TOPICS OF THE MONTH

Our Kids Helping Kids Holiday Drive was a huge success, and it’s all thanks to YOU! Because of your generosity, the Share Center was able to serve 231 kids this year - an increase from 80 kids served last year. We are so grateful for your support in making this possible. Thank you for making a difference!

-DINE OUT FOR RIDGES is with Panda Express January 22nd, all day online for pick-up or delivery! So family and friends all over can order and 28% will go back to Ridges. Please use 9000280 in the fundraiser code box. More information can be found here.

PAC SHOUT OUT!

David is our Popcorn guy! and occasionally that includes caramel popcorn. He is the one behind the scenes making sure every student that wants it, and to be honest any staff as well, gets their popcorn on Popcorn Friday, movie nights, and at other events. He also is the guy that helps Wolfie come to life, and helps with many other tasks behind the scenes. David has 2 daughters that attend Ridges. He enjoys sports including hiking and backpacking, baking and cooking, and any outdoor activities with his girls.

IMPORTANT DATES

• 1/7: First Day of School in 2025! 6:30: Meet and Greet with Treats; 7pm PAC meeting in the community room. EVERYONE WELCOME, INCLUDING KIDS

• 1/8 @ 7am: Chess Club; 1;15 - 1:45 Student Store @ Edy Courtyard

• 1/9 @ 7:30 - 7:50am: Student Store @ Edy Cafeteria; POPCORN FRIDAY

• 1/15 @ 7am: Chess Club

• 1/20: NO SCHOOL

• 1/21 @ 7am: Passport Club

• 1/22 @ 7am: Chess Club; 1:15 -1:45: Student Store @ Edy Courtyard; Dine out for Ridges @ Panda Express

• 1/24 @ 7:30-7:50: Student Store @ Edy Cafeteria

• 1/29 @ 7am: Chess Club

OUR CONTACT INFO

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgesElementaryPAC/

• President: Annie Mills Ridgeselementarypac@gmail.com

• Fun Run: Ridgesfunrun@gmail.com

• Volunteer Coordinators: Ridgesvolunteers@gmail.com

• Art Lit: Ridgesartlit@gmail.com

TOPIC OF THE MONTH

The Kids Helping Kids Holiday Gift Drive kicked off 11/18 and goes through 12/18. Early donations would be appreciated; they will go directly to the SHARE Center as they have families shopping as early as 12/2. We have 2 boxes set up in the lobby, one for new and unused items, unless otherwise stated. The Sign-up Genius is linked here. The other box is for new or gently used kids’ coats. Everything donated stays in our community and goes directly to local families in need.

PAC SHOUT OUT!

Diana is our Communications Chair; she is responsible for our website and all of our amazing posts and reels on Facebook and Instagram. She also creates many of our flyers and other media we use to get our messages and events out to you. Diana has been a part of our PAC for 8 years, initially serving as the Hospitality Coordinator. When she's not dedicating her time to PAC, you'll often find her on the soccer field, either watching her 5th & 7th grade kids play or passionately supporting the Portland Thorns. Diana also enjoys baking and gardening in any free time she might have.

IMPORTANT DATES

• 12/2: Back to School!

• 12/3 @ 6:30 PM: PAC Meet & Greet with Treats! (PAC Meeting at 7:00)

• 12/4 @ 7:00 AM: Chess Club

• 12/6: Fun Run Prize—Caramel Popcorn Friday; Spirit Day—Wear your Ridges gear!

• 12/10 @ 2:00-7:00PM: Ridges Fundraiser @ Cedar & Stone

• 12/11 @ 7:00 AM: Chess Club; 1:15 PM: Student Store at Edy Courtyard

• 12/13 @ 7:30 AM: Student Store at Edy Cafeteria; BINGO NIGHT! Doors open 6:00 PM

• 12/17 @ 7:00 AM: Passport Club

• 12/18 @ 7:00 AM: Chess Club; Last day to donate to KIDS HELPING KIDS HOLIDAY DRIVE

• 12/20: All-School Pajama Day!

• 12/23-1/6: NO SCHOOL—WINTER BREAK

• 1/7: First Day of School in 2025!

