Ridgeview STEM Junior High School
March 20, 2020
Coming Up at Ridgeview
March 16-20-ONLINE LEARNING (see note below)
March 23-27-Spring Break
March 30-April 3-ONLINE LEARNING (see note below)
REMINDER!
STUDENTS NEED TO COMPLETE THE PANORAMA SURVEY ONLINE.
The deadline for completing the online survey is APRIL 10th.
Week One Update from Mr. Koch
Parents,
It's been hard for many of us to wrap our heads around the current state of affairs we are living through. It's truly something I never expected to experience in my lifetime. However, we are here now, and we must work together to get through this less than ideal time. We know it's challenging for many reasons, but it is our goal to continue to educate students in a manner that is simple and accessible for all. The staff at RVSJH will be available between the hours of 7-3, answering emails and making phone calls. We want to be able to support our students through this as well as our parents, as we know helping a 7-8 grade student can be challenging.
Here are some things to know.
Each classroom will continue to have a Google Classroom which will be the main way students access lessons and materials from their teacher. ALL teachers/courses have a Google Classroom. Ask your student to show you!!
Staff will be sending emails and making phone calls to parents of students who are not completing assignments.
Our counselors are available during this time as well. Don't hesitate to contact them with any concerns about your child's well-being or schooling. Doug Rittmeyer is our 7th grade counselor Doug_Rittmeyer@plsd.us and Kris Owen is our 8th grade counselor Kris_Owen@plsd.us.
Please have students check their Google classrooms daily as well as their school email.
PLSD acceptable use policy remains in effect and violations are subject to school discipline.
Since students will be completing assignments at home, classes will not have to be extended into the summer. All school events, athletic practices and games, clubs, meetings, Make a Difference Day, etc. are canceled until further notice.
Everyone at Ridgeview wants to wish you and your family a safe and relaxing Spring Break. Be careful if you are traveling and stay healthy.
Check the PLSD Closure Page Often
Parents Guide to Google Classroom
Need an Administrator?
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. We know this is new to all of us.
We encourage you to always start with the teacher regarding course material or content, but we are happy to help as best as we can.
Beth Richardson, Lead Assistant Principal: beth_richardson@plsd.us 614-548-1706
Kevin Smith, Assistant Principal: kevin_smith@plsd.us 614-548-1707
--Face-to-Face Tech Support Schedule
Pickerington Schools will continue to support student’s Chromebooks and the Every-1 Connected Program throughout the closure of our schools.
Tuesday, March 17th - 8 AM - 10 AM
Thursday, March 19th - 2 PM - 4 PM
Spring Break Week - District Office will be closed
Tuesday, March 31st - 8 AM - 10 AM
Thursday, April 2nd - 2 PM - 4 PM
PLSD Offers Free Meals for Students During Closure
Pickerington Local Schools’ Food Service Department is partnering with the Transportation Department to provide a “grab and go” meal program, Monday through Friday, during the weeks of March 16 through March 20, and March 30 through April 3.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided in one bag. Meals will not be available the week of Spring Break, March 23-27. The program is run by the USDA and ODE. Meals can be provided for anyone through the age of 18, free of charge. Pick up times will be between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. weekdays at Tussing Elementary, Harmon Middle School and Ridgeview Junior High School.
Please Note: Due to COVID-19, we cannot have people staying on the premises. This will be a “grab and go” pickup. If you are sick, please send a member of your household for pickup.
This institution is an equal opportunity employer.
Additional Free Food Options
Need Internet Access?
To help ease this transition and make it possible for ALL students to have access to WiFi, Spectrum and Comcast are now offering internet services for free or at a discounted rate for 60 days to any K-12 or College student.
Charter-Spectrum's Free WiFi Deal
Charter-Spectrum is offering free access to broadband and WiFi services to households with students who do not already have the services. The WiFi access will be available for 60 days to households with students from kindergarten to college who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll in the service you can call 1-844-488-8395 or click the link above to learn more.
Comcast "Internet Essentials" Program
Comcast says applicants who qualify will get a 25 Mbps connection for free for two months. All new customers in this program will receive a free self-install kit that includes a cable modem and WiFi router. There is no term contract. Click the link above to learn more.
