Dear Riverdale Families,

It’s hard to believe that today marks the 11th day of school. It feels like just yesterday I was introducing myself and inviting you to have popsicles with me. The energy in the building is contagious as our students have settled in and are exploring the joys of learning. Teachers have been working tirelessly to build classroom communities and it is amazing to witness.

Last Wednesday, we held our first all-school assembly and reviewed what it looks like to be a Riverdale model student. Students are able to verbalize our core values of being respectful, responsible, hardworking, and positive members of our community. We also read the book, "The Day You Begin" by Jacqueline Woodson. This is an outstanding book that celebrates diversity in the classroom and focuses on belonging, relationship skills, and having the courage to share your story. The story demonstrates how our stories help us to make connections to other people and realize our unique and special differences. I want each and every member of our Riverdale community to feel safe and proud to share their stories.

We continue to take proactive cleaning measures during the school day, washing surfaces and hands often. Nurse Byrne can administer a COVID-19 test for symptomatic individuals who have a new consent form on file. Please fill out this form if you wish to give your consent to have your child(ren) tested if they have symptoms during the school day.

We, at Riverdale, are looking for parents and community members that are willing to be part of our school council beginning in the fall of 2022. As a member of the school council you will join building staff as well as administration to assist in identifying the educational needs of students attending school, review the annual school building budget, adopt a school improvement plan and educational goals for the school that are consistent with local educational policies. Meetings will occur once a month from 6:00-7:00. If we have several interested individuals, we will hold an election this fall. If you are interested, or have questions please feel free to reach out to me via email dbennett@dedham.k12.ma.us.

As I mentioned in my August newsletter, I would like to invite the Riverdale Families to provide feedback to me via this form. All answers will be kept confidential and I will be using your feedback to identify themes, and will present them to you during a future PTO meeting. This will allow us to have a collaborative discussion on areas of strength and areas of growth.

As I close, I would like to share some bittersweet news regarding Mrs. Ava Martin, our Riverdale administrative assistant. Unfortunately for Riverdale, Mrs. Martin’s last day with us will be on September 30, 2022. Mrs. Martin is leaving Riverdale to pursue another opportunity that she could not pass up. After being part of our community for 9+ school years, she will be greatly missed here at Riverdale and throughout Dedham. I want to publicly thank Mrs. Martin for all she has done for me as I have transitioned to Dedham, and I know you will all join me in wishing her nothing but the best in her future endeavors.

Warmly,

Dana Bennett, Principal

Welcome back to the Riverdale Library. I hope that you all had an enjoyable and relaxing summer. I spent a lot of time reading new books and can't wait to share them with your students. The first week of school, students shared with me some of the books they enjoyed over the summer. I often get great suggestions for book purchases from students sharing books that they enjoyed.

The Riverdale Fall Book Fair will be held the first week of October. Parents are welcome to come and shop during the school day as well as back to school night on Thursday, October 6th. All proceeds of the book fair benefit the library and enable me to purchase new books. More details will be sent home the week before the book fair. If you haven’t seen the library, I would encourage you to stop by during back to school night and take a look around. I would love to meet you and am happy to answer any questions that you might have about the library program.

During the month of October, Jackson Gervais, the PE teacher and I will be promoting a month long Fit and Lit incentive. This program will encourage students to read and exercise on a daily basis. Students who participate in the challenge can earn book and sneaker charms for their backpacks. All the details will be sent home at the end of September.

Ingrid Mayyasi

Librarian

Riverdale School

@Ingrid01

Class Website

If your student will be absent for any reason (illness, tardy, appointment, travel, etc.) Please call the Absentee Line (781) 310-2799. Outside of regular school hours there is an answering machine to take your message.

If you need to come in to the school please be sure to use the Main Entrance. You will be asked to identify yourself, sign in at the Main Office and wear a Visitors Pass if you will be staying for any length of time.

If you need to dismiss your student during the middle of the day (for example: if they have an appointment that cannot be scheduled other than during school time), please write a note to your students' teacher or the Main Office with the date and time they will be dismissed and who will be picking up the child.

Just a reminder that all volunteers who work with children need to have a current CORI FORM on file with Dedham Public Schools (Especially, if you wish to be a parent volunteer for class trips, field days, etc.). Cori Forms are available in the Main Office.

We want to make both your student and your time at Riverdale a safe and positive learning experience. We are here to help in any way we can!