Summer soaring for Ripley programs
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At their meeting this month, Ripley Central School Board of Education members heard reports about action plans for both ELA and math for the coming school year.
Director of Curriculum and Pupil Services Michelle Waters said that while student reading levels and foundational letter sounds are strong, the district plans to “focus heavily on structured phonics and spiral reviews . . . to support this, we are keeping center-based individualized skill groups a priority in our master schedule.”
The district will also focus on writing skills, especially introductions, conclusions and descriptive details, Waters said. “We are using the Wordly Wise program to weave higher level vocabulary into daily writing,” she said.
In mathematics, the data shows that the Math Movement Program has been very successful, Waters said. “In the primary grades, teachers will focus heavily on counting and fact fluency using movement-based math games to keep students engaged,” she said. “In the upper elementary grades, the focus shifts to multi-step work problems, fact mastery and consistent spiral reviews.”
Waters also told board members that Eagle U officially launched on July 7 with 45 students attending the first day. There are a total of 75 students registered for the summer, which runs through Aug. 13, she said.
“Academically, students are focusing on reading comprehension, writing stamina, foundational math concepts, math fluency, high frequency words and STEAM enrichment,” Waters said. “In addition to classroom time, students will participate in community partnership activities; some students will attend swimming on Tuesday at Brocton Central School, and some will participate in golfing on Thursdays with Lakeside Golf course.”
Ripley Principal Sara Centanni reported that a large celebration was held during the final week of school to honor a variety of student award winners, including achievements in integrity, as well as reading and running clubs.
The celebration was dedicated to Art Teacher, Mrs. Alberta Parker, who is retiring after many years with the district. “We wish Mrs. Parker the absolute best as she enters retirement and we thank her for her dedicated years of service to our building and community,” she said.
Board members also commented on the large sand sculpture of the Ripley Eagle which was constructed outside of the main entrance by sculptor Eric Jones in early June. “It has held up remarkably well and still looks great,” said board president Paul McCutcheon
Prior to their regular meeting, the board held its annual reorganizational meeting. McCutcheon was re-elected as board president and Shawn Waters as vice-president. Board member Karen Mooney-Crouch was sworn in, having been re-elected in May.
District Superintendent William Caldwell also took the Oath of Office.
In another report, director of Facilities, David Graham, said the parking lot sealing is scheduled for July 31. Also, all classrooms are being emptied, deep cleaned and the floors waxed, and a new ice machine has been ordered for the kitchen, he added.