River Birch Insider
April 23, 2021
River Birch is a Leader in Me® school. Leader in Me® is a whole-school transformation process that empowers students with the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. It is based on principles and practices of personal, interpersonal and organizational effectiveness, and upon the powerful premise that every child possesses unique strengths and has the ability to be a leader.
Leader in Me® helps students learn how to become self-reliant, take initiative, plan ahead, set and track goals, do their homework, prioritize their time, manage their emotions, be considerate of others, express their viewpoint persuasively, resolve conflicts, find creative solutions, value differences, and live a balanced life. The process helps students develop the skills and self-confidence they need to lead their lives and succeed in school and beyond.
Habit Highlight: Find Your Voice
Each Friday on the WRBE morning news, Mrs. Pickens highlights one of the Leader in Me Habits, with practical application activities and learning for students.
Habit 8 is Find Your Voice. This habit encourages stuents to find their voice and inspire others to find theirs:
- I can identify my strengths.
- I pursue my passions.
- I look for ways to help others.
- I make the world better.
The video below is the WRBE newscast from Friday, April 16 and it includes a video of author Peter Reynolds reading his book, "Say Something". This story teaches students that everyone has something to say, they just need to find their own way to do it.
Stay tuned to the next newsletter to follow our journey and learn with us!
River Birch Students Use their Voices to "Say Something"
Teacher Appreciation Week: May 3-7
April Guidance Lessons with Ms. Kopke
Third and fourth grade classroom lessons this month involved learning different testing strategies. We discussed all the different tests that we take throughout our lives including a testing for our driver’s license! I shared my thoughts that all River Birch students could graduate high school. We shared different college, military, and career paths. We connected different testing situations in each of these post-secondary areas. Students made a test strategy foldable with 6 different strategies that will apply not only to ILEARN but to life and all sorts of testing opportunities. Ask your student their favorite strategy. Discuss what career they are thinking about right now. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information!
- Third Grade Students Completed ILEARN Testing this week. Way to go 3rd graders! You did an amazing job and stayed so focused!
- Fourth Grade Students will begin ILEARN on Monday and will have a testing session each day. It's very important for students to get plenty of rest, eat a good breakfast, and most importantly, remain calm! Don't stress, just do your best!
Ms. Kopke's Spring Mindfulness Room
Contact Ms. Kopke
Ms. Kyle E. Kopke, LMHC
School Counselor
River Birch Elementary
317.544.6800
* You can also click the button below to make a direct counseling request.*
Hendricks County Health Department Vaccination Clinic
The Hendricks County Health Department is holding a vaccination clinic for all residents. You can register online by clicking the button below (enrollment code: IN65942) or just walk in. For faster service you can fill out the form ahead of time. All ages are welcome. They will accept private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare or uninsured. There is no cost for the vaccines, regardless if you are insured or uninsured. Vaccines that may be administered include: TDaP/ DTaP, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, HiB, Polio, Influenza, MMR, Human Papilloma Virus, Meningitis, Pneumonia, Varicella, Rota virus and Shingles.
Please call if interested in the COVID-19 Vaccine to see if it is offered at that time.
If you have any questions, email clinic@vaccinateindiana.org or call/text 317-628-7116.
Clinic Needs:
The Clinic needs the following clothing items for student emergencies.
- girls pants size 10-14
- boys underwear and pants size 6-14
- all sizes of shorts for girls and boys
Over the Counter Medications
Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Tums are available in the clinic and can be given to any student with permission. Additional OTC medications must be supplied by the parent and kept in the clinic. All OTC permission is provided via CareDox or written request from parent/guardian.
Coronavirus Questions
Go to the district website (www.avon-schools.org) and click on the Coronavirus plan.
Click the photos below for District News
Kindergarten Registration is OPEN!
Kindergarten enrollment is underway for the 2021-22 school year and well over 200 students are already enrolled in the AHS class of 2034! We're excited to welcome these excited young learners to Avon Schools.
Click the photo to start the enrollment process.
Updated 2021-22 District Calendar
The 2021-22 school year calendar has been updated to reflect the removal of monthly one-hour delays. This update was made possible by adjustments that were made to school start and end times that go into effect at the beginning of the new school year.
May 3-7 is Teacher Appreciation Week
Click the photo for teacher appreciation ideas.
River Birch Spirit Night: April 29th
April 26-May 3: 4th Grade ILEARN Testing
April 29th: Spirit Night @ Plainfield Energy Spot 3-7 pm
May 3-7: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 12: One Hour Delay
May 27: Last Student Day
Vision
Educate. Excite. Excel.
The students of River Birch Elementary have access to the education every child needs along with the learning and life experiences they deserve, so they can succeed today and tomorrow.
Mission
River Birch Learning Leaders create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment that provides opportunities for learning and leadership through interdisciplinary experiences supported by strong relationships with students, family, and community.
Beliefs
The River Birch Way promotes community, collaboration, and a safe and productive learning environment. The River Birch Way says that as leaders we are:
Safe: Students at River Birch Elementary keep their hands and feet to themselves, use materials and equipment as instructed, and follow emergency procedures led by their teachers.
Respectful: Students at River Birch Elementary show whole body listening, follow the River Birch Rules, and are kind to others.
Responsible: Students at River Birch Elementary take ownership of their actions.
Leaders: Students at River Birch Elementary find their voice by using the 7 Habits of Happy Kids to be their best selves in school, at home, and in our community.
River Birch Elementary
Principal
Mrs. Heather Gorgas, HMGorgas@avon-schools.org
Assistant Principal
Ms. Kyle Kopke, KEKopke@avon-schools.org
Counselor
Email: hmgorgas@avon-schools.org
Website: avon-schools.org/riverbirch
Location: 5456 East County Road 75 North, Avon, IN, USA
Phone: 317.544.6800
Facebook: facebook.com/RiverBirch.Elem
Twitter: @RiverBirch_Elem