New Parent Manual 2019-2020

RIDGEFIELD ACADEMY 2020-2021

Welcome to Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool

New Parent Booklet 2020-2021

Letter from Tom Main

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development. Your child will be nurtured and guided at our school by passionate faculty members who inspire a love of learning and ignite a quest for discovery.

Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool are academic communities of great warmth, depth, and substance. Our students are at the heart of everything that we do, and we understand the important role that each of us plays in the growth of your child. Your child will work with purpose, develop critical thinking skills, support their classmates, prepare diligently for the next stage of their education (and beyond), and genuinely enjoy the experience of learning. I strongly believe that education should be challenging, engaging, and fun. At Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool, it is! I’d like to call particular attention to our school mission and philosophy on pages 5 and 6; the mission serves as the first and primary policy of the school, a policy that anchors and guides all that we do at Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool.

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n behalf of all of us at Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool, welcome! You have made an important choice regarding the education of your child during the most critical time of childhood development and during this most unusual year.

Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool offer the premier preschool - grade 8 educational experience in Fairfield and Westchester Counties, and we look forward to sharing our program with your family. Our comprehensive and intellectually inspiring curriculum ensures that students will be prepared for the next challenge, and our talented teachers create a forwardthinking, top-rate educational experience for their students that is rooted in a keen understanding of child

Please enjoy this New Parent Booklet, which will help you better understand our community, traditions, and the many opportunities for involvement and support. If you should have any questions, I encourage you to reach out to me, one of our administrators, or your child’s teacher. Together we are committed to making each year of your child’s learning and growth exceptional. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the global pandemic that we are all experiencing, you can be certain that we are prepared to deliver our program in-person or remotely, as needed.

Warmest regards,

Tom Main Head of School

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Our Story

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ounded in 1975 in Wilton, Conn., Ridgefield Academy (then Landmark Academy) was created from the idea that students should develop not only their intellect, but their character as well. The school expanded its program in 1995 to include two early learning centers located in Redding and Westport, and began teaching preschool-aged children. The K-8 program relocated to the current campus in Ridgefield in 1999 and changed the school’s name to Ridgefield Academy. The preschool programs went by the new name of Landmark Preschool, and were quickly known for a curriculum that exposed young, curious learners to early literacy skills, math concepts, and a variety of special subjects such as world language, music, art, and physical education.

For the 2020-2021 academic year, RA will operate Landmark Preschool in Ridgefield, Westport, and Bedford, NY. With over 45 years of experience in early childhood, elementary, and middle school education, Landmark Preschool and Ridgefield Academy have grown to be the premier PS-8 independent school in Fairfield and Westchester Counties.

Today Landmark Preschool (ages 2-5) and Ridgefield Academy (K-Grade 8) educate over 400 students from over 25 zip codes and offer students a continuous and well-sequenced preschool, elementary, and middle school experience dedicated to academic innovation and inspiration, personal growth, and development. Under the guidance of one Head of School, students are taught by experienced and passionate teachers through all stages of their schooling to take risks, grow in confidence, and develop the skills they will need for the demands of the high school years and beyond. Eighth grade students from Ridgefield Academy go on to attend some of the nation’s most accomplished independent day schools, boarding schools, and local public schools.

New Parent Booklet 2020-2021

Mission

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he Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool community celebrates childhood, pursues excellence, and cultivates kindness. Our educational program is intellectually inspiring, and we foster joyful learning and mutual respect in all that we do. We empower each student to rise to their authentic self, preparing confident graduates who shape their future with ingenuity and integrity.

New Parent Booklet 2020-2021

Philosophy & Culture

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idgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool is committed to academic excellence and the individual growth of each of our students. We offer a broad, challenging curriculum enhanced by a wide variety of extracurricular activities in athletics, the arts, and community service. While our curriculum is grounded in fundamentals, various teaching methods are used throughout the school to engage students in the learning process and stimulate critical 6 thinking. Learning at all levels encompasses rigor and innovation, structure and creativity, individual effort and teamwork. Most important, our talented teachers touch the hearts and minds of their students, inspiring determined effort, sound judgment, and a joy of discovery that endures.

