On February 11, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the February 2025 Employees and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors meeting. Congratulations to all of this month’s honorees!
Justen Olsen, Pre-K at the Early Learning Center
Justin is an absolute joy to have in the Pre-K program! He is the sweetest friend to all of his peers, always offering a kind word or gesture to make everyone feel included. Justin is a wonderful helper and a fantastic peer model, demonstrating excellent listening skills and following directions with ease. His positive attitude and infectious character make him a role model in our classroom. His humor has everyone excited to hear what he has to say, and his laughter brightens up our entire day.
Jayleen Alvarado, 1st grade at Union Ridge Elementary School
JJ is an honest friend who is kind to everyone. Her positive attitude and willingness to help others make her an excellent role model to look up to. She always has a smile on her face and greets everyone with a wave or a friendly "hello!" JJ is a hardworking student who always gives it her all. She stays resilient even when faced with challenging tasks and isn't afraid to take risks. She listens attentively, follows directions, and encourages her classmates to do their best. Her enthusiasm for learning and bright personality make our classroom a better place. Our Tater Tot family is so lucky to have JJ!
Elle Christensen, 3rd grade at South Ridge Elementary School
Elle consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and pays great attention to detail in all her assignments. Her kindness towards classmates and ability to include others in activities create a welcoming environment for everyone. With her positive attitude and ever-present smile, she brightens our classroom and school and inspires her peers to do their best. Congratulations Elle on this well-deserved achievement!
Eliza Mansfield, 6th grade at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School
Eliza is a joy to work with every single day. She is kind, respectful, hardworking, and is always willing to help a classmate or two should they need a little extra teaching. She comes to school with a smile on her face, is a friend to everyone, and maintains a positive attitude, even when the work is challenging. She never gives up! Many students benefit from Eliza as well during group work and projects. She has that gift of teaching, not just giving answers. She tries her hardest, which inspires her peers to work their hardest as well. She is such a positive influence and role model for her behavior, work ethic, and joyous nature. Eliza is a true leader. Her teachers appreciate her. Her friends appreciate her. Her classmates appreciate her. Eliza Mansfield is the epitome of our 3 Rs and we are proud to announce her as our Student of the Month. Go, Eliza!
Ocoee Fey, 7th grade at View Ridge Middle School
Ocoee inspires students and teachers alike. Here’s what some of her teachers have to say: Mrs. Hodges shares, “Ocoee exemplifies the curiosity and love of learning we hope to instill in all our students. She actively seeks new challenges, embraces diverse ideas and perspectives, and consistently leads by example. Her dedication to her studies and her kind, supportive nature toward her peers make her a standout student and a deserving recipient of this recognition.”
Mrs. Ueleman Johnston says, “Ocoee is always on task in class and is a model for others. She makes complex connections by digging deeper and asking questions. She’s always a welcome member of the classroom!”
Mrs. Zora adds, “Ocoee is the one student who goes beyond what is expected in class. She is constantly challenging herself to improve her Spanish and to take the AVANT exam when she is in 8th grade. I appreciate her steadfastness, her patience with her partners, and her mature attitude in class. She is an absolute joy to teach, and I’m thrilled she is receiving this well-deserved recognition!”
Mrs. Carson shares, “Ocoee is a thoughtful and bright student of mathematics. Her contributions to class are meaningful, and her work shows a clear, elevated understanding of the subject. I have no doubt that Ocoee will find success along every path she chooses to take.”
Finally, Mr. Jacobson says, “Everything Ocoee does in class—every project, every assignment, every discussion—is excellent. She is an energetic and creative thinker who matches her considerable abilities with diligence and hard work.”
Ocoee, thank you for your dedication and for inspiring those around you. We are so proud of your achievements. Keep up the amazing work!
