Riverside Review

Dear RSI Parents and Guardians,

Happy Pi Day to all of you! We hope your day was filled with fun and, of course, plenty of pies! Many of our STEM classes celebrated this mathematical day in delicious style, enjoying a "feast" of pies as part of the festivities. It's always wonderful to see our students engaging with math in creative and tasty ways!

A huge thank you to our 5th-grade Humanities team, students, and all the parents and family members who joined us for Wednesday night's RSI Colonial Fair. The event was a great success, and we had a packed house! It was such a joy to see the hard work of our 5th-grade Hawks come to life through their Colonial Projects. Your support made this night extra special for our students.

We also want to acknowledge the parking challenges during the fair. Unfortunately, our lot is shared with the Junior High, and on this particular evening, they were hosting a concert and several sporting events. We greatly appreciate your patience as you navigated the parking situation, and we thank you most of all for attending this important educational event.

Lastly, I’d like to remind everyone that nominations for the HSE Honors and Excellence Award are now open! This award is designed to recognize the amazing work of non-certified staff members here at Riverside. If you know someone who goes above and beyond in supporting our school community, we encourage you to nominate them for this honor. Please use the link below to submit your nomination.

Honor and Excellence: https://forms.office.com/r/SdmdPLXhie

Thank you for your continued support. We hope you have a wonderful and safe weekend ahead!

Sincerely,

Dana Kaminski, Ph.D.

Principal Riverside Intermediate

ACES is a proactive program sponsored by the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office. Its purpose is to promote good school attendance by enforcing the legal obligations of compulsory school attendance noted in Indiana Law. Students may be referred by HSE Schools to the Hamilton County Deputy Prosecutor for the City of Fishers for participation in the program for being truant from school or having unexcused absences. Students with absences without a doctor’s note that exceeds 10 days per school year are considered unexcused and may also result in a referral to the ACES program.

Hamilton Southeastern Schools is seeking public input on a Title IV Ed-Flex Waiver. To learn more about this waiver, how it will be used by the district, and to provide public comment please visit hseschools.org/publicnotices and click on IDOE Title IV Ed-Flex Waiver.

HSE Intermediate students participated in the Journey of a Student Survey in Fall 2024 to help identify barriers they face while learning. Included in the following pdf are three of the most common barriers reported by our 5th and 6th grade students, along with practical ways families can support their children at home. Online resources are included as well which can be used as tools to help children learn to persevere through these challenges.

Consistent school attendance is essential for promoting student achievement. Research shows that regular attendance is linked to higher success rates in math and language arts, and students with lower chronic absence rates are more likely to excel.

Attendance Reminders:

1. Call-In Requirement: Parents/guardians must notify the school by 10:00 AM if a student will be absent or arriving late. A 24-hour voicemail is available for your convenience.

2. Excused Absences: A maximum of ten (10) absences per school year will be excused. Beyond this, absences require a doctor’s note to avoid being marked unexcused.

3. Half-Day Credit: Students must attend for at least 3 hours to be credited for a half day, which is necessary to participate in extracurricular activities.

Reward Opportunity: Students who maintain an attendance rate above 97% will soon be eligible for a special reward, so keep aiming for great attendance! Let’s work together to make this a successful year!

School Start: 9:15AM

School End: 4:00PM

Our goal is to keep our parents/guardians informed of the events and policies at RSI. Please read the information below and call the school office with any questions. Thanks for being such a vital part of making Riverside Intermediate a special school.

Skyward allows parents to access students’ grades from teachers’ electronic grade books.

ParentSquare will be used as the primary communication tool between the HSE school district and students, parents, and staff for emergency situations (for example: school delays or closings). It will also be used for attendance and general information as well throughout the year to notify parents about important information, upcoming events, or milestones.

iPads are required for all students in the 5th and 6th grade to expand our HSE21 curriculum. Please visit our website https://rsi.hseschools.org/academics/tech-in-the-classroom

The Riverside Review is our weekly newsletter that is sent out via ParentSquare. It is also posted on our website at https://rsi.hseschools.org/our-school/news-and-events

It is full of important information and scheduled activities.

