Applications for elementary Central Student Interest Programs open soon. At the elementary level, the TDSB offers arts-focused programs at four different schools in the TDSB. Application for these school programs opens on November 4, 2024, and closes on November 22 at 4 p.m. 

Learn more about each of these programs on the Elementary Central Student Interest Programs website. You can also review program and application requirements, get dates for upcoming open houses and webinars and all application timelines. 

October 30, 2024, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. - Student Interest Program Webinar
Registration link: https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MFibCA5VSoqLJqDF0B6QSg

Parents/Guardians/Caregivers are asked to register for the event before the Webinar. Requests for interpretation services can be made in the registration form by Friday, October 25, 2024.

To further support students and families with the application process, TDSB staff will be hosting two (2) Central Student Interest Program Application Support Sessions to answer questions that students or families may have about the application. Live, online support will be available on the following dates:

o  November 12 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. (Click here to join)

o  November 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. (Click here to join)

Staff will not be able to answer specific program and/or school-based questions. Families are encouraged to attend Open Houses for school- and program-specific information.

If your family is interested in the Toronto District School Board's Early French Immersion Program (which begins in Junior Kindergarten), the TDSB has an online process to apply. Applications for September 2025 must be completed online by November 29, 2024. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program must complete an online application for the new student. Visit the Early French Immersion page for more information. 

Just in time for the cooler temperatures and the holidays, Rippleton Spiritwear is available for purchase in both kid's and adult sizes.  Take a look below as all of the items come in a variety of colours as well.  Show our school pride by getting your very own Rippleton, hoodie, touque, t-shirt or baseball cap.  Click the image below or go to our Rippleton Spiritwear page to take a look.

Reading is a foundational skill critical to student success, both in the classroom and beyond. Beginning in 2024-2025, our school will be administering annual early reading screening for all students in Year 2 (SK) of Kindergarten through Grade 2. Early reading screening is newly mandated by the Ministry of Education through Policy/Program Memorandum #168.

From language and social studies to science and math, reading skills are critical to student success across their entire educational journey, and having strong reading skills can ensure future career and personal success.

This new early reading screening is a tool to identify students who are experiencing difficulties with early reading skills so they can receive the support they need to improve their reading ability and give them the best opportunity for success. The purpose of early reading screening is to:

1. monitor your child’s development in specific early reading skills,
2. identify children who may need additional reading support, and
3. guide instructional next steps, such as determining the need for further assessment and/or investigation

The new mandatory annual screening will be completed this fall. Early reading screening is a tool to help us understand and communicate your child’s individual reading progress on specific skills so that we can support their unique needs. This new screening is not used as part of your child’s grades but instead is one tool that will help identify the support they need in order to develop strong reading skills.

The screening covers various foundational skills needed for reading. For example, your child might be asked to identify letters and corresponding sounds or sound out words. The specific details of the screening will vary depending on the grade. No additional preparation is needed nor expected for the screening.

Below are the skill areas and reading measures your child will be screened for through the Nelson easyCBM:

Early reading screening benchmarks indicate how students are doing on a specific set of reading skills. Students whose scores fall below the benchmark will be provided with further assessments to help determine individual needs and may require additional support to help them catch up. It is important to keep in mind that the screening only provides one piece of information about your child’s language and literacy skills. Your child’s teacher will use many other assessments and teaching tools to support your child with their reading.

Teachers will connect with you to discuss your child’s strengths, areas of need, and to share examples of their growth and progress over time. Results of the first screening will be communicated to you once completed, as well as in your child’s first Kindergarten Communication of Learning or Elementary Provincial Report Card, issued in February 2025, and will indicate whether your child has met or not yet met the screening benchmark at the time of their screening. Teachers will maintain ongoing communication with you to discuss the results of classroom assessments, as needed.

Should you have any questions or concerns about your child’s reading progress, you are encouraged to reach out to your child’s teacher. Thank you for your partnership in ensuring that your child has the best possible learning experience.

 

A message from Rippleton and our School Council (RAPT):

Volunteering at Rippleton PS. 

Here at Rippleton, we value the tremendous contributions of our families and community volunteers who give so much of their time and effort to make our school the amazing place that it is!   To promote and support volunteerism in the school, while protecting the safety of students, the TDSB requires that each parent volunteering regularly, 3 or more times a year or attending a school field trip, must have a current Police Reference Check.  Find out more about how you can obtain a Police Reference Check below.

