Principal Perspective - Spring!
Spring is here and we are ready to see more daylight and kids in our building! We are all eager and excited for the upcoming changes, while also looking forward to the chance to recharge that Spring Break will bring.
We continue to work through the details of our return to in-person learning. Details on these plans can be found in the Ridgewood Returns newsletter linked below. I have updated it with details for our Hybrid families and will continue to do so each of the coming weeks until you have a final version of our plan. I have also added a Hybrid Parent Night to the calendar on Tuesday, March 30th form 6:00-7:00 to go over details with our returning families.
All families can look for an email this week confirming your instructional model selection for this spring. For our Hybrid families, you will be asked to complete a short survey giving us more information about your needs. CDL families will have the chance to opt into weekly meal pickup at Ridgewood. Please keep an eye on your inbox for those!
Please note that all students will have no school on March 29, 30 & 31 as we prepare for student return. Hybrid families may be invited to participate in online or in-person activities on Wednesday the 31st.
This Friday we'll have a Ridgewood spirit day to celebrate Spring Break. Wear your Ridgie gear to class and show your spirit.
I wish all of you a relaxing and rejuvenating Spring Break filled with fun and family. We will see you again online on April 1st and many of you in-person on April 5th!
Ridgewood Creative Reuse Showcase - Presented by Green Team
Have a cool way to reuse bottle caps? Do you start seeds in yogurt tubs? Have you taken up quilling with paper scraps or made luminaries out of soup cans?? You’re an inspiration! We think you should show-off a little bit.
Send pictures of creative ways you’ve re-used objects to Aja Cooper (emailme_acj@yahoo.com). They will be posted on this google doc to inspire others. You’ll have the opportunity to vote on the neatest project (names will be removed) and 3 creative projects will get a prize. Happy creating!
Counselor Corner
Thank you, Ridgewood families and caregivers, for all you are doing to support your students this school year! Take care, and enjoy your Spring break!
-Mrs. Mason :)
For 5th Grade Families: Forecasting Information From Cedar Park Middle School
English S'more forecasting newsletter
Spanish S'more forecasting newsletter
BSD Middle School AVID Program: Now Accepting Applications
AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) is a college readiness system in all Beaverton middle and high schools. Cedar Park Middle School is looking for 35 students to be enrolled in the 6th grade AVID elective class for next year. Students attending BSD option schools can also apply to AVID. The AVID elective is a year-long elective class, taken in addition to the academic core classes (humanities, math, science, and other required courses).
Interested 5th graders must apply to the AVID program. To view an informational slideshow, including the application link, please click here. Applications are due March 19, 2021.
Wellness Update
Ms. Shearer and I are excited to see students in grades 3-5 for their synchronous (live) Wellness lessons on Wednesday, March 17. Grades K-2 will have an asynchronous Seesaw activity that day. Thank you for supporting your child in their Wellness lesson attendance and follow-up activities. Following Spring Break, all Wellness lessons will be delivered asynchronously (recorded).
This school year, many people are experiencing depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. If you’re looking to boost you or your child’s wellbeing, check out my December Ridgewood PTC Wellness presentation; lots of useful information and ideas, including mental health resources.
School Counselor Role
To spread awareness about the comprehensive role of school counselors, I am including short facts and statistics in each Counselor Corner.
Why Elementary School Counselors?
The elementary school years set the foundation for developing the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for children to become healthy, competent and confident learners.
By providing education, prevention, early identification and intervention, elementary school counselors help their students achieve academic success, develop an understanding of career opportunities and develop social/ emotional skills.
Source: www.schoolcounselor.org
Update from the Beaverton School District Help Center
Please be advised that Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced COVID 19 vaccine guidelines for people experiencing homelessness on February 26. Those experiencing homelessness are included in phase 1B, Group 6, which begins no later than March 29.
Helpful Resources for Families
NEW: BSD Return to School - Preparing Your Student for Return to School During COVID-19
NEW: Parenting Together Washington County is offering the following events in March:
March 13 @ 1:00-4:00 (recurring event) Owing to Owning – Tools to help manage your money (Arabic facilitation)
March 13 @ 8:00-5:00 (recurring event) Primeros auxilios para la salud mental de jóvenes – First Aid for Youth Mental Health
March 18 @ 5:15 Exploring Our Food Environment - Virtual Community Conversation.
NEW: Pandemic Parenting Resources: Washington County library has curated great resources to help parents support their kids during the pandemic.
2020-2021 Parent Information Series: Virtual parenting series on a variety of topics. Registration required.
NEW: Free tax preparation and filing through Metropolitan Family Services and CASH Oregon! Household income must be below $57,000 a year. See the website for scheduling and other qualifications.
NEW: Racism Explained to Kids: Short illustration with simple and straightforward language for kids.
CDC Checklist: Planning for In-Person Classes
The Conscious Kid is a wonderful resource for families, educators, and organizations to take action in disrupting racism in young children. I especially appreciated the children’s book recommendations, as I work to update the Ridgewood SEL library with books that represent diverse identities and points of view.
Ridgewood Food Backpack Program
The Food Backpack program is offered to all families in need at Ridgewood. Every other Wednesday, Ridgewood supplies families in need with nutritious food. Apply here, or simply contact me with your interest and I'll sign you up.
Ridgewood Clothes Closet
Ridgewood’s clothes closet is stocked with a large supply of used coats, shoes, and clothing for ages 5 - 12. Please contact me if your family needs assistance with clothing.
Counselor/Student Success Coach Office Hours
Ms. Shearer and I hold open office hours for parents/caregivers on Mondays and Fridays from 2:30-3:15. Zoom link, password: wellness
Ridgewood Library News
NEW: The Library has a new Google site. It will be updated regularly so keep checking back! https://sites.google.com/beaverton.k12.or.us/ridgewoodlibrary/home
OBOB Next meeting is Wednesday March 17th 11:00am.
Battles will be April 7th 10:30am
* New The Book Mobile - Our last Book Bus is March 16th. We would like to have a dog Parade!!! Bring your dog by the book bus!
POETRY CONTEST: Every year we join with Young American Poetry Digest here in the library. Kids write poems and I submit them. This year they may be submitted online individually. Things you need to know:
You may submit as many poems as you like but they must all be 80 words or less and under one submission form.
The Digest does feature haiku Poems although they accept many types of poetry.
Make sure all words are spelled correctly or your poem will not be accepted.
Be sure to put my name in the Teacher/librarian spot not your teachers.
To Submit Poetry: Students - EXPRESSIVE EDUCATION
Browse the website for more details.
Submission due date is April 23, 2021
How to borrow a book from the Ridgewood Library:
Through the Ridgewood Library Catalog (Destiny)
Here is how. Destiny-Catalog Instructions. You will receive an email when they are ready for pick up.
.KEEP CALM and READ ON!
Ridgewood Elementary School
9:00-12:00 daily & by appointment