eNews Archives

2021-2022 eNews

eNews 8-26-21

RIDGELINE CALENDAR OF EVENTS:


Full calendar: http://www.ridgeline.org/calendar

Fri. 8/27 Back to School Forms Open

Thurs. 9/2 Board Meeting 6:30-8:30pm

Fri. 9/3 Back to School Forms Due

Sat. 9/4 RCO Grounds Work Party 10 am

Mon. 9/6 Labor Day - Office Closed

Tues. 9/7 Staff Work Day

Wed. 9/8 Staff Work Day

Thurs. 9/9 First Day of School for all students


NEW NEWS –

Welcome to the 2021-22 school year everyone! If you are new to Ridgeline this is the weekly eNews that is sent out on Thursdays (or occasionally on a Friday, like this week)! Each week the eNews will be posted on our website so if you wish to refer back to a certain week, you can always find it there. In fact, if you want to know anything, it is likely on our website.

Calendar - Each week we will highlight the upcoming week’s calendar in the eNews. We encourage you to regularly check the calendar at www.ridgeline.org as dates have been known to change. Please note that Ridgeline’s calendar is slightly different from 4J elementary calendars.

Electronic Back To School Packet! - This year you do not need to check your mailboxes as all back to school information prior to the start of school will be electronic! Included in this first edition of the eNews for the 2021-22 school year you will find back to school forms that need your attention. Please alot a period of time to complete all forms by Friday, September 3. Permissions are needed for students at the start of school. Please fill out the forms by the deadline so that our child does not miss out on things like school lunch, classroom walks on Amazon Trail, using the computer, etc. (Pay special attention to auto fills that put your name instead of your student’s name in the name field!)

Abridged Handbook - Please read the Ridgeline Abridged Handbook 2021-2022 before the first day of school as we have made many changes to reflect current procedures and practices.

BACK TO SCHOOL FORMS - DUE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

Please Complete and Submit the following forms by September 3, 2021:

Required for all families:

Ridgeline Family-School Community Agreement

Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School-Annual Permissions Form

Family Income Survey

Technology Access Survey

Ridgeline Montessori Computer Internet User Agreement For 2021-2022


Families that would like to participate in the meal program:

Meal Program Form


We encourage all families to participate in weekly Screening and Diagnostic Testing. Click here to get started: Instructions for signing up for COVID-19 Testing

Prepared Meals - Similar to last spring Ridgeline is offering meals at no cost to families. Everyone is welcome to sign up! This year students will have the option to receive school meals two, three, or five days per week. All lunches come with a cold take home sack breakfast for the following morning. Please fill out the meal form in the back to school forms. In order to receive meals the first week you must sign up by Friday, September 3. Families may sign up throughout the year, however meals will not be available for their students until the week following their sign up.


Supply Fee - We are now collecting the $75 supply fee per student. This year all supply fees will be collected electronically. If paying the supply fee presents a financial hardship for your family please fill out the Financial Assistance Form. Supply Fees are due Friday, October 1.

Back to School Q & A - In response to the questions and feedback we received from the initial draft of our Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan, staff has created a 2021-2022 Back to School Q&A document that addresses many of your questions.


Weekly COVID-19 Screening Testing - The University of Oregon (UO) has partnered with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to provide free, voluntary COVID-19 screening testing to schools in your county. Ridgeline opted into the program, and we strongly encourage families to opt-in to testing programs for the well-being of our school community.

On-Site Rapid Testing - Should your student develop COVID-19 symptoms while at school, Ridgeline has BinaxNOW rapid tests available. These tests will only be administered if you have completed the Oregon Health Authority waiver and returned it to the school.

Picture Day is Back! - We are super excited to be offering Picture Day again after a hiatus last year. Lifetouch will once again take photos, and Picture Day order forms will be sent home with students once school starts. Photos will be taken outside in the covered area for a mask free smile, on Thursday, September 23.

Substitutes Needed - At this time our substitute pool is very low! We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic to spend a day in a Montessori classroom in the role of the assistant in the event of a staff absence. Subs help with classroom management, assisting students with their work, and tasks assigned by the staff lead for the day. Several of our staff members started their educational careers here at Ridgeline in this role! Subbing is a great way to gain experience and a true understanding of the Montessori experience at all grade levels.

If you are interested in getting on our substitute list, please submit a resume and three references with contact information to careers@ridgeline.org. A substitute training will be scheduled in the coming weeks. Contact Cynthia if you have questions.

Message from Fundraising Chair - Hello, for those of you who I have not yet met, I'm Ann Carney Nelson. I am the mother of two Ridgeline students. Elizabeth will be a 4th grader in Meridy's class and Ella is starting in Kindergarten this year. I'm excited to serve as Fundraising Committee Chair again this year and am grateful to have each of you as part of the Fundraising Team here at Ridgeline! While our committee takes the lead to help plan and organize our annual fundraising efforts, at the end of the day, it is our collective responsibility to work together to reach our goal. This year our fundraising goal is again $75,000 (a goal we exceeded last year!) We will be sharing more information in the coming weeks about ways to help and participate in our fundraising activities. If at any point you have any questions, ideas to share, or are interested in getting involved in any capacity, please contact us at giving@ridgeline.org or just come to any of our meetings (to be held via Zoom after school hours).

Help Us Beautify the Ridgeline School Grounds - On Saturday, September 4, the RCO (Ridgeline’s Community Organization, aka the parent group) is organizing to get the school grounds ready for students to return on September 9. Meet us in front of the main building at 10 am to help us move gravel, pull weeds, install shelves in outside lockers, sweep, etc. Volunteers must wear masks on campus and practice physical distancing from people outside of their household. More details to come. If you are interested in helping, email rco@ridgeline.org.

Volunteering - While volunteering inside the school will be very limited this year, we do indeed have volunteer opportunities and we still rely on our amazing parent volunteers to help with so many different aspects of life at Ridgeline! Teachers will reach out to families in their classroom communications, and Cynthia will include volunteer opportunities in the eNews. Volunteers serve on committees, make materials at home, do grounds work, act as crossing guards, and other projects.

Below are our current volunteer needs -

Furniture Moving Volunteers Needed - We are looking for strong, masked, vaccinated volunteers who can work in a noisy environment to move classroom furniture back into classrooms Thursday, September 2 or Friday, September 3 between the hours of 11 am-4 pm. Contact Cynthia to volunteer.

Haul Away Volunteer Needed - As we continue with the “Great Purge of 2021” we are in need of a volunteer with a truck to help us haul away items for donation and the transfer station. Contact Cynthia for details and to set up a time to help.


Free Piano/Haul Away Volunteer - We have an old piano slated for removal and need your help! If you are interested in taking away the piano please contact Cynthia.


Crossing Guards - Crossing guards needed to help guide Ridgeline students as they cross W. Amazon to access the Amazon trail and the bridge across the creek. Volunteers needed daily at 8-8:30 am and 3-3:20 pm. Safety vests and stop signs provided. Crossing guards need to be fully vaccinated and have a background check within the last 5 years. Sign up for any number of mornings and/or afternoons on Track it Forward


Arrival & Dismissal Volunteers - We are looking for volunteers to help direct both students and cars through the arrival and dismissal process. Safety vests provided. Arrival & dismissal volunteers need to be fully vaccinated, have a background check within the last 5 years. Sign up for any number of mornings and/or afternoons on Track it Forward



Gravel Pick Up Volunteer - Volunteer needed with a truck to go to Lane Forest Products or Rexius to pick up a ½ yard of ¾ minus gravel for the grounds work party on Saturday, September 4. Contact Cynthia to volunteer.


Track it Forward - Ridgeline will continue to utilize Track it Forward for volunteer sign-ups and to log your volunteer hours. If you are new to Ridgeline or have not yet created an account, please do so! Last year we had a lot of folks forget to log their hours. Volunteer hour reporting is important for us to show support for Ridgeline when applying for grants and for reporting to our sponsoring district.

Track It Forward app can be added to your phone!

If you are a first-time Track It Forward user and have not set up an account you will need to create an account first. If you already have an account, skip to step two.


Step One:

Go to https://www.trackitforward.com/site/ridgeline-montessori

Select sign in

Create your account.


Step Two:

Go to the app store on your device and search for Track It Forward.

Download the app

Log In

You are all set!


Medication - Students requiring medication are requested to take all doses at home if possible. If medication must be given during school hours, or while students are on school sponsored field trips, a medication distribution form must be completed and signed by the parent. Medication must be given to school staff in the original container, including prescription label attached, and only the amount to be given by school staff in the container. School staff must keep a log of the date, time, and amount of medication given to the student. All medications are kept secured in the school office. Contact the office to make arrangements and complete paperwork. Students are not to have medications elsewhere on the school grounds without prior written approval including a Self Medication Distribution form. This includes over the counter medications and cough drops.



eNews 9-2-21

eNews: Ridgeline Montessori’s Weekly News


RIDGELINE CALENDAR OF EVENTS:


Full calendar: https://www.ridgeline.org/family-resources/calendar

Thurs. 9/2 Board Meeting 6:30-8:30 pm

Fri. 9/3 Back to School Forms Due

Sat. 9/4 RCO Grounds Work Party 10 am

Mon. 9/6 Labor Day – Office Closed

Tues. 9/7 Staff Work Day

Wed. 9/8 Staff Work Day

Thurs. 9/9 First Day of School for All Students


NEW NEWS

Welcome to week two of the eNews! Things are moving quickly around here. If you are still on this email list and your student is no longer enrolled at Ridgeline, please reply to this email and ask to be removed from the list.

Getting Ready for School - The first day of school is less than a week away! Now is a great time to start getting up early, putting the morning routines in practice so everyone in the family is ready to leap in the car, walk out the door, or hop on their bicycles on that first day. It’s been a long time for many of us since there has been a daily routine, and we may be a little rusty! If your kids will be bringing their own lunches to school, make them the night before and set out clothing, masks, and other items needed for a successful school day. Remember an extra change of clothes and mask in the backpack can be helpful for unexpected spills at school.

Help Us Beautify the Ridgeline School Grounds – We are still looking for more volunteers for this Saturday’s School Beautification Day! Thanks to those who have already replied to volunteer. In addition to the various clean up and getting ready jobs, we are looking for someone who would like to donate and plant flowers in the planters near the Kinder/Lower El playground as well as a few pots that will be placed in front of the office. As a reminder, we will meet at 10 am on Saturday, Sept 4, in front of the main building. Please email rco@ridgeline.org if you are interested in helping; a detailed email about the jobs will go out to those who respond. Volunteers must wear masks on campus and practice physical distancing from people outside their household. See you on Saturday!

Health and Safety Protocols – We are looking forward to welcoming all Ridgeline students back to school on Thursday. To keep everyone as safe as possible, we ask that you take the time to read through and familiarize yourself with the following information, which is also available on our website under Parent Resources.

Screening Tools:

CDC Self-Screening Tool

COVID-19 Symptom Screener (Printable)

School Checklist

When Should My Student Stay Home?:

COVID-19 Exclusion Summary Guidance for K-12 Schools

Mandatory COVID-19 Reporting Requirements

Safety:

Wearing a Face Covering at School

Handwashing Requirements

Drop-off & Pick-up Procedures – Please read the drop-off/pick-up procedures carefully prior to the first day of school. We recommend leaving home extra early to allow yourself plenty of time to either get through the drop-off line or to park and walk your student to the school grounds. It often takes longer the first few days of school, so please err on the side of being early.

Broken Link – We apologize for the broken link in last week’s eNews. Click here to sign up for COVID-19 Testing. We encourage all families to participate in weekly Screening and Diagnostic Testing.

Sewing Volunteer Needed – Volunteer wanted to make a handful of fabric masks with clear panels. Instructions provided and supply reimbursement available. Contact Cynthia to volunteer.

BACK TO SCHOOL FORMS – DUE TODAY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

Please complete and submit the following forms by September 3, 2021.

Required for all families:

Ridgeline Family–School Community Agreement

Ridgeline Annual Permissions Form

Family Income Survey

Technology Access Survey

Ridgeline Computer Internet User Agreement 2021-2022


Families who would like to participate in the free meal program:

Meal Program Form


We encourage all families to participate in weekly Screening and Diagnostic Testing. Click here to get started: Instructions for signing up for COVID-19 Testing

CONTINUING NEWS

Calendar – Each week we will highlight the upcoming week’s calendar in the eNews. We encourage you to regularly check the calendar, at www.ridgeline.org as dates have been known to change. Please note that Ridgeline’s calendar is slightly different from 4J elementary calendars.

Electronic Back to School Packet! This year you do not need to check your mailboxes as all back to school information will be electronic. Included in this first edition of the eNews for the 2021-22 school year you will find back to school forms that need your attention (above). Please allot enough time to complete all forms by Friday, September 3. Permissions are needed for students at the start of school. Please fill out the forms by the deadline so that your child does not miss out on things like school lunch, classroom walks on Amazon Trail, or using the computer. (Pay special attention to auto-fills that put your name instead of your student’s name in the name field.)

Abridged Handbook – Please read the Ridgeline Abridged Handbook 2021-2022 before the first day of school, as we have made many changes to reflect current procedures and practices.

Prepared Meals – Similar to last spring, Ridgeline is offering meals at no cost to families. Everyone is welcome to sign up! This year students will have the option to receive school meals two, three, or five days a week. All lunches come with a cold take-home sack breakfast for the following morning. Please fill out the meal form in the back to school forms. To receive meals the first week, you must sign up by Friday, September 3. Families may sign up or make order changes throughout the year; changes will take effect the following week.


Supply Fee We are now collecting the $75 per student supply fee. This year all supply fees will be collected electronically. If paying the supply fee presents a financial hardship for your family, please fill out the Financial Assistance Form. Supply fees are due Friday, October 1.

Back to School Q & A – In response to the questions and feedback we received from the initial draft of our Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan, staff has created a 2021-2022 Back to School Q&A document that addresses many of your questions.


Weekly COVID-19 Screening – The University of Oregon has partnered with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to provide free, voluntary COVID-19 screening testing to schools in your county. Ridgeline opted in to the program, and we strongly encourage families to opt-in to testing programs for the well-being of our school community.

On-Site Rapid Testing – Should your student develop COVID-19 symptoms while at school, Ridgeline has BinaxNOW rapid tests available. These tests will only be administered if you have completed the Oregon Health Authority waiver and returned it to the school.

Picture Day Is Back! We are super excited to be offering Picture Day again after a hiatus last year. Lifetouch order forms will be sent home with students after school starts. Photos will be taken outside in the covered area for a mask-free smile on Thursday, September 23.

Substitutes Needed – At this time our substitute pool is very low! We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic to spend a day in a Montessori classroom in the role of the assistant in the event of a staff absence. Subs help with classroom management, assisting students with their work, and tasks assigned by the staff lead for the day. Several of our staff members started their educational careers here at Ridgeline in this role! Subbing is a great way to gain experience and a true understanding of the Montessori experience at all grade levels.

If you are interested in getting on our substitute list, please submit a resume and three references with contact information to careers@ridgeline.org. A substitute training will be scheduled in the coming weeks. Contact Cynthia if you have questions.

Message from Fundraising Chair – Hello, for those of you who I have not yet met, I'm Ann Carney Nelson. I am the mother of two Ridgeline students. Elizabeth will be a 4th grader in Meridy's class and Ella is starting in kindergarten this year. I'm excited to serve as Fundraising Committee Chair again this year and am grateful to have each of you as part of the Fundraising Team here at Ridgeline! While our committee takes the lead to help plan and organize our annual fundraising efforts, at the end of the day, it is our collective responsibility to work together to reach our goal. This year our fundraising goal is again $75,000 (a goal we exceeded last year!). We will be sharing more information in the coming weeks about ways to help and participate in our fundraising activities. If at any point you have any questions or ideas to share, or are interested in getting involved in any capacity, please contact us at giving@ridgeline.org – or just come to any of our meetings (to be held via Zoom after school hours).

