Ridgefield School District Celebrates February 2026 Students And Employees Of The Month (Photo) - 02/11/26

On February 10, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the February 2026 Employees and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors meeting. Congratulations to all of this month’s honorees!

Juniper Hicks, Pre-K at the Early Learning Center

Juniper is our Student of the Month because she shows so much kindness and care for her friends every day. This month, our Character Strong trait is Empathy, and Juniper is a wonderful example of what empathy looks like in action at the ELC. During our morning check-in, when a friend shares that they are feeling sad, Juniper is often the first to notice. She gently asks what is wrong and thinks of ways to help her friends feel better. When friends are sick and cannot come to school, Juniper uses her choice time to make get-well cards to let them know they are loved and missed. Juniper always uses kind words and a calm, gentle voice. She pays attention to how others are feeling and shows empathy by being helpful, patient, and respectful. Juniper is doing an amazing job learning what empathy means and showing it with her actions each day. We are so proud of her!

Hudson Conrey, Kindergarten at Wisdom Ridge Academy

Wisdom Ridge is proud to honor one of our Ridge Connect students, Hudson Conrey, as this month’s Student of the Month. Hudson is a student who truly loves to learn. Whether he is diving into a new book or asking great questions to understand a new concept, his curiosity leads the way. He puts that same hard work into his hobbies, including playing the piano and exploring theater arts. Hudson has even brought his own keyboard to Wisdom Ridge and performed for the staff! However, what makes Hudson truly special is his heart. He is a wonderful friend who is always kind to others. Hudson creates little gifts and brings them to his teacher and principal and is always looking for ways to make people smile. We are so proud to have such a hard-working and caring student in the Ridge Connect program here at Wisdom Ridge Academy! 

Audrey Britt, Kindergarten at Union Ridge Elementary School

Audrey is being recognized for displaying all of the qualities of our Character Strong monthly attributes. Audrey is responsible and respectful, following our school safety expectations, taking care of her workspace, and being mindful of others during carpet time, weekend news, and reading rotations. Audrey is also empathetic to her classmates and her teacher. She cares when others are hurting, notices the feelings of others, and does all she can to make someone’s day brighter. When the class shares mail during Calendar, many of the notes written for friends are written by Audrey. She takes time to write each person’s name and finds such joy in making a friend smile. Audrey also shows perseverance. When learning and practicing something new that may be challenging, such as blending to write and read, Audrey tries hard and then tries again before seeking support. When she is ready to ask for help, she listens carefully and applies what she has learned so she can be successful. Audrey is grateful. She consistently uses her manners, shows joy in the small but fun moments shared in the classroom, and always walks in the door with a positive attitude, ready to learn. Audrey truly exemplifies what it means to be a Tater Tot!

Adam MacLennan, 3rd Grade  at South Ridge Elementary School

Adam is an awesome student who comes to school motivated and ready to learn every day. He works hard, puts his best effort into his work, and he does it all with a smile on his face. In addition, Adam knows right from wrong and holds himself accountable by always being honest. We appreciate Adam's ability to admit mistakes and tell the truth about things even if it might be hard to say. His positive attitude, honesty, and kindness adds so much brightness to our classroom and we are lucky to have him at South Ridge!    

Allison Edwards, 6th Grade at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School

Allison Edwards is the kind of student who makes our Sunset Ridge community proud. She approaches everything she does with determination and a strong work ethic, even when learning feels challenging. Allison doesn’t give up—she asks for help when she needs it, reflects on feedback, and keeps pushing herself to grow. This year, Allison has shown remarkable growth in her confidence and courage as a sixth grader. She is more willing to try new things, take healthy risks, and step outside her comfort zone. That bravery, paired with her kindness, has made a meaningful impact on those around her. Allison consistently strives to do the right thing, even when it isn’t the easiest choice, and she treats others with care and respect. Her perseverance, positive attitude, and quiet leadership truly represent the values of Sunset Ridge Intermediate. We are proud to celebrate Allison and the growth she continues to show each day. 
 

Tedarrel “TD” Flagge, 7th Grade at View Ridge Middle School

Tedarrel, or T.D. as he’s known around campus, is an outstanding student who gives his best effort every single day. He consistently shares thoughtful ideas, advocates for himself, and lifts others up through his kindness and leadership. T.D. is respectful to staff, dedicated to his learning, and a positive presence in every classroom. He shows incredible grit and perseverance, never backing down from a challenge and always willing to try again if something doesn’t go his way. In STEM, T.D. truly shines. He is driven to improve, strives for excellence, and refuses to settle for “good enough.” T.D. is also an exceptional teammate. His peers describe him as kind, supportive, and always ready to lend a helping hand. He consistently demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic that inspires those around him. Students and teachers alike agree it has been a true pleasure to teach and learn alongside T.D. this year, and we are excited to see all the great things he will accomplish.

