students enjoyed song and spoken word performances, a cheer team performance, and a fashion show. We were also proud to welcome Rippowam alumni who performed with the DOMUS step team. Guest speakers Michael Hyman and Wilner Joseph spoke with students about the importance of integrity, tolerance, curiosity, and understanding our history. It was a powerful and memorable event for our school community.  See videos and pictures on our PTO’s Instagram Page @rippowampto.

Upcoming events:

• MAR 19th - SPRING FLING

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

• MAR 23rd - 27th - SPRING BOOK FAIR

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

School Climate Survey for Families is 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.  The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, March 27.

March Madness Attendance Challenge begins Monday, March 9th
Our March Madness Attendance Challenge begins Monday. 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.  In addition, HEART classes will begin competing in March Madness brackets, with winners advancing each week based on attendance.

High School Course Information for 8th graders:
The 2026-27 High School Program of Studies is now available! The Program of Studies is a valuable resource that tells you everything you need to know about the courses that will be offered next year at AITE, Stamford High, and Westhill.  Families should view or download the AITE Program of Studies and the Stamford High School/Westhill High School Program of Studies in English, or access the information via the SPS main website (AITE / SHS/WHS) in 11 world languages.

Core academic class placement (English, Social Studies, Math, Science) is determined by current course grades as well as teacher recommendations. Elective classes are chosen by students, and those available to incoming 9th grade students are listed here: RIPP-9th grade electives

8th grade students are encouraged to choose elective classes that interest them by filling out the “RIPP-9th grade electives” sheet. School Counselors will have hard copies of this form available starting on Tues, March 10th and will meet with students over the next three weeks to discuss their choices. Please review these options with your current soon-to-be freshman!

Purple Team School Counselor: Mr. Roberto (mroberto@stamfordps.org)
Blue Team School Counselor: Ms. Shelley (tshelley@stamfordps.org)

Spring Fling Dance on Thursday, March 19th from 5:30-7:30
Tickets are $10 and snacks/drinks will be available for purchase.  Students see your Heart Teachers for Permission Slips or download/print one using these links English/Spanish.  Parents please check out the Sign Up genius for ways you can help & participate!

District Calendar Updates
The two school closures earlier this week have pushed the tentative last day of school to Thursday, June 22nd. 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:  DATE CHANGE
9th Grade Parent-Student Orientation at Westhill High School has been rescheduled to Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 6:30 to 7:45 PM. 

Best,

Kristina Colmenares
Principal, Rippowam Middle School

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