December District Newsletter
by Yvette Carpenter
January 16, 2008
NEWSLETTER
RIVERTONCOMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT#14
DECEMBER 2007/JANUARY 2008
www.rivertonschools.org
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Tom Mulligan
The theme of my newsletter article is clearly, “You Should be Proud to be a Riverton Hawk”! We have an amazing school district, and we are doing great things for our students. The items that are included in my article here can also be found on the district website. As always, if you ever have any questions about anything related to the district, please do hesitate to contact me at 629-6009, or e-mail me at tmulligan@rivertonschools.org
School Report Cards: The Illinois School Report Card results were recently released and are now on the district website. If you review the report cards, you will notice that the district is doing well, but we are not meeting adequate yearly progress (AYP) in the special education sub-group in “Reading” at the middle school and in “Math” at the high school. Adequate yearly progress is determined by looking at the overall assessment results, along with the assessment results of sub-groups you may have in your building. There must be at least 40 students in a group to be considered a sub-group for state assessment purposes. We had a low income sub-group at our elementary and middle school last year, along with a special education sub-group at the middle school. The middle school building will always have different sub-groups because there are four grade levels tested in that building (remember, ISAT tests students in grades 3-8; the PSAE tests students in grade 11 only).
Many schools around the state have failed to meet AYP because of the special education sub-group. It is also the reason that there are numerous lawsuits in federal court. The NCLB legislation, which defines AYP, is in direct conflict with another federal legislation, IDEA, which defines and requires special education services for students. IDEA defines special education students as students who are achieving below grade level because of a disability. On the other hand,
NCLB holds all students to the same standards. Of course the special education student population will have more challenges meeting standards than other sub-groups of students.
I am in no way saying that we should lower our standards for special education students. On the contrary, we have worked very hard in our district to ensure that special education students receive the same curriculum that all students receive. But, they receive that curriculum at a different pace and with different modifications. Many of those modifications cannot be used on the ISAT “reading” test, which is the area that our special education sub-group did not meet at the middle school. The special education sub-group did meet adequate yearly progress in the areas of math (61% of our special education students met and/or exceeded) and science (77% of our special education students met and/or exceeded) where they were able to receive modifications and accommodations. Remember, students who receive special education services are students who have average to above average intelligence but often struggle because of a disability.
Interesting Facts: If you review the school report cards, you will notice some interesting facts about our school district. One of the more interesting things relates to information about our district demographics. Our district has a high mobility rate, 15.4%. It is actually above the state average. Our district has by far the highest mobility rate of all the districts in our area. Our district also has a substantial low income population of 31.5%, which is a little below the state average … but again, it is very high in comparison to most schools in our area (with the exception of Springfield). The last area of interest is in the financial information. Our district spends $5,785 per student compared to the state average of $9,488. That means we spend about 60% of what the average school district spend per student. We also spend substantially less per student in comparison to other districts in our area. Another figure that is not found on the school report card is the percentage of students in the district who are considered special education. The most recent state average for special education students was 14%. Our district currently has over 20% of our student receiving special education services. Traditionally, schools that have higher mobility and higher low income populations tend to have higher percentages of special education students.
The data presented here are facts about our district, but they are also facts that very much influence student achievement. Research is clear that students with disabilities and students coming from poverty face more challenges when it comes to achieving in school. Research is also clear on the fact that money, well spent, can also increase student achievement. The school district understands that research and works hard to ensure we use programs that target students in those situations.
Overall Achievement Results: The school report cards will show that our district had 74% of our students meet and/or exceed in all state tests this year. What the report cards do not show is that the figure has grown from 60.13% in the 2001-2002 school year. In six years, the district has seen an increase of almost 15% in terms of the number of students meeting and/or exceeding state standards. That is something to be extremely proud of!! It is slow incremental growth that can be sustained over the long term.
You Don’t Always get the Full Story in the Paper: The State Journal Register recently printed an article in the paper on our high school PSAE scores from last year. What they didn’t report were some of the issues that were related to that test. The PSAE exam tests only one grade level of students; it was last year’s 11th grade students only. I really do hope that our parents and our community will judge the performance of our district on our overall student performance in the district and not just on one group of students. Last year’s 11th grade non-special education students saw 15% more students meet and/or exceed on the reading portion of the PSAE exam. Similar to the other buildings, we saw poor performance from our special education students on that exam. The special education population was around 25% of the students who took that exam in 11th grade last year.
Our high school has made tremendous improvements over the last few years, and I know we see an increase in achievement results in the next few years just as we have seen in the other two buildings. Below are some of the programs that been put into place to increase rigor and raise achievement at the high school level:
• Required freshman reading course based on current research on best practices in reading strategies
• This year’s juniors are the first students required to take three years of high school math
• Required applied mathematics course at the sophomore level
• Required junior seminar, which is a focused intervention class that is individualized to the students’ needs in math, reading, and science
• Transformation of our high school English curriculum and program with the support of our district curriculum director, Christi Mulligan, who also does consulting work for Gretchen Courtney and Associates (which is one of the leading Literacy Consulting firm in the state of Illinois); Mrs. Mulligan actually did several statewide presentations for the Illinois Principals Association (whose trainings were attended by school personnel from around the state) last year on strategies to use to raise high school PSAE reading scores; Mrs. Mulligan was moved to the high school this year in an effort to provide instructional support in that building
• The district hired a half-time staff member to provide on-going feedback to teachers and on-going review on the implementation of the math curriculum and instructional program at the high school
• The implementation of the “Plan Do Study Act” approach to instruction; this is an instruction approach that is used in classrooms at high performing school districts in the state and country (see article below)
• The addition of the “Project Lead the Way” program starting in the 2008-2009 school year
RivertonMiddle School Receives an Award for Outstanding Academic Performance: Riverton Middle School recently received an “Academic Improvement Award” from the Illinois State Board of Education for outstanding performance on the 2005-2006 student achievement results from the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT). The award was given to Riverton Middle School for seeing an improvement of over 7.5% of the students meeting and/or exceeding on the ISAT test in both reading and math. The RMS staff contacted the ISBE assessment division and asked the director of that department how often this award is given to schools on an annual basis. The response from the director was that it is “extremely rare”!!! Since the 2001-2002 school year, RMS has seen a steady increase in the number of students meeting and/or exceeding on state assessments. The number of students meeting and/or exceeding have ranged from 59.9% in 2001-2002 to a high of 84.73% in 2005-2006. That represents an increase of around 25%!!!! That figure dropped to 79.70% in the 2006-2007 school year. An analysis of the results from 2006-2007 showed that the decline occurred in the special education student sub-group in the middle school building. That building also saw an increase in the number of special education students taking the test from 15% in the 2005-2006 school year up to 19%. The middle school has put into place several programs this year in an attempt to increase achievement for the special education sub-group.
The Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence Makes it to the Classroom: Seventeen teachers and six administrators received two days of training on November 1 and 2 on a classroom process called “Continuous Classroom Improvement” through a company called Jim Shipley and Associates. This training is the classroom partner to the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence that the district has been implementing over the last two years. This specific training focused on the classroom implementation of Baldrige principles, in particular the use of “Plan Do Study Act” (PDSA) as a classroom system. Our staff was tremendous at learning and planning on how they will implement PDSA in their classrooms. It is a process that is totally focused on learning results through continuous and on-going monitoring of student progress results. It is a system that is focused on the teacher and students working together to study classroom assessment results and to determine together what would be the best approach for instruction to increase the number of students in the classroom meeting learning targets. The emphasis on student engagement is a perfect fit with the district’s (Charlotte Danielson’s) “Framework for Teaching”, which requires full student engagement in the “Distinguished” category.
It is not an easy change for teachers. It definitely challenges teachers to do things differently, but it is a researched-based, proven strategy for improvement. It is the core of the professional development efforts for certified staff right now and as long as the staff is provided the appropriate amount of support, it is what will drive student assessment results up in each building.
As the presenter said during the training, the Riverton School District has done it right. The district put the district-wide/building-wide Baldrige systems in place first, which will provide a strong support system for teachers as they implement PDSA in their classrooms. The next step is to provide this core group of teachers with follow-up, formative feedback on how they are implementing the new classroom system. Once they are comfortable, the district will use that core group of teachers to carry this effort forward to other staff.
NEWS FROM THE NURSE– Heather Wade
Parents of middle and high school students, please take the time to check your student’s immunizations on Skyward. It is located under “Health Records”. If it shows that they are not in compliance for a category, please get these to me ASAP.
If your child is missing his/her Hep B, even if they received those at the school, you will need to call the county health department and get those dates.
If your child receives any immunizations, such as Menactra, Hep A, or Gardisil, please let me know, and I will add those to the record.
Remember, Tetanus booster is due every 10 years.
If you need your Skyward login and password, call the school secretary. If you don’t have a computer, please call the nurse. I am sorry for any inconvenience that this might cause.
Bill Geiger, Director of Building and Grounds
Asbestos Management Plan – Available for Inspection: All schools in the State of Illinois, both public and private, are required to be inspected for asbestos-containing materials and must have a written plan with a timetable to address any hazards which may exist. Riverton CUSD #14 buildings have all been inspected for asbestos-containing materials as mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
A plan of action for each and every building has been written. Riverton CUSD #14 intends to repair or remove all damaged asbestos-containing materials. Our present report indicates that no critical areas exist in our schools. Most of the areas cited, which could become a hazard, are in areas not used by students and most of the staff – for example, floor tile containing asbestos in the kitchens at the elementary and middle schools.
All maintenance personnel in the district have attended awareness training sessions. They will continue to monitor any asbestos-containing materials in the buildings. Six-month surveillance checks will be performed by Ideal Environmental. A specific report for each building is located in the school office. This report is available to anyone who wishes to inspect it. If you wish to do so, contact Bill Geiger at 629-6002. If you decide you would like a copy of the written report, one can be provided to you at a cost of $.25 per page.
You can feel confident that Riverton CUSD #14 is meeting each and every state and federal requirement for dealing with asbestos-containing materials. The safety of our children and staff are of great importance to us, and Riverton CUSD #14 will continue to work to ensure our schools present no hazard to any of the individuals housed in them.
Chris Koerwitz, Transportation Director
School Closing Information: When snow and cold conditions combine, it may become necessary to close school. The decision to close school will be made as soon as possible. Check Channel 20 and the local radio stations (WNNS, WQLZ, WYVR, WTAX, and WMAY) for this information between 6:00am and 8:00am.
Our decision to close school is based on snowfall, ice, wind-chill factor and most importantly, the conditions of the bus routes. Our road commissioner, Alex Lyons, provides us with pertinent information on road conditions.
Occasionally during the winter, we dismiss school early because of drifting snow caused by windy conditions or when the weather bureau has issued a storm warning. When these conditions are present, a decision is made by 12:00 noon. Early dismissal due to inclement weather most likely will be at 1:00pm for middle school students and at 1:30pm for elementary and high school students. This information will be relayed to you by the local radio stations between 12:00pm and 1:00pm on these days. There will not be an after-school bus when school closes early due to inclement weather.
Please listen to your radio station for closing information and call only if absolutely necessary.
Notice to Parents/Guardians: Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) who must provide transportation to and from school because free transportation is not available for their children may be eligible to receive money from the state to help offset some of the cost, for example, bus fares, or mileage reimbursement for private automobiles at .325 cents per mile.
If you can answer “yes” to the following questions for the 2007-2008 school year, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for providing such transportation:
1. Will the pupil be under the age of 21 at the close of the school year?
2. Is the pupil a full-time student in grades Kindergarten through 12?
3. Does the pupil either live 1.5 miles or more from school or less than 1.5 miles from school but must be transported due to a serious safety hazard approved by the Illinois Department of Transportation (see following paragraphs)?