Above all else, Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool is a warm and supportive community defined by close, caring relationships and a strong partnership between school and home. We believe each child’s success is a shared responsibility and encourage the active involvement of parents. Working together, we share aspirations, values, enthusiasm, and pride. With the right balance of challenge, individual attention, and support, Ridgefield Academy/ Landmark Preschool students gain the knowledge and confidence to go forward and lead lives filled with promise.

Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool has been known for academic excellence and a strong commitment to character education. We are a child-centric school, blending an academic curriculum that covers the core branches of knowledge with a broad and stimulating variety of enrichment.

Traditions Our school offers a variety of traditions that are unique to our community, and that our students look forward to each year. Please note that some of these activities may be adjusted to meet health requirements this academic year.

Preschool students at the Ridgefield campus enjoy a

Touch-a-Truck event and several theme-based, in-house field trips.

Our Westport campus offers a hands-on STEM Saturday event, and both our Bedford and Westport campuses host a “Museum Night” that features student artwork.

Lower School students enjoy our Buddy Program, an

overnight campout, and special leadership opportunities.

Middle School students engage in Blue-White athletic

competitions, participate in a Roman Banquet, and put on an Egypt Fair.

Upper School students enjoy a number of multi-day, off-campus field trips, including three-day trips to Frost Valley YMCA Camp, Boston, and Washington D.C., for our grade 6, 7, and 8 students, respectively. Upper School students partner with our younger students, and lead all school assemblies.

Leadership opportunities increase with each grade to help our students build confidence and understand the importance of working in a group setting.

SCHOOL RESOURCES New Parent Booklet 2020-2021

Roles and Responsibilities

7 Head of School is Board’s only “employee”

Supports and furthers school’s mission and vision for future

Reports to the Board of Trustees

Partners with Board to articulate school’s mission and vision for future oversight of school finances

Stewards of school with fiduriary responsibility over school’s budget and investments to ensure long-term viability

Responsible for the “big picture” vs. daily operations of the school

CEO - Chief educational, operating and administrative officer

Responsible for daily operations of the school

Provides leadership and management to various areas of expertise within school, including curriculum, financial, and advancement initiatives

Assists Head in managing operational issues, strategic goals, and setting climate of the school

BOARD OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES TRUSTEES

HEAD OF SCHOOL

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

FACULTY

Bring expertise and energy to academic program

Partner with parents in success of each child

CURRENT PARENTS

Partner with faculty & staff to ensure child’s success

Ambassadors for the school

Key volunteers that enhance our strong sense of community

Important philantrophic contributors to school’s long and short-term fundraising goals

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SCHOOL RESOURCES

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Who to Ask

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ur faculty and staff are always happy to assist with questions that arise throughout the year. Below is a list of contacts for your reference. It is best to make an initial contact with faculty via email (all school email addresses follow the same formatting of first initial, last name@ridgefieldacademy.org or landmarkpreschool.org.

For example John Smith=jsmith@ridgefieldacademy.org) or by leaving a message with the Front Office. Faculty will respond to your message within 24 hours.

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT......

PLEASE CONTACT PHONE

Academic Program Ridgefield Campus Preschool – Grade 3....................

Alison O’Callaghan, Head of Preschool & Lower School

203-894-1800 x109

Grades 4 – 8...............................

Clinton Howarth, Head of Middle & Upper School

203-894-1800 x116

Bedford Campus................................ Evelyn Tangney, Director 914-234-2300 Westport Campus.............................. Siobhan Powers, Director 203-226-6982 Annual Fund.........................................

Clancy Healy, Manager of Annual Fund & Alumni Relations

203-894-1800 x128

PE/Athletics...........................................

