Oct/Nov Newsletter
January 16, 2008
NEWSLETTER
RIVERTONCOMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT#14
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2007
www.rivertonschools.org
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Tom Mulligan, Superintendent
We have had a tremendous start to the 2007-2008 school year. I wish all of you had the opportunity to experience the little things that I get to experience in our schools on a daily basis. Our school buildings really and truly are an amazing place to be.
Fall is upon us, and we are about to enter our first intersession of the year. As always, I hold my breath and hope for great October weather! Please take advantage of the academy week opportunities that are available to our students. It is certainly one of the programs in our school district that is unique to our students! The remainder of my article will talk about the FY 2007 state test score data for the Riverton School District.
FY2007 State Test Overview: The state test scores have been received by each school district around the state of Illinois. For the 2006-2007 school year, students in grades 3-8 were tested in reading and math, using the Illinois Standardized Achievement Test (ISAT). Students in grades 4 and 7 were tested in science, as well on the ISAT. All students in grade 11 were tested in reading, math, and science using the Prairie State Achievement Exam (PSAE).
The Riverton School District has several demographic characteristics that significantly influence test data. Those three characteristics are poverty, mobility, and special education numbers. The district saw an increase in the number of special education students tested in 2006-2007, up from 14% (in 2005-2006) to 18%. The district also saw an increase in the number of students tested who are considered poverty students, up from 22% to 33%. The district mobility rates (students who move in and out of the district annually) continue to be above the state average.
The descriptions of these demographic characteristics do not in any way represent an excuse for the slight decline in test scores from the previous year. They are, rather, reported to provide the reader with a complete picture of the district’s data for achievement.
Riverton CUSD #14 experienced a slight decline in state test scores for the first time in six years. The following will provide a summary of the test scores for the Riverton School District:
District Summary: The district saw a slight decline in the percentage of student who met and/or exceeded on the state assessments from the 2005-2006 school year. Although that is the case, the numbers of students who met/exceeded in all areas are still up significantly from the 2001-2002 school year. The following shows the comparisons from the 2005-2006 school year to the 2006-2007 school year.
Comparison #1Percentage of district students meeting and/or exceeding on the ISAT and PSAE:
• Reading 69.14% = 3.02% Decrease
• Math 79.58% = 0.71% Decrease
• Science 73.90% = 0.34% Increase
Comparison #2 The following shows that the district saw an increase in performance for students not receiving special education services and a decline in performance for those students who are receiving special education services:
Non Special Education Students’ Scores
• Reading 77.44% to 77.61% = 0.17% Increase
• Math 84.04% to 84.64% = 0.60% Increase
• Science 76.71% to 77.27% = 0.56% Increase
Special Education Students’ Scores
• Reading 39.05% to 27.48% = 11.58% Decrease
• Math 61.90% to 54.96% = 6.94% Decrease
• Science 59.46% to 54.55% = 4.91% Decrease
Comparison #3 The following shows the comparison of how the students who are on free and reduced lunch performed from year to year:
Free and Reduced Students’ Scores
• Reading 64.74% to 57.89% = 6.86% Decrease
• Math 72.44% to 71.66% = 0.78% Decrease
• Science 68.66% to 66.33% = 2.33% Decrease
Summary of Results:
Reading
• Elementary School – increase in non-special education student performance, decrease in special education student performance, decrease in poverty student performance.
• Middle School – increase in non-special education student performance, decrease in special education student performance, decrease in poverty student performance.
• High School – significant increase in non-special education reading performance (15%), increase in overall reading performance, decrease in special education student performance.
Math
• Elementary School – increase in student performance in all subject areas.
• Middle School – slight decrease in math performance.
• High School – maintained achievement levels.
Overall Observations about Achievement:
• Performance gap exists with free and reduced students in the area of reading, which is consistent with research.
• IEP students scored higher in areas of higher collaboration (science and math).
• IEP students’ scores saw a slight decline in science and math, but not as substantial as reading.
• IEP students’ scores in reading were consistently the lowest.
• Mobility in terms of students not counted in the scores did not impact achievement.
Trends in Demographics:
• Steady increase in attendance rates across the district.
