RPS Update

Finally, spring weather! At home or at school, it’s time to head outside whenever possible.

It was a celebratory week as we honored our teachers and nurses. The Board of Education room was all smiles as we listened to Ms. Elizabeth Karlan’s NEAR-R report where she names the Top 5 things…. You can watch this portion of the meeting here. (at about 1:20) I also had a little fun creating a “Chat GPT” video message to teachers, what was my lesson? You can’t replace the human heart or voice. Teachers are champions for children, first and always.

Board of Education Chair, Tina Malhotra and I met with BMES parents on Tuesday morning. We had a meaningful conversation and were reminded how much value our parent volunteers bring to our schools. Join the PTA!

The Board of Education conference room was standing room only on Monday evening as we recognized the CABE and WCSA student awardees. Congratulations to all of our students! We were delighted as our RHS student travelers shared their adventures abroad during spring break. My wish for all of our students is to travel, travel, travel. There is no better gift.

The week continued with Visual and Performing Arts events across the District. Bravo to our students and their teachers! Special thanks to Board of Education member Sean McEvoy for continuing his commitment to the music program by recording the concert for students and families to enjoy.

Happy Mother’s Day!

"The nature of the snake is to bite, but that is not going to change my nature, which is to help."

- The man and the snake moral story

Photo Caption: Ridgebury Elementary teacher Aimee Tiger and her class in front of the RES wall of balloon messages to teachers, inspired by the book Because I Had a Teacher. She is holding her bouquet from the flower bar.

This is such a busy time of year. Please check your school's calendar to keep on top of important dates and events. Note the following important district dates.

The full district calendar can be found here.

Looking for a way to experience the creativity and innovation of young filmmakers? Look no further than the Ridgefield Independent Film Festival at the Ridgefield Library on May 18 at 5 pm.

RIFF is proud to present a special showcase of stop-motion films created by talented Farmingville Elementary School fifth graders. Each short film is a unique work of art that will transport you to new worlds and leave you in awe of the creative talents of these young artists. Don't miss this chance to witness the magic of stop-motion animation and support the next generation of filmmakers. Click here for FES Librarian Laura Kovsky's RIFF_FES Film Fest Trailer. Family-friendly!

The tentative last day of school for students is Monday, June 19.

It is an early dismissal day for students.

The tentative End-of-Year PD Day for Teachers is Tuesday, June 20.

On Tuesday, Ridgefield voters passed all of the budget measures. Please read more in the The Ridgefield Press.

This week was Teacher Appreciation Week and appropriately, RPS pulled out all the stops for the best teachers in the world. Food trucks, cards, flowers, costumes, and a video from Dr. Da Silva were just a few ways RPS showed love for our amazing faculty. You are the heart, soul, and hands of the district, instrumental in making the world a better place. Thank you!

A special thank you to the PTAs for everything you do to celebrate teachers.

MORE PHOTOS BELOW!

Ridgefield High School dean and English teacher Andrew Maccabe is the Ridgefield Public School Teacher of the Year. Personnel Director, Karen Dewing made the surprise announcement in front of Mr. Maccabe’s American Studies students, RHS faculty, and administrators.

In the material supporting Mr. Maccabe’s nomination, the RHS committee wrote, “Andy is an all-around stellar individual. His care, compassion, and support of teachers/staff and students are unparalleled. He handles the difficult job of discipline with poise and respect for all individuals. Coming to Andy with difficult situations is easier because of his natural ability to treat ALL people with dignity, equity, and kindness.”

“Andy has a knack to make every student feel seen,” the committee gushes. “They know he believes in them, and they rise to the challenge. On top of this, he does it as a dean. Kids trust him to go to him with their problems…he is dedicated, passionate, and willing to help.”

Assembled RHS guests wore fire hats in recognition of Mr. Maccabe’s other role as Assistant Chief at Weston Volunteer Fire Department. One of the criteria for Teacher of the Year recognition is service to the community, “It is well known amongst some close colleagues that Andy has come to work smelling of smoke from a fire that he responded to the night before.” In addition, the committee cites Mr. Maccabe’s first responder experience as crucial to handling fire drills and other safety issues at RHS.

Asked if he was surprised, he said, “I knew something was up when I was called out of class. It was the first time in fifteen years. The only bad part is I have to follow up after Jessica,” referring to last year’s Teacher of the Year Jessica Margiotta’s brilliant and hilarious Teacher of the Year speech at Convocation.

East Ridge Middle - Sara Dalton

Scotts Ridge Middle - Marc Perry

Branchville Elementary - Jennifer Armas

Barlow Mountain Elementary - Andrea Andrew

Farmingville Elementary - Steve Ethier

Ridgebury Elementary -Leah Loschiavo

Scotland Elementary -Melissa Reed

Veterans Park Elementary - Janine Guernsey

SEE THE VIDEO BELOW AND MORE IN PHOTOS FROM THE WEEK

At Monday night's BOE meeting, Dr. Susie Da Silva and principals presented the Western Connecticut Superintendents Association (WCSA) awards to two students from each middle school and two from the high school. Principals provided comments about their exemplary students. Awards are based on three criteria: community service, academic prowess (relative to ability), and leadership service to the school community.

