RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY

November is a wonderful time of year when there is a chill (or snow) in the air. It's time to pull out our favorite cozy sweaters, sip on hot chocolate or apple cider, and enjoy the preparation of upcoming holidays and festivals. It's also a time to celebrate our accomplishments as we end our first quarter of the school year.

First quarter report cards will be sent home on Friday, November 8. Parent-teacher conferences will be held on Monday, November 25 and Tuesday, November 26. Teachers will be contacting parents in the next few weeks to sign-up for conference times.

We encourage parents to join our Riverside PTO which will be meeting on November 4 at 3:20 p.m. in the music room. The PTO helps support our students, teachers, and school throughout the year and we are very appreciative of all they do for our school!

We will have Lifetouch picture retakes on Tuesday, November 5. Picture packets will be available in the school office, and are also available online in this newsletter or on our school website.

All military veterans are invited to join us on Monday, November 11 for coffee and bars from 8:15-8:45 a.m. in the Riverside cafeteria, followed by our Veterans Day Program in the Riverside gym from 9:00-9:30 a.m. There will be parking available in the lower parker lot and also on the playground blacktop for those who may need handicap access.

There will also be a Title I Parent Advisory Committee meeting on November 11 at 3:30 p.m. in the music room. This is an opportunity for parents to learn more about our Title I program and offer input and suggestions for ways we can best support our students and school.

With the colder weather approaching, please have students wear their winter coats, hats, gloves and snow boots, so they are able to enjoy going outside at recess. We try and go outside everyday if the weather permits. If you are in need of winter gear, please contact our school counselor, Riley Duis. If you are able to donate winter gear, you can bring donations to the school office. We are always appreciative of our clothes closet for kids!

We look forward to an amazing November!

Congratulations and good luck to our high school athletic teams!

• JCC Girls' Varsity Volleyball had a fantastic season and placed 2nd in the sub-section 3AA championship on Tuesday, October 29
• JCC Cross-County State Qualifiers Naiya Ayers and Cora Pauling
• JCC Football Sections Final vs. Pipestone

Go Huskies!

Dr. Kim Meyer

Riverside Elementary Principal

kim.meyer@jccschools.net

507-847-6649

Our school mission and vision is to Inspire Excellence every day by inspiring all learners to be respectful, engaged citizens through partnership in learner-centered education. Our Riverside School Goal is Positive Purpose - To engage in positive purpose at Riverside for our students, families, and JCC.

November 1

• Staff Development Day/No School for students
• First day of American Indian Heritage Month
• National Author's Day
• National Family Literacy Day
• Section Football @ Worthington

November 3

• Daylight Saving Time ends - clocks will "fall back" one hour

November 4

• PTO Meeting in Music Room 3:20 p.m.
• National Candy Day!

November 5

• Picture Retake Day 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Election Day
• National Donut Day!

November 6

• End of the 1st Quarter
• Early Dismissal 2:00 p.m.
• National Nachos Day!

November 8

• Report cards Sent Home with Students
• National Cappuccino Day

November 11

• Veterans Day Program at Riverside - Veterans are invited to join us at Riverside for coffee/bars, and our Veterans Day Program.
• 8:15-8:45 a.m. Coffee/Treats in the Riverside Cafeteria
• 9:00 a.m. Program in Main Gym

• Title I Parent Advisory Committee Meeting 3:30-4:00 p.m. - If you are interested in joining our Parent Advisory Committee, please join us in the Music Room. This will be our first informational meeting to review our Title I program and services.

November 13

• Early Dismissal 2:00 p.m.

November 14

• Wear Husky Colors
• One School, One Book Cheesecake Fundraiser Begins

November 15

• No school for students/Varsity Football State Semis at US Bank Stadium

November 20

• Early Dismissal 2:00 p.m.

November 21

• Riverside Scholastic Book Fair in Library 8:00 am. - 5:00 p.m.

November 22

• Riverside Scholastic Book Fair in Library 8:00 am. - 3:00 p.m
• Terrific Kids Program 2:20-2:50 p.m. (if there is state football, time/date may be change)

November 25

• Riverside Scholastic Book Fair in Library 8:00 am. - 8:00 p.m
• Parent-Teacher Conferences 4:00-8:00 p.m.