• Increase in each of the last four years in enrollment figures (this year largest in 10 years).
• The largest classes are still in the high school. This could create a funding concern in three to five years.
• Free and reduced numbers are continuing to increase.
• Continual increase in special education numbers (higher than county and state averages).
• Mobility is higher than state and county averages and continues to grow.
Analysis of Achievement Data Overall:
• The increase in special education students, along with their drop in performance, substantially impacted our performance, especially in the area of reading.
• The large increase in free and reduced lunch students substantially impacted our performance in the area of reading only.
Analysis of Achievement Data – Reading:
Elementary School Reading
• Consistent Performance – should start to see results from program improvements over last couple of years
Middle School Reading
• Slight Implementation Dip – re-focus on strategies
• Implementation Dip - necessary for long-term growth
• 7th Grade Drop
High School Reading
• Great progress in short-term related to new curriculum focused on strategies (63% for students receiving that curriculum)
• Expand use of strategies to special education, the new freshman reading requirement, and through non-reading courses
Analysis of Achievement Data – Math:
3-6 Math
• Success from work on Every Day Math Program Improvements
Middle School Math
• Implementation Dip – 7th Grade – curriculum adjustment
High School Math
• Too early to tell – WIN, new course requirements related to rigor
• This year’s juniors - 1st Class with three-year math requirement
Analysis of Achievement Data – Science:
4th and 7th Grade
• Curriculum strong alignment to standards
High School
• Readingstrategies
• Possibly increase course requirements
A total breakdown of test scores will be reported in this year’s school report card!!!!
DISTRICT TRANSPORTATION
Chris Koerwitz, Transportation Director
It has been a great start to the new school year. The transportation department would like to thank all of the parents and guardians of our students for your support in helping our busses run smoothly and safely. Be sure to check out our transportation web page on our district web site.
We have started using PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) on our busses. Our bus drivers are stressing three expectations on their busses:
1. Stay seated properly for the entire ride.
2. Keep voices low, only talking to your neighbor.
3. Keep your hands, feet, and body to yourself.
Our elementary and middle school riders are earning Hawk- Up cards by following the rules and having positive behavior on the bus. Our high school riders will soon be earning a chance to put their names in a weekly drawing by following the rules and having positive behavior on the bus.
The transportation department is going to start a “Parent Transportation Advisory Group”. It will be just like a PTO for the transportation department. We will hold quarterly meetings to discuss different things related to transportation. This group is being set up for parents so you can give your feedback. I always welcome suggestions that will help improve our department. Look at our transportation web page for the date and time of our first meeting. I hope to see you there.
From the Nurse’s Desk
Heather Wade, RN
Playground Safety: It is the season for outside play. Please make sure that your contact numbers are updated as needed. Unfortunately, accidents do happen, and we need to be able to contact you easily. Please remind your children regarding playground safety……no running in front of the swings, no jumping from the swings, etc. Your help in this matter is invaluable.
Physicals: All students entering Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th and 9th grades need an updated physical and immunizations as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Please talk with your physician at the time of the physical to determine what your child needs. Sports physicals are not acceptable for a school physical.
Medications: Also, remember when taking your child to the doctor, that notes are needed each school year regarding food allergies, prescription or over-the-counter medications, and if your child needs to carry an inhaler. All medications, including over-the-counter medications, to be given at school must be accompanied by a Medication Administration Form, signed by both the parent and the physician. Please keep in mind that even cough drops are considered to be an over-the-counter medication and need the same documentation.
If a medication needs to be given at school, your consent will also be needed on the form to allow the nurse to give and receive information from the child’s physician regarding the medication. The Medication Administration Form serves as an order from the physician, and the nurse must be able to clarify orders as necessary or ask questions regarding the actions of the medication or side effects. According to state guidelines, “it is the nurse’s right and responsibility to clarify any ambiguous or unclear orders with the physician” (quoted from Illinois Guidelines for Medication Administration in Schools, Illinois Department of Human Services, and Illinois State Board of Education). There will be a place on the Medication Administration Form granting us that permission. You will also need to supply the over-the-counter medicine you wish to be given.
