The Riverview Reader
Updates For The Week of October 16
Principal's Corner
Riverview Families,
It was wonderful to see so many of you at conferences last week. I hope you enjoyed the book fair and were able to check in with your child's teacher about how the year has started for them. I saw lots of smilies on the faces of students, parents, and teachers. It feels so good to be a part of a school where there is true partnership and where everyone feels welcome. Thank you for your partnership and for sharing your children with us. They bring us tremendous joy every day!
We firmly believe that all students (and adults!) can grow in any area as long as there is a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. We remind students each day that everyone is working to improve on something. At times it is in math and at other times it's trying to master the monkey bars. Sometimes it's working hard to improve reading fluency and at other times we are deeply focused on being better able to manage strong emotions appropriately. At any moment in time, there are a million things we are working on with our students. I am reminded every day that we all learn in different ways and at different paces but as long as we never give up we can reach any goal. Success in these areas takes time, patience, and persistence but being able to see their growth is why we do what we do.
Best wishes for a great week!
Shawn Peck
Principal
Important Upcoming Dates
- Thursday, Oct. 19 - NO SCHOOL; MEA BREAK
- Friday, Oct. 20 - NO SCHOOL; MEA BREAK
- Tuesday, Oct. 31 - Halloween; No Costumes Please; Wear Black/Orange Day
- Tuesday, Nov. 7 - Election Day (see below for details)
- Thursday, Nov. 9 - Patriotic Day (see below for details)
Getting Ready for School
• Have your children put everything they carry in a backpack or school bag so that they won’t drop things along the way.
• Encourage them to wear bright, contrasting colors so they will be easily seen by drivers.
• Make sure children leave home on time so they can arrive at the bus stop before it is due, ideally at least five minutes early. Running after or in front of a bus is dangerous.
Walking to the Bus Stop
• Walk young children to the bus stop or encourage children to walk in groups. There is safety in numbers; groups are easier for drivers to see.
• Practice good pedestrian behavior: walk on the sidewalk, and if there is no sidewalk stay out of the street. If you must walk in the street, walk single file, face traffic and stay as close to the edge of the road as you can.
• Stop and look left, right and then left again if you must cross the street. Do the same thing at drive -ways and alleys. Exaggerate your head turns and narrate your actions so your child knows you are looking left, right and left.
At the Bus Stop
• Have children wait in a location where the driver can see them while driving down the street. Try to avoid waiting in a house or car.
• Do not let children play in the street. Playing with balls or other toys that could roll into the street is also dangerous.
Getting On and Off the Bus
• Warn children that if they drop something getting on and off the bus, they should never pick it up. Instead, they should tell the driver and follow the driver’s instructions.
• Remind children to look to the right before they step off the bus.
• If you meet your child at the bus stop after school, wait on the side where the child will be dropped off, not across the street. Children can be so excited to see you after school that they dash across the street and forget the safety rules.
• If children need to cross the street when boarding/unloading the bus, children need to wait for the driver’s signal indicating it is safe to cross.
Mobile Devices
Cell phones and other electronic devices are often permitted on the school bus as long as:
• They are in backpacks or other holders, keeping hands free to use handrails while boarding and departing the bus.
• Sound is muted or headphones, ear buds or similar devices are used.
• Content does not violate the law or school district policy and procedures.
• Use does not create a distraction for the driver.
Please Be Aware of Safety Patrols and SLOW DOWN When Arriving In The Morning
We have seen and heard reports of people coming in a little too hot in the morning and creating a potentially dangerous situation for our students who are walkers and those who serve on safety patrol. This obviously includes the Riverview parking lot but the situation is most serious at the crossing near Dodge Middle School (see below). Our patrollers and parents have reported that cars routinely travel too fast down 208th Street and that some cars do not stop when the patrollers are in the road crossing pedestrians. Be mindful of the safety of everyone when getting to school.
It's MEA Week - NO SCHOOL On Thursday & Friday
Mark Your Calendars! Annual Farmington Patriotic Day Event Scheduled For Thursday, Nov. 9th
If you are a veteran and would like to participate, please reach out to Farmington Patriotic Organization President, Jon Holmes at jholmes@farmington.k12.mn.us. You can also reach out to him if you would like to volunteer during the event or simply to learn more about it.
South of the River Drum & Dance Classes
Each school year, American Indian Education Programs collaborate to bring unique educational experiences for all ages. South metro districts that participate in these events are Burnsville, Eagan, Savage; Lakeville; Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan; West St. Paul; Mendota Heights; Eden Prairie; Hastings; Richfield; Shakopee, and Farmington.
We invite our ISD 192 American Indian families to join us to learn traditional American Indian pow wow songs and dances. You will learn about the different dance styles, their stories and the steps. Our young boys and men will be taught drum songs and protocols while at the drum.
Please label Student Items To Prevent Our Lost & Found From Getting Bigger!
The Weather Is Getting Colder! Please Dress Your Child Appropriately
Halloween Costumes Should Not Be Worn To School on Oct. 31
From Mr. Clausen - Sedona the Therapy Dog to Join the Riverview School Community This Week
Hello Riverview Families,
It is my pleasure to introduce the newest member of our RVE community, Sedona the therapy dog! As some of you recall, Sedona began visiting Riverview when she was just 9 weeks old, which began her socialization and training journey. Since then, she has completed her formal training and observations, and has been certified as a therapy dog through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs organization. A therapy dog’s role is a bit different than a service dog. Therapy dogs are trained to work with people of all walks of life, where service dogs are trained to assist individuals with specific tasks. It is our goal to have Sedona have the greatest possible impact on RVE students and staff, while honoring individual accommodations to ensure a positive experience for all.
