JANUARY NEWS
RIVERSIDE NEWSLETTER 2023-2024
Our Parent-Teacher Conferences provide a great opportunity for teachers and parents to share the progress and success of students. Our goal is to keep communication lines open and gather input from parents on how to best support your students throughout the school year. Thank you for taking the time to visit with teachers and providing us with feedback, ideas, and goals for your students.
Just a reminder that November 27 is the end of our One School, One Book Simply Sweet Cheesecake Fundraiser. Orders can be picked up on December 8 in Lakefield between 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Thank you for your orders which helps support our One Book, One School program!
Our Terrific Kids programs have been changed to the following dates: If your student is nominated as a Terrific Kid, you will be contacted by your classroom teacher and the school office and invited to attend the program in support of your student!
November Terrific Kids: Monday, December 4, 2:20-2:50 p.m.
December Terrific Kids: Monday, December 18, 2:20-2:50 p.m.
Mrs. Olson and our third graders have been working hard to get ready for their Christmas music program, "Santa's Holiday Playlist". Parents and families are invited to join us for our third grade Christmas program on Thursday, December 7 at 1:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
Cold weather is here, so please remember to send winter coats, gloves and hats to school! We want students to go outside everyday and enjoy fresh air and exercise if the weather permits, and they need to be dressed warmly. We also ask that students' names are written inside jackets and coats in case items are misplaced. Our lost and found area is getting full, so if you have been missing clothing items lately, please stop by and see if these items belong to your child.
We hope you enjoy this holiday season!
Go Huskies!
Kim Meyer, Ed.D.
Riverside Principal/Title I Coordinator
JCC School District
(507) 847-6649
HEALTH OFFICE MESSAGE
School-based activities that promote student wellness are essential components of the educational process and that good health fosters student attendance and learning.
The Health office reminds families the importance of sending healthy snacks to school with your student. It is vital to their daily learning to fuel their body with low sugar snacks. Attached you will see a sheet on healthy snack ideas. Be mindful if you have been notified that your student is in a food allergy aware classroom.
Per the Wellness policy NO caffeinated beverages are allowed during the school day, this includes the popular Bubbl'r drinks, and any soda. We ask they only consume water, milk, or 100% Fruit Juice at school.
The policy can be found on the JCC School website jccschools.net under policies number 533. Any questions or concerns please reach out to the health office.
This is just a reminder of some helpful tips to keep all our students healthy during the cold and flu season.
SEASON OF GIVING
School-Wide PBIS
During the month of December, our school-wide PBIS will be focusing on generosity. If you have gift bags or wrapping paper that you would like to donate to Riverside, please drop those off in the Riverside office, or send those to school with your student.
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 4
- November Terrific Kids Program 2:20-2:50 p.m.
December 7
- Music Program at HS
- Dress rehearsal at 9:30 a.m.
- Program for parents at 1:00 p.m.
December 8
- Simply Sweet Cheesecake Lakefield Pickup Only 12:00-6:00 p.m.
December 18
- December Terrific Kids Program 2:20-2:50 p.m.
December 21
- One School, One Book State Theater Field Trip
December 25- January 1
- Winter Break
January 2
- School Begins
EMPATHY AND KINDNESS
During the months of November and December, Mrs. Anderson will be focusing on areas of decision-making skills, empathy, helping others and gratitude during her Quest classes. Students posted their act of kindness on the "Kindness Counts Wall". They were very proud of how they helped others in school, home and the community.
PK-3 students participate in Quest twice per month, which is led by our school counselor, Shirley Anderson. The Second Step curriculum is a Tier 1 social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum that includes age appropriate and relevant real-life scenarios to promote student engagement and learning.
The Second Step Curriculum Units:
1. Growth mindset and Goal Setting
2. Emotion Management
3. Empathy and Kindness
4. Problem-Solving
NOVEMBER TERRIFIC KIDS
Lola H.
Preschool
Karishma J.
Preschool
Haiven E.
Kindergarten
Quinn S.
Kindergarten
Jayden K.
First Grade
Raiden B.
First Grade
Allison O.
Second Grade
Lenox R.
