Reminder: Back-to-School Gathering: Tomorrow! (Thursday 8/22)

We hope to see you at our back-to-school gathering tomorrow! Our teachers and staff are excited to welcome students into the school for an afternoon visit from 2:30 - 3:30! While the rooms will still be a work in progress, we are hoping that the opportunity to see the space, talk with their teachers, and connect with friends in the building and on the playground will help fuel the excitement, and ease the transition, for children.

Classrooms will be open on Thursday (8/22) from 2:30 - 3:30 and families are welcome to enjoy the playground - popsicles will be served outside at 3:30! (fingers crossed for a rain-free Thursday!)

With gratitude and excitement,

Meg

K/1/2: Melissa Giroux

3: Charlotte Holmquist

4/5: Susan Ogilvie

Principal: Meg Cheresnick

Looking for feedback!

As we look forward to this year, we are hoping to expand our connections with community and after-school events. We are asking for feedback on the days/times that work best for families, and to hear from you about ideas and suggestions for possible connections and events!

We would be so appreciative if you would fill out This Form with your feedback; thank you!

(If you are unable to access the link, please let Meg know)

Spanish Update

An email will be sent today providing an update regarding Spanish instruction for this upcoming year.

Bus Route Information

Bus routes will be updated on the district website, under the “families” tab: ACSD Bus Routes

The routes will also be published in tomorrow's Addison Independent (8/22)

The attached document shows the routes current as of 8/16/24

Dear RES Families,

We are so excited to welcome students on Monday! This past week has been a busy one for us here at school! Our teachers and staff have been hard at work in preparation for this exciting year ahead. It was so wonderful welcoming many of you into the building this past Thursday; we hope that seeing your classroom and teacher helped in easing the transition from summer to school-year. I know it was the highlight of the week for us to welcome and meet, and reconnect, with so many of our kiddos!

Below, please find some important information for the start of the school year.

With gratitude,

Meg

Arrival and Dismissal Information

Our school day begins at 8:00am and ends at 3:00pm.

*Please note the change in afternoon pickup location

Arrival:

Students may be dropped off between 7:45 and 8:00 at the front entrance/playground

• Students are welcome on the playground beginning at 7:45 (library in inclement weather).
• Students may not be dopped off before 7:45 as there is no supervision before this time.

Dismissal:

Ripton residents take the bus at 3:00pm, or may be picked up at the gym entrance at 3:00pm.

• Bus: Our bus leaves the school at 3:00pm - details below
• Pickup: New this year - Students will be dismissed to caregivers from the side/gym entrance. (a shorter walk for folks when the weather gets rainy/icy)

Hancock/Granville residents take the bus at 3:40pm, or may be picked up at the front entrance/Bell Room at 3:40pm

• If there are extenuating circumstances that make a Ripton student’s dismissal to home before 3:40 unsafe, caregivers may make arrangements with the principal in advance for their children to ride the 3:40 bus. However, there may be days that this option is unavailable due to staffing. Families will be notified in the event that this occurs.

Caregivers are very welcome to enjoy the playground and outdoor space during after-school hours, but must provide active supervision of the children in their care. Thank you!

Bus Route Information

The attached document shows the routes current as of 8/24/24 and includes an important, information-filled bus memo.

Bus routes are available on the district website, under the “families” tab: ACSD Bus Routes

• All times are approximate. Times for bus routes can vary by several minutes depending on traffic, construction, weather, and ridership.
• Students should be at their bus stop at least 5 minutes earlier than the published time.

• For safety reasons, drivers will not wait for students to come to the stop.
• Kindergarteners & 1st graders must have an adult or older sibling with them at the bus stop in the morning and meet them in the afternoon.

Meals

Breakfast and Lunch

We are so fortunate to be able to offer breakfast and lunch free of charge for all students again this year!

• Students who would like school lunch sign up each morning in the classroom.
• Breakfast is also offered to all students each morning.
• A monthly menu will be sent home with students and can can be accessed via the ACSD website: https://www.acsdvt.org/families/school-meals

• We will have breakfast and a vegetarian offering every day, but due to availability may be differ from the option listed on the menu.

