Welcome to a new school year! We are grateful for a chance to rest and rejuvenate this summer, and we are ready for our students to return.  A special welcome goes to our new families, we can’t wait to share with you and your students all the wonderful ways they will grow and learn this year. 

A successful school experience requires three critical elements: the student, the parents, and the school.  All three must work together if our students are to reach their fullest potential.  Students need to come to school well rested, with their homework completed, and ready to participate in class.  Parents must provide support for their children in the form of consistent routines, a comfortable place to read, and show interest in their child’s school work.  Ridgewood will provide a safe learning environment, classroom instruction that challenges all children regardless of ability, and the opportunity to find their passion. 

I encourage parents to participate in our school community.  We have many volunteer opportunities beyond helping in the classrooms that we are eager to fill.  Please contact your child’s teacher, the office, or our volunteer coordinators.  A great way to become involved and get to know other families is to attend our PTC meetings held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM in our library.  Another way to involve yourself in our school community and enjoy some quality family time is to attend our school-sponsored events.

My door is always open, so stop by my office and introduce yourself.  The first Wednesday of each month, from 8:30-9:30a.m., I hold an informal coffee chat.  Parents and community members are welcome to join me, and others, for a cup of coffee and visit.  

Please take time to familiarize yourself with our Student-Parent Handbook and discuss it with your son or daughter. If you have questions regarding any information, please contact our office. 

On behalf of the entire staff at Ridgewood Elementary, welcome back.  We are going to have a tremendous year!    

Sincerely,

Ms. Cary A. Meier

Principal

Ridgewood Elementary

 

 

In September of 1958, Ridgewood Elementary School first opened.  Ridgewood was the fourth elementary school to open in the Beaverton area north of Walker Road and Canyon Road.  The beginning enrollment was two hundred students in grades one through seven, with eighth grade added the following year.

The Parent Teacher Association of Ridgewood was organized September 30, 1958.  Mrs. A. J. Martin was elected the first president, who fostered the strong tradition of parent involvement in the school with the first Principal, Donald Shick.

In 1962, the seventh and eighth grade classes were moved to the new Cedar Park Intermediate School.  In 1963, Ridgewood became an elementary school with classes for grades one through six, and in 1984 kindergarten was added.

In 1992-93, the students selected a roadrunner as the mascot for Ridgewood.  This cartoon character was drawn by 4th grade student, Brian Moss.  As a symbol, "Ridgie" promotes the strong tradition of good citizenship at Ridgewood, where students, parents, and teachers show care and respect for all members of the school community.

At the beginning of the school year 1994-95, Ridgewood moved its sixth grade class to Cedar Park and Meadow Park Middle Schools as the Beaverton District implemented the middle school concept.  

Ridgewood families, in 1996, conceived a Ridgewood Spanish Partial Immersion program.  It was a school-based program.  Parents from the Ridgewood attendance area and staff worked together to create a partial language immersion program.  The program was implemented in the fall of 1998 in one grade level class.  Within five years, the program grew to include grades one through five.  There was only one immersion class offered at each grade level.  In 2007, the Immersion program ended and was replaced with the a Spanish Language class serving all students at Ridgewood.

During the 2007 - 2008 school year the Ridgewood Staff conducted a feasibility study and decided to begin the Candidate Phase of the International Baccalaureate Programme. Beginning in September of 2008, Ridgewood began the candidate phase that continued through the fall of 2010.  In 2011, Ridgewood was authorized as an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.  

Ridgewood has a very strong PTC, which meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Library. Details about the PTC are available on their website. 

 

Daily Schedule:

• 8:00 a.m. Student supervision begins under the covered play area
• 8:10 a.m. Breakfast opens in the cafeteria
• 8:25 a.m. Students enter school at the first bell
• 8:30 a.m. Classes begin, after this time students must get late passes from the office
• 3:05 p.m. Dismissal

Each teacher develops a daily schedule for their classroom, following the school lunch, recess and specials calendar. 

The school office hours are from 7:30a.m. until 4:00p.m., Monday through Friday.

 

Volunteers at Ridgewood support our students in classrooms and a large variety of school activities. There is opportunity to serve in classrooms during the school day, on planning committees, at evening and weekend events and through take home projects. Ridgewood has a rich tradition of parents, grandparents and community members all contributing to the success of our students. 

All volunteers must be registered in the online Volunteer Management System. Once you are registered, you will have access to volunteer shifts and opportunities in our school. Each year, volunteers must update their profile information to include their students grade and teacher. More details on the program can be found on the BSD website.

Criminal Records Background Checks: Any person who wishes to volunteer in the Beaverton School District will be required to undergo an Oregon criminal records background check prior to volunteering, and then every two years thereafter. They must also complete the volunteer application. Results from background checks are confidential. School staff and school volunteer coordinators have access to the database of cleared volunteer names only. Volunteer applicants should plan for up to two weeks for the background check to clear the system. 

Volunteers helping with one-on-one student activities: School staff must be present in the area at all times, managing the overall activity. Volunteers participating in one-on-one activities such as mock interviews, in-school mentoring, veterans’ or senior citizen history gathering events will be required to complete a volunteer application and background check.

Sight & Sound Rule: The safety of students is paramount. Volunteers shall operate under the direction of a staff member and shall be within sight or sound of a staff member while working with students. This applies to parents as well as non-parent volunteers. Volunteers must never be asked to supervise or manage a classroom. 

Identification While Volunteering: In an effort to increase safety and security, all volunteers are required to wear a school-approved nametag at all times when in the building. Volunteers not wearing proper identification should be directed to the school office. 

Sign In and Sign Out of Location: For safety and liability consideration, volunteers are expected to sign in and out of the building using the Volunteer Management System. It allows staff to track who is in the building and who participated in specific activities. There is a computer to log into the Volunteer Management System in the school office. Volunteer hours and activities are reported to the Beaverton School Board annually as part of the Strategic Plan. 

