Friday Letter

9/16/2022

 Dear RCS Families,

 One of my goals going into this school year is to improve our attendance rate. Last year we had a chronic absentee rate of 46%. This means that 46% of our students missed more than 10% of the instruction provided last year. I understand that there were a number of factors that contributed to the elevated number of absences, but also understand that there is a learning cost associated with not being at school. Please keep your child home if they are sick or have a fever but please also make sure that they are here if they are healthy. Our school nurse, Mrs. Knight, sent home a guidance document for parents that may answer questions on when it is appropriate to keep kids home. Please contact her with any student health questions (716-736-7227).

 On a similar note, it is also important for students to be at school and ready to learn. Breakfast is served daily from 7:35-8:00am. All Ripley students qualify for a free breakfast and lunch. Parents are still able to send money in for additional items (snacks, ice cream…). Students will not be able to charge ice cream or snacks without having money on their account. The school day begins at 8:00am and all student begin the day with a social/emotional learning block (Crew). If your child is late, they are missing an important part of their day. If your child needs to eat breakfast at school, please make sure that they are here with enough time to eat to begin their day on time (family style breakfast is a part of the PK curriculum and takes place after 8am).

 Students did an excellent job exiting the building quickly and quietly during our first fire drill of the school year today. We will be completing five more of these drills prior to December! Fire drills take around fifteen minutes from start to finish. Our first lock-down drill will be held during our Emergency Drill Day on October 7.

 RCS is once again partnering with the YWCA to provide child care before and after school. Scholarships are available for families that need additional financial support. The program focuses on goal setting, homework support (reading), team-building opportunities, and physical activity. Please contact Tayler Lunn if interested (716-326-4012).

 The PTO will be meeting Tuesday, September 20 at 6:00pm in the cafeteria. RCS has a great group that promotes monthly events for families. This is the first meeting of the school year and would be a great one to attend if you are interested in getting involved at RCS. All parents are encouraged and invited to attend.

 Yours in education,

Mr. Micah Oldham
RCS Principal
716-736-2631

moldham@ripleycsd.org  

“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” ~ Maya Angelou