Ridgeview STEM Junior High School
July, 2020
Important Dates
Week of July 26-Notified about application to VLA
August 3-(approximate date)Cohort details released
August 24-First day of school COHORT A-in house/COHORT B-virtually
September 7-Labor Day-NO SCHOOL
PLEASE BE AWARE, THESE DATES COULD CHANGE AS CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE.
Welcome to the 2020-2021 School Year!
Hello to all of our Ridgeview STEM families,
I wanted to introduce myself again; I am Beth Richardson, and I am excited to be moving from Lead Assistant Principal at Ridgeview STEM to Principal this fall. This will be my fourth year at RSJHS and my 14th year in Pickerington Local Schools. Before moving into administration, I spent 10 years as a Spanish teacher at Pickerington High School Central. I reside in Pickerington with my husband and two sons, a High School Freshman and an 8th grader this year. So, I wear many hats: parent in the district, principal navigating the COVID era and active member of the growing Pickerington community.
As we quickly approach the start of the 2020-2021 school year, we know that scholars and staff alike are feeling a range of emotions from excitement and wonder to anxiousness and fear. In this new way of life, the staff at Ridgeview has been preparing and planning not only for academics, but also the social emotional piece that comes along with being human during this time. As we continue to ride this wave, remember we are all in this together working towards a successful year!
A few reminders as we get started. Please log into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account. Unlike previous years, we will be using Infinite Campus to update our contact information and our Emergency Medical information. Once you log in, the steps below will help you update or enter your scholar’s information.
Steps to update information:
Click on More on the left side of the screen
Click Online Registration
Choose the option that best describes your situation
From here you will be guided into updating and checking your information
Updating this info for my own children took about 15 minutes. To effectively contact you regarding your scholar’s needs, this update is vital. Also, please be sure to update all emergency contacts, as these are the individuals permitted to pick up your scholars from school if needed. Upon completion of the update, you will receive an email acknowledging your submission.
Hopefully you are familiar with PLSD’s Flexible Learning Plan 2.0 and are aware we will be starting the school year in a hybrid model. If you are not familiar, please take the time to look at the provided links in our newsletter.
More details regarding the school day structure will be forthcoming as soon as they are made available. As indicated in this plan, please note that masks will be required for students riding the bus and attending school in buildings. If you have not done so already, please begin discussing the importance of mask wearing and have your student practice at home so they will have time to acclimate and adjust to this new requirement. Students may choose to wear a mask, gaiter or face shield, and we recommend having a spare mask or gaiter with them in the event their first gets soiled.
Looking forward to working with you to make this year a success for your student,
Beth Richardson
Principal
Flexible Learning 2.0- Back to School Plan
Here is the full PLSD Flexible Learning 2.0 Master Plan (pdf) as approved by the Board of Education during its July 16th meeting. The Board of Education approved moving back the first day of school to August 24. Click on the following link to see revised school year calendar.
Please keep in mind that the plan specifics continue to evolve and we know that there are many questions still to be answered. That’s why we’ve created a Q&A page to answer your questions about the plan. Staff will continue to update this Q&A page daily as the answers to more questions are determined. Additionally, you may submit your question(s) to plsd_communications@plsd.us. Information about the Virtual Learning Academy is also available on the Q&A page. Please note that the deadline for the application is July 26th at 11:59 pm.
APEX (VLA) vs HYBRID MODEL
To help inform your decision, please click on this link to see course offering comparisons of PLSD's Hybrid Model and the Virtual Learning Academy (APEX).
Parents are Required to Update Back-to-School Forms Online
WE RECOMMEND ACCESSING YOUR PARENT PORTAL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THIS WILL ALLOW TIME TO ADDRESS ANY ISSUES WITH LOGGING IN BEFORE THE START OF SCHOOL.
