
Parent Newsletter
Riverside Middle School | December 2024

🍀 March Parent Newsletter 🍀
Important Upcoming Dates
Mar 7 - No School, Teacher Work Day
Mar 14 - Suessical 7pm
Mar 15 Suessical 2pm & 7pm
Mar 18 - First Track Meeting after school
Mar 24 - 28 - Spring Break
Mar 31 - Apr 4 - Washington DC Trip
Suessical Information
Tickets will be available at the musical, $3 for children, $5 for adults.
Dean of Students Update
Dear Riverside Families,
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible hard work and dedication of our Riverside Middle School teachers. They go above and beyond every day to challenge and inspire our students--helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
From creating engaging lessons that spark curiosity to providing personalized support for our students, the teachers here at RMS are committed to making sure each student reaches their full potential. For example, Ms. Beaudoin’s Hospitality and Tourism class recently participated in community-led mock interviews to prepare them for future careers. Mr. Picklemann’s agriculture course connects students with nature by caring for animals like chickens, rabbits, native fish and our school's garden. Mrs. Klawitter/Mrs. Kleine class running an in-house beverage service, ‘Panther Perk’, which provides vocational and life skills for students, not to mention over 300 beverages to coffee dependent staff members!
Outside of the classroom, I wanted to highlight the incredible dedication of our Riverside Middle school teachers, who serve as coaches and role models through extra-curricular activities and clubs. Through their hard work and dedication nearly 60% of our student body are provided valuable opportunities for personal growth! Special shout out to Mrs. Vitale and her SkillsUSA students who recently placed in the regional competition advanced to the 52nd Annual SkillsUSA Wisconsin State Leadership and Skills Conference as well as our Music Department and their students who recently competed in the WSMA District Solo Ensemble Festival and had 59 students receiving the highest rating in their event!
These are just a few examples of the many ways our educators are making a lasting impact. We are so grateful for their continued dedication to our students' success. I challenge you to ask your child what makes each of their classes special.
Thank you Riverside staff for your continued support for our students,
Mr. Barnett
Dean of Students
News from the Library 📚
Reading is the secret ingredient for an awesome spring break!
Whether you travel or stay home for Spring Break, does your student have a book to read? Books can be checked out from the RMS Library, OR students can access audio and eBooks through SORA using their student device or a cellphone.
Simply visit the RMS Library website from the Riverside homepage, scroll down and click on the link or download the app today!
A Championship of Stories!
RMS students have the opportunity to participate in the March Book Madness - read the books and vote on their favorite. Students do not have to read every book to participate. The bracket will be posted in the library, as well as the Commons TV displays. Follow along to see the results!
Club Information
Great Things Happening at RMS!
Attendance Reminders
Please remember to call your student in if they will be missing school, running late or have an appointment. That way we can make sure they are marked accordingly for attendance and we can have passes ready in advance for your student to leave on time. Let's have a great year!
Free & Reduced School Meals
The 2024 Free and Reduced Price School Meal form can be found on Skyward Family Access. Forms can be turned in to any of the district schools. A new form must be completed each school year.
Lost & Found
Please remind your students to check the Lost & Found for anything they have lost. Currently the Lost & Found is overflowing from so much clothing that is lost. If the items do not get picked up, they will be donated. Thank you so much for help with keeping students responsible for their things.
News from the PTO!
Emergency Closing Information
Testing Information
Influenza Information
Care Solace Information
Referendum Information
On Tuesday, April 1, our community will vote on a recurring operational referendum question for the WUSD. If the referendum is approved by voters, the district would be able to exceed its state-imposed revenue limit by $7 million per year, starting in the 2025-26 school year.
We would use these funds to:
- Strengthen school safety
- Retain & attract top talent
- Protect high-quality programs & services
- Expand opportunities for students
Like many Wisconsin school districts, the WUSD is struggling with its budget because state education funding is not enough, state aid has decreased, and costs are rising due to inflation. Learn more at https://www.watertown.k12.wi.us/page/spring-referendum.
RMS Phone Numbers
Riverside Middle School - 920-262-1480
Main Office - Ext 5801
Bookkeeper - Ext 5802
Attendance - Ext 5811
Student Services - Ext 5821
Fax - 920-262-1468
Find us on...
Riverside Middle School on Facebook at https://shorturl.at/HnSJA
Watertown Unified School District on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WatertownUnifiedSD
Watertown Unified School District on Instagram at instagram.com/watertownusd