A note about meals from the Nutrition Staff:

It is our pleasure to announce that school breakfasts and lunches are still free for all students for the upcoming school year. Also new this year is that we are asking families to fill out a Household Income Data Collection form (there is no longer required free & reduced forms). Although these are not mandatory, family income information helps us qualify for over $475,000 to assist with nutrition, literacy, math, science and other vital programing. The form is user friendly and fully confidential and can be done online. To fill out the form please click on the link below.

https://education.vermont.gov/householdincome

You can also find this form in other languages at this link.

Please contact Steven Marinelli, Food Service Director with any questions or concerns
smarinelli@acsdvt.org
802–382-1423

Important Information

What should we bring to school?

• Water bottle
• Snack
• Sneakers during PE days: Tuesdays and Fridays
• Curiosity, excitement, and an open mind! :)

What should we leave at home?

• Home items (Toys/games/cards/balls)... please enjoy these treasured belongings at home; if there are items (a game/play equipment, etc.) that students would like for the school we encourage them to let us know and we will look into purchasing them for the whole-school to enjoy!
• Cell Phones: If a student needs a cell phone for a safety reason, please contact the principal and we will discuss ways to keep it safe during the school day.

Visitor Sign-In

• We are asking that folks please sign in at the front desk and wear a visitor badge, when coming into the school. Thank you!
• If you need to deliver something to your child during the day, please leave it with the front desk and we will be happy to bring it to the classroom. This minimizes interruptions to the school day. :)

Connecting with Meg

Please always feel free to reach out however is most convenient for you - phone, email, note, in person - making time to connect with families is a priority and one of the most important parts of my job. (Email: MCheresnick@acsdvt.org Phone: 802-388-2208)

Dear RES Families,

We hope this message finds you well and that you’re as excited about the new school year as we are! Our first week back has been fantastic, filled with so much energy, enthusiasm, and excitement.

At RES this year we are focusing on looking for, and building, connections - between students, families, ideas, the natural world and beyond, there are so many ways to be and feel connected. This focus will be a guide for us as we embark on this school year. We've already seen so many wonderful ways that our school community is coming together. From engaging classroom activities to warm welcomes and smiles in the hallways, the spirit of connection is alive and well.

The first week is always a time of getting back into the rhythm of school, and this year has been no exception. Students are settling into their routines, and teachers are busy setting the stage for a year full of learning and growth. We are so proud of how everyone is adjusting and diving into the new year with such enthusiasm.

We look forward to an amazing year together and to connecting with each and every one of you in the many ways that make our school community special.

With gratitude,

Meg

Important Dates:

9/2: No School (Labor Day)

9/5: RES First Family Meeting @ 5:30, with ACSD Superintendent Dr. Wendy Baker

Help Improve our Volunteer Program

Do you volunteer in our schools? Join Superintendent Wendy Baker for a discussion about how to streamline, strengthen, and improve our volunteer program at ACSD schools. We will schedule a time to meet this fall to gather your feedback. Interested?

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1H6laR0CJwNAVk9RKvXDYd2kvHeiw0vzwBb_9qcRNwg4/edit

Dear Ripton Families,

Thank you to those who were able to spend time with us at the first Parent Meeting last Thursday night. I appreciate the thoughts and concerns you brought and the care that you always show for Ripton school and children. As a school community, we are facing several challenges and I appreciate your partnership as we work through them. I wanted to reply to some of the concerns you brought as best as I can right now:

1. Outside play after school: Our outside space is incredibly valuable to all of us. As I shared in prior communications, there were some challenges with our afterschool structure that caused us to change to some inside play. I understand the frustration this change caused for some families. We'll revisit our options this week and see what might be possible. If we can make a change, I'll share that with the entire community. Please know that we balance community values with our responsibilities for the children in our care.

2. Second grade learning: As we discussed on Thursday, we all have concerns about the challenge of teaching to a K-2 classroom. After extensive conversations with school leaders this spring, we determined this was the best of many un-ideal configurations given Ripton's class sizes. Melissa has done an amazing job working with our curriculum coordinator, myself, and others to ensure she creates the best learning environment for our K-2 graders. For now, second graders will not be learning alongside 3rd graders during core subjects but will be mixed in with 3rd graders where possible during other times of the day.

3. All School learning: We always want to balance keeping you informed with keeping teachers focused on classroom learning. In the next weeks, teachers will share outlines of their daily classroom schedules.

