On November 12, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the November 2024 Employee and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors meeting. Congratulations to all of this month’s honorees!
Bo Bucklin, Pre-K at the Early Learning Center
One staff member from the ELC said Bo is “such a great friend and participant in class! He is so respectful and kind!” Another team member shared that Bo “consistently demonstrates empathy towards his peers and always goes above and beyond to lend a helping hand to staff and students. Bo goes out of his way to include everyone in activities, and his smile truly lights up our classroom.” Finally, another staff member stated, “Bo has been a great role model when it comes to being kind, respectful and caring. He joins in with all kids in class and always follows classroom expectations. He helps out his friends with putting backpacks on, lining up and doing table activities. He brings a positive and fun attitude to school each and every day. It has been a pleasure getting to know Bo and watching him grow in preschool.” It is for these reasons that we congratulate Bo on being the Early Learning Center November Student of the Month.
Mikey Wheelon, 2nd Grade at Union Ridge Elementary School 
Mikey’s great attitude and contagious smile brighten each day. He is thoughtful and diligent about his schoolwork and always gives his best effort, inspiring his classmates to do the same. As a natural leader, Mikey encourages others to participate and creates a positive environment where everyone feels included. He is a true bucket filler, going out of his way to include and celebrate his classmates. He is always one of the first students to volunteer when a classmate needs help. He helps his classmates if they get stuck on something that they don't know yet or if they just need help cleaning up. Mikey's friends and classmates are quick to go to him when they need help or encouragement, as his kindness and enthusiasm make learning fun.
Sebas Pena Meza, 3rd Grade at South Ridge Elementary School 
Sebastian exemplifies resilience. He comes to school every day prepared to do his best and consistently works hard at doing so even when the task is difficult. His dedication is contagious. He enjoys learning, and it shows in his great attitude and in what he shares with the class including during Socratic Seminars in ELA block. Sebas is a wonderful example of a student who really cares about his growth, knows how to learn from mistakes, and doesn't give up.
Olivia Henderson, 5th Grade at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School 
Olivia exemplifies our PBIS expectations of being respectful, responsible, and resilient. She consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to her learning, always taking responsibility for her work and showing persistence in the face of challenges. Her positive attitude and patience, even when things get tough, reflect her resilient character. Olivia's ambition to improve and grow each day is truly admirable. Beyond her academic dedication, Olivia’s kindness and respect toward others make her a positive force in our classroom community. She is thoughtful, inclusive, and always willing to help others, which fosters an environment of respect and support. Her maturity and balanced approach to both schoolwork and life set a wonderful example for her peers. Olivia is not just an exceptional student; she is a role model for what it means to embody our core values.
Anna Chapin, 8th Grade at View Ridge Middle School 
Anna has garnered praise from her teachers for her exceptional qualities and commitment to her education. Mr. Amble highlights Anna's fun-loving spirit and her focus on mastery over mere completion. He notes, “Her pursuit of learning sets a wonderful example, and she always contributes thoughtfully with her insights as well as her questions.” Mr. Broekel echoes this sentiment, stating, “Anna is a wonderful student and person. She is organized, focused, and driven to do her best in everything she does. Her insightful participation in discussions inspires her classmates to engage with the topic at hand. She leads and guides discussions with confidence and challenges herself to excel.” In her Algebra class, Mr. Kostovos commends Anna for her hard work and collaborative spirit. “She is off to a great start in 8th grade,” he says. “Anna asks questions to deepen her understanding and is a pleasure to have in class as she prepares diligently for high school.” Additionally, Mrs. Whetsell recognizes Anna's leadership in the choir, stating, “She always strives to learn and understand what we are doing in class. Anna leads by example, and her peers look up to her. She is truly an asset to the choir and a joy to work with.” Congratulations, Anna! Your dedication and leadership make you a deserving recipient of this recognition, and we look forward to seeing how you will continue to inspire others in our school community!