Noe Andrade, 10th Grade at Ridgefield High School

We are thrilled to recognize Noe Andrade as the Ridgefield High School Student of the Month. This recognition reflects the remarkable growth he has shown both academically and personally over the past two years. After a challenging freshman year, Noe made a deliberate decision to commit to his learning. Through persistence, openness to support, and hard work, Noe transformed his performance, earning a 3.3 GPA in the first semester this year. Even when learning feels difficult, Noe applies himself and continues to grow. While his journey has not always been easy, Noe has met challenges with perseverance and maturity. Beyond the classroom, Noe plans to try out for the RHS soccer team this year and demonstrates strong character through his respect and quiet leadership. Noe values the advice and support of his brother and recognizes the important role his parents have played in believing in him and encouraging him to reach his potential. We are incredibly proud of you and honored to recognize your efforts. 

Employees of the Month

Allison Templeton, Attendance Secretary at South Ridge Elementary
Allison is an amazing addition to the South Ridge team. She always has a smile for parents, students, and staff members. She prides herself in truly getting to know our South Ridge students and families, greets most of them by name, and makes them feel welcome and safe here at South Ridge. Although you mainly see her behind the front desk, she also is often helping by walking students to class or sitting with an upset student in the lobby. She is a go-getter who sees ways the building can improve and takes initiative to make those things happen. Because of her we have a new system for lost and found items, and a bulletin board tracking grade-level attendance (helping students see how important attendance is). She is always willing to jump into any new task or assignment and brings great ideas with her. South Ridge is so lucky to call Allison ours and she is SO deserving of this recognition! 

Kellie Swindell, ASL Teacher at Ridgefield High School

In just two years, Kellie has built an ASL program that is truly bursting at the seams. The sense of community she fosters is exceptional—her classroom is a place where students feel valued, engaged, and inspired to learn. Her dedication results in learners who can confidently and authentically communicate with members of the Deaf community, a skill that will stay with them for life. Kellie’s students shine beyond the classroom as well, consistently impressing during musical performances across the county and standing out among their high school peers. If you haven’t visited her classroom yet, you should—it’s a joyful, dynamic space that showcases the very best of teaching and learning.

KWRL Transportation Embraces The Future With 14 New Electric School Buses (Photo) - 01/27/26

KWRL Transportation—the long-standing transportation cooperative serving Kalama, Woodland, Ridgefield, and La Center School Districts—is taking a major step toward modernizing its fleet and improving long-term cost efficiency with the purchase of 14 new electric school buses. The milestone is the result of a multi-year effort to secure state, federal, and local utility grants that make electrification financially attainable for smaller districts.
 

Shannon Barnett, Transportation Director for KWRL, explained that the journey toward this purchase began nearly two years ago when bus manufacturers warned districts that diesel buses would soon be unavailable due to California emission standards being adopted in Washington and Oregon. “We were no longer going to be able to purchase diesel buses,” Barnett said, prompting KWRL to begin seriously exploring electrification options.
 

At first, KWRL hesitated to pursue electric buses due to infrastructure costs and concerns about range limitations for long-distance trips. But increasing grant opportunities—and the looming phase-out of diesel—spurred the Cooperative to apply.
 

“We applied the first time and were not accepted,” Barnett noted. But a second application, boosted by expanded grant programs, proved transformative. “I honestly didn’t think we would qualify, but it doesn’t hurt to apply,” he said. That persistence paid off.

A Unique Combination of Funding Sources

KWRL ultimately secured funding from three major sources: the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Washington State Department of Ecology, and local Public Utility Districts (PUDs). “This creative approach to access multiple sources of funding ultimately allowed the cooperative to cover not just the cost of the buses, but also the infrastructure needed to power them, saving our local taxpayers money,” said Dr. Jenny Rodriquez, Ridgefield School District Superintendent. 
 

When Barnett contacted Clark and Cowlitz PUDs to assess feasibility, he received an unexpected offer. “They said, ‘We’ve got all of this gas tax money and the governor is encouraging us to use it on infrastructure—could we help you build infrastructure?’” Barnett recalled. With that, KWRL added substantial PUD contributions to its grant portfolio.
 

The final package included EPA funding covering half the cost of each electric bus, plus up to $40,000 per vehicle for infrastructure; Department of Ecology funds covered the remainder for 10 buses; and PUD support pushed the infrastructure costs to zero. In total, 10 of the 14 buses are fully grant-funded, while the remaining four cost the cooperative roughly $50,000 each—just a fraction of a standard diesel purchase price.
 

