Riverside Review
09.02.22
Principal Message
Happy Friday RSI Parents and Family Members,
I want to thank all of our car-rider parents and family members who have been focused on being safe, kind, and cooperative this school year. Keeping our kids safe is priority one and you are helping do just that. Thanks for your continued support with the keeping on the designated car path, paying attention to our bus departures, and for making sure your students stay on the sidewalks. Remember curbside is the only safe way to load students in any pick up setting.
Did you know that RSI has six goats now? If you have not had a chance to go visit the goats and chickens, please do, they love your attention. Please note that we are getting ready to name our two new goat additions. Our students have until Friday, September 9th to let their teachers know their favorite name selection. Please brainstorm with your family and send your name in so we can add it to the form. I've talked with a few students, almost daily, who cannot wait to get their votes in, so jump in and join the fun. In order to support our six goats we do have an outdoor learning fund. Our PTO is gracious in helping us, however we always try to keep resources on the ready to ensure we can care for any emergencies and obviously keep food supplies full. Please feel free to help us raise funds for the outdoor nature lab by ordering your child/children and family members a new "School is Better with Goats" T-shirt. The information and order form are located directly below this message.
As you all know we've hit our deadline for immunizations and we appreciate those of you who worked hard to get the records up to date and turned in. Keeping our kids compliant to the State requirements is a tough task, but thanks to you, we are close to having that important task completed.
I wish you all a wonderful, safe, and exciting long weekend. See you all back next Tuesday!
Sincerely,
Dana Kaminski, Ph.D.
Principal RSI
LAST CALL TO ORDER - NEW Nature Lab T-shirt!
Have you HERD? School is better with GOATS! Especially at the RIVER! RSI has six goats that live in the outdoor nature lab, help us support the outdoor learning lab by purchasing a Riverside Nature Lab T-shirt. Order forms will be sent home with students but you can also print from the link below and send in the order form. Shirts are $15. Cash or check payable to RSI. Orders will be accepted through Tuesday, September 6, 2022.
RSI Families,
Beginning Monday, September 12th, students will be asked to complete the bi-annual Panorama survey. The window to complete the survey is Sept. 12th – 23rd. As we have done in previous years, students are surveyed during the fall and spring semesters.
Families who wish to preview the surveys can find the questions below:
We have been utilizing Panorama Education since 2019 to capture student voice and allow students to express their perspectives about teaching and learning, culture and climate, and their classroom experiences.
If you do not want your student to participate, you must fill out this form. The deadline to opt-out is 11:59 PM on Monday, September 5th, 2022. Students who opt-out will NOT receive a link to the survey and their names will also be shared with building principals and counselors.
Contact Information
Dr. Kaminski - Principal -dkaminski@hse.k12.in.us
Mr. Farrell - Assistant Principal - bfarrell@hse.k12.in.us
Mrs. Satterly - 5th Grade Counselor - ssatterly@hse.k12.in.us
Mrs. Anton - 6th Grade Counselor - banton@hse.k12.in.us
Mrs. Bohannon - IT Specialist - kbohannon@hse.k12.in.us
Important Information from the Transportation Department!
We have been notified by the Transportation Department there will NO LONGER be guest riders allowed on the bus this school year due to the lack of extra seating.
Riverside Info You Should Know
Our goal is to keep our parents/guardians informed of the events and policies at RSI. Please read the information below and call the school office with any questions. Thanks for being such a vital part of making Riverside Intermediate a special school.
Skyward allows parents to access students’ grades from teachers’ electronic grade books.
Health card and consent to treat forms must be completed each school year. This ensures the health and safety of your student, allows us to care for your student and allows your student to attend field trips. These forms are available to complete on your parent Skyward account by clicking on “Back to School Forms”. Fill out all forms online and click “Complete” at the end for the forms to be seen by the nurse.
ParentSquare will be used as the primary communication tool between the HSE school district and students, parents, and staff for emergency situations (for example: school delays or closings). It will also be used for attendance and general information as well throughout the year to notify parents about important information, upcoming events, or milestones.
iPads are required for all students in the 5th and 6th grade to expand our HSE21 curriculum. Families have the choice of purchasing an iPad on their own or they may choose to rent the iPad through the school. Please visit our HSE21 website at https://www.hseschools.org/academics/technology-classroom for more information.
