Riverdale Gazette
January 2021
Principal's Message
Dear Riverdale Families,
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a safe and restful December break. I want to thank you so much for your generosity in the gifts that Jake and I received. I am always overwhelmed by the giving nature of this community, especially when, as I always say to students, “your presence is present enough!”
2021 is off to a great start! Students came back to school ready to learn and remembering our new protocols. Even more importantly, those students who had traveled out of state or who were around people exhibiting COVID symptoms stayed home! Because of the diligence of Riverdale families to keep everyone safe, we have not had any students or staff members become close contacts of Riverdale students who have tested positive for COVID-19! This community takes care of eachother, and it is glaringly evident through your adherence to these protocols!
This upcoming Monday, January 18th, there will be an online event at 6:00 pm to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which will feature artwork by some Riverdale students! Click here to learn more about the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event being broadcast on Dedham TV!
Lastly, as we continue into the winter months, please be sure to reach out to the school if you or your family is in any need of assistance - whether that be grocery store gift cards or putting you in touch with community agencies that can offer support through these times. As I said before, we are a strong community that takes care of one another, so be sure to lean on that community when you need to!
Have a happy and healthy 2021!
Ed Paris, Principal
Counselor's Corner - Mrs. Elaine Sheehy, LICSW
Happy, Healthy New Year!
During these trying times especially, Riverdale families benefited from receiving Thanksgiving grocery gift cards and gifts for the Winter holidays. Thanks to your kind generosity, fifteen families received Thanksgiving food and had their winter holidays brightened. In addition to our own PTO and individual families, several of our staff, neighbors and community partners provided support: The Dedham Youth Commision’s Charlotte and Bob Castagnola Holiday Gift Program, St Susanna’s Church parishioners and their St Vincent de Paul group. At Riverdale we were inspired once again by the giving spirit of our neighbors. We are truly fortunate to be a part of this community.
Free virtual parenting groups:
Topic: Screen Time during a Pandemic - Click HERE for more info.
Tuesday January 12 at 7:00 PM EST
Wednesday January 13 at 7:00 PM EST
Thursday January 14 at 9:00 AM EST
Monday January 11 at 7:00 PM EST BIPOC Group Flyer
Thursday January 14 at 7:00 PM EST Spanish Speaking Group Flyer
Please be in touch if I can be of any assistance to your family. You can reach me in my office at 781-310-2709 or through the school’s main line or my email esheehy@dedham.k12.ma.us
Nurse's Notes - Judy Byrne, R.N
I would like to express how thankful I am that your diligence in keeping children home when they are sick is maintaining a healthy school environment. I would also like to make aware all 4th grade students need to have an updated physical, per Mass. State mandate. Also please remember if your student needs a flu shot, the deadline is February 28, 2021.
Let's continue to have a Healthy School year!
Ask a Grader
Ask a first grader to tell you their town, state and country.
Ask a second grader how many continents are there.
Ask a third grader what their favorite nonfiction book is that they've read in class so far.
Ask a fourth grader to create an equivalent fraction for 1/3.
Ask your fifth grader to show you how to divide 326 by 7. Have them tell you about the "Dedham Middle School ...is the Best" strategy.
4M With Ruby
Important Dates
February 3 - Early Release Day, Dismissal at Noon
February 15-19 - February Vacation
About Us
Email: avmartin@dedham.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.dedham.k12.ma.us/Domain/316
Location: 143 Needham Street, Dedham, MA, USA
Phone: (781) 310-2200
Twitter: @DedhamRiverdale