Assured experiences

RPS adminstration is working on supporing Elementary School Musicals as an assured "capstone" (5th grade) experience in all six of RPS's elementary schools. This means any 5th grade student may participate. As of 2023-24, the administration is working on memorializing support in the budget with continuity as the goal. Cory Gillette, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, is in charge of this initiative and will roll out budget proposals for the 2024-25 school year. She will be proposing upgrades to all school auditoriums, including new curtains, lighting, and sound equipment where needed. This money will come from ESSER government funds. The district will also be covering licenses for productions and stipends for teacher involvement moving forward (rather than the PTAs for each school).

Art LEAP (Learning and Enrichment Art Program) is offered to all 4th and 5th grade students who wish to participate. It takes place during recess, and each student is offered 6 sessions with their school's Art LEAP teacher (who may differ from their regular art instruction teacher). The program is intended to allow students who are interested a deeper dive into techniques and concepts than what is offered during the regular six-day specials rotation. Students must opt-in with a permission form signed by the parent as well as the student.

The secondary music departments will have 6-12 music festivals January 30 (choral), February 5 (orchestra), and February 6 (band). To learn more and keep on top of all things music at the secondary level, please follow and join Ridgefield Music Parents.