School Safety

When entering the building, you will see this sign by the doorbell. It is important that all visitors adhere to the school's expectations.

Phone Numbers

Ridgely Office: 525-3259
Ridgely FAX: 525-7932
Reporting a Student Absence: 525-3335 (Call before 10:30 a.m. daily)

Cafeteria: 525-3261
SCOPE Pager: 252-9823

Student Attendance Hours
8:55 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Office Hours
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

An Overview of Ridgely School

Ridgely School is a preschool through grade five public school, which underwent major construction in 2005 that currently houses 430 students and 17 instructional staff members. It is one of 25 elementary schools in Springfield Public Schools. Ridgely School is located in Springfield, Illinois.

The facilities at Ridgely School consist of 17 classrooms, a multipurpose room, gymnasium, media center, and an art and music room as well as resource rooms and an office complex. The demographics of the school remain consistent from year to year.

Students
At the present time, the student enrollment at Ridgely School is made up of 1.6 percent Hispanic, 68.7 percent Caucasian, 24.1 percent African-American, 4.5 percent Multiracial and 1.1 percent "Other".

Staff
The staff at Ridgely School include: 17 regular teachers, three full time and two part time reading specialists, and two special education teachers. On an average, our teachers have been here eleven or more years. We have one new teacher this year. 100 percent of the staff is highly qualified.

Our Leaders
Our principal is Ken Gilmore. He has been here 13 years. He was a Principal's Assistant for five years in other district schools. Prior to administration, he was an elementary school teacher for eight years. He recently completed his Post-Masters Certificate for his Superintendency endorsement at UIS. Currently, he is a full-time student at ISU working toward his PhD in educational leadership.

Classroom Discipline/Learning Climate
Ridgely School provides a disciplined, but stimulating, learning climate for students. The climate for learning at Ridgely School is enhanced by involved parents. Parents are encouraged to become involved in school communities and councils, to help with homework, and to encourage and honor their child's successes. Student discipline is the responsibility of all our school staff members. Our school has been a PBIS school for eight years. A major goal is to provide a positive climate for learning in order to assure student achievement, enhance self-esteem, and develop positive social behavior. To reach this goal, Ridgely School offers many opportunities for student participation and recognition.
Students are encouraged and expected to maintain appropriate behavior at all times because disruptions interfere with learning. Student handbooks and other information about school and classroom rules are distributed and discussed on a regular basis.

Academics
Subject matter and courses are reviewed on a regular basis. Academic Standards have been developed in alignment with State Academic Standards and the Illinois Assessment Framework. Parents are encouraged and welcome to be active participants in the process and are invited to the quarterly Good Citizen Awards ceremony.

School-wide Focus
Students will be able to explain their thinking.

Promising Practice
Higher Order Questioning
Interactive Read Alouds

Counseling and Other Student Support Services
Students at Ridgely School receive a high level of support services from an outstanding staff. We are fortunate to welcome a new full time Social Worker to our staff this year.

After-School Programs
Ridgely School is a definite support base in the housing of active after-school programs that service many of the students attending the school. There are activities such as tutoring. In addition, the S.C.O.P.E. program offers students a variety of activities while the students are enrolled in the before and after school care.

Parent Handbook

On behalf of the entire staff, I would like to welcome you to a fantastic learning environment at Ridgely Elementary. We hope to make your educational experience the best possible. We plan to accomplish this by providing an environment that promotes high expectations and values diversity. Your first homework assignment is to read this handbook. Inside these pages we have thoughtfully shared answers to the most frequently asked questions as well as essential information regarding our school.
-Ken Gilmore, Principal

Bus Routes

2008 Academic Improvement Award and Spotlight School Award from the Illinois State Board of Education.

2007 Spotlight School Award from the Illinois State Board of Education.

2004 Academic Improvement Award from the Illinois State Board of Education.

Awards and Recognitions

Ridgely school is proud to be recognized over the past few years.