The WCSA recipients are:

Mae Carpenter and Craig Hertwig from East Ridge Middle School;

Charlotte Fandrick and Erin Klosowski from Scotts Ridge Middle School;

Elizabeth Garson and Jacob Sakdinan from Ridgefield High School.

There is a banquet next week for area leaders and administrators.

Board Chair Tina Malhotra and principals presented the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) awards. The CABE awards recognize student achievement and potential, and are an opportunity for the Board itself to be recognized as a community leader.

The recipients are: Kathleen Sullivan and Grace Smith from ERMS

Asher Pereyra and Joseph Couch from SRMS

Skylar Kleinman and Jackson Fiore from RHS

Superintendent Dr. Da Silva and the BOE singled out Student Government President Lizzy Garson for her leadership, growth, organization, and hard work over this year. Lizzy (photo with her parents) gave her last update of on RHS student activities. Thank you! We will miss you!

At an awards banquet on Sunday, the CIAC recognized Georgia Keller and Justin Keller (no relation) as Connecticut High School Scholar-Athletes. Read more about these impressive RHS seniors below.

Georgia Keller is an RHS student-athlete, balancing her love for both learning and running by ending the year with a cumulative GPA of 4.73. Since Freshman year, Georgia has been on the Varsity team for Cross Country, Indoor Track, and Outdoor Track. She was named captain for this past Cross Country and Indoor Track season and is currently the captain for this Spring Track season. In 2022, Georgia was a two-time All American in the Distance Medley Relay, along with being the FCIAC champion in the 4x800. Since Freshman year, Georgia has also been All-State in Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, and Cross Country. Besides her love for running, Georgia also is an active member in her church community and cherishes time spent with her family and friends. Georgia looks forward to attending Brigham Young University in Utah this fall.

Justin Keller is a high honor roll student with a cumulative GPA of 4.56, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Justin has been a three year captain of the varsity football team, a three year varsity basketball player, and a three year varsity baseball player, being named a captain this Spring. During his RHS career, he was a two year All-FCIAC Quarterback in 2021 and 2022, was an All-FCIAC Outfielder in 2021, was RHS Football Offensive Player of the Year in 2021, and team MVP in 2022. He holds three RHS football individual records, and is committed to play football at Tufts University where he will study economics.

On this week’s episode of Tiger Talk, host Dr. Wes DeSantis welcomes Josh Zabin, Ridgefield Public School’s new Director of Safety and Security. You’ll learn about his background in law enforcement, serving the Fairfield community for many years. Then they discuss his vision for security now and into the future, as well as some very helpful information for parents and community members. Thanks for listening!

Photo: Josh Zabin (right) with School Security Officer Matthew Siebert at Scotts Ridge

At Monday's BOE meeting, students and teachers delighted their audience with descriptions of their spring break trips. One RHS group went to Italy, enjoying the romance of gondolas, art, and Italian delicacies in five Italian cities. The other group headed to London, Paris, and Amsterdam. All the students reported being changed for the better by travel, the exposure to different cultures, and the relationships they formed during their adventures. Please view a recording of the BOE meeting here (student adventures are at 43 minute mark).

Kindergarten registration for the fall of 2023 is open. Please remind your neighbors, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances to register their children for kindergarten ASAP so they can take full advantage of all the orientation programs and so RPS can plan to welcome our youngest students.

Superintendent Dr. Susie Da Silva and Board Chair Tina Malhotra sat down with Barlow Mountain PTA members and its leadership team to talk about issues important to them. They discussed World Language at the elementary level, art, the arrival and dismissal schedule, and sleep. BMES leaders shared the challenges of filling PTA leadership roles in contrast to the ease of raising funds and getting volunteers for an individual event. The PTA asked how they can help. Both Dr. Da Silva and Ms. Malhotra stressed the importance of communicating concerns and important issues to the Administration and Board in writing (and in person) while the budget is being prepared, now through October, ideally. "We want to know what's important for you," said Ms. Malhotra. "And, an email is the best way for us to see it." She also asked that parents consider reaching out to Board and Administration prior to posting on social media. Joining the group was a couple members of the class of RHS 2039. The future is bright. To send an email to the Board of Education, please

Please help us in our effort to go green by checking students' e-Backpacks! Organizations that meet the RPS policy may submit their request for inclusion to cmelagrano@ridgefieldps.net. Thank you!

Once again, Ridgefield AP English Language and Composition juniors took part in the National Profiles in Courage Competition. We are pleased to congratulate the following students:

Gabriel Uceda-Sosa was a semi-finalist for his essay on Julian Bond's courage. He is among the top 10 students in the nation. Please read his Profile in Courage here.

Kyle Song was an honorable mention, recognized as among the top 25 students. See last week's newsletter for Kyle's NCTE-winning essay.