November 26

• Riverside Scholastic Book Fair in Library 8:00 am. - 8:00 p.m
• Early 1:00 p.m. Dismissal
• Parent-Teacher Conferences 1:00-8:00 p.m.

November 27

• No School/Flex PD Day

November 28

• Thanksgiving Day

November 29

• Thanksgiving Break
• National Native American Heritage Day

Congratulations to our Terrific Kids who were nominated by their teachers for their showing Husky Pride B.A.R.K. Trait (Be Respectful) throughout the month of October!

Isabel Nam - not pictured

Each month names are drawn for staff members whose names were posted on our staff "Shout-Out" board for all the amazing things they do! Congratulations to the following Shout-Outs!

Every week staff are nominated for going above and beyond modeling and teaching our PBIS B.A.R.K. Traits! Congratulations to our All-Stars!

Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans, that is, persons who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Thank you to all of our Veterans for your service and sacrifice! We are truly grateful for you, and would like to invite you to join us for coffee and bars in the Riverside cafeteria from 8:15-8:45 a.m. At 9:00 a.m., our students will have a Veterans Day program in the main gym.

When students fill out their Husky Pride Punch Cards, they have an opportunity to pick out a prize from the Husky Prize Room. So far this year, we have had 283 punch cards filled! Way to go Huskies!

Husky Pride Ticket = 1 punch

Bus Buck = 2 punches

Substitute Teacher Ticket = 3 punches

Community Buck = 4 punches

In November, students will embrace Kindness and Giving as core values within their classroom community. This month focuses on turning thankfulness into a daily habit, fostering generosity, and encouraging students to give back in meaningful ways, both in and outside the classroom. Acts of kindness and giving can transform the classroom into a space where students feel valued, connected, and supported.

November Experiential SEL Overview

• Nov Week 1: Self-Awareness – Self-confidence

  By developing self-confidence, students feel more secure in expressing appreciation and recognizing the positive contributions of others, fostering an environment of kindness.

• Nov Week 2: Self-Management – Self-motivation

  Practicing self-motivation helps students take initiative in offering support and kindness to their peers, making giving a personal and active choice.

• Nov Week 3: Social Awareness – Perspective Taking

  Perspective taking enables students to understand and empathize with others, enhancing their ability to offer kindness and thoughtful gestures that resonate with their classmates’ needs.

• Nov Week 4: Building Relationships - Teamwork

  Teamwork builds a collaborative spirit, encouraging students to support one another, share responsibilities, and give generously to create a harmonious classroom community.

https://www.kikoriapp.com/post/kikori-november-social-emotional-learning-calendar

School begins at 8:15 a.m. Careful records are kept on all cases of absence or tardiness. Attendance is a key indicator of a student’s academic success, and it is important to communicate with the school office if your child needs to be absent or tardy. It is our goal to work with students, families, and communities to support regular school attendance and improve academic achievement.

As a safety check, we ask that you call the school office before 8:10 a.m. if your child will be absent or tardy. A student is considered tardy if he/she is not in the classroom by the 8:15 a.m. bell. Students will need to check into the office if they arrive after 8:15 a.m. If it ever becomes necessary for a student to leave school early, stop in the office and sign them out. We want to be sure they are in good hands.

For every absence, please call the SCHOOL OFFICE at 507-847-5963, even if you have contacted the teacher. For detailed information regarding our attendance policy please refer to the Student-Family Handbook on our Riverside webpage. https://www.jccschools.com/riversideelementary

Online Payments for Meal Accounts

Online payments are now available via the Parent Portal Website. Simply log-in to your Parent Portal to deposit a payment into your child's meal account. There is a $4.00 convenience fee per transaction. You can deposit to multiple accounts per transaction. Any questions, please contact the district office at 507 847 3608.

*Parents/Guardians are always welcome to join students for lunch. We are unable to access a child's account for your meal, so please plan to pay cash for your meal/s when you sign in at the office.

Adult Lunches: $5.00

Please contact Palmer Bus Service for any questions on routes or transportation at 507-849-7117.

