Rocket Radar 9-13-26: Look for the Helpers

🚀 Week 5: Look for the Helpers

As we enter Week 5, we are seeing our mission, Empower Students to Reach Their Full Potential, come to life in so many ways. And one of the biggest reasons that happens is because of the incredible helpers who surround our students and our schools.

The late Mr. Fred Rogers famously said that when times are difficult, his mother would tell him to “look for the helpers.” In Rocket Country, we are fortunate to have helpers everywhere. They are people who see a need, recognize an opportunity, or have a vision for something better and then ask, “How can I help?”

That spirit was especially evident at our first home football game on Friday, September 11. We had the privilege of recognizing the military members and first responders who serve as helpers in our communities. It was particularly meaningful to do so on September 11 as we remembered the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, and reflected on the many people who stepped forward to help others during one of our nation's most difficult moments.

We also took time to recognize another group of Rocket Country helpers: the individuals who donated their time, energy, talents, resources, and hard work to make the renovation of our football field possible.

Although none of these individuals helped because they wanted recognition, they absolutely deserve our gratitude. Without each and every one of them, the dream of a renovated football field would not have become a reality. We continue to hear the names of additional people who helped along the way, and we are so grateful for every contribution.

Our football field helpers include:

Wes and Mandy Roberts, Kyle and Tiffany Rose, Asch Tilley, Kevin Tilley, Cathy Hamilton, Preston Roberts, Jordan Blankenship, Brad Pottkotter, Mike Richmond, Mike Ralph, Aaron Kramer, Brock Weston, Matt Strine, Sean Starner, Tim Swisher, Caleb Swisher, Phil Lee, Dennis Eisele, Erika Bower, John Johnson, Chris Dingus, Tacy Courtright, Cherie Leach, and the Ridgedale Board of Education.

Thank you for being a helper and for showing our students what it means to see a need, step up, and make a difference. That is the Rocket way.

📚 Quarter 1 Mid-Terms

It’s hard to believe we are already approaching the midpoint of the first quarter! Quarter 1 mid-term grades will be available Thursday, September 17.

Families, please take a few minutes to check your child’s grades in PowerSchool. You do not need to wait until mid-term to monitor progress. Checking grades regularly is a great way to celebrate successes, identify areas where additional support may be needed, and stay connected to your child’s learning.

If you need assistance accessing PowerSchool, please contact your child’s building office.

📅 Reminder: No School Friday, September 18

There will be NO SCHOOL on Friday, September 18, as our staff will be participating in a professional development day focused on continued learning and growth for our educators.

🚀 Activities for the Week of 9/14/26

Monday:

• High school boys’ golf at Hardin Northern for 3rd NWCC Tournament

• High school volleyball at home against Cardington

• Jr. high volleyball at USV

Tuesday:

• Jr. high and high school boys’ and girls’ cross country at home for the Ridgedale Invite

• High school volleyball at Ridgemont

Wednesday:

• 2nd grade field trip to Eco Center

• High school boys’ and girls’ golf sectional tournament

• Jr. high volleyball at Grandview Heights

Thursday:

• Quarter 1 Mid-Term grades available

• Elementary picture day

• High school boys’ and girls’ golf sectional tournament

• High school volleyball at Temple

• Jr. high football at Ridgemont

Friday:

• NO School: Staff Professional Development Day

• High school boys’ and girls’ golf sectional tournament

• High school football at home against Ridgemont

Saturday:

• High school boys’ and girls’ golf sectional tournament

• Jr. high volleyball at home against Ridgemont

🚀 Small School. Big Helpers. Big Things.

As we move through another busy week at Ridgedale, let’s continue to look for the helpers, and, even more importantly, let’s continue to be the helpers.

Our students are surrounded by people who believe in them, invest in them, and are willing to roll up their sleeves to help make their opportunities better. That is what makes Rocket Country such a special place.

Thank you to our students, staff, families, and community members for everything you do to help our Rockets learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Whether you are volunteering your time, supporting a student, cheering from the stands, helping in a classroom, partnering with our schools, or simply showing up when you are needed, you are part of what makes Ridgedale great.

Keep looking for the helpers.
Keep being the helpers.
And keep showing the world what it means to be a Rocket. 🚀

Erika Bower
Superintendent
Ridgedale Local Schools