Birth Certificates: The hospital birth certificate is not an official document and cannot be accepted by the school. An official birth certificate is issued by the state or county in which the child was born. The original birth certificate will be returned to the parent, and the school will retain a copy.
Head Lice Policies: Every parent must do their part to help ensure that we keep head lice problems to a minimum. Please make every effort to have your child checked and treated. Children with lice will be sent home. Riverton School District has a “No-Nit” policy for dealing with head lice. This means that if your child is found to have head lice, you will be called, and the child must go home from school. Upon returning to school, the parent should accompany the child and must bring proof that the child was treated (such as the bottle from the product used or the label). Upon inspection by the school nurse (prior to going back to school), if any nits are present, the child will not be able to attend.
The school nurse is available to check students starting at 7:30am at the middle school. By accompanying your student, this will prevent you from getting a call at work to come pick up your child. Our goal is to keep your child healthy and in school. Your help is needed. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call me. You may also e-mail me at nurse@rivertonschools.org. Thank you.
|
ClearLake Township’s “Family Wishes” 2007 Due to the success of the “Family Wishes” program, the Township will continue this community program this holiday season. The annual program subsidizes Clear Lake Township families who need assistance during the Christmas holidays. Applications Accepted: October 15 – November 30, 2007 • Applications will be available starting October 15. Applications must be dropped off in person at the Township Office no later than November 30. No exceptions. Donations Deadline: November 30, 2007 • If you would like to make a donation to the program, it would be appreciated if you could drop it off at or mail it to the Township Office no later than November 30. Secret Santa Referrals: October 15 – November 16, 2007 • If you would like to refer a family in need (must be residents of Clear Lake Township), forms will be available October 15, or you are welcome to call the Township Office after this date. Referrals will be accepted until November 16. Secret Santa Adoptions: October 15 – November 30, 2007 • If you would like to adopt a family in need, forms will be available October 15, or you are welcome to call the township office after this date. November 30 is the last day to adopt a family.
Applications and forms will be available at the following locations: Clear Lake Township, 4260 Old Route 36, Springfield, IL 62707, (217) 523-4210, or Village of Riverton, 1200 E. Riverton Road, Riverton, IL 62561, (217) 629-9122. For more information on how to apply, donate, or refer someone, stop by the Township Office between 10am-3pm, or call Christina at 523-4210. |
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Stacey Binegar, Principal
We are so ready for fall, aren’t you? The last couple of months have brought pretty extreme heat, causing the necessity for indoor recess. I think everyone is ready to be outside and enjoy the fall weather. Well, with the first quarter under our belts, we are getting in the swing of things. There is a lot of excitement at RES!
In September, we had our first sale of “Spiritwear”. We are excited to offer clothing specific to the elementary school. Please know that “Spiritwear” is not a fundraiser. You are only paying the cost of the clothing items that you purchase. If you missed the first order, look for opportunities to come. The sale of “Spiritwear” is continuous with chances to place orders throughout the year!
Our new district website is up and running. We will be posting general information such as the “Elements” – our building newsletter, and the monthly lunch menu. In addition, the school’s main page will feature articles regarding our weekly plans and events. Classroom teachers will be updating their classroom pages with information specific to your child’s room on a frequent basis, including curricular information, homework, expectations, and upcoming events. We are excited to be able to offer this opportunity to our families and community. If you have suggestions or any requests for information that you would like included on our website, please do not hesitate to contact us. Any input and feedback is appreciated!
This year, RES is excited to host “Neighborhood Nights”. On “Neighborhood Nights”, teachers and staff come and spend some time with you in your neighborhood. We will bring snacks, games, books, balls and a lot of fun! We spent our first “Neighborhood Night” with the families of Lincoln Place. We were so glad to be there and to see and meet so many of you! All “Neighborhood Nights” are held from 6:00–7:00pm. The following is the schedule for upcoming events:
Tuesday, 10/16 - Holiday Estates and Spaulding at
Spaulding Park on Rt. 54
Tuesday, 10/23 - Irisdale
As you can see, we’re keeping busy! We’re looking forward to the fun planned for intersession and 2nd quarter! Have a wonderful fall and a Happy Thanksgiving! There is so much to be thankful for!