4. Student Assessments: At the meeting I shared that we are currently doing student assessments across our grades. Results of preliminary assessments will be shared with parents once all testing is over.

5. Open House: We are working to set the date for our Fall Open House and will share the date as soon as it is set.

With gratitude,

Meg

Help Improve our Volunteer Program

Do you volunteer in our schools? Join Superintendent Wendy Baker for a discussion about how to streamline, strengthen, and improve our volunteer program at ACSD schools. We will schedule a time to meet this fall to gather your feedback. Interested?

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1H6laR0CJwNAVk9RKvXDYd2kvHeiw0vzwBb_9qcRNwg4/edit

Dear RES Community,

So much happens in a week here at RES, and we would like to share some highlights from our learning this past week!

Sunny Days and Creative Learning in K/1/2

Our K/1/2 students have been basking in the sunshine and engaging in learning outdoors! On Wednesday, they collaborated to co-write a clever text about the sun. This work led them to draw their own pictures of the sun and either dictate their writing or craft sentences at their own level based on their illustrations. It is so much fun seeing the creativity and enthusiasm of our young learners!

Third Grade Exploration

Our third graders have been busy discovering more about their classmates through an engaging biography project. Each student interviewed a peer and is now working on writing a detailed biography, fostering a deeper sense of connection and understanding. Additionally, Mrs. H led a group of eager third-grade prospectors on an adventure to Texas Falls for a thrilling gold-panning experience! The students had a blast learning about history and exploring the outdoors.

4/5th Graders Learn About the Brain

Ms. O's class has been exploring the fascinating world of the brain over the past two weeks. Through Mystery Science explorations and a special visit from Nurse Jones, students learned about brain functions and how to keep their brains safe and healthy. The hands-on activities and informative session were both engaging and educational.

We’re excited for another week filled with fun and learning ahead!

With gratitude,

Meg

Welcome, Rodrigo Placencia

Please join us in welcoming Rodrigo Placencia, our new Spanish teacher!

A native of Mexico City, Rodrigo Placencia is thrilled to bring his Spanish language expertise and vast educator experience to our elementary school classrooms.

During his 18-year career in the education field, Rodrigo has demonstrated remarkable adaptability by taking on different roles in diverse learning environments, from working as a music instructor at Pacific Union College in California to serving as an Educational Assistant at Bristol Elementary School to leading music workshops at MAUSD's Expanded Learning Program to coaching for our youth sports organizations, Rodrigo always brings utmost energy and enthusiasm to his work.

When he is not in the classroom, Rodrigo enjoys making music, spending time with his family, and exploring the great outdoors.

802 Smiles is Back!

The district is partnering with 802 Smiles again this year to offer dental cleanings and screenings at school. Please see the attached forms if you are interested. Only paper enrollment is available this year and forms should be returned to the school nurse. We will be sending home paper forms this week. The enrollment deadline is October 1st. Dental care visits will happen the 2nd and 3rd weeks of October.

Fall Panorama Information Screener

We know that social emotional learning (SEL) is crucial for our students’ success in school and in life, so across ACSD we are working on systems to support strong SEL teaching and learning in our schools. As part of that work, we are using Panorama surveys, research-backed SEL measurement tools. We will use the data we collect with this assessment to reflect on student learning and strengthen our programs and instruction to help all students succeed.

ACSD students have been taking this survey for 2 years now and we are actively using the data at the school and district level. At Ripton Elementary School, it helps us to know both how students are doing as well as respond with whole class, grade, and individual supports as needed.

This survey will be given to students in grades 3-5 who will take the survey again between this week and 10/9. The survey asks student to self-reflect on skills related to self-management, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and social awareness. We ask that all students participate, because their feedback provides valuable insights to help us improve and adapt. K-2 students do not participate directly in the survey. Instead, K-2 teachers complete an SEL Teacher Perception checklist for each student.

Please notify your child’s teacher as well as Principal Meg Cheresnick (MCheresnick@acsdvt.org) if you wish to opt your child out of taking the survey. Thank you in advance for supporting this important work.

School Directory Change

Due to growing instances of phishing scams and concern for potential hacks of our computer networks, we will be removing all staff email addresses from our website directory. This change comes at the direction of our Technology Dept and we join many K-12 schools, colleges, and businesses in making this change. Staff phone numbers will still be available in our staff directory. You may also request a teacher’s email by phone or by calling our front office at 802-388-2208. Thank you for your understanding as we balance family communication needs with tech privacy and safety.

