Riverside School PTA Newsletter |
Friday, October 22nd, 2021 |
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BUY YOUR FALL FUNDRAISER TICKETS TODAY!
The Riverside School Fall Fundraiser is tomorrow night, Saturday, October 23 at 7pm! We are looking forward to a great evening at The Village with friends to raise money for Riverside School. If you haven't bought your tickets, you can purchase them HERE until 9pm today.
**REMINDER** All attendees must upload their vaccination card or negative PCR test to CrowdPass HERE (or click the button below) by Saturday at 10am. Each individual attendee must upload his/her document to their own CrowdPass account.
Please check out the exciting auction starting today at 5pm and note that it will close at 9:30pm on Sunday evening. You can also support your child's classroom experience by donating to the Teacher Wish List. Can't wait to see everyone on Saturday evening!
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SUPPORT THE 5TH GRADE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
Please support the 5th grade fall community service project and buy lemonade! The 5th grade classes are holding lemonade stands this month to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Our efforts will help fulfill Alex Scott’s dream to fund innovate research projects and support kids and their families dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
The first two lemonade stands were a big success. Thank you for your continued support!
The second two stands will be held THIS WEEKEND:
Saturday, October 23 from 3-4:30pm at 34 Hendrie Ave (hosted by 5H)
Sunday, October 24 from 3-4pm at 110 Hendrie Ave (hosted by 5P)
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PUZZLE DONATIONS FOR OUR EARLY MORNING PROGRAM
Clean out those cluttered toy chests and shelves! The Early Morning Program is kindly asking for donations of any gently used 50-piece and 100-piece puzzles (with ALL of the pieces included) that your family has outgrown. A collection box will be outside the main entrance of the school at pickup time on Monday 10/25 and Wednesday 10/27.
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SCHOOL SPIRIT DAY IS NEXT FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29!
Calling all Students to show off your SPOOKTACULAR SCHOOL SPIRIT!!!
Next Friday, students are welcome to come to school dressed in Halloween-themed apparel or wear anything orange and black to get into the holiday spirit. No costumes, or costume masks, please!
To add more excitement, we will be bringing back our candy guessing game next week! More information on guessing virtually will be sent and a jar of the candy will be displayed at school on Tuesday so students can see in person before making their guess. The student with the closest number estimation will win a jar of candy!!
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BOO BASH TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!
Boo Bash VIP tickets will be available for bid at the Fall Fundraiser! Bid on premier parking and a basket of drive-in movie goodies. Look for Boo Bash VIP Parking here when the Fall Fundraiser auction goes live at 5pm today.
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HALLOWEEN ALLERGY AWARENESS
The Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Teal Pumpkin Project is a worldwide movement to create a safer, happier Halloween for all kids. Putting a teal pumpkin on your doorstep means you have non-food treats available, such as glow sticks or other small toys, for trick-or-treaters with food allergies or other conditions.
If you would like to show your support and participate in this initiative, please print out and display the teal pumpkin flyer (CLICK HERE to download) on Halloween or paint a pumpkin teal, and provide some other non-food "treats". To learn more, or add your house to the Teal Pumpkin Project map, please click here or contact Nicole Spayde.
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DONATE UNWANTED HALLOWEEN CANDY!!!
The Health & Wellness Committee will be collecting any unwanted Halloween candy the week following Halloween. All types of wrapped candy are acceptable. Local pediatric dentist, Dr. Stacy Zarakiotis, will weigh our candy donation and pay $1 per pound of candy. We will be donating the money we collect to support children in need of corrective dental surgeries via Operation Smile (www.operationsmile.org). Dr. Stacy will make a matching donation. Thank you in advance for supporting this good cause – more details to come!
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ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
1st Grade Science Enrichment
Narwhal Nina, our favorite scientist from High Touch High Tech, zoomed into our school for the first time this year! The first grade students investigated how the invisible forces around us can move objects. They learned about air pressure, magnetism, friction and inertia and got to do a hands-on experiment to test their new knowledge.
3rd Grade Virtual Government Assembly
This week and next, CT Storytelling Center is facilitating an enrichment program about government for our 3rd graders. The program starts with a lively video on the "rules" that help us govern our school, community, state, and country. The video touches on the three branches of government and their interconnectedness and includes an entertaining performance on the history of CT and the Charter Oak. On October 26, the students will have a virtual discussion with a CT Storytelling Center representative about the history of our government and the importance of voting. To further the learning from this program at home, ask your child What is the Preamble? or Why do we have three branches of government?
K-5 Musical Journey through Latin America
On Tuesday, October 19, the entire school was visited virtually by three musicians taking them on a journey to showcase the music of Latin America. Students discovered the instruments, rhythms, melodies and languages that make this region of the world so unique, and how music is a true celebration of our beautiful diversity. Please see this flyer with more information about the students' "trip" and questions you might like to ask your child about the program.
Upcoming Enrichment Programs:
October 27-28: High Touch High Tech's Power of Light (grade 5)
November 1, 3: High Touch High Tech's Newton's Day at the Park (grade 4)
These programs are paid for by the generous donations of parents to the PTA. Thank you!