The following students also placed in the top 10 percent:

Elena Avaliani, Emma Cosgrove, William Diana, Gabriella Freeman, Elizabeth Forrest, Sophia Ganal, Yuhan Li, Shelly Ofer, Caleb Pajek, Abigail Slocum, Michael Tsai, Victor Uceda-Sosa, Hannah Yu, and Petru Zubek.

Congratulations!

The Connecticut Arts Administrators Association recognized Superintendent Dr. Susie Da Silva and Assistant Superintendent Cory Gillette at its 2023 Arts Advocacy Breakfast on Thursday. 6-12 Visual Performing Arts Chair, Michael McNamara introduced the RPS administrators, describing their passionate support of arts excellence. In addition, RPS parents Jennifer Tejada and Kathleen Murdock (not pictured) earned recognition as advocates for the arts as board members of Ridgefield Music Parents. Finally, Sarah Hanley was recognized for her work with the district administrators surrounding the visual arts. Mr. Mac remarks, "It was such a privilege and honor to be able to publicly recognize the efforts of our central office administration and these remarkable parents in keeping the arts strong in our district."

On Wednesday, the RHS Orchestra directed by Michael McNamara brought down the house to culminate this year's high school performances. Congratulations to all the performers and especially the seniors for their commitment, talents, and collaboration.

How great to hear the voices of the Scotts Ridge Middle School chorus under the direction of Michael Labarre! They had one of their singers read a poem in German, sang a piece in Latin, and covered several styles of music from Broadway to 80s rock to a cappella Renaissance polyphonic choral music. Please hear their renditions of Exultate justi and Livin' on a Prayer to catch the range and flavor.

In the past week, Barlow Mountain, Scotland, and Veterans Park elementary schools hosted art shows. Families strolled hallways to take in the art and the sounds of student musicians. Barlow Mountain pre-k students participated for the first time. Thank you to teachers, parents, and administrators for pulling off these showcases of student talent and creativity.

Last Friday, the sun came out for the second annual Senior Field Day. The RHS Class of 2023 enjoyed a pie-eating contest, dunk tank, parachute and other games, food from food trucks, and being together. Baby Charlton Brooksbank, a new addition to the RPS family, came and reminded everyone how fleeting the time is. Seniors started their internships on Monday. We will miss you!

Tryouts for the champion RHS Varsity Dance Team are around the corner.

May 24 + 26 (Mandatory); May 25 (Make-up)

Ridgefield Recreation Center, Charter Oak Room 1 + 2

6:15 pm-8:30 pm

Wear all black and sneakers

Questions: Contact Head Coach at taylorjane5599@gmail.com

Brooke Blake, an Scotts Ridge student who passed away in 2020 after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer, left a legacy of love an inspiration. Her friends are ninth graders now and spearheading, with her family, this fundraiser.

Thank you to parent Hilary Aronow for calling RPS Update's attention to a recent article in O68 Magazine featuring her son, George Aronow, who is a sixth grader at Scotts Ridge Middle School. George will be in the upcoming production of The Secret Garden at @ACT (A Contemporary Theatre of Connecticut). Ms. Aronow shared her appreciation for the SRMS faculty and leadership, "who have been wonderful and flexible while he’s in rigorous rehearsals." Please read the article here. We are proud of you, George!

The RPS Gay Straight Alliance clubs are hosting the Fourth Annual Ridgefield Pride in the Park Celebration on June 3 from noon -3:00 pm at Ballard Park. As a fundraiser for the event, they are selling Pride Perks cards for $5. The card allows the holder to receive discounts from area merchants. New offers are being added all the time. A perk that many families enjoy is the Martin Park Beach pass discount. People can order them by going to the website ridgefieldctpride.com.

RPS District Communications Manager Alison Pratt will introduce novelist Eliza Minot at the Ridgefield Library on June 6 at 7 pm. Minot, a mother of four, will read from her new book, In the Orchard, which is a novel about womanhood, modern family, and the interior landscape of maternal life, as seen through the life of a young wife and mother on a single day. Register here.

Coffee trucks, lunches, snacks, and spa treatments hopefully made this Teacher Ahhh-ppreciation Week. Many parents and students took the time to thank RPS's amazing faculty with notes and cards. Dr. Da Silva sent out a recorded message and spoke from the heart (instead of ChatGPT) about the difference teachers make every day. The creativity of PTAs wasn't lost on anyone. A lot of PTA volunteers are teachers themselves. How lucky are we?!

The theme for Farmingville Elementary's Teacher Appreciation Week was baseball.Take a look at some of the FES All-Stars below—a team to bet on!

On Sunday, Barlow Mountain Elementary hosted its annual Color Run Fundraiser. As you can see from the photos, it was a lot more fun than it was run. Way to go, BMES!

Here are some more photos from today's Teacher of the Year Celebration.

Just kidding! These helpful, law-abiding RHS senior interns put themselves in the back of the police car during recess at Scotts Ridge Middle School with full permission of the officers on duty.

We would love to hear from you! Families and staff can submit stories, comments, or corrections to RPS Communications. Please follow us on Social Media with links below.