Ridgeview STEM Junior High
September 15, 2023
Principal's Message:
Hello Ridgeview Family,
Parent/Teacher conference dates are fast approaching. Please see the upcoming date(s) available below for you to choose from. Conferences this year will be offered virtually, however; if there is a need to meet in-person, please make sure to secure a date and time slot with your student's team of teachers.
PARENT/TEACHER EVENING CONFERENCES FOR GRADES 7-12
WILL BE AVAILABLE DURING THE FOLLOWING DATES:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH! (3:40pm-7:15p)
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3RD (3:40pm-7:15pm)
*MONDAY, OCTOBER 16TH (Daytime Conferences)(7am-2:45pm))
Please look for scheduling communications through email, talking points and IC messenger from your students team teachers.
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Spirit wear sales: $8 for S-XL; $10 for 2XL; $12 for 3XL. We have a choice of two styles to choose from and the students can select their preference in the front office. Once t-shirt orders are placed, it take 3-4 weeks to receive and payment is due at the time of ordering. Cash only.
Thank you for your continued support of the Pickerington Schools!
Sheila Evans, Principal
Ridgeview STEM Junior High School
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DISTRICT OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE
A MESSAGE FROM OUR SUPERINTENDANT
PLSD Family,
Congratulations! PLSD received 4.5 Stars out of a possible 5.0 on the Ohio State Report Card! (see chart below). This score reflects and confirms the amazing students, teachers, support staff, and administrators we have in our district. I have attached data that shows how we scored with "like" districts and Fairfield County schools.
I am extremely humbled to serve as superintendent of such a high achieving school district that has such dedicated, caring, and passionate employees that care about the success of our students. The rating by the State also justifies the work you do every day for our students and their families.
PLSD is not perfect, but today feels pretty good! Enjoy the weekend!
Respectfully,
Chris
Statement on the Illicit Video Investigation
Pickerington Schools is working with law enforcement to investigate the origins of a video that has been circulating on social media which allegedly shows a minor performing an illicit sexual act involving another minor. This video has been shared among some students in our district and we're told in several area school districts as well. As police continue to work on this investigation, we will share more details with you as available and appropriate.
To our parents - we ask that you please talk to your kids about the potential consequences of viewing and sharing this video or other similar illicit material. For an excellent guide for having conversations with your kid(s) about social media risks, visit https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-protect-your-kids-on-social-media/.
To our students - please keep in mind that disseminating this video, or any other videos, pictures or media of any kind showing child pornography is illegal, and if convicted, you could face up to 20 years in federal prison, and/or be labeled a sex offender! Remember, that one mistake on social media could haunt you for the rest of your life, so always be careful what you view and especially what you share.
If this video or a similar one is shared with you, delete it and contact police, the social media platform, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's CyberTipline.
Thank you to all of the students and parents who reached out to district staff to make us aware of this disturbing video. You are champions for helping us protect students and you make us extremely proud!
#PUBLICINFORMATIONDEPT
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National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15th marks the first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month. This celebration begins September 15th and concludes on October 15th. The 2023 theme is “Unidos: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation,” to honor the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latina/o/x Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. As we endeavor to create and in many cases, maintain diverse learning and work spaces, the National Hispanic Heritage Month resource link will be very valuable in providing you with ways to imbed this kind of historical and celebratory information into your everyday lessons and work environments.
The more you are able to practice infusing cultural artifacts into your lessons, the sooner you will be able to reap the rewards of an even more engaged classroom and work environment. Representation matters, especially for young people who crave to be seen and valued, even though they may not always use those terms to describe it. Children need books and learning experiences that provide:
Mirrors to allow them to see themselves and their own experiences
Windows that they can look through to see other worlds that they can the compare to their own
Sliding Glass Doors that allow them to enter other worlds.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-w2_ywBJcOo4b5X-PglsB_znRXBzFDtcv5PmE9vBcxc/copy?usp=sharing
TALKING POINTS
Ridgeview will be consistently using Talking Points to communicate with families about things going on in class and to send reminders. Talking Points runs concurrent with Infinite Campus, therefore, whoever is listed as priority 1 in Infinite Campus receives the Talking Points communication. Also, some families have selected to receive the communication via the Talking Points App instead of as a text message. You may want to login to Talking Points (https://app.talkingpts.org/login) to see your preferences. If you would like more than 1 parent to receive the Talking Points communications, please email Lisa_Holley@plsd.us, who can add contacts to Talking Points.
RIDGEVIEW 2023/24 CLASS FEES
Ridgeview 2023/24 Class Fees posted in your Infinite Campus parent portal.
