Roadrunner Review
August 2021
A letter from Mrs. Durgey
Dear Riggs Families,
Can you believe we are about to begin week #5 and next week is already parent teacher conferences? I am not sure how this can possibly be but, we are halfway through the 1st quarter.
This past week we held our student council elections. Candidates hung posters with catchy slogans, passed out stickers, and campaigned. Although only a few officers are selected, we are so proud of all the candidates that campaigned this year and hope to see them all participate as their class representatives. We'd also like to congratulate those that were selected as officers this year and look forward to their leadership. Their pictures and positions are posted below.
A huge thank you to our safety patrol for helping with drop off. What a tremendous help you've been in speeding up the line and helping our students safely to and from their cars. We are so proud of all the volunteers and are reminded how strong we all are when we work together.
We have completed or are currently completing the first rounds of assessments. This gives our teachers the direction on how to best meet the needs of each and every child. Teachers will be sharing this information at parent teacher conferences held on August 25th and 26th. Reminder that both of those days are early release days. All students will dismiss at 11:40 a.m.
We do have a newer office staff and our desire is to follow protocols and keep all children safe. Please be prepared to show your ID when you arrive to pick up a student. Please remind relatives of this procedure if they will be picking up your child.
We have seen an increase in student illness requiring students to be sent home. So, please continue to monitor your kids and keep them home if they seem off or experience any symptoms. We continue to evaluate and increase our safety efforts where we can on campus. Please make sure we have current contact information. When a student needs to go home we need to be able to reach a parent. Please know that the number may come up on your phone as a CUSD District Call. We ask that you update any contact information so we have emergency contacts in the system as well.
Warmly,
Jamie Durgey, Principal
Annual Emergency Contact Information
CUSD Annual Update is Now Available in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal
New & Existing families will need to complete this annually to update their information in Infinite Campus, as well as answer the questions related to the student handbook.
Click on the Link Below to Sign-In to the Parent Portal:
Site Council and Community Leadership Team
The Site Council & Community Team is a collaborative group of parents, teachers, support staff members, & business owners. We will discuss topics such as Tax Credit, budgets, safety, technology, Social Emotional Initiatives, & STEAM.
Interested in being a member?
Complete the interest survey & submit your information by 4:00pm on August 27th. You will be contacted via email if you have been selected as a member of the team.
Meeting Dates and Times:
Wednesday, September 15 at 3:30 PM
Wednesday, November 17th at 3:30 PM
Wednesday, February 16th at 3:30 PM
Wednesday, April 13 at 3:30 PM
Canine Companions
We are excited to announce a partnership with the nonprofit organization Canine Companions! Canine Companions is leading the service dog industry so their clients and their dogs can live with greater independence. Canine Companions provides service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice, and educational settings. Canine Companion service dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to their clients. We recently met a volunteer puppy raiser, Pat Lawson and her puppy, Maui. Volunteer puppy raisers provide specially-bred puppies a safe home, take them to obedience classes, serve up a healthy diet, provide socialization opportunities and give lots of love. Each hour spent caring for a Canine Companions puppy is vital to its development as a future assistance dog. The puppy raising program provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to assist with Canine Companion's very important mission. Last Friday, Maui co-anchored Morning Announcements with Mrs. Sands. Pat and Maui will pop on campus this year for assemblies, fundraisers, and special events. Student Council will sponsor $1 Hat Days to help raise funds for Maui's food, training, and medical expenses. We are excited to watch Maui grow up right before our eyes!
Mrs. Durgey meeting Maui
Canine Companion Logo
Mrs. Sands meeting Maui
Art Masterpiece
What is Art Masterpiece?
Art Masterpiece is an enrichment program where volunteers use reproductions of fine works of art to promote art literacy in children. Art is an integral part of life and the Art Masterpiece Program is a chance to stimulate the students' thought, perception and imagination. In the end, students attain a greater awareness of the world around them. Volunteers called "Art Guides" bring prints to the classroom and present a lesson and art activity planned for a particular grade level.
Is art education really important?
Yes! Here are some of the ways art benefits and enriches our students' lives:
Art teaches self-discipline and enhances motor skills
Art promotes cognitive & creative thinking
Art teaches problem-solving skills
Art strengthens self-esteem and self-confidence
Art provides a means of self-expression and promotes appreciation for the individuality of others
Art improves overall academic performance
I would like to be a guide ... but I don't know much about art. Is that a problem?
Art Guides do not have to be former art majors, teachers, or even well-versed in art. Qualities such as reliability and enthusiasm are more important in our Art Guides than artistic ability. Art Masterpiece is one of the few volunteer programs were you can teach in your child's classroom. Because of this, Art Guides need a sense of commitment and must be willing to devote a small portion of their time each month. In return, they receive gratification for bringing Art Education to appreciative and interested students.
Is there training for Art Guides?
Training is provided before assignment to a classroom. Training classes will be held at local schools with additional sessions throughout the year. We also provide opportunities for volunteers to observe a class before they commit to a specific classroom.
For more information, contact your classroom teacher or the PTO.
Water, Water, Water!!
All the students who ran for Student Council this year!
Our New Board
Our New President for the 2021-2022 School Year
Riggs Elementary
Website: https://www.cusd80.com/riggs
Location: 6930 S Seville Blvd W, Gilbert, AZ, USA
Phone: 480-224-3400
Twitter: @Durgey