Eighth grade teachers (L to R) Kristi Sanders, Jeff Gray, Deana Arwood and Jennifer Hill are on a “roll” wishing their students well in High School!
First grade teachers (L to R) Rachel Richmond, Courtney Bolton, Hillary Lambert, Brittney Pearson and Catie Little celebrate their students hula style!

GRAY, TN, 5/22/20 –The last day of school is an eagerly anticipated milestone in each academic year for students and teachers across the country. May 22, 2020 was the date set for this milestone in Washington County Tennessee schools this year.  It was set long before the advent of COVID-19 and all of its’ uncertainties and challenges. Ridgeview teachers and students met these challenges and completed this school year by teaching and learning in various formats and finding innovative ways to support and encourage each other. In that spirit, Ridgeview families arrived at the school on May 22nd and drove through the carline for the final time this school year.  They were met by teachers armed with summer care packages and words of encouragement as educators, parents and students exchanged bittersweet farewells.

Many unanswered questions loom regarding next school year and the changing landscape of education as the country continues to deal with COVID-19 as well as shifting governmental, health and safety guidelines.  One thing is certain; however, Washington County teachers and students will continue to find ways to connect, share knowledge and overcome any challenges ahead--together.

Margaret Peterson Haddix addresses students during visit.

GRAY, TN–3/10/2020- Bestselling author, Margaret Peterson Haddix visited Ridgeview School for a literary celebration on March 10, 2020.  Margaret is the author of more than 40 books for kids and teens, including Running Out of Time; Double Identity; Uprising; The Always War; the Greystone Secrets series; the Shadow Children series; the Missing series; the Children of Exile series; the Under Their Skin duology; and The Palace Chronicles. She also wrote Into the Gauntlet, the tenth book in the 39 Clues series.  Her books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and numerous state reader’s choice awards. They have also been translated into more than twenty different languages. More information about the author and her books may be obtained by visiting http://haddixbooks.com/

The school visit included three presentations, an author luncheon, and a writing workshop.

Sixth graders, Jacob Morelock (left) and Andrew Louter read with Kindergartners, Colton Chase (left) and Reed Richmond (right) for Dr. Seuss Reading Buddies!

GRAY, TN, 3/2/2020-3/6/2020–Kindergarten-Eighth grade classes at Ridgeview Elementary celebrated the work of beloved children’s book author, Dr. Theodor ("Ted") Seuss Geisel.  The celebration at Ridgeview coincided with the school’s 12^th Annual Used Book Drive, March 2-March 6, 2020.  Activities throughout the week included:

Monday, March 2 (Many Colored Monday & Read Across America Day): Featured Dr. Seuss Stories- “My Many Colored Days” and “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish”. Students can wear all different mixed up colors from their shirts to their shoes.   Daniel Boone Beta Club members will be visiting K-4 classrooms as guest readers.

Tuesday, March 3 Inservice Day-No School for Students

Wednesday, March 4 (Worn Out Wednesday): Featured Dr. Seuss Stories –“The Sleep Book” and  I Am Not Going to Get up Today!”  K-4  students can wear pajamas, snuggle with a buddy and read while 5-8  students can wear their ripped jeans and worn out shirts.

Thursday, March 5 (Traveling Thursday): Featured Dr. Seuss Stories- “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” Dr. Seuss’ always encouraged us to explore our world and our imaginations! Students can wear their favorite vacation shirt or Hawaiian print shirt/clothing.  

Friday, March 6 (Fox in Socks Friday): Featured Dr. Seuss Stories- “The Foot Book”, and “Fox in Socks” –K-8 students wear crazy socks today to celebrate Dr. Seuss!

“Sock Hop” event in the gym at 2:00 p.m. for all K-4 students who brought 5 items to donate to the Ridgeview Used Book Drive.

GRAY, TN, 1/24/20
Kindergarten classes held their 100th Day of School celebration at Ridgeview Elementary.  The celebration began at 11:30 a.m. and ended around 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2020.

Activities included:

- 100 Day Cup Stacking. Students used 100 cups to make different towers and structures.

- 100 Day jewelry. Students count out 100 Froot Loops and string them to create a 100-day necklace.

-100-Year-Old Dress Up. Students dressed as 100-year-olds.

 -What Would You Do With $100? Students did a writing activity explaining what they would do with $100.

Teachers have also had each child take home a number, 1- 100, decorate it any way they wish, and have included the number in a 100 Day number mural at the end of the Kindergarten hall.  After the celebration, teachers plan to take the numbers down one by one to count backwards how many days of school are left!  Students always enjoy this celebration of their first year in school and the magic of numbers! 

Kindergarten builders!

L to R: Poppy Benton, Aria Masters, Dusting Rittenour, Rose Aviles

Cup Stacking Challenge!

