Falcon Flyer
November 1, 2016
Riverview Elementary
Website: http://re.usd232.org/pages/re
Location: 21550 West 47th Street, Shawnee, KS, United States
Phone: 913-441-0808
Twitter: @riverviewfalcon
Greetings from the Principal
Dear Riverview Families,
Riverview Elementary strives to be a school that focuses on establishing meaningful connections with our students and families, and working together to help students achieve strong academic results. This would not be possible without district support, and parent and community involvement. As we reflect on the many things for which we are thankful, I want to take this opportunity to share just a few of them with you.
- Parents, we are grateful that you continue to share your most valuable possession with us and that you work so hard to be a partner in your children’s education and well-being. For this, we are ever so thankful. You somehow find the time to read with your children, help them with homework, contact teachers with questions, attend conferences, help with school events, and so much more You are making a positive impact on your child's education!
- We are grateful for new devices! Teachers are always looking to effectively integrate technology to provide opportunities for students to discover, create, collaborate, and communicate beyond the classroom. To this end, the district has provided enough devices to be at a 2:1 ratio for students-to-devices. At last month's PTA meeting, teachers in grades 3-5 came to present on their use of technology, and they shared several interesting ways devices are used to enhance and extend the curriculum for all students.
- We are thankful for our new science curriculum. Our teachers are excited about a newly adopted Science curriculum from National Geographic -- it is innovative and relevant! This resource directly aligns to the Next Generation Science Standards, and these standards emphasize that science isn't just a mass of isolated facts, but it should be experienced through inquiry, conducting investigations, solving problems, and engaging in discussions about scientific concepts.
- We give thanks for all we have by giving back. Parents help Riverview students engage with the community through participating in school-wide charity drives. For example, this month our second graders will work with those parents involved with the Caring & Sharing Committee help promote the Food & Supplies Drive to benefit the De Soto Food Pantry.
- We are thankful for our freedom, and to live in a democracy. The ability to vote and elect officials is a right in this country, and there are many who have fought to defend such a right. Our upcoming Veterans Day program on Friday, November 11, provides a chance for veterans in the community (and in our own students' families!) to be specially recognized. This program is intended to thank all those who honorably served in the military, in war time or peace time.
- Above all, we are thankful for our students who come to school every day ready to learn. They are our daily reminder of what is truly important and why we are here. All of the teachers, bus drivers, secretaries, nurses, lunchroom aides, support staff, therapists and administrators care about our students and have their best interests in mind, and enjoy our time with these amazing children!
We would like to wish all of you and your families a happy, healthy and relaxing November!
Go boldly and give thanks,
Beth Mildren
Veteran's Day
Calling all Veterans
To honor those who have served/are serving in the armed forces, our school is busily planning the annual assembly for veterans.
During the school day Vets will be honored on Friday, November 11th at 9:15 am.
We will, again, have a slide show to honor the vets closest to us at Riverview.
Wear your Red, White, and Blue. Show your patriotic spirit!
If you are planning on bringing a vet on November 11th, please send an email RSVP to Mrs. Wilson at trwilson@usd232.org .
Staff Spotlight...Laurel Castilla
I am one of the new ELL teachers this year and am excited to teach here and come to school every day with my daughter Anna, in 4th grade, and my son David, in 2nd grade. I also have a son, Daniel, in 7th grade at MTMS. My husband, who was born and raised in Mexico, is the North American Director of Environment, Health, & Safety for WireCo in Prairie Village. I enjoy teaching English language learners and have taught ESL for over 15 years. I have a bachelor’s degree in English with a Spanish minor and a master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language. After growing up in the Chicago area, I have lived in California, Mexico, southwest Indiana, and now in Shawnee. In my free time, I like to go travel, read, and go to the movies.
Staff Spotlight... Megan Lee
I am thrilled to be on the Riverview staff! This is my tenth year of teaching. I have previously taught 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades at Starside Elementary and Horizon Elementary, both within the De Soto School District. After staying home with my two children for the past four years, I am very excited to be back doing what I love!
My husband Eric and I have been married for 10 years. We met at KU, where I earned my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education. Our daughters, Olivia (age 7) and Abigail (age 4) bring us so much joy!
My favorite way to spend time is with my family and friends, reading, and traveling.
I am loving working with the ELL students at our school!
