WIN: What's Important Now
November Edition
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRINCIPAL
I hope that you all enjoyed last week's vacation and were able to spend quality time with your family and friends! We only have about three weeks until the end of the semester! We are encouraging our students to finish strong inside and outside of the classroom. My hope is that you find the information contained in this newsletter informative and helpful as you help your children navigate junior high school. Your family's experience at Riverglen is of the upmost importance. If there is something extra that we can do for your family to improve your experience at our school, please reach out to me at trevor.mckenna@boiseschools.org. You can check our school website for upcoming events and pertinent information, but you can always call or email me with questions.
Mr. McKenna
RIVERGLEN'S MISSION STATEMENT
Riverglen's mission is to create lifelong learners who are compassionate and responsible global citizens, creative problem solvers and critical thinkers.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
December 6: Girls' Basketball Junior High Appreciation Night at Capital High School (7:30 p.m.)
- Students and families get in free with a valid student ID
December 14: Choir Winter Concert at Capital High School
December 14: Band Concert at Riverglen
December 19 - 21: End of Semester Testing
A MESSAGE FROM PAWS
If you are interested in learning more about how you can support PAWS, you may send an email to riverglenpaws@gmail.com. Be sure to like our Facebook page and view our updated website.
Huge thanks everyone who came to Potter Wines, who hosted our first community fundraiser on November 16! We raised over $250.00. This will help us fulfill our mission to support our teachers, staff and students at Riverglen.
Updates on what PAWS has accomplished this school year:
1. Back to School - Delivered donuts and coffee to the teachers and staff to kick off a great school year.
2. Parent/Teacher Conferences - Provided dinner for teachers and staff (so they could make it through the long night!)
3. Bagels and Cream Cheese - Delivered to teachers and staff the day after Halloween ...to help combat the sugar rush.
Community Business Partnerships
We would like to foster connections and create partnerships between our school and the locally-owned businesses within our community for the benefit of our students and staff! Please complete the following survey if you are interested in this opportunity!
STUDENT OF THE MONTH PROGRAM
Each month, our staff takes the opportunity to nominate students in grades 7 - 9 to be honored as Student of the Month. Staff nominate students who they feel consistently represent Riverglen's CORE values of Character, Optimism, Respect and Encouragement. Two winners per grade level, per month are selected.
The winning students and families will be notified via email and a paper invitation to attend a luncheon at Riverglen where the nominating teacher will present the student with his/her certificate. We host a luncheon every two months. Additionally, the winners will also be acknowledged on our morning announcements for a week This is a great way to recognize our wonderful students and to welcome families into our school.
PARKING LOT PROCEDURES
We have had several "close calls" in our parking lot and we want to do our part to ensure the safety of our students and staff. While we do understand that morning drop-off can be a bit stressful, we ask that you use caution and drive slowly when driving in our parking lot. Here is some advice from our School Resource Officer, Detective Mika.
- Maintain the far right lane for dropping your children off and pull as far forward as possible prior to letting your children out of your vehicle.
- Do not speed through the left lane after you drop your children off.
- Here is a map which details your two options for dropping off and picking up your children.
Thank you so much for doing your part to keep our school safe!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
This month, we are spotlighting Mrs. Kincaid who is our Multi Language teacher and Mrs. Williams, our Cafeteria Manager. Please use the links below to learn more about them.
Our first spotlight focuses on our incredible Cafeteria Manager, Veronica Williams, who helps students access healthy foods so that their brains are ready to learn. Not only does she manage inventory, ordering, and timing so that all the meals are freshly prepared, she also promotes a variety of recipes made from scratch by our wonderful cafeteria staff.
Our school is proud to be able to offer the support of a Multi-lingual Specialist for students who are new to the country or who are learning English as a new language. Kristen Kincaid hosts support classes that provide one-on-one and small group instruction. She also co-teaches across a wide variety of contents to provide support to students as they are working in their classes.
RIVERGLEN ATHLETICS
Boys Basketball begins on Monday, January 8, 2024 (the day students return from Winter Break) at 2:45 pm. Please make sure your student's paperwork is completed and you have purchased the $12 activity card prior to Winter Break. Boys trying out will need to bring athletic shoes, clothing and water to tryouts and practice each day.
All students must have an Aktivate account to participate in PE and athletics at Riverglen. Please go to aktivate.com and follow the directions (linked here) to complete the registration process. Email our Athletic Director Jon Zwainz at jonathan.zwainz@boiseschools.org if you have any questions or concerns.
SUICIDE PREVENTION
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Items that can be donated to keep on hand when a need arises:
- laundry soap
- diapers/wipes
- cleaning supplies
- hygiene products
- new sheets/blankets
- new or barely used shoes/snow boots
- wrapping paper, bows, tape
- gift cards in $20 increments: Walmart, Target, Fred Meyer, Stinker, Maverick, WinCo, etc.
Money towards our SAFE (student aid fund for emergencies) funds:
- follow this link to donate--> donation link --> indicate SAFE in the "I want to support" section
- Holiday Resource List
- Kinship Workshop- Monroe
- Asylum Workshop- Spanish
SUPPORT OUR MUSIC PROGRAMS
Please use the link below to watch our Choir, led by Ms. Atkinson, perform the National Anthem at the Steelheads game on November 17.
RIVERGLEN STUDENT LEADERSHIP- FESTIVAL OF TREES
Students in Mrs. Dondero's Leadership Classes decorated a tree which was displayed at this year's Festival of Trees. Great job, Grizzlies!
JUNIOR HIGH APPRECIATION NIGHT- CAPITAL HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT CARE OF DISTRICT ISSUED DEVICES
PARENT NOTIFICATION OF THREAT ASSESSMENTS
Each year, the Boise School District sends the Threat Assessment Parent/Guardian Notification so that you know the District Policy. Please use the following link to access the notification letter.
VISITING RIVERGLEN
Please remember to check in with the main office when you visit Riverglen. For safety reasons, we cannot have unknown visitors roaming our hallways. We appreciate your help in keeping our school safe!
FOOD DELIVERIES
REPORTING ABSENCES AND REQUESTING A PERMIT TO LEAVE
ABSENCES AND TARDIES
Absences:
Students are expected to attend school 90% of each semester to earn credit in classes. This allows students nine (9) parent-excused absences each semester. Absences excused by a doctor or other professional do not count as a part of the nine allowed days. Students who exceed nine (9) absences will be required to complete an Appeal for Credit at the end of the semester.
Tardies:
Students arriving at school at any time after the 7:50 am bell should report directly to the office.
Students are expected to be in class when the tardy bell rings. Tardies issued for first period may not be excused by parents. Consequences for being late to class are as follows:
4th Tardy - Parent is Notified
5th Tardy - Parent is Notified and Student attends Lunch Detention
6th Tardy - Parent is Notified and Student Attends Afternoon School (2:30 - 5:00 pm)
7th Tardy - Parent is Notified, Student Attends Afternoon School and/or is Withdrawal from Class with an “F” or “NC” Grade
Please refer to District Policies #3121 and #3140 if you have questions.