“Normally we’re looking at about $250,000 to $280,000 for a diesel bus and $400,000 for an electric bus,” Barnett said.

Long-Term Savings for Local Taxpayers

Beyond reduced fuel and maintenance costs, the electric transition will produce substantial savings for the four partner districts over the next decade. That’s because school buses in Washington are depreciated and reimbursed by the state over 13 years—regardless of how the buses were purchased.
 

“The state pays us back for every purchase… even though EPA and Ecology purchased them,” Barnett explained. “We’re getting payments on something that we didn’t spend money on.”
 

This means KWRL’s Transportation Vehicle Fund (TVF) will grow significantly without requiring annual contributions from local districts. Historically, the four KWRL districts have contributed approximately $300,000–$350,000 per year from local dollars to sustain the Cooperative. Those contributions will now be on hold.

Improved Riding Experience for Students

Electric buses offer several advantages that directly improve students’ daily ride to school. They are significantly quieter, which some students prefer. “Districts that already operate electric buses report a more peaceful ride,” said Barnett.
 

Electric buses also have smoother air-ride suspension systems and far fewer moving parts, dramatically reducing maintenance needs. And with the grant covering electricity, KWRL’s operating costs for these 14 routes will drop considerably.

Training and Timeline

About 30 KWRL employees—drivers, mechanics, and office staff—have already received specialized training in operating and maintaining electric buses. KWRL has also built internal capacity by training its own staff to serve as future instructors.
 

The buses are arriving in stages, two at a time, with full deployment expected by mid-February. Woodland launched the first electric route on December 15, with the ribbon-cutting celebration occuring on January 27.

“Saving Us Local Dollars and Upgrading Our Fleet”

When asked what he most wants the community to know about this transition, Barnett emphasized two key points: fiscal responsibility and modernization.
 

“This is saving us local dollars and upgrading to a newer and more modern fleet,” he said. Grant funding is not only supporting the purchase of electric buses but also allowing KWRL to continue purchasing diesel buses where appropriate for long-range routes. “It’s saving operational costs in maintenance and fuel.”
 

“For Ridgefield and our partners in Kalama, Woodland, and La Center, the move to electrification represents our shared desire for both innovation and fiscal stewardship,” said Rodriquez.

Ridgefield School District Celebrates January 2026 Students And Employees Of The Month (Photo) - 01/14/26

On January 13, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the January 2026 Employees and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors meeting. Congratulations to all of this month’s honorees!

Felicity Stone, Pre-K at the Early Learning Center

Felicity shows exceptional gratitude, kindness, and compassion each and every day. She communicates beautifully through her expressive gestures, warm presence, and thoughtful actions. She shows appreciation in her own special way, and her gentle kindness shines through in everything she does. Felicity is a ball of sunshine who lights up the room with her bright smile. She brings joy to her classmates, offers comfort without needing words, and shows compassion in ways that make everyone around her feel seen and cared for. 

Grayson Munoz, 1st Grade at Union Ridge Elementary School

Grayson consistently goes above and beyond to lend a helping hand to both adults and his peers. His kindness, positive attitude, and natural leadership make him a dependable and valued member of the classroom community. He brings a sense of joy and warmth to our school each day and truly is a light to those around him. In addition to his strong character, Grayson is always striving to grow in his education. He approaches learning with curiosity and determination, eagerly taking on new challenges and showing perseverance when tasks become difficult. Grayson takes pride in improving his skills and is always willing to put in extra effort to better himself academically. Grayson’s dedication, growth mindset, and caring spirit make him a wonderful example for others.

McKinlee Robinson, 1st Grade at South Ridge Elementary School

McKinlee (Mac) brings a wonderful sense of kindness and care to our classroom each day. She is thoughtful and aware of the world around her, often going out of her way to help the community by picking up trash that isn’t hers simply because she knows it’s the right thing to do. Mac is also quick to offer help to others, whether a classmate needs support or an extra hand. One of Mac’s greatest strengths is how genuinely happy she is for others. She celebrates her classmates’ accomplishments with enthusiasm and joy, helping create a classroom environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged. She consistently looks for ways to lift others up and make sure they feel supported. Mac’s positive energy is evident in everything she does. Her optimism and kindness have a ripple effect, brightening the classroom and influencing those around her in meaningful ways. She is a caring, considerate student who models empathy and compassion, and her presence makes our learning community a better place.