The Riverside Review is our weekly newsletter that is sent out via ParentSquare. It is also posted on our website at https://rsi.hseschools.org/happenings/newsletters. It is full of important information and scheduled activities.
Our Calendar is on our website with the most up to date information. https://www.hsecalendars.org/public/genie/752/school/13/
School Attendance is extremely important. The school attendance line is 317-594-4328. Parents are requested to notify the school as soon as possible. See the student handbook for the detailed attendance policy.
The Tardy Bell rings at 9:15 am. If your student is going to be late to school or absent from school, please call our attendance line at 317-594-4328.
Change of Transportation/ Early Dismissal requires a note sent to school with your student. Be sure to include your student’s full name. Your student should give the note to their homeroom teacher first thing in the morning. This will advise the office of a change. The dismissal bell rings at 4:00 pm. Photo ID is required when signing out a student during the school day.
All Cell Phones are to be turned off and secured in student lockers during the school day. Their use during the school day is forbidden. Cell phones will be confiscated if visible during the school day. All confiscated cell phones must be picked up by a parent.
To be Excused from Participation in PE, students MUST have a doctor’s note stating why he/she cannot participate and for how long the student should be excused. A parental note may be used for one day only.
Safe Visitor Background Checks MUST be on file with the school before a parent is allowed to volunteer in the classroom, have lunch with a student, or go on a field trip. Background checks are valid for 3 years.
Address Changes must be reported to the main office and require proof of residency. Refer to the HSE website for acceptable documents.
Golden Hawk of the Month is the character education program at RSI. Students will be recognized for displaying any of HSE’s nine positive character traits throughout the year by earning a poster and a prize!
The Counselors at RSI loop with the students. Therefore, your student will have the same counselor for 5th and 6th grade. Individual counseling, group counseling, classroom guidance, and character education are all services provided by the counselors at RSI.
Breakfast and Lunch pricing is $1.40 per day(breakfast) and $2.80 per day(lunch). Checks may be made payable to RSI. Please include student ID number on the check. You may also use your debit or credit card to pay for lunch online through eFunds.
Canvas is a tool for teachers to use to distribute important information, submit assignments, and more. Students use the same credentials for Canvas as they use to log into the computers at school.
Students Fees will be assessed one-time per school year. The fees will cover the cost of textbook rental, consumable and material fees. The fee is based on a student’s schedule/courses taken. Fees are assigned in the fall near the end of August with payment due in October. These fees are in addition to the rental fee for an iPad.
ParentSquare
We have switched from Skylert to ParentSquare for our mass communication platform (Skyward is still being used for grades, attendance, etc.). We realize there are many methods for communication in HSE Schools, by moving to ParentSquare we will be able to reduce those some of those methods.
ParentSquare is a simple-to-use platform that provides a safe way for everyone at a school to connect. With ParentSquare, you'll be able to:
- Receive messages from the district and school via email, text or app notification
- Choose to receive information as it comes or all at once at 6 p.m. daily
- Communicate in your preferred language
- Comment on school postings to engage in your school community
- And more all from your phone or web portal!
We invite you to go to www.parentsqure.com to activate your account. Once on the site, put in your email address we have linked to your student in the Sign Up/Create Password section on the right side of the page. Then click “Go”. You will be receive a link to your email account to continue to setup process. Once signed in, if you have a phone number setup in Skyward you will be asked to confirm the number. Also, you will be asked to confirm your students.
After you create your account, we recommend downloading the ParentSquare app from the Apple or Google Play store. With the app, you can enable push notifications on your phone for alerts as well as set a language preference.
If you need to make any changes to your email or phone numbers, please log into Skyward and make those changes under the Student Info section.
Student Handbook
All HSE Schools student handbooks (K-12) are now online for easier access. The 5/6 handbook is available via this link: https://rsi.hseschools.org/MediaLibraries/RSI/RSI-Documents/5-6-Student-Handbook.pdf
We encourage you to review it at your earliest convenience. Should you have any questions, please contact the RSI main office at 317-594-4320. Our staff is available to assist you. Have a great school year!
Counselors Corner
Social Emotional Learning
5th Grade Summary:
In this week’s lesson, your child will learn how to set a goal that's right for them. A goal that's right for someone is specific, challenging, doable, and motivating.
