RPS is the 7th largest district in MN but ranks last in voter-approved school funding among districts with 10,000 or more students. The Ignite Student Learning referendum asks voters to consider an operating levy increase to help students thrive. Learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/the-plan
You can vote early now through November 4, and you can vote early in person on Saturday, October 26, 2024, and November 2, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, hours are extended from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Learn more: https://referendum.rochesterschools.org/voting-information
Have you ever wondered what MEA is and why students don't have school in the middle of October? Check out this article from the Star Tribune explaining this two-day break: https://www.startribune.com/mea-weekend-minnesota-educators-academy-explained-third-week-october/600313386
Riverside Central Elementary needs your help. Drop off donations at the Main Office.
In education, part of our job is to meet students where they are. Every student has a unique relationship with learning. From their learning preferences to how their brain explores concepts, education isn't a "one size fits all" experience. At Rochester Public Schools, our Advanced Learning program helps meet the needs of students who are ready for more challenging content and require experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1792714
Today was the final day that Wilderness Inquiry took Riverside students paddling on our neighborhood river. Nature based games and lessons were included during these spectacular days.
A reminder that there is no school for students on Thursday, October 17, and Friday, October 18, for MEA (Minnesota Educators Academy). We will see students back in school on Monday, October 21.
If the Ignite Student Learning referendum is approved in November, the operating levy increase will protect essential teaching positions, classes, and programs that empower all students. Learn more about our proposed plan: RochesterSchools.org/referendum
Did you know that the population of Monarch Butterflies are threatened in Minnesota? Riverside students learned how they can create a healthy environment for butterflies from Project GO. They even learned how to tag butterflies for important research.
The most recent Riverside Family Night included Wilderness Inquiry and their massive canoes. Families were invited down to our neighborhood river to learn how to paddle. We are making memories during these beautiful autumn days.
Our students took a bite out of the day for Apple Crunch day! This month, all of our students have been receiving local apples for lunch from ApplesRUs as part of #MNFarmtoSchool month! We can tell you that our students are loving these fresh, fragrant, and juicy apples!
At the School Board meeting on Tuesday, October 8, the School Board voted unanimously to direct Superintendent Pekel to develop a 2025-2026 general fund budget recommendation that includes reductions if the Ignite Student Learning referendum plan is not passed by voters on November 5, 2024. Read more about what this budget recommendation would include: https://www.rochesterschools.org/article/1811261
Belonging to our school community is an integral part of Riverside's culture and community. We celebrate students and the amazing diversity they bring to Riverside. This year, we welcomed new students and teachers as our Spanish Immersion program relocated to Riverside. One of the many beautiful aspects of our school is the sounds of multiple languages spoken throughout. Our Spanish Immersion program adds additional layers of learning, diversity, and fun to our school.
Learn more about the Spanish Immersion program for students in grades K-8: https://5il.co/2yiq5
Grab your kicks and get ready for Walk to School Day! Tomorrow, October 9, students and families across Rochester will be walking to school to promote healthy exercise and safe routes to school.
How can you help? Remember to keep your eyes out for our walkers and drive cautiously around school zones.
Trout Unlimited has partnered with Riverside 5th Grade classes for years. They came again last week to teach students about water quality and organisms in their neighborhood river.
This month, Loury Trader's 1st grade Spanish Immersion class collaborated to create and design their Hispanic Heritage Month Banner. This exercise allows students to practice their fine motor skills while learning about the celebration and background of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Listen to RPS students explain the Ignite Student Learning referendum that is on the November ballot!
The video shows how the proposed levy increase would stabilize district finances and support the programs and services that help students thrive: https://youtu.be/2-Y2VWb-wA8
Listen to Superintendent Pekel explain what's at stake for RPS this election when voters consider an operating levy increase that would stabilize our budget, allowing RPS to avoid school closures, protect class sizes, and maintain student programs and services: bit.ly/3MRUWLR
Does your student ride a school bus? Families using transportation can download the First View app to see where their student's buses are. The district code for the app is M6QE. Check it out!
Today -- A LIVE, one-day donation drive!
Riverside Elementary is grateful for ABC 6 - KAAL TV, United Way, and the Rochester community for your help in restocking our Community School Resource Rooms! These rooms help families access basic necessities in six schools across our city.
You can drop hygiene donations off at United Way (903 West Center St.) from 6am-7pm today, Thursday, 9/26!
The following is a list of some of the items needed to restock the Resource Rooms:
Full-Size Shampoo & Conditioner (for textured hair types as well)
Lotion
Body Wash
Toothpaste & Toothbrushes
Chapstick
Deodorant
Hair Brushes
Laundry Detergent
Hand Soap
Kleenex Boxes
Toilet Paper
Learn more here!
https://www.kaaltv.com/stuff-the-resource-room/
