🚀 Week 3: Rockets Are Ready to Launch!

We are officially heading into Week 3, and our Rockets are off to a great start! It has been exciting to see students settling into routines, building relationships, learning, and getting involved in all that Ridgedale has to offer.

As we continue into the school year, we remain focused on our mission to Empower Students to Reach Their Full Potential and on our four cornerstones: Learning, Safety, Community Partnerships, and Fiscal Responsibility.

📚NWEA Diagnostic Assessments

Students in grades 1–3 will complete their NWEA Diagnostic Assessments throughout the week.

These assessments provide teachers with important information about what students know and are ready to learn next. Teachers will use this information, along with classroom work and other data, to provide targeted instruction and support student growth.

We appreciate your help in making sure students get a good night's sleep, arrive at school on time, and are ready to do their best!

🍎 Safety City

Our kindergarten Rockets are learning important safety lessons this week! Mrs. Thrush and Mrs. Kasler’s kindergarten classes will attend Safety City each morning throughout the week. We are excited for our students to have this hands-on opportunity to learn about making safe choices and navigating their community.

🚀 POWER Hours Are Back!

POWER Hours begins Tuesday, September 8! POWER Hours is a free program open to ALL Ridgedale students in grades K-12 and provides additional opportunities for academic support, enrichment, and student success.

Morning POWER Hours:
Monday–Friday | 6:45–8:00 a.m.

Afternoon POWER Hours:
Monday–Thursday | 3:00–5:15 p.m.

We strongly recommend POWER Hours for students who may benefit from additional support in:

• 📚 Math or Reading based on assessment scores and/or grades

• 💙 Social-emotional or behavioral support

• 📅 Attendance and school engagement

The program is completely free, but parents/guardians are responsible for providing on-time transportation. Students are expected to attend daily unless they have another previously scheduled activity. The more often students participate, the greater the opportunity for success! If you have not yet signed your child up for POWER Hours, now is a great time to enroll!

🚀 Activities for the Week of 8/31/26

Monday:

• Mrs. Thrush and Mrs. Kasler’s classes at Safety City

• High school girls’ golf vs. Hardin Northern

• Jr. high volleyball at North Baltimore

Tuesday:

• Mrs. Thrush and Mrs. Kasler’s classes at Safety City

• High school boys’ golf vs. Elgin

Wednesday:

• Mrs. Thrush and Mrs. Kasler’s classes at Safety City

• Washington, D.C. Trip Meeting for students and families attending the trip

Thursday:

• Mrs. Thrush and Mrs. Kasler’s classes at Safety City

• High school boys’ and girls’ golf at the Ridgedale Golf Invite

• High school volleyball at Perry

• Jr. high football at North Baltimore

Friday:

• Mrs. Thrush and Mrs. Kasler’s classes at Safety City

• High school football at North Baltimore

Saturday:

• High school volleyball at the Crestline Tournament

• Jr. high and high school boys and girls cross country at the Bucyrus Elks Invite

Labor Day Reminder

There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. We hope our students, staff, and families enjoy the long weekend. School will resume on Tuesday, September 8.

We’re hiring!

Looking for a fun, part-time job where you can make a BIG impact on students? Join our Ridgedale Power Hours team! We’re looking for caring, energetic individuals to help make our before- and after-school programs a great experience for students. Tutor pay is $25/hour, and Assistant pay is $20/hour.

We are also hiring substitutes in all areas, including teachers, bus drivers, custodians, aides, and food services. Apply on our website.

🚀 A Great Week to Be a Rocket!

Thank you to our students, staff, families, and community for helping us make the beginning of this school year so successful. Whether students are learning in the classroom, developing important safety skills, participating in POWER Hours, competing on the field, or preparing for new experiences, there are always great things happening at Ridgedale!

Let’s make it another great week, Rockets!

Erika Bower
Superintendent
Ridgedale Local Schools