Try This at Home:
Ask your child what their goal is and how they know it’s right for them. Encourage them to describe why it’s motivating to them. Talk to your child about a goal you reached in the past and why you chose that goal.
6th Grade Summary:
In this week’s lesson, your child will learn about the brain’s ability to grow and change when they practice challenging things. Having a growth mindset supports your child’s success in school and in life.
Question:
Tell your child about a time you had to learn something new. Explain whether it was hard to learn and how you learned it. Ask your child if there’s anything they would like to learn to do this year.
RSI Student Fees 2022-23
RSI student course fees ARE NOW viewable in Skyward under Fee Management. Fees are due October 3, 2022.
For questions: Teresa Johnson, Treasurer, 317.594.4320 or tejohnson@hse.k12.in.us
HOW TO PAY
- Pay online via eFunds for schools: https://payments.efundsforschools.com/v3/districts/55481
- Send in a check with your Hawk. Make sure you place it in an envelope with the student name, student ID#, teacher name, attn: Treasurer. Checks made payable to: Riverside Intermediate School
- Drop Payment via check or cash (exact change) in the office, M-F, 8:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Fees not paid or first payment not made are subject to additional processing fees.
HOW TO SET UP PAYMENT PLANS
- eFunds for Schools:
- Add a payment to your cart and begin Check Out process
- Edit payment frequency to set-up how often you’d like the payment to be made
- Send in/drop off Payment:
- Installment payments are accepted
HOW TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE
- If your student is already approved for assistance the fees have already been adjusted
- As a reminder, if your student was free or reduced in 21-22 you must reapply in this current school year. This is due September 16, 2022. Find the application in Skyward Family Access, Food Services and click on the applications. You can also submit a paper application available at:
or you can pick up a paper copy in the RSI office.
Best Buddies
Best Buddies is a club that fosters one-to-one friendships between students with and without disabilities. Best Buddies helps create friendships between all students in our school! Best Buddies will have an information meeting on Wednesday, September 7th at 6:00 in the RSI cafeteria to share information about our club, events, and how to join. Contact dljames@hse.k12.in.us with any questions!
Spell Bowl 2022
RSI Photography Club INFO
RSI Choir
Does your child love to sing? The RSI 5th and 6th grade choirs will meet on Monday mornings at 8:00 A.M. beginning after Labor Day. Please click on the PDF below for more information. You may sign up at the digital permission slip below.
5th Grade Choir Digital Permission Slip-
6th Grade Choir Digital Permission Slip-
For many years, Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation (HSEF) helped facilitate the PastaBowl, a food drive where local students donated pasta that was distributed to local food pantries the same week as the Mudsock football game. For the second year in a row, we are partnering with Fishers Youth Assistance Program (FYAP), on the Meijer Turnover Hunger food donation program the first week of September. Last year, through generous donations from every school, nearly 27,000 snack items were gathered for the Snack Attack program.
Through Turnover Hunger, we are asking all 22 HSE schools to help fill the shelves of FYAP and local food pantries with targeted food donations by students and staff. Between September 6-9, we are asking the following breakfast, snack, and dinner items to be brought in by building type:
- Grades PreK-4: boxed oatmeal or fruit snacks
- Grades 5-8: granola bars, peanut butter crackers or cheese crackers
- Grades 9-12: ramen noodles or mac and cheese cups
For more info see additional information below
HBCU Fair
Carrie Colglazier Workday
Fishers Youth Assistance Program - Snack Attack
Fishers Youth Assistance Program (FYAP) is offering a free weekend snack program for any student attending Hamilton Southeastern Schools who qualifies for the reduced lunch program or has an increased need currently. Snacks will be delivered to schools each week and sent home with students.
To be part of this free program, you must sign up your family online. https://forms.gle/xrKNaxRaLypSqKvV8
If you have any questions about the registration, please email fyapfood@gmail.com
Don't Forget to Sign up!
From the Cafeteria
All students regardless of account balance can receive a breakfast and lunch meal deal. At breakfast we use a point system, a meal deal is 3 to 4 points. It MUST include a small juice. At lunch, a meal deal is an entree, fruit and/or vegetable, and milk which is optional. Any items beyond the meal deal are extras and have a cost. Checks and cash are accepted for payment. You can also make payments on Efunds as well. Remember to include your student’s ID number as well as their name on the checks or envelopes so our cashiers can add deposits to the correct account. We are still having supply chain issue. Please look for twitter updates daily for menu changes @RSICafeRJH
Food Services Is Hiring!
