Ridgefield School District honors April Employee and Students of the Month\r\nOn April 11, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the April 2023 Employee and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors meeting. Congratulations to all of this month’s honorees!
\r\nEmployee of the Month
\r\nValerie Bennett, Ridgefield High School
If you know Valerie Bennett, then you know she is all heart and kindness with a calm and steady demeanor. After raising ten kids of her own, she not only has an incredible skill set for helping students with their learning and daily needs, but there isn’t much (if anything) that can rattle her. Valerie’s skills and loving traits have provided stability for both students and staff in our Life Skills classroom for years and she has been a constant throughout the changes over time. Valerie is a true team player and an advocate for all of our students in the Life Skills program. When we asked her colleagues in the Life Skills classroom about Valerie, they wrote “Valerie is the ‘team mom’ of the paraprofessional team as she doesn’t hesitate to take in new staff and support them as they transition into our classroom. When Mr. Schewenneker has a sudden student need that takes his attention, Valerie takes the initiative and steps in so that the teaching and learning for all the students continues seamlessly. There is no task too big or too small for Valerie because she is flexible and when she sees a need, she fills a need. She is willing to do everything from changing and toileting students to leading cooking demos and assisting students with their social studies projects." Her colleagues also note that she plays a mean game of ping-pong and was a competitor for our staff ping-pong tournament. We thank Valerie for her years of dedication to our students at RHS and believe she is so deserving of this honor and award. Your Spudder family is proud of you!
\r\nStudents of the Month
\r\nAustin Glenn, Pre-K at the Early Learning Center
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Austin is a wonderful and bright young man. In the classroom, he is a leader among his peers. He has such a kind heart and works to help his friends and his teachers throughout the day. Whether it is having an assigned job in the classroom or simply seeing a friend in need, Austin is willing to help anyone with anything. His smile and laughter brighten the room and make everyone feel welcome. We are so thrilled to have Austin in the ELC!
Olli Schmitz, 2ND Grade at South Ridge Elementary School
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Ollie Schmitz is a kind student who demonstrates empathy for others. He is quick to recognize when a classmate needs a hand. Ollie shows an eagerness for learning that adds a spark to any learning environment he is a part of. He meets everyone with his vibrant smile and a cheerful "hello!" His teacher said "Ollie has a way of making everyone feel welcome and valued. He makes sure to find the good in everyone—even on our worst days. Ollie is a genuinely supportive friend with the ability to understand when to give and when to take in friendships. Ollie can make a connection with anyone, and we love having him in our classroom family!" Ollie is a joy to have at South Ridge, and we are thrilled to honor him as our Student of the Month.
Talbot Childs, 2nd Grade at Union Ridge Elementary School
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Talbot Childs is a very kind and responsible student and demonstrates the school’s three Rs. In P.E., Talbot goes above and beyond by encouraging and giving tips on how to be successful when he and his peers are learning new skills. In music, Talbot shows resilience when tasks are difficult and learning is sometimes not so easy. He speaks respectfully to students and staff, often with a tone of politeness that sets him apart. He is very responsible—he consistently turns his library books and classroom assignments in on time. In art, Talbot always uses what he is learning in his art-making and does his best work! Most of all, Talbot cares about others and wants to be helpful whenever he can. Talbot is an all-around amazing kid who is more than deserving of being Union Ridge’s Student of the Month!
Else Urias, 6th Grade at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School
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It is truly delightful to have Else Urias at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School! No matter what she is doing, she always tries her best and is respectful of others around her. Else never complains or gets discouraged when doing a hard task—a perfect example of being resilient. Else is reflective in her work both in and out of class. She asks herself questions when she finishes projects to better understand how to improve. Recently, she was proudly sharing her rationale for why she thinks she did so well on an ELA project. She shared, "I remembered that last time I left out part of the description. This time I was more careful and checked my work and that's why I improved." She is the type of person who sees the best in others and what she is doing. Each morning she walks into the classroom with a smile on her face, greeting and complimenting her peers. One of the sweetest things about Else is her compassion for helping others. For example, Else has jumped to assist a new Spanish-speaking student feel more comfortable at our school. Else wants others to succeed just as much as she strives to be successful. Her kind and gentle nature makes Else a wonderful and deserving Student of the Month!
\r\nNaomy Martinez, 8th Grade at View Ridge Middle School
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Naomy’s teachers say that she is a joy to have in class because of her positivity, her smile, and the way she strives to do her best. She has also found her voice this year. Naomy advocates for herself and her peers and is the best cheerleader for her classmates. In Choir, Ms. Whetsell notes that Naomy has “blossomed” this year. She always gives her best effort, but is now singing out, learning the words, and is confident in her performances. Naomy’s smile spreads joy to everyone she meets. Mrs. Brown, another one of her teachers, says that she is the best cheerleader for her peers in class, she celebrates everyone’s success by giving a gentle smile and telling them when they’ve done a good job. Naomy truly embodies the Heron qualities of respect, responsibility and resilience. We are proud to have Naomy as our View Ridge Middle School April Student of the Month!
Tobias Nelson, 9th Grade at Wisdom Ridge Academy
Freshman Tobias Nelson is Wisdom Ridge Academy’s April Student of the Month. Mrs. Colantino, his nominating English teacher, says of him, “Tobias Nelson is a superstar student at Wisdom Ridge and all-around great person! Tobias is intelligent, kind, resourceful, and dedicated to his schooling. His kindness and willingness to work hard are evident every time he connects with his teachers. We can't wait to see what great things the future holds for Tobias.” Tobias enjoys the flexible learning that WRA provides, including working at his pace on whichever classes he chooses in whichever order. Because he has family members who are immunocompromised, going to school in-person could put those family members at risk. Going to WRA allows him to continue with his schooling while minimizing risk. In his spare time, he loves to read, play chess, and spend time outdoors. Wisdom Ridge Academy is proud of our many students like Tobias who navigate the world of online learning in exemplary fashion.
Payton Grimm, 11th Grader at Ridgefield High School
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Ridgefield High School is honored to recognize junior Payton Grimm as our April Student of the Month. Not only does Payton epitomize respect, resilience and responsibility, but she also exudes passion in everything she does. If ever you come early to the RHS campus, or stay late into the night, chances are you will see Payton around. Whether that be for a play or musical (where she’s actually behind the scenes as the stage manager), for an early morning SPUD club workout, or planning the next NHS service project, Payton is never not here. When Payton puts her mind to something, it’s bound to happen. As one staff member wrote, “when Payton recently learned about the lack of hygiene items at the Family Resource Center, she single-handedly organized a hygiene drive and collected over a thousand items.” Payton loves RHS because the staff are inclusive, caring, and push their students to be their best. When asked what advice she would give a younger student, Payton didn’t hesitate: “Be open to meeting new people. We all make a different impact in the world and gaining a new perspective is eye-opening.” You are a bright light, Payton. Your dedication to the high school and your compassion for the students and staff are evident every day. We are lucky to call you a Spudder!