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Raven News

May 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,

May is an exciting time of year in our school. Our classrooms are buzzing with energy, students continue to make growth, and with mixed emotions, know that June soon will be here. It is exciting to see how much students have matured and learned since this fall.

Students just completed the benchmark iReady assessments for reading and math. We are celebrating so much growth and many achievements. We know our students work incredibly hard and that has shown in a variety of ways. 

Next week, many of our students will be participating in the Standards-Based Assessment (SBA). This state assessment begins in 3rd grade and includes ELA and math. Along with science for 5th grade. If you have any questions about these upcoming assessments, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or me directly. 

Next week is also Staff Appreciation Week! It’s a great time to acknowledge the hard work of our amazing teachers and staff. We invite you to join us in thanking staff for their commitment and ongoing dedication to students. 

To those of you that attended Coffee with the Principal, thank you for your time and engaging in feedback conversations. Mr. Harper and I enjoyed meeting with you. I’m looking forward to more fun school events, for example our upcoming STEM Night on May 20, 2026, or the PTA Carnival, which follows shortly after on June 5, 2026 – we hope to see you soon!

Thank you for partnering with us to make Ridgewood such a beautiful place to learn and lead. It has been a fantastic year and a joy to serve in our school community.

Sincerely,
Ms. Julie McBride
Your Proud Principal

 
Upcoming Events

May 1 - PTA Popcorn Friday

May 8 - PTA Talent Show 5:30pm

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

May 22 - No School - Optional Snow Day

May 25 - No School – Memorial Day

June 3 - Spirit Day - Western Wear

June 3 - Kindergarten Orientation 5:00-6:00pm

June 5 - PTA Carnival 5:00-7:30pm

June 9 - Alumni Grad Walk 3:00pm

June 16 - 5th Grade Celebration 2:00-3:15pm

June 17 - Field Day

June 18 - Kindergarten Celebration 11:30-12:00

June 18 - Last Day of School - 12:40 Dismissal, Lunch will NOT be served

 

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

 
Attendance Challenge

ATTENDANCE CHALLENGE: Let’s Finish Strong!

Ridgewood is officially part of the district’s Attendance Challenge, and this is our big end‑of‑year push! The goal is simple: come to school every day (on time). Strong attendance helps our students learn, grow, and keep our school moving forward in the competition. There are even fun prizes schools can win for great attendance, so every day truly counts!

Right now, Ridgewood has a 17.5% chronic absenteeism rate, and together we’re aiming to reduce it by at least 5.0%. We can do this by showing up strongly these last weeks of school.

More information will be coming to your mail soon.

Let’s show our Ridgewood spirit and finish the year strong! 

 

STEM FAIR

STEM Fair Poster

The Ridgewood STEM Fair will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM. This exciting evening celebrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and showcases the creativity and innovation of our students.

Families are invited to explore tri-fold exhibits, enjoy interactive activities like the wind tunnel in the primary bay, and watch the Egg Drop Challenge supported by the Renton Fire Department’s ladder truck. Pizza from Cascadia Pizza and snacks from the RW PTA will be available.

Students K-5 who would like to participate with a tri-fold science project, egg drop competition or other activities must register. Registration closes May 15, 2026.

Click to Register
 

RIDGEWOOD CARNIVAL

Friday, June 5th, 5-7:30pm

Mark your calendars for the Ridgewood Spring Carnival on Friday, June 5th! The evening will include inflatables, games, prizes, yummy treats, with the Ice Cream Express and Chik'n Fix Food Trucks! Watch your email for information regarding pre-sale tickets, cake walk donations, and menu options. 

Ridgewood Carnival 6/5/26 5:00 to 7:30pm
Carnival Volunteers Needed Poster
 
Building Positive Behaviors

DID YOU KNOW?

Ridgewood staff work hard to ensure that students feel like they belong at our school. Students earn Raven RAVES tickets and participate in weekly schoolwide drawings. Student recognition assemblies, morning meetings/social emotional learning in class, friendships and special classroom traditions also allow for students to feel valued at Ridgewood. Each class works hard to build and maintain community in a variety of ways, including class meetings, traditions, shout outs, show and tells, compliments, Raven RAVES, greetings with their teacher and more. We strive to help every student feel seen and feel like they belong at Ridgewood.

 

NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY

The Power of Choice in Reading
One of the best ways to keep kids reading is to let them choose their own books. When children pick topics and formats they enjoy - whether it’s graphic novels, joke books, magazines, or a favorite series - they’re more likely to stay engaged and read longer.

Choice helps build confidence and independence as readers. It’s okay if your child rereads favorites or sticks with the same type of book - this is all part of developing strong reading habits.

As the school year winds down, encouraging choice can help keep reading fun and consistent at home!

 

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.

 

DOWNLOAD OUR MOBILE APP

The first place students, parents and teachers look for information is their smartphones. Our school app makes it easy for you to access essential information like events, lunch menus, homework and more.

Download on the App Store
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Northwood - Future Jag Night - May 6, 5-7:30 PM
 
Immunization Clinic
 
Hazel Health https://my.hazel.co/kent
 

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