4. Does the pupil attend a school within Illinois, which meets Illinois compulsory attendance laws?
5. Did the parent/guardian incur transportation expenses resulting from transporting the pupil to and from school?
If you answered “yes” to the above questions, live in Illinois and wish to file a claim, you must go to the school where each of your children are enrolled by June 30, 2008, to complete a claim application. Claim forms should be available from February 2008 through June 30, 2008.
In addition, parent(s)/guardian(s) who have pupils living less than 1.5 miles from the school attended must verify that a safety hazard due to vehicular traffic exists by completing an Application for Determination of Serious Safety Hazards. Parents can obtain a copy of the Application for Determination of Serious Safety Hazards from the Office of the Regional Superintendent of Schools for the county in which they reside, except parents residing within the City of Chicago. Chicago residents can receive a copy of the Application for Determination of Serious Safety Hazards from the Illinois State Board of Education, 100 North First Street, Springfield, IL 62777. All applications for Determination of Serious Safety Hazards must be received no later than February 1, 2008, at the office from which the application was requested. Example: ISBE (Chicago residents), ROE (Illinois residents, other than those residing in Chicago). The Regional Superintendent of Schools is required to send the application to the Illinois Department of Transportation within 15 days. The Illinois Department of Transportation reviews and approves or denies the application and returns it to the Regional Superintendent of Schools within 30 days. Upon receipt of the reviewed application, the Regional Superintendent of Schools will mail it to the parent/guardian who requested the safety hazard be verified. If the safety hazard is approved, the parent/guardian must go to the school the pupil attends and complete the claim form. Parents who received verification of a safety hazard during and after the 1998-99 school year, whose children attend the same school and live at the same address, do not have to reapply for safety hazard verification.
Once all claims are completed at the school, the claim forms will be sent to the Illinois State Board of Education. If your claim is approved, you should receive a check directly from the state for the lesser of the cost of transporting your child/children or the average per pupil reimbursement paid to public schools for transporting regular education pupils. If insufficient funds are appropriated by the General Assembly, all claims will be prorated. If you have any questions, please call or come to the school as soon as possible.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Stacey Binegar, Principal
Happy Holidays!
Every time a hand reaches out
To help another....that is Christmas
Every time someone puts anger aside
And strives for understanding
That is Christmas
Every time people forget their differences
And realize their love for each other
That is Christmas
May this Christmas bring us
Closer to the spirit of human understanding
Closer to the blessing of peace!
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The holiday season has, once again, come around so quickly. I know that this time of year is very special for me and gives me a chance to stop and reflect, even if only for just a moment, on all of the blessings in my life. Throughout our days at school together, teachers and students are sharing times of joy, celebration, and some of their favorite holiday stories.
We are so lucky to have such wonderful staff and services at the elementary school. Because of each person here, we are able to attend to the social, emotional, and academic needs of every student every day. The support of our Board and administration ensures that none of our students or teachers do without. Unlike many schools, we are very lucky to have more than adequate supplies, materials, and opportunities for all of our students.
As we approach this holiday season, we indeed have much to be thankful for. I wish you and your family the best as we close 2007 and encounter a brand new year.
Mrs. Binegar, Principal
Kindergarten Registration and Kindergarten Screening: Kindergarten registration for the 2008-2009 school year will be held on Friday, February 29, in the St. James Catholic Church. The church is located behind the elementary school. A developmental screening program will be conducted by Sangamon Area Special Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health at registration. Appointments can be made by calling the school office at 629-6001. To attend Kindergarten, students must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2008.
Literacy News (by Barb Theilen, Deb Henry, Vickie Young, Deb Mitchelson): As the holidays approach, give your child the gift of reading! Books are an affordable present that can be opened again and again.
Here are a few sure-to-please recommendations: Corduroy, by Don Freeman; Curious George, by H.A. Rey; How Does A Dinosaur Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen; Click, Clack, Moo! Cows that Type, by Doreen Cronin; Junie B. Jones, by Barbara Park; No, David! by David Shannon; Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli; Al Capone Does My Shirts, by Gennifer Choldenko; Holes, by Lois Sachar. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Library News(by Mrs. Pulliam): Winter is here and there is nothing better than snuggling up with a loved one and a good book. We have new books from the 2007 list of the top books children are reading in our library. Ask your child about the library book he or she brings home, and spend some time reading with them or asking them questions about the book. Talking about books with your children is a great way to bring families together. Fourth graders have been mastering library skills such as locating books in both the fiction and nonfiction sections of the library. Third graders have learned about fiction books and how they are shelved. First and 2nd graders have been working on reading strategies this quarter through choral and echo reading, as well as reading short plays and reader’s theater. Kindergarteners are learning about communities and the difference between fiction and nonfiction. We have read ten out of the 20 books chosen for Illinois’ Monarch Award (best children’s book voted on by elementary students in Illinois). We will finish them and vote in February. Look for opportunities to read and participate in activities with your child during the upcoming Reality Reading Nights. Happy Reading!
Multimedia Studio(Mr. Oesch): Reviewing safe and responsible uses of technology and repeatedly identifying basic technology tools continues to be practiced throughout each quarter in the multimedia studio.
As K-2 students learn to build basic multimedia presentations, create images using Paint, insert graphics into a number of products, and conduct simplistic Internet searches, students in grades 3 and 4 are tackling a variety of real-world applications in the ongoing “I’m-In-a-Band” theme. Students are to complete numerous activities and projects such as business cards, real band or production company interviews, print advertisements, world tour schedules, fan club and band member databases, web pages, CD covers, t-shirt designs, promotional slideshows, and music videos. Students will rely on their Internet research abilities to discover new and interesting information about various music genres from around the world. Third and 4th graders also gathered temperature data over an eight-week period ending in December and created Excel graphs to share their findings.
Please check with your child regarding the newly updated Gaggle e-mail address. Recently, changes were made to each student’s account in grades 2-4 and all previously existing accounts were suspended. E-mail accounts were created for the purposes of communicating electronically with friends, family members, and teachers. All students were asked to create their own password and to share passwords only with parents and Mr. Oesch. Parents can request their child’s e-mail address and password from Mr. Oesch by sending a note to school with their child. Remember, there is always something special about running to your inbox and opening a message from mom or dad. Please continue to send uplifting e-mail messages to your child and be sure to encourage your child to reply.