Mrs. Binegar
Literacy News: (by Barb Theilen, Deb Henry, Vickie Young, Deb Mitchelson) Do you feel like there’s no extra time for you and your child to read together? Here are some creative suggestions to “sneak” reading in:
• Read stories from the newspaper. Skip pieces that are too long or age inappropriate, and find three or four brief articles about local news, current events, movies, or topics that interest your child.
• Review school reading together. No matter the assignment, there is sure to be reading involved. He can practice reading aloud to you as he works on his assignment.
• Be daring! Turn off the TV, video games, and computer one night a week and read. Have a contest to see who can find the funniest thing to read each week.
• Books on tape. Listen to them on car rides or before bedtime. Their favorite stories can truly come to life!
When your child sees you reading, it will inspire him and help him think of reading as something fun that everyone does.
Library News(by Mrs. Pulliam): There is always so much going on up in the library! We have begun using our new automated check-out system, and it is going well. Kindergarteners have started checking out books this year also. Fourth graders are working hard learning how to use alphabetical order so they can find the fiction books in the library, while 3rd graders are learning to improve their dictionary skills. Second graders have been reviewing book parts and will be moving into reading strategies and reader’s theater soon. First graders have built their own community in the hallway that has everything people could need! Kindergarteners have been working to better understand their senses and learning the difference between fiction and nonfiction books. All of the students have been getting to know their library and the treasures that are hidden inside. We are off to a great start this year!
Check the weekly “Elements” for information on Reality Reading Nights and the Six Flags Reading Program, we will be doing both of these programs again this year!
Multimedia Studio: (by Mr. Oesch) Throughout the year, all Kindergarten through 4th grade students at Riverton Elementary will be using various tools and focusing on multiple skills and expertise in addressing the newly revised National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NET*S). During the first nine weeks, the concentration was on Standard 1: Technology Operations and Concepts, and Standard 2: Digital Citizenship. Learning basic tasks, functions, and procedures with various software applications, and understanding safe and ethical use of computing are key elements. Examples of operation practices in the studio include formatting text and backgrounds, copying and pasting text, transferring photos using jump drives and scanners, and inserting images into various documents. Understanding the importance of using a search engine to locate information on the Internet is another challenging task. Examples of digital citizenship include realizing the dangers of illegally downloading music or stealing and damaging other people’s work.
Throughout the second quarter, students will begin to address NET*S Standard 3: Communication and collaboration, and Standard 4: Research and information fluency. Expect your child in grades 2 through 4 to begin using a Gaggle.net email address to communicate with family, friends, and teachers for the remainder of the year. Detailed information pertaining to Gaggle accounts will be described in the “Elements” newsletter.
Students will periodically bring home research/writing assignments. The purposes of these assignments are to connect what students study in the classroom to projects using multimedia tools and to prepare and assist children for their multimedia studio time. Those who complete these assignments outside of the studio are able to spend more time applying tech skills, accomplishing tasks, and completing projects during multimedia time. Please assist your child with home assignments. Assignments can be found on our web site. Just click on the link to Specialists – Mr. Oesch.
There are many volunteer opportunities for assisting students in the studio. Reinforcing skills and procedures, such as opening and saving files, is an example of how students can benefit from volunteers. If you would like to volunteer your time or simply become better acquainted with our studio/multimedia program, please contact Myron Oesch, Media Instructional Specialist, at 629-6001, Ext. 325, or email moesch@rivertonschools.org.
Music: (by Mrs. Armintrout) “Music is to the mind as air is to the body.” Plato Students in elementary music classes have been “breathing” music from our new curriculum, Music Expressions. Many of our new materials were purchased with a grant from the Illinois State Board of Education in partnership with the Illinois Arts Council.