OUR CONTACT INFO

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgesElementaryPAC/

• President: Annie Mills Ridgeselementarypac@gmail.com

• Fun Run: Ridgesfunrun@gmail.com

• Volunteer Coordinators: Ridgesvolunteers@gmail.com

• Art Lit: Ridgesartlit@gmail.com

TOPIC OF THE MONTH

-Our biggest fundraiser of the year, FUN RUN was successful, raising over $95,000 to support our dedicated teachers and the education of our children. We have dispersed about $30,000 so far with another $50,000+ budgeted to go to teachers for field trips, assemblies, different projects and more. More information will be coming soon regarding prizes if your child reached those goals.

-The Kids Helping Kids Gift Drive is coming up for the holiday season! All proceeds will support the SHARE Center in Sherwood. Stay tuned for more details coming in the Principal’s Update next week. We’d love your support!

PAC SHOUT OUT!

Meet Candee, our Art Literature Coordinator. Candee is new to this position and we cannot thank her enough! Art Lit kicks off this month and we are so excited! The artist that will be covered are Maria Martinez, Winslow Homer and Andy Warhol. Candee ensures that the lessons are age-appropriate, handles supply procurement, manages copies, organizes and instructs parent volunteers, and much much more. Candee has twins (a girl and a boy) in 3rd grade. In her free time, she enjoys crafts, reading, and watching her kids do their extracurricular activities which include BMX, dance, and baseball.

IMPORTANT DATES

• 11/1: No School

• 11/5: 6:30: PAC meet and greet w/ treats! 7pm: PAC meeting EVERYONE WELCOME!

• 11/6: 7am Chess Club

• 11/7: 8-8:45am: Coffee with the Principals in the community room.

• 11/8: Popcorn Friday and Ridges Spirit Day

• 11/11: No School Veteran’s Day

• 11/13: 7am Chess Club; 1:15-1:45: Student Store at the Edy Courtyard

  and DINE OUT FOR RIDGES @ Aracelli’s 4-8pm

• 11/15 @ 7:30-7:50am: Student Store

• 11/19 @ 7:15am: Passport Club

• 11/20 @ 7am: Chess Club

• 11/22: No School Veterans Day

• 11/25-11/29: No School Thanksgiving Break

OUR CONTACT INFO

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgesElementaryPAC/

• President: Annie Mills Ridgeselementarypac@gmail.com

• Fun Run: Ridgesfunrun@gmail.com

• Volunteer Coordinators: Ridgesvolunteers@gmail.com

• Art Lit: Ridgesartlit@gmail.com

TOPIC OF THE MONTH

Our biggest fundraiser of the year, FUN RUN, is October 4th. Envelopes will be sent on September 27th in Friday folders and are due back Thursday, October 10th. We're aiming for $90k! Every dollar will boost our school, funding classrooms, activities, field trips, and more. Let's make a difference together! View class schedule HERE.

-Background checks: Please complete your annual background check ASAP. Find step by step directions HERE.

PAC NEWS!

A HUGE shoutout to our Fun Run Coordinators: Amanda (center), Nikki (R), and Melinda (L), & our amazing Fun Run Committee members: Katie, Victoria, & Annie! This was our first year with a dedicated Committee, & what a difference it made. This team has put in countless hours behind the scenes— securing sponsors, designing & ordering t-shirts, planning fantastic prizes, & coordinating every aspect of the event. The Fun Run is the highlight of our fundraising efforts each year, & these incredible women ensure it’s not only FUN but also a huge success. Thank you, ladies!

IMPORTANT DATES

• 10/1: 6:30-7: Parent meet and greet with treats; 7:00: PAC Meeting

• 10/4: Ridges FUN RUN and Popcorn Friday!

• 10/7 6pm: Passport Club Volunteer meeting in the Community Room

• 10/9: 7am: Chess Club; 6pm: Hospitality Commitee meeting in the Community Room

• 10/10: Fun Run Envelopes Due!

• 10/11: No School

• 10/14 - 1 0/18: Scholastic BOOK FAIR (more info coming soon)

• 10/16: 7am: Chess Club; 1:15pm-1:45pm: student store @ Edy Courtyard

• 10/18: Picture Day (more info coming soon)

• 10/23: 7am: Chess Club; 6pm Art Lit Volunteer Orientation Meeting in the

  Community Room; AND Ridges Spirit Day! Wear your Ridges Gear or school colors.

