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.