Ridgefield School District

May 21, 2021

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Dear Ridgefield Families, 

I am pleased to announce that the Ridgefield High School stadium entrance improvement project has officially met its fundraising goal and is on track to be completed on time for graduation.  This project was funded entirely by community members and District partners.  Through the generous donation of time, talent, and resources from an array of local businesses and individuals, this new entrance will warmly welcome families, friends, and guests to the stadium for many years to come.   

Inspired by the resilient Class of 2021, the new stadium entrance will pay tribute to the many generations of Ridgefield residents who have and who will gather at the stadium in fellowship to cheer on our beloved Spuds.  Please join me in sending a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this project a reality. 

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In other good news, it is also my pleasure to announce that our Early Learning Center, or ELC, was recently awarded a $339,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce. The 2021-2023 Early Learning Facilities Program Grant will help increase capacity for Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) early learning opportunities in the District. The funding will be used to add classrooms at the current ELC and future early childhood classrooms at the South Ridge Elementary School campus. 

Adding capacity to our ELC will expand access to early learning opportunities for families.  This is important because the research on early learning and its impact on a child’s future success is clear. A recent large-scale study showed that children who attended preschool were less likely to get in trouble at school as children and less likely to have criminal records as adults.  Students who attended preschool were also more likely to take the SATs, attend college, and had significantly higher graduation rates–both in high school and in college.  The research also suggests that preschool is vital for helping young learners to develop emotional and social intelligence, respect for the rules, and resiliency. 

Lastly, I would like to encourage you all to visit the Ridgefield Administrative & Civic Center at 510 Pioneer Street to see the latest exhibit featuring student artwork. The current exhibit features multimedia projects from Michelle Hankins’ 7th and 8th grade art students at View Ridge Middle School.  I am continually amazed by the talent and creativity of Ridgefield’s students.  Thank you to Michelle and her husband Tylor for their work in getting the artwork up for display. 

While you’re at the RACC looking at student artwork, you can also get a bite to eat and a coffee or tea from The Birds and the Beans, a local coffee shop that was created by high school students in our Center for Advanced Professional Studies, or CAPS program. 

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Thank you for your continued support of our schools. Stay well, and remain #RidgefieldResilient. 

 Sincerely, 

 

Dr. Nathan McCann

Superintendent