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Raven News

April 2026

Ridgewood Elementary 18030 162nd Place SE, Renton, WA 98058
Main (253) 373-7482 Fax (253) 373-7483
Principal Julie McBride

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Dear Ridgewood Families,

We’ve bounced right into these first days of spring! I’m so proud of our students, who I see supporting one another through science activities, solving complex math tasks, and using resources in their classroom to help complete an assigned task. Watching students further develop these important life skills throughout the year is one of the many joys of being your school principal, and I have had so much joy this year indeed.

I am looking forward to our Multicultural Night coming up next week, on Thursday, April 2nd from 6:00-7:30pm. This evening will be a time to celebrate our students, families, and staff through our diverse cultures and traditions. Whether you’ve already signed up to participate or you are stopping by the school to enjoy the festivities and be entertained, we hope you can join us!

Following Multicultural Night, Spring Break is from April 6th-10th. We hope this time provides students with an opportunity to rest and recharge. We look forward to welcoming students back from break, ready for the final stretch of the school year. Upon returning from break, Spring Testing Season will begin. Between April 13th-April 24th, all Ridgewood students will take the iReady reading and math assessment. These assessments help monitor student progress and guide instruction throughout the year.

iReady assessments will be followed by the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) window. Our 3rd-5th grade students will participate in the ELA and math SBA. Along with our 5th graders, taking the WA Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). Each teacher will share their specific testing date schedule in their weekly newsletter. As always, you can support your child in doing their very best by ensuring they eat a healthy breakfast, get plenty of rest, arrive at school on time, and say encouraging words to inspire them in doing their best! Students have worked so hard this school year.

We are excited for the many events this spring and learning that is still left in the year. Thank you for your support and ongoing partnership, which makes the important and exciting work of helping students learn and grow possible.

Warm regards,
Ms. Julie McBride
Your Proud Principal

 

REPORT AN ABSENCE OR TARDY
Call:
253-373-7482 • Email: RWAttendance@kent.k12.wa.us • Skyward Family Access

 

ARE YOU MOVING?

Please let us know if you will not be returning to Ridgewood in the fall by filling out and submitting the form linked below.  We are gearing up for class placements for the fall, and it is most helpful to know who will not be returning. Please contact the office at 253-373-7482 with questions. Thank you. https://forms.office.com/r/iqvnyx6P4j

 

KINDERGARTEN 2026-2027

Will your child be 5 years old by August 31st? Registration is now open for the 2026-2027 school year. Enrollment is completed online:  https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/page/enrollment Reach out with any questions at (253) 373-7000 or email enrollment@kent.k12.wa.us.

Kindergarten Orientation for the 2026-2027 school year is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3rd, 5:00-6:00pm. This will be an opportunity to meet the current Kindergarten teachers, learn more about the kindergarten curriculum and ask questions.

 
Upcoming Events

Apr 3 - PTA Popcorn Friday

Apr 6 to Apr 10 - No School - Spring Break

Apr 17 – No School - Optional Snow Day

Apr 30 - Coffee with the Principal 9:00am

May 3 – PTA Popcorn Friday

May 8 – PTA Talent Show 5:30pm

May 20 - STEM Fair 6:00-8:00pm

 

SAFETY PATROL 2026-2027

Safety Patrol Squad Members needed for the 2026-2027 school year!  Safety Patrol membership is open to all students who will be in 5th grade next year.  We are looking for 15-20 students to run 5 squads.  Applications will be in the MPR on the Safety Patrol bulletin board as well as in the office.  All applications are due by Thursday, April 30th.  You may submit applications to the office or email to RWOffice@kent.k12.wa.us. 

 

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS

Please remind your children to wear weather appropriate clothing.  We only have indoor recess in extreme conditions. Wet weather can lead to wet children. It can be helpful to pack a change of clothing in the bottom of your child's backpack.

 

LOST AND FOUND

As the weather warms, more coats and jackets make their way to the lost and found bins. If you are missing anything, please check the bins in the school foyer.

 
Building Positive Behaviors

DID YOU KNOW?

Every month, various individual classes are recognized with special Golden Recognitions for following expectations in different areas of the school. Selected classes display these items proudly for the whole month! Below is a list of our Golden Recognitions, and there are two of each recognition!

- Golden Broom (classroom cleanliness)
- Golden Shoe (PE behavior and participation)
- Golden Music Note (Music K-4)
- Golden Book (Library)
- Golden Safety Cone (playground and safety)
- Stealth Squad (hallway/line/transition expectations)
- Golden Apple (lunch expectations)
- Golden Heart (social emotional learning)
- Golden Paintbrush (creative classroom displays)
- Golden Teamwork (teamwork, sportsmanship and collaboration)
- Golden Raven (following all RAVES)

We also have the Golden Star! This recognizes classes who demonstrate five star listening/active listening during our student recognition assemblies! This is awarded to four classes each month!

 

NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY

Reading a Graphic Novel

Graphic Novels: More Than Just Comics!
Graphic novels are a powerful tool for young readers. The combination of pictures and text helps build comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. Just like traditional novels, they feature complex plots, characters, and conflict. They’re especially engaging for reluctant readers, boosting confidence and a love of reading. Graphic novels aren’t a shortcut – they’re a bridge that helps many students become stronger, more motivated readers.

Battle of the Books Logo

Battle of the Books
Battle of the Books teams have been formed, and students are busy reading and enjoying this year’s titles. Excitement is building as teams prepare for competition! The first round will take place during students’ library classes the week of May 4. It’s been great to see so much enthusiasm for these fun, diverse titles! 

 

BENEFITS OF WALKING TO SCHOOL WITH A BUDDY

There is a joy and independence - a sense of adventure - that doesn’t fade.  When walking or biking, parents and children get to appreciate things they don’t notice while driving-listening to the sounds of the neighborhood, seeing friends and neighbors and feeling connected with their community. Parents, children and friends can enjoy one another’s company while getting some exercise.

 
Hazel Health
 

Kent School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. For more information: https://www.kent.k12.wa.us/page/discrimination