Rippowam On The Move___

Rippowam Middle is the largest of Stamford’s Middle Schools with 840 students. The professional staff consists of 76 teachers, 10 educational assistants, 4 administrators and 2 secretaries, a staff totaling 92.

The school day begins at 7:30 am and dismissal is at 1:55 pm. In between students attend classes in the required core academic subjects of English, History, Mathematics, Science and Foreign Language. Mixed in are opportunities in music, art or physical education. A short, silent sustained reading (SSR) opportunity proceeds a 25 minute lunch period.

Students are grouped in Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue and Purple according to ability. There are special programs. "Avid" is for students who have the ability to move into a higher level and could use help to do so. "Ramp Up" is for students to get some additional attention to get caught up to standard. An experiment with same-sex classes is being conducted. All students are now being prepared for the upcoming Connecticut Mastery Tests (CMT). It is expected that all students will achieve level 4 or 5 by the time they leave Rippowam.

The after-school Encore program provide more opportunities. The current offerings are checkmates, Ripp News, Jazz Band, Math Blasters, homework assistance, Web Design, Yearbook, Team Dance, Book Blasters, Reading and Writing workshop, Just for Girls and Drama Works. The music department recently presented its winter musical.

Now that the A.I.T.E. program has moved out of the building, there are plenty of classrooms for the school's needs. The portable classrooms to the rear of the school are no longer being used. They are likely to be removed in the near future and a small green park it is hoped will take their place.

During a recent visit the principal, Mr. George Giberti, expressed some significant beliefs. One is that he believes in setting a high standard by teaching at the same high level no matter the student group in front of the teacher. Another is that we need to monitor how are children are using the internet. Lastly, parents of middle school students should talk about college with their children now. They will pass through middle and high school faster than we can imagine.

One can be easily impressed by what is happening at Rippowam. Despite passing through difficult teen years, students are being academically challenged while developing socially and emotionally in a caring environment. For further information about Rippowam Middle School you can visit www.rippowam.org, or call 977-5255