Volunteering – While volunteering inside the school will be very limited this year, we do indeed have volunteer opportunities, and we still rely on our amazing parent volunteers to help with so many different aspects of life at Ridgeline! Teachers will reach out to families in their classroom communications, and Cynthia will include volunteer opportunities in the eNews. Volunteers serve on committees, make materials at home, do grounds work, act as crossing guards, and take on other projects.

Below are our current volunteer needs:


Free Piano/Haul-Away Volunteer – We have an old piano slated for removal and need your help! If you are interested in taking away the piano, please contact Cynthia.


Crossing Guards – Crossing guards needed to help guide Ridgeline students as they cross West Amazon to access the Amazon trail and the bridge across the creek. Volunteers needed daily at 8-8:30 am, and 3-3:20 pm M-Th and 1-1:20 F. Safety vests and stop signs provided. Crossing guards need to be fully vaccinated and have had a background check within the last 5 years. Sign up for any number of mornings and/or afternoons on Track it Forward.


Arrival & Dismissal Volunteers – We are looking for volunteers to help direct both students and cars through the arrival and dismissal process. Safety vests provided. Arrival & dismissal volunteers need to be fully vaccinated, have a background check within the last 5 years. Sign up for any number of mornings and/or afternoons on Track it Forward.



Gravel Pickup Volunteer – Volunteer needed with a truck to go to Lane Forest Products or Rexius to pick up 1/2 yard of 3/4 minus gravel for the grounds work party on Saturday, September 4. Contact Cynthia to volunteer.


Track It Forward – Ridgeline will continue to use Track It Forward for volunteer sign-ups and to log your volunteer hours. If you are new to Ridgeline or have not yet created an account, please do so! Last year we had a lot of folks forget to log their hours. Volunteer hour reporting is important for us to show support for Ridgeline when applying for grants and for reporting to our sponsoring district.

Track It Forward app can be added to your phone!

If you are a first-time Track It Forward user and have not set up an account you will need to create an account first. If you already have an account, skip to option two.


Option One:

Go to https://www.trackitforward.com/site/ridgeline-montessori.

Select sign in.

Create your account.


Step Two:

Go to the app store on your phone and search for Track It Forward.

Download the app.

Log in.

You are all set!


Medication – Students requiring medication are requested to take all doses at home if possible. If medication must be given during school hours or while students are on school sponsored field trips, a medication distribution form must be completed and signed by the parent. Medication must be given to school staff in the original container, including prescription label attached, with only the amount to be given by school staff in the container. School staff must keep a log of the date, time, and amount of medication given to the student. All medications are kept secured in the school office. Contact the office to make arrangements and complete paperwork. Students are not to have medications elsewhere on the school grounds without prior written approval including a Self-Medication Distribution form. This includes over the counter medications and cough drops.



COMMUNITY NEWS


Oregon approved to issue an additional $167 million in Pandemic EBT food assistance to 430,000 children

Need to know:

  • Current recipients of P-EBT benefits for the 2020 - 2021 school year will automatically receive an additional $389 per child in food assistance that will be received as two payments in September and October. There is no need to apply.

  • If your child has not applied and been approved for free or reduced price meals at school, you can still receive P-EBT food assistance for the summer if you apply online at the Oregon Department of Education website by September 4.

  • Oregon will provide approximately $591 million in food assistance for children from July through October 2021.

  • P-EBT is a benefit program separate from meals currently provided at no charge to children and students. These meals do not impact P-EBT eligibility or benefits.

(Salem, Ore.) – The State of Oregon received approval from the federal government to expand the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program and provide an additional $167 million in food assistance to approximately 430,000 children in Oregon.

Oregon was previously approved to provide approximately $424 million in food benefits to children in Oregon. Combined with the summer expansion of the program, Oregon will provide approximately $591 million in food assistance to children from July through October 2021.

P-EBT provides food benefits to families whose children were eligible for free or reduced priced meals at school or daycare, but did not have access to these free meals because of COVID-19 closures.

Children currently receiving P-EBT benefits for the 2020 - 2021 school year will automatically receive an additional $389 per child in food assistance that will be received as two payments in September and October.

Eligibility for additional P-EBT food assistance

  • Students eligible to receive P-EBT benefits for the 2020 - 2021 school year will receive additional P-EBT food assistance for the summer of 2021. There is no need to apply.

  • Children age six or younger whose families participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program will receive P-EBT food assistance for the summer of 2021. There is no need to apply.

  • If your child has not applied and been approved for free or reduced price meals at school, you can still receive P-EBT food assistance for the summer if you apply online at the Oregon Department of Education website by September 4.

Two ways children receive P-EBT food assistance

There are two ways children receive benefits:

  • If the child’s household currently participates in SNAP or TANF, their P-EBT benefits will be deposited into the household’s EBT account.

  • Children who already have a P-EBT card will continue to receive food assistance on their current card.

  • Children new to the P-EBT program whose household does not participate in SNAP or TANF will receive a P-EBT card in the mail at the address on file with their school.

P-EBT cards look different than the Oregon Trail EBT cards issued to SNAP households.

Visit pebt.oregon.gov for more information about the P-EBT program.

P-EBT does not replace any child nutrition program already offered and families are encouraged to continue to participate in meal programs in their communities.

P-EBT is separate from SNAP benefits including emergency allotments that are also being issued due to the impact of COVID-19. P-EBT benefits are not considered in a public charge test.

Resources to help meet basic needs

About SNAP

Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.

About the Oregon Department of Education

The Oregon Department of Education fosters equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. ODE oversees the education of over 560,000 students in Oregon’s public K-12 education system. While ODE isn’t in the classroom directly providing services, the agency (along with the State Board) - focuses on helping districts achieve both local and statewide goals and priorities through strategies such as:

  • Developing policies and standards

  • Providing accurate and timely data to inform instruction

  • Training teachers on how to use data effectively

  • Effectively administering numerous state and federal grants

  • Sharing and helping districts implement best practices


eNews 9-9-21

eNews: Ridgeline Montessori’s Weekly News


RIDGELINE CALENDAR OF EVENTS:


Full calendar: https://www.ridgeline.org/family-resources/calendar

Thurs. 9/9 First Day of School for All Students

Fri. 9/17 Student Profile Edits Due


NEW NEWS

Board Meeting Recap - On behalf of the board, welcome to the 2021-22 school year! Ridgeline's board of directors unanimously endorsed the school's fall plans last Thursday evening. Ridgeline will once again offer full-time, in-person, public Montessori education this fall. While we would love nothing more than for Ridgeline to be able to offer limitless public Montessori options, the Board and the school must work to balance that dream with the real constraints that we operate within. Ridgeline will not be offering a remote learning option or holding seats for students who are unenrolled. We recognize that not everyone agrees with these choices. We empathize with those facing difficult decisions. Regardless of your choice, we want you to know that we value each Ridgeline student and family, past and present. Thank you all for your thoughtful, caring engagement over the last month. If you'd like to listen, the audio recording of the board meeting is available here. You can always contact the Ridgeline board at board@ridgeline.org.

Back to School Forms - If you have not yet completed your back to school forms they are now past due. Please fill them out ASAP! See continuing news for the links to the forms.

Friday Handouts - Tomorrow we will be handing out several things for students to bring home. These include: classroom pick up signs for your window (unless those go home Monday), Lifetouch picture day order forms, and the Student Profiles.

Classroom Pick up Signs - In order to improve the efficiency of the drive through pick up circle, we are trying something new! Each student will be sent home with a colored classroom sign. Please add the name of your student and put these signs in your car window so staff can see who you are picking.

Student Profile - Friday we will be sending home each student’s profile from Synergy. Please read the Reference Guide and make any updates to your student’s profile with a RED pen. Note, that addresses cannot be changed in Synergy without two proofs of address. If you need to update your address, contact Leauriy to make arrangements. Return student profiles with clearly marked changes to your classroom teacher by Friday, September 17th. Please sign, date and return the Student Profiles even if there are no changes. It is very important that we have accurate contact information for your student so we can reach you during the school day.

Board Meeting Next Week - The board will have its regular monthly business meeting on Thursday, September 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The meeting will include the regular financial update and news from the first week of school, as well as updates on the facilities work and Ridgeline's charter contract negotiations. The agenda will be finalized and posted here by next Tuesday; the Zoom link will be shared in next week's eNews. You can reach the board at board@ridgeline.org.

Picture Day Order Forms - If you are ordering photos, please send your picture packet order forms with your student on picture day, September 23.

UO Testing - UO weekly testing will start next week. Welcome packets with test kits will be sent home through the classrooms and students will return their tests to their teachers the following day. Tests will be picked up via courier the day they are returned so late test kits will not be included that week. If you are participating in the UO testing program, please instruct your student to put their classroom bin on collection day. If you have any questions about the program contact Cynthia.

Air Quality - Ridgeline will use the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Guidance: School Outdoor Activities During Wildfire Events and the local Air Quality Index (AQI) at Oregon Environmental Air Quality to guide decisions about the use of outdoor space. Air quality will be monitored at 7:45 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. A draft guidance document has been created and once it is finalized, we will share it with you.

Site Council Update - Site Council, a group which includes all stakeholders with interests in the school, had our annual retreat in August via Zoom. We have representatives from parents, teachers, administration and classified staff. We don't yet have a student member. During our retreat, we set goals for the year which are: 1) review the Family Handbook, 2) support the Equity and Inclusion efforts, and 3) continue to update and improve Site Council's internal workings. We are always looking for ways to connect to families and parents. Please feel free to reach out to the parent reps, Sara Mader and Ben Muir. You can contact us by our email at sitecouncil@ridgeline.org.

Because one of the three parent representatives is no longer able to serve, we will be looking for a new parent member. We meet most months during the school year for 1.5 hours. If you are interested, we invite you to our next meeting which will be on September 20 at 6:00 and will be on Zoom or contact us at sitecouncil@ridgeline.org.

Thank You - A huge thank you to RCO lead Meghan Rogacki for organizing the grounds work party that took place last Saturday. Thank you to all the families who participated in doing a variety of projects around school to help get the grounds ready for the start of school. Thank you Meredith Turner for buying and planting flowers, Jennifer Rice for getting the gravel and helping haul away items. Thank you to Rachael McEachernfor also helping to haul away items. Thank you to essential volunteer Tate Kelley for all your heavy lifting and Naomi Friedman for helping to paint arrival/dismissal dots and laminating. And a big thank you to community volunteer Linda Thacker for cutting out laminate and many other at home projects.

Oregon Health Authority & Oregon Department of Education School Health Advisories -

To maintain the continuity of instruction during the first month of school this year, OHA and ODE are issuing the following School Health Advisory, to remain in effect statewide September 7 – October 1, unless otherwise updated:


  1. All eligible youth and adults who come in
    contact with school-age children should vaccinate to reduce spread in the school community.

  2. Families with school-age children and educators should limit gatherings and non-essential activities with people from other households to the extent possible. If you are visiting people from another household, you should wear a mask, maintain a physical distance of 6 feet, and keep activities outdoors as much as possible.

  3. To the extent possible, schools and other organizations should reduce extracurricular activities and consider holding activities, such as meals, recess, physical education classes, music and choir, outdoors to maximize physical distancing. Likewise, if schools and other organizations proceed with extracurricular activities, they should consider holding them outdoors and implementing additional precautions like face coverings and physical distancing.

  4. Schools should hold beginning of the year family events (open houses, meet the teacher nights, etc.) online, rather than in-person. If events are held in-person, ensure all participants wear masks, hold the events outside, and maintain physical distancing of 6 feet to the degree possible.

  5. Families should check your school’s website or ODE’s Ready Schools, Safe Learners website to review your school’s Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan.

Review these back-to-school COVID-19 safety tips for more information on how to keep everyone safe as students return to the classroom.

CONTINUING NEWS -

Drop-off & Pick-up Procedures – Please read the drop-off/pick-up procedures carefully prior to the first day of school. We recommend leaving home extra early to allow yourself plenty of time to either get through the drop-off line or to park and walk your student to the school grounds. It often takes longer the first few days of school, so please err on the side of being early.

BACK TO SCHOOL FORMS – DUE TODAY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

Please complete and submit the following forms by September 3, 2021.

Required for all families:

Ridgeline Family–School Community Agreement

Ridgeline Annual Permissions Form

Family Income Survey

Technology Access Survey

Ridgeline Computer Internet User Agreement 2021-2022


Families who would like to participate in the free meal program:

Meal Program Form


We encourage all families to participate in weekly Screening and Diagnostic Testing. Click here to get started: Instructions for signing up for COVID-19 Testing


Health and Safety Protocols – We are looking forward to welcoming all Ridgeline students back to school on Thursday. To keep everyone as safe as possible, we ask that you take the time to read through and familiarize yourself with the following information, which is also available on our website under Parent Resources.

Screening Tools:

CDC Self-Screening Tool

COVID-19 Symptom Screener (Printable)

School Checklist

When Should My Student Stay Home?:

COVID-19 Exclusion Summary Guidance for K-12 Schools

Mandatory COVID-19 Reporting Requirements

Safety:

Wearing a Face Covering at School

Handwashing Requirements


Supply Fee We are now collecting the $75 per student supply fee. This year all supply fees will be collected electronically. If paying the supply fee presents a financial hardship for your family, please fill out the Financial Assistance Form. Supply fees are due Friday, October 1.


Substitutes Needed – At this time our substitute pool is very low! We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic to spend a day in a Montessori classroom in the role of the assistant in the event of a staff absence. Subs help with classroom management, assisting students with their work, and tasks assigned by the staff lead for the day. Several of our staff members started their educational careers here at Ridgeline in this role! Subbing is a great way to gain experience and a true understanding of the Montessori experience at all grade levels.

If you are interested in getting on our substitute list, please submit a resume and three references with contact information to careers@ridgeline.org. A substitute training will be scheduled in the coming weeks. Contact Cynthia if you have questions.

Crossing Guards – Crossing guards needed to help guide Ridgeline students as they cross West Amazon to access the Amazon trail and the bridge across the creek. Volunteers needed daily at 8-8:30 am, and 3-3:20 pm M-Th and 1-1:20 F. Safety vests and stop signs provided. Crossing guards need to be fully vaccinated and have had a background check within the last 5 years. Sign up for any number of mornings and/or afternoons on Track it Forward.


Arrival & Dismissal Volunteers – We are looking for volunteers to help direct both students and cars through the arrival and dismissal process. Safety vests provided. Arrival & dismissal volunteers need to be fully vaccinated, have a background check within the last 5 years. Sign up for any number of mornings and/or afternoons on Track it Forward.


COMMUNITY NEWS


Oregon approved to issue an additional $167 million in Pandemic EBT food assistance to 430,000 children

Need to know:

  • Current recipients of P-EBT benefits for the 2020 - 2021 school year will automatically receive an additional $389 per child in food assistance that will be received as two payments in September and October. There is no need to apply.

  • If your child has not applied and been approved for free or reduced price meals at school, you can still receive P-EBT food assistance for the summer if you apply online at the Oregon Department of Education website by September 4.

  • Oregon will provide approximately $591 million in food assistance for children from July through October 2021.

  • P-EBT is a benefit program separate from meals currently provided at no charge to children and students. These meals do not impact P-EBT eligibility or benefits.

(Salem, Ore.) – The State of Oregon received approval from the federal government to expand the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program and provide an additional $167 million in food assistance to approximately 430,000 children in Oregon.

Oregon was previously approved to provide approximately $424 million in food benefits to children in Oregon. Combined with the summer expansion of the program, Oregon will provide approximately $591 million in food assistance to children from July through October 2021.

P-EBT provides food benefits to families whose children were eligible for free or reduced priced meals at school or daycare, but did not have access to these free meals because of COVID-19 closures.

Children currently receiving P-EBT benefits for the 2020 - 2021 school year will automatically receive an additional $389 per child in food assistance that will be received as two payments in September and October.

Eligibility for additional P-EBT food assistance

  • Students eligible to receive P-EBT benefits for the 2020 - 2021 school year will receive additional P-EBT food assistance for the summer of 2021. There is no need to apply.

  • Children age six or younger whose families participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program will receive P-EBT food assistance for the summer of 2021. There is no need to apply.

  • If your child has not applied and been approved for free or reduced price meals at school, you can still receive P-EBT food assistance for the summer if you apply online at the Oregon Department of Education website by September 4.

Two ways children receive P-EBT food assistance

There are two ways children receive benefits:

  • If the child’s household currently participates in SNAP or TANF, their P-EBT benefits will be deposited into the household’s EBT account.

  • Children who already have a P-EBT card will continue to receive food assistance on their current card.

  • Children new to the P-EBT program whose household does not participate in SNAP or TANF will receive a P-EBT card in the mail at the address on file with their school.

P-EBT cards look different than the Oregon Trail EBT cards issued to SNAP households.

Visit pebt.oregon.gov for more information about the P-EBT program.

P-EBT does not replace any child nutrition program already offered and families are encouraged to continue to participate in meal programs in their communities.

P-EBT is separate from SNAP benefits including emergency allotments that are also being issued due to the impact of COVID-19. P-EBT benefits are not considered in a public charge test.

Resources to help meet basic needs

About SNAP

Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.

About the Oregon Department of Education

The Oregon Department of Education fosters equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. ODE oversees the education of over 560,000 students in Oregon’s public K-12 education system. While ODE isn’t in the classroom directly providing services, the agency (along with the State Board) - focuses on helping districts achieve both local and statewide goals and priorities through strategies such as:

  • Developing policies and standards

  • Providing accurate and timely data to inform instruction

  • Training teachers on how to use data effectively

  • Effectively administering numerous state and federal grants

  • Sharing and helping districts implement best practices


eNews 9-17-21

eNews: Ridgeline Montessori’s Weekly News



RIDGELINE CALENDAR OF EVENTS:


Full calendar: https://www.ridgeline.org/family-resources/calendar

Thurs. 9/16 Board Meeting 6:30-8:30pm

Sat. 9/18 Board Work Session 9am-12pm

Mon. 9/20 Site Council Meeting 6-7:30pm

Tues. 9/21 UO Test Kits Sent Home

Wed. 9/22 UO Test Kits Returned to School 8:30am

Thurs. 9/23 Picture Day


NEW NEWS

Board Meeting tonight and Work Session Saturday morning - Ridgeline's board will have its regular September meeting tonight (Thursday evening) from 6:30-8:30 pm. Thursday evening's meeting will include regular business updates as well as news from the first week of school and discussion of the school's staff vaccination policy. You can view the full Thursday agenda on the board page of Ridgeline's website. All are welcome to attend the meeting (Thursday Zoom link). You can speak to the board during the public comment portion of the meeting or by emailing board@ridgeline.org. The board will also have its annual fall work session to start planning the year's work on Saturday morning (9 am to noon). The Saturday agenda is available; the meeting is open to the public, although there will not be a public comment period (Saturday Zoom link). The board will share information from these meetings next week.

UO Testing - Those who have signed up for the weekly UO testing will receive test kits on Tuesdays. Tests need to be returned first thing Wednesday morning to the classroom collection bin. No late tests will be accepted. Please help remind your student to drop off their test Wednesday morning when they arrive at school.

Sign up for this program is ongoing and there is approximately a week lag time between sign up and being added to the list. The first week in the program a green welcome folder will be sent home along with the test kit. These folders have individualized student stickers that you will need to adhere to the testing vile.

In order to sign up for the program, you need to fill out both the OHA waiver (and return it to Cynthia) and sign up through UO for the testing. Instructions for signing up for COVID-19 Testing Ridgeline does not know who has signed up for testing until the weekly student list arrives. Contact UO directly at c19studentsupport@uoregon.edu if you have any questions about whether or not your student is signed up.

School Lunches - Families may sign up or cancel their school lunches throughout the year. Please note that the deadline to start receiving lunches is Wednesday for the following week. (For example, if you sign up on a Tuesday, your student will start receiving lunches the following Monday.)

DUE tomorrow! Student Profile - Last week we sent home your student’s profile from Synergy. Please read the Reference Guide and make any updates to your student’s profile with a RED pen. Note, that addresses cannot be changed in Synergy without two proofs of address. If you need to update your address, contact Leauriy to make arrangements. Return student profiles with clearly marked changes to your classroom teacher by Friday, September 17th. Please sign, date and return the Student Profiles even if there are no changes. It is very important that we have accurate contact information for your student so we can reach you during the school day.

Site Council Meeting - Site Council’s next meeting is Monday, September 20, 6-7:30pm on zoom. All Site Council meetings are public and visitors are welcome to attend. Here is the link to Monday’s meeting.

Picture Day - Picture Day is next Thursday, September 23. All students will have their photos taken whether or not they are ordering a picture package. If you are ordering photos, please send the picture day order form on Thursday as your child will give the order to the photographer. You may order photos online at Lifetouch.com. Ridgeline’s Picture Day code is EVTTKS2XQ.

Supply Fees - Thank you to everyone who has paid their 2021-22 school supply fee. If you have not yet paid the supply fee, just a reminder that it is due October 1. This year all supply fees will be collected electronically. If paying the supply fee presents a financial hardship for your family, please fill out the Financial Assistance Form.

Pick Up & Drop off Procedures - We see lots of people starting to use the new pick up classroom signs in their car windows. Thank you! We also appreciate walk up parents who are now keeping a distance from one another. We recognize that our property is small and that over 200 students are leaving school in a very short period of time. Walking and biking are great alternative transportation options. Live too far to bike or walk? Consider driving to a location that is closer and walk or bike the rest of the way to school.

Yellow Curb - the yellow curb between the No Named street and the entrance to Ridgeline is a no parking area. Please do not park or stop to drop off students in this area. It holds up the line and creates an unsafe route for students who get out of vehicles in this location.

Traffic Line - We recognize that pick up can be challenging. Please remember that W. Amazon Drive is a street and it is not safe to sit in the pick up line on the street blocking through traffic. If the pick up line extends beyond the yellow curb queuing lane (south of the no named street) please circle around the neighborhood until the line has subsided. We have fielded multiple complaints and reports of angry unsafe drivers as a result of cars waiting in the travel lane. Please be good neighbors and help to keep our students and the street safe.

Circle Around - If you arrive in the traffic circle and see that your student’s class is not out yet, please exit the pick up area and circle around to Snell, E. Amazon, Fox Hollow, and back to W. Amazon Drive. This will also help with the long line on the street as we have noticed situations where the pick up circle is clogged with cars waiting for students who have yet to arrive at the dismissal area. Please be patient. Classrooms are making every effort to dismiss on time. Sometimes things happen when moving 29 people from one place to another!

Background Check Renewals - Volunteer positions that require background checks will now need to be renewed every five years. Since on site volunteer opportunities are limited at this time, Cynthia will be contacting volunteers this fall whose background checks have expired and invite them to renew.

Lotion in Classrooms - The school has purchased moisturizing hand lotion that may be used by students to offset the chapping that might occur due to cold weather and handwashing. The lotion is fragrance free, lanolin free and paraben free, and is formulated for sensitive skin types. Students should not bring lotion from home.

Walking Field Trips - This year classrooms will take advantage of the Amazon Trail across from the school and other nearby outside off campus locations on a regular basis. Students who are not able to participate in these impromptu outings due to an injury, for example, will be placed in an outdoor space in the care of another classroom.

Stump Update - Thank you to everyone who offered to procure stumps for our students. We currently have all the stumps we need. If our stump situation changes in the future we will let you know.

CONTINUING NEWS -

Air Quality - Ridgeline will use the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Guidance: School Outdoor Activities During Wildfire Events and the local Air Quality Index (AQI) at Oregon Environmental Air Quality to guide decisions about the use of outdoor space. Air quality will be monitored at 7:45 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. A draft guidance document has been created and once it is finalized, we will share it with you.

Site Council Update - Site Council, a group which includes all stakeholders with interests in the school, had our annual retreat in August via Zoom. We have representatives from parents, teachers, administration and classified staff. We don't yet have a student member. During our retreat, we set goals for the year which are: 1) review the Family Handbook, 2) support the Equity and Inclusion efforts, and 3) continue to update and improve Site Council's internal workings. We are always looking for ways to connect to families and parents. Please feel free to reach out to the parent reps, Sara Mader and Ben Muir. You can contact us by our email at sitecouncil@ridgeline.org.

Because one of the three parent representatives is no longer able to serve, we will be looking for a new parent member. We meet most months during the school year for 1.5 hours. If you are interested, we invite you to our next meeting which will be on September 20 at 6:00 and will be on Zoom or contact us at sitecouncil@ridgeline.org.



eNews 9-23-21

eNews: Ridgeline Montessori’s Weekly News



RIDGELINE CALENDAR OF EVENTS:


Full calendar: https://www.ridgeline.org/family-resources/calendar

Tues. 9/28 UO Test Kits Sent Home

Wed. 9/29 UO Test Kits Returned to School

Fri. 10/1 Supply Fees Due

Fri. 10/1 Monthly Donor Campaign Starts


NEW NEWS

Sarah & Rachel’s Class Arrival/Dismissal Location Switching - Starting Monday, Sarah and Rachel’s classes will be switching arrival and dismissal locations. Rachel’s class will stand on the purple dots outside the fence and kindergarten students will be inside the fenced area.

Supply Fees - Thank you to everyone who has paid their 2021-22 school supply fee. If you have not yet paid the supply fee, it is due October 1. This year all supply fees will be collected electronically. If paying the supply fee presents a financial hardship for your family, please fill out the Financial Assistance Form.

Rules of the Road - Please remember that all the standard traffic rules of the road still apply when you are picking up your children from school. Do not make a u-turn in the middle of the road. Do not block driveways. Do not wait in line in the middle of the street. Do not block fire hydrants. Do not block the bus stop. Do not park in yellow zones, including the one north of the school’s property. Be respectful to staff or volunteers who are helping to direct traffic and create a safe environment for everyone. Office staff have received more complaints from neighbors and community members attempting to travel down W. Amazon during our pick up times. The drive thru line ends at the end of the yellow curb before the no named street. If the line extends beyond this point, please circle around. A neighbor will be calling the police to patrol the area.

Sick Kids - Cold season is upon us. We recognize that many of the symptoms of the common cold, and other non-covid illnesses, are similar to covid symptoms. We ask everyone to be patient with office staff who ask you to come pick up your sick kiddo and seek professional medical guidance. Schools have strict guidelines and protocols to follow when a student has symptoms. Symptomatic students need to stay home unless they have a doctor’s note. If in doubt, use one of the symptom screeners available on the Ridgeline website under back to school resources.

Absence Reporting - If your student will be missing school, please contact us at attendance@ridgeline.org and let us know why your child is out. Please provide details, including symptoms. This will allow us to follow up with any students that have COVID-like symptoms. Students who are absent without notification will be coded as an unexcused absence and parents may be contacted for details.

Appointment Pick Up/Drop Offs - If you are picking up or dropping off your student in the middle of the school day, please pull up to the front of the school and call us at 541-681-9662. We will call the classroom to have them send your student out or we will meet your student on the porch to check them in. We appreciate you sending appointment communication in advance to attendance@ridgeline.org

Fundraising Progress Report- You may recall that as a Public Charter School Ridgeline receives 20% less in state funding than other similarly-sized public schools. This means that every year we need to fundraise. This year our goal is again $75,000, or $300/student. As of September 23, we have already raised $6,432 towards our goal!

We would like to send a big THANK YOU out to each of our monthly donors whose contributions represent the overwhelming majority of funds raised thus far. Monthly giving is easy, flexible, and one of the most efficient ways to support our school. Small monthly gifts really do add up! A monthly gift of $25 equals that $300 goal over the course of a year!

Monthly Match Campaign Starts October 1 - Thanks to a generous Ridgeline supporter, we will be hosting our 3rd annual Monthly Donor Match next month. For each and every new or increased Monthly Donor who signs up between October 1 and October 31, Ridgeline will receive an additional $50! Look for more information next week about this exciting and easy way to support our school!

Site Council Update - Site Council got off to a good start in our September meeting with updates from all the stakeholders at Ridgeline. We jumped right in to reviewing our documents to make sure we can accomplish our goals for the year. We are still looking for one more parent representative to join us. The commitment is reasonable, with one evening meeting a month and an hour or 2 of reading in between meetings. Reach out with any questions or feedback: sitecouncil@ridgeline.org

Picture Retakes - If your student was absent today for Picture Day they can have their photo taken on retake day on November 3.

Weed Whacking Volunteer Needed - We are looking for a volunteer to weed whack, hopefully this weekend behind building A. Contact Cynthia if you can help so she can get you the key to the gate.

No Waitlist 7th & 8th Grade - If you know of families with 7th or 8th graders who you think would be interested in Ridgeline’s middle school, please encourage them to fill out an application as there is currently no waitlist at these grades. The application can be found here.

Facebook parent group will be up and running in the next few days! Please use this link to ask to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604057500592213. Please take a minute to answer the questions and read over the rules of the group and we’ll get you in as soon as possible. This is a peer run community group for the parents and guardians of Ridgeline Montessori. This group's purpose is to provide connection, share information, ask questions and facilitate conversations. This group is not managed by Ridgeline staff nor does it include members of Ridgeline staff. (Exception would be if a staff member is also a parent).

Board Meeting Recap - Last Thursday evening the board had its first regular meeting of the school year. This is a long recap!!! There is talk of moving to video updates...what do you all think?

Executive Director Chrystell Reed and Principal Michelle Texley shared back-to-school updates with the board. Back-to-school is always a busy time at school, even more so in the time of COVID. As Michelle put it, "things previously labeled as simple are now complex...This is hard!" AND, she shared that as she moves through the classrooms, she sees "laughter, easy conversations, and the clear presence of learning and JOY!" That is why we do hard things! Thanks to all of our families for their engagement, cooperation, and trust as we get this year underway.

Also on Thursday:

  • the board agreed that all adults (not just staff) working with or in the presence of students at school should be fully vaccinated according to Oregon law and CDC guidance;

  • the board heard that the school's new ventilation system was operational as of the first day of school and that other facilities work will be completed outside of school hours in the coming weeks and months;

  • the school is working to finalize a charter contract with 4J and is continuing to work on improving services and supports for Ridgeline students who have an IEP.

  • Ridgeline's middle school program has openings and we are accepting applications for a PE specialist and substitutes--please direct people who are interested to the Enrollment or the Employment Opportunities tab on the Ridgeline website.

Last, but definitely not least, on Thursday evening and Saturday morning, the board heard and began discussing Ridgeline's first equity audit results. This equity audit was a survey of staff and volunteer leadership completed last spring that focused on personal and professional development, organizational culture and climate, and organizational systems and structures. As we continue our schoolwide equity work, we will share these survey results with staff and families and use them to help set our direction and goals. More to come as we move through the fall!

CONTINUING NEWS -

UO Testing - Those who have signed up for the weekly UO testing will receive test kits on Tuesdays. Tests need to be returned first thing Wednesday morning to the classroom collection bin. No late tests will be accepted. Please help remind your student to drop off their test Wednesday morning when they arrive at school.

Sign up for this program is ongoing and there is approximately a week lag time between sign up and being added to the list. The first week in the program a green welcome folder will be sent home along with the test kit. These folders have individualized student stickers that you will need to adhere to the testing vile.