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): “Where words leave off, music begins.” ---Heinrich Heine
In music classes, students have been learning to sing words expressively, with the correct feeling. Kindergarten students have had the opportunity to use the microphone during a music room interview. They also sang their first solo and had a chance to strum the strings on acoustic guitars. First graders have been exploring various styles of music by listening to the Happy Birthday song, performed on CD in 50 different styles. We are also rehearsing for our holiday performance, December 4, and are eager to sing on the “big stage”. Students in 2nd grade will perform on December 5, also on the stage at the Fine Arts Center Auditorium. All 3rd graders have been studying the Star-Spangled Banner. Through an informal audition in music class, a small talented group of 3rd graders will be performing the national anthem at Riverton High School basketball games. Listen to them on January 31 at a girls’ game and February 1 at a boys’ game. Fourth graders have learned about American history through African-American spirituals. We are also learning the basic conducting patterns and enjoying all styles of music to practice those conducting skills. We will begin the study of Amahl and the Night Visitors, an opera written with English lyrics, in early December. The elementary students invite you to come and hear us sing at any of our performances this year!
Integrated Arts News(by Mrs. Becker): The art room will be getting a new teacher beginning December 3. Lisa Riddle will be taking over for me as I begin my maternity leave until next October. Mrs. Riddle has been a familiar face at R.E.S. as she has frequently subbed in our building, as well as in the Pawnee and Rochester school districts. Prior to her work as a substitute teacher, Mrs. Riddle received her B.S. in Art from Illinois State University and worked as a graphic designer for 11 years before getting her K-9 teaching certificate. Mrs. Riddle has expressed to me her main interests and talents lie in painting, photography, and computer graphics. She will have a tremendous amount of art knowledge and experience to share with the students. I have no doubt her art background, along with her substitute teaching experience, will make for a smooth transition. I look forward to teaching your child again when I return next fall. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 629-6001, Ext 326.
Intersession Update(by Mrs. Scranton): Riverton Elementary School has a great line up of winter Academy Week classes! We encourage your child to attend the enrichment class for his or her grade level. The cost is $30 per child for a week of fun! 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. Breakfast will not be served. Classes will run from 8:00-11:45am. All students need to meet in the cafeteria, where a snack will be provided on the first day! Please watch the Elementary Elements for additional information and the bus schedule! The themes for our exciting winter classes are:
Kindergarten: “Little Einstein’s!” Art and Music with Mrs. Scranton.
1st/2nd: “Dr. Seuss!” Fun with a classic storybook with Miss Yale.
3rd/4th: “Mind Benders!” Games and strategy with Mrs. Timm.
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 requiredthat he or she attend these skills based classes. 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! The dates and times for Academy Week classes are December 17-21 from 8:00am to 11:45am.
Pre-Kindergarten Activities(by Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Brusky, Mrs. Pickrell, Ms Zanger and Mrs. Trickey): In November, we enjoyed a pajama party! Two special guests, Susan Salidor and Dot Kane, joined our families in telling stories and sharing songs. The children are learning about wind and water. We experimented to find out what things the air can move and discussed the effects of wind speed. The children used straws to see what air does to water and boats. The children utilized straws to blow paint and mixed colors in the process. Many of our poems and finger plays such as “Five Little Leaves”, “Five Little Monkeys Swinging In The Tree”, and “Five Little Pumpkins Sitting On The Gate” have children counting using one-to-one correspondence to 5 and attempting to write numbers 1 to 5. In December, the children will learn the about the holidays. After our winter intersession, we will begin our unit on the World of Color.
Kindergarten News (by Miss Eagan, Mrs. Distlehorst, Mrs. Menghini, Mrs. Turek, Mrs. Scranton, and Mrs. Harvey): Although Christmas is right around the corner there is still a lot of learning going on in Kindergarten! The month of December brings us to a new social studies unit; Children Around The World. We are using our reading block to review the sight words and letter sounds that we have focused on so far this year. In January we are learning about our inside and outside body parts. You may be surprised at the understanding your child is developing about how what our organs do for our bodies. Our January reading unit is called “Let’s Count! and we will continue adding to our list of alpha friends that we know the letter names and sounds for, and we will be adding sight words to our word wall.
Please make sure to check your child’s work and help them where you see weaknesses. We appreciate all you do to help with your child’s education. We strongly believe that education is a partnership between parents, students and teachers. Please continue to check your child’s backpack each day and go over any notes or papers. We all send home important information with your child daily. Don’t forget, one of the best things you can do for your child to further their education is READ to them!
1st Grade News (by Miss Luken, Mrs. Fiore, Miss Dolbeare, Mrs.Held, Mrs. Mack and Ms Frazier): We are always so busy here in first grade! More and more students are feeling the joy of knowing how to read! Many others will soon join them! Seeing a child curled up in a corner of the classroom enjoying a good book is one the best rewards of being a first grade teacher! We have been studying place value in math, and will move into geometry soon. We always continue to work on those basic math facts.
We had great fun learning about magnets and will extend our study of our world from the neighborhood to our country and beyond.
During November, we studied the history of Thanksgiving. We celebrated by having a feast with 100 1st grade Indians and Pilgrims in attendance. We collected aluminum cans during the month and used the money to buy books for children less fortunate than ourselves. It was a great feeling to give and do for others. In December we will delight parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends with a wonderful Christmas program. As you can see, life is busy (and good!) in 1st grade!
2nd Grade News (by Mrs. Jerszynski, Miss Ethel, Mrs. Alton, Mrs. Painter, Miss Yale, and Mrs. Mileham): We have come to a very busy time in 2nd grade! We are seeing the students becoming more independent and responsible for their learning, which is an important goal we hold for each of them. Over the next couple of months, we will be completing our “Around Town” theme in shared reading. Then we will move on to a theme called “Amazing Animals.” In this unit, students will work on monitoring their reading to make sure what they are reading makes sense. We will also learn to summarize material when we finish reading. As you read with your child, you can help them to learn to monitor their reading by asking them, “Does that make sense?” When they finish reading, have them tell the important things that happened in a story. These are skills they will use as readers throughout their lives, and we want to give them the best start we can!
