Ridgefield School District honors May employee, students of the month

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Officials at the Ridgefield School District honored the May Employee and Students of the Month at the regular Board of Directors Meeting on May 11.

Employee of the month

Christine Pozzi, a paraprofessional at South Ridge Elementary School, was honored as the district’s May Employee of the Month.

Pozzi is credited with being both compassionate and firm with students.

“She thinks creatively about how to solve the problems and always has a good attitude,” stated a news release. “She’s also proactive, noticing things that could/would create a barrier for students’ or staff members’ success, and works hard to find solutions to prevent them.”

Pozzi looked for ways to enhance the learning experience when the district opened its Learning Support Center last fall. She has also supported English language learners at South Ridge Elementary School, at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School and at View Ridge Middle School.

Students of the month

Georgia Beeks was selected as student of the month at the Early Learning Center.

“Georgia approaches each day with a joyful heart,” stated the release. “She loves to see her classmates and teachers.”

The district said Beeks always looks out for her friends, gives a welcoming smile and invites others to join her while playing or doing activities. Beeks also asks good questions and shares interesting facts during read-alouds, the district noted.

Mickayla Darcy, a fourth grader, was selected as the student of the month at South Ridge Elementary School.

“When we think about what it means to be a Roadrunner who is resilient throughout our year of pandemic learning, Mickayla comes to mind,” the release stated. “She is an amazing young lady.”

The district said Darcy rose to the challenge of remote learning, while showing her determination. She also pushes herself to take on extra projects and is credited as a good peer mentor to other students.

Kindergartener Kaidence Matthews was selected as the student of the month at Union Ridge Elementary School.

The district said Matthews excelled in her online learning during a difficult year of remote instruction during the pandemic.

“She was always focused, ready to learn and eager to share ideas,” stated the release. “In her transition to in-person learning, she continues to demonstrate these qualities.”

Matthews also helps her other classmates.

Sixth grader Chloe Craft at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School was selected as the May Student of the Month.

“Chloe is always a pleasure to have in class,” stated the release. “Kind and thoughtful, she is happy to share ideas, answers and questions or sit back and allow other students the chance to speak.”

Craft, according to the district, is willing to work hard and doesn’t give up or lose hope.

Amelia Natterstad, a seventh grader at View Ridge Middle School was selected for this month’s honor.

“Amelia is an asset to the classroom,” stated the release. “While regularly completing excellent work and making insightful contributions to classroom discussions, she assists and motivates the students around her as well.”

The district said Nattersad strikes a good balance between being productive, producing content-focused comments and also adds community-building side comments. She was credited with having a bright sense of humor and leads by example every day, the district said.

Junior Hailey Betts was selected as the student of the month at Ridgefield High School.

She is described as a “joy to have in class” and “an incredibly resilient student,” that shows gratitude and appreciation every day.

“Hailey’s story is remarkable and inspiring,” stated the release. “During her middle school years, she was diagnosed with hip dysplasia.”

Betts moved from Las Vegas to the Pacific Northwest with her family to get better medical care. She underwent multiple surgeries, missing a lot of school, but was able to keep up with her assignments.

Betts is part of the RHS bowling team, enjoys her youth group and game nights with her family. She hopes to go to Washington State University Vancouver after high school to study digital art and design.