Falcon Flyer
February 1, 2017
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
"Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid." --Albert Einstein
At Riverview, our intent is to provide personalized learning and growth for every child. It goes without saying that no two children share the same learning profile, talents, interests, or abilities! It would be unfair to our students if we cast each child into the same mold--that would be the opposite of personalized learning, and only some students would see growth. This year, our staff has participated in a book study on "The Leader in Me," which illustrates benefits of incorporating Steven Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" into the school setting. Site Council members and PTA Board members were also invited to participate in a book study to better understand the importance of leadership and a philosophy that all students are capable of utilizing and their unique strengths.
While we have not received formalized training on The Leader in Me, the book offered many good ideas to put to immediate use! Instead of assuming that leadership is for the few, or that only a few students are gifted, we are working to help students know that everyone has talents, and everyone can be a leader (this is part of having a "growth mindset" that I shared last month). Many teachers and the school counselor have worked to create leadership opportunities for students in their classroom and in the building. Rather than focus solely on academic achievement, Riverview staff members intentionally work to develop the whole person.
One inspiration sparked by the book was to increase community service opportunities for students. Different grade levels have been partnering with the PTA Caring and Sharing committee to help lead the service/donation drives, and they have truly enjoyed being a part of giving back to the community. The schoolwide reading program has also evolved to incorporate student goal setting. Rather than only reward students who read the most minutes overall, the reward is based on each student's personal goal achievement. Classes that earn the monthly reward are those classes with the highest amount of participation and goal achievement. The difference has meant many more students feeling motivated to set and reach their own goals and to contribute to the class goal!
In case you are curious or need a refresher, there are 7 Habits that students have been learning about in their guidance lessons, and many times, they are being reinforced in the classroom. The student-friendly version of the book is The 7 Habits of Happy Kids. They include:
Be proactive – I’m in charge of me
Begin with the end in mind – Set goals
Put first things first – Work, then play
Seek first to understand, then to be understood – Listen, then talk
Think win -win – Everyone can win
Synergize – Teamwork is best
Sharpen the saw – Balance feels best
Raise your hand if any of these '7 Habits' would help you in your personal or professional life! I have certainly seen the benefits of focusing on even one of the seven habits. For example, as a school principal with many plates spinning in the air and a mother of two young children, I constantly refer back to 'putting first things first' in order to accomplish all that needs to be done in a day; doing so allows me time to truly relax when I can and 'sharpen the saw,' knowing I have finished what needs to be done first and foremost.
I can see the difference our talented educators are making in our students' lives. It truly inspires me when I am in classrooms and see their belief that all of our students are capable of greatness translated into actions that reflect this attitude. I invite you to be a part of our journey as well by embracing a philosophy that leadership is for the many, not the few. Where can you apply your unique strengths to lift others up and contribute to your home, school, and community? You'll never know unless you try!
Go boldly,
Beth Mildren
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Please save the date for conferences Feb. 15-16! Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, February 15 and all day Thursday, February 16. Wednesday, February 15 will be a regular school day for students grades 1-5 (NO School for Kindergartners on the 15th).
Conferences take place all day on the 16th; NO School for students grades K-5 Thursday (2/16).
Schools are also closed Friday, February 17 and Monday, February 20.
Conferences are a protected time to discuss celebrations and/or concerns that you and your child's teacher may have, as well as to ensure that you develop a shared vision of learning and growth. Please ensure you have reviewed your student's grade card from the first two quarters prior to conferences. We strive to create a positive, optimal learning environment for each student, and teachers have been hard at work building relationships, providing a variety of learning experiences, and developing a personalized learning plan for each student to achieve his or her full potential. On behalf of the Riverview staff, we invite you to come prepared to conferences with your observations of your child's learning needs and strengths, and any questions to seek clarification on how to best support your child's education.
SCHEDULES & Upcoming Dates
Riverview's A-E Day Schedule can be found on our website HERE.