Our Calendar is on our website with the most up to date information. https://www.hsecalendars.org/public/genie/752/school/13/

School Attendance is extremely important. The school attendance line is 317-594-4328. Parents are requested to notify the school as soon as possible. Automated letters will be sent out when your student reaches 5, 8 and 10 absences whether the absences are excused or unexcused. See the student handbook for the detailed attendance policy.

The Tardy Bell rings at 9:15 am. If your student is going to be late to school or absent from school, please call our attendance line at 317-594-4328.

Change of Transportation/ Early Dismissal requires a note sent to school with your student. Be sure to include your student’s full name. Your student should give the note to their homeroom teacher first thing in the morning. This will advise the office of a change. The dismissal bell rings at 4:00 pm. Our office does NOT use Dismissal Manager.

All Cell Phones are to be off and secured in student lockers during the school day. Their use during the school day is forbidden. Cell phones will be confiscated if visible during the school day. All confiscated cell phones must be picked up by a parent.

To be Excused from Participation in PE, students MUST have a doctor’s note stating why he/she cannot participate and for how long the student should be excused. A parental note may be used for one day only.

Safe Visitor Background Checks MUST be on file with the school to volunteer or go on a field trip. Background checks are valid for 3 years.

Address Changes must be reported to the main office and require proof of residency. Refer to the HSE website for acceptable documents.

Golden Hawk of the Month is the character education program at RSI. Students will be recognized for displaying any of HSE’s nine positive character traits throughout the year by earning a poster and a prize!

The Counselors at RSI loop with the students. Therefore, your student will have the same counselor for 5th and 6th grade. Individual counseling, group counseling, classroom guidance, and character education are all services provided by the counselors at RSI.

Breakfast and Lunch pricing for this school year: breakfast meal $1.50, student lunch K-6 meal is $2.80. Checks may be made payable to RSI. Please include student ID number on the check. You may also use your debit or credit card to pay for lunch online through eFunds.

Free and Reduced Application is available with a parent Skyward login. For complete instructions, click here.

Canvas is a tool for teachers to use to distribute important information, submit assignments, and more. Students use the same credentials for Canvas as they use to log into the computers at school.

All HSE Schools student handbooks (K-12) are now online for easier access. The 5/6 handbook is available via this link:https://rsi.hseschools.org/our-school/student-handbook

We encourage you to review it at your earliest convenience. Should you have any questions, please contact the RSI main office at 317-594-4320. Our staff is available to assist you. Have a great school year!

President - Christina Stenske

Vice President - Christine Gilchrist

Treasurer - Jenny Shoemaker

Secretary - Teresa Hunckler

Member at Large - Leslie Halcomb

Member at Large - Marissa Deckert

For any questions regarding PTO events, please email riversideintpto@gmail.com

We had another great meeting with the Public PTO this past week—we are ready to make our elections for the incoming executive board members on April 15th at 7pm and hope that you can join us to ensure that your voice is heard. We are excited for our 2025/2026 RSI PTO next year.

Spring Spirit wear will be making a comeback. We will have a link out soon that will allow you to check out some of the fresh styles for the end of the year. This is also a great time for those entering into RSI in the new school year to check out new swag for the first day of school for your child.

Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9, 2025. As we approach the final stretch of the year, we will be honoring these exceptional educators during Teacher Appreciation Week. We are looking for parents or guardians who would be willing to donate a $25.00 gift card for this week. We are in the process of acquiring gift cards from Torchy's Tacos, Shake Shack, Ale Emporium, and others. We are looking for some assistance in providing a gift card for all RSI leaders who support our children every day. If you are able to contribute, kindly send the gift card directly to the front office, addressed to the attention of RSI PTO, on or before April 25, 2025.

Dine to Donate. Discover these fantastic spots to savor a meal or treat while supporting our RSI PTO:

• March 17, 2025, I look forward to seeing you at Sahms from 11 AM to 9 PM. We have scheduled a 15% return for our school.
• March 24, 2025—With 20% going back to our school, Paradise Shaved Ice & Ice Cream Shop provides an excellent return on our investment.

