Raider News
W.D. Richards Elementary
Principal's Corner
Dear Richards Families:
Thank you to the parents, students, faculty and staff of Richards for a great start to the school year. Richards is a wonderful school thanks to the efforts of all of you. It was a pleasure to see so many of you at Open House and Family Tech Night. We have certainly had a great start to the school year and I look forward to working with you throughout the remainder of the year. We have many new faces at Richards this year! I would like to welcome all of our new students and parents to the Raider family. We also have many staff members new to Richards this year. We are glad to have many new members to the Richards team!
You may have noticed banners throughout the building highlighting The Raider Way. Our expectations are to be Respectful, Responsible, and Safe. Teachers and staff have been working hard to establish procedures and recognize positive behaviors of students during the first few weeks of school. Our students work every day to live out our vision statement: Big Dreams + Hard Work = Success. We will continue to work throughout the year to recognize students and provide an environment that is conducive to learning. You may help by reviewing procedures located in the student handbook.
Please feel free to call me at 376-4311 or stop by the office any time if you have questions or concerns. Also, please contact your child’s teacher if you have questions about your child’s progress. I am sure we will have a terrific year at Richards. Welcome back. Go, Raiders!
Mr. Sprong
Growth Model Report Cards
This year all Richards Elementary students in K-4 will receive Growth Model Report Cards
What is UDL?
Parent Portal
Car Rider Procedure
- Students are to be dropped off and picked up at the back entrances to the school in the circle drive
- 2nd-6th graders and any students going to breakfast are to be dropped off at the first stop. (see picture below)
- PreK-1st graders and are to be dropped off at the second stop. (see picture below)
- Cars need to remain in line even if they are going to the PreK-1st grade stop.
- Students must remain in cars until the bell rings at 7:45; please do not drop them off before this time.
- Students must always enter and exit vehicles using the car door on the curb side of the back circle drive.
- It is also helpful to pull forward around the circle drive so more students can be picked up and dropped off in a safe manner.
- Do not drop students off before school in front of the building.
Welcome Mrs. Gerth!
My name is Shelby Gerth. I graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus this past May with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education and I am also the recipient of the Distinguished Teaching and Learning in Special Education award for 2015-16. I live in North Vernon with my husband, Gabe, and my dog, Pippa. In my spare time, I love to go camping, spend time with my family, and crochet. I am beyond excited to begin my teaching career at Richards Elementary.
Welcome Ms. Ruggles!
Kids Fun Run
Location: Mill Race Park, Carl Miske Drive, Columbus, IN, United States
FCA
Welcome back to a new school year focused on growth, learning and worshipping! We will be meeting each month at 7:30 am in room 114 (Wenzler) on the dates listed below. We hope you plan to join us and start your day off in prayer and fun activities. You do not have to be an athlete or sports fanatic to attend. All are welcome!
Thursdays at 7:30 am in room 114:
August 25
September 22
October 20
November 17
December 15
January 26
February 23
March 30
April 27
May 25
Cafeteria News
Our first theme day is September 15 with an Indiana Bicentennial menu
Did you know in the 19th century, travelers to the future state of Indiana would have found squash and corn growing in abundance in Native American gardens? Hogs came along later and became an integral part of the Hoosier diet. Our menu this day will honor Indiana's 200th year as a state by serving some of these foods native to our region. Our menu will include Pulled Pork on bun, Corn on the cob, Roasted squash w/ cinnamon and brown sugar and Indiana birthday cake, along with a couple other options! Come and enjoy a delicious meal with your child for just $3.15. The cafeteria will be decorated and patriotic music will be playing!
Also, thank you so much for the great job in keeping up with your child's lunch account. It is much appreciated.
We have been short handed in the cafeteria since the beginning of school, so at times it has been a little hectic. This should improve as soon as I get a couple more workers, but wanted to thank you and your students for their patience as we work as best we can to serve your wonderful children.
Our next theme day will be a Colts Kick-off Meal on September 29
Free/Reduced Meals Information
If your family meets the income qualifications for free or reduced lunch, and even if your child brings his or her lunch to school, there are several benefits that may be available for your family. Textbook assistance, waived ACT/SAT fees, waived dual credit course fees, discounted internet service or computer, discounts for sports or other programs, and iCare after-school program discounts are some possibilities. Click on the Link below for more details.
Did you know that the meal assistance is not just about lunch?
¿Sabía usted que la asistencia de comidas no es solo para el almuerzo?
FREE/REDUCED FORMS FROM LAST YEAR EXPIRE 9/3/16!
If you have not completed a free/reduced meal eligibility application form for this year, please do so as soon as possible. If your child was eligible for free/reduced meals last year, your temporary approval will expire 9/3/16.
It’s easy to apply! Forms are available in the school office , online on the BCSC home page, or at the District Food Service Office. Please complete your forms and return to school so that we will be able to process your application as soon as possible for your student.
Music Notes
2016-2017 Music Events – Put them on your calendar now!
Thursday, October 6, 1:45pm – Indiana Bicentennial celebration: Grade 4 & Choir
Friday, November 11, 8:30 am – Veteran’s Day: Grades 5, 6, & choir
**Thursday, Dec. 15, 6:00pm – TENTATIVE – Holiday Concert: Choir, Band, and Strings**
May 8-12, 12:45-1:35 - 1st Grade Bring-Your-Parent –to-Music-Class Days: Monday = Mrs.
Holl’s class, Thursday = Mrs. Voils’s class, Friday = Mrs. Frasier’s class
Wednesday, May 10, 11:30 am – 5th grade field trip to ISO
Thursday, May 18, 6:00 pm - 2nd & 3rd Grade Spring Program
If you ever have any questions or concerns about your child’s musical development, please do not hesitate to stop by, call, or email me at luekenm@bcsc.k12.in.us! I’m looking forward to a great year! ~Mrs. Lueken
Library News
The library is once again open for your children to check out books! We have briefly talked about AR levels, the coinciding colors and where to find them on the shelves. I am hoping to cover this information in more detail as the school year gets underway. Next month I will be introducing the 2016-2017 Young Hoosier Books and issuing a challenge to grades 4 thru 6 to read all 20 of them. The library will once again host a Scholastic Book Fair this fall. More information will come home with your student as the time draws nearer. I hope you will encourage your students to read at home. Reading Rocks!!!
Mrs. Snider
Art News
Thanks! ~Andi Bartels
PTO NEWS
Meeting Dates:
September 6th
October 4th
November 8th
Babysitting provided!!
W.D. Richards Elementary
Email: sprongd@bcsc.k12.in.us
Website: http://www.bcsc.k12.in.us/domain/1181
Location: 3311 Fairlawn Drive, Columbus, IN, United States
Phone: (812) 376-311
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDRichardsElementarySchool/