Ridgeview STEM Junior High
August 18, 2023
Principal's Message:
Hello Ridgeview Family,
We have had a fantastic first week! Students are getting to class on time, they are working really hard at learning their routines, you should be proud! I wanted to share that we currently have four(4) Parents on Positivity Patrol for Ridgeview which is fantastic! We definitely would love more families coming in and helping out! If you can't come in during the day, please consider joining our PTO and helping out with after school events!
As we continue on if you could please help students remember the following expectations:
Parents, we have some procedural changes for this school year we need everyone to pay close attention to, as well as some things we're already addressing with students. If you have questions about any of the information, please contact an administrator. We thank you in advance for your flexibility and willingness to follow the TIGER WAY!
Dismissal:
-If you have to pick up your student before the end of the school day, please be advised that parents must arrive before 1:45 pm. We are no longer allowing student pick up after this time.
-All parents/guardians are to come into the building to sign students out (Door A). We are no longer calling students out of class prior to an adult arriving at the school. Please make sure to have your ID and are listed in Infinite Campus as a parent/guardian or family member as well.
-Students who ride a bus home are expected to go outside and immediately begin looking for their bus and get on the bus. Once buses start moving, they are not to stop and allow a students to get on. Please make sure your students are actively looking - not just hanging around and talking with friends. Lastly, all students are to leave grounds immediately after school unless they have athletics or are waiting to be picked up by a parent. Students found on the property once the buses run will be considered trespassing.
Dress Code:
-We are holding students to the fire about the dress code. Conversations with students, as well as phone calls to parents have already begun. Please ensure your student has on clothing that is covering all parts and is appropriate to wear in a school environment. If you or your student has to question if they can wear it to school, then they probably shouldn't.
-Students are no longer permitted to wear headgear in the building. This includes any type of hat or the hoodie on a sweatshirt. For safety reasons, we need to be able to identify anyone in the building from the front and back of their head.
Cell phones are off and away during class. Students cannot take photos, videos and access social media at school! We know this is a big ask but we know they will be able to do it!
One way hallways have been in place for years at Ridgeview, students need to follow the one way hallway traffic all day and that includes going to lunch.
Language there is vocabulary that is not appropriate for school. We will work with students on different ways to express themselves without using disrespectful, hurtful or demeaning language towards one another. Please remind students that the goal is to learn to work and interact with others in a respectful manner, and that includes the language we use when talking to one another.
Hands to themselves: We know it is hard at this age because they want to joke/horse around, however we have to remind them to keep their hands to themselves as we want to keep all 900 students safe!
Lockers students should access their lockers at the beginning of the day, lunch time and at the end of the day. Students can carry their book bags from class to class.
*Reminder: please remind your student to charge their chromebook every evening to be ready for the next school day.
Thank you for your continued support of the Pickerington Schools!
Sheila Evans, Principal
Ridgeview STEM Junior High School
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iReady Diagnostic Testing
This upcoming week we will begin our diagnostic testing! Starting Tuesday, August 22nd students will take their Reading diagnostic. These diagnostics are used to determine educational groupings in classes and identify any areas that a student may have gaps in their learning. We will use that to help tailor our lessons to help fill gaps and expand upon the material.
Thursday, August 24th will begin the Math diagnostic testing.
If your student is absent during the diagnostic we will have them take it upon their return during the make up testing time.
Why are we taking the iReady Diagnostic test?
The purpose of the Diagnostic is not to give your student a score or grade, but instead to determine how best to support your student’s learning. iReady is an adaptive assessment that adjusts each question based on your child’s answer to the previous question. Some questions will be difficult, some easy, while others will be just right. The questioning is designed for teachers to find out what your child knows right now and what skills they will need.
When are we taking the iReady Diagnostic test?
Over the next two weeks, each building has designed a plan to administer the Reading and Math tests.
DISTRICT OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE
*See attached Pay-to-Participate Fee Information below.....
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.
PARENT DROP OFF PROCEDURES & EARLY DISMISSALS
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.
