
Rattler News

💗 February 24 💗
Apex is here!!!!
WAY TO GO RIVER RIDGE!
Hello River Ridge Parents!
We’re closing in on the end of the first week of our Apex fundraiser, and it has been amazing! The Daily Habits are really making an impact and the students are engaged. So far our students have learned that FUTURE LEADERS…
ARE GRATEFUL - We are thankful for all we have in our lives!
SHOW RESPECT - We treat people in ways that show we care!
PRACTICE KINDNESS - We think about others! We’re friendly and gracious! We ask ourselves “How do others feel? What can I do for them?” And the key is we do these kind things for those around us without expecting anything in return!
Check out our Top 5 Classes Leaderboard:
1. Johnson- $101.28/Obstacle
2. Becker- $92.25/Obstacle
3. Aguilar- $70.50/Obstacle
4. Jacobson- $70.24/Obstacle
5. Vasquez- $65.64/Obstacle
Genius Hour 💡
Genius Hour Volunteer Sign Up with Times & Dates
Thank you for considering supporting our students during Genius Hour.
During this time you will be helping students as they work on their research and product. You will help them get organized and offer great suggestions to move their project along.
We really just need more helping hands and kids are going to be active in their learning :).
4th & 5th Grade Safety Patrol
Feb Sign Up
To 5th Grade Families:
PICTURES!
Dear 5th Grade Parents,
We want to ensure all 5th graders get an amazing end to their time at River Ridge Elementary, and we need your help!
Every child needs three photos in their folder by March 1st:
- Baby picture
- Kindergarten (ish) picture
- Current picture
We are using these for their yard signs, the slide show, and their ‘all about me’ poster that will hang in the school.
PLEASE check that all three of these pictures are uploaded in your child’s folder on google drive. These are due March 1st.
If you have any trouble making this happen or any questions about the process, please email christineshammond@gmail.com.
More details on graduation to come, but please save the dates:
- Friday, May 16th 5 pm – 7 pm: Graduation Party @ Towne Square
- Friday, May 23rd 8 am: Graduation @ River Ridge Elementary
Thank you!!
The Graduation Committee
From Principal Sturdevant
Hello 5th grade families,
As the transition from 5th to 6th grade is quickly approaching, we are excited to welcome our newest Eagles to our Canyon Ridge MS family! For this transition, we have some important upcoming dates in February and wanted to share that information with you. The first step is a parent meeting where the CRMS Counselors & Administrators will address the course selection process and course offerings in detail at the fifth grade webinar on February 18th at 5:30pm.
We look forward to beginning the middle school journey with you soon!
~CRMS Eagle Team
As choice sheets for our fifth graders are coming up, check out this document that will show students/parents the different options for our students to receive their PE credit in 6th grade.
QUEST INFO
The deadline to refer your child to QUEST this year is March 1st.
A BIG change in process:
Starting next year we are only testing for QUEST placement once a year, in the spring. This March we will look (screen) at all the grades AND any QUEST referrals that we have received. Parents will be notified by April 1st if their child has passed the screening and will be tested for QUEST. Testing will occur in April and May and notices of the results will go out in late May, as soon as we are done.
Talent Show Coming Up
Student Experience Survey for Parents and Guardians
This feedback means so much for the growth of our campus. Thank you for completing this survey!
Dear Parent or Guardian,
We want to ensure that every parent has a voice in Leander ISD’s mission to inspire and equip all students to succeed.
As part of these ongoing efforts, I am asking for feedback about your child's school and critical school issues, such as academic preparation, student support, and family engagement.
This survey will take 10-15 minutes to complete. All responses are strictly confidential. No one at Leander ISD will know if you participate or be able to connect you to your answers. Please note: If you have a child in more than one district school, please click link at the end of the survey to respond about another school.
Your feedback is a critical component to our Community-Based Accountability System (CBAS). The results will be reported in our annual CBAS report and will help drive our improvement efforts moving forward.
Engaging in an ongoing dialogue is critical as we work together to provide our students with the best possible education. Thank you for your participation and support!
Sincerely,
Bruce Gearing, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Leander ISD
Volunteer Opportunities
5th Grade Graduation Save the Date
Calling 5th Grade Parents! Please save the date for graduation on Friday, May 23rd at 8AM. The ceremony will take place in the Multi-Purpose Room at River Ridge. Light refreshments will be served. Please contact Christine Hammond at christineshammond@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Recycling Opportunity! 🌎💚
Hello Parents!
We have now begun the plastic bag passion project at River Ridge.
