9/27/2025

Dear Rippowam families,

We’re excited to rename this weekly communication the Raptor Report—thank you to PTO President Tracie Dinc for the name and image heading!With two days off, it’s been a whirlwind week, but most students finished the iReady Reading Diagnostic. Once math is complete, we’ll share results with families.

Happening today: Rippowam Car Wash Fundraiser, 9–3 at school. Get your car washed or volunteer—every dollar supports student events!

Happening tomorrow:  Cummings Beach Cleanup with Kids Helping Kids, 1–3. Join us to show your Raptor PRIDE as a family.

It’s Spanish Heritage Month! We’re celebrating our community’s Hispanic roots and contributions, with a Hispanic Heritage Night on Thursday, October 9—food, games, and music. Save the date! Intramural sports are underway, ROSCCO after-school programs begin Monday, October 6, and we’re looking forward to our first Family Engagement Community Service Day. Be sure to check the 2025–2026 Rippowam Events Calendar for details.

Community Service Opportunities

• Rippowam Car Wash: TODAY, Sept 27, 9–3. $8 per wash or volunteer for an hour.

• Cummings Beach Cleanup: Sept 28, 1–3. Sign up via QR code/Calendar link, or contact Mr. Davis at shawn.davis@unitedwaycwc.org for help.

Schools are closed on Thursday, October 1st in honor of Yom Kippur

i-Ready Beginning of Year Assessments continues Tuesday, September 30th
We are continuing with our Math diagnostic on Tuesday. 

• Students must bring a charged Chromebook and charger.

• Testing rooms will be assigned; homeroom teachers can remind students on Monday.

• All electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, etc.) must be turned off and left in backpacks along the front wall; no access during testing.

• School-issued headphones will be provided.

• Bring a book. Students who finish early may read or rest quietly; laptops and talking are not allowed.

Make sure your child’s Acceptable Use Policy and Parental Consent to Use of Online Educational Services (AUP) Agreement and SPS Technology Device Agreement Forms are filled out.  Contact our Parent Facilitator, Claudia Vettorazzi, at 203-977-4229 or cvettorazzi@stamfordct.gov for help.

Rippowam After School Programming

Intramural sports starts Monday, September 15th:  Students can join Cross Country (running team with meets, 2 miles per practice) or Soccer.  Club soccer is split by grade level:

• Mondays: 6th & 8th grade

• Tuesdays: 6th & 7th grade

• Thursdays: 7th & 8th grade

Permission slips are required—see your PE teacher to pick one up and return it signed. After-school buses are available.

ROSCCO Enrichment Program
ROSSCO after school program to start October 6th.  See linked parent letter here for more information and QR code.

2026-27 Magnet School Lottery is open
The 2026-27 Magnet School Lottery Application opens on Monday, September 15. We’ve streamlined the process this year so the application deadlines, lottery drawing dates, and acceptance deadlines are the same for all seven magnet schools. Click here for complete details. 

High School Information for 8th grade families
Do you have an 8th grade student with an interest in agriculture? The Stamford Regional Agriscience Program is recruiting for the 2026-2027 school year! Watch our Recruitment Video, follow @StamfordFFA on Instagram, attend our Plant Sales for a Tour, and apply before January 1st to be considered in our first round of applications. We're growing places, are you?

Health Requirements
Students must be up-to-date on physicals and immunizations to attend school. Contact Nurse Edyta Zalewska at 203-977-4338 or ezalewska@stamfordct.gov with questions.

Best,

Kristina Colmenares
Principal, Rippowam Middle School

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