Ethan Makohon, 5th Grade at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School

Ethan truly shines as a Responsible, Respectful, and Resilient leader in our school. Every day, Ethan is incredibly Responsible—he can be counted on to follow directions, and works hard to do his personal best in every single subject. His sweet, empathetic nature makes him wonderfully Respectful to staff and classmates alike. He is always looking for ways to be a helpful class community member and is a bright role model for all of us. In fact, we recently saw his leadership skills bloom when he gently and respectfully brought his group members back on task during a big project, making sure everyone felt heard but stayed focused on the goal. Finally, while he is an extremely capable student, he shows fantastic resilience by learning to trust himself and confidently embrace new challenges.

Taylor Page, 8th Grade at View Ridge Middle School

Taylor brings a smile to STEM class every single day, listens attentively, and consistently applies herself to every task. Taylor can always be counted on to give her best effort, whether she is working independently or collaborating with classmates, even in challenging group situations. She demonstrates patience, respect, and strong teamwork skills, showing that she can lead as well as support others effectively. Beyond STEM, Taylor has pushed herself outside of her comfort zone in Drama this year. Her motivation to be successful often helps her overcome obstacles and creatively problem solve. In ELA, Taylor is a model student, continuously seeking ways to stretch her abilities and improve her skills. Her writing is a joy to read and reflects her unique voice and creativity. Taylor is incredibly hardworking and driven. Her consistent effort, positivity, and grit make her a role model for her peers and a valued member of our school community. 

Grace Lee, 12th Grade at Wisdom Ridge Academy

It has been our distinct privilege and absolute pleasure to work with Grace Lee during the several years at Wisdom Ridge. Grace's journey here has been characterized by exceptional resilience. She has faced formidable personal challenges, yet her response has been one of consistent growth, commitment, and an unwavering determination to move forward and prove what she can accomplish. That monumental effort to build a better future for herself has not gone unnoticed. This academic year, Grace has demonstrated a powerful and visible commitment to her goals. Her attendance has significantly improved, her focus on her studies has sharpened, and her dedication to both her personal growth and her education is unequivocally clear. We understand that this year has been particularly demanding, yet Grace has successfully managed two programs simultaneously: the Transition Program and the challenging coursework required for her graduation from Ridgefield School District. To manage this workload while navigating personal struggles is nothing short of impressive. She has risen above these obstacles and, through her exceptional follow-through, has proven herself to be an incredibly capable and determined young woman. We are incredibly proud of her tenacity. Grace’s story is a profound reminder that progress is not always immediate, but with consistency, perseverance, and heart, it undeniably happens. She proves this powerful truth every single day. Thank you, Grace, for the positive and inspiring strides you have made and for being such an integral part of our school community. 

Colin Hutton, 12th Grade at Ridgefield High School

Colin values the strong sense of community at RHS and the time he spends connecting with friends. Influenced by teachers and coaches like Mr. Brink and Mr. Rinard, Colin has learned the importance of being pushed to grow—both individually and as part of a team. Colin is widely known across campus for his creativity, resilience, adaptability and exceptional work ethic. Teachers consistently describe him as proactive and dependable, whether he is supporting students in the library before the school day even begins or tackling complex challenges in physics, robotics, and engineering-focused coursework. His leadership on the Robotics team stands out, particularly in his role developing CAD training for younger students and serving as a bridge between professional mentors and new learners. Colin doesn’t just participate—he improves systems, anticipates needs, and finds creative solutions that make a real difference. With a positive attitude, strong problem-solving skills, and a “can-do” mindset, Colin brings joy and reliability to every space he enters. He works equally well independently or as part of a team, never making excuses and always striving to do his best. Looking ahead, Colin hopes to attend the University of Washington to study electrical engineering, a goal well matched to his curiosity, determination, and talent. 

Employees of the Month

Tammy Cresap, 6th Grade Science Teacher at Sunset Ridge Intermediate 

Cispus Outdoor School is a huge undertaking every year, and there is an incredible amount of moving parts to keep track of. The organization and planning start before the outdoor week is even over for the following year, and then work goes all through the school year (and summer) to make a successful camp happen. We are so thankful for the work done by Tammy Cresap. She pulled together all of those different elements for another year of adventures for our 5th-grade students. Thank you, thank you!

Amanda Burgess, 5th Grade Teacher Sunset Ridge Intermediate

Amanda Burgess was an instrumental part of the coordinating team that spent so many hours planning, organizing, and creating another year of Cispus Outdoor School for our 5th graders. It's a year-long commitment and includes SO many different parts and pieces behind the scenes. Getting hundreds of humans all going in the right directions (literally and figuratively) is a Herculean task, and we are so thankful for the time and effort put into making this week happen. Thank you, thank you!