In social studies, we will continue to study communities and learn to map a community. Over the winter break, work with your child to make a map of your home. Talk about symbols and a map key as you do. Once we finish our study of communities, we will switch back to science as students begin to explore dinosaurs. This is a favorite unit in 2nd grade, and dinosaurs definitely qualify as amazing animals!
In math, we will take a break from 2-digit addition to study geometry. Students will explore line segments, lines, polygons, and 3-D shapes as we discuss the world around us. Then we will resume our work with 2-digits as we learn to subtract using 2-digits.
Of course, the most exciting event for a 2nd grader comes after Christmas when we begin to learn cursive writing. We do not allow students to write letters in cursive until they have been introduced in cursive. This helps to ensure students learn the correct letter formation. Please help us by encouraging your child to write cursive letters AFTER they have been introduced in class!
Remember to read with your child for 15 minutes each evening and to practice rocket math facts. We look forward to seeing you at our Reality Reading night in January!
3rd Grade News(by Mrs. Bonner, Mrs. Timm, Mrs. Johnson, Miss Sloman, Mrs. Weber and Miss Cullen): Third graders will be studying immigration and economy over the next several weeks. These units will wrap up our social studies curriculum for the year. We will ring in the New Year with Science. We begin with our unit, “Space…to infinity and beyond!” It is typically a favorite among 3rd graders.
Third graders are working very hard on their reading and math extended responses. This is a skill that they use on the ISAT and throughout the curriculum. As a motivational tool, students will earn “ISAT Bucks” by answering extended response prompts, during the month of December. These “Bucks” can be spent on the last day of the second quarter at the ISAT Store. They will be able to purchase small gifts and prizes.
By the end of December all 3rd grade students should have mastered their addition basic facts. This puts them on pace to complete all subtraction facts by the end of May.
4th Grade News (by Mrs. Darnell, Mrs. Mendenhall, Mrs. Kirby, Mr. Hindert, Mrs. Watson, and Mrs. Bostrom): Fourth graders continue to work very hard in Rocket Math memorizing multiplication and division facts. Students have had the opportunity to investigate the three states of matter in both physical and chemical properties. In social studies, students continue to tour the United States having already explored the Northeast and Southeast regions. In our language block, students have been engaged in reading and writing in various genres. We continue to practice written responses as we prepare for our ISAT testing in February. It is our hope that you and your families have a wonderful holiday season.
Student Assistance/ Parent Involvement: (Terri Grieve):
Riverton Student Assistance Team Tips for Elementary School Parents:
Many times parents will ask, "What can I do at home to help my child succeed in school?" Our team came up with these few simple ideas that will help parents with this task.
v First thing … remember that you are the parent and that means that you are in charge! Even though a child might not like these ideas listed, it is in their best interest to structure your home this way.
v Have a consistent schedule at home - wake time, after school snack time, homework time and space, dinner time, play time, and bedtime routine.
v Make sure your child gets plenty of rest - 8 to 10 hours is best (turn off the TV at bedtime)!
v Check those book bags every night, sign papers that need to be signed, and help with homework. Place the papers and books immediately in the book bag when finished. Look for the weekly newsletter, Elementary Elements, in your child's book bag or folder every Wednesday to keep up on what is happening at school (early dismissals, spirit days, etc…),
v Know what your child is watching on TV. They should not be watching R-rated movies or PG-13 movies that you have not previously viewed.
v Do not let your child play video games with a T or M rating. Reduce the amount of time that your child is playing video games.
v Reduce the amount of sugar, soda, and junk food that your child eats (fruit, peanut butter, cheese and crackers are great snack foods).
v Spend quality time with your child everyday (even if it is only for a few minutes).
v Read to your child or make sure they have materials to read.
Computer Banc Family Orientation: Does your household have limited income and no computer at home? If you have answered “yes” to the above questions, your child may be eligible to receive a computer for their home. If interested, please call Computer Banc at 528-9506 to register for the required 1 1/2 hour orientation. During the call you will be asked several questions to check eligibility, including total house hold income.
Riverton's Version of a PTO/PTA is Called P.E.P. (Parent Educator Partnership): RES is so excited to have a wonderful parent group called PEP. This group welcomes anyone who would like to become involved in their child's education. PEP has been involved in developing several opportunities for our community, staff, and students. At this time PEP is organizing a midwinter chili supper and bingo night. The date for this is to be announced. Our next meeting is January 31. PEP meets at 6:30pm in the Elementary school library. Daycare is provided. Hope to see you at our next meeting!
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Fred Lamkey, Principal
Honor Roll Assemblies: All students who earned the honor of being on either the Honor Roll or Superior Honor Roll were recognized during the first week of November in front of their entire class. We have raised expectations for achieving honor roll status in an effort to also raise our student’s achievement. While our total number of honor roll students has dropped in comparison to recent years, I am happy to report that the numbers of students who are failing classes are also down when compared to previous years!
Honor Roll: The following is a list of the students on Superior and Regular Honor Rolls for the first quarter:
5th Grade Superior Honor Roll: Alex Bogusz, Daniel Camp, Katelyn Churchill, Josephine Dodd, Katherine Forness, Elaina Lamkey, Madison McCormick, Megan McCormick, Benjamin McGhiey, Colin Peddycoart, Emily Pinney, Ariel Rhodes, Jessica Rodriguez, Michael Shereda, Karlee Thompson, Emily Waldrop, Thomas Wilson.
5th Grade Honor Roll: Brandi Alexander, Taylor Babbs, Jenna Bates, Jaycee Britz, Jordyn Britz, Kiersten Burge, Lauren Capranica, Shyrna Coffman, Starr Corbridge, Brayden Crowe, Mackenzie Davis, Ashley Dorethy, Caitlin Ferry, Kaylee Fletcher, Thomas Gebhardt, Timothy Geiger, Austin Good, Amber Groves, Brianna Higgins, Cheyanne Hunt, Victoria Inghram, Shelby Ireland, Duncan Johnston, Alyssa Koger, Brehea Leavitt, Trinity Martin, Neko Motley, Eric Parker, Morgan Power, Lexis Rogers, Sarah Schaive, Sierra Sigretto, Blake Suhling, Mallory Vetter, Austin Warren, Michael Wilson.