All Kindergarten through 4th grade classes have been listening, singing, or playing steady beat and rhythm patterns. Kindergarten students can spell their colors by singing about them and have explored loud and soft voices and instrumental sounds. First graders developed sequencing skills and will soon begin practicing for their first performance on the auditorium stage on December 4. Second graders have learned to sing some patriotic songs, as well as hearing music from other cultures. They will perform on the auditorium stage on December 5. Third graders shared their musical, Mac ‘n’ Cheese, with family and friends on September 26. Food was collected for the Riverton Food Pantry and our family and friends brought lots of macaroni and cheese! Fourth graders began the year with music for celebrations, learned a hand jive from Grease in our discussion of Broadway music, and will be learning more about band instruments. We are very familiar with the treble clef staff, reading and writing notation whenever we can. The elementary students invite you to come and hear us sing at any of our performances this year!
Integrated Arts News: (by Mrs. Becker) We got off to an exciting start in Integrated Arts this year, incorporating many of the new resources into our lessons that we received from the Arts and Foreign Language Grant awarded to us from the Illinois Arts Council and the Illinois State Board of Education. We jumped into our new art series we received as part of this grant called Art Connections, by SRA-McGraw Hill. This program has not only provided us with some challenging art lessons, but art prints and student art books to enhance the lessons. Following is just a sampling of the projects and art concepts we touched on first quarter.
Kindergarteners studied the elements of line and shape, while being introduced to a variety of different media. They created line finger paintings, shape collages, and developed their drawing skills through self and family portraits.
First graders were introduced to abstract art by studying the artist Piet Mondrian. They examined his use of line, shape, and primary colors in two of his works of art, then created their own abstract cities in his style. They ended the quarter with learning to draw body shapes in a career self portrait.
Second grade incorporated line direction and paper sculpture techniques in a 3-D playground project. They also were introduced to the element of shape by comparing different ways artists use geometric and free-form shapes. They created an abstract geometric shape design in glue and an organic still life using watercolor.
Third graders were introduced to the seven elements of art by making a flip book we will use throughout the school year. They learned how artists use expressive lines by creating calm or active weather scenes using watercolor.
Fourth graders identified different ways artists use sketchbooks and then created their own sketchbook to use throughout the school year. Through gesture drawing activities they learned to draw figures in motion then created their own figure drawing showing their favorite activity.
If you would like to know what your child is doing week-by-week in Integrated Arts, simply visit the “Specialists” link on the elementary school website at www.rivertonschools.org.
Physical Education: (by Mr. Landgrebe) During the months of October and November, we will continue working on practicing safe movement in space thru a variety of tag, chase, and flee activities. We are always working on increasing our level of aerobic endurance by strengthening the heart, lungs, and muscles. Jogging, skipping, galloping, sliding, carioki, and our five minute walk/run are some of the activities we do to help increase our level of aerobic endurance. October and November will be months that we incorporate holiday themes to our activities….such as Ghostbusters for Halloween and Wild Turkeys for Thanksgiving. We would encourage you to ask your children about their adventures in Physical Education, work with them on their fitness and skill development, and have fun as a family unit. I also need your help. Please help your child to remember to wear or bring with them tennis shoes and socks on days they have Physical Education. Thank you.
Intersession Update: (by Mrs. Scranton) Elementary Fall Enrichment Classes!
Our fall intersession is fast approaching! Please join us for Academy Week on October 1-5. Your child may attend the enrichment class indicated below for his or her grade level. The cost is $30 per child. Classes will be filled on a first-to-register, first-to-be-served basis. We must have a minimum of 15 students enrolled in order to open the class. Enrollment is limited and determined by the order in which we receive the registration form. Transportation will be provided, however breakfast will not be served.
Kindergarten: FALL FLING! Calling all Kindergarteners to come celebrate the signs of fall!
1st and 2nd Grade: OUTTA THIS WORLD! Journey into space and make new discoveries about our Solar System!
3rd and 4th Grade: BECOME A TV REPORTER! Now is your chance to be a TV reporter! We will end our week of fun with a trip to News Channel 20 to see how the pros do it!
STAAR Reach Program! Our remedial or STAAR reach classes (Students Taking Advantage of Academic Resources) have a similar theme as the enrichment classes. If your child is referred by his or her classroom teacher, it is required that he or she attend. There is NO FEE for those students referred by classroom teachers. This is an excellent opportunity for the children to get an extended learning opportunity!
