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January 2024 Whims | 2nd Edition

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A Look Inside This Week's Whims

January 2024, 2nd Edition


Good evening, Riley community,


We are so appreciative of your continued understanding and support as we navigate, arguably, the most trying sequence of days on campus in recent history.


As you all know we have had Covid and influenza A circulating in our Riley community, and the CDC has listed us in "Outbreak" status. We are currently still reporting our numbers daily and you must update us on any confirmed flu or covid cases within your family.  We again want to strongly recommend that everyone test before returning to school to ensure the health of the entire community. Additionally, there are stomach viruses, flus, and other cold & flu season germs on campus. Any illness or symptoms within a household must be treated seriously. Please carefully monitor for symptoms before sending your child to school.


We understand that this is challenging, but we must take care of ourselves and each other. It is our responsibility to follow the guidelines set forth by the health authorities and take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of disease. As of now, we intend to welcome children back to Wade Acres on Tuesday morning (after Monday’s previously planned faculty workshop/NO SCHOOL day) but again we ask for understanding, flexibility, and open communication to ensure we are able to make the best decisions for our community utilizing all the information at hand.


We are still making decisions day to day at this point.


We are maintaining the standard requirements of 24 hour fever free, a return to school after a covid positive on DAY 6 if symptoms have significantly resolved, and a mandatory masking thru day 10.


STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

Testing


REQUIRED

Masking


SUGGESTED

Order more tests


REQUESTED

Patience, flexibility, kindness and consideration

Order Your *FREE* Covid Tests Today!

No School Tomorrow Monday, January 29th


Tomorrow the children will all have the day off but the faculty will all be here for their previously scheduled faculty workshop. Faculty is happy to meet with you in person or by zoom from 8-12. If you have questions, comments, concerns, or just want to chat about your child please reach out to schedule a meeting. 


Please remember that you are invited to visit us anytime on campus! There is always a lot going on and I would say the best way to truly understand what we do is to join us! If and when you do come on campus, please simply check in with the office to let us know that you are here. 

Winter Weather Protocols

Delays, cancellations, & general policies


We use RSU 13 for GUIDANCE on delays and weather cancellations. We will always follow a delay but unless you hear directly from us we will not necessarily have a cancellation alongside RSU 13. Not only do we not have busses to worry about, RSU 13 may also have reasons for cancellations that do not affect us. We're so lucky at Riley to be more nimble and flexible in our decision making!


If you have not heard further from us by 7 am, assume the last communication from Riley is what stands. And as always, do what you need to do to keep your family safe.


When possible info will be posted on FB and on WGME13 and WCSHStorm Center 6. Sign up for automatic text messages from the WCSH6 Storm Center website. We also send a text or email when possible.


In case of a power outage cancellation, call the school. If the answering machine picks up we do have power and thus school. 


We do not usually do early dismissal as a storm begins, but we encourage families to make their own decisions re safety and to pick up at any time during the day.


As always, use your own discretion regarding road conditions in your area and choose safety over attendance. Please call in as early as possible if you choose not to bring your child in on inclement weather days so we do not worry about you. 

Help Support a Great Day at School with Appropriate Gear & Nourishing Food!


Please ensure that your children have: 


  • masks,
  • water bottles, 
  • simple nourishing sugar free foods food choices ,
  • appropriate winter layers of LABELED clothing,
  •  extra dry socks and a second pair of footwear

Riley Skiing & Snowboarding Program 2024: Every Friday!


It's officially time to hit the slopes and once again the Snow Bowl is very generously offering the Riley community- students, parents, friends, family, and beyond -discounted lift tickets and equipment rentals on Fridays through the end of the season. Earlier this week you should have received an email regarding this program; you will find some of that information condensed below. Please reach out to me via email or phone with any questions you might have. I'm here to help!


Important Need to Knows:

  •  You must sign up and pay by Wednesday at 3:30 to receive the discounted group rate on Friday.
  • Children are dismissed from the care of Riley at 12 PM on Fridays; Riley is not responsible for children at the mountain.
  • Please be aware of your child's level of independence. Children who are unable to get into their gear or ride the chair lift independently must have a plan of support set up by their guardian to assist in their success. I will be available as a point person on the mountain and am happy to help in unexpected situations, but being present and proactive for children who need extra support is essential for the success of this program
  • Parents are responsible for coordinating transportation to the mountain. Carpooling is encouraged! If you wish for your child to be brought back to Riley for a 3:30 pm pickup it is your responsibility to coordinate their return. 
  • I will be in the lodge handing out lift tickets around 12:30. Your rentals will be ready for you inside the rental office with the renter's name/Riley School written on tape on your equipment.


Really looking forward to a wonderful season of skiing and snowboarding ahead. Remember to pack an extra hearty lunch and extra water on Ski Program days. See you Friday on the mountain!


Craig Letowski


craig.letowski@rileyschool.org

207-790-1218

Skiing & Snowboarding Forms 2024

Discovery Week 2024


This was one of the most relaxed and immersive Discovery Weeks we have had. Children really supported one another and shared their information and enthusiasm with one another. They all presented with confidence and flair on Friday, and we have copies of all the reports bound together and available in the library, art room and lower school for children to explore. If you would like and did not get a copy of your child's report, please let us know.