6th Grade Superior Honor Roll: Heather Dyer, Jessica Dyer, Sean Goff, Ashley Goodman, Morgan Green, Kayla Jeffers, Alexander Lesones, Brandon Marcy, Dominic Moore, Hanna Paoni, Danny Roscetti.
6th Grade Honor Roll: Shelby Adams, Ryan Balding, Laken Bell, Tori Bounds, Dallas Brown, Shelby Brown, Tammi Coffman, Kirsten Coons, Carlie Cuffle, Kyrie Depew, Chase Dickerson, Jakob Ewing, Heather Fisher, Kayla Gregory, Emily Hart, Shelby Holladay, Jazeel King, Shelby Leka, Jessica Miller, Alixandra Mohan, Samantha O’Connor, Jordan Reavis, Fisher Reed, Jacob Roy, Derek Ruble, Michael Sauer, Blake Shifflett, Daylan Shores, Kayla Sirtout, Bradley Szoke, Rachel Taapken, Jordan Tanksy, Cody Thomas, Bryce Trader, Jared Wells, Michelle Wilder, Taylor Wolford.
7th Grade Superior Honor Roll: Kevin Bertolino, Tyler Borski, Leann Brown, Kelsey Burge, Rebekah Ewing, Matthew Lesones, Jessica McArthur, Summer Schaive, Raegan Wilshusen.
7th Grade Honor Roll: Brandon Annerino, Carsen Bertolo, Cortlyn Blakeman, Chad Burge, Cody Caples, Sarah Davis, Whitney Day, Ryan Fisher, Shaye Kershaw, Mackenzie Koehler, Brandi Kulek, Rachael Ley, Blake Livingston, Gabrielle Lyons, Dalton Mcghiey, Tayler Myers, Scott Pantier, Mitchell Patterson, Samantha Thompson, Victoria Thompson, Jezmyn Thorpe, Erica Trueblood, Brody Werner-Fulscher, Ashley Yeager.
8th Grade Superior Honor Roll: James Forness, Sarah Klebe, Kimberly Melton, Mackenzie Moore, Madison Ralph, Tyler Sigretto.
8th Grade Honor Roll: Macklin Austin, Braden Barber, Kyle Bartlett, Cameron Bowman, Allison Broeckel, Jordain Bumpus, Rebecca Chaney, Shelby Cuffle, Jonathan Debowey, Jessica Fagan, Amanda Fry, Veronica Giedeman, Rylie Gines, Timothy Grgec, Caitlin Hart, Danielle Hill, Lorna Hopper, Corey Korinek, Travis Lawson, Tiffany Ley, Justin Lucas, Austin McCullough, Lindsey McGlauchlen, Austyn Mulcahy, Joshua Nelson, Benjamin Tannehill, Brock Trader, Kaitlin Turpin, Roni Wampler, Amber Wires.
Parent/Teacher Communications: I would like to remind parents that each grade level conducts team meetings each day at the same time: 7th grade: 8:44 to 9:26am, 6th grade: 9:25 to 10:05am, 5th grade: 10:15 to 10:55am, and 8th grade: 8:00 to 8:42am.
When you have doubts or concerns about your student, please call and check in with their teachers. Early interventions may help prevent later problems.
Winter Break: Our Winter Break will begin on Friday, December 14, at 1:30pm. School will resume on Monday, January 7, 2008.
Absences: Attendance letters were sent home to parents at the beginning of the third quarter. This letter was to inform parents that their child was ahead of the pace that would use all parent-excused absences before the years’ end. Please be sure to have your students bring doctor excuses to the office after appointments so these excused absences are not docked from your allotment.
Tardies: Tardies during the first quarter totaled 158. This is nearly a 100-tardy reduction since last fall! This is a direct reflection of increased parental involvement. Thank you, parents, for your efforts in getting your students to school on time. You are making a difference!
Report Cards: The report cards for the second nine-week period will be issued on January 11 (the grading period ends on Friday, December 14). Letter grades will be reported on a computerized report card. Students having all A’s and B’s will qualify for the Honor Roll. Any students with all A’s will qualify for the Superior Honor Roll.
RMS Parent Meeting: The third quarter parent meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 6, at RMS. Meeting time will be 6:30pm, we hope to see you there!
Sixth Grade News: Sixth grade is steadily moving forward. Projects about mythology, folk tales, and poetry are complete or coming up soon. We’ve explored the Greeks and the Romans to find what they started that we continue to use today. In science, we’re studying the biomes or reporting about infectious diseases. Students will be surveying their families for more information.
We all were honored to meet local veterans and participate in a special ceremony.
Don’t be surprised if your student asks you to buy a book. Classes are fascinated by Lightning Thief (it has sequels!) and Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie. Further, they are being introduced to all the nominees for the Rebecca Caudill Award. There is definitely growing interest in these novels.
When it comes to behavior, 6th grade is leading the pack with the fewest referrals. We’re not doing quite so well getting all homework completed. Please help us in this area.
Middle School Band News(by Mr. Camille): I would like to congratulate all the 5th grade band members for the progress they have made so far this year. I would also like to thank the parents for encouraging them, monitoring their practicing, and supporting them as they pursue and learn about music. Parents, remember that YOU are their most important audience! Please continue to aid them in their musical endeavors.
The 6th grade band has also made nice progress since the beginning of school. Currently, we are working hard to prepare for our Christmas Program on December 9 in the high school auditorium. I would like to give all the 6th grade band members a big pat on the back for sticking with it during these beginning years and a big thank you to parents for all you do to encourage your child in their band experience!
The 7th and 8th grade band is also preparing for their Christmas Program on December 9. They have grown and matured musically since the beginning of school and have demonstrated a great deal of commitment by sticking with it.
