River Heights Elementary School
September 2019
Welcome to the 2019-20 School Year!
Thank you to everyone for your support and contributions that made the first two weeks of school so successful! We are looking forward to a wonderful year of Exploring, Creating, and Reflecting on our learning journey together!
The River Heights Team
Our Office Team
Mrs. McFetridge, Admin Assistant
Mrs. Richardson, Library/Office Support
Our Custodial Team
Mrs. Senini, Custodian
Our Literacy Support Team
Mrs. Pierce (Mrs. J), Early Literacy Assistant
Our ELP Team
Mrs. Maser, Educational Assistant
Mrs. Kakuk, Educational Assistant
Our Kindergarten Team
Mrs. McVeigh, K1 Early Childhood Educator
Mrs. Flint, K1 Educational Assistant
Mrs. Gale, K2 Teacher
Mrs. Pierce (Mrs. J), K2 Educational Assistant
Our Gr. 1 Team
Ms. Willock, 1W Teacher
Our Gr. 2 Team
Mrs. Smith, 2S Teacher
Miss Stout, 2S 4th-year Student Teacher
Our Gr. 3 Team
Mrs. Warmink, 3W Teacher
Our Gr. 4 Team
Miss Boschee, 4A 4th-year Student Teacher
Miss Trembecki, 4A Student Teacher
Mrs. Henry, 4PH Teacher
Mrs. Pahl, 4PH Teacher
Miss Moule, 4PH Student Teacher
Our Gr. 5 Team
Mr. Savard, 5S Teacher
Our Gr. 6 Team
Mrs. Reiniger, 6R Teacher
Student Support
Bell Schedule
First lunch 12:15 - 12:37
(K, grades 2, 4, 6 eat. Grades 1, 3, 5 play.)
Second lunch 12:37 - 1:00
(Grades 1, 3, 5 eat. K, grades 2, 4, 6 play.)
Dismissal 3:10
(We will dismiss at 12:00 the day before Christmas break and before Summer break.)
Staying Connected
We work to keep our school website updated (especially the calendar). Please check this resource for upcoming events. Our website can be found at http://riverheights.mhpsd.ca/.
Connections & Safety: Sign-In Protocol
If you are bringing your child into the school late or taking them out early (i.e. medical appointment), we ask that you please report to the office to sign your child in (or out). If you are just dropping your child off (or picking up) at regularly scheduled school times in the morning or at the end of the school day, there is no need to sign in or out.
Your support with these procedures helps us to continually build connections with families, while also ensuring that we know who is in the building should there ever be an emergency situation.
Communicating Learning - FreshGrade
We look forward to future feedback from teachers, students and parents as we continue to strive to improve on how we communicate student learning. Those teachers using FreshGrade will be in communication with applicable parents to provide more information.
River Heights Gear!
Please pop by the school and take a look at our front foyer display case for a sneak peek at just a few of the items available!
We know school clothing creates a sense of belonging, builds a feeling of community, and encourages school pride. We have set the prices very close to our cost but any profits we do make from the sales will help our school pay for programming enhancement.
Sales will take place directly on our online store. Families are able to order and pay for their choices directly. Items will be delivered to your child's classroom once they arrive to the school. The online store will be open until end of day of Sept. 20th, 2019. We anticipate items to be ready 2 - 3 week after the store closes. When ready, you will receive an email from Sports Connection to let you know you can pick up your gear!
If you are interested in trying on items for size, a sample of every size of every item will be available at Sports Connection on Kingsway. They would be happy to help you find the right size. The basic t-shirt will be available all the way down to a very cute 2T. :) The other styles will come in youth and adult sizes. (There will be a number items in adult sizes only; these were included with staff in mind but are certainly available to families, as well.)
If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Gale at laura.gale@sd76.ab.ca.
Thank you for your support and for helping us all show some school spirit!
Lost & Found
As well, a collection of last year's Lost and Found will be set out on tables in the hallway for you to look over, with hopes that much of the clothing may find its way home.
Please consider printing your child's name or initials on the tags of any clothing, jackets, hats, shoes, boots, backpack, etc. that they may be putting on and taking off while at school. It sure helps us to find the rightful owners, and hopefully saves parents money.
Upcoming Events
Tues. Sept. 3 -- First Day of School!