Siblings: Volunteers should not bring younger siblings and babies to school when they are scheduled to volunteer. It is a safety issue. It is distracting in the classroom and other areas and causes disruption when there are additional children in a classroom or other learning space. 

Confidentiality: Volunteers must protect teachers’ and students’ right to privacy. A volunteer may not disclose sensitive school or personal matters which have come to their attention. They should discuss student concerns only with the teacher, staff member or the principal with whom they are volunteering. Volunteers may not post pictures to social media without explicit parent permission. 

Professionalism: Although the job is voluntary, the commitment is professional. Volunteers are there to complete a specific task or assignment. Volunteers are expected to support and maintain an environment conducive to student success. Volunteers should become familiar with and follow all school and classroom policies and practices, including building evacuation, fire drills, etc. Except in cases of emergency or to provide medical aid, volunteers should not touch students. 

Dependability and Punctuality: Students, teachers and staff members rely on the services performed by volunteers. Volunteers should contact the school if they are unable to volunteer on their scheduled day. 

Child Abuse: Volunteers should report suspected incidents of child abuse. This can include physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. See the school counselor or principal immediately to make a report. 

Our PTC volunteer coordinators coordinate all of the projects and shifts, and can answer specific questions on roles and projects. Questions can be directed to Volunteer Coordinator (volunteering@ridgewoodptc.org).

 

There are many clubs and activities available to Ridgewood students. Some are school-sponsored, and others are outside providers renting our school building. Many of these activities do not begin until 2-3 weeks into the school year, and run for about 8-12 weeks at a time. A list of after school activities can be found here.

Ridgewood offers a wide variety of events and activities for students to participate in. A complete list of those can be found here, along with descriptions of each event and volunteer opportunities to support the event. 

Supervision of students is provided each school day from 8:00 a.m. until 3:05 p.m. Outside of those times parents are responsible for the care and supervision of their children. 

On the enrollment form, parents are asked to list before and after school care arrangements for each student. If these arrangements change, PARENTS/GUARDIANS MUST ADVISE THE SCHOOL IN WRITING.  If a student goes anywhere other than straight home from school, please keep the school informed in writing as to where the child should be going after school. The school phone may not be used by students for making after school arrangements.  This needs to be done prior to the beginning of the school day.

We do provide a list of local child care providers, but cannot make recommendations or endorse any providers. 

In order for students to take advantage of the educational opportunities that are offered, it is necessary that they be in school every day. All absences are recorded on report cards.

Regular school attendance is extremely important. Students should be in school on time, every day, all day unless there is an illness or family emergency. However, it is district policy that students remain at home 24 hours after having a fever or vomiting to protect their health and the health of others. 

When it becomes necessary for students to be absent from school please contact the school office as soon as possible.  Family vacations during the school year are discouraged as it interrupts children's learning.

If a student will be absent, it is the parent’s responsibility to call the attendance hotline at 503-356-2441 before 8:30 am.  If that is not possible, call 503-356-2443 after 8:30 a.m.   Please state student name, teacher name, reason for absence and expected days of absence. 

It is essential that classes begin promptly at 8:30 a.m.  Students are to be in their room at that time. Teachers will keep a record of tardies and chronic problems will be communicated to parents. Students arriving after 8:30 a.m. must check in at the office from the parent stating the reason for the tardy.  Late arrivals due to bus delays are not considered tardies. All tardies will be documented on the report card. 

If a student needs to leave school prior to regular dismissal time, the student must have a note signed by the parent stating the date and time of dismissal and the reason for leaving school early. Parents must pick students up in the office and sign out and sign in when leaving and returning during the day.  Ridgewood operates with a closed campus policy.  We do not allow children to leave school without permission.

 

Withdrawal of Student

Parents are asked to inform Ridgewood's main office several days prior to withdrawal of their child to register at another school. Release forms allowing the student's records to be transferred from Ridgewood to the new school will be completed when registering at the new school.  Students are required to return all library materials and close school lunch accounts prior to withdrawal. 

 

Lost and Found

Lost and found articles are placed on the hooks located in the hall near the covered play area doors.  Money, watches, glasses, etc. are kept in the office.  Please check these areas when you visit the school.  Unclaimed clothing is sent to the District's Clothes Closet throughout the year.  More information about the Clothes Closet can be found at www.beaverton.k12.or.us/home/community/clothes-closet

 

Animals at School

Except for accredited guide dogs and certified therapy dogs, animals, including pets, are only to be in the school building with prior permission from the principal.

On school grounds, dogs must be kept off of play areas, arrival and dismissal areas (playground, field, front sidewalk, undercover). Dogs on campus must be on a leash 8 feet or shorter and remain under control. Dog owners are asked to scoop and dispose of any feces left behind.

BSD administrative regulations on animals in schools.    

BSD policy on animals in schools

 

Telephone Use

With staff permission, students may use the front office student phone to call home as needed. If a student is requesting to go home ill, or if after school plans are changing, a staff member must speak with the parent/guardian. 

 

Birthday Celebrations

Each teacher celebrates student birthdays in the classroom. We ask that parents do not send flowers or balloons to school in celebration of a birthday, as this disrupts the learning process. Additionally, students may not hand out party invitations at school, as this can be distracting and  exclude students who are not invited. We encourage families to utilize the phone numbers, addresses and email addresses in our school directory to invite friends to parties.

 

Wellness policy

Home-prepared treats are not allowed for health reasons. Promoting healthy snacks and celebrations at school is one way we can help our students make healthy choices for life.  Celebrations at school provide a unique opportunity to help make healthy eating fun and exciting for children.  We can take advantage of classroom celebrations to serve food that tastes good, is nutritious, and provides students with an opportunity for nutrition education experiences.

Beaverton School District Wellness policy.