Now, more than ever, it is imperative that you update your contact information, in case your student needs to be picked up from school. We’re making it easier for parents to fill out 2020-21 back-to-school forms online with the launch of a new “one-stop shop” with a single login! Now, all student-related forms — except for sports/extracurricular activities forms — will be entered directly into the Parent Portal. Read the full article for instructions on how to get your forms updated. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO LOG IN, PLEASE COMPLETE AN INFINITE CAMPUS HELP DESK TICKET.
Please note that your student will not receive their schedule until this information has been updated.
Immunization Requirements for 7th Grade/New Students
Remember that there is an immunization requirement for 7th graders. MCV4 and Tdap is required before a student enters the junior high.
According to Board Policy 5320 and 5320 AG, immunizations in compliance with state law and the Ohio Department of Health are required for each student unless the parent(s) file an objection. The board of education also requires tuberculosis examinations in compliance with law.
Students new to Pickerington Schools must present written evidence of similar immunizations, or written evidence to indicate that they are in the process of receiving immunizations, to be completed no later than the day of entrance. Students failing to complete immunizations within 14 days after entering are not permitted to return to school.
The Franklin County Health Department offers immunization clinics throughout the school year. An up-to-date schedule is always available on the Franklin County Public Health website.
School Supplies List
We know that some of you like to take advantage of the early Back to School Sales and have been waiting for supply lists. With the reopening of school buildings, we are recommending that students carry a minimal amount of supplies. Keep in mind that your student will attend 6 different classes during the day and that these supplies are for personal use only as we are trying to limit shared supplies. Thank you!
Suggested materials:
Notebook/Folder for each class
1 Composition Notebook
2 colors of Highlighter
Pencils
Colored Pencils
Wired Headphones/Earbuds (NO Bluetooth)
Pen (2 colors)
1 Package of tissues
Pencil Pouch
Non-glass water bottle
A mask for daily wear
ATHLETIC INFORMATION
VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS:
Saturday, Aug. 1-10:00-12:00
Monday, Aug. 3 & Tuesday, Aug. 4-5:30-7:30 p.m.
MANDATORY DRUG TESTING-WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Drug Test will take place from 9:00-11:00 in RV gym. The cost is $10.00.
ATHLETICS PICTURE DAY-MONDAY AUG. 10
8:00 am Boys Golf
8:15 am Girls Golf
8:30 am 7th Cheer
8:45 am 8th Cheer
9:00 am 7th Football
9:30 am 8th Football
9:45 am Girls Tennis
10:00 am 7th Volleyball
10:20 am 8th Volleyball
10:45 am Girls Cross Country
11:00 am Boys Cross Country
11:15 Make-up individual
New website, new school year, new opportunities! Compete for Ridgeview! Our new Athletic Website is live. Check it out for everything you need to know about registering for 2020-2021 sports seasons. Just some of the things you will find on the website are:
- Fall Sports Return to Play Waiver Form
- Athlete Daily Symptom Document
- Return to Play General Guidelines
- Return to Play Parent Guidelines
- Registration Information for all 2020-2021 Sports
- Schedules (be sure to select 2020-2021), directions and more!
Did You Miss the Pickup Date for Your Pre-Ordered Yearbook or Want to Purchase an Extra?
To make arrangements to pick up a Pre-Ordered Yearbook or to purchase an extra ($30.00 cash or check), please call Carolyn Weidner in the main office (614) 548-1700 or email Carolyn_Weidner@plsd.us and she will set up a time for you.
New Webpage Provides One Stop for Family Resources
Pickerington Schools is pleased to launch a new webpage that’s loaded with links to useful resources for your child(ren) and family!
On our new “Student and Family Wellness Resources” page, you will find information that ranges from tips for talking with your child about the pandemic, to support with meeting your family’s food, clothing and financial needs. There are links for mental health and safety information as well as support for immigrant families. Academic enrichment and entertainment links are also included to help support your child during their time away from school.
To view this important repository of useful information, visit the Student and Family Wellness Resources webpage.
Ridgeview Values
Ridgeview STEM Junior High School
Email: beth_richardson@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