Wed. Sept. 4 @ 7:30 pm -- Parent Council meeting
Fri. Sept. 20 -- School-based PD day, no school for students
Mon. Sept. 23 -- School photos (ELP, grades 1 - 3)
Tue. Sept. 24 -- School photos (Kindergarten, grades 4 - 6)
Mon. Sept. 30 -- Orange Shirt Day
Learning at River Heights Elementary
River Heights Elementary School provides an instructional program that enhances the delivery of the Alberta Education Curriculum. We emphasize critical and creative thinking skills within a safe and caring environment. We promote the integration of subject areas using technology as a vehicle. We encourage and facilitate student independence/interdependence.
Our motto describes our shared educational philosophy: "Explore, create, reflect”.
1) Student-Centred Integrated Learning (including the use of meaningfully integrated technology)
Students at River Heights Elementary are encouraged to make connections and build mental bridges between subject areas. We weave subject area concepts and content together rather than allowing math to always remain in isolation from social studies, for example. This integrated approach to learning facilitates a deeper level understanding and a higher level of student engagement as they develop ownership in projects and activities involving more than one curriculum subject. Meaningfully integrated technology serves as a vehicle for many of our integrated activities; technology is seen as a tool for learning rather than an activity.
2) Critical and Creative Thinking Skills
Critical and creative thinking skills are central to our program. Students are immersed in the use of thinking skills that are then used to investigate curriculum topics mandated by the Alberta Education Curriculum.
The application of Edward DeBono's Six Thinking Hats is taught throughout the school as well as additional thinking strategies suitable for particular grade levels. These thinking skills are valuable tools that encourage students to grow in creative and critical thought patterns.
3) Student Independence and Interdependence
We plan for experiences which encourage children to make clear plans, organize ideas and resources, investigate topics, share their learning with others, and reflect on their progress. We challenge students to become more responsible for their learning and to grow in independence. We provide students with opportunities and guidance in working with a wide variety of peers. We know that being able to engage in positive and productive interdependence is an important life skill.
4) Safe and Caring Learning Environment
Students and Staff demonstrate the Tribes Agreements in our interactions with each other and with families.
1. Demonstrate mutual respect.
2. Offer appreciations. Do not give put-downs.
3. Exercise the right to pass; respect the right of others to participate.
4. Demonstrate attentive listening.
River Heights Elementary provides parents with one option to consider as they make a selection best suited to meet the needs of their child and his/her learning style. By making the deliberate choice to attend River Heights Elementary, both parents and children are demonstrating a commitment to the education philosophy and goals of our school.
Screening Tools at River Heights & MHPSD: Literacy & Numeracy
The following quick universal screens are used by teachers to flag students for collaborative discussions and to support planning for student learning:
Early Childhood:
- Early Years Evaluation Teacher Assessment (EYE-TA) - Twice per year (K only)
- Early Years Evaluation Diagnostic Assessment (EYE-DA) - 1-2 times per year (ELP only)
Literacy:
- Reading Readiness Screening Tool (RRST) - On-going (K & Gr 1)
- STAR Reading - Minimum of 3 times per school year (Gr 2-10)
Numeracy
- Math Intervention/Planning Instrument (MIPI) - Once per school year (Gr 2-10)
More information will be shared as applicable.
Parent Council
Thank-you to all the parents who attended our first Parent Council meeting. Mrs. Bowal shared during the staff presentation time and had us all in tears with her lovely stories about her role as the school’s Classroom Support Teacher (CST). We have the most amazing staff at River Heights School.
We are excited to announce that we will be pursuing fundraising this year. More details to follow in the very near future. We are pleased to announce Megan Loran as our new Parent Council Treasurer, and are also pleased to welcome our Hot Lunch Coordinators: Dawn Austin and Karla Tweten.
There is Hot Lunch just about every week during the school year with many healthy options. You can order online at http:/sd76.schoolcashonline.com. If you are interested in helping out with Hot Lunch a sign-up sheet will be on the Parent Council Bulletin Board.
Lastly, we LOVE our volunteers and have a few opportunities this year for parents to join us and be part of our school community. We are looking for volunteers for the following positions:
- Winter Village volunteer
- Donuts for Dad coordinator
- Donuts for Dear Mom coordinator
- Future Casino Chair (to job shadow our current Casino Chair)
Your 2019-20 Parent Council Team
- Co-chairs: Taneill Selinger and Katie Albers
- Treasurer: Megan Loran
- Secretary: Tara Betts
Stay Connected
We will use this space to share about Parent Council events and Parent Council fundraisers. If you have questions about the school, please direct them to the office.
