Ridgeview STEM Junior High School
February 10, 2023
Principal's Message:
Hello Ridgeview Family,
Aloha Tigers!!
We enter to LEARN. Leave our mark. Graduate to serve. Together, ONE TEAM.
This is the message I conveyed to students on Wednesday morning during our assembly. It was a tragic day a week ago. Please don’t dwell on the things that could happen. Let’s celebrate the thing that did happen:
Students reacted to our drills and training and were safe.
Every child in the building was safe and went home to their families.
We will heal together and make our community stronger.
Although we will heal and come back stronger, It will look different for everyone. Please check on each other and your children. I am learning from my community that it is okay not to be okay. I thought I could do without counseling, but I learned that it is very difficult to process this experience alone. Please find a trusted and respected professional to help either you or your child process. If you can not find one, please notify me at the school. Resources are available to help everyone through this time.
Last, please be on the lookout for an email. We are making changes to improve the well-being and safety of our school. After meeting with our district office, police, and fire department, they have made suggestions to improve the safety of our building. I will need your help explaining to your children how important it is to meet these expectations.
Thank you.
Tiger UP!!!!!!!
Henry K Lee
Ridgeview STEM Junior High
Interim Principal
614 548 1700. Ext. 1711
****************************************
DISTRICT OFFICE NEWS & UPDATES
Dear PLSD family,
NOTE: Please be advised that PLSD will only be accepting personal checks as payment for fees through April 28, 2023. Beyond 4/28, payments may be made by card, electronic check via the Parent Portal, or cash as needed.
ATTENTION 8TH GRADERS:
Interested in addressing real global-local issues while learning about global cultures and careers? The application is open for the 23-24 incoming cohort of the Global Scholars program!
Ideally, students start as freshmen or sophomores so that they can finish all three years of the program, but upperclassmen are also welcome to apply and do 1-2 years of the program, as their schedules permit. Students enjoy off-campus adventures to locations such as Nestle in Marysville, Honda, the Grange Audubon Insurance Center, and multiple Columbus area colleges.
Application Link for 23-24:
https://forms.gle/soHb9hcTfD1uQnUr9
Here is information about the program:
https://columbusworldaffairs.org/program-training/global-scholars-diploma/
*********************************
The district will handle calamity days if in-person classes need to be canceled due to inclement weather. Calamity days this winter will be good old-fashioned snow days. Students will not be expected to learn virtually.
We strive to make the decision to delay or close by 5:30 a.m. or earlier so that we can notify radio and TV stations, post to the district website, and send electronic notices to emergency announcement subscribers.
Unusual weather conditions may force us to make the decision after this time. For that reason, parents and students are advised to stay tuned to major television and radio stations, as well as our website and e-communications notices, for updates.
Once a decision is made to delay or cancel, the information will be shared with parents and the media as quickly as possible. You can read more about calamity day procedures on our website at https://oh50010917.schoolwires.net/Page/98.
Please check the Infinite Campus portal to ensure that your contact information is accurate so that you will receive closing/delay notifications in a timely manner, and that you will receive the messages via your preferred method(s) of delivery (text, phone call, email, etc.).
Thank you!
Dr. Chris Briggs
PLSD Superintendent
************************************************************************************************
FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!
NOTICE OF LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE
The opening of the 2022-2023 school year in Pickerington was a great start for our district, and it is because of our awesome students, staff, and families. That's why it is important to me to reach out to you today to emphasize how proud I am of the exceptional teamwork displayed by our entire school community as we welcomed students back for the 2022-23 school year.
It is also important for you to know that with our growing population, we have a Language Assistance Plan for our families that need language assistance. It is the policy of Pickerington Schools to ensure meaningful communication with students and families in order 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.
Let's continue to make it a great school year! I look forward to seeing you in and around the buildings and community!
Dr. Chris Briggs, Superintendent of Pickerington Schools
** Click this link to view/download this letter in a pdf version .
Notice of Language Assistance
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.
*******************************************************
RECOGNITION IS IN ORDER.........CONGRATULATIONS TO JILLIAN JETT & LEILA PORTIS!!
Congratulations Jillian & Leila!
Leila Portis and Jillian Jett, Grade 8 from Ridgeview Jr. High School was chosen as an honored artist for the 43rd Annual Young People’s Art Exhibition sponsored by the Ohio Art Education Association. There are eight regions in Ohio representing the OAEA, and this year’s show includes 89 student artworks from all over the state. Ms. Marsh, Ridgeview Art Teacher, has taken the time to prepare and submit artwork this year. Their honor for being a part of this exhibition, is worth celebrating! The reception will be on Saturday, March 11th at The Kings Arts Complex venue. Congratulations again! Thank you for making a difference in the art program!
**************************************************************************************************
COUNSELOR'S UPDATES & INFORMATION
Coming Soon...Scheduling for the 23-24 school year
Hello Ridgeview STEM families,
The month of February and March begin our journey into selecting the courses our students will take next school year. In the upcoming weeks, students will be presented with information regarding scheduling courses. If for some reason you are unable to attend any of the scheduled meetings, they will be recorded for families to access at your leisure. Please continue to monitor upcoming communications for more details and links in regards to scheduling.
