Letter: Supporting the Curriculum and Instruction in RPS

Sustaining and growing a phenomenal school district takes experience, passion and working together. I fully support the RPS mission statement.

My husband and I have three children that will all attend elementary school this fall in Ridgefield. As they are getting ready with backpacks and lunchboxes, I know their teachers are getting their classrooms ready with powerful instruction to engage all learners.

The curriculum sets the backdrop for what children will learn and for the programs that are put in place to help our children be successful. These are not limited to academic programs, there are advisory programs, sports, music, the arts all which make up a great school district.

As an educator, I know that it takes a lot of support staff to put in place a curriculum based on standards. Being aware of current programs and staff development needs is an important part of the delivery of the curriculum and will lay the groundwork for increased student achievement.

I will support our incredible teaching staff when speaking about curriculum and instruction. I will make sure they are included in discussions surrounding program changes and implementation. In supporting the good work of the district, I will not sit idle, I will visit classrooms, attend school meetings and see what needs to be done. Being an eyewitness to support our schools, bring to the Board for collaborative attention and get the job done! I’m willing to give my all to the children and community of Ridgefield.

There are many different stakeholders involved in the developing and or implementation of our curriculum. Including and not limited to administration and teaching staff, reading and math specialists, STEM supervisors, school psychologists and guidance counselors. There is summer work that takes place and dialogue daily. RPS also enriches the curriculum in which supports the students needing a challenge.

It’s important to be aware of recent legislative bills when speaking of the curriculum. Substitute Senate Bill No. 1067- An act establishing a task force to analyze the implementation of laws governing dyslexia instruction and training. Approved June 28, 2019.  Substitute House Bill No. 7168- An act concerning transitional services for children with an autism spectrum disorder. Approved June 21, 2019. The more knowledgeable we are as a community of learners the more we will be truly supporting the RPS mission statement. As a board member, I will be an advocate for more educational experiences and meaningful employment in town.

As posted in my candidate introduction statement on the Facebook page Ridgefield Parents for a Better BoE, I was a math teacher and department chair in Chappaqua, NY. My affiliation as a math teacher often leads to questions on the Math programs here in RPS. Before I can comment on our math programs here or how they are run in RPS I would want to meet with our math department. As a board member it’s important to ask questions to become more versed in their history.  I would want to know how they feel the current programs are working, understand whether there is a dialogue across elementary, middle and high school learning. Of course, I can speak as a parent of how I feel my child’s math curriculum appears to me. However, as a candidate and to better serve all my community I would rather have conversations with the RPS administration and teaching staff first.

As a leader, I have a regard for responsibility to the community to report accurate information based on facts, not emotion. In doing so I would ask thoughtful questions backed by my experience as an educator and department chair leader.

I know I can make a difference!

There is a primary for Republican Board of Education candidates on Tuesday, September 10th. Please come out and vote, your consideration is appreciated in the collaborative efforts to support student achievement in our district.

Rachel Ruggeri, Ridgefield BOE candidate

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Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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