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HOLIDAYS FOR HAITI IS HAPPENING NOVEMBER 8-19
Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and has been plagued by poverty, hardship, natural disasters and political crises. Riverside School will continue to support Danita's Children Orphanage & School with our 4th annual Holidays for Haiti. Families can sponsor students, make them holiday cards and donate money which will go toward a holiday party, gifts and backpacks for each child. Please visit the Holidays For Haiti page on the RIVPTA.ORG for more information on how this virtual event will run.
Registration will open to all on Monday, November 8, and closes on Friday, November 19. We look forward to continuing the tradition of generosity and spreading holiday cheer to children who otherwise would not have much to celebrate. Thank you!
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BOOK FAIR IS BACK – REIMAGINED!
The PTA is planning to host a hybrid style book fair with Main Street Books during the week after Thanksgiving break. Riverside students will be taking class “field trips” to the cafeteria-based book fair, wish lists in hand, to peruse single copies of a multitude of titles for purchase. Purchases can then be made through our very own book fair website and delivered just in time for the holidays. Stay tuned for more information next month!
We're also busy planning accompanying activities to get kids excited and to kick off the month of December where there's Snow better time to read!
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DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE RIVERSIDE REEL!
Reel Invites were sent last week, make sure you weren't left out! Invites were sent to families that updated their profiles on RIVPTA.org to reflect each child's current homeroom teacher. If you have not received your invite please email riversidereel@gmail.com.
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ONLINE APPAREL STORE IS NOW OPEN
Whether you're a returning Red Hawk or new to the nest, you can support Riverside School by showing your school spirit! Our online apparel store is open for business and stocked with lots of great new items, including tees, shorts, sweatshirts, ROPES shirts, water bottles and more. Go to RIVPTA.ORG to shop spirit wear now! Orders placed by noon on Thursdays can be picked up between 7am-7pm on Fridays at 41 Owenoke Way.
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HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR SAFETY DUTY YET?
In addition to making sure everyone is familiar with the drop-off/pick-up “Rules of the Road”, Safety Duty is an important part of keeping our children safe at Riverside School. Volunteers make the morning drop-off process more efficient and secure. Volunteers assist from 8:30-8:45am daily and must wear a mask at all times during a shift. Sign up online. For more info, contact Brielle Goldfaden at brielleg@gmail.com.
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SNACK PACK FUNDRAISER: DONATIONS STILL NEEDED FROM 5th GRADE FAMILIES!
The 5th Grade is raising money for the class gift and special initiatives by selling snack packs at the Boo Bash Drive-up Movie. Due to an overwhelming demand for snack packs we need additional donations.
To make it easy for you, we have an online store where 5th grade parents can donate items to fill the Boo Bash Snack Packs. No need to make a trip to the store, just donate the amount of your choosing and we will take care of buying everything!
We are also looking for 5th grade parents to help distribute the snack packs at the Boo Bash Drive-In Movie. Please sign-up to distribute snack packs the night of the event.
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NOTE FOR PARENTS: ITEM DROP-OFFS
As a reminder to parents, when dropping off items for children, please make sure the item is labeled with the child's name and teacher. Sometimes office personnel cannot immediately obtain items from the bins due to other obligations, and clear labeling will minimize confusion and inefficiency at the time of retrieval.
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ORDERING LUNCH
PLEASE NOTE: School lunches continue to be FREE this school year. All orders MUST be submitted at least TWO full school days in advance (and up to five days in advance). Orders entered for same day lunch may not be seen, and cafeteria staff don't want students missing out. Please visit the Lunch Page on rivpta.org for information on submitting lunch orders and a link to the school's order form.
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FAMILY MEMBERS WHO ARE COVID TESTING
As a reminder, GPS is asking that students stay home if a member of their immediate family is being tested due to exposure or symptoms. It will limit teachers and students from possible exposures, causing individuals to be quarantined. Quarantining is a great safety measure, but it can be disruptive for staff and families. We understand we have many families who regularly test as a proactive measure; staying home while awaiting results of proactive, regular testing is not necessary.
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GREENWICH PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS
Board of Education meetings are easier to attend now that they be viewed on Zoom--stay informed! Here is a list of 2021-2022 academic year Greenwich Board of Education meetings. Information on how to access the meetings can be found on the GPS Accessing Virtual BOE Meetings page. All meetings start at 7:00pm unless otherwise noted.
- Thursday, November 4, 2021 (Budget)
- Thursday, November 17, 2021
- Thursday, December 2, 2021 (Budget)
- Thursday, December 16, 2021
- Thursday, January 20, 2022
- Thursday, February 3, 2022 (Retreat, no public comment)
- Thursday, February 24, 2022
- Thursday, March 24, 2022
- Thursday, April 28, 2022
- Thursday, May 19, 2022
- Thursday, June 2, 2022 (Retreat, no public comment)
- Thursday, June 16, 2022
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SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE GREENWICH PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEWSLETTERS
Make sure you are receiving GPS e-newsletters directly to your inbox! To subscribe, select the relevant newsletters below and click the orange "Follow" button on the right side of the page.