 

School Parties

School parties are limited by our Beaverton School District Board Policy to three per year.  Classroom Volunteers host these parties in the fall, winter and spring.  The assigned room parent will contact you about parent participation.  

 

Field Trips

Students take field trips as a part of their educational program.  There are walking and bus field trips.  Notices will be sent home whenever a trip is planned.  Written permission must be given by the parents or guardian in order for a student to participate in any field trip.  Parents may ride the bus to help chaperone field trips.  Younger siblings cannot accompany the parent on the bus. 

 

Dress and Grooming

Dress and grooming are primary responsibilities of students and parents/guardians. However, students may be directed to change dress or grooming if it interferes with the learning process or school climate, is unclean, or threatens the health or safety of the student or others. Clothing, jewelry, or wording/graphics on clothing or on the person (e.g., tattoos) that is sexually suggestive, drug or alcohol-related, vulgar, which depicts violence, insulting, gang membership related or ridicules a particular person or group may be prohibited. 

 

Games & Toys

The school or district cannot be responsible or replace personal possessions lost or stolen at school. In addition, such possessions often disrupt the educational process and therefore are not appropriate to have at school.  For these reasons, students should not bring such items as cell phones, electronic devices, laser pens, toys, dolls, jewelry, sports equipment or other valuables to school.  A toy being brought to school for a class-related activity needs to be kept in a bag or backpack when not in the classroom.  Students are to bring only as much money as they will need for lunch or other special activities.

 

Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School is all about creating safe, convenient, and fun opportunities for children to bicycle and walk to and from schools. Ridgewood has a Safe Routes committee of parents and staff who meet to plan our monthly Walk & Roll to school days. We encourage students, when safe to do so, to walk, bike or scoot to school. 

 

Bicycles & Scooters

If your child rides a bike to school, please provide a helmet (required by Oregon law) and sturdy lock and chain.  The school is not responsible for bicycles that are stolen or damaged.  Bicycles must be placed in the bike rack in front of the school.  Students are to "walk" their bicycles while they are on school grounds.  Bicycles may not be ridden on the school track at any time. Scooters must be stored outdoors on the bike rack and walked while on campus.

 

Facility Use

Use of our campus, including our gym, track, playfields and parking lots, is managed by the Beaverton School District Facilities Department. Priority is given to school events, but then outside groups can request use. Details on requesting use are found on the website here. Ms. Marla manages our calendar and can answer questions you have about the process and availability.

 

Each year our PTC publishes a school directory with addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of all students who have not opted out of publication. One copy is given to each Ridgewood family. Parents who wish to opt their children out of the directory need to notify the front office of this in writing within the first two weeks of school.

ParentVue is an online portal and application that makes student information available to parents. Here parents can view attendance, grades and student emergency information. Each year parents are asked to verify enrollment through the portal within the first two weeks of school, notifying us of any demographic changes. 

Our newsletter, The Roadrunner Report, is published every other Friday. It contains updates on events and activities and other important information for parents. Please take a few minutes each week to read these important messages. If you are not receiving the newsletter via email, please contact our office so that we can troubleshoot that with you.

Parents can customize the notifications they receive from BSD and Ridgewood through School Messenger.

Class lists are carefully created by teachers in the spring of each year, curated over the summer, and published to parents via email on the first day teachers return to work. 

Email inquiries can be sent to Rdgwd_communications@beaverton.k12.or.us

Follow us on our Facebook page for updates and photos of the exciting things happening at school.

 

Delayed School Opening or School Closure (Snow Days)

On occasion, weather conditions may permit school to operate, but require the opening to be delayed.  On a delayed school day schedule, Ridgewood will open two hours late at 10:30 a.m. and buses will operate two hours later than normal (example 8:02 AM becomes 10:02 AM).  Announcement of delayed school opening or school closure will be made between 6:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on local radio and TV stations.  Parents should visit the District website (www.beaverton.k12.or.us) to obtain the most accurate information and click on the School Closure Information link on the homepage or listen to one of the local radio or TV stations.  If your bus stop is canceled when on snow routes, your family has three choices:

1) Walk or drive your child to the nearest safe stop on the snow route.

2)  Drive your child to school.

3) Keep your children home until you can safely transport them to school.

Occasionally, it is necessary for school to close early due to snow or other emergency situations. Since many parents may not be home, it is essential to complete the Emergency Closure portion of your enrollment or verification form when you receive it and return it to the school.  Please discuss these plans with your child(ren).

Lockdown and Lockout Drills

One time a year Ridgewood will have a lock in drill and a lock out drill.  The purpose of these drills is to make students and staff aware of what to do if there ever is a need to keep students safe from an intruder inside or outside of the school.

Fire and Earthquake Drills

Fire drills or earthquake drills are held once a month.  Prior to the first drill, students are instructed on procedures and evacuation techniques.  

Emergency Exit Procedures

The Emergency Exit map plan details the exit route for each room in the building to be used during an evacuation.  Each room also has an evacuation route posted on the wall.  These routes are to be followed during an emergency exit, unless they are blocked.  If their designated exit is blocked, then the teacher or staff member will use an alternative exit route.  Each teacher or staff member is responsible for instructing students about the emergency exit plan for their classroom or area.

Adult Visitors

We know that many fine things will be happening at Ridgewood and we invite and encourage you to visit the school and/or your child's classroom to share in his/her experiences. To help us with the safety and well-being of all Ridgewood students, we must know who is in the building at all times.  To help us do this, please check in at the office and let us know you are here.  Preschoolers who come with visiting parents must be kept with parents at all times (this includes on the playground as well as in the school).  For security reasons, we ask that all visitors wear a "visitor" badge at all times while at school.  These are available in the school office.  Please check out upon leaving.

Student Visitors

It is our intent to provide a safe environment with as few disruptions to the school and classroom as possible.  Therefore, student visitors are not allowed during the school day unless they are from overseas and staying with a Ridgewood host family.