Staff Spotlight...Dawn Pretz
My name is Dawn Pretz and I am excited for my first year to be part of the Riverview Falcons! I join the ELL team with my bachelor of Fine Arts from Fort Hays State University. I have three daughters, two that attend here are Riverview. I enjoy spending time with my daughters, cheering on KU Jayhawks and exercising. I am thankful to be a part of the Riverview family as a parent and a member of the staff.
Kansans Can
The State Department of Education has set a new vision -- Kansans Can!
"Kansans are demanding higher standards in academic skills, as well as employability and citizenship skills, and the need to move away from a “one-size-fits-all” system that relies exclusively on state assessments. This new vision for education calls for a more student-focused system that provides support and resources for individual success and will require everyone to work together to make it a reality. Together, Kansans Can.
VISION
Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.
Defining "Success" -- College and Career Ready
A successful Kansas high school graduate has the academic preparation, cognitive preparation, technical skills, employability skills and civic engagement to be successful in postsecondary education, in the attainment of an industry recognized certification or in the workforce, without the need for remediation."
As our district continues to prepare students for college and career, we will be assessing our strengths and areas identified for growth using the "5 R" Model put forth by the state as a part of the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA).
Relationships: Connections among staff, students, family, and community
Relevance: Connecting curriculum, instruction, student engagement, and technology to real-world application.
Responsive Culture: Staff, students, family, and community are empowered and involved in the learning process.
Rigor: Ensuring that students are provided challenges and opportunities for growth and learning
Results: Evidence of such growth and learning
Each of these areas have been shown to directly contribute to preparing students to be successful high school graduates.
SCHEDULES & Upcoming Dates
Riverview's A-E Day Schedule can be found on our website HERE.
*****Nov. 2 PTA Fundraiser Delivery 3:00-6:00 pm East Activity Area. Product MUST be picked up on Nov. 2!
Nov. 9 All-Pro Dad Breakfast - 7:30-8:30 am East Activity Area
Nov.10 Reading Day at Riverview
Nov.10 4th Grade Program - 6:30 pm
Nov.11 Veteran's Day Program 9:15-11:15 am - Wear your Red, White, and Blue
Nov.15 Skating Night 6:00- 8:00 pm
Nov. 23-25 Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL
Nov.28 PTA General Meeting 7:00-8:00 pm East Activity Area
Caring and Sharing Drive
Electronic Flyers
Don’t forget to check out the USD 232 Electronic Flyers webpage for information on events and programs offered by outside agencies.
NOVEMBER 2016
*Harvest Fest
A big thank you to our RE staff and volunteers on a fun and successful night at Harvest Fest! A great time was had by all. Thanks to those of you who brought a canned good so you could vote in the RE Staff Pumpkin Carving Contest! Our Caring & Sharing Committee will make sure these goods get to a place that really needs them. The winner of the 2016 Pumpkin Carving Contest is Libby Lamberson
*Membership Drive
The PTA is holding a Membership Drive during the first two weeks of November. We want YOU to be a part of our PTA!!! The classroom with the highest PTA membership rate in each grade will win a big surprise! Don’t worry if you’re already a member, your membership counts towards your student’s class totals. The deadline for this drive is November 11th so get your dues and forms in quickly! Forms can be found in this week’s Monday Folder.
*Restaurant Nights
Thank you to those of you who participated in The Dessertery and McTeacher Night at McDonald’s. Seeing RE staff in a different setting was fun for all! Riverview earned $81 from The Dessertery and $800 from McDonald’s. Way to go Riverview!!!
*Watch D.O.G.S.
We are looking for fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers, uncles or other father figures who want to volunteer to serve either a half for full day at Riverview helping at the school. Check the Watch D.O.G.S. calendar for an open date or review when you are signed up. Sign up by using this link or scanning the QR Code.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0945aca72ea13-watch1
*Candy, Candy, Candy!!
Do you have extra Halloween candy that you want to get rid of??? Bring it to Riverview and place it in the bucket in the school entryway. RE Staff Appreciation will put it to good use!!! Some will go to the staff for their meetings and most will get donated to various organizations including troops overseas. Donations will be accepted through November 7th.