February Dates:
Wednesday February 1 - All Pro Dad Breakfast 7:30-8:30 am - East Activity Area
Monday February 6 - Friday February 10 - Pennies for Patients Coin Drive
Thursday, February 9 - Reading Day
Thursday, February 9 - 2nd Grade Music Program 6:30 pm
Tuesday, February 14 - Valentine Classroom Parties - 3:00 pm
Wednesday, February 15 - Parent Teacher Conferences 5-8 pm, and Book Fair 8 am -8 pm in Library - No School for Kindergarten Students
Thursday, February 16 - NO SCHOOL K-5; Parent Teacher Conferences.
Thursday, February 16 - Book Fair 8 am-8 pm in Library - all are welcome to visit!
Friday, February 17 - NO SCHOOL
Monday, February 20 - NO SCHOOL
Thursday, February 23 - Kindergarten Round Up 6:00-7:30 pm - Cafeteria
Friday, February 24 - PTA Bingo Night 6:30-8:00 pm - Gym
Sunday, February 26 - PTA "Movies with Mom" Mother/Son event
Monday, February 27 - PTA Board Meeting 6:00 pm Location: Office Conference Room
Monday, February 27 - PTA General Meeting 7:00 pm Location: East Activity Area
Looking Ahead to March:
Wednesday March 1 - Blood Drive (with PTA Caring and Sharing)
Tuesday March 7 - 5th Grade Program 6:30 pm
Wednesday March 8 - Reading Day
Monday March 13 - Monday, March 20 - Spring Break- NO SCHOOL
Tuesday March 21 - 4th Quarter Starts
Monday March 27 - PTA Spring Fundraiser Begins
Monday March 27 - PTA Board Meeting 6:30pm
Wednesday March 29 - Spring Picture Day
Riverview Elementary Kindergarten Round-Up **RSVP Requested
6:00 PM in the Riverview Cafeteria
Parents Only, please. There will be no on-site child care available.
**PLEASE RSVP BY CALLING THE FRONT OFFICE BY THURSDAY, FEB. 16, IF YOU HAVE AN INCOMING KINDERGARTNER** 441-0808; TRWilson@usd232.org
Parents are encouraged to bring the following information with you to Round-Up:
- Certified copy of child's birth certificate (required by Kansas Statue)
- Copy of immunization records (from Pediatrician)
- Proof of residency (copy of current utility bill, real-estate contract, etc.)
- Kindergarten Information Night for parents only, please.
We know it's difficult to let go...
That's why our Kindergarten teachers place a high priority on providing a nurturing environment where children thrive - academically, socially, and emotionally. We really care about your child!
>> Preparing your child for Kindergarten - Resources for Parents
Going to Kindergarten in the fall?
Make plans to attend Kindergarten Round-Up and Parent Information Night on February in the Riverview Cafeteria.
>>Learn more about optional full-day Kindergarten
Find out everything you need to know at Kindergarten Round-Up and Parent Information Night. Parents will have the opportunity to begin the enrollment process, ask questions, and meet the principal. By Kansas statute, children must be the age of 5 on or before August 31 to be eligible for Kindergarten enrollment.
Parents will also learn about Before/After School Care offered through a partnership with Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department.
2016-17 Yearbooks are on Sale! Online only
To order your yearbook visit:
www.inter-state.com/yearbook and enter code: 12675K
Please order your yearbook ONLINE before March 3rd
Incoming 6th Graders - Mill Creek Middle School
5th Grade Parent Night
March 28, 6:30pm
MCMS GYMNASiUM
Mill Creek Middle School invites all Riverview Elementary 5th graders and their parents/guardians to attend an informational night at MCMS! We will hold a short introduction of counselors and administration, provide information on classes, schedules, and activities, and allow some time for a question/answer session. We will also provide some time for you to walk through the building if you wish. We hope you’ll join us!
Important Dates to Remember:
2/24/2017
Course Selection Paperwork Sent Home
3/3/2017
Enrollment Paperwork Due to Elementary Counselor
3/28/2017
Parent Night at MCMS 6:30pm
5/2/2017
5th Grade Tour at MCMS
Electronic Flyers
Don’t forget to check out the USD 232 Electronic Flyers webpage for information on events and programs offered by outside agencies, such as Young Rembrandts. Spaces and deadlines apply, so be sure to check often so that your student is enrolled in time!