Beth MacInnes, Athletic Director

203-894-1800 x107

Brendan Carney, Assistant Athletic Director

203-894-1800 x117

Billing.................................................... Linda LaFonte, Staff Accountant 203-894-1800 x105 Busing...................................................

Larry Curry, Director of Facilities & Security

203-894-1800 x123

Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning Basil Kolani, Director 203-894-1800 x141 Extended Care Program Ridgefield Campus.............................

Donna Kauth, Administrative Assistant & Extended Care Coordinator

203-894-1800 x106

Bedford Campus................................ Evelyn Tangney, Director 914-234-2300 Westport Campus.............................. Siobhan Powers, Director 203-226-6982 Financial Aid.........................................

David Suter, Associate Head of School & Director of Enrollment

203-894-1800 x112

Food Services.........................................

Paul Desiano, Director of Food Services and Facilities Use Coordinator

203-894-1800 x115

Fundraising...........................................

Mo Carleton, Director of Advancement

203-894-1800 x154

Maintenance..........................................

Larry Curry, Director of Facilities & Security

203-894-1800 x123

Mentoring (new K-8 families)...............

David Suter, Associate Head of School & Director of Enrollment

203-894-1800 x112

Outside Facilities Use............................

Paul Desiano, Director of Food Services and Facilities Use Coordinator

203-894-1800 x115

Security.................................................

Larry Curry, Director of Facilities & Security

203-894-1800 x123

Service Learning....................................

Jessica Brooks, MS/US World Language & Service Learning Coordinator

203-894-1800 x121

Technology............................................

Kosta Myzithras, Technology Systems Administrator

203-894-1800 x135

Website..................................................

Rebecca Toon, Website & Social Media Marketing Manager

203-894-1800 x168

We encourage you to visit our faculty and staff directory at: www.ridgefieldacademy.org/about/faculty-staff-directory for a more complete list of personnel.

SCHOOL RESOURCES

Dr. Rachel Sondheimer - Chair Kate Ritter - Vice Chair Stephanie Luedke - Treasurer Lynne Geaney - Secretary Jennifer Amadeo Al Bartosic Alex Bellina Kristin Beylouni Tim Birch (Honorary Trustee) Alison Davis Dr. Kaye Hale Hide Harashima

David Heaton Eric Heaton Dr. Damani Howell Caroline Kellen Liz Smolenack, ex-officio (RAPA) Tom Main, ex-officio (Head of School) Laura Masotti Erin Schiller Lewis Schwartz CT Attorney General William Tong Howard Turner Wendy Wo-Beurket

This list is subject to change and may not be inclusive of all trustees.

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Board of Trustees 2020-2021

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BUILDING COMMUNITY

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Communication

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arents can stay current on school-related information through a variety of communication vehicles. Most communications are sent and received electronically. Visit the RA or Landmark Preschool website for the most up-to-date information on school news, calendar dates, events, and athletics.

CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE

The school magazine is produced by the Advancement Office and sent to all members of the Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool community.

RAPA AND LPA REPRESENTATIVES

Parent volunteers are key ambassadors for the school, welcoming new families and keeping parents in their grade informed and engaged about special classroom happenings and school life. Class or grade specific emails often contain timely information that you will want to act upon.

RA WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Our weekly e-newsletter is sent out each Thursday to all RA family email addresses on file. It is our main vehicle for communicating current school information, and all parents should read the newsletter on a weekly basis. Our Landmark campuses send out periodic parent newsletters to their communities throughout the year

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

In times of inclement weather or a school emergency, an automated text message can be immediately implemented from RA/LPS to keep parents informed.

USPS

Periodically throughout the year, important letters, forms, and documents are sent by USPS. While we try

to use email wherever possible, do look for important mailings from time to time through “snail mail.�

PATRIOT PORTAL

RA and LPS use the Patriot Portal to track attendance/ dismissal, progress reports, report cards, and many other aspects of school life. Parents can schedule parent-teacher conferences, dismissal changes, etc. through the Patriot Portal which is accessible from the RA and Landmark website. A link to the Patriot Portal is located in the navigation bar of the RA and LPS websites.

Any technical questions can be directed to: Marcie Maguire; mmaguire@ridgefieldacademy.org.

(Ridgefield campus) Janet Wilson, jwilson@landmarkpreschool.org (Westport campus) Sarah McKimmie, smckimmie@landmarkpreschool.org (Bedford campus)

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Through the Gift of Time & Talent Our Families Make the Difference

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idgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool is more than a school; it is a community. We believe that a strong partnership between school and home is essential to a good education. Through strong relationships and good communication with parents, we identify opportunities, address challenges, and develop appropriate goals for our students and our school. RA/LPS’s website and Patriot Portal offer parents an exciting and convenient way to participate in our school community on a daily basis. You can keep up on school news and events and communicate with teachers

and staff by email. If you do not have a username and password or if you are experiencing difficulties logging in, please contact Rebecca Toon (rtoon@ ridgefieldacademy.org).

As an RA parent, you are automatically a member of RAPA, Ridgefield Academy Parents’ Association.

Landmark families are members of the Landmark Parents’ Association, or LPA. RAPA’s and LPA’s directives are to build school spirit, nurture parentto-parent and parent-to-school communication, help with special classroom and administrative needs on a

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Volunteer Opportunities

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New Parent Booklet 2020-2021

BUILDING COMMUNITY

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volunteer basis, and work with the school’s development program to raise funds. RAPA and LPA offer many ways for all parents to participate - in school, at home, and/ or through communications channels. We urge you to consider donating your time, talent, or treasures to us.

Supporting just one activity makes a major difference.

We look forward to working with you during the upcoming school year.

PRIMARY VOLUNTEER

Every independent school needs an energetic community of volunteers in order to thrive, and Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool is no exception. RA/ LPS has an outstanding partnership with parents, and your participation is key in keeping the school strong.

Each and every RA/LPS student benefits from this partnership, including your child.

ACTIVE PARTICIPATION

You can take an active role in your child’s education by being involved in the classroom, attending and helping with events, and volunteering to assist with projects. The easiest way to get involved is through participation in RAPA or LPA.

RAPA/LPA

Ridgefield Academy Parents’ Association, RAPA and Landmark Preschool Parents’ Association, LPA are organizations consisting of parents from our school community who help build community spirit, and support the mission, events and fundraising activities of our school. RAPA/LPA extend a welcoming arm to all RA/LPS families by encouraging participation in a range of school-wide events, including a wonderful fall family-based event, annual auction, community service activities, and many other events. RAPA/LPA volunteers are an integral part of our school community and generously offer hundreds of volunteer hours to help support the culture and programs of the school.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

As an independent school, we rely on you to contribute to the Annual Fund to the extent that you are financially able, and to participate in periodic capital campaigns that support programmatic and facility needs, and equipment, and endowment funds. In addition, we welcome your participation with fundraising events, such as the annual auction.

BUILDING COMMUNITY New Parent Booklet 2020-2021

Why Your Gift Matters

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our contribution to the Annual Fund directly and immediately impacts all aspects of school life from the first day your child joins us until the graduation day.

Recent examples of programs and projects that have been funded through generous gifts from families like you: • Students develop a strong sense of character through service learning • Public speaking instills confidence in each child • Our beautiful campuses provide an ideal learning environment • Dedicated teachers guide children to become confident and capable learners Tuition income covers approximately 81% of the revenue required to educate our students each year. The balance is comprised of income from programs such as summer camp, interest from the school’s modest reserves, and donations to the Annual Fund.

ANNUAL FUND • All RA/LPS families and other members of the school community are asked to make an Annual Fund gift in an amount that is personally meaningful and significant.

• Each dollar you donate immediately benefits your children by increasing opportunities and resources beyond what tuition alone could offer.

• A robust Annual Fund directly corresponds with robust opportunities to experience, connect, create, and learn.

RA/LPS’s fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30.

New Parent Booklet 2020-2021

BUILDING COMMUNITY

Common Questions

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Q. Why should I give if I am already paying tuition?

A: We’d like you to contribute because you feel

connected to RA/LPS’s mission, because you are confident that RA/LPS is exposing your child to new ways to learn, grow and take on challenges, and because by giving, you can ensure that your child and all of his or her classmates have everything they need to become their best selves.

Q: If independent schools were run more like big business, couldn’t they charge the full cost and avoid having to ask for gifts?

A: RA/LPS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution whose

sole purpose is to educate children, unlike for-profit businesses which aim to make money.

The benefit of a tax deduction for an Annual Fund gift is possible for many of our families. Conversely, increasing tuition could make RA/LPS unaffordable for valuable members of our community. The Annual Fund also allows the larger community, including trustees, faculty and staff, grandparents, past parents, alumni and friends

of RA/LPS, to demonstrate their support and share in the expense of an RA/LPS education.

Q: How much should I give to the Annual Fund?

A: We ask that you consider making Ridgefield

Academy/Landmark Preschool a primary philanthropic priority and that you contribute at a level that is personally meaningful and that makes sense for your family. Gifts each year range from $10 to more than $60,000.

Q: How much of a difference can my gift really make?

A: In a small school environment, your gift can have

a significant impact on our school by helping teachers stay up to date on the best teaching practices, ensuring a strong curriculum and ample resources, and helping to keep tuition as affordable as possible. The collective impact of high parent participation inspires other parents to give, helps secure foundation grants, and serves as a measure of satisfaction that prospective families look for when making their enrollment decisions.

BUILDING COMMUNITY

which is a wonderful way to double or even triple your gift amount to our school. Contact your company Human Resources Director or go to the giving section of our website to determine whether your employer offers a matching gift program.

Q: Should I give if I receive Financial Aid? A: Yes, please! If every member of our community

participates in the Annual Fund at some level, the entire school community stands to benefit. Your financial aid award will not be impacted by your philanthropic gift.

No matter the size of the gift, involvement is the key!

Q: Will I be asked to make other gifts to RA/LPS? A: Spring Gala

Each spring, the Advancement Office and RAPA/LPA plan a fundraising event to which all families are invited.

For the 20-21 school year, the proceeds from this event will help enable your children to flourish by ensuring

talented faculty, personalized learning, and innovative programs.

The Patriot Legacy Fund The Patriot Legacy Fund invites all families of RA 8th grade students to celebrate their children’s accomplishments by contributing to this legacy fund, which will help provide tuition assistance for mission appropriate students.

Major Gifts/Campaign Gifts 15 During the course of your child’s time at RA/LPS, you may be interested in or invited to participate in a larger fundraising project or initiative. These projects seek gifts that are larger in size than Annual Fund gifts and, at times, may be stretched over three fiscal years. Major and Campaign gifts focus on propelling the school forward to accomplish a predetermined, targeted goal.

For more information about philanthropy at RA/LPS, contact Mo Carleton at 203-894-1800 x154 or mcarleton@ridgefieldacademy.org

How Can I Get Involved?

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New Parent Booklet 2020-2021

Q: Is RA/LPS eligible for Employer Matching Gifts?

A: Yes! Many companies offer a matching gift program,

First, as a parent and ambassador for the school, your positive endorsement of the program to the broader community helps attract and retain mission-appropriate families.

Second, get involved in school life! Volunteer and mark your calendars for class, grade, or schoolwide events.

Third, make RA/LPS one of your top philanthropic priorities. Give to your capacity and be proud of your contributions to the school.

Fourth, encourage others, such as grandparents, who want to support the school and its mission, to contribute to the Annual Fund.

New Parent Booklet 2020-2021

GLOSSARY

Glossary of Terms Below are some terms, definitions, and events to help you become more familiar with Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool.

