Riverside School PTA Newsletter |
Friday, September 17th, 2021 |
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FALL AFTERS START MONDAY
We had an overwhelming response during this morning's registration, and we are excited to have Afters starting on Monday. If your children are registered for Afters classes, look out for additional information coming soon.
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ONLINE APPAREL STORE 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 and 7pm on Fridays at 41 Owenoke Way.
Please note: Next week, orders placed by noon on Wednesday can be picked up on Thursday so that students have their Riverside gear in time for Friday’s Spirit Day.
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THIS YEAR'S FIRST SCHOOL SPIRIT DAY: RED HAWK DAY!
Next Friday, September 24 will be our first School Spirit Day, Red Hawk Day! Please join us in showing your Riverside pride by wearing Riverside Red and Riverside School apparel!! Some ideas include the Riverside Ropes Shirt, red shorts, red hats and red socks...the more red the better! Go, Red Hawks! Send photos of your children showing their Riverside School pride to RiversideReel@gmail.com.
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FALL FUNDRAISER AUCTION ITEM DONATIONS
Riverside School's annual Fall Fundraiser is slated for Saturday, October 23 at 7pm. We will Celebrate our Village at the new private indoor/outdoor event space at The Village in Stamford.
The Auction Committee works hard to gather great prizes for the live and silent auctions, but they also rely on us all to help. Auction items are largely sourced from within our Riverside community. In the past, families have offered up a wide range of fun and exciting things including vacation homes, tickets to sporting events, wine, gift certificates, cooking classes and so much more! The creativity and generosity of Riverside families is what makes this event so special. If you would like to donate to the auction, please contact Megan Sullivan.
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PACK A WASTE FREE LUNCH ON THURSDAY 9/23!
As back to school means packing lunches, let's start the school year strong by sending our children with waste free lunches! T he Green Committee invites you to participate in Riverside School's first Waste Free Lunch (WFL) event of the year on Thursday, September 23. Waste Free Greenwich (https://www.wastefreegreenwich.org/reuse-revolution) offers tips for preparing waste free lunches through the Connecticut Schools Reuse Revolution.
Packing a waste free lunch with reusable containers has many surprising benefits over single-use disposables:
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Safe! Based on the best available science and guidelines from health experts, reusable wares can be used safely by employing basic hygiene and sanitation.
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Healthier! Choosing reusables reduces exposure to chemicals of concern found in disposable products, like PFAS and styrene, that have negative health effects.
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Saves Money! Packing a reusable lunch and snack instead of disposables can save families over $400 per student annually.
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Better for the Earth! Life cycle analyses show that reusables have significantly less environmental impacts than single-use disposables, including energy use and air pollution.
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Cuts Waste! Every year the average student tosses 67 pounds of packaging and 39 pounds of uneaten food. Lunch in reusable containers could save over 58 million pounds of trash in Connecticut that we pay to haul and burn.
Some tips to turn a wasteful packed lunch into a zero waste meal:
- Buy snacks in bulk and sort them into reusable bags and containers for less waste and expense than individually prepackaged snacks
- Choose reusable lunch boxes, sacks or containers over single-use bags, foil or plastic baggies
- Drink water and other nutritious beverages from a BPA-free reusable bottle instead of single-use plastic bottles, cans, juice boxes and pouches
- Pack a reusable napkin and utensils
- Ask your children to bring home uneaten food, so quantities and selections can be adjusted as needed.
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NEW ORDERING PROCESS FOR SCHOOL PHOTOS
Mark your calendar for Picture Day on Wednesday, September 29. Individual and class photos will be taken outdoors (Rain date is Monday, October 4).
This year, Coffee Pond Photography has implemented a new program for Riverside! Families will now receive a proof sheet approximately three weeks after picture day with three images to choose from. These proof sheets will be sent home with your child along with ordering instructions and paper order forms for those who wish to pay by check or money order. Therefore, we will no longer order photos prior to picture day. Please see Coffee Pond's flyer for additional information.
In order to make this day as seamless as possible, we would appreciate any volunteers who could assist us. If you are interested please contact:
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4TH AND 5TH GRADERS: SIGN UP FOR RIVERSIDE BAND
If your child is interested in learning how to play a band instrument, please complete the sign-up form and return it to your child’s teacher or to Mr. Chew by Friday, September 17. For more information, see Mr. Chew’s letter to parents. Join us for an exciting year of great music!
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UPDATE YOUR DIRECTORY INFORMATION & JOIN THE PTA
Please go to RIVPTA.ORG and follow the steps provided to update/enter your information, including your child(ren)’s new teacher, for the online family directory. If you have moved or have new phone or email information, please let the school office know as well.