• 10/24 and 10/25: No school for conferences (more info coming soon)

• 10/29: 7:15am Passport Club in the Community Room

• 10/30- 7am: Chess Club

OUR CONTACT INFO

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgesElementaryPAC/

• President: Annie Mills Ridgeselementarypac@gmail.com

• Fun Run: Ridgesfunrun@gmail.com

• Volunteer Coordinators: Ridgesvolunteers@gmail.com

• Art Lit: Ridgesartlit@gmail.com

TOPIC OF THE MONTH

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! Get ready for another amazing year!

• Apparel: Orders are due by 9/1. Order HERE!

• Background checks: Please complete your annual background check ASAP. Find step by step directions HERE.

• Fun Run: Details & envelopes coming soon. We're aiming for $90k! Every dollar will boost our school, funding classrooms, activities, field trips, and more. Let's make a difference together!

PAC NEWS!

Some exciting new things are coming to Ridges this year!

• Meet & Greet & Treats: First Tuesday monthly at 6:30pm—30 minutes before the PAC meeting. Meet Annie, our PAC president, and discover programs, events, and ways to get involved.

• We are now on Instagram! Follow us HERE!

• Chess Club: Info coming soon!

• Passport Club: Info coming soon!

Don’t miss out—be part of the fun!

IMPORTANT DATES

• 9/2: Labor Day NO SCHOOL

• 9/3: 6:30 PAC meet and greet with treats! 7pm: PAC mtg

• 9/6: Popcorn Friday

• 9/11: Dine Out for Ridges @ Handels!! (ALL DAY)

• 9/12 @ 6pm: Fun Run Committee meeting in the Community Room

• 9/17 @ 6pm: Popcorn Friday Commitee meeting in Community Room

• 9/19 @ 5pm: Apparel Committee meeting in the Community Room

• 9/25: Shop for Ridges @ Mapel Boutique!! (ALL DAY)

• 9/25@ 6pm: Chess Club Committee meeting in Community Room

• 9/26 5:30-7pm: Back to School Night

• 10/4: FUN RUN (details coming)

  Click HERE for printable calendar

OUR CONTACT INFO

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgesElementaryPAC/

• President: Annie Mills Ridgeselementarypac@gmail.com

• Fun Run: Ridgesfunrun@gmail.com

• Volunteer Coordinators: Ridgesvolunteers@gmail.com

• Art Lit: Ridgesartlit@gmail.com

TOPIC OF THE MONTH

-Ridges Apparel: We are super excited to offer the neon t-shirts from last year and a new full zip hooded sweatshirt for youth and adults! The best part is, that once you make the order, your apparel will be available for pick up at Meet and Greet 8/27 at your child’s desk. Please complete the order form ASAP by 8/7 here!

-Background checks: Join us for exciting events like Fun Run, Popcorn Friday, Student Store, dances, Ridges Fair & more! Or volunteer in your child classroom. Please complete your annual background check ASAP. Find step by step directions HERE.

PAC NEWS!

Some exciting new things are coming this year!

-PAC Meet & Greet & Treats: Join us the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm for a 30 min pre-meeting before our official PAC meeting. This is open to ALL parents to meet with Annie, our PAC president. Find out about our programs, upcoming events, and how to get involved.

-Ridges Instagram (linked here.)

-Chess Club (info coming soon.)

-Passport Club (info coming soon.)

IMPORTANT DATES

• 8/7: Apparel orders due

• 8/8 9-10am: Kindergarten Play date @ Edy side Playground

• 8/15: Ridges Dine Out night at RED ROBIN

• 8/23 3-3:30 pm: class placement emailed to parents.

• 8/27: First day of school for Kindergarten

• 8/27 4-6pm: Ridges Meet and Greet for 1st-5th. KONA will be here!

• 8/28: First day of school for all students grades 1st-5th.