Arrival Procedures

Adult supervision of students is provided beginning at 8:10a.m. at the covered play area. Students should not be on the school grounds before that time.  No student should be unsupervised on school grounds. 

Walk, Bike and Bus are the best ways to get to school. If you must drive, please follow these procedures in our drop off area:

• Walk, Bike and Bus are the best ways to get to school. If you must drive, please follow these procedures in our drop off area.

• We encourage driving parents to arrive at 8:15 in order to get unloaded and be ready enter the building at 8:25. Students wait under the covered play area, on the playground, in the cafeteria for breakfast and in the library before school.

• Traffic flows from the north to south and is one way during arrival and dismissal.

• Pull forward as far as possible along the front curb.

• Be ready! Seat students on the passenger side of the vehicle and say your goodbyes before you get here. Have them exit the vehicle on the curbside as quickly as possible. Staff will be available to open and close car doors.

• Please move on as quickly as possible so that all students can arrive safely and on time.

• SCC students will unload and enter the building into the middle doors that lead to the main office.

• All adults must enter the building through the front doors and check in before entering the halls. All adults on campus must wear identification badges at all times.

 

Dismissal Procedures

If your child’s after school transportation plan changes, you can either email or call the office so that we can notify the teacher. Please email changes to RDGWD-communications@beaverton.k12.or.us by 1:30 or call the front office at 503-356-2440by 2:00.

• Parent/daycare pick up students exit to the covered play area.

• Drivers are to pull forward as far as possible and continue to pull forward along the front of the school, as safety dictates, until they reach the designated pick up zone.

• Staff will direct students to the front 3-5 vehicles, allowing others to pull up and load. Students should enter the vehicle on the passenger side.

• Once students have loaded the car, drivers are to pull out into the driving lane allowing the next car to pull forward. 

• Parents who walk or park to pick up their children are asked to wait outside at the south end of the school under the covered covered play area.

• Students may not be on the back blacktop or playground until all buses have left.

• Please park only in designated parking spaces. The area on the north end of campus, in front of the park is a no parking area and those who park there are subject to ticketing. 

 

Medication

No medication whether prescription or over-the-counter will be given to any student without written instructions from the child's parent and/or physician. This includes commonly used medications such as aspirin, cough syrup, and allergy medicine.

Parents with children who need to take medications during the school day must bring the medication to the school office in the original container.  Children may not bring medication to school.  Upon request, pharmacists will provide two containers for medication, one for home and one for school.  The label on the container must state the student's name, the dosage, time, prescription number and the physician's name.  Over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin or cough syrup, will be treated the same as a prescription drug.  A parent's written instructions for use of the medication must be included for the medication to be given to a student at school.  When it becomes necessary for a child to take medication at school, a Medication Record and Authorization form must be completed by a parent in the school office before medication can be dispensed.

Emergency medications, such as a bee sting kit, must be accompanied by written directions from the physician for their use.  These directions should include a statement about the necessity for immediate administration of the medication rather than waiting for an emergency vehicle to arrive.  Complete instructions for symptoms to observe and the administration of the medication must also be stated by the physician.

 

District Nurse

The school does not have a nurse on site.  A district school nurse is available on call.  If you have a health concern or question regarding your child, inform the school secretary and a decision will be made either to contact the nurse immediately or to make a referral.  The secretaries use the district's Nurse Hotline for advice and emergencies.

 

Vision and Hearing Screening

The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation is partnering with the district to provide vision screening for every child in grades K, 1,3 & 5 in the school.  Parents are notified, if the screening indicates further testing is needed for your child.  THE OLSHF will also conduct a hearing screening for grades 1,3 & 5.

 

Student Illness or Accident

 

When a student becomes ill or hurt at school, every effort is made to contact the parents or guardians or some person designated by the parent.  If we are unable to contact anyone concerning a sick or injured child, your family physician may be notified if the illness or injury warrants that kind of attention.  It is of utmost importance that you notify the office of any changes to your emergency numbers in case we need to contact you.  If it is difficult to reach you at an office location, sometimes a pager or cell phone number is helpful.

The office calls home for any serious injuries, bee stings, or illnesses as a matter of routine.  When in doubt, the school will call and ask the parent to make a decision as to whether a child should remain in school, go home, and/or receive medical attention.  If you child is ill with a communicable disease, a report from a doctor or Health Department is necessary.  If you think your child has a communicable disease, please let the office know.

 

Immunization Requirements

Oregon state law requires students entering Oregon schools for the first time to have the following immunizations:

• Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio 
• Varicella
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Measles/MMR vaccine

If you anticipate difficulty in complying with the immunization law, or you have difficulty providing the appropriate dates, you may wish to contact your physician or the Washington County Health Department (503-643-4416) for assistance.

 

Student Insurance

Student accident and dental insurance is available to all students.   A brochure and application will be sent home in the first day packet or may be obtained in the school office.  This opportunity to enroll is only available at the beginning of the school year.

The Beaverton High Health Clinic supports the health needs of students all over the district and is available to Ridgewood families.

 

Head Lice

A student with a suspected case of head lice may be referred to designated trained staff for a screening.  The screening will be done in a confidential manner by trained personnel. 

School personnel will notify the parent or guardian of a student found with head lice and provide information on appropriate treatment. The student will be allowed to remain in school.

Information on what to do if you find lice is available on our district website.

 

 

Bus Routes

Bus Routes are created centrally by our Transportation Department. Parent will receive notifications the week before school starts of their bus stop locations and times. Also, please note if a snow route is provided for your child, as the stop locations and times change when busses are running snow routes. Please direct questions regarding routes directly to the transportation office at 503-356-4200.

