Ridgefield School District Celebrates April 2025 Students And Employees Of The Month (Photo)
-04/09/25
On April 8, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the April 2025 Employees and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors meeting. Congratulations to all of this month’s honorees!
Ashton Shipp, Pre-K at the Early Learning Center
Ashton is a wonderful and dependable friend in our class! He is always ready to help with any task and takes his role as a teacher’s helper very seriously. His bright smile and funny jokes bring joy to everyone around him. He is a smart and curious learner who listens carefully and always gives his best effort. He is kind, caring, and a great friend who includes everyone in play and makes sure his classmates feel happy and safe. We are so lucky to have Ashton in our class!
Sofia Tucker, 1st grade at South Ridge Elementary School
Sofia Tucker is an incredible first grader who shines in everything she does. She is responsible, always taking care of her work and helping others. She is resilient, never giving up when faced with challenges. And she is respectful, treating everyone with kindness and a big smile. Sofia is also such a curious scholar and guides our classroom discussions to help us all learn more deeply. We are so lucky to have her in our classroom and as a fellow Roadrunner!
Kinleigh Flatz, 2nd grade at Wisdom Ridge Academy
After going to South Ridge in kindergarten and first grade, Kinleigh transferred to Wisdom Ridge to help her deal with her anxiety. She says being able to stay home with her mom and having the flexibility to travel with her family during the school year are two reasons why she enjoys Wisdom Ridge, although she does say she misses recess at South Ridge. Her favorite part about Wisdom Ridge is Enrichment and seeing other kids her age, and her favorite subject is math. She also loves her teacher, Ms. Pinkleton.
Kinleigh enjoys playing piano and riding horses in her free time and she hopes to go to beauty school to learn how to “do hair” after high school, although her mom says that may change a few times over the next 10 years of school. Her teacher, Ms. Pinkleton, says Kinleigh has an outstanding work ethic and a positive attitude. She also says Kinleigh demonstrates self-motivation and is a joy to have in class. While there are many exceptional students at Wisdom Ridge, Kinleigh’s enthusiasm and commitment to her studies makes her stand out among even the exceptional students.
Faelan Proctor, 4th grade at Union Ridge Elementary School
Faelan’s dedication to learning and growing as a student shows in everything he does. In the library, he is consistently respectful, follows directions and routines, and is always a joy to have around! In music, Faelan shows disciplined and thoughtful practice. He approaches his work with care and accuracy and pays close attention to foundational skills like posture and hand placement, resulting in a beautiful, ringing guitar sound.
He also advocates for himself when he needs help, which is such a valuable skill. In art, Faelan goes above and beyond on his projects, applying new skills with creativity and intention. And when things don’t go as planned, which happens in the creative process, he stays flexible and positive, finding a way to move forward. In addition, Faelan is thoughtful, kind, and works well with his peers. We’re so proud of him!
Ariani Martinez, 6th grade at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School
Ariani Martinez exemplifies what it means to be a model student. She approaches each day with enthusiasm and determination that inspires both peers and teachers alike. In the classroom, Ari demonstrates responsibility through her focused approach to learning and dedication to her studies. Her hard work is evident in everything she does. Ari doesn't just want to learn the material; she wants to go to the next level and understand the whys and hows of what she's learning.
What truly sets Ari apart is her respectful nature. She actively listens to others' perspectives, offers encouragement to struggling classmates, and serves as a natural team builder who brings people together. Her positive attitude creates a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued. Ari's resilience shines through in how she approaches obstacles. Rather than becoming discouraged when facing challenges, she views them as opportunities to grow and improve. This mindset has helped her develop into the remarkable student she is today. Beyond academics, Ari expresses herself through her creative artistic talents. Her artwork reflects both technical skill and imaginative vision, offering a glimpse into her unique perspective on the world.
Echo Kimball, 8th grade at View Ridge Middle School
Echo's dedication, leadership, and kindness have made a lasting impact on her peers and teachers alike. Here’s what some of her teachers had to say: Mrs. Davis shares, "Echo is a highly responsible and hard-working student who always stays on top of her assignments. She creates a fun and inclusive atmosphere by encouraging her peers and making sure no one is left out. Whether working independently or in a group, she demonstrates both leadership and teamwork. Echo is an incredible role model for those around her!"
