We’re happy to address some of your most frequently asked questions about our school here. You can also find information about school policies in the student handbook. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us with your questions or comments.

How can I keep track of my child’s academic progress from home?

Parents can monitor their child’s academic progress (grades and completion of assignments) by accessing his/her information on the district’s online student information portal. We will provide students and parents log-in information at the beginning of each new school year. This information will include procedures and passwords for accessing student information related to grades, attendance, and discipline. Please direct questions regarding student attendance to Mrs. Spangler. Parents and students who believe the grade information in the student information portal is inaccurate should contact the teacher of record. If your concerns are not resolved after contacting the teacher, please contact Mrs. Petrosky.

What are the school hours?

Please refer to our high school and middle school bell schedule to view start times, daily class schedules, and dismissal times.

What do I need to do if my child will be absent from school?

If your child must miss school, please call the school office before 8:30 a.m. on the day of his/her absence. For information about attendance requirements and what qualifies as an excused absence, please refer to our  student handbook.

What if my child needs to leave school early?

Early releases from school should be for urgent reasons such as medical appointments, court appointments, etc. We will excuse a student early with a written, signed note from his/her parent/guardian that indicates the reason for the early dismissal, the time, and the date.

What if my child requires medication during the school day?

We prefer that students do not take their medication during school hours because of the numerous problems it can create. We encourage parents to schedule medications outside school hours whenever possible. If your child needs to take any medication (example: pill, inhaler, nebulizer med, EpiPen) during the school day, the school nurse requires a physician’s order and parent/guardian signatures for prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and herbal remedies. A parent/guardian must deliver all medications to the school. Students may not transport their own medication to school. If you have any questions concerning medication for your child, please contact the school nurse.

Do you enforce a dress code at Ridgway MS/HS?

The administration, faculty, and staff respect the right of every student to express himself/herself in unique and individual ways. That said, we expect our students to dress in an appropriate manner at all times. The dress code is one of many expectations that assist in maintaining an environment conducive with high standards of academic performance and appropriate social interactions between students. The administration, faculty, and/or staff may question a student’s dress and take necessary action to enforce this policy, which deems the following clothing and accessories are inappropriate for school:

  • Spandex, stretch cotton shorts, skirts, or dresses that go above mid-thigh
  • Torn, frayed, see through, or mesh clothing
  • Tank tops, racer backs, spaghetti strap tanks, halter tops, mesh tops, or muscle shirts without another sleeved shirt covering it. Under no circumstance will we permit students to wear camisoles, negligee tops, or tops that resemble negligees.
  • Excessively baggy or large coats and sagging pants
  • Clothing with any logo, writing, symbols, or numbers that reflect violence, malicious behavior, offensive language, sexual innuendo, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or anything otherwise considered disruptive or gang related
  • Non-prescription dark glasses worn on the face or head, hats, caps, or other headgear unless designated for a specific purpose
  • Hair styles, body piercings, and body art that is disruptive to the educational process and/or that constitutes a health or safety hazard

For more specific examples of acceptable vs. unacceptable school attire, please refer to our student handbook.

Will my child have access to the Internet while on campus?

Students can access the Internet for homework and school-related research from our computer lab, library, and some classrooms under the supervision of qualified school personnel. We expect our students to behave responsibly on school computer networks.

May my high schooler drive to and from school?

Yes, and students may park on school property providing they comply with our driving and parking regulations.

Students may park in the following areas:

  • Upper parking lot (above the auditorium)
  • By the tennis courts (open from the end of football season to the end of the school year)
  • Parking stalls beside the Heindl Sports Complex
  • Any legal area off school property

Please make note of restricted parking conditions in the following areas:

  • Circle area by the gymnasium (restricted to vehicles with handicap permits only)
  • Circle area in front of the building (10-minute parking for visitors)
How can I get more involved?

We strongly encourage your involvement. Please take the time to introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and let him or her know that you’re interested in getting involved. We also invite you to join the PTO at your school and make your voice heard!

Parents can also support their child’s education in some basic ways, including:

  • Encouraging your child to get plenty of sleep
  • Offering a healthy diet, including a good breakfast (or getting your child to school early enough to eat breakfast in our cafeteria)
  • Helping your child get up in plenty of time for school
  • Providing neat, clean, comfortable clothes