Bus Stops

Students riding the school bus should arrive at the bus stop approximately five minutes before the bus. Parent supervision is advised. Problems can occur when students arrive too early for the bus and have too much unsupervised time. Students will line up for the bus in the order they arrive. There are no "cuts" or privileges because of age, size, gender, or at whose property the bus stops. Students will load and unload the bus in a safe and orderly fashion. The school bus driver is responsible for the safety of children on the bus. Children are to follow the bus driver's instructions at all times.  

Change of Transportation Plan

Students must bring a note from a parent or guardian if they are to ride a different bus or get off at a different stop, or go home with an adult that is not on their contact list. If a student does not bring a note, he/she will not be able to ride a different bus or get off at a different stop. Capacity of certain routes may restrict students from riding a different bus other than their own. Parents should check in advance with the driver to make sure there is room on the bus. Notes of this nature should be brought to the office for signature before being given to a bus driver.

Riding the School Bus Is a Privilege - Those not following bus rules may lose their right to be transported to and from school. Students violating bus rules will initially receive a verbal warning and/or a possible written pre-citation warning. Further problems may result in a written bus citation, which is sent to the principal for followup. It is possible to lose bus riding privileges if problems persist.

 

Nutrition Services serves meals that meet USDA nutrient standards every school day at all sites.  At breakfast, students are offered 4 servings from 3 food groups (fruit, whole grains, LF/NF dairy), and students must take 3 servings for the meal to be considered a "complete” meal.  At lunch, students are offered foods from 5 different food groups, (fruit, vegetables, whole grains, LF/NF dairy & protein).  They must take 3 of the 5 servings, and 1 of the servings must include at least a ½ cup of fruit or vegetables for the meal to be complete. Monthly menus are available here.

Breakfast is served from 8:10-8:20 am each morning. Students who arrive on late buses will be offered breakfast before going to class. Lunch is served from 11:25-12:35 following lunch recess.

Each student is assigned their own individual meal account which they can access using their student identification number. Students will practice typing their number into a 10-key pad so that lunch lines move quickly.

Payment envelopes and a collection box are located in the main office. Students who are without funds will be allowed to charge meals, unless the student's parent or guardian has provided written permission to withhold a meal from the student to reduce the amount of that student's debt. BSD will not publicly identify a student who cannot pay for a meal because of a negative balance. We will provide a student their balance only if they inquire. Payments can also be made online through the SchoolCafe system. 

If a family is experiencing financial need, then parents may complete one application for meal benefits for all students in their family.  Please use the meal benefits online application and instructions.  The application process and each student’s meal benefit status are completely confidential. Families may apply for meal benefits at any time throughout the school year, even up to the last day of school.  However, a new application is required for each school year.   

Students can bring meals and snacks from home. However, due to allergies and special diets students are not to share food at school. We encourage families who are sending meals with students to have their student practice opening all the containers at home, and label lunchboxes with student names. 

All students are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles (labeled with names) to school to keep in classrooms. Each hall has a bottle fill station where students can refill their water bottle as needed.

 

It is important that all children feel safe and secure at school.  To provide this positive learning environment, the staff has developed behavior guidelines and a discipline referral system to maintain consistency in our expectation of appropriate student behaviors.  Ridgewood consequences are aligned with the Range of Consequences in the Beaverton School District Consistent Discipline Handbook.

Ridgewood operates like a family where members support each other.

• We have high expectations for each other.

• We respect each other's feelings and property.

• We do our best to teach children to solve their own problems.

• Adults are available to guide students and help solve conflicts.

We understand that the elementary years are a time when students are developing social awareness and ways to express their feelings.  Our task is to model for and teach students respectful and positive interactions.  When students are angry, they need ways to appropriately express that anger just as they need to learn ways to express joy and appreciation.

When students make poor choices or hurt others, a variety of actions are used to teach students more appropriate behaviors:

• Students have an opportunity to talk out their problems.

• A student is asked to write a plan.

• The student goes to another working area.

• Parents are contacted by phone or by note.

• Students are assigned to community service.

• A written contract is developed.

• Students are suspended (in school or at home).

The Beaverton School District Student & Family Handbook contains important information. It is lengthy, and describes expectations and consequences in detail.  In addition, we at Ridgewood appreciate you help in discussing the following infractions with your child.

• Weapons of any kind (including pocket knives, look-alike or pretend) should never he at school.

• Toys and valuables should be left at home.  "Sharing" items should be brought in paper sacks or backpacks.  We suggest students bring sharing items other than toys.

• It is best that money be left at home.  The school cannot be responsible for lost cash.

• There is no formal dress code at Ridgewood.  However, clothing should not display alcohol or drug symbols. Hats are appropriate attire for outdoors only.

•  

Ridgie’s Choices

A positive, proactive way to help children learn acceptable behaviors is to give them guidance for solving problems.  Ridgewood has a program called Ridgie's Choice which teaches children approaches to choose from to solve problems with positive actions.  The wheel below illustrates those choices.  You may want to post this in your home and use these strategies with us!

 

Ridgie’s Choices

Try 2 of Ridgie's Ideas

When you Have a Small Problem:

 

 

 

IF YOU ARE THREATENED OR FEEL FRIGHTENED, TELL AN ADULT IMMEDIATELY

 

BeepBeeps - Store and weekly winners

To promote good citizenship, Ridgewood staff will recognize students who initiate actions which are helpful to others or the school by giving them a Beep Beep Award.

Every Friday, the principal will draw ten awards from the Beep Beep Box for a special prize.  A citizenship bulletin board in the main hall acknowledges the beep beep drawing students. Students may also spend their BeepBeep on prizes at the BeepBeep store, which is open on Friday mornings from 8:10-8:25 a.m. in the playroom.  

 

 

 

 

Action in the Park

Each year all students take walking field trips to Ridgewood View Park, right next to our campus. We partner with THPRD to educate students about the environment and serve our community by pulling ivy, planting native plants and lopping blackberries.