In order to sign up for the program, you need to fill out both the OHA waiver (and return it to Cynthia) and sign up through UO for the testing. Instructions for signing up for COVID-19 Testing Ridgeline does not know who has signed up for testing until the weekly student list arrives. Contact UO directly at c19studentsupport@uoregon.edu if you have any questions about whether or not your student is signed up.

School Lunches - Families may sign up or cancel their school lunches throughout the year. Please note that the deadline to start receiving lunches is Wednesday for the following week. (For example, if you sign up on a Tuesday, your student will start receiving lunches the following Monday.)

Pick Up & Drop off Procedures - We see lots of people starting to use the new pick up classroom signs in their car windows. Thank you! We also appreciate walk up parents who are now keeping a distance from one another. We recognize that our property is small and that over 200 students are leaving school in a very short period of time. Walking and biking are great alternative transportation options. Live too far to bike or walk? Consider driving to a location that is closer and walk or bike the rest of the way to school.

Yellow Curb - the yellow curb between the No Named street and the entrance to Ridgeline is a no parking area. Please do not park or stop to drop off students in this area. It holds up the line and creates an unsafe route for students who get out of vehicles in this location.

Traffic Line - We recognize that pick up can be challenging. Please remember that W. Amazon Drive is a street and it is not safe to sit in the pick up line on the street blocking through traffic. If the pick up line extends beyond the yellow curb queuing lane (south of the no named street) please circle around the neighborhood until the line has subsided. We have fielded multiple complaints and reports of angry unsafe drivers as a result of cars waiting in the travel lane. Please be good neighbors and help to keep our students and the street safe.

Circle Around - If you arrive in the traffic circle and see that your student’s class is not out yet, please exit the pick up area and circle around to Snell, E. Amazon, Fox Hollow, and back to W. Amazon Drive. This will also help with the long line on the street as we have noticed situations where the pick up circle is clogged with cars waiting for students who have yet to arrive at the dismissal area. Please be patient. Classrooms are making every effort to dismiss on time. Sometimes things happen when moving 29 people from one place to another!





eNews 9-30-21

eNews: Ridgeline Montessori’s Weekly News



RIDGELINE CALENDAR OF EVENTS:


Full calendar: https://www.ridgeline.org/family-resources/calendar

Fri. 10/1 Supply Fees Due

Fri. 10/1 Monthly Donor Campaign Starts

Tues. 10/5 UO Test Kits Sent Home

Wed. 10/6 UO Test Kits Returned to School

Wed. 10/6 National Bike & Walk to School Day

Thurs. 10/7 Board Work Session 6:30-8:30



NEW NEWS

Supply Fee Due Tomorrow - We have received fees for 60% of our students at this time. If you do not know if you have paid yet, please contact Cynthia. This year all supply fees will be collected electronically. If paying the supply fee presents a financial hardship for your family, please fill out the Financial Assistance Form.

Monthly Donor Match Starts Friday - One of our most important fundraising activities of the year starts this Friday, October 1! During the month of October each and every new or increased Monthly Donation will earn the school an additional $50. Click here to sign up as a Monthly Donor!

Making a Monthly Donation is a great way to spread out your annual contributions over the course of the school year. Monthly Donations also help with budget management and it is the most efficient use of our volunteer-led Fundraising Committee's time. We thank you for your support!

Schoolwide Equity Committee -

Hello Ridgeline community of the 2021-2022 school year!

For the past three years, the Equity Steering Committee has worked with board members, administration, staff, and parents to lay the groundwork for the Ridgeline Equity Committee. The groundwork can be found in a presentation, Ridgeline Equity Committee Framework and Bylaws, in the Ridgeline Equity Committee One Sheet, and in the steering committee’s Vision Statement.

If you are interested in serving on the Ridgeline Equity Committee, please fill out this statement of interest, and a member of the Ridgeline Equity Steering Committee will be in touch about the next steps.

Many thanks to all Ridgeline community members who have informed our work through conversations and emailed questions and comments. If you have any questions or concerns or would like more information, please reach out via email.

April-Kay Williams, Parent and Board Vice President, april-kay.williams@ridgeline.org

Jen Hornsby; Past Ridgeline Parent and Board Member, and Present Lunch Lady, jen.hornsby@ridgeline.org

Maizzy Phayt, Ridgeline Assistant, maizzy.phayt@ridgeline.org

Board Work Session next Thursday - The board will have a work session to continue its annual goal setting work on Thursday, October 7, 2021. The agenda can be found here and the Zoom link will be shared in next week's eNews. The board does not hear public comment at work sessions, but members of the public are welcome to observe. You can always reach the board by email at board@ridgeline.org.


Label Belongings - Water bottles, jackets, and whatnots are starting to accumulate in the office and fraught parents are calling to inquire about missing items, giving lengthy descriptions over the phone. The best way to ensure that your children’s belongings are reunited with them is to label all items your child takes to school.

Retainer Found - A retainer for a small bottom jaw was found on the playground. Contact the office to claim.

Pull All the Way Forward - Community members, we need your help! All drivers in the drop-off/pick-up please pull as far forward as you can up to the exit of the driveway onto W. Amazon. Do not be confused by the red cones; please pull up alongside them. They are placed to give sidewalk users a defined path. We know it is tempting to stop in front of your child's class when there seems to be no one in line behind you, but it will inevitably back up.

National Bike & Walk to School Day - Wednesday, October 6 is National Bike & Walk to School Day. Due to COVID, Ridgeline will not host an official meetup, but we encourage your family to bike or walk to school, not only next Wednesday, but everyday! Live too far from school? Drive part way and walk the rest of the way. The leaves are gorgeous this time of year and there is so much to see when you get out of your car.

Thank You - Thank you to kinder dad Devan Fahsholz for weed whacking last weekend.

CONTINUING NEWS -

Rules of the Road - Please remember that all the standard traffic rules of the road still apply when you are picking up your children from school. Do not make a u-turn in the middle of the road. Do not block driveways. Do not wait in line in the middle of the street. Do not block fire hydrants. Do not block the bus stop. Do not park in yellow zones, including the one north of the school’s property. Be respectful to staff or volunteers who are helping to direct traffic and create a safe environment for everyone. Office staff have received more complaints from neighbors and community members attempting to travel down W. Amazon during our pick up times. The drive thru line ends at the end of the yellow curb before the no named street. If the line extends beyond this point, please circle around. A neighbor will be calling the police to patrol the area.

Sick Kids - Cold season is upon us. We recognize that many of the symptoms of the common cold, and other non-covid illnesses, are similar to covid symptoms. We ask everyone to be patient with office staff who ask you to come pick up your sick kiddo and seek professional medical guidance. Schools have strict guidelines and protocols to follow when a student has symptoms. Symptomatic students need to stay home unless they have a doctor’s note. If in doubt, use one of the symptom screeners available on the Ridgeline website under back to school resources.

Absence Reporting - If your student will be missing school, please contact us at attendance@ridgeline.org and let us know why your child is out. Please provide details, including symptoms. This will allow us to follow up with any students that have COVID-like symptoms. Students who are absent without notification will be coded as an unexcused absence and parents may be contacted for details.

Appointment Pick Up/Drop Offs - If you are picking up or dropping off your student in the middle of the school day, please pull up to the front of the school and call us at 541-681-9662. We will call the classroom to have them send your student out or we will meet your student on the porch to check them in. We appreciate you sending appointment communication in advance to attendance@ridgeline.org

UO Testing - Those who have signed up for the weekly UO testing will receive test kits on Tuesdays. Tests need to be returned first thing Wednesday morning to the classroom collection bin. No late tests will be accepted. Please help remind your student to drop off their test Wednesday morning when they arrive at school.

Sign up for this program is ongoing and there is approximately a week lag time between sign up and being added to the list. The first week in the program a green welcome folder will be sent home along with the test kit. These folders have individualized student stickers that you will need to adhere to the testing vile.

In order to sign up for the program, you need to fill out both the OHA waiver (and return it to Cynthia) and sign up through UO for the testing. Instructions for signing up for COVID-19 Testing Ridgeline does not know who has signed up for testing until the weekly student list arrives. Contact UO directly at c19studentsupport@uoregon.edu if you have any questions about whether or not your student is signed up.

School Lunches - Families may sign up or cancel their school lunches throughout the year. Please note that the deadline to start receiving lunches is Wednesday for the following week. (For example, if you sign up on a Tuesday, your student will start receiving lunches the following Monday.)

Pick Up & Drop off Procedures - We see lots of people starting to use the new pick up classroom signs in their car windows. Thank you! We also appreciate walk up parents who are now keeping a distance from one another. We recognize that our property is small and that over 200 students are leaving school in a very short period of time. Walking and biking are great alternative transportation options. Live too far to bike or walk? Consider driving to a location that is closer and walk or bike the rest of the way to school.

Yellow Curb - the yellow curb between the No Named street and the entrance to Ridgeline is a no parking area. Please do not park or stop to drop off students in this area. It holds up the line and creates an unsafe route for students who get out of vehicles in this location.

Traffic Line - We recognize that pick up can be challenging. Please remember that W. Amazon Drive is a street and it is not safe to sit in the pick up line on the street blocking through traffic. If the pick up line extends beyond the yellow curb queuing lane (south of the no named street) please circle around the neighborhood until the line has subsided. We have fielded multiple complaints and reports of angry unsafe drivers as a result of cars waiting in the travel lane. Please be good neighbors and help to keep our students and the street safe.

Circle Around - If you arrive in the traffic circle and see that your student’s class is not out yet, please exit the pick up area and circle around to Snell, E. Amazon, Fox Hollow, and back to W. Amazon Drive. This will also help with the long line on the street as we have noticed situations where the pick up circle is clogged with cars waiting for students who have yet to arrive at the dismissal area. Please be patient. Classrooms are making every effort to dismiss on time. Sometimes things happen when moving 29 people from one place to another!



eNews 10-7-21

eNews: Ridgeline Montessori’s Weekly News


RIDGELINE CALENDAR OF EVENTS:


Full calendar: https://www.ridgeline.org/family-resources/calendar


Fri. 10/1 - Sun. 10/31 Monthly Donor Campaign

Thurs. 10/7 Board Work Session 6:30-8:30pm

Tues. 10/12 UO Test Kits Sent Home

Tues. 10/12 SchoolMessenger Text Test

Wed. 10/13 UO Test Kits Returned to School

Fri. 10/15 NO SCHOOL - Professional Development


NEW NEWS

Board Work Session Tonight - The board will have a work session to continue its annual goal setting work tonight (Thursday, Oct 7 6:30-8:30 pm). Here are the agenda and the Zoom link. The board does not vote or hear public comment at work sessions; members of the public are always welcome to observe the board at work. You can reach the board by email at any time at board@ridgeline.org.

Monthly Donor Match Month is Underway! - Our Monthly Donor Match is taking place during the month of October this year. Sign up here as a new monthly donor or email giving@ridgeline.org to increase your current monthly donation and Ridgeline will receive a $50 match! We send heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our 20 new monthly donors and our 4 existing monthly donors who have increased their monthly contribution! Thanks to your generosity you have earned Ridgeline $1,200 in matching funds! Remember each and every gift moves us closer to our $75,000 goal this year! Sign up today!

SchoolMessenger Test - We now have the capability to text our families using SchoolMessenger, and plan to use this feature in the event of an emergency or need to change arrival or departure times during the day due to inclement weather. The number of characters are limited so the text will be a brief message with the most pertinent information and will likely reference an email for additional details. On Tuesday, October 12, in the late afternoon, we will send out a test text. Regular texting charges will apply if you have a phone plan that charges you. We will only be using this method of communication for urgent communication needs.

Substitutes Needed – We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic to spend a day in a Montessori classroom in the role of the assistant in the event of a staff absence. Subs help with classroom management, assisting students with their work, and tasks assigned by the staff lead for the day. Several of our staff members started their educational careers here at Ridgeline in this role! Subbing is a great way to gain experience and a true understanding of the Montessori experience at all grade levels.

If you are interested in getting on our substitute list, please submit a resume and three references with contact information to careers@ridgeline.org. A substitute training will be scheduled in the coming weeks. Contact Cynthia if you have questions.

T-shirt/Sweatshirt volunteer needed - Do you love the excitement of getting your Ridgeline t-shirts, sweatshirts and gear? Are you organized and looking for a way to volunteer for Ridgeline? Yes? Then climb aboard and be my apprentice this year in order to take over the whole process next year. It’s a big job, so the more the merrier. Contact Michelle at michelle.lodwig@ridgeline.org.

Facebook parent/guardian group is up and running! Please use this link to ask to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604057500592213. Please take a minute to answer the questions and read over the rules of the group and we’ll get you in as soon as possible. This is a peer run community group for the parents and guardians of Ridgeline Montessori. This group's purpose is to provide connection, share information, ask questions and facilitate conversations. This group is not managed by Ridgeline staff nor does it include members of Ridgeline staff. (Exception would be if a staff member is also a parent).

No Waitlist 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade - If you know of families with 6th, 7th or 8th grader students who you think would be interested in Ridgeline, please encourage them to fill out an application as there is currently no waitlist at these grades. The application can be found here.

CONTINUING NEWS -

Schoolwide Equity Committee -

Hello Ridgeline community of the 2021-2022 school year!

For the past three years, the Equity Steering Committee has worked with board members, administration, staff, and parents to lay the groundwork for the Ridgeline Equity Committee. The groundwork can be found in a presentation, Ridgeline Equity Committee Framework and Bylaws, in the Ridgeline Equity Committee One Sheet, and in the steering committee’s Vision Statement.

If you are interested in serving on the Ridgeline Equity Committee, please fill out this statement of interest, and a member of the Ridgeline Equity Steering Committee will be in touch about the next steps.

Many thanks to all Ridgeline community members who have informed our work through conversations and emailed questions and comments. If you have any questions or concerns or would like more information, please reach out via email.

April-Kay Williams, Parent and Board Vice President, april-kay.williams@ridgeline.org

Jen Hornsby; Past Ridgeline Parent and Board Member, and Present Lunch Lady, jen.hornsby@ridgeline.org

Maizzy Phayt, Ridgeline Assistant, maizzy.phayt@ridgeline.org

Label Belongings - Water bottles, jackets, and whatnots are starting to accumulate in the office and fraught parents are calling to inquire about missing items, giving lengthy descriptions over the phone. The best way to ensure that your children’s belongings are reunited with them is to label all items your child takes to school.

Retainer Found - A retainer for a small bottom jaw was found on the playground. Contact the office to claim.

Pull All the Way Forward - Community members, we need your help! All drivers in the drop-off/pick-up please pull as far forward as you can up to the exit of the driveway onto W. Amazon. Do not be confused by the red cones; please pull up alongside them. They are placed to give sidewalk users a defined path. We know it is tempting to stop in front of your child's class when there seems to be no one in line behind you, but it will inevitably back up.


eNews 10-14-21

eNews: Ridgeline Montessori’s Weekly News


RIDGELINE CALENDAR OF EVENTS:


Full calendar: https://www.ridgeline.org/family-resources/calendar


Fri. 10/1 - Sun. 10/31 Monthly Donor Campaign

Fri. 10/15 NO SCHOOL - Professional Development

Mon. 10/18 Ridgeline In Session (Different from 4J)

Mon. 10/18 No Lunch Provided at School

Tues. 10/19 UO Test Kits Sent Home

Wed. 10/20 UO Test Kits Returned to School

Thurs. 10/21 Board Meeting 6:30-8:30pm


NEW NEWS

No School Tomorrow - Enjoy your three day weekend while the Ridgeline staff participate in a professional development training Shared Common Language and Identity on Friday. Please note that Ridgeline is in session on Monday, October 18. This is different from the 4J calendar.