School Text Messaging System

In addition to our phone/email communication, ACSD has a text messaging system. Families must opt-in to receive texts. ACSD will only use text messaging for short, time-sensitive messages (like early dismissal and snow days). Your school may also text you for important school updates. We will test this service on Thursday Sept 19th after the school day. To receive texts, you must opt-in:

• Text “yes” to 67587. You will get a reply confirming your registration. If you ever want to stop receiving texts, just text STOP.

• Make sure we have your wireless number in our student database. This is the number you share on school forms. (If you currently receive school/ACSD calls on your cell phone, we probably have your number.) Please contact your front office if we do not have this number.

Dear Ripton Families,

Teachers will continue to share their class newsletters directly with with families. Here are a few highlights from across our school:

• Students in K-2 created a beautiful spotlight to visually highlight their Hopes & Dreams!
• The 3rd graders continue working on how to be a good citizen in our classroom and in school focusing on empathy and compassion!
• Students in 4-5 have been learning about the body and had a special visit this week from Nurse Practitioner, Lauren Young!
• Students in all grade levels learned about bus safety with Dennis this week!

Students have been learning about KINDNESS in Mrs. O’Neill’s library class! They have been busy filling each other's buckets!

Remember to bring these things to school each day:

• Water bottle

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days! Students are working hard at their FITNESS tests and sneakers are a must!

Picture Day Date

... is Thursday, October 24!

Ripton Ridge Run is Oct. 13th!

Dear Parents of Ripton Elementary Students,

This year’s Ripton Ridge Run will be Sunday, October 13th starting at 12:30. It is the 37th year in a row we have hosted this event! We’re looking forward to the event being a big success once again this year.

As in past years, there will be a kids’ race, a 5K and 10.4K running race and a 5K walk. Runners and walkers begin to arrive at the school around 10:30 am, and the afternoon is capped off with a delicious chili lunch, a raffle and prizes, ending around 2:30. As a school community, we take pride in hosting this event. All RES children benefit directly from this event since proceeds go directly to FORS, Inc. which helps pay for school programs, artists in residencies, field trips, musical performances and more. We are asking ALL parents and school friends to help in some way.

We are linking a Google sheet HERE for caregivers to sign up to volunteer, make chili, or cookies. Volunteers are needed to help set up, park cars, oversee water stops, serve lunch and clean up afterwards. Please put your name on the spreadsheet or let Erin Robinson know what you would like to sign up for (riptonoffice@acsdvt.org). All families living along the race routes are asked to help pick up garbage that has been littered along the roadsides. We also ask dog owners living on the race routes to keep their dogs inside during the race.

It takes over 70 volunteers to help pull off this major fundraising event. Running or walking in the race is not volunteering (although your entry fee does help); please contact one of the race committee members to let us know how you will be helping make this year’s 37th annual Ripton Ridge Run a success.

Thank you!

The Ripton Ridge Run Committee

Barry King, Joanna Doria, Laura McIntosh, Debi Waters, Tracey Harrington, Jeannie Cash

Winter Outerwear Giveaway

Event

When: Oct 21, 2023, 10 AM to 1 PM
Where: Bristol Town Green, Bristol, VT

The 5 Town Partnership will be sponsoring Share the Warmth: A Winter Outerwear Giveaway on Saturday, October 21 from 10:00am - 1:00pm on the Bristol Town Green. Everyone is invited to come take whatever they need for the upcoming winter season. We will have winter coats, snow pants, winter boots, winter hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and socks. It is all free!

We welcome volunteers to help with the sorting of the items on Thursday 10/19 in the basement of St. Ambrose. We also welcome help on the day of the event with setting up and taking down. If you are willing to volunteer your time on one or both of those days, please sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E4BABAD22AAFB6-45175914-winter

Donations of clean, like new winter items are accepted until October 18th at the following locations: St. Ambrose Rectory Porch (11 School St. Bristol), Monkton Friends Church - left on the porch, New Haven Congregational Church - left in the tote by the front door, Robinson Elementary School - under the overhang outside the multipurpose room door. We are unable to accept donations the day of the event.

The 5 Town Partnership is a collaboration of churches, non-profits, and charitable minded people serving residents of Bristol, Lincoln, Monkton, New Haven and Starksboro. You can learn more by going to our website at http://5townpartnership.org.