Volunteers are needed to join students outside at Ridgeview View Park (adjacent to the school) to help restore the habitat and learn about nature.  Often we are pulling ivy, planting native plants or chopping blackberries with older students. Parent chaperones are essential to the success of this partnership with Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation. No experience is necessary; you need only a willingness to be outdoors on the scheduled dates and to share enthusiasm for the project, rain or shine.

Art Literacy - Monthly

Art Literacy is a District-wide program that introduces students to the works of six different artists throughout the school year. The program is run entirely by volunteers and funding is provided by the PTC. In the classroom, students get to work on a hands-on project based on the work of the artist being presented. 

Volunteers are needed to help with the scheduled hands-on project. A two-hour training meeting is provided for volunteers before each artist presentation. Each classroom presentation takes about one hour. Artistic knowledge and aptitude are not necessary.

Amazon Smile - ongoing

When you use this link to make your purchases on amazon.com, the PTC receives a referral bonus of between 4 and 8% of your purchase total. There is no cost to you as the purchaser and you can still use Amazon Prime and Amazon Gift Cards, but Ridgewood students benefit! Please note, you MUST use this link (or a bookmarked copy of this link) every time you shop on amazon.com for Ridgewood to receive credit.

August Angels - Inservice Week

The week before students return is a busy one and teachers can use all the help they can get. Our August Angels are volunteers who sign up to take a shift completing tasks for teachers. Everything from building bookshelves, sorting books and completing bulletin boards needs to be done. We appreciate these angels who help get our school ready for learning!

BeepBeeps & BeepBeep Store - year round

Our students earn BeepBeeps! For demonstrating PYP profile attributes or by taking action in our school or community. Students may save BeepBeeps and spend them at the BeepBeep store on Friday mornings from 8:10-8:25. Or, they can submit them to the BeepBeep box to be drawn for weekly prizes and picture in the newsletter.

Volunteers are needed on Friday mornings to open the store, counting BeepBeeps and handing out prizes.

Beaverton Education Foundation

The Beaverton Education Foundation is a nonprofit that supports students and teachers in Beaverton. For Ridgewood they have funded classroom projects and our summer Camp Achieve. Information on donating and volunteering for them is available on their website linked above. 

Book Fair & Family Night

Our PTC hosts Scholastic Book Fairs to support literacy in families. Students and teachers will be invited to a preview day during the school day, Families are encouraged to attend together and buy ahead for the holidays, birthdays, and vacation car rides. Bring your grandparents, friends and neighbors.

In addition to volunteering at the Book Fair, consider donating a book to your child’s classroom library. Such books will enrich the education of children for years to come. We’ve asked teachers to fill out a Classroom Wish List so you’ll know which books they think will add to their students’ knowledge and imagination. Books you give will become a permanent part of the classroom library. Every gift will be recognized with a bookplate identifying your family or child as the donor. Your generosity can make a classroom more exciting and stimulating to young minds. Volunteers are needed to serve on the Book Fair Planning Committee and also to work the sales table during the event.

Box Tops for Education - ongoing

Collection containers for the Box Tops for Education program are in the school entryway OR in the recycling center in the cafeteria. Friends, neighbors, and relatives can all help support this program by submitting labels from products they already have in their homes. We receive 10 cents for each General Mills, Kimberly Clark, Johnson & Johnson, and other products’ box tops.

Collection tips:

1. Collect labels in a Ziploc bag before bringing them to the collection box in the school lobby.

2. Cut the labels from your products and trim the Box Tops 4 Education emblem on the dotted lines. 

3. Check expiration dates before submitting them.

One volunteer needed per year to manage the program, remind students and parents to turn in box tops, organize the tops and then submit them for payment.

Broadcast - RDGWDTV 

Our Broadcast club produces weekly news show shared with all classes every Friday morning. Students select topics, do the research, write scripts, film and edit the final video. 

Parent volunteers are needed to work with groups of students on projects, including filming, editing and content selection.

Bulletin Board

If you are a frustrated artist, this is the opportunity for you! Be a part of the team that decorates the entryway bulletin board all year. This is so important because the bulletin board is the first thing that students, staff and visitors see when they walk through the front door! Time commitment: amount of time spent varies, typically twice during the year, depending on number of volunteers.

Country Fair Carnival

Country Fair Carnival is free night for families to come enjoy fun and games at the school put on by the PTC. There is a raffle for those interested, music, petting zoo, and a pie eating contest.

 Volunteers are needed to plan the events, run the booths, supervise the raffle, set up and clean up. Donations are also accepted for raffle prizes. 

Camp Achieve

Camp Achieve is a BEF funded summer program available to all Ridgewood students. The focus is on preventing summer slide by spending time reading, writing and working with math. Enrichments such as Science, PE, coding and cooking help children explore their passions. Registration information is available after Spring Break and due mid-May each year.

Volunteers are needed to support teachers in the classroom. Often former Ridgewood students who are now in middle school and high school return to help campers. 

Celebrate Reading Program

The Celebrate Reading Program is a voluntary, incentive-based reading program that tracks a student’s reading time through their entire school career at Ridgewood. The amount of reading time done outside of school is tracked on a monthly calendar. At the end of the month, total reading time is tallied and verified by the student’s parent. The calendar is returned to the student’s teacher who forwards it to a volunteer parent who keeps a running tally of the total reading time. Students earn awards based on different reading levels achieved. Students who reach 500 total reading hours will have their names engraved on a plaque that hangs at school.

Parent volunteers are needed to tabulate monthly reading hours and present awards to the children in their classroom. Tabulating hours can be done at home, but you will need to visit the classroom to distribute student awards. The students will always greet you with enthusiastic smiles!! This program is a fun way to enhance literacy skills in all of our students.

Celebrate Reading during the Summer, too!

Don’t forget . . . all reading during the summer months count toward your Celebrate Reading goals. Summer calendars will be sent home with students. Keep them handy and make sure to fill them out. Turn in June, July, and August when you return to school in September.

