5/3/2025

Dear Rippowam families,

Happy May! Spring has arrived quickly, bringing warm weather and renewed energy to our days. Last week, students completed state math testing—if your child didn’t finish, they’ll have time to do so this week.

This week is also Teacher Appreciation Week, and we’re excited to celebrate the incredible educators at Rippowam. Our teachers go above and beyond to inspire, support, and nurture every student. Their dedication, creativity, and care are the heart of our school community. Our PTO does an incredible job honoring our dedicated staff.  If you would like to help out, email rippowampto@gmail.com.

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

Upcoming Assessment Information
We have one district assessment left:  iReady. To prepare for this, your child will review their fall and winter scores and set goals for their end of year growth.  Our goal at Rippowam is for every student to meet or exceed their target growth in Reading and Math. 

You can also review your child’s scores with the iReady for Families Report.  Ask your child to log into Clever (they know how to do this!) and click on the iReady icon to go to the iReady Dashboard. From the iReady Dashboard, click on the For Families dropdown and select the For Families Report. Select Reading and Math.  Enter District Report Code BX39PW to access your child’s report.

• Directions in English for parents:

• Directions in Spanish for parents:

Anchor High School Parent Information Night
Dr. Sid Watson, director of Anchor, came to present to students about the newly imagined Anchor program that will expand their student enrollment by forming a first-time 9th-grade cohort— designed to provide personalized academic and social-emotional support. We invited students to come and learn about the program.  Parent information night is Monday, May 19th from 5:00-6:00 pm at 229 North Street, Stamford (Anchor is just south of Stamford PD).

Anchor Presentation to Rippowam Link

Incoming 6th grade Middle School orientation night
We will be hosting all 5th grade students during the day on Thursday, May 29th and then welcoming incoming families that evening at Rippowam from 5:30-6:30.  Any parents who would like to help sell spirit wear and welcoming incoming families, please contact our PTO at rippowampto@gmail.com

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. 

End of year Field Trips and Expectations:
End of year field trips are being planned now by grade level.  More information will come very soon:

• 6th grade:  Italian Center

• 7th grade:  Westport/Weston YMCA

• 8th grade:  Holiday Hill

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.

Best,

Kristina Colmenares
Principal, Rippowam Middle School

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