Dear Riverside Parents, Tonight is Boo Bash! We are excited to see Riverside students in costume this evening, and we hope that your children have a blast at the Spooky Circus! If you need a break from the games, arts & crafts, and dancing, please stop by the 5th grade bake sale table by the entrance to the cafe for a variety of frighteningly delicious treats. It's hard to believe that November is almost here. We hope that you will join us for Riverside School's Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, November 11th. As a reminder, today is the last day to submit the names of any relatives who have served our country to be included in Riverside School's Veterans Day Honor Roll. Please see below for more information. Lastly, if you have a 4th or 5th grader interested in the Winter Musical, today is the final day to register for Matilda, Jr. Please note the following date reminders: - October 30 – 5W Lemonade Stand (Rescheduled)
- November 1-4 – Unwanted Halloween Candy Collection
- November 2 – Grades 3-5 Coffee with Mr. Weiss & Ms. Key
- November 8 – School Closed, Election Day
- November 11 – Veterans Day Ceremony
- November 14-18 – Holidays for Haiti
- November 17 – Fall PTA General Meeting
Enjoy the Boo Bash Tonight! Allison Maus & Clare Johnson
PTA Co-Presidents |
| BOO BASH SPOOKY CIRCUS IS TONIGHT! Get excited!! Boo Bash is on for tonight, October 28th! If you haven't secured tickets yet, there are still a few tickets left - click here to purchase. Reminder that the event is for Riverside students and their parents or caregivers only. Check out the Boo Bash page for more information. We are looking forward to a successful party! Any questions, please contact Justine Pearson or Jillian Storms. |
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| CALLING ALL VETERANS! Please join us for the 18th Annual Riverside School Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, November 11th at 9am. We will honor those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in an outdoor ceremony in front of the school. In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to the gym.
Please invite family members who have served in the armed forces to join us for the ceremony as they will be honored. If you know a Veteran who will join us that day, please email Maureen Stanley, so that we can properly recognize and thank them for their service at the ceremony.
Children are encouraged to wear their Red Shirts on Friday, November 11th in honor of Veterans Day.
For any questions, please contact Laura Stahl and Maureen Stanley. |
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| HALLOWEEN ALLERGY AWARENESS The Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Teal Pumpkin Project is a worldwide movement to create a safer, happier Halloween for all kids. Putting a teal pumpkin on your doorstep means you have non-food treats available, such as glow sticks or other small toys, for trick-or-treaters with food allergies or other conditions.
If you would like to show your support and participate in this initiative, please print out and display the teal pumpkin flyer or paint a pumpkin teal and place it on your doorstep, and provide some other non-food "treats" on Halloween. To learn more or to add your house to the Teal Pumpkin Project map, please visit: https://www.foodallergy.org/education-awareness/teal-pumpkin-project or contact Nicole Spayde. |
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| DOES YOUR STUDENT KNOW THE POWER OF KINDNESS? The Community Service Club (CSC) will be hosting its second meeting on Friday, November 11th after school in the cafeteria. CSC will be discussing random acts of kindness -- what this means, giving examples, asking the kids to come up with their own ideas of how to exhibit kindness both at home and in the community and sharing them with the group. If you are interested in your 2nd to 5th grader joining this meeting, please email Wendy Browning-Lynch by Monday, November 7th. Your child may NOT attend if you have not contacted Wendy by this date. |
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| DONATE YOUR HALLOWEEN CANDY! The Wellness Committee will be collecting any unwanted Halloween candy all next week after Halloween. All types of wrapped candy are acceptable. No loose or unwrapped candy. Please leave your donations in the marked collection bins at the school entrance Tuesday, November 1 through Friday, November 4.
For every pound of candy collected, local pediatric dentist, Dr. Stacy Zarakiotis, will make a donation to Operation Smile to support children in need of corrective dental surgeries. Thank you in advance for supporting this good cause! |
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| SAVE THE DATE - FALL PTA MEETING IS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Please join us on Thursday, November 17 from 9:30-10:30am via Zoom for the Fall PTA General Meeting. The first 15-20 minutes will include PTA business items, followed by a presentation from Patti Jomo on "A New Path to Your BEST Parent-Teacher Conference". More information and Zoom details to come. Patti Jomo is a Family Engagement Specialist with Willow Road Consulting. She works with schools, districts, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to help them understand what REAL family engagement is and to allow their work to support greater student growth and achievement. She began work with GPS four years ago to build and deliver the "Families As Partners in Learning" first as a field test, and now to roll it out as a program that builds and strengthens family engagement. |
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| SUPPORT THE 5TH GRADE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT Please support the 5th grade fall community service project and buy lemonade! The 5th grade classes have been holding lemonade stands this month to benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Our efforts will help fulfill Alex Scott's dream to fund innovative research projects and support families dealing with a cancer diagnosis. RESCHEDULED FROM LAST WEEKEND! The final lemonade stand will be hosted by 5-W this Sunday: Sunday, October 30, 12-2pm at 7 Colonial Lane You can donate at the lemonade stand or online. We hope to have a great turnout from the Riverside School community! |
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| RIVERSIDE SCHOOL BOOK FAIR IS COMING BACK! Save the date for this year's IN-PERSON Riverside Book Fair, where you will find us "Chillin' with Books" on November 30th and December 1st. Be on the lookout for the class visitation schedule, volunteer sign-ups and more information coming soon on www.rivpta.org.
