Riverside School PTA Newsletter |
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LAST DAY TO SUPPORT OUR SPRING FUNDRAISING DRIVE!
We have reached the LAST DAY of our Spring Fundraiser. Without our normal spring events, this fundraising drive aims to support arts and science enrichment programming, field trips and outdoor campus enhancements (like a permanent gaga ball pit!), all of which benefit EVERY child at Riverside School.
For those who have given, we thank you for your support! If you haven't had the opportunity to donate this week, please donate now to support the critical programs we have highlighted, and many others that enrich the experience of Riverside School students.
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RIVERSIDE FIELD DAY 2021
Color War 2021 – Our students will be participating in a day of physical activity, fitness, friendly competition, and FUN on Friday, June 4 (rain date: Friday, June 11). This is a school-wide, student-only event this year.
Students are assigned a color (RED or NAVY) and should wear a shirt of that color. Field Day shirts are available for purchase ($8.50 each) by going to My Page on rivpta.org. You must submit your order by Sunday, May 16 at 3pm. One order form per child. Please note that purchasing T-shirts is completely optional. Shirts will be distributed prior to Field Day. You should have received an email with your child(ren)'s assigned color.
In addition, students should bring a lunch from home or can pre-order from the limited lunch menu. Water will be available during the day, but students should be encouraged to bring in a reusable water bottle labeled with their name on it. Any questions please contact Bill Bogardus or Jay D'Andrea.
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ATTENTION 5TH GRADERS: EMS APPAREL SALE
The Eastern Middle School Apparel shop is open with some fun spring items including t-shirts, shorts and sweatshirts! Show your EMS Spirit and shop EMS Apparel! Sale ends Wednesday, May 12. Please see attached flyer for more details.
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COME SEE THE RIVERSIDE VEGETABLE GARDEN
Come on over to see the gorgeous new vegetable garden at Riverside! Generously funded by the PTA and built by Jim Charling (grandfather of 2nd grader Eric Charling), with assistance from Aaron Charling (Eric’s dad), the new garden is ready to grow! Stay tuned for planting plans, but in the meantime, drop by to admire our new space.
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SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION FOR GPS ADMINISTRATION!
Please join us in sending a big THANK YOU to Dr. Jones and her team. From day one of the 2020-21 school year, our families were given the choice to send our children to school in person, or to have them attend school remotely. Let's thank our GPS Administration for making that possible, as well as everything else they have done for GPS students and families this year!
We will be collecting any thank you cards or pictures that your children would like to make for Dr. Jones and her team the week of May 17-21 to deliver in a big gift basket. Let's show them how much we appreciate them!
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR: PTA GENERAL MEETING MAY 25
Please join us on Tuesday, May 25 from 9:30-10:30AM for a cooking demonstration and conversation with food blogger, author, mother of four elementary school-aged children, and “the woman behind the internet’s favorite bread recipe”, Alexandra Stafford of Alexandra’s Kitchen. Zoom details to follow.
At this meeting we will quickly run through PTA business items (20 mins), and then we will be joined by Ali, who will walk us through a cooking demonstration. This is an interactive meeting, so please send questions in advance or post them in the chat during the presentation.
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GET FIT FOR FARE – MAY 24-28
The PTA Community Service Committee will be hosting a Riverside School “Fit for Life” fundraiser to benefit FARE – Food Allergy Research and Education – from Monday, May 24 to Friday, May 28. All grades will be participating in fun fitness stations during PE classes throughout the week of May 24 and learning facts about allergies.
The money raised by this event will go towards improving the quality of life, and the health of individuals with food allergies, and providing them hope through the promise of new treatments. Food allergies affect many Riverside School students and other kids across the Greenwich Public Schools.
Please look out for more information in the coming weeks regarding how to donate, a video to share with your student and more on FARE. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Service team at RivPTACS@gmail.com.
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ORDER YOUR SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR 2021-22
The PTA is once again sponsoring a school supply fundraiser for the upcoming school year. Order now and your child's box of supplies will be delivered directly to the classroom by the first day of school.
Starting May 1, please go to www.shopttkits.com and enter account number 83285. The site will close on May 31. Once again, earbuds and headphones, as well as PPE kits, will be available to purchase separately if new ones are required. Please note that it is strongly advised that Kindergarteners have headphones rather than earbuds. Please email Virginia Lockhart with any questions.
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GPS WANTS YOUR FEEDBACK ON PPT MEETINGS
GPS has initiated a new internal feedback process (that is separate from the review being conducted by PCG) to improve their PPT meeting process. To that end, please make sure to fill out the new special education survey AFTER your Annual PPT Meeting. The survey link is in blue and can be found on the PPT Summary Page. The PPT Summary is delivered virtually, five school days after your annual PPT. It is included with your finalized IEP.
This survey is in response to the many inconsistencies that Key2Ed found regarding how PPTs are run throughout the district. These surveys are anonymous and cannot be traced back to families. If you do not receive a survey link please reach out to the PTAC Special Education Support Committee at ses@greenwichptac.org.
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CALLING ALL SES FAMILIES
Calling all families of students with IEPs and 504 plans. Please sign up for the SES Message Board to stay informed and up to date on district meetings and special events that impact special education and related services. We look forward to connecting and collaborating.