School Text Messaging System

Last Friday afternoon, we tested our district text messaging system. To receive texts, you must opt-in. If you think you signed up to receive text messages but did not receive one last Friday around 4pm, please contact your school to make sure your wireless phone number is in our student database. If you want to receive text messages you can sign up by Texting “yes” to 67587. You will get a reply confirming your registration. (If you ever want to stop receiving texts, just text STOP.) The district and school will only use text messages for important, time sensitive communication.

October 7, 2024

Dear Ripton Families,

At All School Meeting this week students in all grade levels had a special visit from parent and Ridge Run Committee member, Joanna Doria, who got us all geared up for the 37th Annual Ripton Ridge Run! Here are some highlights from our week:

• Students in 2-3 had the awesome opportunity to jam out with Mr. Rodrigo during Spanish class!
• Students in K-2 have been learning how to write Personal Narratives and created their own flip books!
• The 3rd graders enjoyed their field trip to the Shelburne Museum researching topics related to their unit involving Place & Time!
• Students in 4-5 have been learning about thick vs thin questions!

Teachers will continue to share their class newsletters directly with with families.

Special Announcement:

The winner of the Ripton Ridge Run T-Shirt Contest was Chase Robinson!

Dear Parents of Ripton Elementary Students,

This year’s Ripton Ridge Run will be Sunday, October 13th starting at 12:30. It is the 37th year in a row we have hosted this event! We’re looking forward to the event being a big success once again this year.

As in past years, there will be a kids’ race, a 5K and 10.4K running race and a 5K walk. Runners and walkers begin to arrive at the school around 10:30 am, and the afternoon is capped off with a delicious chili lunch, a raffle and prizes, ending around 2:30. As a school community, we take pride in hosting this event. All RES children benefit directly from this event since proceeds go directly to FORS, Inc. which helps pay for school programs, artists in residencies, field trips, musical performances and more. We are asking ALL parents and school friends to help in some way.

We are linking a Google sheet HERE for caregivers to sign up to volunteer, make chili, or cookies. Volunteers are needed to help set up, park cars, oversee water stops, serve lunch and clean up afterwards. Please put your name on the spreadsheet or let Erin Robinson know what you would like to sign up for (riptonoffice@acsdvt.org). All families living along the race routes are asked to help pick up garbage that has been littered along the roadsides. We also ask dog owners living on the race routes to keep their dogs inside during the race.

It takes over 70 volunteers to help pull off this major fundraising event. Running or walking in the race is not volunteering (although your entry fee does help); please contact one of the race committee members to let us know how you will be helping make this year’s 37th annual Ripton Ridge Run a success.

Thank you!

The Ripton Ridge Run Committee

Barry King, Joanna Doria, Laura McIntosh, Debi Waters, Tracey Harrington, Jeannie Cash

Please join me before the Open House (5:15-5:30) for our Title 1 Annual Meeting, to be held in the RES Library.

At this meeting we will discuss the purpose of our Title 1 program, the school’s participation, Title 1 requirements, and parents’ rights. Title 1 helps to fund staffing and enrichment opportunities to students who need additional literacy support.

Your input and engagement are greatly appreciated. There will be a short survey that you are welcomed and encouraged to fill out to better understand the needs of our students and families.

Open House is October 15!

Ripton Elementary School parents and students are invited to our fall Open House on Tuesday, October 15th, from 5:30-6:30pm. This will be an opportunity for parents to visit the classrooms, learn about the daily routines and weekly schedule and meet with classroom teachers. Teachers will present academic objectives and expectations for each grade as well as answer questions parents may have. If you have a child(ren) in more than one classroom, you are welcome to move about as needed. We look forward to seeing you!

Picture Day Date

... is Thursday, October 24!

• Wednesday, October 9th is an early release day. Students will be dismissed at 1:00!

• NO school on Thursday, October 10th - Friday, October 11th!

• Water bottle

• A daily snack

• Sneakers on Tuesday & Friday PE days! Students are working hard at their FITNESS tests and sneakers are a must!

Winter Gear:

If you are looking to get winter gear for your student(s) please contact Haysal Jones hjones@acsdvt.org or Tammie Johnson tammiejohnson@acsdvt.org