Riverside School PTA Newsletter |
Friday, October 15th, 2021 |
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Support the 5th Grade Community Service Project
Please support the 5th grade fall community service project and buy lemonade! The 5th grade classes are holding lemonade stands this month to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Our efforts will help fulfill Alex Scott’s dream to fund innovative research projects and support kids and their families dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
The first two lemonade stands will be held this Sunday, October 17 at the following times and locations:
3-4pm at 7 Tyler Lane (off Lockwood Road) - Hosted by 5A
3-4:30pm at 14 Druid Lane - Hosted by 5W
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BOO BASH TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!
We hope more families will join us for this fun movie night to kick off Halloween weekend. It will be all the talk! Feel free to purchase a ticket to either showing (or both showings!), regardless of your child's grade level.
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DON’T MISS OUT ON THE RIVERSIDE REEL!
The Riverside Reel is the PTA’s secure member-only media website with photos & videos of PTA events and programs. Invitations from Shutterfly were sent out yesterday to families who have up-to-date profiles on RIVPTA.ORG to reflect each child’s current homeroom teacher. If you have not received yours, please email riversidereel@gmail.com.
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FITNESS WEEK AT RIVERSIDE SCHOOL
Thank you to everyone who participated in Fitness Week last week! We had nearly 200 submissions, and the most popular activities included biking, walking, baseball and soccer. Individual winners for each grade were selected at random and will receive a credit towards a purchase of Riverside Spirit Wear. The class with the highest rate of participation for each grade will win extra recess. Great job, Riverside!
Individual Winners: Kindergarten: Mila C., 1st Grade: Sarah S., 2nd Grade: Alonso G., 3rd Grade: Zoe S., 4th Grade: Lucas B., 5th Grade: Alexander Y.
Class Winners by Grade: Kindergarten: Ms. Rizzi, 1st Grade: Ms. DiDonato, 2nd Grade: Ms. Sturman, 3rd Grade: Ms. Goodbody, 4th Grade: Ms. Crawford, and 5th Grade: Ms. Anstey & Ms. Ware (tie)
Overall Classroom Winner: Ms. Goodbody’s class
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BUY YOUR FALL FUNDRAISER TICKETS TODAY!
To protect the health and safety of our village, we ask that all attendees be fully vaccinated, or obtain a negative result from a PCR test administered within 72 hours of the event. Vaccination cards can be submitted now via our event-specific CrowdPass link. Please note: If you upload a vaccine card now, you will be asked a series of screening questions. Although they won’t seem entirely relevant at the moment, kindly answer them to complete your submission.
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COME CHECK OUT OUR GARDEN!
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures start to drop, we can grow late fall and winter crops, and keep right on growing. We added cold temperature tolerant cabbage, carrots, lettuce, red beet, and broccoli to our school garden. While we still harvest eggplants, green beans, basil, parsley, Swiss chard, pumpkins, and fire beans. Come check out all the beautiful plants and flowers still thriving, many of which the second graders planted last spring. Our yearly tradition will round up the garden year, when our children are planting daffodils in November.
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ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
Author Jerry Craft Virtually Visits Grades 3-5
On Friday, Grades 3-5 were visited virtually by Jerry Craft, the New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal winning author of the graphic novel New Kid. Jerry spoke to the children about his life, why he became an illustrator and writer, and how his experiences growing up influence his writing and art today. While speaking to the children, Jerry showed off his illustration skills. Ask your children if they think they might someday be inspired to write or illustrate a book based on their own experiences.
K-5 Musical Journey through Latin America
Next Tuesday, October 19th, the entire school will be visited virtually by three musicians taking them on a journey to showcase the music of Latin America. Students will discover the instruments, rhythms, melodies and languages that make this region of the world so unique, and learn how music is a true celebration of our beautiful diversity. Please see this flyer with more information about the students' "trip" and questions you might like to ask your child about the program.
Upcoming Enrichment Programs:
October 19: Bash the Trash presents Latin American Journeys (grades K-5)
October 21-22: High Touch High Tech's Invisible Forces (grade 1)
October 26: Carol Glynn government assembly (grade 3)
October 27-28: High Touch High Tech's Power of Light (grade 5)
November 1, 3: High Touch High Tech's Newton's Day at the Park (grade 4)
These programs are paid for by the generous donations of parents to the PTA. Thank you!
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ALP UPDATE AT OCTOBER BOE MEETING
The GPS Advanced Learning Program (ALP) team will be presenting an update on the Program at the next Board of Education meeting on Thursday, October 21 at 7pm. The ALP presentation will be posted to BoardDocs 3-4 days in advance of the BOE meeting, if you would like a preview of the slide show. We encourage our parents to zoom in.
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ONLINE APPAREL STORE IS 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-7pm on Fridays at 41 Owenoke Way.
