Ridgefield School District honors Employee and Students of the Month

RIDGEFIELD — On Feb. 8, Ridgefield School District officials recognized the February 2022 Employee and Students of the Month at the regular board of directors meeting.

February’s Employee of the Month is Deb Ortner. Since day one, Deb has continued to step up to any and all challenges that have presented themselves, proving over and over that Ridgefield School District has a true rock star on their staff. Deb’s can-do attitude is phenomenal and infectious. She spends her days serving staff and students and not a day goes by where she isn’t lifting people up.

Deb’s passion for kids and teachers is irrepressible. She sees what needs to be done and steps up to make it happen. She is a pillar of knowledge and support for the Ridgefield School District. She is dedicated to the growth and enrichment of every teacher and staff member and works tirelessly to that end.

Deb advocates for the educators of Ridgefield through the National Board cohort, support of mentees and mentors, directing professional learning, and working alongside teachers in whatever fashion they need.

Whether it is working with teachers on their TPEP submissions, working to create another successful Induction and Convocation, or putting together professional development the entire district can use, Deb’s presence in the Ridgefield School District leads to better teaching — which means better learning.

February’s Students of the Month are: Early Learning Center student Sophia Sparland. Second-grader at South Ridge Elementary School Penelope La Marr. First-grader at Union Ridge Elementary School Lucy Meade. Sixth-grader at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School Adair Garcia. Seventh-grader at Wisdom Ridge Academy Johnathon Nove. Eighth-grader at View Ridge Middle School Behla James. And junior at Ridgefield High School Dillon Kirksey.