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After-School Enrichment Clubs:

Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool offers clubs for students in Preschool through Grade 8, from cooking, acting, and creating comics to dance, science, art, and Rock Band.

Extended Day:

Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool offers a Before and AfterCare Program that provides adult supervision for children outside of school hours on a regular or drop-in basis.

Handbook & Directory:

Our school websites and the Patriot Portal include an electronic copy of An all-school assembly takes place our handbook, which has important every Monday at 8:30 am at RA. information about the school organiWeekly events and announcements, birthday announcements, and special zation, policies, and procedures. It is important for parents to familiarize programs are presented. Parents are themselves with the content. An encouraged to attend when their online family directory is available schedules permit. through our Patriot Portal.

Assemblies:

Board of Trustees:

Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool is governed by a Board of Trustees who employ the Head of School, identify and safeguard the school’s mission, and assure fiscal responsibility. The Board sets policy upon the recommendations of committees, some of which welcome parent participation.

Middle & Upper School Grade-Level Advisors:

Class Plays:

Advisors meet with students during arrival, lunch, study hall, dismissal, and otherwise as necessary. The advisors serve as the primary school contact for parents.

Each grade (K-5) presents an annual play production that the entire Ridgefield Academy community is invited to attend.

To assure continued advocacy and support of Middle and Upper School students’ intellectual, social, and moral growth, Middle & Upper School teachers serve as grade-level advisors. There are several advisors for each grade.

Auction:

Is a fundraising event that brings together parents, administrators, faculty, staff, and friends to celebrate a wonderful evening of fun and fundraising in support of Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool’s future stars - our students!

RAPA (Ridgefield Academy Parents’ Association) - LPA (Landmark Preschool Parents Association):

The goal of RAPA/LPA is to help support our school’s mission and organize and execute fundraising events that provide additional financial support above tuition and charitable gifts. RAPA/LPA extends a welcoming arm to all RA/LPS families by encouraging participation in a range of school- wide events.

RAPA/LPA volunteers are an integral part of our school community and generously offers hundreds of volunteer hours to help support the culture and programs of the school We encourage you to join us for our RAPA/LPS meetings, which occur throughout the school year. Your involvement in the life of our school is important to the success of our program.

GLOSSARY

Attend RAPA/LPA meetings, gradelevel coffees, and school events as requested. Organize and assist with classroom/grade activities and parties. Responsible for managing class dues and providing financial accounting to RAPA/LPA treasurer.

Your RAPA/LPA President is here to help you.

SSAT Testing:

The Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT), administered annually to RA students in grades 5 through 8, measures basic verbal, quantitative, and reading skills students develop over time. The SSAT is not an achievement test.

It is not designed to measure the extent of knowledge about a specific curriculum that has been covered in class. Further, SSAT tests are not designed to measure other characteristics, such as motivation, persistence, or creativity that contribute to a student’s success in school. However, SSAT tests do provide educators with useful information about student skill development in certain key areas, as well as help prepare students for an admission test used by many area independent schools for 9th Grade.

Teacher Appreciation Week:

Week in May when the RAPA and LPA and Classroom/Grade Reps organize an annual event for teachers and administration.

The Annual Fund:

A tax-deductible opportunity for parents, alumni, grandparents, past parents, and friends to support

outstanding teaching and learning.

Each year, we appeal to all members of the RA/LPS community to make an investment in the school’s current students with a gift to the Annual Fund.

Revenue from the Annual Fund is generally used to fund current operations based on the areas of greatest need. Parents are expected to participate, and gifts of every size are welcomed. The Annual Fund serves as an important revenue stream in the operating budget and provides the vital difference between what is ordinary and what is distinctive about the RA/LPS experience.

The Bridge:

Ridgefield Academy’s digital media arts center. Well appointed with iPads, iMacs and a Green Screen Room, as well as leading-edge software including Photoshop, Flash Animation, Drag-on (stop-motion animation) and Final Cut Pro (for film), The Center is enriching the curriculum at all levels and engaging students by incorporating state-ofthe-art technology into projects and presentations.