No School Lunch Monday - Due to 4J staffing shortages and the 4J no school day on Monday, there will be no school lunch on October 18. Please send your child with lunch from home that day if they regularly get school lunch. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Attendance Autodialer/Email - After a year long hiatus, the daily attendance autodialer is now up and running. If your student will not be in school be sure to contact us at attendance@ridgeline.org or call the office at 541-681-9662 by 9 am. This will give us enough time to code the absence before the calls and emails go out. Absent notifications sent to us after 9:00 am may not be coded prior to the attendance auto/dialer going out. If your student will be late due to an appointment please notify us as well.

Arrival Window - Ridgeline’s drop off window is 8:15-8:30 am. Students are expected to arrive prior to 8:30am so they are ready to begin learning promptly. The number of cars pulling in at 8:30 and up until 9:00 am is unprecedented. Late arrivals are hard on the arriving student, who miss important instructions at the beginning of their day, the classroom community is interrupted, additional staff time is needed to check in and walk students to their classrooms. Please make every effort to arrive on time for school. Rule of thumb; plan an extra 15 minutes per child to get out the door on time.

LTD Bus Pass - Students who ride LTD have the opportunity to receive an annual bus pass through the LTD Touchpass program. Ridgeline will cover the pass costs at this time. As a charter school we are not included in the free pass program as stated in the permission slip. Please sign up for a pass only if your student is a bus rider as the number of passes we have are limited. If your student needs a pass by the October 31 end of the free rider deadline, please sign up by October 22 so we have time to process the card and send it home.

SchoolMessenger Test - A test text was sent out on October 12 at 4:10 pm. If you did not receive the test, contact the office so we may check that your phone is entered correctly into Synergy. If you have previously opted out of SchoolMessenger messages this is something you will have to manage on your end.

Student Cell Phone Policy - Please have a conversation with your student reminding them that the use of cell phones during school hours is prohibited. Student phones are to be turned off and stored in their backpacks during the day. The only exception would be in the event of an emergency and direction on messaging will be provided to students from teachers. Ridgeline’s electronic policy states - “Personal electronic devices, including phones, shall be turned off and stored in their backpacks during the school day or at any other time where such use of the device would cause a disruption of school activities. Devices that have the capability to take photographs or record video or audio shall not be used for such purposes while on Ridgeline school property or while a student is engaged in Ridgeline-sponsored activities unless as expressly authorized in advance by the principal or designee. Computers, tablets, iPads or similar devices brought to school will be restricted to authorized academic activities and independent communications.”

Monthly Donor Match Continues! - Our Monthly Donor Match is taking place during the month of October this year. Sign up here as a new monthly donor or email giving@ridgeline.org to increase your current monthly donation and Ridgeline will receive a $50 match! We send heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our 25 new monthly donors and our 4 existing monthly donors who have increased their monthly contribution! Thanks to your generosity you have earned Ridgeline $1,450 in matching funds! Remember each and every gift moves us closer to our $75,000 goal this year! Sign up today!

Board News - work sessions recap and notice of meeting next week. In its last two work sessions, the board has begun looking at results from last spring's staff and leadership equity audit. The board used the results along with our growing understanding of equity work to identify two areas for board growth: (1) developing shared language around both ABAR and board work and (2) working to productively lean into conflict and difficulty. These are going to be the board's major work areas for the year. Work to define clear, actionable goals and strategies for reaching them will continue at next week's meeting.

Which brings us to...next week's meeting. The board's regular October meeting will be next Thursday evening (10/21; 6:30-8:30 pm). The major topics on the agenda are annual budget revisions and board goal setting. The agenda will be finalized by next Tuesday and posted here; the Zoom link will be in next week's eNews.

Locker Shelf Volunteer Needed - We are looking for a volunteer to install shelves in the lockers outside of upper-elementary. This can be a weekend/evening job. Installation involves screwing in bolts and placing the shelves. Contact Cynthia to volunteer.

CONTINUING NEWS -

Substitutes Needed – We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic to spend a day in a Montessori classroom in the role of the assistant in the event of a staff absence. Subs help with classroom management, assisting students with their work, and tasks assigned by the staff lead for the day. Several of our staff members started their educational careers here at Ridgeline in this role! Subbing is a great way to gain experience and a true understanding of the Montessori experience at all grade levels.

If you are interested in getting on our substitute list, please submit a resume and three references with contact information to careers@ridgeline.org. A substitute training will be scheduled in the coming weeks. Contact Cynthia if you have questions.

T-shirt/Sweatshirt volunteer needed - Do you love the excitement of getting your Ridgeline t-shirts, sweatshirts and gear? Are you organized and looking for a way to volunteer for Ridgeline? Yes? Then climb aboard and be my apprentice this year in order to take over the whole process next year. It’s a big job, so the more the merrier. Contact Michelle at michelle.lodwig@ridgeline.org.

Facebook parent/guardian group is up and running! Please use this link to ask to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604057500592213. Please take a minute to answer the questions and read over the rules of the group and we’ll get you in as soon as possible. This is a peer run community group for the parents and guardians of Ridgeline Montessori. This group's purpose is to provide connection, share information, ask questions and facilitate conversations. This group is not managed by Ridgeline staff nor does it include members of Ridgeline staff. (Exception would be if a staff member is also a parent).

No Waitlist 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade - If you know of families with 6th, 7th or 8th grader students who you think would be interested in Ridgeline, please encourage them to fill out an application as there is currently no waitlist at these grades. The application can be found here.

Schoolwide Equity Committee -

Hello Ridgeline community of the 2021-2022 school year!

For the past three years, the Equity Steering Committee has worked with board members, administration, staff, and parents to lay the groundwork for the Ridgeline Equity Committee. The groundwork can be found in a presentation, Ridgeline Equity Committee Framework and Bylaws, in the Ridgeline Equity Committee One Sheet, and in the steering committee’s Vision Statement.

If you are interested in serving on the Ridgeline Equity Committee, please fill out this statement of interest, and a member of the Ridgeline Equity Steering Committee will be in touch about the next steps.

Many thanks to all Ridgeline community members who have informed our work through conversations and emailed questions and comments. If you have any questions or concerns or would like more information, please reach out via email.

April-Kay Williams, Parent and Board Vice President, april-kay.williams@ridgeline.org

Jen Hornsby; Past Ridgeline Parent and Board Member, and Present Lunch Lady, jen.hornsby@ridgeline.org

Maizzy Phayt, Ridgeline Assistant, maizzy.phayt@ridgeline.org

COMMUNITY NEWS

Announcing our first No-School-Day camp, on Friday Oct 15! Get the camp experience during the school year! Camp will run 8 AM to 3 PM, covering the whole school day. Parents can go to work knowing their Ninjas are having a blast learning new skills! Spaces are limited, but fun won't be! Enroll here: https://www.codeninjas.com/or-eugene/camps/day-camp-roblox ! And yes, there will be camps on most No-School days!

eNews 10-21-21

eNews: Ridgeline Montessori’s Weekly News



RIDGELINE CALENDAR OF EVENTS:


Full calendar: https://www.ridgeline.org/family-resources/calendar


Fri. 10/1 - Sun. 10/31 Monthly Donor Campaign

Thurs. 10/21 Board Meeting 6:30-8:30 pm

Mon. 20/25 Site Council Meeting 6-7:30 pm

Tues. 10/26 UO Test Kits Sent Home

Wed. 10/27 UO Test Kits Returned to School


NEW NEWS

Board Meeting this Thursday - The board will have its October meeting this Thursday (October 21st) 6:30-8:30 pm. The agenda (full agenda here) includes revised budget approval and board goal setting. The meeting will be held and is open to the public via Zoom (Thursday's Zoom link here). Public comment will be heard at Thursday night's meeting; if you'd prefer to reach the board by email, please email board@ridgeline.org.


Earthquake Drill - Ridgeline participated in the Great ShakeOut today. We had our first earthquake drill of the school year at 12:30 pm. Students had the opportunity to learn what to do in the event of an earthquake and to shelter in place no matter whether they were in their classrooms or outside for lunch and recess. We encourage you to take this opportunity to discuss earthquake preparedness at home with your kids. Here is a link to the USGS website.


Snack Donations Needed Help stock the larder! Our students are eating up snacks faster than we can replenish them. We welcome donations of the following individually wrapped snacks:

  • Z bars

  • Nutrigrain bars

  • raisins in single-serve boxes

  • packs of nuts or trail mix (without chocolate)

  • Baby Bel cheese

  • cheese sticks (individually wrapped)

Fundraising Progress Update - As of October 20, we have raised $14,845.45 towards our academic year fundraising goal of $75,000. We're 20% of the way there! So far this month our monthly donors (new and continuing) have collectively contributed $2,233. On an annualized basis, these monthly gifts represent $26,800 towards our $75,00 goal! Small and frequent gifts really DO add up and can have a big impact!


Monthly Donor Match Month! - We are in the home stretch - Our Monthly Donor Match ends on Sunday, October 31. Sign up here as a new monthly donor or email giving@ridgeline.org to increase your current monthly donation and Ridgeline will receive a $50 match! We send heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our 28 new monthly donors and our 4 existing monthly donors who have increased their monthly contribution! Thanks to your generosity you have already earned Ridgeline $1,600 in matching funds! Remember each and every gift moves us closer to our $75,000 goal this year! Sign up today!


Site Council Meeting - The next Site Council meeting is October 25th from 6:00-7:30 pm. Anyone can attend. The meeting is virtual, and the zoom link is here and can be found on the school calendar. The two main agenda items are to review the School Improvement Plan for this school year and to update the Site Council member understanding and agreements documents.


The Site Council is a group with representatives from all school stakeholders. We welcome Ala Siudeja as our new student representative. We are still in need of one more parent representative. If you are interested here is information about the position, contact sitecouncil@ridgeline.org if you have questions, or consider attending the upcoming meeting.


Ridgeline’s School Counselor - With care and understanding, we write to share that Heather LeCompte, Ridgeline’s school counselor, will be reducing her hours now through winter break (working Monday - Wednesday) and will not return in January 2022. Heather has played a critical role in supporting our students and families through the pandemic and has created strong connections with Ridgeline students. This year she has offered weekly lessons for lower and upper elementary classrooms, providing additional social and emotional learning during this important time. We are grateful for Heather and her willingness to continue working up to winter break. We wish her good health and we look forward to continued connection in her role as a Ridgeline parent.

Click here to read Heather’s letter to the Ridgeline community.

Join Us for a Halloween Hike! - Mark your calendars - October 30th at 12:30 pm, the RCO (Ridgeline Community Organization) is hosting a Mt Pisgah hike full of Halloween fun! Wear your costume, participate in our nature inspired scavenger hunt and enjoy some Halloween goodies. Exact trail details to be sent in next week’s eNews.

Little Free Library Relocation Volunteer - With the installation of the black rod iron fence, Ridgeline’s Little Free Library is no longer accessible to the public. We are looking for a volunteer to take on this relocation project. In addition to digging a hole and setting a post in concrete and attaching the library to the pole, the volunteer will need to construct a new roof for the library that can keep it dry and withstand the elements. The current roof is not adequate for the library to be out from under the covered breezeway. If you are interested in volunteering for this project, please contact Cynthia.


Facebook parent/guardian group is up and running! - Please use this link to ask to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604057500592213. Please take a minute to answer the questions and read over the rules of the group and we’ll get you in as soon as possible.

CONTINUING NEWS -

Attendance Autodialer/Email - After a year long hiatus, the daily attendance autodialer is now up and running. If your student will not be in school be sure to contact us at attendance@ridgeline.org or call the office at 541-681-9662 by 9 am. This will give us enough time to code the absence before the calls and emails go out. Absent notifications sent to us after 9:00 am may not be coded prior to the attendance auto/dialer going out. If your student will be late due to an appointment please notify us as well.

Arrival Window - Ridgeline’s drop off window is 8:15-8:30 am. Students are expected to arrive prior to 8:30 am so they are ready to begin learning promptly. The number of cars pulling in at 8:30 and up until 9:00 am is unprecedented. Late arrivals are hard on the arriving student, who miss important instructions at the beginning of their day, the classroom community is interrupted, additional staff time is needed to check in and walk students to their classrooms. Please make every effort to arrive on time for school. Rule of thumb; plan an extra 15 minutes per child to get out the door on time.

LTD Bus Pass - Students who ride LTD have the opportunity to receive an annual bus pass through the LTD Touchpass program. Ridgeline will cover the pass costs at this time. As a charter school we are not included in the free pass program as stated in the permission slip. Please sign up for a pass only if your student is a bus rider as the number of passes we have are limited. If your student needs a pass by the October 31 end of the free rider deadline, please sign up by October 22 so we have time to process the card and send it home.

Student Cell Phone Policy - Please have a conversation with your student reminding them that the use of cell phones during school hours is prohibited. Student phones are to be turned off and stored in their backpacks during the day. The only exception would be in the event of an emergency and direction on messaging will be provided to students from teachers. Ridgeline’s electronic policy states - “Personal electronic devices, including phones, shall be turned off and stored in their backpacks during the school day or at any other time where such use of the device would cause a disruption of school activities. Devices that have the capability to take photographs or record video or audio shall not be used for such purposes while on Ridgeline school property or while a student is engaged in Ridgeline-sponsored activities unless as expressly authorized in advance by the principal or designee. Computers, tablets, iPads or similar devices brought to school will be restricted to authorized academic activities and independent communications.”

Substitutes Needed – We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic to spend a day in a Montessori classroom in the role of the assistant in the event of a staff absence. Subs help with classroom management, assisting students with their work, and tasks assigned by the staff lead for the day. Several of our staff members started their educational careers here at Ridgeline in this role! Subbing is a great way to gain experience and a true understanding of the Montessori experience at all grade levels.

If you are interested in getting on our substitute list, please submit a resume and three references with contact information to careers@ridgeline.org. A substitute training will be scheduled in the coming weeks. Contact Cynthia if you have questions.

T-shirt/Sweatshirt volunteer needed - Do you love the excitement of getting your Ridgeline t-shirts, sweatshirts and gear? Are you organized and looking for a way to volunteer for Ridgeline? Yes? Then climb aboard and be my apprentice this year in order to take over the whole process next year. It’s a big job, so the more the merrier. Contact Michelle at michelle.lodwig@ridgeline.org.

No Waitlist 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade - If you know of families with 6th, 7th or 8th grader students who you think would be interested in Ridgeline, please encourage them to fill out an application as there is currently no waitlist at these grades. The application can be found here.

Schoolwide Equity Committee -

Hello Ridgeline community of the 2021-2022 school year!

For the past three years, the Equity Steering Committee has worked with board members, administration, staff, and parents to lay the groundwork for the Ridgeline Equity Committee. The groundwork can be found in a presentation, Ridgeline Equity Committee Framework and Bylaws, in the Ridgeline Equity Committee One Sheet, and in the steering committee’s Vision Statement.

If you are interested in serving on the Ridgeline Equity Committee, please fill out this statement of interest, and a member of the Ridgeline Equity Steering Committee will be in touch about the next steps.

Many thanks to all Ridgeline community members who have informed our work through conversations and emailed questions and comments. If you have any questions or concerns or would like more information, please reach out via email.

April-Kay Williams, Parent and Board Vice President, april-kay.williams@ridgeline.org

Jen Hornsby; Past Ridgeline Parent and Board Member, and Present Lunch Lady, jen.hornsby@ridgeline.org

Maizzy Phayt, Ridgeline Assistant, maizzy.phayt@ridgeline.org

COMMUNITY NEWS

Happy Friday Eugene Community!!

October is my favorite month of the year. Harvest, beautiful fall days and HALLOWEEN!! The City of Eugene Cultural Services in association with Downtown Eugene Merchants, would like to invite all the children and families of our fine city downtown on October 30th from 12- 4 pm to go trick or treating, take a Halloween photo, participate in a scavenger hunt, share in the joy of the season and more!