*Pies for Staff
Can you help us say thanks to our amazing staff by donating a pie or money towards a pie so they can take a pie home to share with their family? RE PTA’s Staff Appreciation is accepting pies and donations until Tuesday, November 24th at 9:00am. Thanks for helping us thanks the RE Staff!! Sign up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094dacae23a02-pies
*Reflections
The theme for the 2016-17 PTA Reflections Contest this year is "This Is My Story." Flyers were sent home in Oldest/Only Monday Folders to request specific rules for the area your child was interested in participating in. If you requested a copy of rules for the Reflections Contest they will be sent home in Monday Folders on October 31st. If you'd still like to request rules, please let Mrs. Hodges know at rhodges@usd232.org. Final projects will be due back to Riverview the Monday before Thanksgiving, November 21st. This is earlier than last year as they have moved up the deadline for our winning projects to be submitted to the state contest.
We hope you will encourage your child to participate and show their creativity and they share the story of their life through the arts.
*Spirit Wear for Sale
Listed below is Spirit Wear is available for purchase. Contact RE PTA at refalconspta@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing. Items will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. Please make checks out to RE PTA.
3 RE Circle Design
Baseball Jersey $20
1 Youth Medium (Red/White Combo) design printed in black
Canvas Tee $14
1 Youth Large (Blue)
Gildan Tee $10
1 Youth Large (Slate Blue)
Wicking Tee $13
1 Youth Small (Red)
1 Youth Large (Red)
Riverview Falcon Design
Baseball Jersey $20
2 Youth Small (Blue/White Combo)
1 Adult Large (Blue/White Combo)
1 Adult Small (Red/White Combo)
1 Adult Medium (Red/White Combo)
Wicking Tee $13
1 Adult Extra Large (Blue)
Gildan Tee $10
1 Youth Small (Red)
1 Youth Extra Large (Charcoal)
1 Adult Large (Red)
Gildan Hooded Sweatshirt $20
1 Youth Large (Charcoal)
1 Adult Small (Charcoal)
1 Adult Medium (Charcoal)
November RE PTA Events
11/2/16 – Fundraiser Delivery
WEDNESDAY is Fundraiser Delivery day. Please plan on picking up your student’s orders from 3-6pm in the East Activity Area. Orders CANNOT be sent home with students. Any unclaimed orders will be donated to a local food pantry. Thank you to everyone who participated in our Fall Fundraiser!!
11/4/16 – Directory Deadline – If your student’s information was missing or incorrect in the directory that came out this last week, don’t worry. You have a chance to add or correct the information. Any additions or changes must be made by YOU by November 4th. A FINAL copy of the directory will be sent out Friday, November 11th. The directory will be located in Family Access under “Message Center”. To make additions or changes, go to https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSe2C1ny5XV0c4pm_d…/viewform Any questions should be emailed to refalconspta@gmail.com
11/3/16 – October Reading Minutes Due
The next Reading Day is November 10th. Please enter your student’s minutes by November 3rd. Enter your student’s October reading minutes by following this link. https://sites.google.com/site/refalconspta/reading-program-1/2016-2017-reading-program
11/9/16 – All Pro Dads 7:30 am
PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE!
Inviting all dads and kids for a quick, before school program (DONUTS!!!) in the East Activity Area for a brief program on fatherhood and family topics. You’ll take away great tips and resources to help you be the best Dad you can be, and you’ll strengthen your relationship with your kids at the same time. It’s fun and FREE!!! RSVP at http://allprodadsday.com/chapters/3046
11/10/16 – 4th Grade Music Program 6:30 pm
Do you love watching your child on stage during the RE Music programs? Do you wish you could get better pictures and video? Well, during the 2016-2017 Music Programs, you will be able to purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win 4 reserved, front row seats and a reserved parking space for the 2017-2018 programs!! Tickets will be sold for $1 each and winners will be announced at the end of the program.
11/15/16 – RE Skating Night
Riverview is hosting Skate Night from 6-8pm at Skate City located at 9800 W. 62nd Terrace in Merriam. A portion of the night’s sales will go back to Riverview so grab your friends and head to the skating rink!!!
11/28/16 – General PTA Meeting 7:00
Join us for the last General PTA Meeting of 2016!!
Looking ahead:
12/6/16 – Chipotle Night
Riverview Elementary PTA
https://www.facebook.com/Riverview-Elementary-PTA-129793298871/timeline/