BUSING:

• Shuttle Bus to PLV/MS: Leaves Riverside at 7:40 a.m. (playground blacktop)
• Shuttle Bus from PLV/MS: Arrives at Riverside 8:00 a.m.
• Route Buses: Arrive at Riverside at 8:00 a.m.
• K-3 Breakfast: Served from 7:40-8:10 a.m.
• Preschool Breakfast: Served at 8:15 a.m. in classrooms
• School Begins: 8:15 a.m.
• School Ends: 3:05 p.m.
• Afternoon Shuttle Bus to PLV/MS: Leaves Riverside at 3:15 p.m.
• Afternoon Route Buses: Arrive/Leave Riverside at 3:45 p.m.

MORNING DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:

Door 2 - Main Office

Door 3 - Lower Parking Lot

Discovery Place - Preschool students

PRESCHOOL PARENT DROP OFF: 8:00-8:15 a.m.

• Preschool students should be dropped off at the Discovery Place Preschool. We have staff waiting to guide students to their designated locations and classrooms.

• After 8:15 a.m., preschool students must check in at the Discovery Place Office.

• Breakfast for preschool students is served in the classroom at 8:15 a.m.

• Families needing to drop off before 8:00 a.m. may utilize Kids Club at Discovery Place and will be charged a fee. Please make arrangements with Kids Club if your student needs before-school care.

PRESCHOOL PICK-UP: 3:05-3:15 p.m.

• Students will be picked up from the Discovery Place Door (unless arranged to meet older siblings at different locations).

K-3 PARENT DROP-OFF: 7:40-8:10 a.m.

• All K-3 students should be dropped off by the lower parking lot by Door 3.

• Door 3 will be locked until 7:40 a.m., and students cannot be left unattended outside.

• We have staff available to meet students and guide them inside beginning at 7:40 a.m..

• After 8:15 a.m., K-3 students must check in at the main office by Door 2.

• Families needing to drop off before 7:40 a.m. may utilize Kids Club at Discovery Place and will be charged a fee. Please make arrangements with Kids Club if your student needs before-school care.

  • 1-3 days = $25.00

  • 4-5 days per week = $50.00

HUG AND GO AREA:

• K-3 parents bringing students into the building will need to enter the Main Office area at Door 2 where we have a Hug and Go area.

• To help students become more independent, we ask that parents reassure students and keep their goodbyes brief when they drop students off in the Hug and Go area.

• We have staff to help guide students to their designated areas.

• To maintain a school learning environment with minimal distractions, parents/visitors are not able to walk students to and from lockers or classrooms unless they have a scheduled visit.

AFTERNOON PICK-UP LOCATIONS: (Parents let teachers/students know if you need to meet students at a different location)

Door 2 - Main Office for Kindergarten students

Door 3 - Lower Parking Lot for grades 1-3 students

Discovery Place - Preschool students

KINDERGARTEN PICK-UP: 3:05-3:15 p.m.

• Students will be picked up by Door 2 (upper parking lot). For safety, if parents are parked across the street, they must walk over and cross the street with their student/s. We will not let students cross the street by themselves.

FIRST-THIRD PICK-UP: 3:05-3:15 p.m.

• Students will be picked up by Door 3 by the lower parking lot. Older siblings will be dismissed to pick up their younger siblings in their classrooms and take them to designated areas.

PARKING

• To avoid traffic congestion, there is available parking at Salem Lutheran Church parking lot, on Park Street, or the upper or lower parking lots. There is no parking or driving on the playground or in bus zones.

LATE AFTER SCHOOL PICK-UP

Students not picked up by 3:30 p.m. will be walked to Kids Club and charged a flat rate weekly fee. Parents will need to pick them up from the Kids Club area.

• 1-3 days = $25.00

• 4-5 days per week = $50.00

KIDS CLUB

• For more information regarding Kids Club please visit the website at https://www.jccschools.com/kidsclubdaycare or contact Kids Club Director, Holly Schmit to arrange for before and/or after-school care.

• Kids Club Phone: 507-847-5868

• Email: holly.schmit@jccschools.net

END-OF-DAY CHANGES:

Changes to end-of-day transportation plans must be communicated by email to the office and teacher or by direct call to the office at least 30 minutes before dismissal to avoid students following their normal end-of-day procedures.

NON-HOUSEHOLD TRANSPORTATION:

Students will not be allowed to go home with a non-household relationship without prior communication. Transportation of students by non-parent/guardians must be requested in advance of dismissal by the parent/guardian.

