THE VIEW
Newsletter for Ridgeview Middle School (Issue 2: 9.2023)
The Principal's Post
Dear RMS Families,
We are already full-speed ahead into the 2023-2024 school year!
As shared in my opening letter this year, we are starting the year encouraging our students to dream big and focus on their goals through the book, "Why Not, You?" by Ciara and Russell Wilson. By now, each student in the building should have had the opportunity to listen to the book in their homeroom or core enrichment classes. I encourage each family to continue the conversation at home by setting attainable academic and/or behavior goals with your child which will put them on the pathway to success. It is never too early to start planning for the future.
Let's start strong together and have an even stronger finish at the end of the year!
Be Well,
Natalie M. James
Principal
Getting Real with Mr. Reese
Ridgeview's Assistant Principal, Mr. Reese, believes ...
"A couple of years from now, everything you are stressing about won't' even matter.
Keep moving forward."
--Unknown
Calendar of Events
- September 5 & 6, Tuesday & Wednesday: BOY testing for Math
- September 8, Friday: BOY and makeups must be completed
- September 13, Wednesday: Immunization Exclusion Day
- September 19, Tuesday (5:30 - 7:00): Open House
- September 20, Wednesday: Professional Development Day and No Students in Attendance
- October 24, Tuesday, (5:30 - 7:00 pm): 2023 RMS Fall Family Mix & Mingle
- October 24, Tuesday: End of Quarter 1
- October 25, Wednesday: Records Day (Students Not in Attendance)
Sports Schedule for Volleyball and Soccer
- 9.18, Monday, 4:30 pm: RMS at Medina
- 9.25, Mon, at 4:30 pm: World Language at RMS
- 9.27, Wed, at 4:30 pm: Woodward Park and RMS
- 10.2, Mon, at 4:30 pm: Dominion at RMS
- 10.4, Wednesday, at 4:30 pm: RMS at Indianola
- 10.9, Mon, at 4:30 pm: Medina at RMS
- 10.11, Wed, at 4:30 pm: RMS at World Language
- 10.16, Mon, at 4:30 pm: RMS at Woodward Park
- 10.18, Wed, at 4:30 pm: RMS at Dominion
- 10.23, Mon, at 4:30 pm: Indianola at RMS
Another Successful Back to School Fair
On Saturday, August 19, Columbus City Schools Back to School Fair included supply giveaways, up-to-date information on after-school programs, wellness exams, safety information, social services, and more. Over 9,000 back packs were distributed and nearly 150 partners participated.
Ridgeview's Assistant Principal, Mr. Reese, volunteered and handed out back packs and supplies to many parents and students, including a few from Ridgeview.
Nurse GIna: Operation Zero Exclusions!
Columbus City Schools is working with Columbus Public Health to implement Operation Zero Exclusions! We believe this can be accomplished because we are making it convenient for our students to be immunized.
It is important to note, all students must be up to date with their vaccines or they will be excluded from school.
If you have questions, please contact me at grancitelli@columbus.k12.oh.us.
For up-to-date information on school-based health clinics, continue checking the main CCS website.
Stay Strong. Get Vaccinated!
Nurse Gina
Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Brimmer
- He was born in Toledo, OH and raised in the great state of Michigan. Also, he lived in Defiance, Ohio and he now resides in northeast Columbus.
- His education includes Toledo Whitmer HS, University of Toledo, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Lastly, he attended Ohio Dominican University, where he received a Teaching Certificate in grades 4 - 9 Science and Social Studies, with a reading endorsement.
- Mr. Brimmer grew up with two sisters and a brother and now he has been married for 36 years with two grown children and a daughter-in-law.
- When not teaching, he enjoys anything outdoors (i.e., fishing, camping, archery, gardening), woodworking, and cooking. Although he lives in Buckeye Country he follows the Michigan Wolverines college football team and he bleeds blue. He enjoys John Wayne movies and concerts, regardless of the genre.
- Mr. Brimmer was raised in a loving family, whereby his parents prepared him and his siblings for life’s many journeys and adventures. In addition to positive parents, he had two fellow teachers and his lifting coach encouraged him to become a teacher.