The Hawk Party sign-up link is LIVE! We are hosting the final party of the school year, complete with a DJ, photo booth, and plenty of fun activities for our 5th and 6th graders. Please note that the sign-up period will conclude at 10pm on April 22nd https://25-spring-hawk-party.cheddarup.com

The PTO is making plans for the 6th Grade End of the Year Party. The PTO will purchase a t-shirt for every sixth-grade student. If your student has experienced a growth spurt from the beginning of the year, please log in to Skyward Family Access and click on Back to School Forms. You may update your student’s size in the t-shirt tab. It is important that this information is entered as soon as possible so that we can make sure every student receives the right t-shirt size.

Instructions:

1. Log in to Skyward.
2. Go to the Back to School Forms tab.

Implementing a growth mindset allows individuals to improve their abilities and resilience through effort, learning, and persistence. Through hard work and consistency, we can improve our success with things that are challenging, or that we have made mistakes on in the past. Mistakes are not a failure, but an opportunity to learn and grow.

Please see the attached list if your student is in need of a tutor!

5th Grade

Summary:

In this week’s lesson, your child discussed the importance of practicing gratitude and understanding how showing appreciation for special people and things in their lives can contribute to positive feelings.

Question:

Ask your child different types of situations they have felt gratitude, such as someone saving them a seat or getting/giving a present. Make a list of things you are both grateful for, with tangible and intangible items on it.

6th Grade

Summary:

In this week’s lesson, your child thought through different ways to resolve a conflict and chose the one they think is best. They also learned ways to make amends and restore a relationship they may have harmed.

Question:

Ask your child why they think different conflicts need different solutions. Tell your child about a time when you had to think about the best way to solve a conflict. What did you think about? Did it work out in the end? Tell your child about a time you had to make amends with someone. What did you do to repair the harm?

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RSI Families,

Riverside Intermediate is pleased to announce the return of the Snack Attack program for those students in need. This program, supported by the Fishers Youth Assistance Program, is designed to provide students a little extra nourishment for the weekend until they can receive a hot meal at school on Monday.

Here's how the program works. Your student will pick up a small sack of food to be taken home over the weekend. The sack is filled with individually wrapped snacks such as granola bars, fruit cups, pop tarts, peanut butter/crackers, Goldfish crackers, etc. The type of snacks will vary each week. Please let us know if your child has a peanut allergy as he/she will receive a special bag of peanut-free snacks.

There is no cost to you or the school. To be part of this free program, you must sign up your family online. https://forms.gle/qQ2GgbD32C66Dhfg7 or have questions, please contact FYAPFood@gmail.com

You can also reach out to Brenna Anton, 6th grade school counselor, if you have questions.

Hello again from HSEF!

Please save-the-date and plan to join us for the 3rd annual Prairie Dash 5k Fun Run taking place throughout the grounds of Conner Prairie on Saturday, May 17th.

For the third year, the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation (HSEF) is partnering with the Lawrence Township Schools Foundation (LTSF) to offer this family fun run. This partnership was born out of inquiries from many of our “School Program” teams and coaches from both school districts, who traditionally have offered a spring running program which culminated in the past with the Geist Half Marathon each May. Participation will again be limited to 1,000 people maximum.

Starting next week, we will again be offering both INDIVIDUAL and SCHOOL TEAM registration options for all 22 HSE Schools, at a fee of $25/runner. Team registration is open to all students, parents, and staff who are looking for a unique 5k running opportunity. All participants will again receive a race tee, timing bib, and commemorative medal along with (new this year) a voucher for a complimentary ticket to see the new Fishers Freight football team this summer at the Fishers Event Center. For school team participants, HSEF will be delivering these materials to your school, for distribution, the week of the Prairie Dash.

The RSI Spring Book Fair is just around the corner. Flyers should be coming home soon so be sure to check to see when your child is visiting.