Reminders from Nurse Kerry....
ILLNESSES AT SCHOOL
We are in the middle of cold & flu season and we would like to remind you of the exclusion policy. To help reduce absences, it is crucial to keep ill students home and comply with the District exclusion policy as follows:
· Fever of 100 degrees or above (the student should remain home until fever free for 24 hours without the aid of a fever reducer, i.e. Tylenol, ibuprofen etc.)
· Severe cold, cough, sore throat, sneezing, or headache, even without a fever
· Vomiting, diarrhea, or upset stomach – must by symptom free for 24 hours
· Overly tired, run down
· Red watery eyes or purulent draining eyes
· Sudden rash accompanied with fever
· Suspicion of contagious diseases, especially if child has been exposed
Here are some other key points to remember in keeping our students healthy:
1. Good hand washing: Using soap and water is best but hand sanitizer can be used if soap and water are not available. If hands are visibly dirty, then soap and water is a must.
2. Respiratory Etiquette: Covering coughs and sneezes using the elbow instead of the hands. It is also good practice to use a tissue only once and wash hands or use hand sanitizer after using a tissue.
3. Social distancing: It is crucial that we keep students home when they are ill and that they not return until they are symptom free for 24 hours. Students must be fever free without the aid of fever reducing medications for 24 hours before returning
4. Please keep your child home if they are really not feeling well, even if they are technically "okay" to come to school. This will help us keep illnesses to a minimum.
5. The school nurse is NOT here to diagnosis illnesses. Please see your family health care provider if you think your student requires medical attention.
It is recommended that families be thinking ahead of time of a backup plan in case students are sick and need to be kept home. Please make sure the school has up-to-date phone numbers to reach parents. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Nurse Kerry.
LOST & FOUND
Many lost and found items are still needing to be picked up.Please stop by the cafeteria to check for items before the items are donated.
Remaining items will be donated February 16.
Join Girls on the Run
Would you like to help coach Girls On The Run at Riverview? Now's your opportunity! Coach's Registration is now open! We will practice 2 days a week (Mon. and Wed.) after school until 5:15 starting in March and ending in May. You do not have to coach both days, but any time you are willing to help coach, is always great!!! Warm-up your spirit fingers, lace up your sneakers and inspire a group of girls to be strong and healthy. Teams of volunteer coaches facilitate our easy-to-follow curriculum with small groups of girls over the course of 10 weeks. Amidst the conversation, laughter, hugs and energy awards, you will witness change in the girls and don't be surprised if you realize that you are positively changing as well! Click the link below and become part of the team!!!! or go to http://www.gotrkc.org/Coach to get more information about coaching.
https://www.raceplanner.com/volunteer/signup/OXKL4E0GDQRM78X
Do you have a daughter in 3rd-5th grade?? Do they want to be a part of a program that teaches girls how to be strong and independent?? Well, this is the program for her!! Registration opens on February 4th. Go to www.gotrkc.org to register and to find out more about the program!!
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mindy Scott at scotts1203@hotmail.com
PTA Reflections Contest
The theme for this year’s National PTA Reflections Program was “What is Your Story?”. Below are the winners for this year’s program. Thanks to all who participated!
Upcoming PTA Sponsored Events and Dates:
Staff Appreciation
Please help us provide a yummy lunch for our teachers and staff on conference day, Thursday, February 16th! Please use the following to sign up to help:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c094dacae23a02-february
Caring & Sharing
Thanks for the Kindergarten Classes for organizing our Toy Drive! We had a total of 265 toys donated!
Daddy/Daughter Dance
A big thank you to Stevi Garvey for another successful Daddy/Daughter Dance! Despite having to have the dance be rescheduled due to the impending ice storm, a great time was had by all. Thank you to all the dads and daughters who attended!
New Website!!!
If you haven’t already done so, be sure to check out the new RE PTA website at http://www.refalconspta.org/
A big thank you to Zoe Miller for the time and effort in getting this new site up and running!