Jade Gonzalez, 11th Grade at Ridgefield High School 
Jade was RHS’ October student of the month, but was unable to attend the October board meeting, so we’re recognizing two students of the month in November. Chosen for the month where our school is focusing on attitude, Jade embodies optimism. She strives to be a source of positivity for others, which is shown through her compassion and zest for life! Respect is at the core of Jade’s interactions. She believes it doesn’t take much effort to strike up a conversation, which could significantly impact someone’s day. This perspective not only fosters a welcoming environment but also promotes kindness among peers and staff alike. As a leader, Jade understands responsibility deeply. Serving as the captain of the Speech and Debate team and participating in various activities—such as track, ASB, and Knowledge Bowl—Jade sets ambitious goals and inspires others to do the same. Her commitment to these roles showcases her dedication to our school community. In addition to her leadership and supportive nature, Jade is passionate about pole vaulting and painting. These hobbies not only provide joy and fulfillment but also serve as outlets for self-expression. At Ridgefield High School, Jade appreciates the daily opportunities for collaboration and new experiences with her classmates. As one current teacher stated, “Jade's gracious personality is infectious and can change the tone of a classroom in a really great way. She brings a calm atmosphere to the room and yet still encourages peers to be their authentic selves.” To younger students, Jade offers this advice: “Don’t let one bad thing ruin your day. Always look for something positive.” This mindset is a testament to her resilient spirit.
Elina Caine, 12th Grade at Ridgefield High School 
Ridgefield High School is proud to honor a student that exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated learner, a compassionate friend, and a natural leader for RHS’s November student of the month recognition. Elina approaches her studies with sincerity and enthusiasm. Her commitment to her education is evident in her determination to understand challenging material, and she consistently offers support to her classmates who may be struggling. Despite her own mastery of concepts often ahead of her classmates, she remains patient and understanding, making her a valued presence in any group setting. In addition to her academic pursuits, Elina is passionate about art. She enjoys drawing and has a talent for capturing the beauty of plants, animals, and fantastical themes in her sketchbook. Her creativity not only enriches her own life, but also brings joy to those who experience her work, including those students using the calm-down room at South Ridge Elementary. Elina credits her parents as her role models, appreciating their patience and guidance. Their influence is evident in her approach to life and learning. Elina values the supportive relationships she has built with her teachers, particularly Ms. House, Ms. Cooper, and Ms. Lacey, who continually inspire her to strive for excellence while keeping her grounded. Elina’s diverse experiences, including her background in a dual-immersion Spanish program and her commitment to community service through the Art Club, Spanish Club, and National Honor Society, showcase her adaptability and respect for different cultures. Elina is an extraordinary student who embodies the values of compassion, resilience, and responsibility. We have no doubt Elina will continue to make a positive impact wherever her journey takes her.
Ethan Jarrell, 12th Grade at Wisdom Ridge Academy 
Ethan is a strong student academically, always staying on top of his coursework and earning good grades. He is polite, respectful and dependable. Ethan chose Wisdom Ridge because it allows him a flexible schedule and also offers courses that are unavailable at a traditional high school. When Ethan came to WRA last year, he was shy and nervous about trying a new school. Due to his success, he has gained the confidence to try new things to see if he likes them or not. In his spare time, Ethan enjoys sports and loves hiking in the mountains. After high school, Ethan plans to travel to the East coast, and has a goal to eventually visit all 50 states. Upon his return, Ethan will work part time and enroll at Clark College for the fall quarter. Ethan is one example of the many outstanding students at Wisdom Ridge Academy, and we are proud of his success.
Emily Brabant, Band Teacher at Ridgefield High School 
Emily has consistently expanded the band program each year, demonstrating her commitment to its growth and success. She is dedicated to enhancing the musicianship of the ensemble, challenging students to develop both their technical skills and artistic expression. Additionally, Emily fosters a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration among the members, which strengthens the cohesion of the group. Her contributions are invaluable to both the performing arts program and the high school community.
Perla Hauge, Paraprofessional at South Ridge Elementary School 
Perla is an invaluable member of the South Ridge Elementary team, embodying the true spirit of a dedicated, compassionate, and proactive educator. Her commitment to serving our students and supporting our staff is exceptional, making a lasting impact on our school community. Perla is a visionary who seeks improvements in our daily operations and is always willing to invest the time and hard work needed to ensure seamless execution. Known for her professionalism and courtesy, she approaches challenges head-on, never hesitating to voice ideas that will enhance the experience for both students and staff. Her warmth and positivity brighten our hallways, creating an atmosphere where smiles, laughter, and even a few spontaneous dances are common as people pass by. SRES is incredibly fortunate to have Perla, who consistently enriches our school’s present and future.