Please also join us for a Hot Chocolate Social on November 30th, from 5:30-7:00pm, which will include a fun raffle for each grade starting at 6:30pm!
For any questions, please contact Kim Treibick or Julie Ahn. |
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| ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS Government Assembly with Carol Glynn
On Monday, we welcomed back Carol Glynn of Play in a Day to host a Government Assembly for the 3rd grade. In her fun and lively performance, Carol explains how "rules" help us govern our school, community, state, and country. Students sang songs, dressed up in costumes, and used props to learn about the history of our country and the significance of The Preamble. Carol explained the three branches of government by visually showing the importance of balance of power. She spoke about the election cycle at the federal, state and local level, including what will be on the ballot on November 8th!
High Touch-High Tech - The Force Is with You
This week High Touch-High Tech visited the 1st grade for a presentation on the Force is With You. The classes pushed and pulled their way through the natural forces of air pressure and magnetism via experiments that gave the students a chance to feel how forces start, stop, and accelerate objects all around us!
Upcoming Enrichment Programming - November 3: Author Visit and Workshop with Maria Scrivan, author of the Nat Enough series (Grade 4)
- November 9, 10: Bash the Trash’s Sustainable Sounds (Grade 2)
- November 16: High Touch High Tech’s Newton’s Day at the Park (Grade 4)
- November 17: High Touch High Tech’s Vibes (Grade 5)
These programs are paid for by your generous donations to the PTA. Thank you!
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| GRADE LEVEL COFFEES WITH MR. WEISS AND MS. KEY The Grades 3-5 Coffee will be on Wednesday, November 2 at 9:00am in the school's café. Mr. Weiss and Ms. Key will share information about Riverside School and answer questions from parents. Thank you to everyone who attended the Grades K-2 Coffee earlier this week. |
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| TREX CHALLENGE IS BACK! Wondering what to do with the plastic bags, wraps and film not accepted in the Town of Greenwich's single stream recycling program? You can now conveniently recycle plastic bags, wrap and film at Riverside School! As participants in the 2022-2023 Trex Challenge, Trex collection bins are stationed inside Riverside's front door and in the media center for the school year. Additional off-site collection bins are at 32 Hendrie Ave, 28 Chapel Lane and 35 Druid Lane. The challenge will run through April 15 with winners announced on Earth Day, April 22. Please email riversidegreencommittee@gmail.com with questions.
Accepted Items: DRYand CLEAN grocery, ice, bread, produce bags, cereal bags, bubble wrap, dry cleaning and newspaper bags, ziploc bags, plastic shipping envelopes, case overwrap/film and other acceptable items
Not Accepted: Frozen food bags, net/mesh produce bags, pre-washed salad bags, dog food bags and other not accepted items REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! |
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| SAFETY DUTY: MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN JUST 15 MINUTES! Safety Duty is an important part of keeping our children safe at Riverside School. Volunteers make the morning drop-off process more efficient and secure. Volunteers assist children as they exit their vehicles in the front driveway from 8:30am - 8:45am daily and help to enforce the “Rules of the Road.” Sign up online. For more information, contact Sean Sullivan. |
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COMMUNITY SERVICE: LEMONADE STANDS Come this weekend and support childhood cancer research at the final lemonade stand hosted by 5-W! Every dollar raised will go to this important cause. Visit the 5th Grade Families page to learn more. Please contact Bela Patel or Vanessa Adovasio (5th Grade Community Service Committee) with any questions. |
BOO BASH BAKE SALE Make sure to stop by the bake sale tonight at the Boo Bash! Get your spooky treats and support this 5th grade fundraiser for the class gift. Cash or Venmo accepted! |
CLASS T-SHIRTS ARE COMING HOME TODAY! All 5th grade students received their class t-shirts today. We hope the kids enjoy wearing these all year long at school events and field trips. |
BIKE RODEO IS COMING SOON! On Monday, November 7, the 5th graders have a fun opportunity to participate in Riverside School's Bike Rodeo. Kids can ride their bikes to/from school, and then during the school day, they will learn about bike safety and cycling skills and will have a blast navigating obstacles and riding loops. Details to follow next week but for now: - If your child would like to ride at school but does not have a bike or helmet, please contact Liz Hung as soon as possible.