Pre-Kindergarten Activities: (by Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Brusky, Mrs. Pickrell, Ms. Zanger and Mrs. Trickey) The Pre-K classes have been busy with many exciting activities. We visited the Riverton Fire Station in September and learned about the many things our firefighters do to protect us. Thank you to all the volunteer firefighters who helped us have a great visit. In October, we are looking forward to visiting Black Bart’s Pumpkin Patch, where we will learn about how pumpkins are grown and pick one out for our very own. In the classroom, we will be learning about the season of fall and starting a unit on wind and water. We will be exploring wind and water using observations, experiments, and books.
Kindergarten News: (by Miss Eagan, Mrs. Distlehorst, Mrs. Menghini, Mrs. Turek, Mrs. Scranton, and Mrs. Harvey) We are making great progress in Kindergarten!! Now that we have learned the rules and routines, we are working hard everyday at being Powerkids. The Kindergarten students are enjoying learning about the letters and sounds with our new "Houghton Mifflin" reading series. We are learning special songs about each letter to help us remember their sounds. We are also learning new sight words each week to help us learn to read and write. Watch for your class newsletter each week for more information on what skills we are working on in Kindergarten. We are currently learning to read our color words, and we have been reading a lot of stories about colors. If you are in the building, please be sure to check out our colorful hallway displays!!
1st Grade News: (by Miss Luken, Mrs. Fiore, Miss Dolbeare, Mrs. Pryor, Mrs. Mack and Ms. Frazier) What’s happening in 1st grade?...A lot!! We are continuing to review our short vowels and consonant sounds in language arts, while learning word attack skills and other new concepts to make us better readers. In writing we will begin our “Step Up to Writing” process to develop cohesive paragraphs. We are working on patterning of various types in math while improving ourselves in subtraction and word problems. In science we are having fun being scientists and exploring earth’s land and water. The students did a wonderful job on the Community Workers presentation for their parents and other family members. Everyone enjoyed the music, the artwork, and the model of Riverton. A huge thank you to all the parents who took the time to come to parent-teacher conferences. Your support for your child is greatly appreciated.
2nd Grade News: (by Mrs. Jerszynski, Miss Ethel, Mrs. Alton, Mrs. Painter, Miss Yale, and Mrs. Mileham) Second grade is doing poetry in reading this week. Next week we will begin a unit called Nature Walk. This unit will tie into our science, which is Interactions of Living Things. In math we will review place value, telling time, and counting money. We are writing stories about fall, using the “Step Up To Writing” process.
3rd Grade News: (by Mrs. Bonner, Mrs. Timm, Mrs. Johnson, Miss Sloman, Mrs. Weber and Miss Cullen) Third grade is kicking off the 2nd quarter with an in-depth look into our government. Students will be learning about the three branches of government. They will go through the election process to elect a class mascot. During this time students will be focusing on reading non-fiction texts.
In math, students will finally begin multiplication by working on equal groups. At home, you can help your child with multiplication problems using pennies, beans, or any other objects that they can use, to form equal groups. Remember, students are developing the concept of multiplication. Mastery is not expected at this time in 3rd grade.
Students are continuing to improve their expository essays. This quarter they will work very hard to develop strong introductions and conclusions and using details within their body paragraphs. Encourage your child to elaborate when telling stories at home to create good habits.
4th Grade News: (by Mrs. Darnell, Mrs. Mendenhall, Mrs. Kirby, Mr. Hindert, Mrs. Watson, and Mrs. Bostrom) We are having a great year with our new 4th graders! Students are becoming used to our homework policy. We appreciate parents’ support and encouragement as students adjust to 4th grade. In 4th grade, we are doing Rocket Math daily in order to master our basic math facts. This will be very important as we move on to multi-digit multiplication and long division. We will be taking our first field trip to New Salem to begin our year-long study of Lincoln and Illinois history. We will also be learning about the regions of the United States in Social Studies. Students are enjoying the reading selections in our new Reading Series, and we are learning many reading strategies to improve our reading comprehension and fluency. Please remember to read with your child nightly. Please have a wonderful fall break!
YMCA Childcare: The YMCA will be providing before and after-school child care in our building. The before-school care begins at 7:00am and lasts until the start of the school day. The after-school care is offered from 3:00-6:00pm. There is a fee for having your child attend the child care program. If you are interested in before or after-school care or child care over the intersessions, please contact Kim at 553-9344. Please note the new telephone number.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Fred Lamkey, Principal
Homework: The school recognizes that incomplete work is the primary reason for student failure. We have seen this holding true again this year as most of the students receiving failing grades at progress report time had a lot of missing assignments. It is important for the school and the home to work together to stress the importance of homework. Please check your student’s assignment notebook nightly.
Report Cards: The report cards for the first nine-week period will be issued on Friday, October 19 (the grading period ends on Friday, September 28). Letter grades will be reported on a computerized report card. Students having an “A/B” average with no “C’s” “D’s”,” F’s”, “U’s”, or “I’s” will qualifyfor the honor roll. Any students with all “A’s” will qualify for the Superior Honor Roll.
Parent-Teacher Conferences: The Parent-Teacher Conferences took place on September 12 and 13. Our 7th and 8th grade conference schedules were booked solid both nights and 5th and 6th grade attracted the most parents. Great job getting involved in your student’s academics!
School Community Council: We held our first School Community Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 19.
Magazine Sales: This year’s magazine sales have once again come and gone with great success. Mr. Roscetti’s class emerged as the magazine sales champion, giving him his fifth championship in his career. Overall, the magazine sales were good with sales approaching over $9000! Congratulations to all 8th grade students who met their goal and sold four magazines or more! The magazine sales will defer the cost of graduation and the 8th Grade Reward Trip to Six Flags.
Skyward: Skyward is our new student data system that will replace EDLINE. Many parents secured their new log-in and password during parent-teacher conferences that will allow them to access their student’s data. The data that is available on Skyward for parents includes immunization records, grades, attendance, and report cards. If you did not receive your log-in during parent-teacher conferences, contact the office to get your log-in and password.
SOCS (Simplified Online Communication System): The district’s new webpage is up and running, but still under construction! We thank you for your patience while the staff learns how to use the new system and becomes comfortable updating information. If you have any concerns or suggestions, give us a call and let us know.
Parents:All parents should make a note that they are required to check in at the office to obtain a visitor’s pass before proceeding into the building. Our intent is not to deny access; rather it is to keep our students safe and our teachers aware of who is in the building. It only takes a few moments, but it goes a long way in keeping our building safe!
RMS Holds Bullying Prevention Week: A student-initiated, student-led group that formed last year, Teens Against Bullying, held a Bullying Prevention Week, September 4-7. The week started with a bullying video viewed in the classroom, followed by skit performed by students and teachers. All students in the building took part in various lessons and activities focused on what bullying is, what to do about it, and how to work together as a school to prevent bullying. Teens Against Bullying will continue to plan lessons and activities for students to take part in throughout the school year.
6th Grade News: The 6th grade’s theme this first 9-weeks has been “Overcoming Challenges”. We have read novels, learned about different real people, and have had some guest speakers. We all have different experiences and challenges that can be dealt with. Keeping that in mind, we have also learned to “celebrate diversity”. Different is just that; different. We need to not be so quick to judge.
We have accepted a new student into our fold. She comes to us from China via Queens, New York. Lin speaks very little English, but is learning. We speak only a few words of Chinese, but we too, are learning. And so we grow.
Our theme the second nine weeks is “Structure”. We’ll study how things, cultures, writing, events in history, music, art, environments, all fit together and create something new and unique. Stay tuned!
8th Grade News:Hopefully everyone has been able to check out the new Riverton Schools website. If you have not had the opportunity, please take some time to look at the middle school page. On the left side, you will see a tab for the 8th grade. By clicking on the 8th grade tab, you will be able to see daily homework assignments for all classes. We update these assignments daily so you can see what your child should be working on at home.
Congratulations to Mr. Roscetti's homeroom class. They won the shark for selling the most magazines during the magazine sale. Remember, those students who sold four magazines do not have to pay for the end of the year trip to Six Flags.
There are many exciting events coming up in second quarter. All 8th grade students will be writing their required research paper. Please make sure that students have their note cards (listed on the school supply list). In science class, students will begin preparing for their field trip to the Challenger Learning Center. The trip will take place December 4–7. More information about this trip will be coming home soon.
As always, if you have any questions, please contact the team. Our daily team meeting is from 8:00-8:40am.
HIGH SCHOOL
Bill Lamkey, Principal
After-School Tutoring Program: RHS is once again offering after-school tutoring in conjunction with the National Honor Society. Tutoring takes place on Monday through Thursday of each week after school. Beginning the second nine weeks there will be a freshman core teacher supervising the program one night per week. Students are finished by 3:45pm and may catch the after-school bus if they need a ride home. For more information, contact Mrs. Sturdy at the high school.
Athletic Advisory Meeting: The first semester Parent’s Athletic Advisory Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 7, beginning at 6:00pm, in the high school library. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss current handbook policies and make recommendations if needed. Both middle school and high school parents are welcome to attend. If you wish to have input into Riverton athletics, be sure to attend this meeting.
Fall Chorus Concert: Riverton High School will host their annual fall chorus concert on Wednesday, October 17, beginning at 7:00pm in the Fine Arts Center. This year’s concert will feature music from Ireland, Scotland, Africa, Czechoslovakia, England, and Korea. Make plans to attend and support the arts!!!
Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball: High school basketball is right around the corner. If your child is planning to try out, they must have a current physical and proof of insurance on file in the athletic office. Girls’ practice will begin on October 29, and the boys will begin on November 5.
Online Grade Reporting and School Website: Skyward and SOCS are up and running at the high school. Skyward is our online student management system which allows parents to check their child’s current grade report via the internet. If you have not received your password, contact Jeanne (629-6003) to set up your account today. Once you have your password, simply go to www.rivertonschools.org and click on “family access”. SOCS (Simplified Online Communication System) is the host for our new website. To enter our site, simply go to www.rivertonschools.org and click on the high school tab. Parents and students have access to a variety of items including the district calendar, lunch menus, teacher sites, daily announcements, handbook information and much more. It’s a great way to keep up with school activities. If you have any questions or comments on what you would like to see on the site, call Mr. Lamkey at the high school.
Scholarships: Now is the time for seniors to begin applying for various scholarships. Scholarships are advertised on the bulletin boards outside of the guidance office, and students are allowed to go through the “scholarship file” in the guidance office. Also, you can visit the district web site at www.rivertonschhools.org. Just click on High School and then Counselors. You will find direct links containing valuable information under Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Capital Area Education Fair 2007: Juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to attend the Capital Area Education Fair on October 3, 2007. Along with the armed services, over 100 colleges and technical schools will be represented. This fair provides the students with an opportunity to speak with representatives from the various schools. The information gained can be utilized by students to make more knowledgeable choices concerning post-high school education. This fair is also open to parents. It will be held at the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fair Grounds in Springfield. Letters were mailed to the parents of all juniors and seniors regarding the Education Fair. Since we are not in session, students are to provide their own transportation. The times that the students may visit with the representatives is 9:00am-11:00am. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Mrs. Penk in the guidance office.
Financial Aid Night: Riverton High School and Tri-City High School will be hosting a financial aid seminar. This is scheduled for November 28, 2007, at 7:00pm at Riverton High School. This seminar is open to parents and students of Riverton and Tri-City. The purpose of the seminar will be to examine the types of financial aid that are available to students to help them finance their post-secondary education and the procedures involved in applying for financial aid. More information will be sent to the parents of all juniors and seniors closer to the date. This seminar is also available to parents of freshmen and sophomores. We encourage all interested parents to attend.
|
TEST NAME |
TEST DATE |
COST |
STUDENTS INVOLVED |
|
PLAN |
Thursday, Nov 15 |
N/A |
All Sophomores |
|
PSAT |
Wednesday, Oct 17 |
$13 |
College-Bound Jrs |
|
ACT |
*Saturday, Oct 27 Saturday, Dec 8 *Saturday, Feb 9 Saturday, April 12 Saturday, June 14 |
**see below |
College-Bound Jrs/Srs |
* The ACT is given at Riverton High School on these dates.
**The ACT is $30 without the writing portion; and $44.50 with the writing portion