October 18 was the annual Sangamon Elementary Music Association Honor Band. This festival was held at Chatham High School. Several students from Riverton participated. Those students were: Rachael Little, Victoria Geideman, Veronica Geideman, Scott Pantier, Nathan Wetherall, and Kayleigh Harjes. These students were selected based upon their musical abilities, attitude, and dedication to being a band member. These students rehearsed for a majority of the day and then gave a performance that night. It was a great experience for them, as this allowed them the opportunity to perform in an ensemble of over 100 students! In addition, they performed difficult music and made lasting relationships with band students from other districts. Congratulations to these students for representing Riverton Middle School!
RivertonMiddle School Yearbooks Now on Sale: Riverton Middle School’s yearbook is now on sale! Only a limited number will be printed, so place your order today to reserve a copy. You can order your yearbook around-the-clock at jostensyearbooks.com. Yearbook order forms will also be taken at the Riverton Middle School office from November 12 to January 25 for $17. A yearbook is always special because it captures the lifelong memories of the school year. Make sure you pre-order your copy today!
The Riverton Middle School yearbook is being produced by the 8th grade yearbook staff under the direction of advisor Mrs. Wilkening. If you have any questions, you may contact Mrs. Wilkening at 629-6002, Ext. 244.
Band and
Chorus Holiday Concert (by Mrs.
Pinter): The Riverton Middle and High School Band and
Choirs will be ringing in the season with their annual Holiday Band
and Chorus Concert on Sunday, December 9 at 2:00pm at the Fine Arts
Center, located at the High School. Come and help us
celebrate the season with some wonderful music, including many
traditional carols as well as carols from around the world!!
Happy Holidays! Thank you!!
HIGH SCHOOL
Bill Lamkey, Principal
Semester Exams: Semester Exams are scheduled for Thursday, December 13, and Friday, December 14. Exam periods are one hour and 20 minutes in length. All students must attend all classes during final exam days. Students with 6th period P.E. or study hall may be excused on Friday at 11:10am, provided they have a note from their parent to their 6th hour teacher. The final exam schedule is as follows:
|
Thursday, 12/13 |
Time |
Friday, 12/14 |
|
Period 1 Finals |
8:20-9:40am |
Period 2 Finals |
|
Period 3 Finals |
9:45–11:05am |
Period 4 Finals |
|
Lunch |
11:10–12:10pm |
Lunch |
|
Period 5 Finals |
12:15–1:35pm |
Period 6 Finals |
|
Period 7 Finals |
1:40–3:00pm |
2:15 Dismissal Make-up exams |
The cafeteria will be open for lunches. Freshmen are required to remain on campus. Grades 10-12 have an open lunch and may leave the premises. The CACC bus will leave at the regular time.
The Donkeys Are Coming: Riverton High School will host their fourth annual “DONKEY BASKETBALL” on Wednesday, January 23, beginning at 7:00pm at the Hawk Center. Make plans to attend this fun-filled night!
High School Band News: The high school band recently finished an exhausting marching band season. If you did not get an opportunity to check out the Marching Hawks, then you missed out! Congratulations on a fine marching season!
On October 3, we had some Riverton High School band members audition for the IMEA District Festival. Congratulations to Kristen Kasper for being selected to perform with the District Concert Band and congratulations to Roy Lowery for being selected to perform with the District Orchestra. Being selected to participate in quite an honor. Great job!
Also, an honorable mention goes out to Kristin Shepherd for her efforts. She auditioned and worked hard, but unfortunately was not selected. Competition in her instrumental area was keen! Great try Kristin!
On October 29, three students participated in the Millikin Honor Band Festival held in the Kirkland Fine Arts building. Those students were: Kristen Kasper, Kristin Shepherd, and Liz Lerch. These students rehearsed for many hours on the 29th, followed by an exceptional performance that night. Congratulations for being selected and great job representing Riverton!
You will see a new performing group this year at Riverton. It is with great enthusiasm that jazz band is a part of our fine arts curriculum. The band meets every morning at 7:30. These students who participate are what makes this all possible. They deserve a big thank you (especially since they have to get up much earlier)! The jazz band will perform on December 9 at the Christmas program. Be sure to check them out! They really sound great!
Look Into Technical Education 2007: Our sophomores attended Look into Technical Education 2008 on November 30, 2007. They were given the chance to see the different programs CACC (Capital Area Career Center) has to offer and had the opportunity to ask questions and decide if there is a program that fits their interests. Mrs. Penk has more information regarding CACC and the programs available. Please call her at 629-6003 if you have any questions.
Registration for the 2008-2009 School Year: Registration began in November for the high school. Your child will register individually during the school day. Confirmation reports will be sent home at a later date for parental approval. If you would like to meet with a counselor to go over your child’s course choices, please feel free to call and schedule and appointment. Mrs. Penk (629-6003, ext. 207) will meet with Sophomores and Juniors. Mrs. Sturdy (629-6003, ext. 204) will meet with Freshmen and 8th graders.
Yearbook Advertising: Yearbook staff members have been calling on businesses in the area about purchasing ads in the Riverton High School yearbook. If your business was not contacted and you would like to place an ad in the yearbook, please call Mrs. Holliday during school hours at 629-6003, Ext. 7, or e-mail cholliday@rivertonschools.org.
Yearbook Orders for 2007-2008: Order forms for the 2007-2008 yearbooks will be given to students the first week of December. Invoices will be mailed to homes. Items can be added or deleted on the forms. Payments must be made by the end of April to Jostens to reserve a yearbook. The price of the yearbook will be $45.