What Counts:

• Only time dedicated solely to reading counts.

• All reading done outside of school counts, i.e. books, magazines and homework assignments that include reading.

• Time read by a parent counts.

• Reading by an older student to a younger student (or vice versa) counts as time for both students.

What Does NOT Count:

• Math homework does not count.

• Computer games do not count.

• Reading while watching TV does not count.

Class Parties

Three times a year we hold classroom parties. This is a time to celebrate a season, build community and socialize.

Each classroom has a party coordinator who organizes games and snacks for each party. Other classroom parents are asked to contribute by donating food, decorations or game items. Volunteers are needed to set up food, decorate and run games during the party. 

Classroom Coordinator - One per classroom

Assist your child’s teacher in scheduling volunteers for classroom help and any other volunteer-related needs. Much of the work can be done at home by phone or email. Time involved varies from teacher to teacher.

Time commitment: determined by individual volunteer and teacher.

Classroom Volunteer

Help in your students’ classroom(s) weekly, once a month, or twice a month. Tasks are varied and can include anything from photocopying to assisting students. Schedules will be arranged to suit the needs of the teacher and the volunteer. Please indicate if you are willing to help in a classroom other than your child’s. Time commitment: determined by individual volunteer.

Clothes Closet

The BSD Clothes Closet is operated by volunteers from the School District’s parent groups and Beaverton community to provide free clothing for students in grades K-12 for families with limited income. 

Volunteers are needed to staff the closet on Ridgewood’s scheduled day – ONE Wednesday per school year.

Coffee with the Principal - second Wednesdays, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Families and community members are invited to take coffee with the principal and hear about the latest happenings at Ridgewood. These follow the Tuesday PTC meeting and information from the PTC is shared during this time. It is also a forum for parents to ask questions and share suggestions with Principal Meier. 

Cosmic Bowling

Cosmic Bowling occurs during PE each year. Our PE teachers turn our gym into a glow in the dark bowling alley and students get to learn the game of bowling and have fun. Students attend Cosmic Bowling during their regular PE time. Volunteers are needed for set-up and clean-up.

Directory - Published in the fall each year

Each fall a parent volunteer publishes our school directory with phone numbers, addresses, email addresses and teachers of all students. Parents who wish to exclude their child from the directory must notify the main office in writing during the first two weeks of the school year. Each family gets one free copy of the directory each year.

One volunteer is needed each year to produce the directory.

Exhibition Night 

Each year our fifth graders share their Primary Years Programme Exhibition projects with our community. All families are invited to attend to learn from our fifth graders, and celebrate their accomplishments.

Volunteers are needed to purchase, set up and clean up the reception.

 Field Day

The PE department plans all activities, but help is needed to organize and volunteers are needed to help set up and staff the games and snack station at this much-anticipated end-of-school-year event.

Time commitment: during school day in June – approximately 6 hours on day of event, plus approximately 5 hours during the two weeks prior to the event.

Field Trips

Our PTC generously supports field trips to a variety of locations throughout the school year. Teachers plan trips that match their curriculum and will invite parents to chaperone the event. Some of our trips including walking to the nearby MAX station and riding MAX to the location.

Volunteers are needed to chaperone each trip and are coordinated by the classroom teachers.

Fifth Grade Party

This volunteer activity is for parents of 5th grade students only. Parent volunteers plan and volunteer at this traditional send-off for Ridgewood’s graduating 5th grade students. Event takes place during the school day June 11, 2019. Planning meetings take place leading up to the event. Time commitment: varies depending on the number of volunteers

Garden Committee/Ridgewood Junior Gardeners

Put your green thumb to use and help us keep our courtyard garden looking beautiful.

Time commitment: varies; clean-up and work days may be scheduled after school or on weekends. Younger siblings are welcome to attend.

Green Team - Wednesdays during recess/lunch

Keep Ridgewood sustainable and help students develop leadership skills! Work with 4th-grade students on various green efforts around the school: milk carton recycling, gardening, clothing swap, sustainability education, and more! Time commitment varies. Green Team will meet before or after school, or during lunchtime hours.

Hearing Screening

Each year students are screening for hearing loss. 

Volunteers are needed to escort students to-and-from the classroom for this annual assessment. Time commitment: one day only; shifts available.

Jog-a-thon

Our annual Jogathon is the PTC’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Students are asked to solicit pledges from friends and family in order to support all the amazing projects our PTC does each year.

Volunteers are needed to serve on the planning committee, run the event on the day of, and all parents are asked to help their children in completing their pledges.

Katoh Exchange Students

Each fall we host 5-10 Japanese exchange students for about a week. These students live with their host families, attend class with their host siblings, and participate in family evening and weekend events. Host families must be able to pick up and drop off students at stated times, and care for them during their stay.

Kindergarten Orientation

Each Spring we welcome our incoming Kindergarten families with time in the classrooms, a general session, bus ride for the kids and an open house. 

Volunteers are needed to prep and set out refreshments, welcome families, put out registration yard signs and gather gift bags and door prizes.

Library

Help shelve books, facilitate the birthday book program, repair damaged books and tackle other projects in a (generally) peaceful setting. Training is provided.

Time commitment: shifts are scheduled depending on number of volunteers; typically once or twice a month for approximately an hour.

Lost-and-Found

Our Lost and Found is located on the wall near the covered play area doors, directly across from the Success Room. Student volunteers keep it neat, return items with names in them and pack it for donation to the Beaverton Clothes Closet before Winter, Spring and Summer break. We encourage parents to label items their children might leave lying around (hoodie’s, coats, water bottle, etc.).

Lunch Recess Track Program

One of Ridgewood’s greatest assets! Track is a fast-paced, fun program that promotes physical fitness for our students during their lunch recess and puts our track to good use. Students collect their cards from volunteers, who mark the laps they complete. Then, 

Parents are needed to hand out cards, mark cards when laps are completed, and distribute prizes. It’s a great opportunity to interact with lots of kids in an active, non-academic setting and provide positive encouragement for exercising.

