Celebrating a Community of Diverse Traditions & Secret Santa

As we approach the holiday season, we want to acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of holiday observances that our community practices. We understand that not everyone celebrates the same holidays or in the same way, and we want to ensure that everyone feels included and valued during this time of year. We will have a tree in the library, and a menorah in the gallery… and we would love to include any of your traditions and learn about them with you.  

If you and your family have a special seasonal tradition or observance that you would like to share with our school community we invite you to campus at any time that works for you in the next few weeks. (Reach out to Lindsay or Becky as this would indeed count towards your volunteer hours!) If you are available Monday at 1 pm, our All School Meeting is a perfect time. 

A long standing Riley tradition is “ Secret Santa “ week. Participants draw names and exchange anonymous gifts. The gifts are simple "make it or bake it" all week and are delivered daily by secret messangers ( Elves or Tomten) and typically signed from S.S. (Secret Santa.) But this year Instead of "Secret Santa", we encourage you to get creative with your gift-giving and choose an alternate name for yourself and your gift recipient. Need some ideas? How about "Holiday Buddy", "Kindred Spirit" "Gift Guru,” “ Secret Snowflake”, or “Tricky Tomten”!

The final gift, presented under the jolly eyes of a visiting “Santa”, is a more individualized, crafted effort and is wrapped. While this can be a fun and lighthearted way to celebrate, we recognize that it may not be appropriate or comfortable for everyone, and participation has always been entirely optional. However, we invite our community to share any ideas for alternative ways to celebrate and exchange tokens of appreciation during this dark season as we herald the return of the light on the solstice. 

Additionally, we want to extend an invitation for families to share their holiday traditions with each other. Whether it's through a presentation, a potluck, or simply a conversation, we believe that sharing our diverse backgrounds and experiences can bring us closer together as a community. We encourage everyone to participate and learn from one another, and to approach this holiday season with an open mind and a spirit of inclusivity. Don't miss out on the fun, let's make this holiday season unforgettable!

Parent Back to School Night

November 30th, 3:30-6

Parents are encouraged to come explore the classrooms and their children's work. Your children will lead you through the classrooms to introduce you to the work and the routines in each space. Ask them to share

~something that they are proud of having learned, or completed

~something that was hard or that they know they could have done better with

~something new they are working on

Facilitators will be in the rooms to help answer questions, but please remember this is a child led evening. You are encouraged to set up a personal conference meeting for any more specific communications if desired. Plan to spend no more than 10 minutes in a classroom if you are to make it through all spaces.

AND THEN join us for afternoon tea and a chance to connect with other families and enjoy Tea & Mini Crafters Market which  we're thrilled to be adding to this special evening!

This is a call to crafters/makers/artists who would like to participate in this fundraiser by sharing their talents and donating a portion of their sales.

Thanks to Mary Nelson and Adriana Diioro for spearheading.

Reach out to Becky or Lindsay for more information or to reserve your table .

Christmas by the Sea Parade

December 1st, 6 pm

Let’s celebrate the Holiday season together!

This year we are not going to be walking as a group in the parade but we would like to invite you to join our Riley community to watch the parade together! To spread the cheer we are encouraging you to wear twinkly lights, make colorful lanterns (we’ll have battery operated tea lights on hand), and bring your bells!

We'll meet at 6 PM at the Camden Library Upper Lawn to enjoy the parade together!

Need some lantern making inspiration? Check out the below tutorials!

Holiday Movie Elf

& “Elf Yourself” Craft

December 2nd

Join us to celebrate Christmas By The Sea for a family festive screening of the popular 2003 Christmas comedy, ELF starring Will Ferrell as a human raised by Santa’s elves. Rated PG; 1 hour 37 minutes

3:30: Elf yourself ornament activity

4:00pm: Movie starts

This event is FREE and open to everyone.

Sponsored by the Town of Rockport and the Rockport Opera House

Holiday Toy Drive for

Connections Across Cultures

Riley is thrilled to again be working with Connections Across Cultures this holiday season. CAC  works to welcome and help new immigrants who move to Maine. We are helping to collect gifts for the 125 children of families from Afghanistan, Chad, Congo, Tanzania, and Ukraine who are currently in temporary hotel housing in South Portland.

childnre and families who are willing to participate will be given a specific aged child and asked to bring a new, wrapped gift ( value $10-$25) Toys will be distributed at an afternoon party at the hotel shelter the week of December 18. We will also be providing $20.00 gift cards for youth between the ages of 13 and 19. We need all gifts by December 15.

More information coming soon!