Riverside will have Valentine’s day parties this year on Friday February 14, 2025. We ask that all classroom party treats be commercially prepared, and individually wrapped. Remember to wear pink or red today!
Students are able to exchange individual store bought or homemade Valentines cards to share with each other in the classrooms this year.
Please watch for more information from your child's teacher.
This February, let’s celebrate the joy of reading and the love of stories! With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s the perfect time for students to fall in love with new books. Encourage your child to explore stories about friendship, kindness, and courage – or dive into a mystery, a biography, or a favorite series. February is also Black History Month, offering a wonderful opportunity to read books that celebrate important historical figures and diverse voices. Let’s make reading a part of every day and spread the love of learning! Happy reading! ❤️📚
We are pleased to announce the 2025 Riverside “Giants in Science” Science Fair. The date for this exciting event is on Thursday March 13, 2025 from 9:00-10:30, in our Multipurpose Room.
All students in grades K-5 are invited to register. Students can complete a project individually or in a group up to three total students. Science fair display boards in various colors are available in the office for $7.00. Registration forms and display board order forms have been sent home with all students. You can also click here for a registration form. Check out the “Science Fair” link on Riverside’s homepage for more information and to preview an informational packet.
Can you become the next “Giant in Science?” Register now and give it your best shot! See you at the fair!
Watch for sign up sheets for Everest Youth Anglers (Fishing Club), soccer club, and a spring running club and outdoor club.
We'd like to kindly remind everyone that the designated handicap parking spots are reserved for individuals with mobility needs. We understand that parking can sometimes be challenging, but we ask that you please leave these spaces available or those who need them most. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our community accessible for all.
Also a reminder that during pick-up time, we need to keep both lanes of traffic open on River Road. If you have a large vehicle which will stick out into the traffic lane, we ask that you park in a spot in the lower parking lot. There are times that it is hard to see around large vehicles, which makes it hard to exit the parking lot safely; or large vehicles are blocking the traffic lane. If you are parking in the top parking area, please pull forward as far as you can, so that your vehicle is not blocking the lanes of traffic. We also ask that nobody park past the painted lines at the west side
Our PTO is working hard to get things ready for our annual Ice Cream Social events. Please join us if you can!
Connect with Riverside's PTO on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiversideElemRinglePTO
National School Counseling Week
February 3-7, 2025
What is National School Counseling Week?
National School Counseling Week is celebrated annually the first full week of February. The purpose of this week is not only to advocate for the School Counseling Program, but to also focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems. Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
Did You Know?
Historically the term "Guidance Counselor" has been used to refer to counselors within the school setting, who were originally introduced to assist students with occupational/ vocational choices, college preparatory support, etc. A lot has changed over the past few decades, however. School Counseling is much more comprehensive today than what "guidance counseling" used to be, and is much more central to student needs. Today's "School Counselors" are highly trained professionals with expertise in meeting a diverse set of student needs--from academic to career to personal/social developmental needs. They are advocates for all students, and support them as they navigate their way into adulthood. While the recommended ratio of students to counselor is 250:1, most School Counselors have much larger caseloads.
What School Counselors Do?
Professional School Counselors wear lots of hats, and a lot of the work they do is behind the scenes, which often leads to confusion about their role. Here are some things that School Counselors Do. They can vary by district:
Provide individual short-term counseling services to students
Provide group counseling services to students
Provide classroom guidance to students on important topics like career development
Consult and collaborate with teachers, parents, and other support staff to address student needs
Enroll, schedule and/or check in with new students
Check and correct student schedules
Implement and monitor Section 504 Accommodation Plans to improve access to education for students with disabilities
Identify issues that affect student performance
Help students identify and overcome social or behavioral obstacles
Eliminate barriers to student attendance
Conduct suicide and non-suicidal self-injury assessments
Connect students and families with appropriate mental health services
Provide students and families with information pertaining to post-secondary options
Educate students and families about graduation requirements and college admissions requirements
Monitor student progress toward graduation to ensure that requirements are met
Guide students in selecting appropriate courses to achieve post-secondary goals
Guide students and families through the college application process
Complete recommendations and school reports for college applications and scholarships
Assist students and families with applying for financial aid and scholarships
Assist students with registration, preparation, and interpretation of college placement tests (SAT/ACT)
Disseminate information to students and families about summer programs, volunteer opportunities, and other academic enrichment programs
Educate students and families about dual enrollment opportunities
Coordinate community scholarship awards night
Coordinate college visits
Get to Know Your School Counselor
This is Mrs. Tatro’s 14th year as a Licensed Professional School Counselor, and 4th year as a Riverside BlueJay / DCE Evergreen. Prior to coming to DCE/Riverside Elementary, she was an Elementary School Counselor at Edgar School District for 8 years. Prior to Edgar, she worked as a High School Counselor at Pacelli High School for 2 years. Mrs Tatro has a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from UW-Stout and a Master's Degree in School Counseling from Concordia University - Mequon. Mrs. Tatro has two children that attend DCE Schools. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, traveling, kayaking, being outdoors, and watching her boys grow and play their favorite sports - baseball, soccer and hockey.
What Do You Love About Being a School Counselor?
“My favorite things about being a School Counselor are: getting to build relationships with students and staff, that I can be there for students (and staff) in their moment of need, and creating a warm, safe space for students to use as a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the hallways and classrooms. I love being able to be the one that helps empower students to face their problems and grow as individuals. I love getting to know my students and having the opportunity to support them by helping them learn the social emotional skills they need to be successful. As counselors, we get to be there for students in crisis – and connect families with resources when they are in need. I also love being a part of helping other educators meet the needs of their students. Our position is unique in that we truly have the potential to impact every person in our school. There is no greater feeling in the world than having a career that allows you to leave such a positive impact on so many people. It is so fun to have such a special and unique role within the school, and I consider it a privilege to serve this community as a School Counselor! Thank you for EVERYONE’S support of the School Counseling Program at Riverside Elementary School!”
~ Mrs. Tatro
Check out these helpful tips on how to support your child with their mental health and anxiety.