Senior Yearbook Pictures: Seniors must have their yearbook picture taken at Grussenmeyer’s Class Act Photography, the contracted school photographer, as soon as possible. The phone number is 787-4947. Also, please note that the studio is located at 484 South Durkin Drive in Springfield.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
DECEMBER 2007
1 MS Girls’ Basketball(7) – IESA State tourn begins
HS Madrigal – 7:30pm
2 HS Madrigal Tea – 2:00pm
3 MS Boys’ Basketball @Buffalo Tri-City – 6:15pm
HS Girls’ Basketball v. Athens(H) – 6:15pm
4 HS Boys’ Basketball @Tri-City – 6:15pm
ES 1st Grade Holiday Program @HS – 6:30pm
MS Parents’ Night – 6:00pm
5 MS Girls’ Basketball(8) Sectionals begin – TBA
HS Girls’ Basketball @Girard – 6:15pm
ES 2nd Grade Holiday Program @HS – 6:30pm
6 MS Boys’ Basketball v. Auburn(H) – 6:15pm
7 HS Boys’ Basketball v. Pulaski(H) – 6:15pm
8 MS Girls’ Basketball(8) IESA State begins – TBA
HS Girls’ Basketball – Kesslers Shootout – TBA
HS Boys’ Basketball(Fr) @Rochester – 10:00am
HS ACT test @Riverton
9 MS/HS Band and Chorus Holiday Concert @2:00pm
at High School Fine Arts Center
10 MS Boys’ Basketball @Chatham – 6:00pm
HS Girls’ Basketball v. Rochester(H) – 6:15pm
Board Meeting @Elementary School – 6:00pm
11 HS Boys’ Basketball v. Girard(H) – 6:15pm
13 MS Boys’ Basketball v. Pulaski(H) – 6:15pm
HS Girls’ Basketball v. Wmsville(H) – 6:15pm
HS Semester Exams
14 Last day of 2nd quarter
HS Semester Exams
Early Dismissal
HS Boys’ Basketball @New Berlin – 6:15pm
15 HS Boys’ Basketball(Fr) v. Athens(H) – 10:00am
17 – 21 NO SCHOOL – Winter Academy Week
17 HS Girls’ Basketball v. Porta(H) – 6:15pm
18 HS Boys’ Basketball @Rochester – 6:00pm
19 MS Boys’ Basketball @Lincoln Magnet– 4:30pm
HS Girls’ Basketball @Virden – 6:15pm
21 HS Boys’ Basketball @Auburn – 6:15pm
24 - 31 NO SCHOOL – Winter Intersession
26 HS Girls’ Basketball(Var) – Xmas Classic begins
HS Boys’ Basketball(Fr) – Nokomis Tourn begins
HS Boys’ Basketball(Var) – Xmas Tourn begins
@Carlinville - TBA
JANUARY 2008
1 - 4 NO SCHOOL – Winter Intersession
2 MS Boys’ Basketball(7/8) - Sangamon County
Tourney begins – TBA
3 MS Boys’ Basketball(6) v. St. Al’s(H) – 6:15pm
HS Girls’ Basketball v. South Fork(H) – 6:15pm
HS Boys’ Basketball(Fr/JV) @Pulaski – 6:15pm
4 HS Boys’ Basketball @Virden – 6:15pm
5 MS Boys’ Basketball(6) v. Auburn(H) – 10:00am
HS Girls’ Basketball(F/So) v. Porta(H) – 10:00am
7 First day for students – 3rd quarter
MS Boys’ Basketball(6) @Williamsville – 6:15pm
HS Girls’ Basketball v. Pawnee(H) – 6:15pm
HS Boys’ Basketball – Sang County Tourn begins
@LLCC - TBA
8 MS Boys’ Basketball(6) v. Roch (Riv MS) 6:15pm
MS Boys’ Basketball(7/8)v.Lincoln(Riv HS) 6:15pm
MS Volleyball(6/7/8) @Mason City – 5:00pm
10 MS Boys’ Basketball(6) @Athens – 6:00pm
MS Boys’ Basketball(7/8) @Taylorville – 6:00pm
12 MS Boys’ Basketball v. Porta(H) – 10:00am
MS Volleyball(7) Rochester Invite – TBA
HS Girls’ Basketball(Var) – Sang. Cty. Tourn.
begins(H) - TBA
14 MS Volleyball(6/7/8) v. Auburn(H) – 5:00pm
Board Meeting @District Office – 6:00pm
15 MS Boys’ Basketball v. Warrensburg(H) – 6:15pm
HS Boys’ Basketball @Mason City – 6:00pm
16 MS Boys’ Basketball(6) @Chatham – 6:00pm
17 MS Boys’ Basketball v. Wmsville(H) – 6:15pm
MS Volleyball(6/7/8) @Rochester – 5:00pm
HS Boys’ Basketball(Fr/JV) @Auburn – 6:15pm
18 HS Boys’ Basketball v. Athens(H) – 6:15pm
19 MS Boys’ Basketball(6) @Pawnee – 10:00am
MS Boys’ Basketball(7) IESA Regionals Begin
21 MS Volleyball @Buffalo Tri-City – 6:15pm
HS Girls’ Basketball @Pulaski – 6:15pm
HS Boys’ Basketball(Fr) v. Wmsville(H) – 6:15pm
22 MS Boys’ Basketball(6) @St. Al’s – 6:15pm
MS Volleyball(6/7/8) @Pulaski – 5:00pm
23 Donkey Basketball @Hawk Center – 7:00pm
24 MS Boys’ Basketball(6) v. Taylorville(H) – 6:15pm
MS Volleyball @New Berlin – 6:15pm
HS Girls’ Basketball @Plains – 6:15pm
25 HS Boys’ Basketball @Nokomis – 6:15pm
26 MS Boys’ Basketball(6) – Riverton Invite – TBA
MS Boys’ Basketball(8) – IESA Regionals Begin
28 MS Volleyball(6/7/8) v. Athens(H) – 5:00pm
HS Girls’ Basketball @Nokomis – 6:15pm
HS Boys’ Basketball(Fr) v. Porta(H) – 6:15pm
29 MS Volleyball v. Carlinville(H) - 6:15pm
HS Boys’ Basketball @Kincaid – 6:15pm
31 MS Boys’ Basketball(6) @Mason City -6:15pm
MS Volleyball(6/7/8) v. Wmsville(H) – 5:00pm
HS Girls’ Basketball v. Auburn(H) – 6:15pm
