Falcon Flyer
August 31, 2015
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,
Students now have a full week of school under their belt, which ended with a PTA-provided popsicle celebration, so we could all ‘chill out’ a bit at the end of a long week!
Teachers are jumping right into units of instruction, and in addition to helping students master their curriculum, our building has two major goals for the year, based upon district initiatives:
· LITERACY: Through writing and descriptive feedback, in all curricular areas, students will build critical thinking skills, learn content material more effectively, and communicate their knowledge.
Learning to read and write well is a crucial skill for college and career readiness. To inform their writing, students need to learn how to read and discern what information is necessary in their communication. The strategy we use for this is 'close reading'. In addition, the research is clear that writing improves student achievement because of the many brain functions engaged, and the nature of writing helps with retention of concepts because it is more active than reading or listening alone. Teachers develop students’ writing skills through many forms of writing including journal writing, quick writes, brainstorming, creative/story writing, writing to explain in math, note-taking, blogging, and research papers, just to name a few!
· TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION: Through the integration of technology, students will become more self-directed through problem-solving, discovery, creation, collaboration, and communication beyond the classroom.
Integrating technology into classroom instruction means more than teaching basic computer skills. Effectively using technology supports student engagement with the curriculum, cooperative learning, and connections with real-world peers, experts, and information. Using technology where appropriate supports our broader instructional goals to improve student learning and to prepare students for their future careers.
Throughout the year, teams of teachers with a special interest in technology and literacy will provide snapshots in the Falcon Flyer for how these two areas of focus help to enhance student engagement and student achievement. Be on the look out for different strategies you could also use at home with your student(s).
Make it a great week!
Beth Mildren
Upcoming Dates...
September
- Monday, 7th - No School - Building Closed
- Thursday, 10th - WatchDogs Kick Off 6:30 PM
- Wednesday, 16th - All Pro Dads 7:30 AM
- Wednesday, 23rd - No School for Kindergarten Students -Grades 1-5 In Session
Parent Teacher Conferences 4:15 PM - 8:15 PM
- Thursday, 24th - No School | Parent Teacher Conferences
- Friday, 25th - No School | Building Closed
EXPLORATORY SCHEDULE
Wednesday, September 2 - E Day
Thursday, September 3 - A Day
Friday, September 4 - B Day
Tuesday, September 8- C Day
Staff Spotlight...
My name is Shelley Arbaugh, and this is my first year at Riverview, where I am the morning Kindergarten teacher. I have taught in the district in various positions since 1998, including kindergarten at Prairie Ridge Elementary, and kindergarten specials at Clear Creek Elementary.
I graduated from William Jewell College with my B.S. in Elementary Education and later earned my endorsement for English Language Learners from Kansas State University. I have lived in Shawnee for 26 years with my husband. Our daughter is 24, and she is earning her Master’s Degree in School Counseling. She enjoys helping me in the classroom and also substitute teaches in district. I also have an 11 year-old Labrador/Dalmatian mix.
My favorite thing to do in my free time is travel. This summer, I visited the beautiful cities of Colorado Springs and Estes Park. I also love the beach, especially when there are plenty of seashells to collect. I have seen many unique countries and beaches on the four Caribbean cruises my daughter and I have been on.
I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm for learning with the students at Riverview!
Riverview Elementary PTA
*Riverview Reading Program Kicks Off September 1st!
The Riverview PTA is committed to helping foster a lifelong love of reading in our children. To promote this skill the RE PTA sponsors a reading program designed to encourage our students to read more than their nightly assigned minutes.
The Riverview Reading program kicks off on September 1st, complete information will be sent home in your child’s Monday folder. You can also visit the RE PTA website for information as well. Please contact the Reading Committee with any questions refalconsreading@gmail.com
*If you have interest in either chairing or serving on a committee this year, please contact RE PTA at refalconspta@gmail.com. Committee descriptions can be found here: http://www.refalconspta.org/home/ways-to-get-involved
*August 31-September 4, the RE PTA Caring & Sharing Committee is sponsoring a back-to-school supply drive for Sunflower House (www.sunflowerhouse.org). Donations of hand sanitizer, colored pencils, washable markers, crayons and dry erase markers would be greatly appreciated and can be dropped off in the donation bin located in the Riverview lobby. Thank you!
*Show your support of RE with this year’s spirit wear! Orders are due September 9th.
*Attention all Dads! The Watch D.O.G.S. Kick Off Pizza Party is September 10th at 6:30 PM in the cafeteria. Learn how you can be more involved in your child/children’s school and sign up to be a school Watch D.O.G.! See the flyer in today’s Monday Folder for more information.
Upcoming Events:
9/9 Spirit Wear Orders Due
9/10 Watch DOGS Kick Off 6:30 PM
9/14 Cookie Dough/Chocolate Fundraiser Kick Off
9/16 All Pro Dads 7:30 AM
9/24 Staff Appreciation Conference Lunch