Dear Ridgeview Families,

I hope that each family is staying healthy and being mindful!

This time of year, can be very busy for many families.

As the end of 2022 is quickly approaching, please be mindful that the second nine weeks will also come to an end in early 2023 (January 13th).

We want each Ridgeview student to come to school each day, stay focused, and finish the grading period strong. Please make sure that you are staying abreast of your child’s academic performance by checking the Parent Portal on a regular basis.

I also encourage each family to reach out to their child’s respective teachers, should questions or concerns arise.

The staff at Ridgeview wants to continue to be partners in your child’s academic progress and overall success.

Enjoy the holiday season!

Natalie M. James

Principal

If you're wondering, "Should I send my student to school who isn't feeling well?" Check out the link below for guidelines.

If it's best for your child to stay home, don't forget to let us know.

Attendance Email: attendance.ridgeview@columbus.k12.oh.us

Attendance Phone: 380.997.6994

Pathway Express arrives at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium in December with FREE admission every weekend throughout the month for a celebration of holiday magic. Join families from across CCS and experience one of Central Ohio’s most cherished traditions - Wildlights.

In addition to creating memorable moments under the millions of lights and festive displays, students and families are invited to explore the incredible animal habitats home to more than 600 species from around the world.

Families are also invited to join CCS and partners for our monthly Family & Community Resources Day on December 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., and the event will feature:

• Free admission to Wildlights;

• Free Winter Coats for Students;

• Holiday-Themed Giveaways;

• New Book Bundles;

• And More!

Click on the Pathway Express Article Below to Learn More About This

Important Educational Tool for Columbus City Schools Students and Their Families.

• December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31: Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
• December 6, Tuesday (6:00 pm): Instrumental Music Concert
  
• December 15, Thursday (6:00 pm): Choir Concert
• December 20, Tuesday: 30-Minute Early Dismissal
• December 21, 2022 - January 3, 2023: All Schools Closed for Winter Break
• January 13, 2023, Friday: End of Quarter 2
• February 10, 2023, Friday, from 6:00 - 8:00 pm: Winter Dance

Raiders Basketball Schedule and all games begin at 4:30 pm

and admission is $3 and must be paid via a QR Code:

• December 5, Monday: Girls Basketball at Dominion / Boys Basketball hosts Dominion
• December 7, Wednesday: Girls Basketball hosts Indianola / Boys Basketball at Indianola
• December 12, Monday: Girls Basketball at Medina / Boys Basketball hosts Medina
• December 14, Wednesday: Girls Basketball hosts World Language / Boys Basketball at World Language
• December 19, Monday: Girls Basketball at Woodward Park / Boys Basketball hosts Woodward Park
• January 9, Monday: Girls Basketball hosts Dominion / Boys Basketball at Dominion
• January 11, Wednesday: Girls Basketball at Indianola / Boys Basketball hosts Indianola

Important Note: The Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA) is the state summative test used to determine an English learner’s proficiency level and to exit from the English language program. The OELPA is aligned to the K-12 English Language Proficiency Standards and is used to meet the federal requirement of an annual assessment of English proficiency measuring listening, speaking, reading and writing.

In preparation for the OELPA (Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment) test, students are working one to two days a week in their CORE class on practice materials for the four parts of the OELPA test. They will be tested in the areas of--

• Speaking
• Listening
• Reading
• Writing

Because scores were lowest in Reading and Writing, there is a greater focus before testing time. In order for a student to pass the OELPA, they must receive all 4s and 5s on the assessments.

The OELPA tests will take place at the beginning of February.

Practice sessions will continue to take place until the end of January.

Let me introduce you to Mrs. Walters, an English Literature, Composition, and Social Studies teacher at RMS.

Here's 10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Mrs. Walters

1. Family is one of the most important parts of her life.

2. Mrs. Walters and her husband have 6 children and 8 grandchildren. And, she believes each and every one is a a true blessing.

3. She is an outdoor fanatic and loves hiking, canoeing, fishing, photography, kayaking, and adventures.

4. She is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University with a B.S. in Elementary Education.

5. Mrs. Walters received a Masters in Education at the University of Louisville.

6. She is so talented that she can teach any subject from Kindergarten through 8th Grade.

7. Mrs. Walters began teaching because she and her twin sister searched for a college so that they could both be baton twirlers for their marching band. You see, they were National Baton Twirlers competing most weekends while growing up.

8. Once the college was chosen, they needed to find a major. Since both her grandmothers were teachers and Mrs. Walters had a strong desire to emulate them as they were role models to her, she chose teaching.

