4-2-2023

Dear Rippowam families,

Happy Spring Break!  Thank you to all the families who completed the school survey.  We received 313 responses and exceeded our goal of 300.  The deadline was extended until Sunday, April 3rd, so if you haven’t completed it, see below for the links!  We value your feedback and hope to get as many responses as possible.

Our March ended with a Spirit Week, Fun Friday and a 7th grade field trip to Chelsea Piers.  April, May and June are packed with fun events for our community and summer is around the corner!  In my communication at the end of the week, I will include upcoming events and dates to put in your calendars.

Parent survey deadline extended to Sunday, April 3rd
If you haven’t already done so, please complete your  School Climate Survey for staff, students, and families.  Families will receive an announcement via School Messenger on Monday morning with the School Climate Survey link.  The Survey will be available in English, Spanish, Haitian-Creole, and Ukrainian.   Click here for more information.

Spring break is here!
School is closed for spring break Monday, April 3rd - Friday, April 7th.  Students return to school for a regular day on Monday, April 10th.

Sexual Violence Prevention Education for Rippowam Students
Sarah Malhotra, Director of Education and Training at the Rowan Center, led a presentation for parents on sex trafficking and sexual violence and its implications on our youth -  specifically our students at Rippowam.  We had over 30 families in attendance.  She a also reviewed a 3-part workshop designed for middle school students at Rippowam on prevention education that covers topics like physical and emotional boundaries, defining sexual harassment, exploring safe and unsafe behavior and how to report should they ever experience or witness this.

I will be sending out dates, information and an outline for the presentations to students as well as a parent opt out letter by the end of this week as we look to start these workshops for youth in April.  Stay tuned for more information.

Summer school lists recommendations are available
Families have received notification if their child was recommended for summer school.  You have until 5/5 to confirm your child’s participation in PowerSchool.  If you have any questions about summer school, you can reach out to your child’s school counselor or call the main office.

Best,

Kristina Colmenares

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