8th to 9th grade
Feb. 20 - Registration portal opens and Scheduling explanation Part I. -students begin getting information on registration in Pawtime
Feb. 21 - Scheduling explanation Part 2 - students getting information on registration in Pawtime
Feb. 22 - HS Counselor meets with students about registering and answers questions as a team..
Feb 23- Mar 3 - Students can consult with teachers, counselors, and HS student council members to get questions answered.
March 3- HS Counselor at RSJH to answer final questions
March 3 - Window for registration closes.
7th to 8th grade
Feb. 27 - Students receive information about registering for classes & the scheduling portal opens.
Feb. 28 - Parent Meeting 6:30 pm- at Ridgeview in the gym.
Feb. 28- Mar 3 - students will register for classes for next year through Infinite Campus- During this time, counselors will be available during E/I for any students who have questions about scheduling.
**********************************
State Testing
More to come in the next month or so, but we would like you to add the dates to your calendar so you can avoid scheduling appointments, trips, etc. during those days. We generally test during the first part of the day so please avoid scheduling your student out of school before 10:30 that day if possible. If they miss a testing day, they will have to make it up during class time and will be missing instruction. Thanks for supporting us in this.
************************************************************************************************
THE WAY TO BATTLE PUP!
A local family from Canal has started a non-profit called Way to Battle. It came about when their son Brady was diagnosed with an extremely rare leukemia mutation in June 2021. They realized the power of therapy dogs but wanted to have something for people to take home with them when they were going through a difficult time. They developed the idea of giving out Battle Pups to people who need them. After Thursday, Way to Battle decided they wanted to bless Ridgeview. They delivered over 1,000 stuffed dogs of varying breeds to give to each staff member and student who wanted one.
We are so grateful for them thinking of us and hope you are too! The students are VERY gracious and appreciative. We hope everyone enjoys their Battle Pup!
PHOTOS FOR YEARBOOK- Message To Parents.....
Do you have photos from your student's sporting and school events? Share them in the link to be added to the yearbook. The more photos we have to choose from, the more students that will be represented in the yearbook. Photos need to be relevant and appropriate (we still have to approve them to even upload them on our end). No captions or names are needed for any photos. Here is the link to add photos to the yearbook: https://www.hjeshare.com/eShare/
CODE IS RJHS2023
********************
RIDGEVIEW SCHOOL CLUBS
Safe Space Club (Contact: Mrs. Smoot)
Diversity Club (Contact: Mrs. Dillard or Mrs. Hoffman)
Chess Club (Ms. Furlong)
Book Club (Mrs. Kissell)
Robotics Club (Mr. Ouimet)
Dungeons & Dragons Club (Mr. Boynton)
**********************************************************************************************
Emergency Resources
Crisis Text Line: text "HOME" to 741741
Nationwide Children's Youth Hotline: 1-614-722-1800
Teen Hotline: 1-614-294-3300
Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
Safe Schools Tip Line: Call or text 1-844-723-3764
Suicide Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 1-614-221-5445
Sheriff Department: 1-740-652-7900
**************************************************************************************************
MESSAGE FROM THE NURSE!!
If Your Student is Sick
Any student will be sent home if he or she has a temperature of 100 degrees or higher, vomiting, diarrhea, or signs and symptoms of a possible communicable disease. Please keep student(s) home until they remain fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of medication and are free of vomiting or diarrhea symptoms for 24 hours prior to returning to school.
Here is the new website for parents who have questions regarding COVID and return to school policy.
https://sites.google.com/plsd.us/nurse-rachel-tiger-talk/covid-update
Rachel Ross, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
School Nurse
Ridgeview STEM Junior High School
Phone: 614-548-1708
Fax:614-548-1710
Sycamore Creek Elementary
Phone: 614-834-6208
Fax: 614-834-6210
*********************************************************************
PTO CONNECTION
Happy Friday Ridgeview Family and Friends!
We want to start by expressing our sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support that we have received from our Community. With the donations received we were able to provide breakfast items and meals to our staff, teachers and administration. We appreciate all the drop off items as well - we speak on behalf of the entire Ridgeview STEM Junior High “Thank You, Thank You, Thank You”.
A very special “Thank You” goes out to Kona Ice of Lancaster and Buckeye City. Jessica, Lisa and Rose were phenomenal.
Next Friday PTO will have the popcorn, suckers and airhead sale, we had to postpone due to no school. We also have plenty of fruit snacks left so we will also have those even after "Valentine's Day" next week.
Mark your calendar for March 10th, PTO will host our final Teen Night from 6:00 to 8:00. Should there be any conflict with the date we will be sure to update but as of today this is the tentative date. More details to come!
Have a wonderful weekend, and thank you all again for all your support this week.
#RIDGEVIEWSTRONG
Please be sure to check us out on Facebook – Ridgeview STEM Junior High PTO for event details and information for the district as well.
