RIPLEY — Representatives from the Warsaw Central School District in West Buffalo recently visited the Ripley Central School District.

According to Micah Oldham, Ripley Central School principal, Warsaw staff were interested in learning about the philosophy and programming that Ripley embraces.

“They will probably be looking at our reading/math blocks, crew time, RTI (Response To Intervention) program, scheduling, as well as how we fit professional learning into each day,” Oldham said. “Needless to say, I am excited to show off the school.”

Ripley follows the EL system of education, which centers on three dimensions of student achievement, rather than on performance tests of basic skills. The three dimensions are mastery of knowledge and skills, character and high quality student work. However, Oldham said, Warsaw is not working to become an EL school. Rather, Ripley was contacted by an Christina Lesh, an educational consultant for the Warsaw district, who was working with EL when Ripley was adopting that program. She felt that there might be some practices that might be beneficial to the Warsaw district.

Oldham said Ripley will also benefit from the interaction with the Warsaw district.

“It is easy to function as an island especially in a rural environment. I am looking forward to discussing their current programing and areas that they see as a strength,” he said.

Oldham said he and the administration at Ripley are continually trying to improve the programming.

“Every year I’ve been at RCS we look to tweak and improve our programming to best meet the needs of our students. I’m excited to share areas where we’ve found success as well as learn from their experiences,” he said.

In a related matter, Oldham reminded board members that EL Education’s Better World Day was celebrated on May 6 this year.

“We have many traditions at RCS but my favorite has to be Better World Day,” he said. “Service to one’s community is one of the tenets of our character education program. Education is not only about learning but also about using your talents to give back.”

This year students led clean up efforts of the building and town playgrounds, Oldham said. Second grade students made cards and bracelets to be included in welcome boxes for Ukrainian refugees arriving in Buffalo. Ripley students also created gifts for local business owners and delivered them to express gratitude for their work in the community. Finally, pre-kindergarten students created bird feeders “for our animal friends.”

According to the description given by EL Education, “Better World Day is an annual, national event showcasing student learning that contributes to a better world, Students present learning projects and engage in acts of service that demonstrate the power of EL Education’s vision for public school: a place where children become great scholars and active citizens with the capacity to make a positive impact.”

Oldham also said 61 students completed their reading homework 85% of the time or better for the months of March and April.

“I will be taking this group on an adventure May 31 to reward them for their responsibility,” he said. “We are calling it Mr. Oldham’s Top Secret Reading Challenge Field Trip.”

He also told board members that the district needs to complete two evacuations and two lock-down drills before the end of the school year.

Board members also approved several items of new business, including the 2022-23 BOCES commitment statement, the fire inspection report, and the fire inspection legal notice.