February 2024 Whims | 3rd Edition | |
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A Look Inside This Week's Whims
February 2024, 3rd Edition
Greetings, Riley community! Happy February Vacation!
We hope this email finds you enjoying the beginnings of break. Even though we won't be on campus this week as a school community, there's still a good bit of important information to share. So grab a cup of tea, find somewhere cozy to sit, and settle in for this week's WHIMS!
See you all next week!
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February Vacation: This Week! | |
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Maine Maple Sunday is Coming!
Sunday March 24th, 10-2
Mark your calendars for Riley's sweetest annual event! Maine Maple Sunday on the Riley campus is an all hands on deck event so keep an eye on the volunteer sign up sheet for ways you can get involved. Additionally start thinking of who outside of our immediate Riley community you would like to invite to join in on the fun. Not only is this event made merrier by more company, it's also a valuable fundraiser and community outreach event. We're also thrilled to share that Riley's incoming director, Annie Hasselgren, and her family will be joining us on campus that day. Let's make this our best Maine Maple Sunday yet!
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Re-enrollment Forms Due
Friday March 1st
It is incredible to think that we are beginning to plan classes and enroll for next year! But it is time and your re-enrollment intention forms will arrive in the next week. the form indicates your intention and is non binding. We ask you to return them no later than Friday March 1st.
The new Variable Tuition Rate application process encourages everyone to submit paperwork and work with the tuition committee to contract at a workable figure for all. Please be looking for this mailing over break and begin gathering tax returns and w2s to support your application on or before March 15th after which you will be provided with a contract for re-enrollement and deposits will be due by June 1st.
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Skating at Riley: Parents Must Send Helmets if They Want Their Children to Wear Them
It's not our dream snowy winter.. but it IS good for ICE. (Please be careful when walking on our campus!) When we return from break we may still have some good pond skating days. Children are encouraged to bring skates and a helmet (if desired) at the start of each week in order to be able to enjoy the long standing Riley tradition of skating on our little pond (and sometimes across the meadows even!). You, too, are welcome to join us for a winter spin on our wee pond! It has always been a popular activity.
Skating may happen at any time throughout the week or even day! We are encouraging you to send a helmet. If you do not send a helmet please understand that you are by implication and default giving us and your child permission to engage in this winter pleasure without a helmet.
We have many skates of all sizes to borrow. We require the children to wear a heavy hat and gloves to protect them - but we do not have helmets to borrow. IF your child must wear a helmet, you must send one in.
While it has always been Becky’s, and Riley rule that we have them, current research indicates that they do not guarantee protection against a concussion or injury. Our pond skating is pretty leisurely and limited in scope and ability to pick up speed! It is NOT hockey nor at the speeds they can experience at MRC for example ( where our policy has been to wear one). The MRC rink does not enforce wearing them for public skate.
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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.
This event is an important opportunity for Riley to no longer be a "best kept secret". These Chamber events are attended by 60-100 business community and Chamber members- many of whom have never been to our campus. It is an opportunity to spread the word and enhance both our applicant pool and our fundraising initiatives. In addition we are using it as an opportunity to promote the rental of the theater.
Help Riley host this incredible event while also adding to your family's volunteer hours! Reach out to provide food and beverage. Any volunteers helping to set up, provide finger food, serve, clean up and mingle will be offered bonus hours in light of it being during vacation week.
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Women's Art Night:
Paper Flowers
Tuesday February 27th, 4:30 pm
Join us in the Art Room for some community and paper craft! We'll be making paper flowers to brighten the wintry days ahead.
The Art Room will open at 4:30 but folks are more than welcome to trickle in. No experience needed!
If you plan to attend, send a quick RSVP to julieletowski@gmail.com so that we can ensure there are enough supplies on hand. Thank you! $10 activity fee will cover: crepe paper, stems, flower tape, etc.
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Parent Night
Thursday February 29th, 4-5:30
Join us for an engaging evening with faculty where we explore different aspects of Riley's philosophy, curriculum development, and program. This is a required event for Lower, Middle, and Upper school families; Wade Acres families are warmly invited! Double volunteer credit hours will be logged for attending this event.
Children can be dropped in the theater where childcare will be provided. $5 per child. We look forward to seeing you!
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Fivetown Baseball League
There are a few Riley children who will be returning to the Fivetown league to play baseball/softball this coming year! We are looking forward to seeing more Riley children on the field too! It's been a lot of fun to observe the children play baseball almost every day at recess! Spots fill fast!
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Immune System Support
from Our Community
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Elderberry Syrup
$25 for an 8 ounce bottle, made in small batches.. take daily to boost immunity and lessen symptoms when sick. Made with organic elderberries and raw unfiltered honey. Safe for the kiddos and tasty! Reach out to Hattie to get a bottle today!
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Immune Support from
Bee Wild Farmacy
Immunitea is $10/bag or 2/$18. Eldertoddy comes in several sizes from $5-25. There are other options - tinctures and teas for illness, cough, etc etc. Check out items and descriptions at www.BeeWild.ME. Mary ships, delivers, offers pick ups, or can bring to Riley.
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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
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February & March
at a Glance
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February 19th-23rd
NO SCHOOL
Winter Vacation
February 21st
Business After Hours at Riley
5-7 pm
February 26th
Financial Aid Applications Available
February 27th
Women's Art Night: Paper Flowers!
4:30 pm
Please RSVP to Julie if you can so we can have enough supplies on hand!
February 29th
Parent Night
4-5:30
March 1st
Re-enrollment forms & fee due
Charlotte's Web Field Trip to The Strand for Lower, Middle, & Upper School
9:30 am
March 2nd
A Dancer's Journey
to Live
7 pm
March 15th
Financial Aid Application Deadline
March 24th
Maine Maple Sunday & Scholastic Book Fair
10 am - 2 pm
March 25th
NO SCHOOL
Faculty Workshop & Parent Conferences
**Special calendar note: May 15th's scheduled faculty workshop has been cancelled and school will be in session. Thank you!**
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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!
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Thank you
to our
Parent Volunteers!
| Keep eye out for Community Skills survey and new Volunteer sign ups format! | |
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.
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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.
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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
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HOW TO
REACH US
Office
596-6405
Admin cell
691-4005
info@rileyschool.org
director@rileyschool.org
PO Box 159
Rockport ME 04856
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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.
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Share your Riley love with t-shirts,
sweatshirts, mugs, and more!
Grab your gear HERE.
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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.
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