‘Twas the Week Before School Starts…The Countdown Is On! 🚀

We are officially in the home stretch! With the first day of school just around the corner, excitement is building across Ridgedale as we put the finishing touches on preparations to welcome our Rockets back.

Our staff continues to work behind the scenes to make sure classrooms, buildings, programs, and learning experiences are ready for our students. Soon, our hallways will once again be filled with the energy, laughter, and learning that make Ridgedale such a special place.

As we head into the final days before school begins, our focus remains on creating a great start for every student. Whether a student is beginning their very first year as a Rocket, transitioning to a new building, entering high school, or preparing for their senior year, we want each student to feel welcomed, supported, and excited about what lies ahead.

Throughout the year, our students will have opportunities to learn, explore, and prepare for their futures through strong academics, Career Technical Education pathways, College Credit Plus, industry-recognized credentials, extracurricular activities, and meaningful real-world experiences. No matter the path a student chooses after graduation, our goal is to help every Rocket leave Ridgedale ready for what comes next

With the first day quickly approaching, here are a few final reminders for families: 

• Review bus schedules. Click HERE for routes.

• Check FinalForms to make sure all student information is current and filled out.

• Double check school supplies. Click HERE for PK-8th grade supply lists. 

• Breakfast continues to be FREE for all students! Student lunch prices have not been increased. Please take a moment to fill out the free and reduced application, which can be found HERE.

• Stay connected through our website, social media pages, and ParentSquare for important announcements and updates.

• Have a question? Please reach out to your child's school office before the first day. We are happy to help! 

• Attendance for PK-12 has been consolidated, and Ms. Outcalt will take the lead. You can call absences in at 740-382-6065, email her at attendance@ridgedaleschools.org, or use the QR Code below.

• 6th Grade Orientation is this Thursday, August 13, at 6pm.

• Pk-12 Open House is on Monday, August 17, from 4-6pm.

• The first day of school for students in grades 1-12 is on Tuesday, August 18. 

• Kindergarten will do a stagger start again this year. All kindergarten students will attend activity stations on Tuesday, August 18, from 9am-2pm. Kindergarteners will be scheduled for KRA times on August 19 or 20. On Friday, August 21, students with last name A-M will attend all day. On Monday, August 24, students with last name N-Z will attend. ALL kindergarten students will attend full time starting on Tuesday, August 25.

• Preschool students start on Monday, August 24.

Once the school year gets underway, these weekly updates will be one of the ways we celebrate our students and staff, share important district news, highlight upcoming events, and showcase the many great things happening throughout Ridgedale.

A successful school year is truly a team effort. We are grateful for the partnership of our families and community and for the dedication of our staff as we prepare to open our doors for another year. Together, we have an opportunity to make this a year filled with growth, connection, achievement, and plenty of Rocket pride.

The countdown is almost over. Enjoy these final days of summer, and get ready, Rockets—we'll see you soon!

We can't wait to welcome our students back and launch another incredible year at Ridgedale! Have a great week, and, as always, Go Rockets!

Erika Bower

Superintendent

Ridgedale Local Schools 

Attendance QR Code