We would love if you could please include our poster in your e-news to your families. In an effort to be safe while having fun we look forward to seeing all your beautifully scary and costumed faces downtown. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. All my contact information is listed at the end of the email.

Website: https://www.eugene-or.gov/4643/Halloween-Downtown

eNews 10-28-21

eNews: Ridgeline Montessori’s Weekly News

RIDGELINE CALENDAR OF EVENTS:


Full calendar: https://www.ridgeline.org/family-resources/calendar


Sat. 10/30 RCO Halloween Hike 12:30 pm Mt. Pisgah

Sun. 10/31 Monthly Donor Match Campaign Ends

Tues. 11/2 UO Test Kits Sent Home

Tues. 11/2 Fundraising Committee Meeting

Wed. 11/3 UO Test Kits Returned to School

Wed. 11/3 Picture Retakes

Wed. 11/3 Substitute Training

Sun. 11/7 Daylight Saving Time Ends - clocks back one hour

Mon. 11/8 RCO Planning Meeting 1:30-2:30

Wed. 11/10 NO SCHOOL Conferences

Thurs. 11/11 NO SCHOOL Veterans Day

Fri. 11/12 NO SCHOOL Conferences


NEW NEWS

Halloween - We know that many kids love this time of year and participate in evening events. If your family chooses to partake in the festivities, we ask that you are mindful about event choices during the pandemic. Remember Halloween masks do not protect against COVID-19. Wear a mask covering that fits snugly across your nose, mouth, and cheeks. Please be mindful of how late kids are up and how much candy they have consumed as it can be hard for teaching staff Monday morning. Please keep Halloween candy at home for enjoyment after school and do not send it in kid’s lunches. We hope you all have a safe and joyful holiday!


Join Us for a Halloween Hike! - Join the RCO for a Halloween Hike! - Mark your calendars - October 30th at 12:30 pm, the RCO (Ridgeline Community Organization) is hosting a Mt Pisgah hike full of Halloween fun! Wear your costume, participate in our nature-inspired scavenger hunt and enjoy some Halloween goodies. We plan on meeting at the entrance to the lower trail. Feel free to do the "big" hike, or stay on the lower trail until your kiddo's "legs get tired." This is a casual hike, meant to bring Ridgeline families together. We hope to see you there!

Last 3 Days of the Monthly Donor Match Month! - If you have been meaning to sign up as a monthly donor and have not yet gotten around to it, now is the time! Our monthly donor campaign ends this Sunday. Sign up here as a new monthly donor or email giving@ridgeline.org to increase your current monthly donation and Ridgeline will receive a $50 match! We send heartfelt thanks and gratitude to our 28 new monthly donors and our 6 existing monthly donors who have increased their monthly contributions! Remember each and every gift moves us closer to our $75,000 goal this year! Sign up today!


Retakes - Photo Retakes will take place on Wednesday, November 3. If you are unhappy with your student’s photo, please send them to school with their picture package to return to the Lifetouch photographer. Our essential volunteer, Robyn, will go to each classroom to collect students for retakes. Please instruct your child to speak up when she comes to their classroom. All students who were absent on picture will automatically have their photos taken. If you wish to order photos online go to mylifetouch.com. Ridgeline’s Picture Day ID is EVTTKS2XQ


PE will be moving back to the gym on November 15 - Crowding and deterioration of our outdoor spaces due to their heavy use as well as cooler, wet weather are prompting this move. The gym is being cleared of debris from summer construction and storage items from hybrid learning to restore the space needed for indoor PE. Students will practice COVID-related health and safety measures during PE (physical distancing, wearing masks, hand hygiene, etc) while they enjoy indoor fun, movement, and active learning.


Conferences - Annual parent, student, teacher conferences will take place, Wednesday, November 10, and Friday, November 12. Once again conferences will be held on Zoom. Conference days are no school days. Teachers will email families a link to their conference Zoom. Teaching staff has set aside this time for you to meet to discuss your child’s progress and classroom experience; please take advantage of this opportunity.


We're using SignUp.com (the leading online SignUp and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming Fall Conference SignUps.


Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:


1) Click your class link to see our SignUp on SignUp.com:

Sarah's Class Sign Up

Rachel's Class Sign Up

Emily's Class Sign Up

Emmanuel's Class Sign Up

Adrienne's Class Sign Up

Jasper's Class Sign Up

Meridy's Class Sign Up

Middle School conference links will be sent directly from the teachers

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot you like.

3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.


Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact your teacher and they can sign you up manually.


Each classroom will send out a Zoom link invitation.

School Counselor Position - Please help spread the word about this great opportunity to join Ridgeline and support our students. This important position is now posted on the Ridgeline website.


Fundraising Committee Meeting - The fundraising committee will be meeting next Tuesday, November 2, 4:30-5:30 pm via zoom. We will be discussing and planning upcoming fundraising events, including Giving Tuesday and the Kindness Campaign. We welcome anyone who is interested in fundraising at Ridgeline to join us! Here is the link to the meeting.


Dot Painter - We are looking for a volunteer to paint dots under the stumps in the outdoor lunch areas. These dots will be used to help keep stumps in their set locations. Contact Cynthia for more details and to volunteer.


Crossing Guards Needed! - Our crossing guard needs have grown. Currently, instructional staff is serving as crossing guards and we are hoping that parent volunteers can now take over these roles. Volunteers need a current background check and a vaccine card. Sign up here to volunteer.


Gravel Shovelers Needed - It is getting wet and muddy behind building A and to continue to provide an outdoor learning area, we need a team of volunteers to help shovel and lay additional gravel behind building A. Plans are in the works for a work party to accomplish this the weekend of November 6 & 7. If you are interested in helping contact Cynthia and let her know the hours you are available.


Clarification on school COVID-19 positive test result procedures - There has been some conversation in our school community recently about the validity of COVID-19 test results. Public health guidance requires that Ridgeline treat all positive COVID tests as infectious cases. A second negative test does not negate the school's responsibility to respond to the initial positive result. We know that quarantine can be really hard--it's hard on kids, it's hard on families, and it's hard on staff. While we are all (kids, staff, parents, and more!) working hard to minimize the effects a positive case will have on our students, Ridgeline will continue to honor the commitment we made to our families to prioritize our students' health and safety with respect to COVID exposure as long as community infection rates remain high. We appreciate your continued cooperation and understanding as we travel through this unprecedented year together. We can tell that everyone is doing their best to keep our kids in school and learning together, and that is an enormous, difficult act of love and support. Please always report a positive COVID-19 test result of a student (or a family member) to the school immediately.


The Ridgeline Community Organization (RCO)-

Happy Fall to all of our Ridgeline families! We wanted to take a moment to introduce the RCO to families who are new to Ridgeline (and provide a refresher to those who are already a part of our community!). The RCO is our parent organization, all parents/guardians of Ridgeline students are automatically members, and we are focused on community, service and fun :) The RCO Leadership team is made up of an RCO Lead, filled by Meghan Rogacki, and 4 Planning Team members made up of parents from each grade level (Kinder, Lower El, Upper El, and Middle) - Amanda Bedortha, Alexis Reid and Deborah Salari are the current Planning Team members (and we are looking for a Kinder and Middle

School parent to join us!). The RCO Leadership Team meets once per month to plan fun activities for our community and any member of the community is also welcome to join in these meetings to take part. The meeting info is posted to the Ridgeline calendar. The RCO Charter is available here outlining the Goals, Purpose, Roles and other details about the group. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to RCO@ridgeline.org.


Site Council Update - At the October Site Council Meeting we reviewed Ridgeline’s School Improvement Plan for the 2021-2022 school year. The goals of this year’s School Improvement Plan focus on Equity and Inclusion, Social and Emotional Wellness, and Identifying and Closing Achievement Gaps. We had an initial discussion about how we can support this year’s goals and how we can provide input in the development of next year’s goals. We also continued to update the site council member agreements.


The Site Council is a group with representatives from all school stakeholders. We are still in need of one more parent representative. If you are interested here is information about the position. Contact sitecouncil@ridgeline.org if you have questions, and consider attending the upcoming Nov. 22nd meeting.

Board Meeting Recap. At last week's board meeting, the board heard an update on changes made since the September 17th early release (due to smoke and COVID protocols). Notifications of early release will be made by text message in the future with directions to refer to email for more detailed information. Families should have received a test text from the school on 10/14. There is also money for a phone system and intercom upgrade in the 2021-2022 revised budget that was approved last Thursday. The budget also reflects revenue adjustments due to true, lower fall enrollment numbers; additional staff time to address learning loss and other requirements related to the pandemic; and the increased cost of last summer's facilities projects over what was anticipated in May. Principal Michelle Texley provided a detailed update on how the first six weeks of school have gone. Recordings and meeting materials are available here; questions, comments or concerns are welcome at board@ridgeline.org.

Ongoing Board Goal Setting Work. The board is continuing small group work to finalize board goals for this year (and beyond) using expertise and resources from Embracing Equity. Board members are deeply appreciative of the time to focus on setting meaningful behavior-related group goals that strive to center equity, racial justice, and inclusion and that specifically address some areas for growth highlighted in last spring's equity audit. One group is working on a goal focused on overcoming barriers to effective communication and inclusion through the use of shared language; the other is looking at ways to shift the group's tendency to avoid conflict toward a culture of productive disagreement that will lead to more fully considered and inclusive decision making. Goal groups should be ready for presentation of their proposed goals at the board's November 18 meeting.

CONTINUING NEWS


Snack Donations Needed Help stock the larder! Our students are eating up snacks faster than we can replenish them. We welcome donations of the following individually wrapped snacks:

  • Z bars

  • Nutrigrain bars

  • raisins in single-serve boxes

  • packs of nuts or trail mix (without chocolate)

  • Baby Bel cheese

  • cheese sticks (individually wrapped)


Ridgeline’s School Counselor - With care and understanding, we write to share that Heather LeCompte, Ridgeline’s school counselor, will be reducing her hours now through winter break (working Monday - Wednesday) and will not return in January 2022. Heather has played a critical role in supporting our students and families through the pandemic and has created strong connections with Ridgeline students. This year she has offered weekly lessons for lower and upper elementary classrooms, providing additional social and emotional learning during this important time. We are grateful for Heather and her willingness to continue working up to winter break. We wish her good health and we look forward to continued connection in her role as a Ridgeline parent.

Click here to read Heather’s letter to the Ridgeline community.

Little Free Library Relocation Volunteer - With the installation of the black rod iron fence, Ridgeline’s Little Free Library is no longer accessible to the public. We are looking for a volunteer to take on this relocation project. In addition to digging a hole and setting a post in concrete and attaching the library to the pole, the volunteer will need to construct a new roof for the library that can keep it dry and withstand the elements. The current roof is not adequate for the library to be out from under the covered breezeway. If you are interested in volunteering for this project, please contact Cynthia.


Facebook parent/guardian group is up and running! - Please use this link to ask to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604057500592213. Please take a minute to answer the questions and read over the rules of the group and we’ll get you in as soon as possible.

No Waitlist 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade - If you know of families with 6th, 7th or 8th grader students who you think would be interested in Ridgeline, please encourage them to fill out an application as there is currently no waitlist at these grades. The application can be found here.

Schoolwide Equity Committee -

Hello Ridgeline community of the 2021-2022 school year!

For the past three years, the Equity Steering Committee has worked with board members, administration, staff, and parents to lay the groundwork for the Ridgeline Equity Committee. The groundwork can be found in a presentation, Ridgeline Equity Committee Framework and Bylaws, in the Ridgeline Equity Committee One Sheet, and in the steering committee’s Vision Statement.

If you are interested in serving on the Ridgeline Equity Committee, please fill out this statement of interest, and a member of the Ridgeline Equity Steering Committee will be in touch about the next steps.

Many thanks to all Ridgeline community members who have informed our work through conversations and emailed questions and comments. If you have any questions or concerns or would like more information, please reach out via email.

April-Kay Williams, Parent and Board Vice President, april-kay.williams@ridgeline.org

Jen Hornsby; Past Ridgeline Parent and Board Member, and Present Lunch Lady, jen.hornsby@ridgeline.org

Maizzy Phayt, Ridgeline Assistant, maizzy.phayt@ridgeline.org

COMMUNITY NEWS

Happy Friday Eugene Community!!

October is my favorite month of the year. Harvest, beautiful fall days and HALLOWEEN!! The City of Eugene Cultural Services in association with Downtown Eugene Merchants, would like to invite all the children and families of our fine city downtown on October 30th from 12- 4 pm to go trick or treating, take a Halloween photo, participate in a scavenger hunt, share in the joy of the season and more!

We would love if you could please include our poster in your e-news to your families. In an effort to be safe while having fun we look forward to seeing all your beautifully scary and costumed faces downtown. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. All my contact information is listed at the end of the email.

Website: https://www.eugene-or.gov/4643/Halloween-Downtown


eNews 11-5-21

eNews: Ridgeline Montessori’s Weekly News


RIDGELINE CALENDAR OF EVENTS:


Full calendar: https://www.ridgeline.org/family-resources/calendar


Sat. 11/6 Gravel Shoveling Work Party 8 am-2 pm

Sun. 11/7 Daylight Saving Time Ends - clocks back one hour

Mon. 11/8 RCO Planning Meeting 1:30-2:30

Tues. 11/9 UO Test Kits Sent Home

Wed. 11/10 UO Test Kits Collected In bin on front porch 8-10 am

Wed. 11/10 NO SCHOOL Conferences

Thurs. 11/11 NO SCHOOL Veterans Day

Fri. 11/12 NO SCHOOL Conferences


NEW NEWS

Help Needed! Gravel Work Party - This Saturday, November 6 at 8 am - 2 pm Principal Michelle and her husband Mike will be leading a gravel shoveling work party. Gravel is being added behind building A to fill in the muddy swampy area between the sidewalk and the grassy hill. Many shovelers will make light work. All volunteers are welcome! Especially if you have a student in kinder or lower-el, please consider helping as your students will directly benefit from this work.


Sunday Helpers? - If the gravel work is not completed Saturday, we will need volunteers to help Sunday. If you can help Sunday please contact Michelle with your name and phone number.


Clocks Back - Remember to turn your clocks back one hour at 2 am on Sunday. Hopefully this extra hour of sleep will be restorative and we won’t have any tardy students on Monday!


COVID Vaccines for Kids 5-11!!! - This week, the FDA, CDC and OHA approved COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 to 11! This means all Ridgeline students are now eligible to be vaccinated. Lane County Public Health is holding a number of COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics in the coming weeks. Shots will be by appointment only and sign up is available now! Parents and guardians can schedule appointments at: Get Vaccinated - Lane County or by calling (541) 682-1380. Target and other major pharmacies are currently making appointments for children as well. See community news for more information.


UO Testing Next Week - For those who are participating in UO Testing, Ridgeline will participate next week even though there is no school on Wednesday. A test kit drop bin will be on the front porch of the school from 8-10 am. If you wish to participate next week, please drive up and drop your child’s test in the bin.


Stay In Your Car! - The drive-thru lane is just that, a DRIVE THRU LANE. If your child needs assistance to exit the vehicle, the drive-thru lane is not a fit for your family. Please park and walk your child to the drop-off area if they require assistance to exit the vehicle.

Tips for using the drive-thru lane - as you approach school, ask your child to gather their belongings, backpack, water bottle, snack, lunch (if brought from home), and mask so they are ready to leap out of the car after you pull all the way forward.

Pull Forward - Remember to pull ALL THE WAY forward in the drive-thru circle regardless of which class your child is in.


