FYI 98642

Teachers at Union Ridge Elementary School missed seeing their students, so they held a car parade through their students’ neighborhoods.  On Thursday, dozens of teachers’ cars lined up in the elementary school parking lot, overflowing all the way out to Pioneer Street.  The colorful cars were decorated with signs, balloons, and streamers.  Songs blasted through car speakers as the teachers waited for the signal to go; they were looking forward to greeting their students for the first time in weeks.

With a Ridgefield motorcycle officer leading the way, the car parade made its way slowly through the city.  Students and families stood along driveways and sidewalks clapping and waving handmade signs: “We love our teachers!” “We miss you!” “Thank you!”  The kids pointed and cheered extra hard when they saw their own teachers.  Teachers honked and waved at everyone as they drove past.  They were all excited to see each other again, even if it had to be from a safe distance.

Washington state schools will be closed through the end of the school year, so it was meaningful for Union Ridge teachers and staff to make a gesture of support for their students as they prepared to start distance learning.  Principal Angie Gaub sent a message to her students, “All of us miss you guys so much!  We’re excited for this opportunity to wave at you and show you how much we care about you.”

Many parents admitted to being emotional, seeing kids back with their teachers after so long apart.  And it was a welcome change for the students to feel like part of their school again.  Melissa Hoskinson said on Nextdoor, “What a wonderful experience.  We didn’t even realize how much we needed that until afterward.  This is such a beautiful community we are grateful to be a part of.”

Many thanks to Union Ridge Elementary School teachers and staff for this special event. And thank you to all the students and families that came out to participate and be part of #RidgefieldResilient.

Watch the video of teachers in their cars as they begin the parade:  https://youtu.be/PVsQdvSROBk

This week, Governor Jay Inslee ordered all public and private schools to remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.  Ridgefield School District aspires to be the state’s Premier District, ensuring Unlimited Possibilities for each student despite the obstacles and challenges we face through this new “at home” instructional environment.

With this in mind, we will be hosting a series of weekly “Thoughts” during the COVID-19 school closure. Our goal is to engage our community and elicit feedback on how we can support you, your learner, and the community in general.

This week, we want to start with a more uplifting #RidgefieldResilient “Thought”.  Please share an inspiring example of something you’re doing or have seen or experienced during this challenging time.  To participate, follow this link .

Your participation will remind all of us of why Ridgefield is such a special community.  Stay safe!

Full link address: https://my.thoughtexchange.com/243324212

April 7, 2020

Dear Ridgefield Families,

Yesterday afternoon Governor Jay Inslee ordered all public and private schools in the state of Washington to remain closed through the end of the school year.  As painful as this may be, this is the right call.  While our schools will remain closed, learning will continue!  As you know, our “Continuity of Learning” Plan is already in place and we shared the plan with you last week.  This week, students are engaging in SEL (social-emotional learning) review lessons to prepare for core academic learning starting next week.  To facilitate online learning, the District has distributed nearly 600 Chromebooks to families and an additional 150 Chromebooks are ready for disbursement this Friday.

Many defining moments occur during our lives.  One of the most monumental is high school graduation. Please know that the Ridgefield School District is committed to a live, in-person graduation ceremony. Ultimately, when and where it takes place, and what the event explicitly looks like, remain to be determined.  Our goal is to hold a ceremony that prioritizes health and safety and maximizes connectedness to the fullest extent possible.

Other defining moments occur through academic and athletic competitions.  In keeping with the Governor’s directive, the WIAA has canceled the spring sports season.  This means many of our students will not have an opportunity to showcase their talents and create lasting memories.  Gone too are our spring musical and theatrical performances.  Please know our hearts go out to all students and families.

Since the onset of the pandemic, the District has remained resolute in its commitment to continue meal service to students.  Last week alone, we served 3412 meals to children.  Meal service through the end of the year will continue as scheduled Mondays – Fridays.  Please click on the link for pick up locations and times.

We are relaunching student meal service on the weekends, beginning this Saturday, April 11.  All children 0-18 may pick up breakfast and lunch from 11:00 am – noon at Union Ridge Elementary School on Saturdays and Sundays.

While I am sure you have questions, know we will do our best to keep you informed as we move forward. The Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order is in place until May 4. Our goal is that once the order is lifted, we will slowly open the buildings to allow students to gather their personal belongings.

As always, thank you for your continued support. Stay well and remain #RidgefieldResilient.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nathan McCann, Superintendent