Principal Moment
Mark Twain once wrote that teaching is like trying to hold thirty-five corks underwater all at once.
What exactly is a teacher anyway? A lot of different things. Teachers are like conductors. They try to get everyone to play together harmoniously.
Once in a while they may feel like the jacket on a popular library book – well worn, very touched, more wrinkled this year than last year, close to falling apart.
Teachers are like shepherds. They herd kids off the playground equipment at the end of recess.
When teachers help students discover abilities that they don’t know they have, they are like talent scouts.
Recently, I have spent hours going through boxes in my basement. During that process I decided that teachers are memory makers, too. They know that the stories, paintings, and plaster of paris handprints that children make at school will someday become family treasures.
Each day teachers create experiences in their classrooms that their students will someday look back on and laugh over and talk about and perhaps even try to re-create in their own children’s lives.
Teachers understand that kids are like wet canvas. Teachers help paint the backgrounds. I certainly love the Riverview teachers!
SEP Conferences
SEP Conferences will be held Oct. 5th and Oct. 6th. Watch for a signup link coming from your child’s teacher to schedule an appointment.
A SEP conference is a short meeting to discuss a child’s progress at school and celebrate achievement or find solutions to academic or behavioral concern. Please plan on attending.
Chalk-Walk FUNdraiser-Friday, October 6th
It is nearly time for Riverview Fundraiser. We will have a ‘Chalk-Walk’ again.
FAQ’S of a Chalk Walk
- What is a Chalk Walk? During each lap, the walkers will be celebrated with a splash of color (colored cornstarch which is 100% non-toxic and completely biodegradable). The colors will be released from squeeze bottles managed by teachers and parent volunteers.
- How does this help Riverview Elementary? The Color Walk will raise money through sponsored pledges and laps walked. In other words, the students are actively earning money for our school! Last year’s funds were used to help purchase an additional twelve Smartboards. We now have a Smartboard in each classroom! Thank you!
- Where will this take place and what will it look like? The track will be set upon the grass behind Riverview Elementary. All grades will walk concurrently. There will be music on site. Additionally, water will be provided during the walk.
- How can I help? In addition to assisting your student(s) with pledges and collection, you can sign up to volunteer. Sign-up opportunities will be available for filling squeeze bottles with chalk, releasing chalk, and helping at the clean-up station. Keep an eye out for an email and/or check our website. Cheer on the kids on the day of the walk or participate with us on Friday, October 6th from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- What if I’m concerned about the powder getting into the eyes, nose and throat of my child? Participants are welcome to bring bandanas or even dust masks. We will guide our volunteers to aim below the neck. Keep in mind that this is a kid-friendly event; the volume of color will be appropriate for fun, not overwhelming or scary. If a student does not want to participate in the color element of the walk, that child is invited to walk on the inside of the track.
- How permanent is the color, and how should I prepare? Participants should wear OLD white t-shirts, socks, shorts and shoes. The color should mostly wash out of any item worn. Of course, if your child wants to keep the colored t-shirt as a souvenir of the event, spray the colors with vinegar and iron it prior to washing. Participants should also bring a towel or large garbage bag to protect the inside of a car or bus.
Funds raised at this event will go towards many programs, including:
- Technology: More Chromebook lab for the classrooms. We are now one-to-one in fifth and sixth grades. We are working towards providing more Chromebooks in all grades.
- Fine Arts: Program support and resources & supplies
- Library: library books, ebooks, supplies
- Bonus Activities: Assemblies, Special Events, etc…
The walkathon represents all that is really great about Riverview. Because all are participating, our students can be proud to contribute directly and individually to the school. On this one day in October, we will come together to support and celebrate our kids.
Families can come “set up camp” on the grass field and on locations along the course. Plan to bring folding chairs or a blanket or old clothes and your walking shoes, depending on if you want to walk with us or watch. No bicycles or pets.
PTA
Riverview Elementary PTA presents the “Reflections” contest. Express yourself through art; Literature, Visual Arts, Dance, 3-D Art, and Photography. The 2017-2018 Theme: “Within Reach.” Have students pick up an entry form from their teacher or at the office. Deadline: Friday, November 4th.
We will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week October 9th – 13th. Red Ribbon Week serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug free lives. Listed are some of the activities that we will be involved in.
- Monday, October 9th – “Follow your dreams – Don’t do Drugs.”
- Pajama/sweats day – no slippers
- Pass out red ribbons and discuss the “Drug Free Pledge”
DRUG FREE PLEDGE
“I pledge to be drug free and support the National Anti-Drug Campaign by taking a stand against alcohol and drug abuse.”
- Tuesday, October 10th “Rally in Red.”
- Wear as much RED as possible
- Wednesday, October 11th “Don’t get mixed up with drugs”
- Wear crazy or mismatched clothes
- Walk to school day
- Thursday, October 12th “Drugs have no place in my future”
- Dress up like your future self
- Friday, October 13th “Team up against drugs.”
- Wear your favorite team color, jersey or Riverview colors
- Red Ribbon Week Assembly 2pm
Communication Options
Riverview School website
Riverview Parent Communication Page
Riverview Facebook & Instagram
- https://www.facebook.com/Riverview-Elementary-School-150164395051510/
- https://www.instagram.com/riverviewelementary/
Riverview PTA
Please continue to check the website for additional information.
Upcoming Events
- September 29th – Make Your Mark Assembly @ 9:00 a.m
- October 2nd – PTA Reflection Assembly 1:30
- October 4th & 5th – SEP Conferences
- October 6th – Popcorn Friday; Chalk-Walk 1:30-3:00
- October 9th – 13th – Red/Green Ribbon Week
- October 12th – Red Ribbon Assembly 2:00
- October 17th – SCC 3:30
- October 19th & 20th – Fall Break
- October 24th – Picture Re-take
- October 25th – Make Your Mark Assembly 2:30
- October 30th - November 3rd – PTA Book fair
- October 31st – Halloween Parade 9:00; Sports Park; Kindergarten Afternoon Parade 12:30; Around the Kinder playground
- November 2nd – PTA Family Night 5:30
Thank you,
Mrs. Angie Killian
Principal, Riverview Elementary