Parent Council Meetings
Wed. Sept. 4th @ 7:30 pm
Wed. Oct. 2nd @ 7:30 pm
Wed. Nov. 6th @ 7:30 pm
Wed. Dec. 4th @ 7:30 pm
Wed. Jan. 15th @ 7:30 pm
Wed. Feb 5th @ 7:30 pm
Wed. Mar. 4th @ 7:30 pm
Wed. Apr. 1st @ 7:30 pm
Wed. May 6th @ 8:00 pm
Wed. June 3rd @ 8:00 pm
Hot Lunch Information
We are always looking for help! Without volunteers this fundraiser would not be a success. Please connect with a Parent Council member or the school office if you are able to volunteer to serve hot lunch!
All ordering is done online. Follow this link to place your orders:
http://www.schoolcashonline.com/
Reminder, all hot lunch orders are due one week before. No late orders can be accepted.
If your child is absent from school on hot lunch day, we are unable to provide refunds or credits because we have to pay for the food upfront. You can call the school if you would like to pick up your child's order and it will be set aside for you.
Registration Tutorial:
Step 1: Go to our website: http://riverheights.mhpsd.ca/
Select FOR PARENTS, then SCHOOL CASH ONLINE and “Get Started Today” and follow the three easy steps to Register and create your profile.
Step 2: After you receive the confirmation email, please click the link that was sent to you.
Step 3: Log in and add each of your children to your household account. Find the correct school and enter your student’s last name and Student ID# to complete the process. If you are registering a new student and need to find your child's School Number, please ask Mrs. McFetridge in the office (403-527-3730) and she will kindly assist you.
Step 4: If you want to receive email notifications when new lunches are added, please ensure the notification box is checked in the “Manage Your Notifications” section found in the My Account tab. If you have any questions during the registration process or while shopping online, please select the SUPPORT option in the top right hand area of the screen.
Step 5: Now that you’ve successfully registered, please select the “Item” tab and view the lunch items available for pre-ordering. You can order by clicking on the item name and select the choices offered on the menu and click add to cart for completion.
Step 6: At check out, a detail list of what’s in your cart will be listed. You can select more items or continue to check out. Select the payment method of your choice and complete the process.You can click on the payment history tab to view order & payment records.
Hot Lunch Menu
Thurs. Sept. 19 -- Pizza & Freezies
Fri. Sept. 27 -- Pasta & Fresh Veggies
Fri. Oct. 4 -- Dairy Queen
Fri. Oct. 11 -- Subway
Fri. Oct. 18 -- Pizza
Thurs. Oct. 24 -- Hotdogs
Fri. Nov. 1 -- Taco-in-a-Bag
Fri. Nov. 8 -- Subway
Fri. Nov. 15 -- Pizza
Thurs. Nov. 21 -- Hot Cakes
Fri. Nov. 29 -- Taco Time
Community Resources
A Message from Children's Allied Health
Children’s Allied Health (previously CHADS) Behavioural Services would like to share our current programs and services information with you.
We are a family based, early intervention program designed to provide behavioural strategies to children under the age of 8 and support parents to manage behaviours in the home.
Our services include:
· Sleep education for parents of children 18 months and older. We offer a monthly sleep seminar which is held in Medicine Hat and is available to additional Alberta Health Services sites through videoconferencing. Please see the handout below for upcoming dates.
· Children’s programs which are held in Medicine Hat and are facilitated using Play-based therapy and Brief Solution-Focused Therapy. All of our programs are designed to include corresponding parent sessions. These programs include Kids in Control, Kids in the Middle, and Bravehearts. Please see the handout below for program descriptions.
· Parent Consultation Services are offered by our Child and Youth Development Specialists, who are available to consult with parents by telephone, Skype, or in our office regarding behaviour, child development, and parenting topics.
Registration for these services are ongoing and referrals may be received by fax from your organization (see referral form below), or parents are welcome to call us directly to self-refer (403-502-8257).
River Heights Elementary
Email: rvrhgts@sd76.ab.ca
Website: http://riverheights.mhpsd.ca
Location: 301 6th Ave SW Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 5T6
Phone: (403) 527-3730
Facebook: facebook.com/RiverHeightsES
Twitter: @RiverHeightsES