Ridgefield levy funds essential programs

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The Ridgefield School District is asking voters to approve replacement levy funds on April 23. These funds will allow the district to continue creating unique opportunities for students that prepare them to be well-rounded adults. One of these opportunities is the Ridgefield Outdoor School program. Ridgefield is one of only Clark County districts to maintain an outdoor school program. Outdoor school allows all 5th graders a chance to go to the Cispus Learning Center.

For the past 49 years, 5th-grade students in Ridgefield schools have been visiting the Cispus Learning Center. I have had the honor to attend, as a teacher, the past four years. In these four years, I have witnessed students interacting with nature in ways that cannot happen on a day trip to a local park. Students learn about the local geology, astrology, stream management, and forestry, as well as building strong communication skills with peers, Ridgefield High School counselors, and Ridgefield community members. Many of the community volunteers have been participating in this program for decades, often using their own vacation time to help ensure that this right of passage continues. 

Beyond the learning opportunities, outdoor school is a generation-crossing experience within our community and is an integral part of the Ridgefield culture. 



I urge you to vote yes on the replacement levy to help the Ridgefield School District keep time-honored traditions like the Ridgefield Outdoor School program continuing for years to come.