March 3, 2021
Dear Ridgefield Families,
\r\nI am so excited to be writing to you today. This week has been monumental, as we now have the option for all students Pre-K - 12 to return to in-person instruction should they wish. It has been nearly one year since Governor Inslee closed schools for COVID-19. Your grace, patience, and resilience helped carry us through uncharted territory this past year. Thank you!
\r\nOver the last couple of months, I have heard from many families expressing just how much the choice of learning modes has meant to their families. While I have enjoyed hearing your personal stories, I think we could benefit from the uplifting testimonials. This week I want to invite you to interact with one of the two ThoughtExchange questions below, depending on the learning mode your family is engaged in, as a way to help lift each other’s spirits.
\r\n- What is the best part of returning to in-person learning? (click here)\r\n
- What is the best part of Ridgefield Remote? (click here)\r\n
Quick reminder, tomorrow is an Early Release day for Union Ridge, South Ridge, and Sunset Ridge as it marks the end of the second trimester. Friday, March 5, all Ridgefield School District schools will be closed to provide our teachers’ professional development. Please mark your calendars: Friday, March 19, which was initially a non-school snow day, will now be a regular school day.\r\n
\r\nMarch 1st kicked off our 5th annual Ridgefield Youth Arts Month (RYAM). For those new to Ridgefield, RYAM represents a partnership between Ridgefield School District and the Ridgefield community. The goal of RYAM is to encourage and grow our artistic side through classes in a wide range of art mediums, including: literary, visual, musical, and performing arts. So far, we have 278 participants signed up this year for a variety of activities. If you have not already explored the various offerings, use this link (click here) to learn more. As the name suggests, RYAM is a month-long celebration, so it is not too late to register.\r\n
\r\nOur annual Report to the Community will arrive in your mailboxes shortly. This year I have been reminded just how important social, emotional learning is to our students. You can learn more about the District’s efforts in this year’s issue. Also, be sure to check out the “Where Are They Now?” features on two outstanding Ridgefield graduates. If you simply can’t wait for the print version, you may access the document online with this link (click here).
Our strength as a community continues to impress me. I love that we didn’t let COVID take away from the time-honored tradition of first-day photos. Remember, you can always share photos of your students via the email address: student.photos@ridgefieldsd.org. In recognition of Ridgefield Youth Arts Month, I encourage you to share pictures of your children expressing their artistic talents for this week’s photo challenge.
Stay well and remain #RidgefieldResilient.
\r\nSincerely,
\r\n 
\r\n
\r\nDr. Nathan McCann\r\n
\r\nSuperintendent\r\n