Have a great weekend!
Please be sure to join us and help out this school year, we are planning some great things and would love for you all to be involved.
If you have any questions feel free to message us on Facebook (be sure to like our page too) and or contact Kelly Martin at kelly.martin_rvjhpto@hotmail.com.
*********************************************************************
ATHLETICS
For Athletics:
Spring Sports are Around the Corner!
See below for registration instructions and conditioning dates.
To register for a sport:
1. Sign up in Final Forms (pickeringtontigers.net - MORE tab)
2. OHSAA physical competed by physical / uploaded to Final Forms
3. Understand there is a Pay to Participate fee of $155 and a $16 mandatory drug test that will be assigned to your athlete's Infinite Campus portal if they make the team.
Softball Spring Conditioning Information:
Tuesdays: 4:30pm-6:30pm Conditioning & Open Cages Hitting
Thursdays: 4:30pm-5:30pm Conditioning
Saturdays: 7:00am-9:00am Conditioning & Open Fields
Track Spring Conditioning Informations:
*Starting Monday, February 20, 2023
Mondays & Wednesdays, 5 - 7 @ Ridgeview Aux Gym
Tiger Cheerleading:
Any student interested in trying out to be a Tiger Cheerleader please complete the google form to stay updated.
Parents & students are encouraged to attend our Informational Tryout Meeting on Monday, April 3rd at 6:00pm for Junior High and 7:00pm for High school.
Cheerleading Clinics: Sunday, April 30th & Monday, May 1st 5:00-7:00pm
PHSC Main Gym
(Material will be taught for tryouts on these two days, if you miss any of these days you are responsible for learning the material)
Tryouts:
PHSC Main Gym
High School: Wednesday, May 3rd 4:00-6:00pm
Junior High: Wednesday, May 3rd 6:00-8:00pm
Call backs/Competition Tryouts: 4:00-6:00pm; PHSC Main Gym
BOYS VOLLEYBALL COMING TO RIDGEVIEW THIS SPRING!
This spring Ridgeview will introduce a new combined 7th/8th grade boys volleyball team! The team will practice 2x weekly with a match day on Sunday afternoons. Start Date: March 1st.
If your student is interested in playing, please come out to the high school volleyball open gyms every Thursday from 7-9 @ Central.
Team Announcements: Virtually will be posted on our website & social media
To keep updated follow us on social media:
Website: https://cheerphsc.weebly.com
Instagram: pickcentralcheer
Facebook: Pickerington Central Tiger Cheer
Twitter: @PCHSCHEEER
Ridgeview STEM Junior High Athletics Administration
************************************************************************************************
POPP RECRUITMENT KICK OFF
Hello everyone!
First, I wanted to thank you all for volunteering to help with our Parents on Positivity Patrol (PoPP) volunteers! I know it is an additional task for you and we really do appreciate you taking it on.
Second, we are kicking off our 2023 recruitment campaign. Yay! Our goal is to have 10 active volunteers per building, active is defined as volunteering at least twice a month, with an additional 5 volunteers volunteering at least once per month. Our stretch goal is 20 active volunteers per building with 10 semi-active/in-reserve. We are asking you to help us reach these goals!
I have attached a short guide on volunteer engagement. Please read it and begin implementing these practices. Involve your office staff, because they can really help with this. They are the first persons your volunteers see when they enter the building. Please work these practices into your routine; so they aren't additional things, just stuff you do every day with the people you work with!
It's really hard to constantly recruit new volunteers, and it costs us to onboard them. It's much easier and less costly to keep the ones we have. Volunteers can help us provide necessary services at a reduced cost. They also help us with community engagement and with developing community connections. Parent volunteers are associated with better outcomes for students both socially and academically. There's really very few negatives with our parent volunteers!
Here are some quick tips on volunteer engagement:
- Have the volunteer sign in on a dedicated PoPP sign in sheet.
- Greet the volunteer.
- Make sure the volunteer has a name badge, vest, and walkie (if available).
- Walk with the volunteer. Let the volunteer know where they may best serve during their shift.
- Talk with the volunteer. Ask if they have any questions or need clarification on anything.
- If you see a volunteer in the hallway, greet them and/or walk with them a bit.
- Go over scenarios with your volunteers. "If this happens, you do that..."
- Invite the volunteer to attend school events such as performances, plays, and sporting events at no charge.
- Demonstrate small gestures of appreciation. Wish your volunteer a happy birthday. Tell the office staff that it's the volunteer's birthday, so the person gets multiple good wishes. Perhaps hand out a small gift such as candy or a card showing your appreciation for your volunteers' efforts.
With your help, I know we can make this the best volunteer positive behavior support program ever! Thank you so much for being a part of this program!
2022-2023 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 STEM Junior High School
Email: henry_lee@plsd.us
Website: pickerington.k12.oh.us
Location: 130 Hill Road South, Pickerington, OH, USA
Phone: 614-548-1700
Twitter: @RidgeviewPLSD