Please check in with your children about outstanding library books from their Special Interest projects. We have quite a few that need to be returned still. If you are unsure about your child's titles, please check in with the office. Additionally, please let the office know if you have returned the books yourself. Thank you!

February ArtLab for All

with Tori at the CMCA

Saturday, February 3, 2:00–4:00pm

Instructor: Tori Marsh

Drop-in; Free and open to all!


Printed Places

Inspired by the mural and selected works of Carla Weeks, participants will create their own minimal stamp and print. Artists are asked to think about how Weeks utilizes color, shape and rhythm to evoke memory and a reverence for place. Participants are then invited to create their own piece inspired by memory, nature, color and place.

CMCA Saturday Art Lab for All!

Business After Hours:

Volunteers Needed!

February 21st


Business After Hours is a local networking event organized by the Penobscot Bay Chamber of Commerce which gives local businesses the opportunity to discuss and share ideas while also learning about other local businesses and non-profits in a relaxed social setting.


Help Riley host this incredible event while also adding to your family's volunteer hours! Sign up to provide food and beverage below.

Parent Volunteer Sign Up

Riley Summer Camp 2024

Tuesday-Thursday, July 9th - August 1st


If you are interested in this year's Summer Camp, please let Tammy know ASAP. Summer camp registration will be opening it up to people who have reached out since last year as well as the public early next week.


Thank you all and we look forward to seeing you all this summer!

This is YOUR Whims!

Do you have anything to post? To sell? News or an event to share? 

Contact Julie Letowski, our editor:

whims@rileyschool.org


Weekly submission deadline:

Fridays 12 pm

no exceptions

January & February

at a Glance

January 29th

Faculty Workshop

NO SCHOOL


February 1st

Founder's Day Campus Celebration & Global Play Day


February 2nd

Riley Skiing & Snowboarding Program - Sign up by

Wednesday at 3:30!


February 3rd

CMCA Saturday Art Lab for All with Tori Marsh

2 - 4 PM


February 6th

Upper School

to Strand

Live from the MET

Carmen

1-4 pm


February 7th

Global Play Day and Founders Day Celebration


February 9th

Riley Skiing & Snowboarding Program - Sign up by

Wednesday at 3:30!


February 9th

Valentine's Day Dance

6 - 8 PM


February 16th

Riley Skiing & Snowboarding Program - Sign up by

Wednesday at 3:30!


February 19th-23rd

Winter Vacation

NO SCHOOL


February 21st

Business After Hours at Riley

5-7 pm


February 26th

Financial Aid Applications Available


**Special calendar note: May 15th's scheduled faculty workshop has been cancelled and school will be in session. Thank you!**

View Our Updated School Calendar


Thank you

to our

Parent Volunteers!

Parent Volunteer Sign Up

Arrival

& Dismissal


Please be sure to share this information with any other family or designated drivers of your children


Morning drop off is between 8:30-8:40; Afternoon pick up is between 3:30-3:40.


Parking in front of Wade Acres during these times is exclusively reserved for Wade Acres families and families with children in car seats.


Once the line begins moving you may NOT bypass it nor go counterclockwise to reach the front.

Make new friends, and keep in touch with the old!


Find all the contact information you need for your fellow Riley families in the updated directory linked below.

Riley Family Directory

The Riley School's Family Corner


Have you explored the Riley Family Corner on school's website? Full of reading suggestions, archived Whims and Riley Notes, and useful links to things like the school directory and calendar, it's got all the info Riley families need!


Password:

Family2324

Explore the Riley Family Corner Today!

HOW TO 

REACH US


Office

596-6405


Admin cell

691-4005


info@rileyschool.org

director@rileyschool.org


PO Box 159

Rockport ME 04856

Thank you to all who joined us yesterday at Camden Winterfest to carve a beautiful Riley ice sculpture!

Share your Riley love with t-shirts,

sweatshirts, mugs, and more!

Grab your gear HERE.

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Missed a recent Whims? Catch up below!


December 2023 Whims // 1st Edition

November 2023 Whims // 4th Edition

November 2023 Whims // 3rd Edition

November 2023 Whims // 2nd Edition

November 2023 Whims // 1st Edition

October 2023 Whims // 5th Edition

October 2023 Whims // 4th Edition

October 2023 Whims // 3rd Edition

October 2023 Whims // 2nd Edition

October 2023 Whims // 1st Edition

September 2023 Whims // 4th Edition

September 2023 Whims // 3rd Edition

September 2023 Whims // 2nd Edition

September 2023 Whims // 1st Edition

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The Riley School

www.rileyschool.org

207-596-6405

RILEY MISSION STATEMENT

The Riley School guides children to become independent, lifelong learners and innovative thinkers.


Founded as an intentionally small, progressive, ungraded elementary school in 1972, Riley recognizes each child’s unique learning style. The innovative and personalized curriculum challenges children to express themselves and develop their own intellectual and creative capabilities through discovery, questioning and active engagement. 


 We foster a sense of responsibility towards our natural world, our community, and each other. We value cooperation and collaboration, while balancing the individual's social, emotional and physical development with academic and intellectual growth.


At Riley we trust in children as learners. We honor and respect the uniqueness of the individual. We cherish and protect childhood.