Volunteers needed for the RE PTA Nominating Committee
PTA members in good standing are eligible to serve on this Committee. The purpose of this Committee is to determine the best individual to serve on the RE PTA Board for the 2017-2018 school year. These positions include: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Ways & Means (Fundraising), Membership and Communications.
The Committee will be elected February 20th, in order to fulfill the 30 day prior to the annual election meeting. The Nominating Committee’s Slate of Officers needs to be presented to the current PTA President on March 20th. This will give 3 days for additional nominations from the floor to be made public 30 days prior to the annual election meeting held on April 24th. If you are interested in serving on this Committee, please email RE PTA at refalconspta@gmail.com by noon on February 20th. Serving on this Committee does NOT commit you to the PTA Board!!!
RE PTA Executive Board
Since we are on the subject of RE PTA and the need for volunteers to join the RE PTA Board for the 2017-2018 school year, if you have any interest in joining the Board, please send an email to the PTA at refalconspta@gmail.com or contact a current Board member. Positions include:
President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary
Ways & Means (Fundraising)
Membership
Communications
This is a great way to get involved at Riverview!
February Events
Thursday, 2/9/17 Pizza West Night
Take a night off of cooking and raise money for RE PTA by having dinner at Pizza West! Place your order after 4:00 and Riverview will earn 20% of sales! Note that the RE Fundraiser only works on regular-priced menu items. No other promotions, coupons, discounts can be applied for the sale to be considered part of our fundraiser.
Thursday, 2/9/17 – 2nd Grade Music Program
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 3rd Grade Program! Tickets will be sold for $1 each and winners will be announced at the end of the program.
2/15/17-2/16/17 – Winter Book Fair
The Winter Book Fair is scheduled for February 15th and 16th from 8am – 8pm both days. Come shop and find some books to read on those cold winter days. If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up here.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4dabac2aab9-spring1
If you would like to purchase books online, please use this link.
http://www.scholastic.com/bf/riverviewelementaryschool30
2/24/17 - Schlitterbahn Reading Due
Don’t forget to turn in your Schlitterbahn Reading program forms! Read 600 minutes and get a free ticket to Schlitterbahn!
2/24/17 – Bingo Night 6:30 – 8:00 pm Riverview Gymnasium
Mark your calendars now for this fun and FREE family event! Volunteers are needed to help set up, clean up, pass out cards, verify Bingos and oversee the prize table. If you can help, contact refalconspta@gmail.org with BINGO in the subject line.
To donate cookies and snacks, sign up here http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044fafa922a75-bingo
Sunday, 2/26/17 – Movies with Mom 1:00pm B&B Theaters
We will have a private showing of “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” just for Moms (moms, step-moms, aunts, grandmas or other significant ladies) and their Riverview boys. This event is intended for a special mother-son outing; please make alternative arrangements for other siblings and family members. See the flyer in this week’s Monday Folder for how to RSVP for this fun event!
2/27/17 – General PTA Meeting 7:00pm East Activity Area
Please plan on attending the General PTA Meeting if you can. We love to see new faces and have people get involved in what happens at our school!
Looking Ahead….
Wednesday, 3/1/17 – Riverview’s 3rd Annual Blood Drive
RE PTA is partnering again with the Community Blood Center to host a Blood Drive on March 1st from 2:00 pm – 6:30 pm in the Riverview Gymnasium. More details to come, but if you’d like to go ahead and make an appointment to donate, visit NEED LINK. Walk-ins are always welcome too. Thanks for your support for this live saving effort! If you would like to volunteer or provide snacks for the Blood Drive, sign up here
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044fafa922a75-bingo
https://www.esavealifenow.org/PublicScheduler/GroupLanding.aspx?s=RIVERVIEWPTA
3/27/17 – Spring Fundraiser Begins
To view the information included below, click on the blue "PTA News" button above to take you to the PTA Website.
Riverview Elementary PTA
https://www.facebook.com/Riverview-Elementary-PTA-129793298871/timeline/