Book Fair dates: March 25 – April 2

Our next Best Buddies event will be on Wednesday, March 19th from 4:00 – 5:00 pm in the Riverside Intermediate Cafeteria. We will have games, crafts, snacks, and more! All 5th/6th grade students will need a permission slip to attend. Late permission slips will not be accepted. Permission slips are due Monday, March 17th. Permission slips can be turned in to Miss James room 540 or emailed to dljames@hse.k12.in.us Please contact Miss James with any questions!

2025 Season Information:

Open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade student-athletes. Students may participate with ONLY one team - RSI Track Club or RJH Track/Field. Please see attached general information sheets with links for physicals and final forms.

Spring Boys Volleyball Callout:
Intermediate and junior high boys, it’s time to hit the court and serve up some fun this spring! Whether you're just getting started or dreaming of playing in high school, our spring skills clinic and intramural-style league is the perfect way to build skills and make friends. Register now at myathletics.com and learn more here.

Sign Up Now - Spring Sport Registration Remains Open:

Get ready for an action-packed spring! With 9 sports to choose from, there’s something for every skill level and interest. Registration is now open at myathletics.com. Sign up for baseball, softball, soccer, boys and girls lacrosse, rugby, boys volleyball, pickleball and track & field. Explore detailed season information here and secure your spot today!

Help us create a safe and positive environment for participants, parents, guardians, coaches and referees. When you register with us in 2025, you will sign the following agreement. Just think of the difference we can make TOGETHER.

This newsletter will assist you with all questions regarding Food Service - please click below.

6:30am before school - click button below for enrollment instructions

Skyward allows parents to access grades, report cards, bus information, immunization records, lunch account/food service information, student fees, schedules, and the BACK TO SCHOOL FORMS 2024-2025. All students are required to have an iPad to expand our HSE21 curriculum. Please visit our HSE21 website for more information.

The following instructions are how to create and pair accounts in Canvas. Your HSE students will be using Canvas throughout virtual and in-person instructions. If you have a child or children that are new to the district, please use the following instructions to link your child's Canvas account to your parent account. Please note that if you have already created a Parent Canvas account and linked your child(ren)'s account(s), you will not need to do this.

You will need your child's school email address and ID#. This information can be found in Skyward. Please click here to access Skyward. If the link is not working, you can go to the HSE homepage and click on the Canvas tab located at the top right of the screen.

Once you are logged in, you will select your child's name from the drop down menu under Family Access at the top of the page. Next, you will click on the Student Info tab from the column on the left. Your child's school email can be found next to the word School in the middle of the screen (just to the right of their school picture) and their school ID # is located under their picture (their school ID # is labeled as Other ID).

Steps:

1. Please click here to access Canvas. If the link is not working, you can go to the HSE homepage and click on the Canvas tab located at the top right of the screen. You will click on the Students/Staff Portal rectangle to login with your child's information, using your child's full school email address as the username. Enter "hse" in front of their 6 digit other ID number for the password. You will now be logged in under their name.
2. While on their Canvas page, click on Account and then Settings. Look to the right and click Pair with Observer. You will need to write down the code so you can use it to link your accounts.
3. Click Account and Logout. You are now logged out of your child's account.
4. If you have multiple students in the district, you will need to complete steps 1-3 for each of your children. You will need a pairing code for each student in an HSE school.
5. Once you have a pairing code for each of your children, you will click here to access the home page of Canvas. If the link is not working, you can go to the HSE homepage and click on the Canvas tab located at the top right of the screen. You will click on the Parent Canvas Portal rectangle to create your profile. You will need your name, email, create a password, and one student pairing code. Click on Start Participating.
6. Check your email now to finalize your Canvas sign-up.
7. To add other children, go back to the HSE homepage, click Canvas tab, click Parent Portal, and login. Click on Account, click on Observing, and add your next child's pairing code.

This webpage below is intended to spotlight school and community activities of interest to students, staff, parents and those residing within the boundaries of HSE Schools.

Interested in finding out about things going on throughout our district - take a look at the Community Insider!

RIVERSIDE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

11014 Eller Road ♦ Fishers, IN ♦ 46038

317.594.4320 (phone)

317.594.4328 (attendance line)

317.594.4329 (fax)

Follow Us on X: @RSIGoldenHawks