Ridgefield School District officials recognized the October employee and students of the month at the regular Board of Directors meeting, Oct. 10.
Employee of the Month:
Bobbe Whetsell, Choir, Sunset Ridge Intermediate/View Ridge Middle
Whetsell has 30-plus years of experience working in the Ridgefield School District.
“Bobbe is someone who loves what she does and holds high expectations for herself and her students,” according to the press release. “She has a heart for students and truly cares about who they are as individuals, as well as valuing them for the role they take in her choirs. In the classroom, Bobbe is flexible and responsive to student needs, provides continuous verbal feedback to students, and creates an extremely strong and connected community … She has created a long-lasting and successful choir program and pushes her students to perform at high levels.”
Students of the Month:
Kennedy Curtis, pre-K, Early Learning Center
“Kennedy has shown tremendous growth already this year and always demonstrates so much kindness to her peers,” according to the release. “She is a helper in the classroom and loves to guide her peers out to recess and support them. She is working on following daily routines and schedules as well as transitions. Kennedy is always so willing to help teachers and friends alike. If a friend gets hurt, Kennedy is the first one to check on them and get them what they need. She is so inquisitive and always asking questions to learn more about her surroundings and peers. She greets everyone on her way to school in the morning and brightens everyone’s day while she does it.”
Amelia Speer, fourth grade, South Ridge Elementary
“Amelia shows an incredible amount of resilience and responsibility,” according to the press release. “She has an impressive willingness to try new things and go beyond her comfort zone. In class, she demonstrates responsibility by staying on schedule, sometimes even helping Mr. Payne remember what’s happening next. She is also respectful and kind, both in the classroom and at recess. We are so grateful to have her as part of our South Ridge community!”
Medade Benedick, fourth grade, Union Ridge Elementary
“Medade (Mae) Benedick is a happy, hardworking and resilient fourth grader here at Union Ridge Elementary,” the press release states. “She always strives to give 100 percent in all the work she does, is never afraid to ask questions, and will always lend a hand to others. Mae is outgoing and is kind to all her classmates and peers at school. … Mae is also a great role model for other students. She always follows expectations and gently reminds others of what they need to do. Mae is a kind and supportive friend to all.”
Donna Kennedy, sixth grade, Sunset Ridge Intermediate
“Donna embodies curiosity, a growth mindset and consistent, positive effort towards learning and friendship,” according to the press release. “She always shows kindness to other students and is able to empathize with her peers. Donna has a go-with-the-flow flexibility that allows her to remain calm and focused in the classroom. Her teacher, Mr. Thayer, said he’s been super impressed with her learning and growth already this year. Donna is self-motivated to improve her skills, as she even does extra practice at home to ensure the skills she learns ‘click,’ which allows her to master them.”
Violet James, eighth grade, View Ridge Middle
“Violet has grown tremendously as a student and as a leader during her time at View Ridge,” her ASB adviser Mr. Jequinto said about James, who is an ASB officer. “She has become a strong advocate for those who are less confident in their voice, and always puts the greater good of the group at the forefront of her decisions. She makes every group she is a part of a better group.” Her teachers describe her as focused, prepared, positive, kind and purposeful.
Nafisa Ula-Keeler, eighth grade, Wisdom Ridge Academy
“Her grades are all top-notch, she comes in for enrichment opportunities, and she is respectful, responsible and resilient,” according to the press release. “Her teacher says that Nafisa ‘is a bright and shining star at Wisdom Ridge. She attends in-person sessions whenever she can, bringing humor, friendship and immense creativity. She is always on top of her work and reaches out proactively with her questions.’ ” Outside of school, Ula-Keeler enjoys art, music, dance, reading and creative writing.
Dillon Trussler, 12th grade, Ridgefield High
“DJ is enthusiastic about school, respectful to everyone and encouraging and supportive of his classmates,” the press release stated. “DJ loves the school spirit shown by the Spudders during sporting events, school send-offs at the round-a-bout or during assemblies. DJ says his most influential teacher throughout his years at RHS is Mrs. Hamann because she is always willing to listen and guides his thoughts in the right direction.” Trussler enjoys playing video games, writing songs and participating in fantasy sport leagues. He wants to pursue a trade-based job after high school, the release said.