OUR CONTACT INFO

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgesElementaryPAC/

• President: Annie Mills Ridgeselementarypac@gmail.com

• Fun Run: Ridgesfunrun@gmail.com

• Volunteer Coordinators: Ridgesvolunteers@gmail.com

• Art Lit: Ridgesartlit@gmail.com

TOPIC OF THE MONTH

Treat the Teachers and Staff! If you are interested, please consider donating via Venmo (@RidgesPAC) to provide Hungry Hero treats for the end-of year staff luncheon the last day of school. Any amount is appreciated!

-Volunteer Appreciation week is 6/3-6/7, if you are in the school to volunteer please stop by the front office area for a treat or two as a huge THANK YOU for all your time and commitment to making Ridges so wonderful. We could not do any of this without all of our amazing volunteers!

PAC SHOUT-OUT!

Heather Flower (left) is handing off the PAC President baton to our current Vice President, Annie Mills (right). Heather has been our fearless leader for 6 years and has graciously navigated us through Covid; including many other challenges and changes; with nothing but the staff’s and students best interest in mind. Annie has large shoes to fill but is amazing in her own right and we are thrilled to have her lead us. She has 2 daughters (going into 3rd and 5th). She enjoys the outdoors, working out on her Peloton, reading and cheering her girls on at their sporting events.

IMPORTANT DATES

• 6/3-6/7: Volunteer Appreciation Week

• 6/4 @ 7pm: PAC meeting in the community room. (EVERYONE WELCOME, EVEN KIDS)

• 6/5 @ 1:15 - 1:45: Student store @ Edy Courtyard

• 6/7 @ 7:30-7:45: Student store @ Edy Cafeteria

• 6/7: FIELD DAY, SPIRIT DAY (wear Ridges gear or our school colors), POPCORN FRIDAY and KONA ICE 2:15-4:30

• 6/12 9:30 - 11:00am: 5th Grade Promotion (more info coming from 5th grade teachers).

• 6/12: Last day of school, students dismissed at 11am.

  August:

• 8/27: First day of school for Kindergarten

• 8/28: First day of school for all students grade 1st-5th.

OUR CONTACT INFO

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgesElementaryPAC/

• President: Heather Flower Ridgeselementarypac@gmail.com

• Fun Run: Ridgesfunrun@gmail.com

• Volunteer Coordinators: Ridgesvolunteers@gmail.com

• Art Lit: Ridgesartlit@gmail.com

TOPIC OF THE MONTH

-The Ridges Fair is coming up on 5/17 and we need your help! Our next work party is May 3, 10:30-12:30 in the PAC portable.

-This amazing event is not possible without our wonderful parent volunteers....if you are able, please sign up here to volunteer for a shift to set-up, a 1 hour shift at the fair, or clean up.

-Beat the line at the fair! The form for pre-sale tickets and bracelets is linked here. Presale deadline is 5/7; tickets andbracelets will go home in backpacks 5/8.

PAC SHOUT-OUT!

Meet Lisa (right) and Lindsey (left), our Volunteer Coordinators. They make sure every parent volunteer is background checked, get volunteers for events, correspond with parents, manage Helpcounter, and more. If you can’t find them doing PAC things or decorating the staff bulletin board, you can find them in the library helping Mrs. Hansen. Lisa has been with PAC since 2016 and has a son in 4th grade and Lindsey has been with PAC since 2019 and has a daughter in 4th grade.

IMPORTANT DATES

• 5/1 @ 1:15-1:45: Student Store @ Edy Courtyard

• 5/3: POPCORN FRIDAY, Student Store @ Edy Cafeteria 7:30-7:45 and SPIRIT DAY!

• 5/7 @ 7pm: PAC MEETING @ the Community Room, everyone is welcome, even kids!

• 5/8 @ 1:15: Early Release

• 5/9-5/10: NO SCHOOL (Conferences)

• 5/15 @ 1:15-1:45: Student Store @ Edy Courtyard

• 5/17 @ 7:30-7:45: Student Store @ Edy Cafeteria and SPIRIT DAY!

