Riverside Strong

Download the Riverside Family Resource

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Our Return to Riverside Elementary

Talking Points for Returning and  
Processing Feelings as Family

The “Visual Gap.”

While Riverside Elementary looks almost exactly as it did before, the surrounding neighborhood looks very different. Processing this “visual gap” together as a family can be helpful for students. If your student has not already seen the Riverside school neighborhood, we encourage you to talk to your child or show your child what they will see when they return to the building. 

Riverside Building

We are very grateful to the crews for their time and dedication. Because of their hard work, our students and staff are able to return to Riverside Elementary. Most students will not notice significant visual changes to our building. 

Surrounding Community

The surrounding neighborhood has changed significantly and children will process this in different ways. Being available for your child to talk and process is important. 

• We encourage you to talk with your child(ren) in a supportive environment about what they are thinking. Let them guide how much they want to share or ask about. 
• It’s common for children to feel confused, sad, worried, or even excited to return. Reassure them: “It’s okay to feel that way.”
• Share age-appropriate information. Focus on safety, support and what is being done to help the community rebuild. 
• Validate feelings without trying to “fix” them right away. Silence is okay — presence is powerful. 
• Changes in sleep, mood, or behavior are common.
• Reach out for support if concerns continue.

Preparation Builds Confidence

Set expectations

• Let your child know things may look different.
• Explain what will stay the same (teachers, routines, relationships).

Re-establish routines

• Practice school routines (bedtime, morning schedule) ahead of time.
• Predictability helps children feel safe.

Give them a sense of control

• Let them choose something small (outfit, lunch, item to bring).
• Consider a comfort item if appropriate.

Plan for emotions

• Talk through “what if” scenarios: “What could you do if you feel overwhelmed?”
• Identify a trusted adult at school.

Stay connected

• Remind them: “You’re not alone — your school and community are here for you.”

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Healing and adjustment take time. Every child — and every family — will move through this differently. Your care, consistency, and connection are the most important supports your child has right now. If you have concerns or need additional support, please reach out to your school team.

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Reconnecting

Building Walkthrough

Helping students process the visual changes in our community is a vital part of returning to Riverside Elementary. We invite families to visit Riverside on Friday from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. If you are unable to attend, we strongly encourage you to drive through your child’s school community as a family prior to our return on May

Why does this matter?

• Seeing the community ahead of time can reduce anxiety and help children mentally prepare for their return.
• It allows families to process changes together, talk about how the community is working together to rebuild and that it will just take time (like it took time to repair Riverside). 
• Families can reassure children that the people in the community are safe and share hopes for the families in the future.
• Families can talk about what looks different and what feels the same.