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GRADE 1 LEARNS ABOUT ENDANGERED SPECIES
Chris Evers from Animal Embassy was back (virtually) at Riverside this week, speaking with Grade 1 about animal adaptations. Students met animals from around the globe, representing numerous habitats. They explored how animals survive in their natural habitats and adapt to unending environmental challenges in their own unique ways, with special physical and behavioral attributes.
GRADE 3 LEARNS ABOUT GEMS, ROCKS, AND MINERALS
Dig it: Narwhal Nina from High Touch High Tech virtually joined our school again this week. The 3rd graders learned about gems, rocks and minerals and got some hands on experiences finding and classifying gems.
These programs were organized by the Science Enrichment Committee and made possible by your generous donations to the Riverside School PTA.
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UPCOMING ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
May 10-11: Animal Embassy's Reptiles and Amphibians (Grade 2)
May 10-11: Stepping Stones virtual field trip - Innovation Station Super Skyscrapers (Kindergarten)
May 11: Arts Field Day (Grade 5)
May 13-14: Journeys to American Indian Territory's Eastern Woodlands program (Grade 3)
May 17-20: Poetry week workshops with Ted Scheu (Grades K-4)
May 21: Dragoons (Grade 5)
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2ND, 3RD & 4TH GRADE HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS
As per the Connecticut Department of Health, all current 3rd graders need to submit a CT State Health Assessment form for the 2020-2021 school year. These assessments should be based on health exams performed during the 2020 through 2021 calendar years.
Parents of current 4th graders who were notified of needing to submit the 3rd/4th grade Health Assessments must submit their form by today (April 23, 2021). These assessments should be based on health exams performed during the 2020 through 2021 calendar years.
Current 2nd graders will also need to submit a Heath Assessment based on a health exam performed during the 2021 through 2022 calendar years for 3rd grade "entry". These forms can be submitted during the 3rd grade year (2021-22 school year).
In addition, the School will need Dental Forms to be fully completed by either your Pediatrician or Dentist, as per CT Department of Health requirements.
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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 (IN-PERSON STUDENTS)
PLEASE NOTE: All orders MUST be submitted prior to the date ordering for (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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SES WORKSHOP: SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD WITH DISABILITIES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL
Join a workshop for parents presented by Dr. Paula Kluth. Come and get ideas to help you partner with your child’s teacher. In this presentation, participants will learn about recent research on inclusive classrooms, useful supports, and helpful questions to guide your next meeting. Video clips, active learning techniques, and classroom examples will be used to answer questions such as “What is inclusion?”; “Is inclusion right for my child?”; and “How can I support my child’s inclusive education experience?”
Monday, May 10 from 7-8pm
Or dial 646 558 8656, Webinar ID: 892 9543 1375
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE WORKSHOP: READY FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Academic Excellence Committee of PTA Council invites all parents to its May 11 Workshop: Ready for Middle School. This workshop explores the skills taught in elementary and middle school to help students transition. Speakers will include a 5th grade teacher from North Mianus School, WMS Principal Gordon Beinstein and CMS Principal Tom Healy. This Workshop is especially relevant for parents of current 4th and 5th graders.
Tuesday, May 11 from 10-11:30am
Or dial: (US) +1 530-637-0104, PIN: 334 271 464#
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UPCOMING PARENTING WEBINAR SERIES
Dr. Ross Greene is back! Don't miss his webinar series for parents starting next Tuesday, May 11 from 6-7:30pm. Dr. Greene will be hosting a four-part webinar series that expands on the strategies he described in his initial presentation in December 2020. Learn about Dr. Greene’s Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model, which provides practical, research-based tools for assessment and intervention. Participants in the workshop series will gain a further understanding of the underpinnings of the model, its refinements over the past 8-10 years, and practical assessment and intervention tools that can be brought back to and used in these diverse settings.
Webinar Dates:
May 11, May 18, May 25 and June 8 (from 6-7:30pm for all dates)
May 11 Zoom Link:
Passcode: 575963
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BOE MEETINGS NOW VIRTUAL
Board of Education meetings are easier to attend now that they take place over Zoom--stay informed! Here is a list of 2020-2021 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 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
- Thursday, May 13, 2021(Retreat, no public comment)
- Thursday, May 20, 2021
- Thursday, June 3, 2021
- Thursday, June 17, 2021
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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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Greenwich Youth Cheerleading - Join the Fun!
Do you have a rising 3rd through 8th grader interested in cheerleading for this fall? Join GYCL's Zoom Info Session on Wednesday, May 12 at 7pm. Registration and Info Session information can be found here.
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Greenwich Land Trust Plant Sale This Weekend (May 7-8)
Join us for the Greenwich Land Trust's first ever native plant sale! Not only is all the inventory grown in house from seed collected on Greenwich Land Trust preserves, but all proceeds from the sale will support the growth of the Seed-to-Seed program. Seed-to-Seed operates with the goal of increasing the population of local, native plants on GLT properties as well as other properties in our community. The Greenwich Land Trust has donated plants to the Riverside School Native Plant Garden and several other GPS school gardens for the past two years. Help support this work and bring home some beautiful super-native plants for your garden! Please see flyer for more info.
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Family Science Activity to Benefit a Former Riverside Student Battling Cancer
The registration deadline for the live virtual event benefitting Julian McRandal (a second grader at Glenville School, and former Riverside School student, who is battling an aggressive brain tumor) has passed. But families can still purchase the accompanying kit by May 17 to work on the experiment independently with the help of a pre-recorded instructional video. You can also donate a kit to a child in need. For additional information, visit www.scienceexplorers.com/julian-strong.
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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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