The Colts Connection

Greetings Colts Families and Community,

It has been an absolute honor to lead such an incredible school this semester. From our dedicated staff and amazing students to our supportive community of parents, I am constantly reminded of how fortunate I am to serve as the principal of River Heights.

This past week was filled with memorable moments as we visited ERHS, hosted a vibrant community cultural celebration, and enjoyed both a rally and a dance. These events wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and families—thank you for making them a success!

As we approach the end of the semester, I encourage families to take time to reflect on the progress and growth we’ve experienced together this year. Please know that we, as a school community, are here to support you every step of the way. A quick note for your calendars:

• Final grades will be posted on Parent Connect on January 3rd.
• Second semester schedules will be available for viewing on Sunday, January 12th.

Lastly, a few reminders: Thursday is a minimum day, and Friday is a non-student day. On behalf of everyone at River Heights, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season. School will resume on Monday, January 13th.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Here's to a strong finish to the semester and an even brighter second half of the school year!

Warm regards,

Eva Isett, Ed. D.

Principal

The holidays are upon us, and while this season brings joy and excitement, it can also lead to stress and burnout for students as they juggle school work, extracurricular activities, and holiday preparations. To help manage burnout, it’s important for students to prioritize rest and get 8–10 hours of sleep each night to recharge. Staying organized can also make a big difference—using a planner or checklist to break tasks into smaller steps can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. Regular breaks during study sessions, such as taking 5–10 minutes to relax or do something enjoyable, can help maintain focus and energy.

Practicing self-care is another key strategy. Students can engage in activities they enjoy, such as listening to music, drawing, or spending time outdoors. Staying active with physical exercise, even something as simple as walking or stretching, can improve mood and reduce stress.

Healthy snacks like fruits and nuts, along with staying hydrated, provide the fuel needed to stay energized.

Additionally, it’s helpful to set realistic goals and focus on doing their best rather than striving for perfection. Limiting screen time and unplugging from devices can also help students recharge mentally. Most importantly, students should talk to someone they trust, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor, if they feel overwhelmed. Celebrating small achievements and focusing on positive moments can further help boost motivation and confidence. By following these tips, students can navigate this busy season with less stress and more enjoyment.

Families, if your student is on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and you would like your student to receive additional academic support on Wednesdays, please reach out to your case carrier and encourage your Colt to stay after school in the library on Wednesdays to receive homework support from 1:30-2:30 PM.

Final semester 1 grades will be available to view in Parent Connect on Friday, January 3rd. Semester 2 schedules will be available to view on Sunday, January 12th.

⭐️Our counseling team celebrated our All-Star students with a beautiful Christmas breakfast. Thank you to all staff and community members who donated gifts!

🇨🇽DLI students in Mrs. Villalobos' class presented on the various ways people from Latin American cultures celebrate Christmas

👕RHIS Staff did an undercover spirit day dressed in flannel. We're not sure the kids noticed that the entire staff was wearing flannels!

🎈DLI 8th graders helped make balloon towers for the Holiday celebration!

🎄Mrs. Zammit, Mrs. Villalobos, Ms. Cortes and Mrs. Velez hosted our second annual DLI Holiday Cultural Celebration! A thank you to our Harada 6th grade teachers, Mrs. Sánchez and her DLI high school students for joining in on the fun! A special thank you to all the families who joined us for music, cookies, hot chocolate and fun! What a great community event!

🎼 🐴All River Heights students walked over to ERHS on Wednesday during the last period of the day to watch the award winning Eleanor Roosevelt High School band perform. Thank you ERHS for hosting us!

🤶🏼On Friday, our amazing Tier 1 team comprised of Mrs. Rodriguez, Mrs. Jordan, Mrs. Teed, Mr. Pass and Mrs. Zammit put on a great rally! Students watched some amazing performances by Mrs. Ibay's choir class, and Ms. Smiths Cheer and.Hip-Hop Team

💃🏼ASB hosted the semi-formal Holiday dance. Thank you to all chaperones and volunteers who made this such a special evening for our Colts!

At River Heights, the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community are our top priority. Students, if you witness or experience bullying, threats, or suspicious behavior, report it to a trusted adult. Parents, stay engaged by talking to your children about their school experiences, monitoring online activities, and reporting concerns.

Together, we can ensure our school remains a safe, secure, and supportive environment for everyone. Thank you for your continued vigilance and partnership in this effort.

We take allegations of bullying and harassment seriously. Please have your student complete a witness statement if they have something to report. If it is an urgent matter, please call the front office at (951) 738-2155, if it is an emergency, please call 911.