- He became a teacher to help educate the world by preparing youth for the future.
- He loves all food especially German and Polish meals. Truth is, there is nothing he won't try. He enjoys family dinners and has visited 45 of the 50 states in the US. He has enjoyed traveling to Hawaii twice, Italy, Canada, and Mexico. In a few years he plans to take a family trip to Alaska.
- He grew up with dogs (15 total) and he is a "grandpaw" to Waverly and Margo.
- Here are two interesting facts: Mr. Brimmer built a log cabin from the ground up and he has been asked to leave two buffets because he ate too much!
- Lastly, he has been a member of Scouting for 52 years, where he is an Eagle Scout. He has coached for 26 years either little league or high school.
In closing, his biggest joy in life is family and he lives by these 10 two-letter words:
If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me.
Special Needs and Services: Help Your Child to be Kind to ALL Students
Here's an excerpt from an article entitled
"Teaching Your Child about Peers with Special Needs"
Encourage your child to learn about and be a friend to children who have special needs and to follow these few tips:
- Children with disabilities are like all children in that they want friends, respect and to be included.
- No two people are the same — some differences are just more noticeable.
- A disability is only one characteristic of a person. People have many facets: likes and dislikes, strengths and challenges.
Click here to read the entire article from Care.
CCS Mission & 2023-2024 School Year THeme
Columbus City Schools Mission:
Each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership
and service, and empowered for success as a
citizen in a global community
2023-24 School Year Theme:
Start Strong.
End Stronger!
BE "RMS" Golden Ticket - Too Good Eats - Pop Bar Grade Level Parties
Qualification Period: September 5th - 21st
Event Date:Thursday, September 21st
HOW DO STUDENTS QUALIFY TO HAVE THEIR NAME ENTERED INTO THE DRAWING?
- Follow the school rules - "BE RMS"
- Go to class On Time and No Tardies
- Listen to ALL adults in the building
- Follow the CCS/RIdgeview Dress Code
- Display RMS behavior throughout the building, at recess, and on the bus
- 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.
* 50 students will be selected from each grade level.
The RMS PBIS Corner
What is PBIS? It is Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) is a framework for creating a safe, positive, and equitable environment at RMS. At our school, we want every student to feel valued and connected to the school community in addition to being supported by caring adults.
At Ridgeview, we call this "Be RMS":
- Be Responsible
- Be a Member
- Be Safe
This month the focus in THE VIEW is - IN THE HALL.
BE RESPONSIBLE:
- Move in the right direction, go to assigned areas.
- Follow the directional arrows in the hall.
- Be out of the halls, in assigned area before the bell rings.
- Use appropriate language.
- Keep cell phones and other electronics off and put away.
BE A MEMBER:
- Keep hallways and locker areas clean, pick up after self and others.
- Help others.
- Talk quietly and be considerate of classes in progress.
- Follow the directions of staff at all times.
BE SAFE:
- Wear your face mask over your mouth and nose at all times.
- Follow 3 ft. social distancing guidelines.
- Walk at all times.
- Keep hands, feet and objects to self.
- Resolve conflicts nonviolently and with maturity.
- in the HALL
- in the CLASSROOM
- in the RESTROOM
- in the CAFETERIA
- in the AUDITORIUM
- on the BUS
- at RECESS
- at ENTRY AND DISMISSAL
- and AGAINST BULLYING
RMS VISION, MISSION, and CORE VALUES
The Vision
Each student at Ridgeview Middle School will show a year's worth of growth or more in reading and math as measured by District and/or state assessments by the end of each school year.
Our Mission
We exist to create an environment where students are educated through a lens of culturally responsive teaching, mindfulness, and the use of high-quality data. Collectively we aim to advocate, challenge, and support student growth in all areas of development.
Our Core Values
-Create a safe, encouraging, inclusive, and supportive environment
-Maintain high expectations
- Inspire student success
-Demonstrate respect through empathy and inclusivity
RMS Sports: Building a Soccer Dynasty
It's soccer season again and the back-to-back RMS Raider champions, led by Coaches Sztul and O'Brien are looking forward to another successful season.