 

Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) also known as a Level 3 check

Weblink : https://www.tps.ca/services/police-record-checks/

Toronto residents can obtain the VSC using the following TDSB Code: 202309TPSOND7EFC

 

Yearly Declaration:

If you have already completed the Reference Check previously, you are required to confirm that there have been no changes to your status each year through an annual offence declaration with Mrs. Reyes.  Please email the copy with the declaration, “I, (enter your full legal name) confirm the attached document is the true copy of the original, and it has not been altered in any way.” 

We realize it will take some time before you receive the results, therefore the school will permit you to continue to sign up and volunteer at Rippleton while you are waiting for the results, pending that it is returned as “clear to volunteer”. 

 

Our school community flourishes because of the generous support from volunteers like you. Whether you can spare just a few hours or more, there are countless ways to make a meaningful impact. You can help in the classroom, be a mystery reader, chaperone field trips, assist with school events, join RAPT, or share your unique skills and talents. Your involvement sends a powerful message to our students about the importance of education and community.

To find out more about opportunities that align with your schedule and interests, please reach out to your child's teacher or our school council, RAPT <raptrippleton@gmail.com>.  There's always something that you can help with to enrich the lives of our students and strengthen our community.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with the school's main office at 416-395-2810.

Thank you for your continued partnership!

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Families that have children who use school bus transportation must create an account here: http://busplannerweb.torontoschoolbus.org/

This will allow you to confirm your child’s transportation details, including bus stop location, contact information, and school bus route number.

You will also be able to subscribe to the late bus portal which will send you an e-mail should the bus company report the bus your child is on is delayed.     

Should there be any questions or concerns, please contact:

Call Centre – 416-394-4287

General Inquiries – transportation@torontoschoolbus.org

Safety Concerns – safety@torontoschoolbus.org

Technology Issue with the Portal – support@torontoschoolbus.org

By The Understood Team

Expert reviewed by Donna Volpitta, EdD

 

No one likes rushing around in the morning. And for families with kids who learn and think differently, the dash from morning wake-up to leaving for school can be extra stressful. Your child might have trouble following a schedule, finding things, or coping with a jarring alarm clock. Try these tips to streamline school morning routines.

1. Start the night before.

To jump-start the morning routine, plan ahead. Before bedtime, have your child get a bath or shower out of the way. Then, ask your child to pick out an outfit for the next day. Take a few minutes to go over the next day’s schedule together. Check that all books, homework, and changes of clothing are packed up and by the door.  After your child is in bed, give yourself time to make lunches and snacks. If you have breakfast as a family, set the breakfast table. Choose your own outfit for the next day, too, and pack what you’ll need.

2. Give yourself time in the morning.

If your child needs more time to manage the morning routine, it makes sense that you will, too. Wake up a little earlier than your child. Give yourself enough time to eat breakfast, drink coffee, exercise, or do whatever helps you get in the zone for the day.  Leave plenty of time to help your child get ready. Try not to be racing around to get yourself ready at the same time. This will lower the stress level for both of you.

3. Make wake-ups more relaxing.

How can you make early mornings less of a rude awakening? Loud alarms can be jarring and start the morning with an unneeded jolt (especially for kids with sensory challenges).  Set your child’s alarm to play a favorite song. Try waking your child up with lots of snuggles or a favorite breakfast. A more pleasant wake-up doesn’t mean it has to be longer.

4. Follow a routine.

Make every day as predictable as you can. Follow the same routine before and after school. It can look something like this: Wake up, wash face, eat breakfast, get dressed, brush teeth, go over the day’s schedule, leave for school. A picture schedule can be extra helpful for kids who struggle with reading.

5. Stay organized.

Designate spots for school supplies, sports gear, coats, and jackets. This way, your child always knows where to look for things when you’re halfway out the door. Plastic containers or labeled baskets can keep items within easy view, which makes it simpler to look for things in the morning.

6. Stick with the clock.

Make sure there are clocks “in your face” around the house. Put them in your child’s room, the bathroom, the kitchen — even the hallway. Older kids can also wear a watch. By making time more visible, you’ll help teach your child how to manage time. And it’ll make it clear that being on time is important.  Give manageable countdowns, like “At 7:25, it’ll be time to put your shoes on.”

7. Do a “double-check.”

Have your child check and re-check to make sure everything’s packed before leaving the house. Younger kids can come up with a silly phrase or song to help remember all the books and materials they need each morning. Older kids can make lists of all the items needed for each day of the week. Post it where your child will see it often. And refer to it before leaving the house.

8. Reward your child.

This is a simple way to help your child get the most out of a smoother morning. For example, if your child gets ready for school and still has time to spare before it’s time to leave, play a quick game together or read a book. Starting the day with some cozy family bonding helps get everyone off to a solid start. 

Get tips for helping kids follow routines.