Fees are assigned based on the classes your student is taking this year.
NOTE: If your student receives Free & Reduced Lunch, that application will serve to adjust school fees; this adjustment will occur around mid-October at the earliest so please wait to pay until those adjustments are made.
Pay fees through your IC parent portal: click 3 lines in upper left < click FEES < select student fees & add to cart < check out
PARENT DROP OFF PROCEDURES & EARLY DISMISSALS
GENTLE REMINDER: THERE ARE NO DISMISSALS AFTER 1:45PM
Please review the following information concerning parent drop off procedures in the morning and what you need to know about signing out your student early for an appointment.
Signing Out Your Student Early
Here is a quick reference guide for student sign out (what we have posted) Student Check Out
PICTURE RETAKE DAY IS SET FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND!!
Parents/Guardians: Students who missed the opportunity of getting their school picture taken, you will have another opportunity on September 22nd!
Also, we have student lanyards w/plastic protective holders for sale for $5 in the front office. This is a great way for students to keep their badges from getting damaged.
THERAPY DOG VISITS RIDGEVIEW
We are excited that we will be continuing our Therapy Dog Program at Ridgeview. Liona is a registered therapy dog, and will make regular visits to our building. The purpose of these visits is to enhance the educational experiences for our students both academically and emotionally.
Junior high students have the same and often more need for additional support during their school day. At Ridgeview, the staff aims to provide the very best educational and emotional support to our students. Liona will make weekly visits to Ridgeview along with her experienced her handler.
For questions or to learn more about the therapy dogs or the program, please do not hesitate to contact kris_owen@plsd.us or our principal, Sheila Evans @ sheila_evans@plsd.us.
2023-2024 FREE AND REDUCED PRICED MEALS PROGRAM
Pickerington Schools Announces 2023-2024 Program Year Policy on Free and Reduced Priced Meals
Pickerington Local School District today announced its 2023-2024 program year policy free and reduced priced meals for students unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast. Each school office and the central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.
The Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines will be used to determine eligibility. Children from families whose annual income is at or below the federal guidelines are eligible for free and reduced-price meals or free milk if the school participates in the Special Milk Program.
To apply for free and reduced-price benefits, households should complete an application. Applications can be found on the district website. Additional copies are available at the principal’s office in each school. A complete application is required. Households which currently receive Special Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits (SNAP, formally known as food stamps) or Ohio Works First (OWF) funds for a child must provide the child’s name, the SNAP or OWF case number and signature of an adult household member on the application. Households that do not receive SNAP or OWF funds must provide the names of all household members, the last four digits of the Social Security Number of the adult signing the application or state “none” if the adult does not have a Social Security Number, the amount and source of income received by each household member (state the monthly income) and the signature of an adult household member. If any of this information is missing, the school cannot process the application.
FREE HEALTH CARE: Families with children eligible for school meals may be eligible for free health care coverage through Medicaid and/or Ohio’s Healthy Start & Healthy Families programs. These programs include coverage for doctor visits, immunizations, physicals, prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health, substance abuse and more. Please call 1-800-324-8680 for more information or to request an application. Information can also be found on the web at http://jfs.ohio.gov/ohp/consumers/familychild.stm. Anyone who has an Ohio Medicaid card is already receiving these services.
The information provided on the application is confidential and will only be used for the purpose to determine eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials. To discourage the possibility of misrepresentation, the application forms contain a statement above the space for signature certifying that all information furnished is true and correct. Applications are being made in connection with the receipt of federal funds. Schools or other officials may check the information on the application at any time during the school year. Deliberate misrepresentation of information may subject the applicant to prosecution under applicable state and federal laws.
Households will be notified of the approval or denial of benefits.
Foster children are categorically eligible for free meal benefits regardless of the household’s income. If a family has foster children living with them and wishes to apply for such meals or milk for them, contact the school for more information.
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Meal Prices
Breakfast - $1.80
Lunch – Junior High and High School - $3.50 regular lunch / $3.75 for a premium lunch which is indicated on the menu
Ala Carte items are offered at various prices
Payment
Food service payments can be made at mypaymentsplus.com beginning August 1, 2023.
My Payments Plus Parent Helpline 1-877-237-0946
We also accept cash and checks made payable to “PLSD Food Service” in the kitchen. No change will be given and funds will be deposited into the student’s meal account.
Notification of eligibility determination is emailed from our point of sale system (Solana), or mailed to the parent/guardian stating if the application was approved for free, reduced, or denied.