Coach Sztul is beginning his 16th year of coaching soccer at RMS, while Coach O'Brien is beginning his 12th year. During this time at RMS, Coach Szul has experienced seven championships and Coach O'Brien has experienced five championships. It should be noted, RMS has a total of 11 championships.
Soccer training and tryouts began before school started and both coaches are excited about the season which starts in September. Everyone is looking forward to the leadership of the returning co-ed team members.
When the schedule is released it will be included in the calendar section of this newsletter and on the school website.
So, check back with us and Go RMS Raiders!
Celebrating Diversity in September
It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity, there is beauty, and there is strength.
~ Maya Angelou
Check out these celebrations in September:
- 4th: Labor Day
- 8th: international Literacy Day
- 10th: National Grandparents Day
- 11th: 911 Remembrance
- 13th: Positive Thinking Day
- 15th: Rosh Hashanah
- Sept 15 - Oct 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
- 21st: International Peace Day
- 22nd: Native American Day
PTA Point-of-View
Welcome to the 2023-24 School Year!
Ridgeview Parent-Teacher Association (RMS PTA) is a volunteer group dedicated to supporting the school and enhancing the quality of the educational experience at Ridgeview Middle School for all students. The PTA’s top priorities are coordinating volunteers for school events and supporting the faculty with funding for items to enhance learning. We hope you will join us!
Your involvement is important and will contribute greatly to your child’s success. We are excited that your child will be part of this school, and we look forward to getting to know your family.
The PTA meets the first Thursday of every month, at 6:00 PM on Zoom. Please join us for these meetings. We would also appreciate you signing up as a member of the PTA. https://rmsraiderspta.memberhub.com/store
We are still looking to fill several officer positions, if you are interested, please send an email to RidgeviewMSPTA@gmail.com expressing your interest. Here are the open positions:
- Vice President: shall assist the president and carry out the president’s duties in his or her absence or inability to serve. The vice president shall also oversee the committees of this organization.
- Secretary: shall keep all records of the organization, take, and record minutes, and send notices of meetings to the membership.
- Treasurer: shall receive all funds of the organization, keep an accurate record of receipts and expenditures, and pay out funds in accordance with the approval of the executive board. He or she will present a financial statement at every meeting and at other times of the year when requested by the executive board, and make a full report at the end of the year.
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.
Our spirit wear shop is LIVE!! Get your RMS gear shipped directly to you. Shop our link: Ridgeview Webstore
Our September Fall Flower Fundraiser kicked off on August 30th.
Don’t forget flower sales end September 13th and the flowers will be delivered
Friday September 29th.
Please see the email from no-reply@fundraiseit.org
Reach out to the PTA email if you haven’t received.
Join our Facebook group: Search "Ridgeview MS PTA" on Facebook.
Here are some no cost/low time way to support the PTA:
1. 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.
2. 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.
Mark your calendar to attend our
September 7th and October 5th, meetings
via Zoom from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81196889925?pwd=VGJKaEVkcXV1WllaZkRUcm9Gc052dz09
Meeting ID: 811 9688 9925
Passcode: RMSPTA
We are looking forward to a great year!
Sincerely,
RMS PTA
Got Questions? Call the FACTLine
Need Help? Check Out Our Community Partners
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 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.
Ridgeview Middle School
Ridgeview Attendance email: attendance.ridgeview@columbus.k12.oh.us
Ridgeview Attendance phone number: 380.997.6994
FACTline Email: factline@columbus.k12.oh.us
FACTline Phone Number: 614.221.FACT (614.221.3228)
Customer Relations Phone Number: 614.365.8888
Customer Relations Email: customerrelations@columbus.k12.oh.us
Family Ambassador Debora Myles: 614.365.5506
Email: ridgeviewms@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: https://www.ccsoh.us/RidgeviewMS
Location: 4241 Rudy Rd, Columbus, OH 43214, USA
Phone: 614.365.5506
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgeviewProud