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River Bend Middle

Home of the Ravens | December 15, 2024

River Bend MiddleHome of the Ravens | December 15, 2024

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Follow River Bend Middle School on Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), and our school website for more of what's happening at “The Bend!”


News & Upcoming Events

LCPS Podcast

Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) has launched a podcast to share the division’s news and stories. Feedback from families and staff has shown a significant desire for more positive and uplifting stories about the school division, including its students and staff. Now listeners can tune in every Thursday to a new episode on topics surrounding our work, initiatives and successes. The LCPS Podcast can be accessed at www.lcps.org/podcast and is available on all major streaming services.


School Attendance

Every winter, bad weather — snow, slush, freezing temperatures or even heavy rains — can present challenges to getting children to school. So do the illnesses such as colds, flu, fevers and earaches that often come with the winter months. Help your student stay healthy and engaged in school. If your student is sick, please have them stay home. If you have questions about when a student should go to school, we invite you to see our guide on when to keep students home or consult your healthcare provider for additional guidance. But also remember that regular school attendance is an important routine for students. Students who attend school regularly achieve better on assessments and establish habits that will help them throughout their lives. Check out our Attendance Resources webpage for tips.


What to do if you are sick at School?

We want to remind families that, per LCPS School Board Policy, students are not allowed to use cellphones during the school day. If a student feels sick, they should visit the school clinic first, where staff can provide care and assist with any necessary communication home. Students should not be texting parents during school hours. Thank you for supporting this policy and helping us maintain a healthy environment for all students.


Community Needs: Ravens Helping Ravens

We are committed to supporting our students and families in need during the holiday season by collecting gift cards. If you would like to contribute, please sign up and drop off your gift cards with our Family Liaison, Mrs. Lutz, in the main office at River Bend Middle School. We will be collecting gift cards from December 4 through December 16, and they will be distributed to families during the final week of school before Winter Break. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at cintia.lutz@lcps.org.



Looking for College Students

Do you have a college student coming home for the holidays? Invite them to participate in our virtual College Week 2024 from January 6-10! We’re looking for enthusiastic college students to share their experiences, offer advice, and inspire our River Bend students. Interested college students can reach out to Carey.Walker@lcps.org.


Upcoming Events (LCPS Calendars / A & B Days)

  • Monday, December 16 = Spirit Week: Wear Plaid
  • Monday, December 16 = In-School Musical Performance: Matilda Jr. at 1:00 pm
  • Monday, December 16 = River Bend Spelling Bee at 3:45 pm (Library)
  • Tuesday, December 17 = Spirit Week: Festive Hat
  • Tuesday, December 17 = Guitar 8 & PFHS Guitar Combo Concert at 7:00 pm (at Potomac Falls HS)
  • Wednesday, December 18 = Spirit Week: Dress Up/Dress Down
  • Wednesday, December 18 = Staff Luncheon Sponsored by the PTA (Sign Up Link)
  • Wednesday, December 18 = Band 8 Winter Concert at 6:00 pm
  • Thursday, December 19 = Spirit Week: Blizzard (Wear All White)
  • Thursday, December 19 = Jingle Jam Concert (Music Clubs) at 6:00 pm (at Potomac Falls HS)
  • Friday, December 20 = Spirit Week: Ugly Sweater Day
  • Friday, December 20 = PFHS Music Ensembles for 8th Graders (Block 8)
  • Monday, December 23 - Friday, January 3 = No School (Winter Break)
  • Monday, January 6 = Classes Resume (A Day)
  • Thursday, January 9 = Strings 7 Winter Concert at 6:00 pm
  • Thursday, January 9 = Virtual PTA Meeting at 6:30 pm (Online Link Coming Soon)
  • Saturday, January 11 = District Band Auditions
  • Wednesday, January 15 = PEP (Parents as Educational Partners) Meeting at 6:00 pm *Designed for families of English Learners
  • Thursday, January 16 = Guitar 7 Winter Concert at 6:00 pm
  • Monday, January 20 = No School (Student & Staff Holiday: Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
  • Tuesday, January 21 = NJHS Induction Ceremony at 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday, January 22 = Chorus 7 Winter Concert at 6:00 pm & Chorus 8 Winter Concert at 7:00 pm
  • Thursday, January 23 = Band 7 Winter Concert (Purple Group) at 6:00 pm & Band 7 Winter Concert (Gold Group) at 7:00 pm
  • Friday, January 24 = Last Day of Quarter 2 (Semester 1)
  • Saturday, January 25 = Mental Health and Wellness Conference at 8:30 am-2:30 pm (at Watson Mountain MS)
  • Monday, January 27 = No School (Teacher Workday)
  • Tuesday, January 28 = No School (LCPS Professional Development Day)
  • Wednesday, January 29 = No School (Student & Staff Holiday: Chinese Lunar New Year)
  • Thursday, January 30 = Day #1 of Semester 2 (A Day)
  • Friday, January 31 = Q2 Ravens of the Week Breakfast at 7:45-8:15 am

School Climate Survey

Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) will administer the 2025 Virginia School Climate Survey to all middle school students (grades 6-8) between January 6 - February 28. This survey, developed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, gathers students' perceptions across the state. Responses are completely anonymous and confidential. LCPS and River Bend Middle School will use the results to develop strategies that support students' academic, social-emotional, and safety needs. If you do not wish for your student to participate, please complete the online opt-out form by December 31, 2024.

Order Your Yearbook Now

Don’t miss out on the 2024 2025 River Bend Middle School Yearbook, filled with all the unforgettable memories of this school year. Our yearbooks sell out every year, so be sure to order yours as soon as possible. Right now, you can take advantage of our early bird special and get your yearbook for just $30. To reserve your copy, CLICK HERE and enter our school code 25178. Act now to secure your yearbook and relive all the best moments of River Bend!

School Attendance

Per School Board Policy 8120 and School Board Policy 8140, each parent/guardian is responsible for their child’s regular and punctual attendance at school as required under provisions of the law (Code of Virginia,§22.1-254).


A parents/guardian of a student who is absent must inform the school of the reason for the absence on the morning of the absence. The preferred method is to report the absence using ParentVUE (start date, end date, reason, note). If a parent is unable to access ParentVUE, a parent/guardian may also call the 24-hour absentee line at (571) 434-3222.


Per School Board Regulation 8140, if a student accrues five (5) or more unexcused absences or otherwise demonstrates a pattern of absenteeism during the school year, a parent/guardian will be contacted and intervention steps will be implemented by a school-based team.


A student is considered chronically absent when their total number of excused and unexcused absences reaches ten percent (10%) or more of the school year. On average, a student should not miss more than four (4) days per quarter.


To comply with state record keeping requirements, students shall be withdrawn from LCPS student membership after fifteen (15) consecutive days of absences regardless of whether their absences are excused or unexcused.


Late Arrivals: Any student arriving after the official start of the school day (8:50 am) will be considered late. When students arrive late to school, they must check in at the main office. Records regarding tardiness will be maintained and appropriate consequences imposed for recurring tardiness.


Early Dismissals: When a student leaves the school premises prior to the end of the school day (3:38 pm) for any reason, a parent/guardian must provide advanced notice and permission. If a parent/guardian reports the early dismissal in ParentVUE, the parent/guardian does not have to check in at the main office. If an early dismissal is not reported in ParentVUE, a parent/guardian must check in at the main office for the child to be released early from school. Because our administrative assistants are involved with transportation at the end of the day, early dismissals after 3:20 pm will only be allowed in the case of an extreme emergency.

Extracurricular Activities & Clubs

The LCPS Middle School Intramural Sports Program has expanded to all 18 middle schools for the 2024-25 school year! We are offering a variety of sports, including flag football, volleyball, basketball, and soccer. Teams can be co-ed or single-gender, depending on the preferences of the participants.


The timeline and details for each sport are as follows:

  • Second Quarter (Season Two): 6-on-6 Volleyball *Registration Closed
  • Third Quarter (Season Three): 3-on-3 Basketball
  • Fourth Quarter (Season Four): 7-on-7 Soccer


To register, visit https://lcps-ar.rschooltoday.com/home, scroll down and click on the button representing your middle school. Please ensure that the registration form is completed and submitted for each participant.


For more information about Middle School Intramurals, please visit the LCPS Intramurals Page.

Technology

Cellphones

The LCPS School Board recently passed Policy 8655 regarding Student Personal Device Use. Students at River Bend Middle School may not use personal devices including cell phones, tablets, earbuds, and personal gaming devices between 8:45 am – 3:38 pm. Students must keep their devices silent and not visible, stored in their locker during the school day. Personal devices may only be used before or after the school day. Other important information includes:

  • Inappropriate use of social media, images, text messages, or videos shall not be permitted at any time on school property, during a school-sponsored activity, or on LCPS school transportation. Cyberbullying will not be tolerated in any form. Any violation of this policy shall result in disciplinary action in accordance with the SR&R and Student Code of Conduct, as well as Policy 8210.
  • LCPS recognizes parents need to know how to contact their child in case of an emergency. If there is an emergency, parents may contact the main office of their child’s school.
  • Per School Board Policy, the school and its staff are not liable for students’ cell phones or other personal devices.


Social Media & Games

Social media sites and non-educational games will be blocked on student-issued Chromebooks by our Lightspeed content filter. The filtering matrix will be updated to reflect these changes and can be found here: https://www.lcps.org/o/ddi/page/information-security More information on the Lightspeed Parent Portal can be found here: https://www.lcps.org/lightspeed

PTA

2024-2025 RBMS PTA Executive Board Members


Looking for Parent Volunteers

Community

Community Survey

The 2024 YouthNet Survey, conducted by the Advisory Commission on Youth (ACOY), seeks input from Loudoun County youth aged 13-22 to inform the Board of Supervisors about trends in behaviors, interests, and needs. This anonymous survey, covering topics like activities, mental health, online activity, and substance use, aims to guide programs and services supporting youth. Responses are confidential, and participation is appreciated.



Transportation

Transportation

  1. Log into ParentVUE (mobile app)
  2. Click on your student
  3. Click on "Student Information"
  4. Scroll to the bottom and click on "Additional Information"
  5. Still need help? Call (571) 252-1700 or visit https://www.lcps.org/Transportation


Track Your Child's Bus

  • Did you know that there is an app (Stopfinder) that gives you access to know exactly where your child’s bus is, including specific pick up/drop off times? CLICK HERE for details.


Questions about Transportation


Bus Expectations

In collaboration with the LCPS Transportation Department, we are emphasizing the following rules to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers:


  • Remain seated: Passengers must stay seated while the bus is in motion to prevent accidents and injuries.
  • Keep aisles clear: It's important to keep aisles clear of bags, feet, and other items to facilitate safe passage during emergencies.
  • Use inside voices: Loud noises can distract the driver and disturb fellow passengers. Conversations should be kept at a reasonable volume. Students may listen to music using earphones or Air Pods, but playing music aloud is not permitted.
  • No eating or drinking: Consuming food or beverages on the bus can create messes and pose choking hazards during sudden stops or turns.
  • Follow the driver's instructions: Passengers must always adhere to the driver’s directions for their safety and the safety of others.
  • No vandalism or graffiti: Defacing the bus or its interior is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
  • Respect others: Bullying, harassment, inappropriate language, or any behavior that makes others feel uncomfortable will not be tolerated.


We urge all families to review these expectations with their child, even if they are not regularly assigned to a school bus. It is essential to remind students as there may be instances where students are removed from a bus due to violations of School Board Policy or the Student Code of Conduct.


Arrival

For those of you who do not utilize bus transportation or have children who walk or bike to school, we wanted to again provide guidance on the best time and location to drop off your child.


Drop-Off Timing:

Before 8:15 am: Please do not drop off your child before 8:15 am as there is no supervision available at that time.

  • 8:15 – 8:30 am: This is the best window for drop-off, as traffic tends to be light.
  • 8:30 – 8:45 am: Traffic is heaviest during this time as it coincides with bus arrivals.
  • After 8:45 am: Please avoid dropping your child off after this time, as they may be tardy. Students need to be in their first class by 8:50 am.


Drop-Off Location:

  • Side of the Building (Kiss and Ride): This is the designated drop-off area for all students.
  • Front Parking Lot: Drop-offs here are reserved only for families with Handicap passes or if your child has an injury (e.g., a broken leg).
LCPS School Bus Etiquette for Students (Transportation Dept. Version) - ETIQUETA DEL AUTOBÚS ESCOLAR

Need Help? 2024-2025 Contacts

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