Free – student may receive one breakfast and one lunch daily at no cost
Reduced - breakfast is .30 and lunch is .40
Denied – application does not meet USDA eligibility requirements and meals are full pay
If you have any questions, you can reach the food service office at 614-833-3645.
JOBS ARE AVAILABLE WITHIN OUR FOOD SERVICES DEPARTMENT. This is a great way to work when your kids are in school and be home when they’re home? Give us a call!
LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE UPDATES
Pickerington Schools will take reasonable steps to ensure that persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access and an equal opportunity to participate in all services, activities, and programs available throughout the district. It is the policy of Pickerington Schools to ensure meaningful communication with LEP students and families and to communicate information related to the education of all students. All services needed to comply with this policy will be provided for students and their families in need of such assistance free of charge. For assistance, please call 614-833-2110.
En Español:
Las escuelas de Pickerington tomarán medidas razonables para garantizar que las personas con dominio limitado del inglés (LEP) tengan un acceso fácil y la misma oportunidad de participar en todos los servicios, actividades y programas disponibles en todo el distrito. La política de las escuelas de Pickerington es asegurar una comunicación significativa con los estudiantes LEP, sus familias y comunicar información relacionada con la educación de todos los estudiantes. Todos los servicios necesarios para cumplir con esta política se proporcionarán a los estudiantes y sus familias que necesiten dicha asistencia de forma gratuita. Para obtener ayuda, llame al 614-833-2110.
भाषा सहायतासम्बन्धी सूचना:
Pickerington Schools ले सीमित अङ्ग्रेजी प्रवीणता (LEP) भएका व्यक्तिहरूसँग डिस्ट्रिक्टभर उपलब्ध सबै सेवा, क्रियाकलाप र कार्यक्रमहरूमा अर्थपूर्ण पहुँच र सहभागी हुन पाउने समान अवसर छ भनी सुनिश्चित गर्नका लागि उचित कदमहरू चाल्ने छ। LEP भएका विद्यार्थी र परिवारहरूसँग अर्थपूर्ण सञ्चार सुनिश्चित गर्ने र सबै विद्यार्थीहरूको शिक्षासँग सम्बन्धित जानकारी सञ्चार गर्ने Pickerington Schools को नीति हो। यो नीतिको अनुपालन गर्न आवश्यक पर्ने सबै सेवाहरू यस प्रकारको सहायता आवश्यक भएका विद्यार्थी र उहाँहरूका परिवारहरूलाई निःशुल्क रूपमा उपलब्ध गराइने छ। सहायताको लागि, कृपया 614-833-2110 मा कल गर्नुहोस्
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Panorama Survey during P.A.W. - September 27th & 28th
Students will have the opportunity to complete Panorama SEL Surveys during their P.A.W. time. The survey will provide us with social and emotional learning (SEL) information. SEL is the process through which children and adults apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. These are the skill sets that promote success in life.
While our goal is 100% participation, parents may choose not to have their child participate. If you prefer your child not to participate in this survey, please fill out the opt-out Form below or email your child’s School Counselor by September 22, 2023.
One 7th & one 8th grade P.A.W. time class with the highest percentage of completion will receive a donut party given by Mrs. Evans, Principal! YUM!!!
If there is a tie, a draw will be conducted.
Panorama SEL Fall Survey Nepali 2023
Panorama SEL Otoño Survey Spanish 2023
Panorama SEL Fall Survey English 2023
PICKERINGTON LOCAL SCHOOLS ARE GOING TO WASHINGTON D.C.!!!! 2024 8TH GRADE TRIP
PBIS INFORMATION
This edition of the newsletter will provide parents and guardians with the building's PBIS initiatives and expectations. PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports.
More information will be forthcoming in our next newsletter!
A NOTE FROM THE NURSE
In the event your child needs to take prescription medication while at school, please be sure to have the Request for administration of prescription medication by school personnel (pdf) form or completed by the child’s physician and parents. Forms are available in the school office and on the website.
Nonprescription medication such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and cough drops may be administered to students if the parent/guardian sends in the medication (in original container) along with written permission for the medication to be given. Dosages cannot exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations for age and weight. (i.e., We cannot administer medication to children under 12 if the label says: “Do not administer to children under 12, except under the direction of a physician.” We need to have a note from the doctor in order to give a dose of medication that is different than the dose stated on the bottle.) All medications, prescription and non-prescription, must be sent in the original container.
PTO CONNECTION
Hey Ridgeview Family and Friends!
We hope you all had a fantastic week and an even better weekend. Just wanted to share we are back in full swing and have some events coming up so that you all can mark your calendars.