Late Arrivals - Please make every effort to arrive on time for school. The arrival window begins at 8:15 am and we encourage you to drop off as close to that time as possible. We hear a lot from parents, “but we were only one minute late.” While that one minute may not seem significant from your perspective, this is what it looks like:

Late students require the people power of multiple staff members. They must wait in line to have their arrival screening and receive a tardy slip. Building A students are escorted around the outside of the building, through two gates by a staff member. Building B students need to be “clicked” in by office staff. When the student arrives at the classroom, they need to unpack, change their shoes, put their water bottle on the shelf, etc. Only then do they arrive in the learning environment. Truly when all is said and done, it is now 10 minutes after the start of their school day, not one minute. For every late student, this process is repeated. Late students miss the important beginning of the day instructions and the learning environment is interrupted with each late arrival. Currently, students are arriving late all the way until 9 am!


Extra Clothes - Students are becoming extremely wet and muddy as Oregon rains continue this autumn. Please send kids to school with outside weatherwear daily, including warm waterproof jackets and boots. We also highly recommend including a change of clothes in their backpack as we have very limited extra clothing and chances are what we have will not suit your child.


Raingear Donations - If you have rain gear that your child has outgrown and would like to donate it, we would be happy to receive it. Donations can be brought to the front steps outside the office.


Proposed School Calendar Changes - Ridgeline administration is recommending the following calendar changes to the Board of Directors. The changes will provide much needed time for staff planning/professional development and downtime to rest and recharge. By approving the changes, staff can be better mentally prepared to be present and engaged in this hard work of educating, caring for, and supporting our students and their families during this challenging time. With these changes, Ridgeline will still significantly exceed the minimum required instructional minutes.


No school on Wednesday, November 24, 2021

No school (planning/PD) on Friday, January 14, 2022


Next Week! Conferences - Annual parent, student, teacher conferences will take place, Wednesday, November 10, and Friday, November 12. Once again conferences will be held on Zoom. Conference days are no school days. Teachers will email families a link to their conference Zoom. Teaching staff has set aside this time for you to meet to discuss your child’s progress and classroom experience; please take advantage of this opportunity.


We're using SignUp.com (the leading online SignUp and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming Fall Conference SignUps.


Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:


1) Click your class link to see our SignUp on SignUp.com:

Sarah's Class Sign Up

Rachel's Class Sign Up

Emily's Class Sign Up

Emmanuel's Class Sign Up

Adrienne's Class Sign Up

Jasper's Class Sign Up

Meridy's Class Sign Up

Jon's Class Sign Up

OR

Carrie's Class Sign Up

Middle School conference links will be sent directly from the teachers

2) Review the options listed and choose the spot you like.

3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.


Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact your teacher and they can sign you up manually.


Each classroom will send out a Zoom link invitation.

NextStep Volunteer Needed - We have some out of date and broken chromebooks that we need a volunteer take to NextStep. Contact Cynthia to volunteer.


Retakes - Retakes took place on Wednesday. There is a new picture day code for retakes. If you still wish to order photos, please use this code EVT9C6S3P.


CONTINUING NEWS -

PE will be moving back to the gym on November 15 - Crowding and deterioration of our outdoor spaces due to their heavy use as well as cooler, wet weather are prompting this move. The gym is being cleared of debris from summer construction and storage items from hybrid learning to restore the space needed for indoor PE. Students will practice COVID-related health and safety measures during PE (physical distancing, wearing masks, hand hygiene, etc) while they enjoy indoor fun, movement, and active learning.


School Counselor Position - Please help spread the word about this great opportunity to join Ridgeline and support our students. This important position is now posted on the Ridgeline website.


STILL NEEDED Crossing Guards! - Our crossing guard needs have grown. Currently, instructional staff is serving as crossing guards and we are hoping that parent volunteers can now take over these roles. Volunteers need a current background check and a vaccine card. Sign up here to volunteer.


Clarification on school COVID-19 positive test result procedures - There has been some conversation in our school community recently about the validity of COVID-19 test results. Public health guidance requires that Ridgeline treat all positive COVID tests as infectious cases. A second negative test does not negate the school's responsibility to respond to the initial positive result. We know that quarantine can be really hard--it's hard on kids, it's hard on families, and it's hard on staff. While we are all (kids, staff, parents, and more!) working hard to minimize the effects a positive case will have on our students, Ridgeline will continue to honor the commitment we made to our families to prioritize our students' health and safety with respect to COVID exposure as long as community infection rates remain high. We appreciate your continued cooperation and understanding as we travel through this unprecedented year together. We can tell that everyone is doing their best to keep our kids in school and learning together, and that is an enormous, difficult act of love and support. Please always report a positive COVID-19 test result of a student (or a family member) to the school immediately.


The Ridgeline Community Organization (RCO)-

Happy Fall to all of our Ridgeline families! We wanted to take a moment to introduce the RCO to families who are new to Ridgeline (and provide a refresher to those who are already a part of our community!). The RCO is our parent organization, all parents/guardians of Ridgeline students are automatically members, and we are focused on community, service and fun :) The RCO Leadership team is made up of an RCO Lead, filled by Meghan Rogacki, and 4 Planning Team members made up of parents from each grade level (Kinder, Lower El, Upper El, and Middle) - Amanda Bedortha, Alexis Reid and Deborah Salari are the current Planning Team members (and we are looking for a Kinder and Middle

School parent to join us!). The RCO Leadership Team meets once per month to plan fun activities for our community and any member of the community is also welcome to join in these meetings to take part. The meeting info is posted to the Ridgeline calendar. The RCO Charter is available here outlining the Goals, Purpose, Roles and other details about the group. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to RCO@ridgeline.org.


Ridgeline’s School Counselor - With care and understanding, we write to share that Heather LeCompte, Ridgeline’s school counselor, will be reducing her hours now through winter break (working Monday - Wednesday) and will not return in January 2022. Heather has played a critical role in supporting our students and families through the pandemic and has created strong connections with Ridgeline students. This year she has offered weekly lessons for lower and upper elementary classrooms, providing additional social and emotional learning during this important time. We are grateful for Heather and her willingness to continue working up to winter break. We wish her good health and we look forward to continued connection in her role as a Ridgeline parent.

Click here to read Heather’s letter to the Ridgeline community.

No Waitlist 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade - If you know of families with 6th, 7th or 8th grader students who you think would be interested in Ridgeline, please encourage them to fill out an application as there is currently no waitlist at these grades. The application can be found here.

Schoolwide Equity Committee -

Hello Ridgeline community of the 2021-2022 school year!

For the past three years, the Equity Steering Committee has worked with board members, administration, staff, and parents to lay the groundwork for the Ridgeline Equity Committee. The groundwork can be found in a presentation, Ridgeline Equity Committee Framework and Bylaws, in the Ridgeline Equity Committee One Sheet, and in the steering committee’s Vision Statement.

If you are interested in serving on the Ridgeline Equity Committee, please fill out this statement of interest, and a member of the Ridgeline Equity Steering Committee will be in touch about the next steps.

Many thanks to all Ridgeline community members who have informed our work through conversations and emailed questions and comments. If you have any questions or concerns or would like more information, please reach out via email.

April-Kay Williams, Parent and Board Vice President, april-kay.williams@ridgeline.org

Jen Hornsby; Past Ridgeline Parent and Board Member, and Present Lunch Lady, jen.hornsby@ridgeline.org

Maizzy Phayt, Ridgeline Assistant, maizzy.phayt@ridgeline.org

COMMUNITY NEWS

Local providers and Lane County are ready to go with vaccinations for 5-11 year olds!

Effective November 9th, all LCPH clinics will be by appointment only and our scheduling tool will be live by the morning of Friday, November 5, 2021. Parents and guardians can schedule appointments at: Get Vaccinated - Lane County or by calling (541) 682-1380.

LCPH Pediatric Clinic Schedule:

Lane County Public Health is planning the following clinics for children ages 5 years-11 years for vaccination upon approval of the Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 Vaccination. All clinics for children ages 5-11 years are scheduled appointments only. There are not walk-in appointments at this time.

Clinics will open for scheduling the Friday before each week. Additional community-based and school clinics will be announced on an ongoing basis; please continue to check our website for the latest clinic schedule.

Eugene:

Tuesday 11/9/2021 from 3:30-6:30 pm at Lane Event Center (796 W 13th Ave, 97402)

Wednesday 11/10/2021 from 1:30-6:30 pm at Lane Event Center (796 W 13th Ave, 97402)

Thursday 11/11/2021 from 12:00-6:30pm at Lane Event Center (796 W 13th Ave, 97402)

Friday 11/12/2021 from 12-6:30pm at Lane Event Center (796 W 13th Ave, 97402)

Saturday 11/13/2021 from 10am-4pm at Lane Event Center (796 W 13th Ave, 97402)

Wednesday 11/17/2021 from 2:30-6:30 pm at Lane Event Center (796 W 13th Ave, 97402)

Thursday 11/18/2021 in partnership with 4J Eugene School District. (Location and time to be announced.)

Friday 11/19/2021 from 1:30-6:30 pm at Lane Event Center (796 W 13th Ave, 97402)

Monday 11/22/2021 from 2:30-6:30 pm at Lane Event Center (796 W 13th Ave, 97402)

Tuesday 11/30/2021 in partnership with 4J Eugene School District. (Location and time to be announced.)

Bethel School District is hosting several clinics for students in the district throughout November.

Springfield:

Tuesday 11/16/2021 from 4pm-7pm at Thurston High School

Tuesday 11/23/2021 from 4pm-7pm at Springfield High School

South Lane:

Tuesday 11/16/2021 from 4-7 pm with South Lane School District.

East Lane:

Thursday 11/18/2021 from 3:30-5:30 pm with McKenzie River School District

West Lane:

Saturday 11/20/2021 at Siuslaw Middle School (2525 Oak St, Florence, 97439) (time to be announced)

Tuesday 11/23/2021 with Fern Ridge School District (time to be announced)


eNews 11-10-21

eNews: Ridgeline Montessori’s Weekly News

RIDGELINE CALENDAR OF EVENTS:


Full calendar: https://www.ridgeline.org/family-resources/calendar


Wed. 11/10 NO SCHOOL Conferences

Thurs. 11/11 NO SCHOOL Veterans Day

Fri. 11/12 NO SCHOOL Conferences

Tues. 11/16 UO Test Kits Sent Home

Wed. 11/17 UO Test Kits Returned to school

Thurs. 11/18 Board Meeting 6:30-8:30 pm



NEW NEWS

Conferences - Parent/teacher/student conferences are today and Friday. If you have not yet signed up, please do so at the links below. Teachers have sent zoom links to families.

Sarah's Class Sign Up

Rachel's Class Sign Up

Emily's Class Sign Up

Emmanuel's Class Sign Up

Adrienne's Class Sign Up

Jasper's Class Sign Up

Meridy's Class Sign Up

Jon's Class Sign Up

OR

Carrie's Class Sign Up

Holidays - With the holidays fast approaching, we are receiving emails about planned trips. If your students will be absent for a planned trip, please fill out the Planned Absence Request Form. Please note that trips of more than five missed school days will result in unexcused absences, and trips longer than 10 missed school days will not be approved, and result in your student being unenrolled due to the 10-day drop requirement. If your student is unenrolled, you will need to reapply for the lottery.

Changes to Cell Phone Policy - Ridgeline's Personal Electronic Device and Social Media expectations and consequences have been updated. Upper elementary and middle school families, please review this with your students and emphasize the expectations and consequences sections. The updated version can be found on the family resource page on the website and is attached here for your convenience.

Videographer Needed - We are looking for help with a video-making project. In order to show prospective families our school, we would like to create a virtual tour, along with interviews of staff and families in each level. We are looking for a vaccinated volunteer who can take footage and also a video editing volunteer. (This could be the same person or different people). Contact Cynthia for more information and to volunteer. We would like the video project completed shortly after winter break.

LTD Bus Pass Update- The deadline for students to ride the bus without the Touchpass has been extended until December 30. If your student rides the bus please sign up for a pass by December 10th so we can get a pass assigned to your child and handed out prior to winter break. To clarify, Ridgeline is included in the pass program, just not the cost of the $3 card. At this time we are paying for the cards, but the $200 value of riding the bus for free is part of the LTD Touchpass program. If you have questions, contact Cynthia.


Gravel Shoveler Thank You! - We extend an enormous thank you to Mike Texley for leading our gravel project behind building A last Saturday. The results are amazing and are already making a huge difference for our younger students. Thank you to Mike Texley for leading the venture, along with Michelle Texley, Dan Wilson, Ruth and Gabe Tabak, Paul Cziko, Lauren Lanahan, Amy Sage, Zeiwi Wang, Jennifer Rice, and the student helpers.

Facilities Coordinator - Dan Gardner shared last week that Friday, November 19 will be his last day working at Ridgeline as the facilities coordinator. He has enjoyed working at Ridgeline but must shift his time and attention to support his father. We greatly appreciate the progress he has made to address the long list of ongoing facility needs at Ridgeline. We understand the importance of prioritizing family and we wish Dan all the best. He did mention that he may return to volunteer as a crossing guard.

Facilities Volunteer Opportunities - With the departure of our facilities coordinator, and winter weather arriving, we have several areas that we desperately need volunteer support. All indoor and outdoor volunteering during the school day requires a background check and a vaccine card. After-hours outdoor volunteers do not need these items. Contact Cynthia for all volunteer opportunities.


Ladder Volunteer - We are looking for someone who loves heights and is willing to come on occasion to change light bulbs and other up-the-ladder type activities M-F 8-4 pm. Ladder provided.


Downspout Cleaner - We need a volunteer to disassemble and clean out the downspouts on the gutters in building A.


Securing Gutters - We need a volunteer who can re-attach gutters to the building on the back of building A where they have separated from the facia.


Window Film Sticker - We need a volunteer who is good with adhesives to cut and stick a window film on the windows in a classroom.


Weekly Outdoor Grounds People - We are looking for volunteers who can come weekly to help with various outdoor grounds-related upkeep needs. Leaf maintenance, winter weatherization, etc. These projects can be done outside of school hours.


Frosty Morning Volunteer - We are looking for a volunteer who can come to school at 8 am on frosty slick mornings to sprinkle de-icer as needed on the sidewalks and the ramp outside building B.


Organizing/Sorting Volunteer - We are looking for a volunteer who can come during the day to help sort and organize tools and an office space.


STILL NEEDED Crossing Guards! - Our crossing guard needs have grown. Currently, instructional staff is serving as crossing guards and we are hoping that parent volunteers can now take over these roles. Volunteers need a current background check and a vaccine card. Sign up here to volunteer.


CONTINUING NEWS -

COVID Vaccines for Kids 5-11!!! - This week, the FDA, CDC and OHA approved COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 to 11! This means all Ridgeline students are now eligible to be vaccinated. Lane County Public Health is holding a number of COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics in the coming weeks. Shots will be by appointment only and sign up is available now! Parents and guardians can schedule appointments at: Get Vaccinated - Lane County or by calling (541) 682-1380. Target and other major pharmacies are currently making appointments for children as well. See community news for more information.


Stay In Your Car! - The drive-thru lane is just that, a DRIVE THRU LANE. If your child needs assistance to exit the vehicle, the drive-thru lane is not a fit for your family. Please park and walk your child to the drop-off area if they require assistance to exit the vehicle.

Tips for using the drive-thru lane - as you approach school, ask your child to gather their belongings, backpack, water bottle, snack, lunch (if brought from home), and mask so they are ready to leap out of the car after you pull all the way forward.

Pull Forward - Remember to pull ALL THE WAY forward in the drive-thru circle regardless of which class your child is in.


Late Arrivals - Please make every effort to arrive on time for school. The arrival window begins at 8:15 am and we encourage you to drop off as close to that time as possible. We hear a lot from parents, “but we were only one minute late.” While that one minute may not seem significant from your perspective, this is what it looks like:

Late students require the people power of multiple staff members. They must wait in line to have their arrival screening and receive a tardy slip. Building A students are escorted around the outside of the building, through two gates by a staff member. Building B students need to be “clicked” in by office staff. When the student arrives at the classroom, they need to unpack, change their shoes, put their water bottle on the shelf, etc. Only then do they arrive in the learning environment. Truly when all is said and done, it is now 10 minutes after the start of their school day, not one minute. For every late student, this process is repeated. Late students miss the important beginning of the day instructions and the learning environment is interrupted with each late arrival. Currently, students are arriving late all the way until 9 am!


