5/11/2024

Hi Rippowam families,

Happy Mother’s Day to our strong and amazing moms out there!  A huge thank you to our PTO president, Tracie Dinc, and parent volunteers who helped to make this past Teacher Appreciation Week a celebration for our dedicated staff.

Congratulations to our very own Technology Integration Support teacher, Paul Orsino, who will be a recipient of SPS's Spotlight Award later this month.  He joined us as TISS this year and has been instrumental in supporting your students with their tech needs and education this year.

If you have an 8th grade student going to Westhill, coaches and team members of their various sports teams will be at Rippowam this Tuesday to talk about all of the athletic opportunities for your child.

Check out our SCHOOL CALENDAR for all upcoming school events and trips.  There are a lot coming up! The current tab is May.  To see June, make sure to click the tab at the bottom left of the screen.

Upcoming End of year trips:

• 8th grade Holiday Hill trip - June 6th

• 6th grade Italian Center trip - June 6th

• 7th grade Rye Playland trip - June 7th

• 8th grade dance - June 7th from 6-8pm

• 8th grade picnic - June 11th

Field Trip Expectations:
Field trips are an extension of classroom learning into the greater world; therefore, exemplary behavior is expected.  At the discretion of the administration, students who have exhibited problematic behavior may be excluded from attending field trips. Reasons for exclusion may include, but are not limited to: suspensions, poor academic standing in any subject, and poor attendance.  Those students who are in jeopardy of not attending field trips will be advised of their status in hopes that their behavior/academic standing will improve.  Students who are excluded from the privilege of taking field trips will be notified in advance as will their parent(s)/guardian(s). Children who are not eligible for trips are expected to be at school for academic curricular programs.

8th Grade Information:
8th grade moving up ceremony is Friday, June 14th at 9am.  Each student receives 2 tickets.  We will have a waitlist for additional guests who are present and will be seated if there are additional seats available.  We have a large graduating class and limited space in the auditorium.  We are also planning on live-streaming the ceremony as well. 

School Safety Information
If you have been to the school recently, you might have noticed the new security desk by the front entrance (by High Ridge).  Installation is complete and one of our security team members will be there during the day.  All visitors, please come through the front entrance only.  You will sign in at the security desk. 

Upcoming Assessment Information

Assessment Date(s) Notes

iReady Math and ELA Week of May 20th iReady is a screening assessment administered to all students in ELA and Math during the Fall, Winter and Spring to show growth and inform support.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Rippowam aims to help in the prevention, early intervention & access to resources to promote mental wellness throughout our school community.  In advisories, students will have lessons and activities to support awareness around mental health issues.  In addition, presenters from the National Alliance on Mental Health will host grade level assemblies on May 16th for students. 

Best,

Kristina Colmenares
Principal, Rippowam Middle School

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