PICK-UP/DROP OFF DURING SCHOOL HOURS:

*If you are picking up or dropping off your child during school hours, you will need to sign them out in the main office (door 2). To ensure safety, students will not be allowed to leave the building until a parent/guardian signs them out from the office.

VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS

To ensure safety, all visitors and volunteers must sign-in at the main office and get a visitor’s badge.

WALKERS/BIKE RIDERS: 7:40-8:10 a.m.

Students may enter the school at Door 2 (main office)

Encourage your child to:

1. Cross streets at crossings - never in the middle of the block.

2. Observe ALL traffic rules.

3. Return to school or home directly without stopping to play.

4. Never accept rides or talk to strangers.

5. Obey ALL school patrols.

The school patrol will help children cross North Highway at Park Street. The patrol will be there from 7:35–8:10 AM and 3:00–3:20 PM each full school day. It is absolutely essential that our students obey the school patrols. Parents please do not let your child/children run across the street. Inform them that they are to wait for the school patrol person to let them cross. Encourage your child/children to obey the school patrols.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL SUPERVISION:

Due to our 2-tiered bus system, many students have extended times at school before or after the school day is officially in session. This supervision is a privilege and a service the school district provides. Students who fail to meet expectations for behavior may lose the privilege to be at school before or after the bell (*8:10 AM or 3:05 PM). In these cases, parents will be required to drop off, pick up, or utilize Kids Club.

PBIS: This year our Husky Pride Traits will be aligned more with Pleasantview Elementary and the Middle School as we implement the B.A.R.K. Husky Pride Traits.

1. Be Respectful. Respecting yourself, the rights of others, and property.

2. Act Responsibly. Being a responsible learner and accepting responsibility for your actions.

3. Remember Safety. Acting in a healthy and safe manner.

4. Kindness Counts. Being positive and kind towards yourself and others.

Kikori SEL: During morning meeting time PK-3 classrooms will have Kikori Social-Emotional Learning activities that help students develop a sense of belonging, leadership, and responsibility. We are excited to provide this in our classrooms for students, along with the Quest classes using Second Steps SEL with our school counselor, Riley Duis. Our goal is to continue to support students as we build a collaborative community of learning and development to help meet the needs of the whole child.

During our September Kikori activities, students will transform into "Self-Regulation Superheroes," focusing on identifying strengths, impulse control, respecting others and social engagement. This month emphasizes the importance of co-regulation—working together to manage emotions—as a crucial step toward effective self-regulation. By fostering a supportive classroom environment and providing the language and guidance needed, students will be empowered to become superheroes of their own emotions and behaviors!

September Experiential SEL Overview

• Week 1: Self-Awareness: Recognizing Strengths
  Encouraging students to identify their own strengths enhances self-awareness, the first step in self-regulation. It also helps students learn to acknowledge and appreciate the strengths of their peers.

• Week 2: Self-Management: Impulse Control
  Teaching impulse control helps students practice mindful decision-making. Students can support each other by modeling patience and providing reminders.

• Week 3: Social Awareness: Respect for Others
  Respecting others is the foundation upon which a positive and inclusive learning environment is built.

• Week 4: Relationship Building: Social Engagement
  Most importantly, the more joy and fun students experience together, the more they will build trust and begin to feel safe moving outside of their comfort zones.

As part of our multi-tiered system of support for students, JCC provides Title I assistance in reading for students who need extra support. It is important to note that the Title I Reading program is aimed at providing support to regular education students to help them be as successful as possible in the classroom.

Title I is a federally-funded, general education support program. The goal of Title I is to provide extra help and instruction for struggling readers and/or mathematicians. Title I involves specialized instruction provided through the cooperation of the classroom teacher and Title I staff that supplements (not replaces) classroom instruction.

Supplemental instruction with Title I teachers occurs individually and/or in small groups of 3-5 students, four to five times weekly, for approximately 25-30 minutes each session, depending on the grade level and relative level of need. Reading support includes guided lessons designed to enhance core letter and word skills, reading fluency, and comprehension.

Email: kim.meyer@jccschools.net
Website: https://www.jccschools.com/riversideelementary
Location: 820 Park Street, Jackson, MN 56143