Special Education paraeducator Sarah Roberts named Employee of the Month
RIDGEFIELD — Ridgefield School District officials recently recognized the November Employee and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors meeting last week.
The Employee of the Month is Sarah Roberts, Special Education paraeducator at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School. Said one staff member, “Sarah is an exceptional person. Without fail, she daily shares her gift of spirit and generosity with the entire Ridgefield School District community. It is no exaggeration to say that everyone loves her. Sarah brings a heart, joy and enthusiasm to her daily life that is infectious and contributes to a spirit that has made our schools and our district a unique and special place to teach and learn.”
Another staff member described Roberts as a consummate professional. “She is always diligent and creative in her delivery of lessons while individualizing her support to ensure success for her students. Nearly without exception, her students have always shown tremendous growth under her tutelage. Sarah is also naturally curious and is always reading and researching how to best provide instruction for her challenging students as well as her students with challenges. On more than one occasion, I have suggested and encouraged Sarah to return to school to get a teaching certificate so she can lead her own classroom and share her natural gift as a teacher to a larger audience.”
While students love Mrs. Roberts, the school and district staff love and appreciate her as well. For years, she has been a vital member of the school staff at South Ridge Elementary School, and now at Sunset Ridge Intermediate. Her joyous and sincere interactions with each person makes them feel valued and important. The staff at Sunset Ridge Intermediate is proud to name Sarah Roberts as November’s Employee of the Month.
Students of the Month
Mason Roberts, a third grader, is November’s Student of the Month at South Ridge Elementary School. The South Ridge teachers and staff are very proud of Mason. They write, “Mason Roberts is a young man that always follows the 3R’s. He is respectful to his classmates and adults. He is responsible in everything he does — doing his classwork, returning homework, assisting others and always speaking kindly to all. His resilience shines through in his problem-solving abilities, he does not give up when presented with any kind of problem, and he is willing to compromise with the partners he is working with. Most of all, he is a joy to be around.”
Nolan Erickson, a fourth grader, was selected at Union Ridge Elementary. The Union Ridge teachers and staff are very proud of Nolan. They write, “Nolan consistently demonstrates respect, responsibility and resiliency. He is extremely kind and polite with his classmates and teachers. He consistently comes to school with a positive attitude and is a classroom leader. Nolan helps other students during recess and lunchtime. He is an excellent example of a kind, caring, thoughtful and hard-working student. Nolan represents Union Ridge Elementary with a great sense of integrity and academic excellence. Union Ridge Elementary’s Student of the Month award is well-
earned by Nolan Erickson.”
Roman Matthiesen, a fifth grader, is November’s Student of the Month at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School. The Sunset Ridge teachers and staff are very proud of Roman. They write, “Roman is a very hard worker. He is kind, considerate, sweet and funny. He always is up for a challenge and will not move onto even the “fun” stuff until his work is done.”
Jordyn Davies, an eighth grader, was chosen at View Ridge Middle School. The View Ridge teachers and staff are very proud of Jordyn. They write, “Jordyn Davies is very studious and is a wonderful example of how to get the most out of your education. Jordyn takes pride in her work and thinks outside the box. She is creative, inventive and ready to challenge her skills in all of her endeavors.” Another staff member writes, “I have had the pleasure of working with Jordyn for two years in a row, and I am truly impressed with her growth in art and the thought she puts into her drawings. We can’t wait to see where life takes Jordyn!”
Levi Hipple, a sophomore, was chosen from Ridgefield High School. The Ridgefield High School teachers and staff are very proud of Levi. They write, “Levi Hipple has a perfect 4.0 GPA. Levi takes advanced classes in both science and math. In addition, he is involved in tennis and soccer, is the vice president of the Leo’s club and is active in 4H. The reason he was chosen Student of the Month is not because of what he does but because of who he is. Teachers describe Levi as “exactly the kind of kid you love to have in class. He makes other students better.” Another teacher says of Levi, “He is a polite student who strives for excellence,” and another says “Levi is a positive student who raises the bar for all students.” We are proud of students like Levi Hipple and are honored that he represents Ridgefield High School as the November Student of the Month.
Ridgefield School District is grateful to its sponsor, the historic Sportsman’s Restaurant and Lounge, a local Ridgefield business owned and operated by Terry Hurd. This is the fifth year that Hurd has provided funding to support the district’s recognition program.