Jackie Bernard, 12th grade at Wisdom Ridge Academy
Jackie enrolled at Wisdom Ridge at the beginning of this school year and has been doing exceptional work from day one. Jackie chose Wisdom Ridge as their school because they enjoy the flexibility of the school and the opportunity to explore courses not offered in a traditional school. The flexibility of WRA allows Jackie to work during the school day when needed, and also allows the flexibility to volunteer at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center. Jackie enjoys singing and is involved in the RHS choral program, even earning an auditioned spot in the All-State Honor Choir. After high school, Jackie plans on taking a gap year and continuing to work for Stagecraft then attend Clark College and then the University of Washington. Jackie’s English teacher at WRA, Stephanie Colantino, says “Jackie combines strong intellectual capabilities with genuine kindness and a remarkable work ethic. What particularly stands out is Jackie’s desire for feedback, thoughtfully incorporating suggestions, and continuously challenging themselves to reach new heights. Their ability to self-advocate effectively while maintaining a positive attitude will lend itself well to Jackie's adult life.” There are many outstanding students at Wisdom Ridge Academy and we are proud that Jackie Bernard represents WRA as our February Student of the Month.
Elijah Regino, 12th grade at Ridgefield High School
Elijah is a truly remarkable individual who exemplifies growth, creativity, and a positive attitude in everything he does. And that is echoed in what his teachers share about him. From Ms. Shipp, Elijah’s baking and pastry teacher: “Eli embodies respect, responsibility, and resilience through his positive and considerate attitude toward everyone around him. He treats others with kindness, bringing laughter and excitement to the classroom—especially mine, where his dancing and uplifting energy brighten everyone's day.”
From Ms. Peery, Elijah’s creative writing teacher: “Elijah came into creative writing with a willingness to learn, but feeling unsure of his ability. Over the semester, his confidence, and creativity have grown leaps and bounds! Elijah is also a kind, and humble human, who shares his true self through his writing, while also encouraging his classmates in their creativity.”
And from Ms. House, Elijah’s fine arts teacher: “I love Elija’s willingness to experiment with new approaches, try new things, and explore the most bizarre ideas. What most folks don't necessarily know about Elijah is that he is one of the most kindhearted young men out there. He hopes to be a dad one day, telling me that he thinks being a good father is perhaps the most satisfying job a man could hope for. He loves his siblings and his parents, he loves his friends and his teachers. And this year, Elijah has done a better job of extending that love to himself as well. I am so proud of him now, him in the past, and him in the future.”
From poetry to his kitchen creations to Friday nights on the football field, it’s evident that Elijah has made a lasting impact on Ridgefield High School. We are proud to have him as part of the Spudder family!
Nick Maudlin, School Counselor at Union Ridge Elementary School
Since joining our staff mid-year in the 2023-2024 school year, Nick has seamlessly stepped into his role as a school counselor and quickly become an invaluable part of the Union Ridge team and Tater Tot family. Though he’s been here less than a year, it already feels like he’s been part of our community forever! Nick is a natural leader and a true "go-getter," always going above and beyond for students, staff, and families. His kindness, compassion, and dedication do not go unnoticed. Whether leading SEL groups, checking in with students, or supporting parents and teachers, he makes himself available in every way possible. His strong communication skills and caring approach make a lasting impact. Students adore him, lighting up whenever he walks by or visits their classrooms—he’s even become a bit of a celebrity in the Ridgefield community! We are so grateful for all that Nick brings to our school, and we are lucky to have him as part of our team. Thank you, Nick, for your dedication and heart—you make a difference every day!
Kendra Martin, Secretary of Facilities and Administrative Services
Kendra greets parents, students, staff, and community members with a warm smile and a genuine eagerness to help every single day. She has an incredible ability to balance her responsibilities while handling a constant stream of interruptions, yet she always remains patient, kind, and attentive to everyone who walks through our doors. I truly don’t know how she manages to get any work done with how often she is pulled in different directions, but no matter what, she is always willing to assist with any questions. Her dedication and positive attitude make such a difference in our district. Kendra is not just an essential part of our RSD team—she is the welcoming face and heart of our district, and we are so fortunate that she is often the first person people meet when they visit. We appreciate her hard work, her kindness, and the many ways she contributes to making RSD a wonderful place for everyone!