‘Twas the Night Before Open House… 🚀

Tomorrow is a big day at Ridgedale! Our classrooms are ready, our hallways are shining, and our staff is excited to welcome our Rocket families back for PK-12 Open House tomorrow, Monday, August 17, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Come meet teachers, visit classrooms, and get ready for the year ahead!

🚀 Final Countdown Reminders

As we prepare for Open House and the first day of school, here are a few last-minute reminders for families:

• The first day of school for students in grades 1-12 is this Tuesday, August 18.

• Review bus schedules and make sure your student knows their transportation plan for the first day. Click HERE for routes.

• Check FinalForms to make sure all student information is current and complete.

• Double-check those school supplies! PK-8 families can review the posted supply lists. Click HERE for PK-8th grade supply lists. 

• Breakfast continues to be FREE for all students! We encourage families to complete the free and reduced-price meal application.

• Stay connected! Our website, social media pages, and ParentSquare will continue to be important sources for district and building information throughout the year.

• Have a question? Please reach out to your child's school office. We are happy to help!

• PK-12 attendance is now consolidated, with Ms. Outcalt taking the lead. Absences can be reported by calling 740-382-6065, emailing attendance@ridgedaleschools.org, or using the attendance QR code.

🍎 Kindergarten & Preschool

Our youngest Rockets have a slightly different schedule as they begin their year.

Kindergarten Staggered Start:

• Tuesday, August 18: All kindergarten students attend activity stations from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

• August 19 or 20: Kindergarten students will attend their scheduled KRA time.

• Friday, August 21: Students with last names A-M attend all day.

• Monday, August 24: Students with last names N-Z attend all day.

• Tuesday, August 25: ALL kindergarten students begin attending full time!

Preschool students begin Monday, August 24.

And Then, We're Off! 🚀

Once school begins, these weekly updates will turn from counting down the days to sharing what makes Ridgedale such a special place. We will celebrate our students and staff, highlight accomplishments, share important district news, preview upcoming events, and give our families and community a look inside the learning and opportunities happening throughout our schools.

There will be a lot to celebrate, and I look forward to sharing it with you.

A successful school year takes all of us. It takes dedicated staff, hardworking students, supportive families, and a community that believes in its schools. We are fortunate to have all of those things at Ridgedale, and I am grateful for the partnership that makes our district stronger.

So tomorrow night, backpacks will be packed, first-day outfits will be chosen, alarm clocks will be set, and our staff will be there to greet you on your first day of the 2026-27 school year! Welcome back, Rockets. Let's make it a great year! Have a wonderful week, and, as always, Go Rockets! 🚀

Erika Bower

Superintendent

Ridgedale Local Schools 

Attendance QR Code