Celebrating our October 2026 Employee and Students of the Month
On October 13, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the October 2026 Employees and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors meeting. Congratulations to all of this month’s honorees!
Caroline Devine, PreK at the Early Learning Center
Caroline is being recognized as the ELC's October Student of the Month because of the way she demonstrates Kindness, Respect, and Responsibility each and every day. Caroline is a returning preschooler, and because of this, we have had the joy of watching her grow and mature over the past year. This year, she has shown us that she has a big heart for helping her classroom friends and teachers. She enjoys helping with classroom chores and jobs, and she uses kind words and actions as she moves through her day. One thing her teachers in Room 4 have shared is that she meets each new learning opportunity with genuine excitement and a big smile. She loves sharing that joy with her classroom friends and is a great role model for her peers. Caroline's teachers see her effort every day, and it doesn't go unnoticed. She's already living out what it means to be a kind and respectful friend, and a responsible classroom member. Caroline, we are proud of you and love that you are part of our ELC community!
Clay Jackson, 1st Grade at South Ridge Elementary School
Clay perfectly embodies the core spirit of our school community. This outstanding student consistently puts our principles into action by demonstrating what it means to "Be Kind, Be Strong, and Be Well". Whether inside the classroom or out on the campus, he has shown incredible dedication to these standards by complimenting other students on their actions and behaviors. Their positive attitude not only sets a wonderful example for his peers but also helps make our school a more welcoming and inspiring place for everyone. Please join us in celebrating Clay for his exceptional leadership, stellar character, and well-deserved recognition!
Julian Gamboa, 3rd Grade at Wisdom Ridge Academy
Julian is an outstanding student who consistently puts the "Kindness" of our district values into action in everything he does. Julian has shown kindness and leadership by taking a younger student under his care and actively looking out for him. Each class period, Julian makes sure the younger student feels supported and included. His positive attitude and genuine inclusivity not only sets a wonderful example for his peers but also helps make our school a more welcoming and inspiring place for everyone. Please join me in celebrating Julian Gamboa for his exceptional leadership, stellar character, and well-deserved recognition today!
Hailey Chatfield, 3rd Grade at Sunset Ridge Elementary School 
Hailey Chatfield perfectly embodies the core spirit of our school community. Hailey consistently puts our principles into action by demonstrating our core value of kindness. Whether inside the classroom or around campus, Hailey has shown incredible dedication to our standards by stepping up to welcome and support new students, helping them feel safe, comfortable, and at home. Her positive attitude not only sets a wonderful example for her peers but also helps make our school a more welcoming and inspiring place for everyone. Please join us in celebrating Hailey Chatfield for her exceptional leadership, stellar character, and well-deserved recognition!
Maylee Johnson, 4th Grade at Union Ridge Elementary School
Maylee Johnson is such a great example of Be Kind, Be Strong, Be Well. In the library, she shows these traits through her attention to lessons and activities, the respect and kindness she shows others, and her willingness to always try her best. Maylee is always there to help others when they need it, with a smile on her face and a positive attitude. In music, she is incredibly kind and supportive of her peers. She is always encouraging and gracious when students step outside of their comfort zones to take solos. In art, Maylee is kind, helpful, and always prepared. These wonderful attributes carry into her homeroom classroom every day as well. Maylee truly demonstrates what it means to Be Kind, Be Strong, Be Well in all areas of our school. Way to go, Maylee!
Brighton Kimmel, 7th Grade at View Ridge Middle School
Brighton Kimmel is the kind of student who makes View Ridge Middle School a better place simply by being part of it. He brings enthusiasm and a generous spirit to everything he does, while making sure those around him feel included and supported. Brighton also brings creativity and energy to learning. Not only did Brighton create an animation titled “Love” that he bravely shared with his classmates, but he also designed his first game, “Impossible,” to challenge his peers, and it was voted one of the top levels in the class! Brighton is known for his cheerful "Good Morning!" and a smile that brightens anyone's day. His kindness and generosity make him a wonderful addition to our school community. Congratulations, Brighton!
Alice Burt, 12th Grade at Ridgefield High School
Alice Burt consistently demonstrates exceptional effort in building community and a deep sense of belonging across our campus. Alice is the kind of person who has truly never met a stranger. She warmly and effortlessly engages with everyone who crosses her path. That inclusive spirit was vividly demonstrated this year when she took one of our exchange students under her wing. From introducing her to classmates and eating lunch together every day to including her in weekend plans, Alice went above and beyond to make a newcomer feel at home. In just a few short weeks, she has made all the difference in the world for this student, helping her feel genuinely welcomed and part of something special. Alice’s dedication to inclusion comes straight from the heart; she remembers what it felt like to be new to RHS and fondly recalls the seniors who made an effort to welcome her and share opportunities to get involved in various aspects of the school community. Determined to pay that kindness forward, Alice now strives to provide that same supportive environment for others. In addition, she serves as a mentor to students in a couple of classes at RHS, finding real joy in guiding her peers as they make their way through high school. Through her leadership, compassion, and unwavering focus on connection, Alice embodies the very best of Ridgefield High School. Please join us in congratulating Alice Burt!
Employees of the Month
Sharon Bisila, Head Secretary at View Ridge Middle School
Sharon has worked tirelessly as View Ridge Middle School has reconfigured to add 6th grade to our school community. The lift and change in systems has been enormous for her and the front office staff, and she has met every challenge with the same approach of grace and efficiency. Sharon is the absolute best and we all know it!
Allison Lewis, 1st Grade Teacher at South Ridge Elementary School 
Allison works tirelessly to support the students in her classroom. She goes above and beyond to ensure every student has what they need to learn and succeed. When students move to the next grade level, Allison is the first person to offer help, support, and advice to their next teacher to ensure her students continue to be successful even after they have left her classroom. I am so grateful to her as a colleague and friend for the countless hours of effort and energy she has put in to provide support and resources for kids who aren't even on her roster or at her school anymore, just to make sure they continue to have a successful and supportive school experience. She is the embodiment of the idea that ALL students are all our students, and that Ridgefield is a place where we all come together as a team to support all kids.