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Interested in After-School Childcare?
The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich (BGCG) and the YWCA Greenwich both offer wonderful after-school programs for elementary school-aged children. At dismissal time each day, there are two dedicated vans that transport students directly from Riverside School to each location, and Riverside families take advantage of these two programs on a daily basis. For more information and to register your child, please click to learn more about the BGCG program and the YWCA program.
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Julian Curtiss School PTA presents “Drive-by Donut Sale” on October 23
Stop by Julian Curtiss School (180 East Elm Street) from 9am-2pm, or the Greenwich Board of Education (290 Greenwich Avenue) from 10am-2pm on Saturday, October 23 to support the Julian Curtiss School PTA by purchasing Krispy Kreme donuts. Choose from Krispy Kreme original glazed, chocolate iced glazed, glazed raspberry filled and glazed with kreme filling. $13 per dozen while supplies last!
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Jackson's SOCKTOBER Sock Drive
Three years ago, 11-year-old Riverside Alumnus, Jackson Bogardus, was inspired by the local charity, The Undies Project (a charity that provides underwear to our low-income neighbors) and decided to start a local sock drive, “SOCKTOBER”, for the month of October. Jackson feels this is especially important as we approach the colder months. He also learned that socks are one of the items most needed in homeless shelters so he is collecting new socks for both adults and children and donating them to local shelters. 94 million people in the United States live in or near poverty. That's almost 1 out of every 3.
Jackson's SOCKTOBER donation bins can be found throughout Greenwich, including Riverside School, and at his house. Please help Jackson reach his goal of collecting 2000 pairs of socks to help those in need this winter and spread the word about SOCKTOBER. Please call (203) 273-0511 if you have any questions or would like to learn more about Jackson's SOCKTOBER Sock Drive.
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The Nutcracker is Back on Stage in Greenwich on November 13 & 14
Kick off the Holiday Season with The Nutcracker ballet. The Greenwich Ballet Academy’s performance of The Nutcracker will be held at the Greenwich High School Performing Arts Center November 13 at 7:45pm and November 14 at 2:00pm. Numerous Greenwich Public School students are featured performers along with professional guest artists from American Ballet Theater (ABT). Tickets starting at $30. You can purchase tickets here.
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The Turkey Trot is Back – Join the Thanksgiving Weekend Tradition!
Support the Greenwich Alliance for Education by participating in a morning of family fun and exercise on Saturday, November 27. Proceeds benefit Greenwich Schools. Choose from a one-mile fun run/walk and a 5k race that begins at the Arch Street Teen Center and loops through Bruce Park. When you register, don’t forget to participate in the Run for Your School Competition. The Greenwich school with the greatest participation wins a $500 gift card for PE equipment! Register here.
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It’s Election Season! Resources from Greenwich League of Women Voters
Greenwich League of Women Voters provides the Greenwich community with essential information on the who, how and where to vote on Tuesday, November 2. Learn about registering to vote in Greenwich and view LWV’s 2021 Greenwich Voters Guide which includes candidate information.
In addition to the Board of Education Candidate Debate mentioned in District News, you can also view the Board of Estimate & Taxation Debate on Wednesday, October 27 at 7pm (register here).
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COVID Resources from the School |
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IN-SCHOOL COVID-19 SYMPTOM PROTOCOL
The Nurse’s Office has received many questions about how the school is making decisions about when the school is sending students home. Extra precautions are being taken in order to do our best to keep students in school. Unfortunately, there will be many students sent home this year even though they may have normally been allowed to stay in school and we hope all families will be understanding.
Greenwich Public Schools COVID Symptom Protocol:
- If a student exhibits 1 low risk symptom (fever of 100.4 or greater, congestion/runny nose, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, sore throat, headache, muscle aches) and has had no exposure to a COVID-19 positive person, the student may return to school 24 hours after symptom resolution (without medication for fevers)
- If a student exhibits 2 or more low risk symptoms (see above) or has 1 high-risk symptom (new cough, difficulty breathing, loss of taste/smell) AND has had no exposure to a COVID-19 positive person, the student must be seen by a healthcare provider.
- If the student has a negative PCR swab test for COVID, the student may return to school 24 hours after symptom resolution (without medication for fevers).
- If the student has lab testing and evaluation, or an alternative diagnosis, the student may return to school 24 hours after symptom resolution (without medication for fevers).
- If a student has a positive PCR swab test for COVID, the student may return to school after 24 hours without fever (without medication) AND symptoms improving AND approval of local health department (10-14 days); AND release by the primary care provider will be required
- If a student is exposed to a COVID positive person, the student may return to school 14 days after last contact unless symptoms develop. If symptoms develop, the student must obtain a swab.
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SUBMISSIONS
Have something to add? Email us at: peekweekriv@gmail.com Deadline for submissions is 3pm on Wednesday of the school week
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