COME HELP US PROVIDE THE IMPORTANT MEALS THE STUDENTS NEED TO MAKE FOR A GREAT SCHOOL DAY. Flexible hours, same schedule as your students and more. Support our schools and become involved in our district. We are a great team!
https://www.applitrack.com/hamiltonse/onlineapp/
Mudsock Youth Athletics
It’s Basketball Time!
Registration for our recreational basketball programs for both boys and girls is officially open with waitlists forming after August 31st. Register now at myathletics.com. The leagues welcome athletes in Kindergarten through 8th grade. The girls season runs from November through early March. Boys (K) play January through March, (1st - 6th) November through March, and (7th/8th) January through March. Find the girls basketball information packet here. Find the boys basketball information packet here
Scholarship Program
Everyone plays. Mudsock Youth Athletics offers full and partial registration scholarship opportunities to children who qualify for free or reduced lunch within the Hamilton Southeastern School District. Families must apply and be accepted during our open registration period. For winter sports these dates are August 1st – August 31st. For more information, please call 317-845-5582 or email info@myathletics.com.
YMCA Before School Care
Work with the YMCA!
We cannot safely open more spots until we can secure more staff. If you know any of your friends or family looking for a fun and rewarding job, please send them our way. See flyer below!
Using Skyward
Skyward allows parents to access grades, report cards, bus information, immunization records, lunch account/food service information, student fees, schedules, and the BACK TO SCHOOL FORMS 2022-2023. All students are required to have an iPad to expand our HSE21 curriculum. Families have the choice of purchasing an iPad on their own or they may choose to rent the iPad through the school. Please visit our HSE21 website for more information.
Canvas
The following instructions are how to create and pair accounts in Canvas. Your HSE students will be using Canvas throughout virtual and in-person instructions. If you have a child or children that are new to the district, please use the following instructions to link your child's Canvas account to your parent account. Please note that if you have already created a Parent Canvas account and linked your child(ren)'s account(s), you will not need to do this.
You will need your child's school email address and ID#. This information can be found in Skyward. Please click here to access Skyward. If the link is not working, you can go to the HSE homepage and click on the Canvas tab located at the top right of the screen.
Once you are logged in, you will select your child's name from the drop down menu under Family Access at the top of the page. Next, you will click on the Student Info tab from the column on the left. Your child's school email can be found next to the word School in the middle of the screen (just to the right of their school picture) and their school ID # is located under their picture (their school ID # is labeled as Other ID).
Steps:
- Please click here to access Canvas. If the link is not working, you can go to the HSE homepage and click on the Canvas tab located at the top right of the screen. You will click on the Students/Staff Portal rectangle to login with your child's information, using your child's full school email address as the username. Enter "hse" in front of their 6 digit other ID number for the password. You will now be logged in under their name.
- While on their Canvas page, click on Account and then Settings. Look to the right and click Pair with Observer. You will need to write down the code so you can use it to link your accounts.
- Click Account and Logout. You are now logged out of your child's account.
- If you have multiple students in the district, you will need to complete steps 1-3 for each of your children. You will need a pairing code for each student in an HSE school.
- Once you have a pairing code for each of your children, you will click here to access the home page of Canvas. If the link is not working, you can go to the HSE homepage and click on the Canvas tab located at the top right of the screen. You will click on the Parent Canvas Portal rectangle to create your profile. You will need your name, email, create a password, and one student pairing code. Click on Start Participating.
- Check your email now to finalize your Canvas sign-up.
- To add other children, go back to the HSE homepage, click Canvas tab, click Parent Portal, and login. Click on Account, click on Observing, and add your next child's pairing code.
RSI PTO
PTO Meetings
We are excited to be kicking off a new year! Those meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6pm in the Media Center, with the exception of this month since that is Meet the Teacher Night. The dates are below:
September 13
October 11
November 8
December 13
January 10
March 14
April 11
May 9
HSE COMMUNITY INSIDER
Contact information:
RIVERSIDE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
11014 Eller Road ♦ Fishers, IN ♦ 46038
317.594.4320 (phone)
317.594.4328 (attendance line)
317.594.4329 (fax)
Follow Us on Twitter: @RSIHawks
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