Dear Ridgewood Families,

As we enter this Thanksgiving season, there is so much that I am grateful for. Reflecting on the days that have already gone by this school year, I am particularly thankful for our students. It is energizing to watch them engage in learning with a sense of curiosity and enthusiasm.

I’m grateful that we have dedicated teachers and staff, who encourage students to ask questions and critically think through tough problems. It is exciting to hear students and teachers talk about individual and group goals, which are celebrated and adapted throughout the year. This year, we are focused on student engagement and supporting all students through a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) process. This ensures all students receive core instruction and receive differentiated support based on their individual needs.

Thank you to everyone that attended our fall student conferences. Partnering in developing and monitoring your child’s goals for this year is invaluable. We appreciate your time and dedication to working with us, as we continue to prioritize a safe, engaged learning environment for all students. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at any time throughout the year. We value that our collaborative efforts are ongoing and appreciate your teamwork.

As we continue into the busy holiday season, our staff will continue to prioritize learning through consistent routines & delivering high-quality instruction. Thank you for supporting our school and partnering in this important work together. We are truly grateful to everyone that is part of our school. I’m filled with gratitude and appreciation for all our students, families, and staff.

Sending you and your family the very best.

Warmly,
Ms. McBride
Principal

Nov 7 - Veterans Day Assembly 2:30-3:15

Nov 7 - PTA Popcorn Friday

Nov 10 - NO SCHOOL -Teacher Workshop

Nov 11 - NO SCHOOL –Veterans Day 

Nov 12 - Nov 21 Food Drive

Nov 14 – PTA Movie Night 6:00-8:00pm

Nov 20 – Picture Retake Day

Nov 26 – Pajama Day

Nov 27 – NO SCHOOL -Thanksgiving

Nov 28 – NO SCHOOL

Dec 3 – PTA Reflections Art Night 6:00-7:30pm

Dec 5 – PTA Popcorn Friday

If you are missing a coat, sweater, lunch box, or any other item, please have your student check the lost and found bin in the hallway foyer near the front office. All items not claimed will be sent to our local clothing bank.

A Helpful Tip: Please discreetly label all backpacks, lunch boxes, coats, hats, and outerwear with your child’s first and last name.

Monday, November 10
Teacher's Workshop

Tuesday,, November 11
Veterans Day

Thursday, November 27
Thanksgiving Day

Friday, November 28
Native American Heritage Day

If it is necessary to pick up your student early:

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping all Ridgewood students safe!

If your child was absent on our original picture day, their photo will be taken. If your child was present for the first picture day but you would like their photo taken again for any reason, please let your homeroom teacher know. This will ensure that your child is sent to the photographer at our class’s designated time. Please also return your original photo package to the photographer. Orders can be placed online at mydorian.com before picture day and up to 2 days afterwards.

Did you know?

Ridgewood Elementary School is proud to have a strong Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system. We have universal school-wide expectations called the Raven RAVES.

- Respect Everyone
- Act Responsibly
- Value Learning
- Encourage Each Other
- Safety First

Part of our PBIS system is daily social emotional learning for all students. Each day students start (or end) with a class meeting or SEL content to build connections and community in their classroom. Morning meetings (also called class meetings) provide time for students to get to know each other and their classroom teacher, learn about each other’s strengths and interests, and build valuable social emotional skills like empathy, conflict resolution, problem-solving and friendship. Students also work through our district-approved social emotional learning curriculum, Second Step®. Ask your student about their social emotional learning to find out all of the creative activities our teachers are using to engage students!

Stay tuned for more information throughout the year about Ridgewood’s PBIS system!

When your child is late for school (even by a few minutes) it has a negative impact not only on your child but on the other students in the class as well.

Here’s How You Can Help

Keep Reading Aloud — Even as Kids Get Older!

Reading aloud isn’t just for little ones—it’s just as valuable for big kids! Sharing books together helps expand vocabulary, provides exposure to more complex language, and models fluent, expressive reading. Older kids love hearing stories that challenge them, spark conversations, and bring everyone together.

So, grab a cozy blanket and a good book, and make reading together an important part of your day. Just because kids can read on their own doesn’t mean they’ve outgrown being read to!

Battle of the Books

Battle of the Books is a fun, optional reading competition for 4th and 5th graders. Teams of 2-4 classmates read books from the battle list and then answer questions about the books. The team that answers the most questions correctly moves on to the next round, until a district champion is crowned! The competition begins in May, but it’s never too early to start enjoying these titles!

(All books also available as eBooks and audio books in the RW library)

Hello Families! My name is Mrs. Jones, and this is my eleventh year serving as the Multilingual Specialist at Ridgewood Elementary. I work with multilingual students across grade levels collaborating with classroom teachers to support student growth in English reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. I enjoy helping young learners grow in both academics and confidence.

My goal is always to make learning engaging, inclusive, and meaningful. I believe every child has unique strengths, and I’m here to support their journey—both in their home language and as they explore new ones. I believe that multilingualism is a strength and I enjoy helping students feel prepared and successful in the classroom while honoring their home languages and backgrounds.

Hi, I'm Ashley the new Admin Assistant in the Ridgewood office and on the playground.  I have been a proud Ridgewood parent for the past 2 years; this year I have a first grader in Mrs. Ackerman's class and a fourth grader with Mrs. Wilson.  Last year I had the opportunity to get to know and work with many of you as I served as Secretary and Auction Chair on the RW PTA and I am thrilled to now have the opportunity to be a part of the Ridgewood team and continue supporting the amazing students, faculty and staff here at Ridgewood!

Reflections Art Contest and Ridgewood Art Show

Ready to express yourself? Don't miss the annual Ridgewood PTA Reflections Contest. Students are invited to submit their creative entries in all six categories (Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts) around this year's powerful theme, "I Belong!" All entries are due November 21st. Mark your calendar to celebrate our student artists at the Third Annual Reflections Art Show on Wednesday, December 3rd, from 6:00–7:30 PM in the Multipurpose Room. This family-friendly event will feature an art gallery of all visual entries, art activities, live readings of winning literature (optional), and a special ceremony to announce all category winners and recognize every participant. Please visit the PTA website for complete entry guidelines.

RAVEN NEWS
November 2025

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

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