Parent Tiger Talk
March 21, 2018
Greetings!
March 2018
Recently, I attended a state-wide conference highlighting leaders serving in the fields of medicine, government, large and small businesses, law enforcement, and education.
The resounding message was to be bold and confident in the work you have to do - right here and right now. This is especially true for educators which include parents, as we support our children and prepare them for a constantly changing world.
One speaker noted that within the ying yang sign, the black part has a white dot and the white part has a black dot. The message is order exists in change and change in order. We need to be good at being resilient and adapting to change because some element of change will always exist.
During a panel discussion, speakers noted the importance of having mentors and being a mentor through all stages of your life. So, I ask you two questions: who is your mentor, championing you to achieve your current personal and parenting goals, as you mentor and guide your children? If you do not have a mentor, reach out and ask someone. It can be as simple as a text, phone call or email.
Have a safe and restful spring break!
Mary
March Board Brief
School Safety
Safety continues to be on the minds of all of us following the school shooting in Florida, this week's events in Maryland and recent incidents right here in Ripon. Yesterday, State Superintendent Tony Evers sent a letter to the governor and legislative leaders asking for a special session and suggesting policy items on behalf of the education community. The policy items included were gathered from partner organizations and included recommendations from past school safety work groups.
DPI noted the discussion of school safety and gun violence will require ongoing effort. To that end, DPI is reconvening the group of leaders that met last in July of 2013 at Wingspread. The meeting will allow for a thorough review of the policies strategies put forth to date and also help to solicit feedback from stakeholders to ensure DPI is advocating for the best solutions.
In Ripon, we are taking a three-prong approach to safety looking at:
our interactions with students, the people we serve;
our processes, ensuring we practice our safety protocols with tabletop exercises and safety drills; and
our facilities, continuing to improve our sites by conducting safety reviews and adding items like secure entrances, cameras and blinds.
This work will continue as together these three areas can help us to prevent and respond to incidents that present themselves.
Strategic Planning
As part of the federal Every Student Succeed Acts (ESSA) requirements, the district will convene a strategic planning team the evenings of May 2 and May 9 to help set the direction of the district over the next school year. We will be setting goals under each of the four strategic areas of student engagement and learning; human resources; service and partnership; and finances. We will use data from the Parent Survey to help steer our direction. Based on the Spring 2017 Parent Survey results, parents express satisfaction with the teachers, staff, administrations genuine concern for children, a prioritization on learning, care of teachers for students’ success, safety of the learning environment, and pride in the district. Areas for improvement including increasing feedback and communication regarding their child, increasing enrichment opportunities, and continuing the focus on curtailing bullying. If you are interested in being a part of the team please contact Jolene Meyer at meyerj@ripon.k12.wi.us or at 748-4612.
International Awareness Dinner
As students, parents, staff and community members interested in promoting global awareness and broadening Ripon's International Programs, we would like you to attend an International Awareness Event.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
at 6:00 PM
in the RHS Commons Area
This event will provide information on three opportunities available to get involved with the international program. They will discuss opportunities available for international travel, possibilities of hosting international students, and the Global Education Achievement Certification. Please bring your favorite (American or ethnic) dish to pass. Utensils, plates, and water will be proved. Contact Britnie Meyer at (920) 748-4600 or meyerb@ripon.k12.wi.us with any questions you may have.
Click the button below to RSVP to the event.
BP/J Mother Son Laser Tag
On Saturday, April 28th, Journey Charter School Governance Council will host the 4th annual Mother/Son Laser Tag Event at Barlow Park Elementary/Journey Charter School. This fast-paced, action-packed event offers moms, grandmas, aunts and their special boy(s) time together while affording the boys an opportunity to get their energy out! All money raised during this event is used for purchasing project supplies, multi-age special events, and school field trips for the students at Journey Charter School. If interested in attending this event, registration information will be available in early April.
Upcoming Events
April 2: Spring BRAVE Session Begins
April 6: 4PS Screening
April 6: End of Third Quarter
April 11: International Awareness Dinner, 6:00 PM
April 12: Craft Creations Night, 6:00 PM
April 12: RMS/C Musical Performance, 7:00 PM
April 13: RMS/C Musical Performance, 7:00 PM
April 14: RMS/C Musical Performance, 2:00 PM
April 16: School Board Meeting, 6:00 PM
April 23: School Board Reorganizational Meeting, 6:00 PM
April 25: Wake Up Call, 6:00 PM
Ripon Area School District
RASD Mission Statement
Inspiring learners, engaging community, enriching the world
Email: meyerb@ripon.k12.wi.us
Website: http://ripon.k12.wi.us
Location: 1120 Metomen Street, Ripon
Phone: (920) 748-4600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ripon-Area-School-District-162750647426/
Twitter: @riponschools