9. Interestingly enough, her grandmother from North Carolina was a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse. Because early teaching was interesting to her, she always felt as though she was born in the wrong time period. In addition, she enjoys other earlier time period necessities like quilting, canning fruits and vegetables, and cooking large feasts for family and friends.

10. Lastly, once she began her college classes for teaching, she realized that she was was in the perfect profession.

In closing, Mrs. Walters believes everyday is unique and she is making a difference in the lives of others. As a result, it's no surprise that she especially enjoys her job and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

During November at Columbus City Schools, we observed College, Career, and Service Month.

At RMS, all staff members displayed a sign at their door showing the college(s) and degree(s) earned by the staff member. This activity was designed to open the doors of conversation about higher learning and college awareness. Daily announcements were made about college, career, and service, coupled with daily trivia questions.

On Fridays, staff members wore their college/university paraphernalia. Also, on November 4th, all teachers and staff began each class period with a few minutes sharing their own college experiences. On Monday, November 14, two activities took place in the lunchroom and prizes were awarded and pictures take on various college activities.

It was a fun and educational time for all.

6th Grade

• This 6th grade male has great attendance and is a hard worker. He advocates for himself and his peers.
• This 6th grade female advocates for herself and peers. Also, she has great attendance.
• She is an incredible 6th grade student. She works hard in her classes and is a role model to others. She demonstrates RMS daily.
• He is such an incredible 6th grade young man. He is the perfect example of RMS. His kindness radiates to all of those that surround him.

7th Grade

• This 7th grader is such a gentleman. He is hardworking and takes pride in all that is asked of him. He is a DREAM to have in class. Thank you for being so great.
• She is an incredible 7th grade young lady. She strives to do her best on everything that is asked of her. She takes great pride in her work and is super kind and polite. Lastly, she is RMS “All” of the time!!! Thank you!
  
• This year he came as a new 7th grader at RMS. We are so blessed to have him in class. He is a stellar student
  
• She works hard and is the definition of RMS. Her grades show the results this 7th grader's aspiration.

8th Grade

• This 8th grade boys is strong leader in class and always willing to participate.
• He is a wonderful participant in his 8th grade classes and helps other students.
  
• This 8th grader always comes prepared for class and is doig fantastic work! His teachers appreciate his gentlemanly manners.
  
• She's always a model student and her grades show her hard work as an 8th grader!

Unified Arts

• He models being RMS for his peers. He is attentive in class and thoughtful to his peers
• She is always RMS and has a positive outlook on life. .
• He is always positive and attentive in class.

RMS is proud to announce the Girls and Boys Raiders 2022-2023 Basketball teams have been selected.

Show your support by attending their games that are listed in this issue in the calendar.

Please make sure you follow the instructions below to purchase tickets.

Note, no cash will be accepted to enter games and

all tickets must be purchased online.

Hope to see you at the games,

Coach Scott & Coach O'Brien

December is a wonderful time of year to celebrate. Click on the links below and learn more about each of the celebrations listed.

• December 1: World AIDS Day
• December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
• December 5: International Volunteer Day
• December 7: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
• December 10: Human Rights Day
• December 18-26: Hanakkuh
• December 25: Christmas Day
• December 26 - Jan 1: Kwanzaa

Remember we are better when we work together!

Dear RMS Families,

Our Ridgeview Spirit wear shop is live. A great gift for your Raider. Ridgeview Webstore.

Thank you to all the families who supported our flower fundraisers for fall and winter! We raised $1,500! Our Ridgeview Spirit wear shop is live. A great gift for your Raider. Ridgeview Webstore

Mark your calendars! The winter dance will be February 10th from 6 to 8 PM. More details to come home in December and January. Please consider volunteering for this event.

Volunteers are still needed! If you would be willing to help, please email RidgeviewMSPTA@gmail.com.

● Winter Dance – February 10 from 6 to 8 PM

Via Zoom, Committee Members will decide on a theme, collect donations, and recruit 10-12 volunteers for night of the dance.

● Teacher Appreciation – May 1-5

Via Zoom, the Committee Members will determine how the PTA expresses our appreciation for our teachers.

● 8th Grade Celebration – Late May Exact Date TBD. Celebrate 8th grade students' accomplishments. Via Zoom, Committee Members will work closely with Mrs. Thomas (School Counselor) to decide on a theme, collect donations and recruit 6-8 volunteers for the day of celebration. The celebration happens after school, typically 2:30-5:30pm.