L to R: Abigail McFadden, Elin Stinson, Taylor Gregg, Weston Long

Mrs. Henson’s Kindergarten Centenarians

Back row: Cooper Easler, Roman Wood, Vera Stewart, Brinley Wallace, Aleah Byers, Liam Barton, Easton Mabe, Nolyn Brackett, Alex Nelson, MaKenzye Henson

Front row: Otto Clarke, Mia Moulton, Kinley Hall, Aubrey Johnson, Carson Lyons, Kaycen Anderson, Alexander Taylor

Older and Wiser Kindergarten Friends!

Cooper Easler, Easton Mabe, Nolyn Brackett, Alex Nelson, Roman Wood, Liam Barton

Older and Wiser Kindergarten Friends!

Cooper Easler, Easton Mabe, Nolyn Brackett, Alex Nelson, Roman Wood, Liam Barton

 
Original Artwork from Ridgeview Students

Description: Education/Community Interest Story
GRAY, TN, 11/11/19 –Students, faculty, staff and the community will come together on Monday, November 11, 2019 to welcome and honor Veterans of the United States Armed Forces in a variety of creative and heartfelt ways.  Events at the school range from a special Veterans Day Assembly to a commemorative Art Walk to pay tribute to service members, veterans and their families.  Following is a schedule of events:

Event: Veterans Day Assembly                   Time: 10:00 a.m.        Location: Gymnasium

In preparation for the Assembly, students have been encouraged to invite family members, neighbors and friends who are veterans to participate in this event.  Students are also encouraged to bring along photographs of honored veterans who have passed on or cannot attend the ceremony.  Lieutenant Colonel, Kari Barrett will deliver a message on the vital role service men and women and their families play in our country.  The Daniel Boone High School band will play an anthology of patriotic music including “The Star Spangled Banner”, “Lest We Forget”, “Call to the Heroes”, and “Armed Forces On Parade”, and then students will sing a “Patriotic Medley” as well as each of the Armed Forces theme songs. Veterans and members of each branch of the military will stand and be recognized and photographs will be raised as each theme song is sung.  A moment of silence will be observed, followed by the playing of “Taps” to honor our fallen soldiers. In keeping with the solemnity of the occasion, veterans and active service members are encouraged to appear in uniform and students and attendees are encouraged to wear attire befitting a memorial ceremony. Guests are also encouraged to arrive early in order to sign-in and be seated.

Event: Veterans Day Art Walk                   Location: Schoolwide

The school’s annual Art Walk is organized by art teacher, Penny McMillion and will feature artistic creations in a variety of media as well as the special display of class murals, uniquely designed by students to honor veterans. The Art Walk will follow this year’s Veteran’s Day assembly.

Honoring the Greatest Generation is a family affair. Pictured, Chris Hylton (grandmother), Ronnie Hylton (grandfather) Andrew Hylton and Kermit Thompson (great grandfather)-World War II Veteran--the Hylton family all came out to celebrate Veteran's Day at Ridgeview. 

Original student artwork to honor our veterans.

 Former Principal of Ridgeview Elementary Peggy Greene 

GRAY, TN, 10/22/19 

Beginning fall 2019, Ridgeview Elementary School will be the beneficiary of a beautifully designed Story Book Trail.  The Storybook Trail is an interactive walking course that allows children and their families to read a story by progressing through the Trail, which is located around the Track field of the school.  Ten stops along the way present a children’s book incrementally; each stop containing multiple pages of a book. The Trail will be the first of its kind in the Washington County Tennessee school district.  It is grant-funded and sponsored by Live Well Washington, a community based initiative that promotes physical activity, healthy eating, and tobacco use reduction.   Kelly Wagner, Coordinator for Washington County Schools Coordinated School Health states, “The Storybook Trail is a unique opportunity to engage students and staff to enhance overall health and wellness and get youth excited about reading. We’re excited to be a part of this!”

The goal of the Trail is two-fold:  to promote physical fitness and increase literacy among citizens of Washington County, Tennessee.  These goals mirror the leadership philosophy and personal lifestyle of Ridgeview’s inaugural Principal, Mrs. Peggy Greene.  Throughout her years as an educator, Mrs. Greene implemented multiple programs that improved the health and well-being of her students and faculty and also sought to support and increase literacy for students and their families.  To honor Mrs. Greene and her 30 plus years of service to Washington County and her efforts in establishing Ridgeview Elementary, a special ceremony was held on October 22, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. to name the Trail, “The Peggy Greene Storybook Trail” and officially open it to student and community use.    Mrs. Greene, read I Am Yoga by Susan Verde. A certified yoga instructor from Downtown Yoga Center of Johnson City was on site to lead yoga poses in correlation to the text.