Time Commitment: shifts are during the lunchtime recesses (11:00am-12:20 p.m.), Monday through Friday, and take place September-June, weather permitting. Grab a buddy and join us outside!

Meet & Greet

Families are invited to meet their teachers and drop off their school supplies and medications. This is an informal event, and families are encouraged to spend time on the playground after dropping their supplies in the classrooms.

Volunteers are needed to greet families and serve refreshments.

Movie Night

This is an all school fun night! Each year a family-friendly movie is selected, and we all bring pillows, blankets and sleeping bags to sit on the gym floor and watch on the big screen. Students are encouraged to save BeepBeeps to use to purchase popcorn and licorice from fifth grade helpers. Free event for all families.

A volunteer is needed to coordinate with principal to purchase popcorn and licorice and get the popcorn bagged afterschool on the day of the event. Minimal time commitment.

Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB)

This statewide program for Grades 3-5 motivates students to read books, discuss them, quiz each other on the contents, and then compete in teams of four to correctly answer questions

based on the books in a quiz show format. Volunteers are needed to help support the Ridgewood staff member who coordinates this program by running the timer and keeping score during battles. Time commitment: 1-3 hours per week (lunchtime) during February.

Parent Conferences

A couple weeks before conferences instructions will be emailed out to parents about how to sign up online for a 20 minute conference with their child’s teacher. This is a time to learn about what your child is learning, what goals they have for the year and how they are progressing on those goals.

Passport Club

Passport Club is an optional geography program open to 1st-5th grade students. Each month, students study countries around the world or regions of the United States. They are rewarded with colorful copies of real stamps which they place in their individual passport. Check out the bulletin board at school in the Production Room hallway to see all of the students who have completed Level 5 this year. Way to go Ridgewood Students!!

Help is needed to cut stamps at home, make copies of maps needed monthly, and to participate as a checker during the once-a- month student “Check Day.” “Check Day” is typically held the last Thursday of the month. This program enables volunteers to work with children outside their child’s immediate classroom.

Here is a website where students can learn more about geography and test their geography knowledge.

Picture Day

All students are invited to get their picture taken for class composites regardless of whether or not they are purchasing photos. Order forms will be sent home prior to pictures, and a link will be available for online ordering. 

Volunteers are needed to help students get ready for pictures by combing hair and directing them to the appropriate area. Time commitment: September; volunteers are needed for the entire day. Picture retakes are scheduled for November 1, 2018 and are usually just 1-2 hours.

Production Room

Our Production Room is where teachers submit copy, binding and lamination projects for completion. 

Volunteers meet Wednesday mornings from 9-11am (or longer if you are able) to work on classroom materials for teachers. Make a regular time commitment or just drop in. Enjoy visiting with other Ridgewood volunteers while getting lots of work done! Time commitment: determined by individual volunteer.

Read Across America

We celebrate Dr. Suess’ birthday each year with a book character costume parade. Students are invited to dress as a book character and we parade through the school and around the track (weather permitting).

RPAC - Ridgewood Performing Arts Club

The Ridgewood Performing Arts Club (RPAC) is run by our music teacher, Ms. Juli Shaw. Each year fourth and fifth graders are invited to join the club and audition for parts in our annual musical. This program is open to all fourth and fifth grade students.

Volunteers are needed to help with set design, costumes and rehearsals. Please contact Ms. Shaw if you are interested in helping. 

Safe Routes to School Committee

The Safe Routes to School Committee advocates for safe ways for our students to walk and roll (bike, scooter) to school. We also coordinate (along with the Green Team) our Walk & Roll to school days.

Volunteers are needed to serve on the committee

Science Festival

The Ridgewood Science Festival is a 30 year tradition of promoting inquiry through scientific experimentation. All students are invited to participate and contribute a project. Packets with details, project suggestions and resources, and registration information will go home to all students. We encourage parents to support their children at home in the completion of projects. Some teachers may also choose to complete and submit whole class projects.

Volunteers are needed to serve each year on the Science Festival Committee and during the event running science booths.

Scooter Town - March 

Each year our gym is transformed into a city complete with roads, stop signs, restaurants, a library, and a mini golf course. During PE students learn the rules of the road and practice

traveling through town on scooters. Each student earns a driver's license in order to participate, but beware, there are traffic cops too!

Volunteers are needed to assist the PE teacher during your child’s PE class time or help out all week long! Work includes set-up, take-down, and creating new decorations. During class time volunteers create driver’s licenses for students and monitor traffic in the gym. Most work completed during the first two weeks of March or April.

Scrip - ongoing

Scrip is an ongoing fundraiser by which parents and community members purchase gift cards at face value for particular stores and our PTC gets a portion of the profits. Watch the newsletter for order and pick up dates and times.

One to two volunteers are needed to coordinate the orders, get the cards and deliver them.

Spirit Days - ongoing

Dress is Ridgie gear (Ridgewood t-shirt) or other themed attire to show you school spirit.

Staff Appreciation Week

Be part of the team that recognizes our wonderful Ridgewood staff by planning, decorating, and/or bringing meals, snacks and beverages during this week in May. Time commitment: 1 week in May

Staff Treats

Provide simple refreshments for monthly staff meetings one month or all ten. Easy and so appreciated! Two volunteers needed each month.

Vision Screening

All students have their vision screened each year and parents are notified if further follow is recommended. 

Volunteers are needed to escort students to-and-from the classroom for this annual assessment. Time commitment: one day only; shifts available.

Walk & Roll to School Days

Ridgewood students are encouraged to walk or roll (bike, scooter) to school when it is safe to do so. This is a healthy way to protect our environment and reduces the number of cars in our parking lot during drop off and pick up times.