Riverside Central Elementary
A Community School Newsletter, September 2018
We're Ready!
Gallery Closing at the Minnesota Children's Museum in Rochester!
Please join us at the Children's Museum
Wednesday, September 5th from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
This is the final opportunity to see the exhibit that nearly 8,000 people will have viewed throughout the summer!
This event is free and open to the public but donations are welcome.
We are so proud to have partnered with the Rochester Children's Museum to display our floor to ceiling exhibit, lovingly titled the Riverside Identity Project.
This yearlong project leading up to the mural and design has included dozens of partners who have supported our efforts in their own way, utilizing their own individual strengths. Some have supported us financially, others have supported through in-kind donations. Amazingly, all the people who contributed their skills, expertise and funds, did so in the most incredible and loving way, holding our student artists in the highest possible regard.
We are proud of our community for truly supporting our students, staff and families throughout this entire process. These efforts bring our community the love, hope and future that we all deserve.
As Aaron M., A former Riverside Otter once said, "Thank you for believing in us, and in our future together."
Check out the great videos and article created by the Med City Beat below!
Riverside Community Mural Paint Parties!
Join us as we paint Riverside's Mural. Students, community members, families, staff and everyone else is welcome and encouraged to participate in painting Riverside's Community Mural through a paint-by-number process.
- Saturday, September 8th, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Rochester Farmers Market!
- Tuesday, September 11th, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Riverside Central Elementary
ALL students will also be participating in a artist in residence experience incorporated into art class in September.
Whether we realize it or not, a clear plan or knowing what to expect brings us a sense of security before a new experience, allowing the event to unfold free of fear and unnecessary anxiety for the individual.
This is the sentiment that drove the Mayo Clinic and Riverside Flu Video Collaboration. Last school year roughly 130 Riverside families opted to have their children receive the flu vaccine right at our school Flu Clinic! For families, this eliminates an extra appointment, additional time away from school and/or work, as well as keeps our students healthy.
Riverside Central Elementary is fortunate to be among the sites who provide parents and families with the opportunity to have their child(ren) vaccinated with the flu shot or mist in the comfort and convenience of their school community each fall.
The video is an awesome preparation for our students and staff! We may be biased, but we believe our own Mrs. Green's (former) Kindergarten class and her clearly gifted actors deserve an Academy Award for their efforts to support our school and community in easing anxiety around the flu shot.
Riverside Garden Fun Facts!
- Riverside’s produce was on The Rochester Public Library's Summer Playlist with the Book Mobile this summer! We are so proud that 164 people were able to bring this produce home to share with their families. This Partnership with Rochester Public Library, Green Thumb Initiative at ALC and Natural Grocers was the result of attending a conference with funding for a Food Access Conference from SHIP (Statewide Health Improvement Partnership). We are so thankful for our SHIP friends and the many other really special collaborators on this project. An especially huge thank you to our students, who started these plants from seed last spring.
- Six community groups/partners cared for our garden this summer and our Summer School students cared for, harvested and delivered produce to RPL.
- 530 elementary students, plus an additional 60 high school students participated in preparing Riverside's Garden.
- Roughly 30 School Nutrition Services Staff visited Riverside's garden as they considered ways that schoolyard garden produce can impact school nutrition, student engagement and foster family and community connections.
Minnesota School Nutrition Association Visits Riverside Garden!
On Sunday, August 29th, nearly 750 School Nutrition Service staff convened at the Civic Center for a pre-conference workshop. That day, roughly 30 SNS staff visited the Riverside Garden to consider ways that schoolyard garden produce can impact school nutrition, promote student engagement, and foster family and community connections.
Riverside is proud to be featured in one of the pre-conference sessions as we shared our passion for students, families, and outdoor learning opportunities while making connections and also learning and growing from one another.
Meet Riverside's Public Health Nurse!
Contact info: dibble.brianna@CO.OLMSTED.MN.US
Office phone: 507-328-7504
Riverside Central Elementary, A Community School
Email: licasper@rochester.k12.mn.us
Location: 506 5th Street Southwest, Rochester, MN, USA
Phone: 507-328-3690
Twitter: @riversideotters