5/31/2025

Dear Rippowam families,

Happy final day of May.  We’re down to just two weeks left in the school year! As we head into the final stretch, we’re balancing both endings and new beginnings. While we prepare to send our 8th graders off to high school, we’re also getting ready to welcome the newest members of the Rippowam family.

This past week, we welcomed our incoming 5th graders and their families to Rippowam. Our cheer team, student tour guides, and Ms. Guidotti—dressed as our raptor mascot—greeted students as they arrived from our feeder elementary schools. Our strings teacher, Ms. Gibson, and 7th grader Sydney Betz, played for them as they left.  It was a fun and exciting way to introduce our future raptors to the Rippowam community.

Check out our Rippowam PTO Facebook or Instagram page to see more pictures and videos of the event!

Rippowam Events Calendar (each tab in a month, click on the tabs at the bottom to view upcoming months)

Rippowam Raptor Color Dash is June 11th
On Wednesday, June 11th, the first of our 2 early release days to close out the year, we will have our Raptor Color Dash - a chance for students to be outside, celebrate the year, raise money for next year and get covered in colorful powder.  Be the first to pre-order using THIS LINK and get a Raptor Dash T-Shirt!  See flyers

Staffing updates
We welcome Mr. Shtufaj who will be serving as the long term substitute for Blue Team Social Studies Teacher, Ms. Cardoso, while she is on her maternity leave.  He is working with Mr. Smith, the Purple Team Social Studies teacher, to ensure work is graded for Q4.  We will be updating grades and assignments over the next week. 

Meet the Coaches Night at Westhill is Thursday, June 5th from 6-7pm
Westhill will have its annual Meet the Coaches Night on June 5th at 6pm in the Main Gymnasium for incoming 9th graders.  This is an opportunity for students to learn about our program, facilities, meet our head coaches, and ask general questions. 

Chromebook Collection begins on Monday
Students are turning in their laptops to Mr. Orsino.  We expect some wear and tear on the device, but excessive damage may result in paying for repair or replacement.  Also, students need to return their Chromebook Charger (both parts!). Students will be charged $40 for a lost/missing/incomplete charger. 6th and 7th Grade students who do not return a charger (or payment) may experience a delay in receiving their school issued Chromebook in the Fall of 2025.  8th Grade Students who do not return their charger (or payment) will not receive graduation tickets.

Rippowam 8th Grade Ceremony Information:
8th grade moving up ceremony is Friday, June 13th 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. 

Best,

Kristina Colmenares
Principal, Rippowam Middle School

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