Principal History:
Principal Mrs. Jackie Herbert, MBS, has Teacher Certification in Elementary Education, Counseling, and Elementary Administration. Mrs. Herbert was a classroom teacher for 17 years. She served as a school counselor for 6 years and as an elementary school principal for the past 7 years.
School History:
Ridgecrest Elementary was established in 1960 as Herbert Hoover Elementary. During the 2000-2001 school year a neighboring school, Kuntz Elementary, was closed, and its students became part of Hoover. At that time, the student population rose to just over 300 students. in 2004, plans were made to close a second neighboring school, Westwood Renaissance Academy and add its students as well. To accommodate the larger number of students, construction was begun to renovate the older part of the Hoover building and add new classrooms, a gymnasium, media center, and office complex. The renovations and additions were completed in 2006. In the fall of that year, the school was renamed Ridgecrest Elementary and grew to a student population of over 400.
Currently there are 22 kindergarten through Fifth Grade classrooms and a total of 57 staff members. Students have the opportunity to participate in P.E., Music, and Art. They also have access to a Library Media Center that houses 13,000 books, has three computers search stations, and includes small group instruction with a Library Media Specialist. The Computer Lab has 20 computers with access to learning software and web-based educational and research programs.
Our students are supported by an active PTA and Booster Club. The PTA has provided thousands of dollars to build classroom libraries, has sought grants to support school projects, and as provided on-going support for staff and students through numerous projects. The Booster Club has ensured that students have access to team sports and has encouraged student sportsmanship. Ridgecrest Elementary is also actively supported by area businesses and individuals who provide support in a variety of ways, including purchasing newspapers for classrooms and funding special projects for students, like our Student of the Month program. Our partnership with the Dental Activity Unit (DENTAC) at Ft. Sill provides military personnel for special projects, academic achievement, and mentoring for our students.
School Demographics:
(Pertaining to the 2006 - 2007 school year)
Colors:
Dark Purple and Gold
Mascot:
Hawk
Motto:
Be - Do - Succeed
School Creed:
I am a Ridgecrest Hawk.
I am here to learn.
I will be positive.
I will be respectful.
I will do my best.
I will do the right thing.
I will succeed in learning.
I will succeed in life.
Literacy First School
Use of Technology
Curriculum Mapping
Character Counts
Great Expectations
Student Centered
School Safety
because we do our best
Be involved
Evaluate
Student Achievement Teacher Training & Collaboration
Vision Statement:
Ridgecrest Elementary School envisions an educationally rich environment
which prepares students to be successful both academically and
socially in a rapidly changing community. We see a proactive education
system that prepares our diversified students to master school
achievement and seek life successes. We believe that this vision
will be achieved by a collaborative effort of students, staff,
parents, and community.
Mission Statement:
The Ridgecrest Elementary Staff will provide achievement-based,
quality instruction in a safe and productive environment.
Building Demographics:
Established: 1960
Student Count: 405
Classroom Count: 22
Grades Taught: Kindergarten through fifth grade
Faculty Count: 34 certified staff and 23 support staff
Library Book Count: 13,000 apx.
Student Accessible Computers: 23
Expansions:
- 2004 - 2006
- New Classrooms
- Gymnasium
- Media Center
- Office Complex