October 7th is our first Teen Night of the 2023 - 2024 school year. This is on a Saturday and is the same day as our Pickerington Central High School Homecoming dance (wanted to allow our Junior High students to celebrate the same as their siblings or simply like our high schoolers). The time is even better this year, it will be from 5PM to 8PM (yes one hour longer). The cost will be $16.50 per student ($15 plus processing fee) or $19.50 when you purchase within 48 hours of the event. The goal is to make sure our students purchase their tickets sooner than later. THIS IS RIDGEVIEW JUNIOR HIGH school event ONLY! Venmo and Cashapp details will be provided on our Facebook page and below be sure to provide your students first and last name, grade and lunch period.
We will have a theme so be sure to check the newsletter next week for the details and all the requirements to participate in this event. There will be prizes and a raffle!!! Parents there will be a Sign Up Genius for you to sign up to help with the event as well.
Also we have our first Parent Teacher Conference on September 28th. PTO will have a link for donations on our Facebook page this weekend but also available next Friday's newsletter for those who can help support our wonderful teachers, more to come.
Please feel free to email me directly at kelly.martin_rvjhpto@hotmail.com or qsmith6@hotmail.com with any questions.
PTO is looking for a few volunteers! for the 23-24 school year!
- Future events:
- Parent-Teacher Conference Staff dinner (February 20th)
- Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6th-10th)
If you would like to be a part of the upcoming school year (2023/2024) PTO program, please reach out to Kelly Martin over the Summer at kelly.martin_rvjhpto@hotmail.com.
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ATHLETIC INFORMATION
New Ridgeview Swim Club starting!
- 3 practices weekly: T, TH & F
- 5:30am - 6:30am
- @ Jerry Garver YMCA
- will have 4 meets
If you are interested plan to attend a parent/swimmer meeting:
Date: October 4 @ 7pm
Location: The Commons @ PHS Central
Coach Contact: Coach Axel Birnbrich. (coachaxel1980@gmail.com)
Ridgeview Girls Basketball Conditioning Starts Soon:
If you are interested in trying out for girls basketball, here are SEPTEMBER conditioning dates:
M , W, F, 3:30 - 4:30, starting Friday 9/15
*make sure to register for basketball in Final Forms
* have a current OHSAA physical on file
Tiger Athletics can be found on our new website: https://pickeringtoncentral.bigteams.com/
2023-2024 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Districtwide Calendar
Upcoming events and important dates are listed in the Districtwide Google Events Calendar, which is synced with individual building, program and athletic team calendars. Once inside the district wide calendar, to display the events of a particular building, team, program or activity, you will need to check the specific corresponding color-coded box(es) from the list on the left-hand side.Pickerington Community Calendar
Pickerington Schools partners with the City of Pickerington and Yodel to bring you the Pickerington Community Calendar!
Visit this link to view all Pickerington Schools activities included on the calendar and don’t forget to “favorite” our Pickerington Schools schedule! Once favorited, Pickerington Schools' events will be front and center on your calendar, enabling you to see what’s coming up.
HELP Make Our Schools Safer
The Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Public Safety have launched the SaferOH tip line that will accept both calls and texts 24 hours a day.
This tip line allows students and adults to anonymously share information with school officials and law enforcement about threats to student safety—whether that involves a threatened mass incident or harm to a single student.
Every tip can remain anonymous. School safety analysts may ask for additional information, but the caller can remain secret or leave his or her contact information for later follow-up.
Calls or texts to 844-SaferOH (844-723-3764) are answered by analysts in the Ohio Homeland Security’s Threat Assessment and Prevention (TAP) Unit. When action is needed, the TAP Unit immediately forwards information to Pickerington Schools, local law enforcement agencies, and others, if necessary.
Ridgeview Values
RIDGEVIEW JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL MAIN OFFICE STAFF
Principal: Sheila Evans
Assistant Principal 8th Grade: Henry Lee
Assistant Principal 7th Grade: Kevin Smith
Dean of Students: Sydney Dillard
Building Secretary: Tracy Redmond
Athletics/Guidance Secretary: Lisa Holley
Attendance: Pat Petrini
Office Assistant: Madelyn Gomez
Counselors: Meghan Wade(8th grade); Erica Reynolds(7th grade)
Nurse: Rachel Ross/Mindy Stillwell
Ridgeview STEM Junior High School
Email: Sheila_Evans@plsd.us
Website: pickerington.k12.oh.us
Location: 130 Hill Road South, Pickerington, OH, USA
Phone: 614-548-1700
Twitter: @RidgeviewPLSD