The Center For Innovative Teaching and Learning:

The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (The Center) at Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool exists to enhance teaching and learning across all grade levels to better serve all students. By working with faculty on “what we teach” and “how we teach;’ The Center ensures that Ridgefield Academy builds on forty five years of the

school’s history and is ready for the demands of the next forty five and beyond. Leadership in The Center provides ongoing recommendations to the school’s administrators and faculty regarding student needs, program enhancements, and teacher education.

Patriot Portal/Veracross:

The password-protected database used to track attendance/dismissal, progress reports, report cards, and many other aspects of school life.

This program also allows parents to schedule parent-teacher conferences, dismissal changes, etc.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Get involved! Ridgefield Academy/ Landmark Preschool is so lucky to have an invested group of volunteers who play an essential role in our success.

Food Service:

The Ridgefield Academy lunch program has been reimagined for the 2020-2021 academic year to adhere to the latest COVID-19 health recommendations. A new online ordering platform will provide students with many delicious options from which to choose as well as provide the flexibility for classes to enjoy their meal anywhere on campus.

Each day, students will place their lunch orders online, either with the help of a parent (younger students) or via email using school-issued Chromebooks (older students).

Students can choose from favorites like pasta and pizza one day and

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RAPA/LPA Reps:

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GLOSSARY

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international cuisine from Mexico, Japan, or Nepal the next. All meals will be prepared onsite and packaged individually. The Dining Halls have also been outfitted with plexiglass dividers so that students can enjoy a lunchroom setting a few days each week.

Maximizing student choice through our new ordering process as opposed to serving prepared food on buffet lines serves dual purposes. It reduces contact to keep the community safer and also, substantially reduces food waste to further reduce our carbon footprint!

If your child has a food allergy, we kindly ask that you contact the nurse or preschool director about his or her needs. It is our goal to

educate students with allergies, but also provide similar alternatives that can be enjoyed. Please note that our school is peanut and nut aware to help limit exposure to these foods.

become the necessary change in this interdependent world.

Run4RA:

Physical fitness is emphasized in our community, and our annual Run4RA event is a celebration of Service Learning: these efforts, with each Kindergarten Ridgefield Academy/Landmark through Grade 8 student being Preschool is proud of its dedication challenged to run and/or walk for to inspiring character education an age-appropriate length of time. as well as service to others. RA’s Our PE staff is excited to help our service learning program empowers students “train� for the run during students and faculty to become the weeks leading up to it by incoractive community members. By porating running activities into PE integrating our curriculum with class while highlighting stamina, community service, RA provides an authentic service learning experience. pacing, and fun!

Community service is embedded in our curriculum and enhances our high academic standards. Students and teachers work collaboratively to understand the issues, and to

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Looking Ahead

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n behalf of all of us at Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool, thank you for choosing our school for this important step in your child’s educational journey.

The preschool, elementary school, and middle school years are the most formative years in skill development, confidence-building, learning, and discovery, and we look forward to sharing this journey with you. Our central goal is to help students gain the knowledge, skills, strength of character, and confidence to go forward and lead lives filled with promise. We believe this is the essence of an outstanding education, and it is what matters the most.

From the earliest days of preschool to the final days of Grade 8, our school community is defined by close, caring relationships, solid values, and a strong partnership between home and school. Beyond academic achievement, these are the qualities that make a Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool education so valuable. Our students leave Grade 8 with a better understanding of their own strengths and interests, and are empowered to take on the challenges and opportunities of the high school setting.

Again, welcome to the Ridgefield Academy and Landmark Preschool family.

We look forward to partnering with you in the year ahead!

www.ridgefieldacademy.org

www.landmarkpreschool.org

223 West Mountain Road | Ridgefield, CT 06877 | 203.894.1800