Huge thanks to County Market on Monroe for hosting a Food Drive tomorrow to benefit Ridgely families! 🛒❤️ If you’re nearby, come say hi and drop off a donation!

Need Extra Food Support?
Neighbors in Central Illinois are invited to visit one of the weekly Supplemental Food Distribution Sites. Local churches and community organizations partner with the Central Illinois Foodbank and Feeding America to provide nutritious food for individuals and families in need. No appointment is required—just stop by during the listed hours to receive assistance.
Neighbors in Central Illinois are invited to visit one of the weekly Supplemental Food Distribution Sites. Local churches and community organizations partner with the Central Illinois Foodbank and Feeding America to provide nutritious food for individuals and families in need. No appointment is required—just stop by during the listed hours to receive assistance.

Missed Picture Day or want a new photo? Picture Retake Day is coming up on Friday, November 7th at Ridgely Elementary School! Students who were absent or would like a new photo will have another chance to be photographed.

Aaron has been named the Ridgely Jimmy John’s Student of the Month! We’re so proud of his hard work, positive attitude, and commitment to excellence. Way to go, Aaron!
Check out this opportunity to Trick or Treat at the Governor's Mansion!

🌟 Empower All Abilities 2025 Conference 🌟
Join us for an inspiring morning of learning, connection, and empowerment!
📅 Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
🕗 Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Lanphier High School, 1300 N. 11th Street
This year’s conference features Dr. Shelley Moore, internationally recognized educator and storyteller, presenting The Evolution of Inclusion.
Attendees will also choose from a wide variety of breakout sessions led by local experts on topics including:
ADHD, autism, and behavioral supports
Mental health and youth transitions
Inclusive classroom practices
Guardianship, 504s, IEPs, and community resources
Explore our Exhibitor Fair, connect with local vendors and organizations, and discover new tools to support all learners.
Free on-site childcare will be available for children ages 3 and older.
Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate, grow, and celebrate inclusion in action!
Join us for an inspiring morning of learning, connection, and empowerment!
📅 Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
🕗 Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Lanphier High School, 1300 N. 11th Street
This year’s conference features Dr. Shelley Moore, internationally recognized educator and storyteller, presenting The Evolution of Inclusion.
Attendees will also choose from a wide variety of breakout sessions led by local experts on topics including:
ADHD, autism, and behavioral supports
Mental health and youth transitions
Inclusive classroom practices
Guardianship, 504s, IEPs, and community resources
Explore our Exhibitor Fair, connect with local vendors and organizations, and discover new tools to support all learners.
Free on-site childcare will be available for children ages 3 and older.
Don’t miss this opportunity to collaborate, grow, and celebrate inclusion in action!

Check out this food drive happening October 25th and 26th!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kenny and Walmart 3602 for their generous donation of Halloween buckets. Because of your kindness, each Ridgely Elementary student will be able to receive a bucket. Our students and staff are truly grateful for your support!
Check out this awesome community event!


Check out this opportunity for 3rd-5th graders in our community!

Showing up matters! Students (two randomly chosen from each class) with perfect attendance this week celebrated by popping balloons from our back-to-school arch and enjoying a special snack. Thanks for starting the year strong!
Check out this event on September 13th at Lincoln Library for an engaging, hands-on program designed to inspire children about healthcare and the value of human life. This free event, recommended for ages 8–14, features fun activities, games, and seminars led by healthcare professionals.

3rd–5th grade girls are invited to join Hello, Bold Heart!—a program that builds confidence, teamwork, and joy through movement. Practices are Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:45–5:00 PM, starting the week of Sept. 1. Season ends with a fun 5K on Nov. 8!
📝 Register Aug. 11–Sept. 1 at www.GOTRcentralillinois.org.
💲 Fee: $25–$175 (sliding scale, payment plans, no one turned away).
📧 Questions? Contact Katie LaCamera at klacamera@sps186.org.
📝 Register Aug. 11–Sept. 1 at www.GOTRcentralillinois.org.
💲 Fee: $25–$175 (sliding scale, payment plans, no one turned away).
📧 Questions? Contact Katie LaCamera at klacamera@sps186.org.


We are deeply grateful for the Downtown Rotary’s continued partnership with Ridgely. All of their extremely generous contributions including the grant for our weekend care bags, school supplies, and restocking the food pantry has such a huge impact on so many of our families and community members. Without their support, we would not be able to continue these wonderful programs.

Every day at school is a new opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and succeed. Let’s make each day count together!

✨ Shout out to the AMAZING community partners who helped Ridgely School kick off the 2025–2026 school year in style! ✨
Big THANKS to 💙
☕ Papo's Cafe
🥯 Cafe Moxo
🥞 IHOP on Wabash
💪 Springfield YMCA
☕ Custom Cup Coffee
📚 ISBE
🛒 County Market on Carpenter
⚽ Scheel's
🎀 Designed with Detail
🔠 Alpha-Lit Springfield
🍩 Mel-O-Cream Donuts
⛪ West Side Christian Church
🎉 Card My Yard
We’re so grateful to have businesses and partners who care about our staff and students! 💙 Here’s to an amazing year ahead! 🐾
Big THANKS to 💙
☕ Papo's Cafe
🥯 Cafe Moxo
🥞 IHOP on Wabash
💪 Springfield YMCA
☕ Custom Cup Coffee
📚 ISBE
🛒 County Market on Carpenter
⚽ Scheel's
🎀 Designed with Detail
🔠 Alpha-Lit Springfield
🍩 Mel-O-Cream Donuts
⛪ West Side Christian Church
🎉 Card My Yard
We’re so grateful to have businesses and partners who care about our staff and students! 💙 Here’s to an amazing year ahead! 🐾



Compass for Kids, Springfield Clinic, and Molina Healthcare are offering free school physicals for children entering kindergarten, 6th, or 9th grade on Tuesday, August 26th, from 9:00–3:00 at the Compass for Kids office in Springfield. Reservations are required, and families can also get blood pressure checks during the event.

A big thank you to the Springfield Downtown Rotary Club for their generous donation of school supplies to Ridgely School! We are truly grateful for their ongoing partnership and support.
Check out this back to school giveaway today!
Ridgely teachers have been hard at work preparing for the upcoming school year!
Congratulations to Mrs. Barnard, who won a Bunn Coffee Maker from Pease’s Candy Shop as a door prize at our BBSS Meeting. Thank you, Pease’s, for the awesome surprise!
A big shout-out to Papo’s Café and Café Moxo for warmly welcoming our Ridgely staff and taking such great care of us as we met this week. We appreciate your support of our team!
Congratulations to Mrs. Barnard, who won a Bunn Coffee Maker from Pease’s Candy Shop as a door prize at our BBSS Meeting. Thank you, Pease’s, for the awesome surprise!
A big shout-out to Papo’s Café and Café Moxo for warmly welcoming our Ridgely staff and taking such great care of us as we met this week. We appreciate your support of our team!
