Learning Environment

Hopefully this handbook will provide you with the guidance and insight into the educational benefits and policies at Riverside School. Our major goal is to educate your child(ren) to the best of his/her ability. We are committed to serve in any way and hope to keep you informed and active in various programs here at Riverside.

Riverside Elementary was built in 1979 and in 1990 a six-room addition was added. In 2021 two additional classrooms were added along with a new kitchen, multi-purpose room, and a new main office with a secure main entrance.  During this remodel, upgrades were made to classrooms and special education spaces, updated fire and HVAC systems, and playground equipment was updated.  The school’s playground is divided into two different areas.  This organization allows for effective use of the 10 acres and provides all students with opportunities to learn through play.

Riverside’s current enrollment is approximately 500 students. Riverside holds a variety of district specific programs, i.e., the district’s Advanced Learner/Challenge program for students in grades 2-5, and special education programs for students with a variety of learning needs (learning, emotional, physical, speech, etc.).

Riverside is organized into Units:

Unit 1:

• Kindergarten—Mrs. Stead, Mrs. Strehlow, Mrs. Carlson
• 1st Grade—Mrs.  Baumann, Mrs. Jablonski,  Mrs. Lancelle

Unit 2:

• 2nd Grade—Mrs. Kluever, Mrs. King, Mrs. Stortecky
• 3rd Grade—Mrs. Fritsche, Mrs. Her, Mrs. Kranz

Unit 3:

• 2nd & 3rd Grade Challenge: Mrs. Cornish  & Mrs. Mesenberg
• 4th Grade—Mr. Lekie, Mr. Podeweltz, Mrs. Wendorf

Unit 4:

• 4th & 5th Grade Challenge: Mrs. Gauger & Mrs. Lorge
• 5th Grade: Mr. Aleckson, Mrs. Berry, Mr. Hughes

Your child will be assigned to a classroom. As Riverside employs the team-teaching concept, your child may receive instruction from a variety of certified teachers. These practices will help to enable us to: provide learning to meet your child’s learning style, target instruction to meet your child’s strengths/weaknesses, create activities that are interesting to your child, modify instruction to increase success for your child using a teacher’s expertise to maximize learning for your child.
 
The elementary school day runs from 8:40 am – 3:40 pm. Students are expected to be at school no later than 8:38 am as morning announcements begin at 8:40 and classroom instruction begins at 8:45.  We believe that all students can learn and that a variety of instructional strategies are necessary for a child to acquire/apply information learned. Therefore, the school adheres to the use of a variety of strategies for mathematics instruction, incorporates a “hands-on” science approach, and integrates writing across the curriculum. In addition, Riverside uses technology as a learning tool. Computers are integral in your child’s learning experience and he/she will gain many computer literate skills as well as use this technology in his/her day-to-day learning.
 
Riverside’s staff are committed to educating the whole child. This year, Riverside will continue promoting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of our students. We will continue to teach students the importance of teamwork and social skills and will reinforce appropriate use of these skills. We also recognize students for their academic and behavioral success. Because of our commitment to students, the atmosphere and climate at Riverside is focused on the positive.  We often discuss doing things the Blue Jay Way which promotes our core values of being respectful, responsible, productive, safe, and kind to others. Ask your child about the Bruno Bucks Program and our other special recognition opportunities available at Riverside.
 
The D.C. Everest District employs specialists to assist the schools in developing the whole child. Certified personnel provide music, art, guidance, physical education, and library/technology instruction. Your child will receive two 30-minute periods per week of music and physical education experiences. A child receives 60 minutes of art instruction once per week. All students will visit the IMC (Instructional Materials Center) weekly and receive specific instruction on its use and the materials available. Students will be allowed to check out print and non-print materials that are available. A school counselor is also available for individual, group, and classroom counseling.
 
Riverside has been a very progressive elementary school, incorporating a variety of social, technological, and environmental measures as part of the students’ education. We are committed to sound innovations and practices that will prepare your child for the future. Special programs throughout the year will focus on drug/alcohol education, character education, life education, environmental issues, and STEAM learning opportunities in our classrooms and innovation lab. In addition, the school tries to incorporate a variety of stimulating activities that create excitement such as: National Library Week, track and field days, spelling bees, math Olympics, wellness activities, science fair and selective fine arts and learning assemblies. Again, we want to enrich your child’s education as well as provide the basic learning to prepare him/her for the future.
 
During the course of the year, a number of events will be publicized that will invite you to school to visit and observe. We hope you will be able to find the time to see our facilities and staff members in action. The staff is well rounded, with various experiences and expertise that will be of great value to your child. The teaching staff is very child centered and works diligently to provide the positive atmosphere that is needed to stimulate and generate student success. We are here to serve and provide for your child.
 
As what we do, “WE DO FOR CHILDREN.”
 
AGAIN, WE WELCOME YOUR FAMILY TO RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND PLEDGE TO YOU WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO EDUCATE YOUR CHILD(REN)!