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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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SNACK PACK FUNDRAISER: DONATIONS STILL NEEDED FROM 5th GRADE FAMILIES!
The 5th Grade is raising money for the class gift and special initiatives by selling snack packs at the Boo Bash Drive-up Movie. Due to an overwhelming demand for snack packs we need additional donations.
To make it easy for you, we have an online store where 5th grade parents can donate items to fill the Boo Bash Snack Packs. No need to make a trip to the store, just donate the amount of your choosing and we will take care of buying everything!
We are also looking for 5th grade parents to help distribute the snack packs at the Boo Bash Drive-In Movie. Please sign-up to distribute snack packs the night of the event.
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GRADES 3-5 PARENT ZOOM WITH MR. WEISS AND MS. KEY
We hope those who joined the Grades K-2 parent zoom this past Wednesday found it helpful and informative. The session for Grades 3-5 parents is happening Wednesday, October 20 at 9am. Mr. Weiss and Ms. Key will share information about Riverside School (including a series of photos that give parents a glimpse inside the school building) and will leave time to answer questions from participants. You should have received the Zoom link from your class parents.
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NOTE FOR PARENTS: ITEM DROP-OFFS
As a reminder to parents, when dropping off items for children, please make sure the item is labeled with the child's name and teacher. Sometimes office personnel cannot immediately obtain items from the bins due to other obligations, and clear labeling will minimize confusion and inefficiency at the time of retrieval.
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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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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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2021 BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATE DEBATE ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19
This year is a municipal election year in Greenwich! This year’s race includes five candidates running to fill four (two Democrat + two Republican) open Board of Education seats. See the candidates as they debate critical issues on Tuesday, October 19 from 7-8:30pm via Zoom. Register here. For additional information on the candidates, please see LWV's Greenwich 2021 Voters Guide (BOE candidate info begins on page 22).
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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, 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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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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Interested in After-School Childcare?
The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich (BGCG) and the YWCA Greenwich both offer wonderful after-school programs for elementary school-aged children. At dismissal time each day, there are two dedicated vans that transport students directly from Riverside School to each location, and Riverside families take advantage of these two programs on a daily basis. For more information and to register your child, please click to learn more about the BGCG program and the YWCA program.
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Jackson's SOCKTOBER Sock Drive
Three years ago, 11-year-old Riverside Alumnus, Jackson Bogardus, was inspired by the local charity, The Undies Project (a charity that provides underwear to our low-income neighbors) and decided to start a local sock drive, “SOCKTOBER”, for the month of October. Jackson feels this is especially important as we approach the colder months. He also learned that socks are one of the items most needed in homeless shelters so he is collecting new socks for both adults and children and donating them to local shelters. 94 million people in the United States live in or near poverty. That's almost 1 out of every 3.
Jackson's SOCKTOBER donation bins can be found throughout Greenwich, including Riverside School, and at his house. Please help Jackson reach his goal of collecting 2000 pairs of socks to help those in need this winter and spread the word about SOCKTOBER. Please call (203) 273-0511 if you have any questions or would like to learn more about Jackson's SOCKTOBER Sock Drive.
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Celebrate the Fall at Old Greenwich School's Pumpkin Patch on October 16
It's that time of year again! Pumpkin Patch is OGS's annual fall celebration and community event. There will be games for all ages, a hay-bale maze, food and, of course, lots of pumpkins. To learn more about the event click here. Masks will be required.
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Julian Curtiss School PTA presents “Drive-by Donut Sale” on October 23
Stop by Julian Curtiss School (180 East Elm Street) from 9am-2pm, or the Greenwich Board of Education (290 Greenwich Avenue) from 10am-2pm on Saturday, October 23 to support the Julian Curtiss School PTA by purchasing Krispy Kreme donuts. Choose from Krispy Kreme original glazed, chocolate iced glazed, glazed raspberry filled and glazed with kreme filling. $13 per dozen while supplies last!
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The Turkey Trot is Back – Join the Thanksgiving Weekend Tradition!
Support the Greenwich Alliance for Education by participating in a morning of family fun and exercise on Saturday, November 27. Proceeds benefit Greenwich Schools. Choose from a one-mile fun run/walk and a 5k race that begins at the Arch Street Teen Center and loops through Bruce Park. When you register, don’t forget to participate in the Run for Your School Competition. The Greenwich school with the greatest participation wins a $500 gift card for PE equipment! Register here.
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It’s Election Season! Resources from Greenwich League of Women Voters
Greenwich League of Women Voters provides the Greenwich community with essential information on the who, how and where to vote on Tuesday, November 2. Learn about registering to vote in Greenwich and view LWV’s 2021 Greenwich Voters Guide which includes candidate information.
In addition to the Board of Education Candidate Debate mentioned in District News, you can also view the Board of Estimate & Taxation Debate on Wednesday, October 27 at 7pm (register 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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