Please join us for our upcoming monthly meeting on January 5th, via Zoom from 6 to 7 PM Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83808379105

If you are not currently receiving occasional email updates from the PTA, please email us at RidgeviewMSPTA@gmail.com and ask to be added to the list to make sure that you are aware of upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Please consider signing up as a member of the PTA. https://rmsraiderspta.memberhub.com/store

General Donations are always appreciated (no amount is too small): Check to Ridgeview PTA or https://rmsraiderspta.memberhub.com/store/items/114887

Here are some no cost/low time way to support the PTA:

● Download the Box Tops app, add Ridgeview PTA as your school and scan all your receipts

o If this is your first-time registering be sure to use our code: HXSC8XH4 – we receive a little bonus o https://btfe.smart.link/c2jjdifkw?referral_code=HXSC8XH4

o No cost to you and RMS PTA does not receive copies of your receipts

● Make RMS PTA your organization on the Kroger Community Rewards program

o At Kroger.com or on your Kroger App, under Rewards, then Community Rewards, add our organization number 84721

o No cost to you and RMS PTA does not receive your personal information

● Make “PTA Ohio Congress Ridgeview Middle” – your organization on Amazon Smile o https://smile.amazon.com/charity/my-impact?ref_=nav_cs_smile

o Sign in using your existing Amazon account

o Add PTA Ohio Congress Ridgeview Middle as your organization

o Shop through smile.amazon.com

o No cost to you and RMS PTA does not receive your personal information

Sincerely,

Mrs. Pompi, President

Ms. Manko, Vice President

SAVE THE DATE:

PTA Meeting on Thursday, January 5, via Zoom from

6:00 to 7:00 pm. Click here to join the meeting.

At Ridgeview Middle School, Be R-M-S is real and not just a saying. We live and breath--

• Be RMS
• Be Responsible
• Be a Member
• Be Safe

Practicing positive behavior and providing interventions and support is how we ensure your student learns appropriate behavior and is fully prepared for high school, and ultimately, college/trade school, service, or the workplace.

GOLDEN TICKET

We have fun by highlighting students thru the Be “RMS” Golden Ticket program by rewarding those who:

• Follow the school rules - "BE RMS"
• Go to class On Time and No Tardies
• Listen to ALL adults in the building
• Display RMS behavior throughout the building, at recess, and on the bus
• Have NO 190s, REMOVALS, SUSPENSIONS, EXPULSIONS, BUS WRITE-UPS, PEAK/ISS or AFTER SCHOOL DETENTIONS

(The administration will have final say in who will be eligible to be entered into the drawing.)

During September, students were awarded with treats from Too Good Eats. While last month treats were provided by Kona Ice.

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

But, not only do we have treat parties, but we have competitions between the students and staff. In October, students who qualified competed by homeroom teams in a Dodgeball Tournament. In the end, it was the Staff Team, who were victors over Mrs. Hawthorne's 6th Grade Team. All in attendance had a fun time.

Stay tuned for the upcoming Students vs. Staff Volleyball Game.

Listed below is important information that you and your student must complete on a weekly basis.

WEEKLY GRADES: Every Friday, students should check their own grades in Infinite Campus on the Chromebook. Students will place an X over any day that they have missed for the week in each class as well as sign the bottom of the page. This page will STAY in the notebook.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST: Every Friday students will complete the Weekly To Do List. Using their Chromebook, students will check Infinite Campus for any missing or late assignments and write them under the class title. A current grade will need to be placed on this page for parents to see. Students will create a goal for improving grades and reflect on the grades from the previous week.This paper will go home on Friday and be returned with a parent signature on Monday.

Parents remind your student to bring the paper home that has a grade

on it so you can sign it over the weekend and your student

can return the signed form to school on Monday.

• LSS 211 offers services from homeless shelters to senior living. Call 211.

• City of Columbus CARES Act offers assistance with utilities.

• Cap4Kids provides resources for families in the areas of meals, housing, utilities, mental health, and lots more!

• Charity Newsies offers clothing assistance & winter coats.

• Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio offers pharmacy services and medicines, counseling on proper medication usage, health screenings, wellness education, and social program assistance for those who cannot afford them. (614) 227-0301.

• Clintonville Resource Center serving all of Central Ohio by providing assistance through the food pantry, child and youth programs, senior services, and kinship care program.

• Franklin County Children Services 2022 Guide resource guide provides information on local emergency or non-emergency assistance to families.

• Mid Ohio Food Bank provides food locations by zip code.

• OhioKAN ensures every kinship and adoptive family who wants support navigating the resources available to them can get it.

• Project Connect provides help to families living in shelter, car, motel, campground, and doubled-up families.

• Emergency Broadband Benefit provides relief for broadband services and a laptop, computer, or tablet.