Once your directory information is up to date, be sure to join the PTA to gain unlimited access to the directory. The PTA relies on the generosity of Riverside School families via our annual Membership Drive. Funds raised go towards student enrichment programs, classroom and building needs, as well as teacher support. We do aim for 100% participation in our Membership Drive.
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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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DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR EARLY MORNING PROGRAM
The Early Morning Program provides a fun, familiar place for students to go before school starts from 7:15-8:30am. You may enroll your child for a semester or pay by the day on an as-needed basis. Please visit the Early Morning Program page for more information and to register your child.
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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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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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SCHOOL DISMISSAL MANAGER (SDM): ACTION REQUIRED
Please login to School Dismissal Manager to manage your child(ren)'s attendance and dismissal information by going to the SDM website. All parents (new and returning) must login to update the dismissal information for your children for this school year. For more specific details, please reference the communication from Riverside School sent on Wednesday, September 1.
- New parents were issued a username and temporary password and need to use this to create a login. If you have misplaced the email with the username and temporary password that was sent to you, please contact the front office to get a new one set up.
- Returning parents can use their existing parent login credentials and update dismissal information.
- This system will be used in an Emergency Early Release to capture dismissal information for every student, so it's important that all families create a login now.
- A default dismissal of "Parent Pick-Up" has been assigned to your child. Please contact Gina Marino to change this default to another option.
- Advance notice is appreciated when creating an exception/change to your child's default dismissal plans. The cut-off time is 2:30pm on regular days and 12:30pm on early release days. After this time, you need to call the school office to make changes for the current day.
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The School Dismissal Manager (SDM) App is no longer available for download on the Apple or Google Store. To get quick access to SDM on your Apple or Android mobile device, watch this 90-second video. Please note that anyone with the prior version of the SDM app must remove it from their device before following the steps in the video.
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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, September 23, 2021
- Thursday, October 21, 2021
- 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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CHECK OUT THE DISTRICT’S NEW CURRICULUM PAGES
The district recently unveiled the first phase of its GPS website redesign, which included updates and improvements to curriculum overview pages that make them more user-friendly for parents. Watch this brief video (less than 3 minutes) from Tara Fogel, the district’s program coordinator for K-8 Science, to get an overview of the changes that were made and how you can access curriculum information organized by grade or by subject area.
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GPS WEEKLY DISTRICT DIGEST
Subscribe to receive the Greenwich Public Schools weekly "District Digest" e-newsletter directly to your email inbox.
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Boys & Girls Club: Family Open House
Tour the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich on Friday, September 17 from 6:30-8:30pm. Meet BGCG's staff, and learn about all that this amazing club has to offer! A light dinner and refreshments will be served. Learn more and RSVP here.
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International Coastal Cleanup Day & Environmental Fair at Tod’s Point!
Show your love for Greenwich Point Park by participating in this year's International Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, September 18 from 11am-3pm. Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome! If possible, please bring buckets and gloves from home. Check in at the parking lot across from the first concession stand. All local and state COVID protocols will be followed. Register and read more information here. Sponsored by Greenwich Clean & Green and Skip the Straw Greenwich.
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Join the Pedal Greenwich Community Bike Fest
Join the fun on Saturday, September 25 from 10:00am-12:30pm at Living Hope Community Church parking lot (38 West End Ave). Click here for more information. They are looking for more volunteers to help with the event. Please reach out to Stephanie at StephanieElise@gmail.com if you are interested.
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Zoom Discussion: How to Vote in Greenwich Municipal Elections
Did you know this is a municipal election year in Greenwich? Join Mary Hegarty and Fred DeCaro III, who as Town Registrars ensure that your vote is enabled and counted in Greenwich, for a 30-40 minute discussion followed by an audience Q&A via Zoom on Tuesday, September 28 from 1-2pm. Mary & Fred will review the process by which voters participate in local democracy and will clarify the role of your vote in deciding who leads the town and who serves on and Chairs the Board of Estimate & Taxation (BET), the Board of Education (BOE), and the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). Registration is required.
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Join Cub Scout Pack 23!
Cub Scout Pack 23 welcomes all Riverside School boys and girls to join in on the excitement and adventure that Cub Scouts has to offer! Just ask one of our 75 Pack 23 scouts about the fun, hands-on learning experiences they participate in like camping, hiking, fishing, archery, and bouldering. Pack 23 scouts also learn important life skills like emergency preparedness and wilderness survival. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to be a part of it! Apply to become a member of Pack 23 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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