The first stop on the Storybook Trail.

Yoga instructor, Sarah Wennogle demonstrates yoga poses from the book I Am Yoga. Student volunteers (L to R) Ryan Birdwell, Kelly Buckles and Peyton McCoy assist.

Gray, TN 10/21/19

“Together, they became champions!” has become the team mantra for this remarkable and talented group of young players.  Their story of success and perseverance began to culminate on October 14, 2019 as the Lady Blazers defeated Vance 4-0 in the first round of tournaments hosted at Ridgeview School in Gray, Tennessee.  This is the first year that the Blazers have defeated Vance.  The Blazers also took the win over Chuckey Doak in the semifinals.  The teams participated in shootouts since the game ended in a 1-1 tie.  The Lady Blazers pulled ahead with four goals scored to Chuckey Doak’s three.  The Blazer’s keeper, Anna Wells, made two saves and her last won the game!

The Lady Blazers soccer team went on to host TA Dugger for the Conference Championship at Daniel Boone High School on October 21, 2019.  The Lady Blazers took a 1-0 lead at halftime, which was scored by Presley Gross.  Following the half, the Lady Blazers collected two more goals scored by Michaela Frazier and Kassie Estep.  In the final minute of the game, TA Dugger scored their first goal due to a penalty kick, but shortly after, the final whistle sounded.  The Lady Blazers collected their first conference championship in school history!

Back Row (left to right): Coach Delavega, Jordan Lothridge, Michaela Frazier, Presley Gross, Mack Cole, Keira Napier, Anne-Claire Elliott, Abbie Williams, Zaylee Scheuerman, Jacie Stapleton and Coach Fullbright

Middle Row (left to right): Isabella Webb, Rylee Randolph, Anna Wells, Skyler Hildenbrand, Rosie Samples and Caylee Thompson

Front Row (left to right): Alivia Hoffner, Kahlan Lynch, Sadie Honeycutt, Kassie Estep, Lilly Faulkner and Tabby Marburger

Ridgeview School Students Show Their True Colors at 3^rd Annual Color-thon Walk!

GRAY, TN, 9/20/19 –Ridgeview Elementary School hosted its third annual Color-thon Walk on Friday, September 20, 2019.  All students in Pre-K-Eighth grade were invited to obtain sponsorship through family, friends, and community members for each lap they walked at the front of the school.  Bright splashes of colored powder were thrown throughout the walk to make every lap memorable and enjoyable until students reached the finish line.  Funds raised through the Color-thon will go toward the construction and update of school playgrounds building-wide as well as the purchase of much needed technology for students.  In addition to earning prizes for their efforts, students were actively engaged in schoolwide physical fitness and experienced the exhilaration of working together to improve and unite their school community.

 
Third grade friends make Color-thon memories! 

 
 Second graders (L to R) Jayden Jenkins, Reece Oliver, Spencer Walton, Makenzie Thompson and Emma Adams race for fun at the Color-thon!

Pre-K runners (L to R) Stella Oliver, Gatlin Tipton and Olivia Brown join in the Color-thon!

First graders Nataleigh Hensley (left) and Caroline Doyle (right) stick together for some Color-thon fun!

Ridgeview Elementary School Sponsors An EPIC Week of Fun!

GRAY, TN, 9/3/19-9/6/19 –Ridgeview Elementary School hosted a variety of student and family-oriented activities to build support for their school’s participation in Washington County Schools’ county-wide EPIC! (Encourage. Protect. Invest. Connect) initiative. EPIC! was implemented in 2009-2010 and continues to evolve as a school-wide positive behavior support program, which encourages students to actively practice Responsibility, Respect, and Cooperation in their school and in their community. 

Ridgeview School celebrated EPIC Week with an exciting week of activities including special clothing theme days and a schoolwide EPIC Assembly.

A schedule of events follows: 

Tuesday: “Team Up with EPIC!” Dress in your favorite sports gear.

Wednesday: “Be Smart, Be EPIC!” Dress as your favorite nerdy character.

Thursday: “Don’t Clash, Be EPIC!” Dress in mix-matched patterns.

Friday: “Get Up & Get Er’ Done” with EPIC! Dress in your best western wear.


Ridgeview Students spell out their support of EPIC ideals!

  
Pre-K students Hank Croley (left) and Hunter Humphries (right) “Get Up & Get ‘Er Done” with EPIC!

 
Eighth-grade teachers (L to R) Jeff Gray, Kristi Sanders, and Deana Arwood aren’t afraid to clash for “Don’t Clash, Be EPIC!” Day.

Principal Darrell Barnwell and 1^st graders, Juliet Head (left) and Layla Bacon (right) show that EPIC is the smart way to be on favorite nerdy character day.