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!
PICTURE RETAKE DAY IS SET FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND!!
Good news!
School pictures taken at RIDGEVIEW STEM JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL during the Welcome Days are now available for parents to view and order online!
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School Pictures are Ready!
View and order at https://shop.jostenspix.com/login
- RIDGEVIEW STEM JUNIOR HIGH SCH
- Event Code: FE123923
- Also Needed: Infinite Campus Unique Student ID
In addition, student ID badges has also arrived and will be distributed on Monday, August 21st during homeroom (PAWtime)! AND...for safe keeping, we will also be selling student lanyards w/holder for $5 in the front office.
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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A Message from our School Counselors!
This school years counselors are Mrs. Wade and Mrs. Reynolds. The Counselor Corner is where you can find out what is happening in the counseling program, as well as resources. If there is anything you need - please do not hesitate to reach out. We are looking forward to a great year!
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.
IMPORTANT BUS INFORMATION
Parents/Guardian(s):
The PLSD Website has directions that require parents/guardians to use their Student ID# for both user ID and Password. REMINDER: Update your contact information and phone numbers in order to retrieve bus information. If you make a phone # change please forward the new number to Petermann Transportation so the system will work as accurately as possible.
* For additional information, please contact Petermann Transportation at: 614-837-8525.
PTO CONNECTION
Ridgeview Families and Friends…
PTO is looking for a few volunteers! for the 23-24 school year!
- Future events:
- Parent-Teacher Conference Staff dinner (October 3rd)
- 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 TICKET PASSES FOR THE 23/24 SCHOOL YEAR
Parents and students, here is a great way to take advantage of our athletic passes. Consider purchasing athletic passes for both Pickerington Central High School or Ridgeview athletic events for the whole year! If your child plays multiple sports or you have multiple athletes, the passes will certainly help save money on the cost of ticket prices. All lower level ticket prices are $5 and all varsity events/contests are $8.
The ticket pass information is listed here:
- Tiger Club (Students): $50 plus fees
- Central Club (Parents): $100 plus fees
The Tiger Pass allows you to attend ALL home games, ALL sports, ALL year for both Pickerington High School Central and Ridgeview Junior High teams!
Tournament Tickets can be purchased from https://www.ohsaa.org/tickest or on the HomeTown Ticketing Fan App. If you experience any issues, reach out to: tickets@ohsaa.org
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The $16 drug test fee and $155 Pay to Participate have been assigned to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
First Payment Due: Friday 8/25
- Option 1 - $16 drug test & full payment of $155
- Option 2 - $16 drug test & 1st payment of $80
Second Payment Due: Friday 9/15 (*only if selected Option 2)
- 2nd payment of $75
To Make a Payment:
- Log into your Parent Portal < click the 3 lines in upper left corner < click FEES
- In Fee Screen:
- select student (Person)
- select 23/24 school year
- select UNPAID
- click the sports fee & add to cart
- once in cart - you can adjust the amount paid
2023 - 2024 Sports Registration:
- Reminder to have a current 2023 OHSAA physical on file
FALL 2023 ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY REMINDER: Quarter 4 grades determine participation in a fall sport: passed 5 classes & 1.75 GPA.
Looking forward to a great fall season!
Complete online Final Forms Registration. To do this, go to our athletic website: https://pickeringtontigers.net
Calling all interested Golfers!!
Girls Golf
Attention any incoming 7th, and 8th, grade girls who are interested in golfing this fall, please see the link below for more information.
Link for Lady Panther Golfer information
Boys Golf
Any young men who is interested in playing golf this year, contact Head Coach Steve Schill, Steven_Schill@plsd.us if you have any questions.
SCHOOL CLUB CORNER
If any families have any ideas for additional student interest-based clubs for our Club Days, please reach out to our Dean of Students, Mrs. Sydney Dillard.
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
Principal:
Assistant Principal:
Secretary:
Office Assistant:
Counselor:
Nurse:
Health Assistant
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