2nd Grade Starting: 1/17/2025 and Finishing: 2/14/2025
4th Grade Starting: 2/18/2025 and Finishing: 3/25/2025
5th Grade Starting: 3/31/2025 and Finishing: 4/23/2025
K & 1st Grade Starting: 4/24/2025 and Finishing: 5/21/2025
Each grade level will collect empty, clean, and dry plastic bags to turn in at any time during the 4 week time period scheduled above. There is a large, blue tutu trash can on wheels that will move to each grade level after each time period ends.
If you are interested in volunteering at any time during this project, or any projects related to recycling or reusing materials, please contact me at: Tiffany.Horton2@leanderisd.org. Thank you!!
🐍 PTA Info 🐍
Looking Ahead: Next Year Positions
If you are interested, here are our open positions for next year:
Don’t miss all the exciting updates and opportunities unfolding at our school! 🎉🐍
- Click here PTA Memberships to join our school’s PTA! Your membership goes toward the events, classrooms enhancements, clubs, and more. By joining, you will receive the PTA newsletter, be able to attend meetings, share ideas, and help your child's school in so many ways. You do not have to volunteer in order to be a member- BUT we will always take a volunteer!
Counselor Connection
Casal's Corner: Library Info
Returning Library Books Update
Dear Families,
Thank you for your continued support and engagement in your child's education. I wanted to inform you that we will no longer be accepting book drop-offs at the front office. That system has become more of a hindrance than a benefit for our school library operations. Instead, students will need to bring their books back and forth to school to help foster responsibility among them.
Each grade level has a rolling crate that goes back and forth every day. Students will drop off books in the morning to ensure that other students can check out previously checked-out books throughout the day. If your child forgot their book the previous day, have them drop it off in the grade level crate to ensure it's returned.
With our schedule, students come at the same time and day each week, making this process more streamlined. If you haven't already signed up for reminders, please text the following message to 81010 to join our reminders:
Tuesday Library- @rrdglibtu
Wednesday Library- @rrdglibwed
Thursday Library- @rrdglibth
Friday Library- @rrdglibfri
Thank you!
Waves of Reading Program
Hi Everyone!
I am excited to share that our campus will be participating in the Waves of Reading program. Here is a digital copy of the program details. Hard copies were already given to your student(s).
The program encourages students to read for a total of 10 hours and document their progress on the provided reading log. Once they complete the challenge, they can turn in their reading log to earn a free, one-day pass to Schlitterbahn! Please ensure that all reading is recorded on the log with the date and parent initials for verification. If additional space is needed, feel free to use extra sheets of paper.
All logs must be submitted by February 28, by 2:30 pm to qualify, as late submissions will not be accepted.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to have them reach out to me. Marissa.Casal@leanderisd.org
Thanks, everyone!
Curriculum Corner
Click on link below for curriculum information
Calendar
Class & Spring Individual Photos
Feb. 26th
Online order links:
Class Group: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001219476
Spring Individuals: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001218561
Color Run
March 10th
During Running Rattlers, but open to all :)
More info to come
Spring Picnic
May 15th
During your child's lunch
Outdoor/Picnic Style - Bring some chairs or a blanket :)
February Staff Spotlight 🐍
Mrs. Becker & Mrs. Carlson
Mrs. Becker 🫶
I wanted to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for the incredible work you’ve done in improving our school systems. Your dedication to making things better for both students and staff does not go unnoticed. Whether it’s through leading initiatives or finding innovative ways to streamline processes, you consistently go above and beyond.Even when the path isn’t always easy (and let’s be honest, sometimes a little grunting is involved!), you remain focused on the bigger picture—ensuring that we continue to grow and evolve as a school community. Your positive impact is felt across the board, and the changes you’ve made have helped create a more supportive, effective environment for everyone. Thank you for your tireless effort, leadership, and commitment to continuous improvement. River Ridge is lucky to have you!
Mrs. Carlson 🎶
I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible impact you’ve had on our performing arts program. You’ve truly transformed it into something special, giving students not only the opportunity to shine but also the confidence to perform in front of their peers and families. The dedication and passion you bring to your work is inspiring, and it’s clear how much effort you put into making sure each student feels proud of their achievements. You’ve created a space where creativity flourishes, and where every child has a chance to showcase their talent and build self-esteem. The performances and progress we see are a testament to your hard work, and the joy you’ve helped instill in these students is invaluable.
Thank you for all that you do to make our program something to be truly proud of. You’re making a lasting difference, and we’re lucky to have you leading the way!