November Update

Nov 8- Early Release-Elementary 12:00 HS 12:10

Nov 11- School IS in Session. Senior serving Senior Dinner: 11:30

Nov 26- Early Release-Elementary 12:00 HS 12:10

Nov 27-29 No School Thanksgiving Break

With winter approaching, I want to take a moment to explain our district’s plan for snow days and how Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) will allow learning to continue even when weather keeps us from gathering in person. Our priority is always the safety of our students and staff, but we also want to minimize disruptions to learning as much as possible.

Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) Days are days when students work from home due to inclement weather or other emergencies. This approach helps us make the most of the academic calendar without needing to add makeup days at the end of the school year. Our AMI plan has been approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), allowing us to use these days to keep students engaged in learning, even from home.

On an AMI day, teachers will provide lessons and assignments that students can complete at home. Here’s what you can expect:

• Communication: You will receive a notification via our usual channels (text, email, and district website) informing you that an AMI day is in effect.

• Assignments and Expectations: Teachers will post assignments on our learning platform Google Classroom by 9 a.m. on AMI days. These assignments will review current material.

• Support: Teachers will be available for questions and support during office hours from 9:30-10:30 via email for any questions. Teachers will have Google Meet from 10:30-11:30 so students and parents can receive assistance if needed.

Attendance and Participation
Attendance will be tracked through the completion of assigned work. It is important that students complete their AMI assignments to be counted as present for the day.

We appreciate your support as we implement AMI days to provide uninterrupted learning while prioritizing everyone’s safety. Please reach out to your child’s teacher or school office if you have any questions about our AMI plan. Together, we can ensure that learning continues, no matter what the weather brings.

I also want to share information about SNOW Day LATE START

Missouri winters can bring unpredictable weather, and there are times when conditions are expected to improve after sunrise. A late start gives road crews additional time to clear and treat roads, making travel safer for buses, parents, and staff. This approach also reduces the number of full snow days/AMI days.

How Does a Late Start Work?
On a Snow Day Late Start, school will begin two hours later than the usual start time. Here’s what that means for students and families:

• Communication: We will notify you of a late start through our standard communication channels (text, email, and the district website) by 6:00 a.m. This notice will give you time to adjust your morning plans.

• Start Time: School will begin exactly two hours later than normal. Bus pick-up times will also be delayed by two hours. For example, if your child’s bus usually arrives at 7:00 a.m., it will arrive around 9:00 a.m. on a late start day.

• Class Schedules: Classes will follow an adjusted schedule with shortened periods to fit the school day. Lunch will be served as usual, and dismissal will occur at the regular time.

• Childcare Considerations: We understand that a late start may impact childcare arrangements. We encourage families to have a plan in place for late start days.

We kicked off the month with an exciting visit from Missouri S&T. They brought their mobile STEM van to our school, setting up engaging science activities for students in pre-kindergarten through 6th grade. The children were thrilled to participate in hands-on experiments and interactive learning experiences that sparked their curiosity and enthusiasm for science. Our military PIE partners also played a crucial role in the day, assisting with the activities and helping to create a dynamic learning environment. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to explore STEM concepts in a fun and memorable way!

November is an exciting month at our elementary school! Our 3rd grade students will showcase their talent by singing at our Veteran's Day celebration, honoring those who have served. We will also hold our first attendance celebration for students who missed three or fewer days in the first quarter, recognizing their dedication to being present. Additionally, picture retakes are scheduled for November 15th, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to capture a great photo. It's a month filled with community spirit and celebration!

The second quarter is almost half way through. Grade checks will happen for sports/activities on Friday November 8. Meet the Bears will be held on November 14 at 6:00 in the high school gym.

November 11, the High School will host the Senior Citizens/Veterans Day Luncheon. All Veterans and Senior Citizens are invited to attend.

The eighth grade science classes went to Ozark Fisheries and collected macroinvertebrate to count and identify for the final project of the ecosystem unit. The STEM team from Missouri S&T was here on October 31, and helped students with experiments in science class all day.

Richland FFA attended the National FFA Convention, and had a week full of learning and leadership activities. They also participated in FFA Fall Public Speaking and have three members moving on to District contest:

Jessie Bennett- Teach Ag

Bryce Pemberton- Missouri Cattlemen’s

Katherine Sperberg- Pet Breeders

Red Ribbon Week was celebrated on Monday October 28 to November 1, with students receiving drug awareness education and participating in district-wide spirit days! On November 11, the senior class will be hosting the annual Seniors Serving Seniors luncheon to community members. Students in the building will participate in educational Veterans Day activities on November 11. Sophomores this month will have the opportunity to attend a career fair at a nearby school on November 14. Juniors will be taking the ASVAB this month on November 14. Another career fair will be held on November 18 at another Frisco League school. Sophomores will also be able to tour the Waynesville Career Center (WCC) on November 25 to learn more about career and technical education! Finally, WCC intent to return forms will be sent out to all WCC juniors who have plans to enroll again during their senior year, these forms will be due at the end of the month on November 22.

Fall Attendance Day for 1st Quarter attendance of 90% or above will be November 8, 9:00-10:30 at the Elementary School. We will have activities and games set up for students.

We celebrated Red Ribbon Week October 28-November 1.

Please like/follow/turn on notifications for Richland R-IV Student Council’s Facebook page. This page focuses on spirit days at the high school, events the student council is hosting, and what’s going on around the school. Student council officers and members hosted the Junior High Harvest Moon court, and dance. $4500 was raised from the event, and that amount will be donated to our Paint it Pink recipient. The kids had a great time!

November 4th Student Council officers head to District Convention where they will network with other schools, and bring back ideas that serve our student body.

We are bringing back a fan-favorite: Miss Merry Christmas! Registration is already filling up quickly, be sure to fill out the google form on our Facebook page to get your child registered. This event will be held December 14th at 6pm, we would love to see you all there. Along with the event, we are seeking sponsors that would like to contribute to making this possible. We have different levels of sponsorship, and would love to discuss what might work best for you and your business.

Website: www.richlandbears.us
Phone: 573-765-3812

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