Ridgefield School District

VanderMaas went on to say that Rinard also chaperones student events, helps students before and after school, and willingly uses his lunch time to work with students.

“While it is difficult to pare down the exceptional staff we have at to nominate just one, Steve is certainly worthy of this honor and is representative of the many outstanding employees we have at Ridgefield High School,” said VandeMaas. “He is a conscientious employee and is well respected by staff, students, and the community.”

Students of the Month

Ruben Esquibel, a fifth grader, was chosen at South Ridge Elementary School. Although he is new to South Ridge, Ruben has quickly made friends. The teachers and staff have high praise for Ruben, stating “He always conducts himself in a mature and polite manner. He is a great listener, and he adds to discussions and asks thoughtful questions on a daily basis. He is always engaged in the lesson that is going on and has a wonderful attitude and contagious smile that never goes away.“

Joseph Gallant, a second grader, was selected at Union Ridge Elementary. Teachers and staff nominated Joseph for his kind, considerate and helpful nature. They commented, “He opens doors, ties shoes for fellow classmates that don’t know how, washes tables in the lunch room, and the list goes on. He can be found sitting with other students when no one else is sitting with them and just generally goes out of his way to help others. He always has a smile on his face and brightens the day for everyone who is around him.”

Kira Newman, an eighth grader, was selected from View Ridge Middle School. View Ridge teachers and staff are proud of Kira. They write, “Kira is always willing to help our Algebra class raise the level of discussion from good to great. She thinks holistically about math, and she focuses on why the math works and not just the how.”

Tamarick Mendoza, a senior, was chosen from Ridgefield High School. Mendoza was nominated by five different staff members (a record and testament to his leadership) for Student of the Month.

RHS faculty and staff describe Mendoza as always supportive of other students’ opinions and ideas. “Tamarick has stepped up as the leader within student government leadership class. He is mature, composed, humble, and an awesome representative of RHS,” commented one staff member. “Tamarick has done an excellent job helping with ASB/Leadership and the new teacher transition,” said another. “I can’t think of a more deserving person or a better student to represent RHS for our first Student of the Month.”

Ridgefield School District thanks its sponsor, the Historic Sportsman’s Restaurant and Lounge, a local Ridgefield business owned and operated by Terry Hurd. This is the second year that Hurd has provided funding to support the district’s recognition program.