Every 1 Connected--Hot Spots Available
Pickerington Schools is now offering a limited number of free wireless hotspot devices to students who have limited or no internet access at home. Every-1-Connected is a program sponsored by Pickerington Schools. It gives students with the greatest need the opportunity to borrow a free “hotspot” from the District Office. Hotspot forms and pickups can be done ONLY during the times listed above at the PLSD District Office (90 N. East Street, Pickerington, Ohio 43147).
Mobile hotspots allow free access to the internet. The devices are helpful when students know they will be working on a big assignment over a weekend or for a few days when Wi-Fi is required for completion. Multiple students can sign on to a single hotspot, so students are asked to coordinate use for group projects. Both the device and monthly service fees are fully paid by the district and through a grant. The program is intended to help district students access online resources at home to help bridge the digital divide and ensure educational equity.
To ensure peace of mind for parents, these devices use internet content filtering and browsing history is recorded. Only one device may be borrowed per household, but these devices can be signed out repeatedly throughout the year, based on availability.
For students to participate in this program, parents must complete this form. By signing this form, the parent agrees to assume all responsibility for equipment checked out to the student. A replacement fee of $150 will be charged if the device is lost, damaged or not returned. The existing district Technology Protection Plan can cover the cost of any damaged hotspot devices, but damage(s) due to intentional reckless, willful, wanton and/or malicious conduct is not covered.
Steps for Obtaining a Hotspot
Complete the application and return it to your child's media center.
Applications will be approved by the district Technology staff at the District Office
Students bring the device home and connect to their device
All devices must be returned before the end of the school year.
Who is eligible to participate
This program is open to Pickerington School students who are fully enrolled in one of the 15 district buildings. Priority will be given to students on the free/reduced lunch list and who have little to no household internet access. The district reserves the right to loan devices to any student who shows a need.
Is there a cost?
Borrowing a hotspot is free. There are no fees for the device or the service. If the device is lost, stolen, or damaged, a $150 fee will be charged to parents. The district Technology Protection Plan can cover any possible damages, but it will not cover the cost if the device is lost or stolen and will not cover damage(s) due to intentional reckless, willful, wanton and/or malicious conduct.
Rules of use
Hotspots are provided and maintained by Pickerington Schools. If problems occur while using the hotspot, contact the school’s media center for technical support.
The borrower is responsible for ensuring the hotspot is not damaged, lost, or stolen. The replacement cost for the hotspot is $150. The school media center specialist/aide should be notified immediately of any damaged, lost, or stolen hotspot.
Hotspots are provided for educational use. Users must adhere to the rules listed here, as well as those included in the district Acceptable Use Policy and the district Student Handbook.
Hotspots must be returned to Pickerington Schools at the end of the renewal period, upon the request of district administration, or upon withdrawal from the district.
Hotspots are for use by students enrolled in Pickerington Schools only and should only be used on school-issued devices.
Bypassing the internet filter, resetting the hotspot, or reconfiguring the hotspot is strictly prohibited and cause for immediate removal from the district’s Every-1-Connected program. This behavior also will be subject to possible school discipline.
Need to Print Something?
Mobile Clinic at Tussing Elementary
Nationwide Children's Hospital Mobile clinic will be at Tussing Elementary on April 1 from 9:00- 3:00. Consents will be on the bus.
No appointment necessary.
From the Ohio Department of Education
ATHLETICS AND EXTRACURRICULAR
Due to the Governor's recommendation, all athletic and extra-curricular activities will be canceled or postponed during the 3 weeks that we are closed. No games, practice, conditioning, lifting, etc is permitted until at minimum after April 3rd (and maybe beyond).
- Pay to participate fees first payment has been changed to April 10th. If parents have paid and we don't have Spring sports, the money will be refunded. We suggest you please hold off on making any payments. This is evolving every minute so it could change moving forward. Be patient. PLEASE CHECK THE 8-18 WEBSITE FOR ANY CHANGES AND UPDATED INFORMATION ON SPORTS PRACTICES, GAMES, ETC.
Ridgeview Values
Ridgeview STEM Junior High School
Email: eric_koch@plsd.us
Website: pickerington.k12.oh.us
Location: 130 Hill Road South, Pickerington, OH, USA
Phone: 614-548-1700
Facebook: facebook.com/RidgeviewStem
Twitter: @RidgeviewPLSD