• 5/17 THE RIDGES FAIR 5-8pm

• 5/22 @ 1:15: Early Release

• 5/27: Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL

• 5/29 @ 1:15: Early Release

• 5/31: BEACH DAY and Student Store 7:30-7:45 @ Edy Cafeteria

OUR CONTACT INFO

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgesElementaryPAC/

• President: Heather Flower Ridgeselementarypac@gmail.com

• Fun Run: Ridgesfunrun@gmail.com

• Volunteer Coordinators: Ridgesvolunteers@gmail.com

• Art Lit: Ridgesartlit@gmail.com

TOPIC OF THE MONTH

-A GIANT thank you to everyone who donated food at the Neon dance! We collected 645lbs of perishable food items for the Willowbrook Food Pantry here in Sherwood. 1st grade brought in the most items and earned an extra recess!

-Bingo night was such a huge hit we are doing it again 4/26. For more details and to order cards and daubers click here.

-The Ridges Fair is coming up on 5/17 and we need your help! Our first work party is 4/5 at 10am in the PAC portable.

PAC SHOUT-OUT!

Meet Bill, he is our PAC treasurer. We can always count on him to be our voice of reason when it comes to spending...including when to splurge! He has been a PAC board member since 2019 and has 2 kids (3rd and 4th grade). Bill enjoys being in the outdoors, international travel, trying new foods and loves spending time with his kids at their after school activities. Don’t let the picture fool you, Bill has a kind heart and is always up for a good laugh.

IMPORTANT DATES

• 4/2 @ 7pm: PAC meeting in the community room. ALL ARE WELCOME, EVEN KIDS

• 4/3 @ 1:15: Student Store @ Edy Courtyard

• 4/4 @ 5:30/7pm: Art Lit Parent Volunteer mtg @ Community Room

• 4/5 @ 7:30am: Student Store @ Edy Cafeteria and POPCORN FRIDAY!

• 4/5 @ 10am: Ridges Fair work party at the PAC Portable

• 4/10: HALF DAY! Students are released at 11:00am.

• 4/11 @ 6:30: 2nd Grade Music Concert

• 4/17 @ 2:15-4:30: KONA ICE @ the picnic area off Copper Terr!!

• 4/26: Decades Day! (k/1: 80's, 2/3: 70's, 4/5: 90's)

• 4/26 @ 6:30: BINGO NIGHT!!

• 4/27: DINE OUT for Ridges at Sherwood Panda Express

OUR CONTACT INFO

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgesElementaryPAC/

• President: Heather Flower Ridgeselementarypac@gmail.com

• Fun Run: Ridgesfunrun@gmail.com

• Volunteer Coordinators: Ridgesvolunteers@gmail.com

• Art Lit: Ridgesartlit@gmail.com

TOPIC OF THE MONTH

Bring the family and dance the night away with Wolfie for our Neon Dance Thurs 3/14 5:30-8pm! Bring canned food as the grade that brings the most wins an extra recess! DJ Jake from 98.7 The Bull will be kicking out the tunes, with pizza, ice cream and other treats available for purchase. PLEASE NOTE: PARENTS MUST STAY AT THE SCHOOL WITH KIDS. Don’t forget to hurry and purchase your child's Neon Ridges Shirt before sizes run out! Get yours here!

PAC SHOUT-OUT!

Meet Dana, she is our PAC secretary, but we can also count on her to keep our team on task and is our voice of reason. She has been a PAC board member since 2018. Dana has 3 kids, Rose (13), Tate, (11) and Luke (7). Dana is a social worker with Providence but in her free time she enjoys reading, camping and watching 8-10 sporting events that her kids participate in on the weekends.

IMPORTANT DATES

• 3/1: Popcorn Friday

• 3/5: 7pm: PAC meeting in the Community Room. ALL ARE WELCOME, EVEN KIDS.