Extra Clothes - Students are becoming extremely wet and muddy as Oregon rains continue this autumn. Please send kids to school with outside weatherwear daily, including warm waterproof jackets and boots. We also highly recommend including a change of clothes in their backpack as we have very limited extra clothing and chances are what we have will not suit your child.


Raingear Donations - If you have rain gear that your child has outgrown and would like to donate it, we would be happy to receive it. Donations can be brought to the front steps outside the office.


Proposed School Calendar Changes - Ridgeline administration is recommending the following calendar changes to the Board of Directors. The changes will provide much needed time for staff planning/professional development and downtime to rest and recharge. By approving the changes, staff can be better mentally prepared to be present and engaged in this hard work of educating, caring for, and supporting our students and their families during this challenging time. With these changes, Ridgeline will still significantly exceed the minimum required instructional minutes.


No school on Wednesday, November 24, 2021

No school (planning/PD) on Friday, January 14, 2022


School Counselor Position - Please help spread the word about this great opportunity to join Ridgeline and support our students. This important position is now posted on the Ridgeline website.


Clarification on school COVID-19 positive test result procedures - There has been some conversation in our school community recently about the validity of COVID-19 test results. Public health guidance requires that Ridgeline treat all positive COVID tests as infectious cases. A second negative test does not negate the school's responsibility to respond to the initial positive result. We know that quarantine can be really hard--it's hard on kids, it's hard on families, and it's hard on staff. While we are all (kids, staff, parents, and more!) working hard to minimize the effects a positive case will have on our students, Ridgeline will continue to honor the commitment we made to our families to prioritize our students' health and safety with respect to COVID exposure as long as community infection rates remain high. We appreciate your continued cooperation and understanding as we travel through this unprecedented year together. We can tell that everyone is doing their best to keep our kids in school and learning together, and that is an enormous, difficult act of love and support. Please always report a positive COVID-19 test result of a student (or a family member) to the school immediately.


The Ridgeline Community Organization (RCO)-

Happy Fall to all of our Ridgeline families! We wanted to take a moment to introduce the RCO to families who are new to Ridgeline (and provide a refresher to those who are already a part of our community!). The RCO is our parent organization, all parents/guardians of Ridgeline students are automatically members, and we are focused on community, service and fun :) The RCO Leadership team is made up of an RCO Lead, filled by Meghan Rogacki, and 4 Planning Team members made up of parents from each grade level (Kinder, Lower El, Upper El, and Middle) - Amanda Bedortha, Alexis Reid and Deborah Salari are the current Planning Team members (and we are looking for a Kinder and Middle

School parent to join us!). The RCO Leadership Team meets once per month to plan fun activities for our community and any member of the community is also welcome to join in these meetings to take part. The meeting info is posted to the Ridgeline calendar. The RCO Charter is available here outlining the Goals, Purpose, Roles and other details about the group. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to RCO@ridgeline.org.


Ridgeline’s School Counselor - With care and understanding, we write to share that Heather LeCompte, Ridgeline’s school counselor, will be reducing her hours now through winter break (working Monday - Wednesday) and will not return in January 2022. Heather has played a critical role in supporting our students and families through the pandemic and has created strong connections with Ridgeline students. This year she has offered weekly lessons for lower and upper elementary classrooms, providing additional social and emotional learning during this important time. We are grateful for Heather and her willingness to continue working up to winter break. We wish her good health and we look forward to continued connection in her role as a Ridgeline parent.

Click here to read Heather’s letter to the Ridgeline community.

No Waitlist 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade - If you know of families with 6th, 7th or 8th grader students who you think would be interested in Ridgeline, please encourage them to fill out an application as there is currently no waitlist at these grades. The application can be found here.

Schoolwide Equity Committee -

Hello Ridgeline community of the 2021-2022 school year!

For the past three years, the Equity Steering Committee has worked with board members, administration, staff, and parents to lay the groundwork for the Ridgeline Equity Committee. The groundwork can be found in a presentation, Ridgeline Equity Committee Framework and Bylaws, in the Ridgeline Equity Committee One Sheet, and in the steering committee’s Vision Statement.

If you are interested in serving on the Ridgeline Equity Committee, please fill out this statement of interest, and a member of the Ridgeline Equity Steering Committee will be in touch about the next steps.

Many thanks to all Ridgeline community members who have informed our work through conversations and emailed questions and comments. If you have any questions or concerns or would like more information, please reach out via email.

April-Kay Williams, Parent and Board Vice President, april-kay.williams@ridgeline.org

Jen Hornsby; Past Ridgeline Parent and Board Member, and Present Lunch Lady, jen.hornsby@ridgeline.org

Maizzy Phayt, Ridgeline Assistant, maizzy.phayt@ridgeline.org

COMMUNITY NEWS

Free Turkey Dinner

Thanks to an extremely generous donation from Once Famous Grill, Quakers & Keith Lewis we are able to offer a free uncooked turkey dinner with all the trimmings to families in need in the Eugene / Springfield area.

This will need to be picked up at Quakers at 2105 West 7th Avenue, Eugene on November 23rd from 8:30-11:30am.​

Sign up here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFq0zZxqjXw4GT0ynTSHCl0YvkhtVlGpsnZZFkbzdDWxC-1g/viewform


Lane County Public Health Pediatric Clinic Schedule

Lane County Public Health is planning the following clinics for children ages 5 years - 17 years for vaccination upon approval of the Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 Vaccination. All clinics for children ages 5-17 years are scheduled appointments only.

There are not walk-in appointments at this time.

Clinics will open for scheduling the Friday before each week. Additional community-based and school clinics will announced on an ongoing basis; please continue to check our website for the latest clinic schedule.

Currently, appointments for the general public are full for the week of November 9th-14th. Appointments for the week of November 15th - 21st will be live by the morning of Friday, November 12, 2021. Parents and guardians can schedule appointments at: Get Vaccinated - Lane County or by calling (541) 682-1380.

Eugene:

  • Thursday November 11 from 12:00-6:30pm at Lane Event Center (796 W 13th Ave, 97402)

  • Friday November 12 from 12-6:30pm at Lane Event Center (796 W 13th Ave, 97402)

  • Saturday November 13 from 10am-4pm at Lane Event Center (796 W 13th Ave, 97402)

  • Wednesday November 17 from 2:30-6:30 pm at Lane Event Center (796 W 13th Ave, 97402)

  • Thursday November 18 from 4:30-7pm in partnership with Eugene School District 4J at Arts & Technology Academy (1650 W 22nd Ave,97405)

  • Friday November 19 from 1:30-6:30 pm at Lane Event Center (796 W 13th Ave, 97402)

  • Monday November 22 from 2:30-6:30 pm at Lane Event Center (796 W 13th Ave, 97402)

  • Tuesday November 30 from 4:30-7pm in partnership with Eugene School District 4J at Howard Elementary School (700 Howard Ave,97404)


eNews 11-18-21

eNews: Ridgeline Montessori’s Weekly News

RIDGELINE CALENDAR OF EVENTS:


Full calendar: https://www.ridgeline.org/family-resources/calendar


Thurs. 11/18 Board Meeting 6:30-8:30 pm

Mon. 11/22 UO Test Kits Sent Home

Mon. 11/22 Site Council Meeting 6-7:30pm

Tues. 11/23 Return UO Test Kits to School

Wed. 11/24 NO SCHOOL (pending Board approval tonight)

Thurs. 11/25 NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving

Fri. 11/26 NO SCHOOL

Tues. 11/30 Giving Tuesday

Tues. 11/30 UO Test Kits Sent Home

Wed. 12/1 UO Test Kits Returned to School

Thurs. 12/2 Fundraising Committee Meeting 4:30-5:30pm

Thurs. 12/2 Board Work Session


NEW NEWS

Please watch your email TOMORROW for possible calendar changes and confirmation of testing schedule day shift.


Board Meeting this Thursday - The board will have its November meeting this Thursday (November 15th) 6:30-8:30 pm. The agenda (full agenda here) includes the 2021-22 School Improvement Plan, Annual Financial Audit Results, and a vote on changes to the school calendar. The meeting will be held and is open to the public via Zoom (Thursday's Zoom link here). Public comment will be heard at Thursday night's meeting; if you'd prefer to reach the board by email, please email board@ridgeline.org.


UO Test Kits Next Week- Pending the approval of the no school day next Wednesday, we will send home the UO Test Kits on Monday next week. Please return them Tuesday morning with your student.


If you are not signed up for the weekly testing for you students, but are interested in getting tested before heading off to the relative’s houses for the holiday, asymptomatic testing for individuals age 3+, is available at the University of Oregon’s free community testing with pre-registration and walk-up options available next week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (morning only).


Vaccine Documentation for Students - We are thrilled to hear about students getting their COVID-19 vaccinations! At this point we don’t need copies of their vaccine status. If your child will be missing school due to vaccine side effects, please indicate this in your attendance email or phone call so we know that they are not sick but rather recuperating from their shot.


Street Safety - Thank you to Jeff Schroeder, Piper Paulish, David Brown, Laura Waters, Sean Stewart, Gretch Farrar, and Ruth Tabak who have all acted as crossing guards this fall. The crossing guard role is critical to ensure the safety of our students. If you have a morning or an afternoon that you can help, please sign up. Currently there is no one signed up on Tuesdays, Wednesday or Thursday mornings. Volunteers need a current background check and a vaccine card. Sign up here to volunteer.


Street Parking Near Crosswalk - Near misses have been reported at the crosswalk when there is no crossing guard on duty. Large vehicles parked on the street near the crosswalk contribute to diminished sight lines making it difficult for vehicles to see small students. If you have a large vehicle, please consider parking away from the crosswalk area to keep our kids safe. Thank you.


Giving Tuesday, November 30 - It’s time to celebrate and honor the resilience of our Ridgeline community! Giving Tuesday is our opportunity to support the teachers and staff who support our kids. Be watching for more information about how you and your loved ones can show gratitude for the fact that we’re all still here, doing our best together. Giving Tuesday is an important fundraiser for our school each year, so get ready to spread the word!


Site Council Update - The next Site Council meeting is on November 22nd from 6:00-7:30. The meeting is virtual, and the zoom link can be found on the school calendar.


The first agenda item is to determine how the Site Council and all the school’s stakeholders could support the equity goal on this year’s School Improvement Plan. The equity goal is: Actively create and maintain an environment where students’ diverse backgrounds, identities, strengths, and challenges are acknowledged, respected, and positively incorporated into daily classroom life through representation in the curriculum. The second agenda item is discussing and documenting systematic ways Site Council representatives can gather input from our respective stakeholder groups. And the third agenda item is to continue to update our Site Council member understanding and agreements.


The Site Council is a group with representatives from all school stakeholders. We are still in need of one more parent representative. If you are interested here is information about the position. Contact sitecouncil@ridgeline.org if you have questions, and consider attending the upcoming November 22nd meeting.


Fundraising Committee Meeting - The fundraising committee’s next meeting is Thursday, December 2, 4:30-5:30pm via zoom. The committee will be discussing upcoming fundraising activities and we welcome anyone who is interested in fundraising to attend.

Joy of Sharing - The week before winter break, Ridgeline families are invited to give monetary donations that will be used to purchase grocery store gift cards for Ridgeline families who need a little extra over the break. If your family would benefit from receiving one of these gift cards, please contact Cynthia to be put on the receiving list.


Join the RCO for a Winter Walk! - We had so much fun on our Halloween Hike at Mt Pisgah; thank you to everyone who came out and made it such a great afternoon! Now we want to do it again! Mark your calendars - December 4th at 12:30 pm - and join us in a little holiday spirit, wear your favorite festive holiday gear! We will meet at the entrance to the lower trail (near the shelter) at Mt Pisgah. For those who came to the Halloween Hike, we will follow the same route out to the labyrinth and back. For those who weren’t there we will try to put a marker up so you can find us if you join late. This is a casual walk, meant to bring Ridgeline families together. We hope to see you there!

Help Us Beautify the Ridgeline School Grounds - RCO is coordinating another School Beautification day and we are looking for volunteers! We will do various clean up jobs to help keep our school looking great. This is tentatively planned for December 18, firm date and time to be sent in the next eNews. Please email rco@ridgeline.org if you are interested in helping. A detailed email about the jobs will go out to those who respond. Volunteers must wear masks on campus and practice physical distancing from people outside of their household.


Temporary Middle School Assistant Position - Ridgeline is excited to share that middle school assistant, Maizzy Phayt is expecting a baby! She hopes to continue working through January 2022. Please congratulate her and help us spread the word about this temporary position that will be through the end of the school year working with Jon Labrousse and the middle school team. Click here to read Maizzy’s letter.


Transportation Help - A Ridgeline parent is looking for a parent that could perhaps pick Apollo (7th) and Bella (Kinder) from school and drop them at our home on 34th and Potter. Initially for 3 weeks starting November 29th (I’ll be in Washington for job training) and if it works out, possibly continue part time when I get back and actually begin the job. I am more than happy to compensate for gas and time. If you or someone you know may be able to assist please do let me know. 541-654-7897 is my cell .

Thanks so much!

Jasmine

Facilities Coordinator Position - Please help spread the word that we are looking for a Facilities Coordinator. This position is responsible for performing or coordinating maintenance, repair and upkeep of the facilities, equipment and grounds of Ridgeline Montessori Public Charter School, in consultation with the executive director. Duties include developing short and long-term maintenance plans, managing contracts with outside service providers, recommending improvements and establishing priorities with respect to the facilities and grounds. The Facilities Coordinator is responsible for implementation of the Integrated Pest Management Plan, Healthy and Safe Schools Plan, the Radon Plan. For more details see the post on our website

Volunteer Needs - Thank you to Jennifer Rice for coming to check out our gutters and to Julie Conner and Miche Dreiling who have taken on the video project, and Amy Sage for organizing. With the departure of our facilities coordinator, and winter weather arriving, we have several areas that we desperately need volunteer support. All indoor and outdoor volunteering during the school day requires a background check and a vaccine card. After-hours outdoor volunteers do not need these items. Contact Cynthia for all volunteer opportunities.

Fan Bagger - We need a volunteer to bag box fans for storage during the winter.


Ladder Volunteer - We are looking for someone who loves heights and is willing to come on occasion to change light bulbs and other up-the-ladder type activities M-F 8-4 pm. Ladder provided.


Window Film Sticker - We need a volunteer who is good with adhesives to cut and stick a window film on the windows in a classroom.


Weekly Outdoor Grounds People - We are looking for volunteers who can come weekly to help with various outdoor grounds-related upkeep needs. Leaf maintenance, winter weatherization, etc. These projects can be done outside of school hours.


Frosty Morning Volunteer - We are looking for a volunteer who can come to school at 8 am on frosty slick mornings to sprinkle de-icer as needed on the sidewalks and the ramp outside building B.


CONTINUING NEWS -

Holidays - With the holidays fast approaching, we are receiving emails about planned trips. If your students will be absent for a planned trip, please fill out the Planned Absence Request Form. Please note that trips of more than five missed school days will result in unexcused absences, and trips longer than 10 missed school days will not be approved, and result in your student being unenrolled due to the 10-day drop requirement. If your student is unenrolled, you will need to reapply for the lottery.

School Counselor Position - Please help spread the word about this great opportunity to join Ridgeline and support our students. This important position is now posted on the Ridgeline website.

COMMUNITY NEWS

YMCA Childcare Update - Hello School Staff and Families

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