Second Grade
Autumn Rowe
Third Grade
FUN LEARNING ACTIVITIES FOR THE HOLIDAY BREAK
Math:
- Play board games that involve numbers
- Bake using step-by-step recipes where students can measure, mix, and divide ingredients and vary the number of servings
Reading/Writing:
- Visit a public library and check out books and e-reader titles
- Play Scrabble with friends and family members
- If traveling, students can keep a travel journal, including photos, captions, reflections, and descriptive impressions
- Writing projects based on specific themes
Science:
- Discover the great outdoors
- Outdoor nature walks and take pictures
- Keep a lunar journal of moon observations and records of activity
- Watch documentaries and educational shows
History:
- Conduct an Internet search on questions about the holidays such as their origin, how they are celebrated in other countries and other cultures, and the roots of holiday traditions
Art:
- Movie-making project: Write a story, design a "movie set"
- DIY projects for home décor
- Paint, sketch
LOVE & LOGIC PARENTING CLASS
MTSS
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) provides a method of early identification and intervention that can help struggling students to catch up with their peers. As such, MTSS uses three tiers of support to assist all students at various levels. These three tiers include:
Tier 1: Core Instruction: All students receive core instruction and basic interventions in the classroom. Students may work in small groups based on their strengths and areas of need. This structure helps to build positive relationships between staff and students and it includes proactive classroom management strategies aimed at creating a supportive atmosphere. Students who do not respond to these interventions may move into Tier 2.
Tier 2: Targeted Group Interventions: Students who need more support in addition to the core curriculum will receive interventions and supports that are delivered in small group settings, such as reading groups to help them catch up to their peers. Ex: Title I, Reading Corps., Math Interventions
Tier 3: Intensive Individual Interventions: Students who have significant challenges and do not respond to the interventions and supports in Tier 1 or Tier 2, can receive more individualized support.
WINTER CLOTHING
CHANGE OF SEASONS
As we move into winter weather, students will need warmer clothing for recess. Recess is typically outside unless it is raining or severely cold. We also ask that students' names are written inside jackets/coats and backpacks in case items are misplaced.
DROP OFF AND PICK UP REMINDERS
Morning Drop Off: This is a friendly reminder that if you are bringing your students to school please drop them off at the following locations below. For safety purposes, parents/visitors cannot be in the hallways without first checking in at the main office to sign in and get a visitor's badge. We ask that parents do not bring students to their classrooms/lockers after the first day of school, unless pre-arranged with the classroom teacher or principal. Thank you for working with us to help keep students safe and build their confidence and independence. We have staff posted throughout the building and playground to help guide students to where they need to be.
For safety purposes, do not drop your students off before 7:30 a.m. Staff supervision does not begin until 7:30 a.m.
Door 2: Hug and Go Entrance by Main Office
Door 3: Lower parking lot
Discovery Place: Preschool age students
Afternoon Pick Up:
* If you are waiting for transfer bus students to arrive at Riverside, please wait in your car, or at the top of the sidewalk by the stairs to the playground. For safety purposes, only staff and students can be on the playground.
Pick Up Locations:
*We have staff waiting with students at designated doors for parent pick up. This is to prevent students from crossing the street or parking lot without supervision.
Door 2: Main Office
Door 3: Lower Parking Lot
Discovery Place Preschool
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Busing:
- Shuttle Bus to PLV/MS: Leaves Riverside at 7:40 a.m. (playground blacktop)
- Shuttle Bus from PLV/MS: Arrives at Riverside 8:00 a.m.
- Route Buses: Arrive at Riverside at 8:00 a.m.
- Free Breakfast: Served from 7:40-8:15 a.m.
- Morning Recess: 7:35-8:00 a.m.
- School Begins: 8:20 a.m.
- School Ends: 3:10 p.m.
- Afternoon Shuttle Bus to PLV/MS: Leaves Riverside at 3:15 p.m.
- Afternoon Route Buses: Arrive/Leave Riverside at 3:45 p.m.
LUNCH & RECESS SCHEDULES
RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, POSITIVE, SAFE
Resources for Parents
Email: kim.meyer@jccschools.net
Website: https://www.jccschools.com/riversideelementary
Location: 820 Park Street, Jackson, MN 56143