Mr. Nelson adds, "Echo is a natural leader and incredibly kind. She comes to class every day with a focused, hard-working attitude. Echo is personable and always willing to help her classmates. In addition, she performs at a high level, making teaching very rewarding. She is truly deserving of this honor."
Mr. Amble states, "Echo is always respectful, responsible, and resilient—an absolute pleasure to have in the classroom."
And Mrs. Young remarks, "Echo works hard each and every day. She is an intuitive student who is both creative and thoughtful. Along with being a strong student, she is kind and supportive to everyone in our class."
Echo's positive attitude and commitment to excellence make her a shining example of what it means to be a Ridgefield School District Student of the Month.
Ryley Adams, 11th Grade at Ridgefield High School
Riley’s passion and positive attitude make her a standout individual at RHS. Ryley’s enthusiasm for learning and her dedication to success are truly inspiring. Riley regularly participates, asks insightful questions, and remains determined, demonstrating a level of resilience that others can only aspire to. Her commitment to learning not only contributes to her personal growth but also serves as an inspiration to those around her. What sets Ryley apart is her willingness to help others. She is always ready to offer support to peers who might be struggling, and she makes it a point to include those who might be left out. Her kindness and ability to lift others up speak volumes about her character.
Additionally, her sense of humor and lightheartedness bring a sense of joy to every classroom, whether she’s brightening the day with a song or sharing a smile with a fellow student. Ryley dreams of working in robotics for NASA or in game development with Nintendo. Both of those career paths show the incredible potential Ryley has to make an impact in the world. Ryley, your work ethic, positivity, and caring nature make you a joy to have in class and an asset to Ridgefield High School. You truly embody the spirit of perseverance and excellence, and we have no doubt you will continue to achieve great things. Keep pursuing your dreams, and always remember the incredible impact you have on those around you.
Employees of the Month
Jared Hundley, Career and Technical Education teacher at Ridgefield High School
There are times that feel like we don’t deserve the talents of Jared Hundley. With teaching as his second profession, he has amazing industry experience. He’s a creative and gifted graphic designer. Students in his classes get real-world experience and opportunities to learn the craft. Beyond being talented, Jared is excellent with students. When students are placed in his classes, we know that they will be well cared for and treated with respect. He gives students the courage to be creative and wrestle with the in-between place as they learn new things.
Jared is a huge asset to our staff and he helps in so many different ways - helping staff with their course videos, creating visual products and any material we may need. Jared leads our staff as one of the “Commissioners of Staff Fun,” complete with stickers and other memorabilia. Over his long tenure in the Ridgefield School District, Jared has stepped into many different roles. He’s always willing to try new things, teach new classes, and was instrumental in creating a course that was CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies), before CAPS was even a thing. Jared is humble and kind and deserves all of the recognition he would never ask for!
Meghan Green, Speech Language Pathologist at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School
Meghan Green is one of the most caring and dedicated staff members at Sunset Ridge. She creates meaningful relationships not only with her students, but also with those beyond her caseload, making every student feel valued. As a key member of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) team, Meghan steps up to lead social lunch groups, helping students with social struggles gain confidence and develop friendships. Her engaging approach—using storytelling, interactive activities, and games—makes learning enjoyable and impactful. Students make progress under her care not only because of her expertise but also because they feel safe and supported.
Meghan’s presence is felt throughout the school, whether she is checking in on students having a tough day, collaborating with staff, or bringing joy to the Life Skills classroom. Despite a full caseload, she prioritizes attending MTSS meetings, offering invaluable input on interventions and accommodations. Her commitment to teamwork is evident in her collaboration with special education staff, administrators, and the Positive Behavioral Interventions and SUpports (PBIS) team, where she has contributed significantly to fostering a positive school culture. Even in the face of personal challenges, Meghan remains a source of kindness and positivity, offering support and laughter to colleagues. Meghan’s dedication and compassion make her an extraordinary asset to our school.