• 3/6: 1:15 -1:45: Student Store in Edy Courtyard

• 3/7: 3:30-6 Kindergarten Open House

• 3/8: 7:30-7:45am: Student Store in Edy Cafeteria

• 3/8: 2:15pm: Neon Shirt pick up in Edy Courtyard

• 3/10: Daylight Savings Time Begins

• 3/11: THIS IS A SCHOOL DAY

• 3/14: 5:30-8 Ridges Neon Dance

• 3/15: NO SCHOOL- Report Card Day

• 3/20: 1:15 -1:45: Student Store in Edy Courtyard

• 3/22: 7:30-7:45am: Student Store in Edy Cafeteria

• 3/25-29: SPRING BREAK NO SCHOOL

OUR CONTACT INFO

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgesElementaryPAC/

• President: Heather Flower Ridgeselementarypac@gmail.com

• Fun Run: Ridgesfunrun@gmail.com

• Volunteer Coordinators: Ridgesvolunteers@gmail.com

• Art Lit: Ridgesartlit@gmail.com

TOPIC OF THE MONTH

Get ready to celebrate Staff Appreciation week from 2/5-2/9! Spoil our amazing staff with activities like drawing a picture for your teacher, bringing them treats from their Favorites list, and dressing like your teacher! Be on the lookout for more information in Friday folders this week. Plus, Bingo night is 2/2! Details HERE. Pre-order HERE. Finally, we are taking on a couple K and 1st grade classes from Middleton so if you see new faces around the school give them a warm welcome. We are so excited to have them!

PAC SHOUT-OUT!

Meet David, he is our Popcorn man! He is the one behind the scenes making sure every student that wants it, and to be honest any staff as well, gets their popcorn on Popcorn Friday, movie nights, and other events. David has 2 daughters, one that attends Ridges. He enjoys sports including hiking and backpacking, baking and cooking, and any outdoor activities with his girls.

IMPORTANT DATES

• 1/26-2/16 : Art Lit Project on Picasso

• 1/30 4-8pm: “Dine Out for Ridges” at Panera and the donate 20% back to our school!

• 2/2: POPCORN FRIDAY and Ridges BINGO night!! Doors open for Bingo at 6pm

• 2/5-2/9: Ridges Staff Appreciation Week

• 2/6 7pm: PAC meeting in the Community Room. ALL ARE WELCOME, EVEN KIDS.

• 2/7 1:15 -1:45: Student Store in Edy Courtyard

• 2/9 7:30-7:45am: Student Store in Edy Cafeteria

• 2/14: Valentine’s Day

• 2/19: THERE IS SCHOOL THIS DAY

• 2/21 1:15-1:45: Student Store in Edy Courtyard

• 2/23 7:30-7:45am: Student Store in Edy Cafeteria

OUR CONTACT INFO

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgesElementaryPAC/

• President: Heather Flower Ridgeselementarypac@gmail.com

• Fun Run: Ridgesfunrun@gmail.com

• Volunteer Coordinators: Ridgesvolunteers@gmail.com

• Art Lit: Ridgesartlit@gmail.com

TOPIC OF THE MONTH

A heartfelt thank you and appreciation to you! Our amazing parents! Together, we brought joy to numerous families and children during this holiday season! Our partnership with the SHARE Center, here in Sherwood, for our “Kids Helping Kids” Holiday drive was extremely successful.

PAC SHOUT-OUT!

Meet Victoria (L) and Candee (R), the dynamic duo dedicated to ensuring our teachers and staff feel truly appreciated.

Victoria, our Hospitality chair, alongside her capable right hand, Candee, orchestrate amazing events such as dinner during conferences, staff appreciation week, our teacher luncheon at the end of the year and many others. Victoria, a PAC member since last year, has 2 daughters (4yrs old and 1st), enjoys reading, cooking, road trips and everything sunshine. Candee, a recent addition to PAC, but has been a parent volunteer since last year, has twins in 2nd grade. She enjoys all things crafting, decorating, reading, and watching her kids participate in their sports.

IMPORTANT DATES

• 1/3: Back to school!

• 1/5: Popcorn Friday

• 1/9 @ 7pm: PAC meeting in Community Room

• 1/10 @ 1:15: Student store in the Edy Courtyard

• 1/12: Spirit Day! Wear your favorite Ridges gear or school colors

• 1/12 @ 7:30am: Student store in Edy Cafeteria

• 1/15: No school, Martin Luther King Jr. Day

OUR CONTACT INFO

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgesElementaryPAC/

• President: Heather Flower Ridgeselementarypac@gmail.com

• Fun Run: Ridgesfunrun@gmail.com

• Volunteer Coordinators: Ridgesvolunteers@gmail.com

• Art Lit: Ridgesartlit@gmail.com