April 27, 2012

GreetingsView Ridge Families,

Attendancemay have hit an all time low yesterday for View Ridge, which on any other daywould be bad; however, I was very excited to see how many students wereparticipating in “Take Your Child to Work” day. I too participated by bringing my daughter to school.  She was very impressed with the kindness ourstudents displayed, as well as the “cool” things happening.  The extremely long list of absent studentsdid make me think about attendance for the upcoming MSP tests. 

Pleaseremember that next month, we will be conducting the state test (MSP) for allstudents.  It is extremely important thatstudents are present during the upcoming month so they can fully participate inthis required assessment.  This year allstudents will take reading and math on-line. Our 8^th grade students will also take their science teston-line, while 7^th grade students will complete paper/pencilwriting.  You can help support View Ridgeby reinforcing with your son/daughter the importance of doing their best workon this test.  I have attached our MSPtesting schedule at the end of this newsletter.

The ViewRidge Art show is scheduled to start at 5:00 tonight (April 27^th) inthe gymnasium.  The show will run until7:30 this evening.   If you areavailable, stop by and take a look at the amazing work created by thestudents.  I have had a chance to previewthe show and was blown away by the level of creativity and artistic talent ourstudents have within.

ViewRidge Track & Field has nearly 100 student athletes…impressive!  After our first meet I checked in with manyof them and I think we have the potential to break many school records!  I can’t wait to see what the remainder of theseason has in store for us.  The nexthome meet (Ridgefield High School track) is scheduled for May 2^nd,with the Ridgefield Track & Field invite on May 17^th.  I know the team is always looking forvolunteers to help on the day of the meets. 

Our musicprogram will be busy this coming month. I know they would love to see your support as they perform at a numberof different events.  The band will bemarching on May 6^th in the Long Beach parade and again on May 19^thduring the Hazel Dell Parade.  Thechoir is planning to perform on May 29^th in the cafeteria.

As weapproach the end of the year, students can start to feel overwhelmed withprojects, assignments, tests, etc.  Iencourage you to take time to talk with your child on a regular basis abouttheir day and week, any pressures they may be feeling, as well as upcomingprojects. 

Springcan be a difficult time for students due to longer days, more sun, warmertemperatures, the thoughts of summer, etc. As a school, we will be reviewing our expectations on a regular basisand reinforcing positive behavior through our REBS program.  The students have earned nearly 200 REBStowards their next CELEBRATION.  I knowthe staff is looking forward to planning another fun-filled afternoon once wehave reached our goal of 500. 

Enjoyyour May,

Chris