Roy has made the decision to extend our holiday vacation by one day: there will be no school on Monday, January 2. This change will support those traveling after the New Year to be prepared to return to school well-rested. He also feels it's a gift to the staff, who have worked so hard to keep our doors consistently open through the challenges of the pandemic.

Yet another event we're thrilled to enjoy for the first time since 2019... our PK-8th grade Winter Concert & Art Show will be on Wednesday, December 14 at 5:30 pm at the Lyndon Institute Auditorium. Marie and Elly have been working hard with each class and some combined groups to show off student learning with music and studio arts, we hope you will be there to see it. Student art work created this trimester will be on display in the hallway outside the auditorium. 

During that Friday morning’s assembly, 6th-8th grade students will be in costume and speak about their individual characters. Afterwards, K-7th graders will rotate by house through a variety of activities led by the 8th graders. These lesson activities are an important step in the development of leadership skills for the 8th graders, as they plan and then facilitate the same one multiple times. 

At the end of the day, all K-8th graders will participate in the "Urn of Fate," a classically themed gift-exchange. Each student should bring in a simple, wrapped gift (a guideline for the value being $5 or less), by Thursday the 15th and give them to Jamie (K-2nd grade gifts), Hanna (3rd-5th gifts), or Nathan (6th-8th gifts). This year we will continue exchanging gifts in these groups, so you can find something attractive for a student of similar age: K-2nd, 3rd-5th, and 6th-8th. 

The Afterschool and Extended Day Programs will run, please email McKenna or Sean specifically if your child(ren) will be attending so they can plan the long afternoon accordingly.

If you are inspired to present your child(ren)'s teacher(s) with a gift this season, instead of purchasing something, please join in the PAG's tradition of providing breakfast, lunch, and leftovers for all our staff during the final week of school in December. If you don't want to cook and your schedule allows, you can help by setting- and cleaning-up a meal.

PAG Leader Deandra Early (kindergartener June and 2nd grader Henry) has set up a Meal Train to facilitate sign ups. We are feeding 22 people, so it takes a village to pull this off and we encourage everyone to sign up for a slot. Dietary restrictions and specifications are listed next to each meal. Thank you so much for your contribution - Riverside faculty & staff look forward to this every year! If you have any questions please reach out to Deandra.

Students in the service elective have formed a clothing drive committee. Our goal is to work with local organizations (HOPE and Salvation Army) to provide winter gear to those who don't have access. We would like outerwear clothing such as warm jackets, long-sleeve shirts, hats, gloves, mittens, pants, snow pants, and winter boots. We have bins to drop clothes into on the porch of the house and the barn entrance. Thank you in advance for all of your donations.

3-5th grade Crazy 8s club will meet for the final time this Wednesday from 3:40-4:30. Please remember to pick up your child when the session ends and not expect them to return to the Extended Day Program. Note: our last meeting date will be December 7.

K-8th grade Chess Club will meet this Thursday beginning at 3:30 for all grade and ability levels. Kids may be picked up whenever. Ideally, most of the elementary students would be picked up after 45 minutes to an hour of chess (4:15 - 4:30) as it is a long time to concentrate on things after a long day of school. Nathan will stay until 5:00 for those that want the extra time. If any parents want to contribute snacks to share, it would be appreciated. 

The Riverside Student Council has started a "penny war" for the school. Penny wars is a fundraiser where classes earn points by collecting pennies. Pennies count as one point, but larger denominations count against a class's total, so students are encouraged to make larger donations to other classes and bring pennies for their own, with all funds going to charity. All of the proceeds will go to an organization that supports local refugees. Penny Wars ends this Thursday, 12/8.

The Fairbanks Museum in St. Johnsbury is offering camp programs during the Winter Vacation week: February 27 - March 3. They go from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, with an extended day option until 3:00 PM. Cost: $135 for members or $150 for non-members, the cost for extended day option is an additional $100 for members or $120 for non-members. More information and registration are here.

Our families support our school in very many ways, and we are grateful for all of them; whether it is helping with the yard sale, buying (or selling) raffle tickets, volunteering, or giving. Strong community support has enabled us to thrive during some difficult times over the last few years. If you have not given to the annual fund yet, please consider doing so today- no gift is too small! Any donation you make is a gesture of support for the model of education you have chosen for your child(ren) and is greatly appreciated! You can give online by going here. Thanks so much!