Benefits of having a therapy dog in schools:
Therapy dogs reduce stress/anxiety and foster an environment more conducive to learning.
Therapy dogs boost attentiveness in students.
Therapy dogs instill a sense of responsibility in students.
Therapy dogs increase social interaction.
Studies have also shown positive impacts on core subjects such as reading and math.
How is this going to look?
Mr. Clausen has been certified as Sedona’s handler, and she will be in his direct control throughout the school day. Sedona has been crate trained, and her range in the school will be limited to the bus doors and the Gold house. During the day she will spend the majority of her time in the iNature room specifically. Students will be introduced/reintroduced to her gradually, and will be taught how to interact with her appropriately and at their comfort level.
Special accommodations?
It is absolutely our goal to make this the best possible experience for everyone, and individual accommodations big or small will be honored. I am already aware of most students who have dog allergies, and have accommodations already planned to ensure the safety and comfort of students. However, if you would like to discuss this further or have specific needs please reach out to me directly or let the office know.
Sedona is expected to begin service on Monday, October 16th!
From the RVES PTP - Please Help Support Our Tiger Pantry!
What Does that Mean? During the month of October, Kindergarten students at RVES are encouraged to bring in various non-perishable food items and other necessities for the RVES Tiger Pantry. You can view the complete2023-2024 Donation Schedule by clicking here.
Students can bring in donations any time, even if it is not their designated month.
What is the Tiger Pantry? The Tiger Pantry is a mini food pantry located at RVES. The Tiger Pantry helps RVES students who need supplemental nutritional intake when they aren’t in school (evenings, weekends, and school breaks). It is stocked solely by the donations from RVES students and families like yours, is managed by volunteers, and used by any RVES students and their families who need to supplement their pantry at home.
Who Can Use the Tiger Pantry To put it simply, ANYONE can use the Tiger Pantry! There are no questions asked, no forms to fill out, no lines to wait in, no qualifications to meet; you don’t even have to talk to anyone (just help yourself or have your child/children pick up items from the Tiger Pantry to bring home in their backpacks)! Things can get tough, and the Tiger Pantry is here to help! During school hours you can access the Tiger Pantry by going through the main office. The main doors are unlocked before and after school.
What Items are Needed / Where do we Bring Them? The Tiger Pantry is always in need of donations! Any non-perishable food items (snack items as well as meal staples) are essential, and hygiene items, cleaning supplies, gift cards and other necessities, are greatly appreciated as well. No prep or low prep foods are ideal to make it easy for kids. Here are popular options to consider: Ramen, Canned Soup (i.e. chicken noodle), Mac and Cheese, Spaghetti Noodles, Spaghetti Sauce, Alfredo Sauce, Ravioli, Spaghettios, Fruit Cups, Applesauce Squeeze Pouches These items can be sent to school with your child or, if you prefer, you can bring in the donations yourself. There will be collection bins near your child’s classroom and in the front office or vestibule.
To learn even more about the Tiger Pantry, including how important it is to have this resource available to RVES students and their families, please visit our RVES PTP website (http://rvesptp.org), our RVES Facebook page, or email TigerPantryRVESPTP@gmail.com In addition to being extremely vital to keeping the Tiger Pantry stocked, giving to the Tiger Pantry is also a great opportunity to teach our children about kindness and community. So, as always, thank you so much for your support!
Many Fun and Engaging After School Sparks Clubs and Camps For RVES Students Starting Soon; Click the Link Below to Learn More!
Looking for something fun for your child(ren) to do? Babysitter Training, Basketball, Cheer, Drama Lab, Gymnastics, Home Alone Training, Horse Camp, Kung Fu, Origami, Parkour, and Volleyball Camp are starting soon! Register your youth today through Community Education today at: https://bit.ly/CE192ElementaryEnrichment23-24 or call 651-460-3200.
In need of fee assistance to participate? Youth on free and reduced lunch or who have extenuating circumstances are eligible to apply for fee assistance.
Apply here: http://bit.ly/192CEyouthfeeassistance.
Absentee Voting Is Now OPEN For the Levy For Learning Vote
The Farmington Area Public Schools Board voted to schedule a referendum election for November 7, 2023. In Minnesota, you can vote with an absentee ballot starting September 22, 2023. Absentee voting locations are the ISD 192 District Office, Dakota County Western Service Center - Apple Valley, Dakota County Government Center - Hastings, and Dakota County Northern Service Center - West St. Paul.
If you choose to vote at the ISD 192 District Office, please note that the district office is located inside Farmington High School (20655 Flagstaff Avenue, Farmington, MN 55024). Please enter through door 16 on the south side of the building. The District Service Center is open Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Make Sure Your Child is Reading At Least 20 Minutes Per Night
Reading at home is not only good for academic achievement, it is a great way to create a quiet & calm household, reduces stress & anxiety, support wellness & mental health, improve critical thinking, and promote empathetic thinking in your children. If you ever need books to support this 20 minute per night goal, please reach out to your child's teacher right away!
Archived Newsletters
Stay Connected To Riverview
Email: speck@farmington.k12.mn.us
Website: https://rves.farmington.k12.mn.us/
Location: 4100 208th Street West, Farmington, MN 55024, USA
Phone: 651-460-1600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rve192