- We need parent volunteers to make this happen! Please sign up here to help with set-up and running the stations.
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Greenwich Public Schools Board of Education Meetings You can attend this year’s Board of Education meetings in person or on Zoom – which makes it easier to stay informed! Here is a list of 2022-2023 academic year Greenwich Board of Education meetings. Information on how to access the meetings virtually can be found on the GPS Accessing Virtual BOE Meetings page. All meetings start at 7:00pm unless otherwise noted. - Thursday, November 3, 2022 (Budget)
- Wednesday, November 16, 2022
- Thursday, December 1, 2022 (Budget)
- Thursday, December 15, 2022
- Thursday, January 19, 2023
- Thursday, February 2, 2023 (Retreat, no public comment)
- Thursday, February 23, 2023
- Thursday, March 16, 2023
- Thursday, April 20, 2023
- Thursday, May 18, 2023
- Thursday, June 1, 2023 (Retreat, no public comment)
- Thursday, June 15, 2023
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ALP Program Update and Grade 2 Placement Important dates for Grade 2 Enrichment Placement for the 2022-2023 School Year are as follows: - November 15: Grade 2 ALP Enrichment Q&A for Parents
- November 7-18: Grade 2 ALP Enrichment Parent Referral Window
- December 9: Grade 2 ALP Enrichment Deadline for Parent Input for Building Advisory Committee
- January 3: Grade 2 ALP Enrichment Placement Recommendation Notifications
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Subscribe to Receive Greenwich Public Schools Newsletters Make sure you are receiving GPS e-newsletters directly to your inbox! To subscribe, select the relevant newsletters below and click the orange "Follow" button on the right side of the page. |
Trick-or-Treating at Perrot Memorial Library Join Perrot Memorial Library on Monday, October 31 from 3:30-5:45pm for Halloween festivities. Come in costume to trick-or-treat for candy and play Halloween Bingo! All ages are welcome. Click on the event flyer for more information! |
Documentary Screening & Discussion: Angst, Raising Awareness Around Anxiety Perrot Memorial Library invites you to a screening of Angst on Monday, November 7 at 6pm. This short documentary covers all aspects of anxiety, how to deal with its symptoms and support others who suffer from it. The live screening will be followed by a 45-minute expert panel discussion and Q&A. The film is appropriate for grades 4 and up, and families are encouraged to attend together. Join the conversation!
Contact Harriet Gilmer or Alessandra Okay with questions or for more information. |
Greenwich Conservation Commission: The Great Pumpkin Rescue The Greenwich Conservation Commission and Waste Free Greenwich invite you to The Great Pumpkin Rescue Saturday, November 12from 1-4pm at the Cos Cob Train Station Parking Lot! Bring your leftover and/or unwanted jack-o-lanterns, pumpkins and gourds to be composted and stay for the fun (no paint, glitter, googly eyes or candles)! This family-friendly, free event will feature a pumpkin smash and lawn games, including pumpkin bowling, spooky ring toss, pumpkin bean bag toss and gourd tic tac toe. Earn raffle tickets for chances to win prizes that will help your family cut household waste. To participate in the pumpkin smash, residents must bring their own bat or mallet and protective eyewear. Our team will also conduct demonstrations to share tips about backyard composting. If you can't join The Great Pumpkin Rescue, bring your pumpkins and gourds for composting to the designated drop area near the yard waste section at the Holly Hill Resource Recovery Facility or compost them in your own yard! |
Greenwich Alliance for Education: Annual Turkey Trot Support the Greenwich Alliance and our public schools by registering here for the annual Turkey Trot, a 5K & 1 Mile fun run/walk on Saturday, November 26! Start Times: 1 Mile - 9:30am (sharp); 5K - 10:00am
Registration Fees: - Adults: $30 (thru 10/31), $35 (after 10/31), $40 (race day)
- Children: $15 (13 and under)
Caren's Cos Cobber is hosting a special “dining day” demonstrating its support of the Turkey Trot. Community members are encouraged to visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner on Thursday, November 3. |
Kids in Crisis: Holiday Central Kids in Crisis will be holding its annual "Holiday Central" at the North Greenwich Congregational Church, located at 606 Riversville Rd., Greenwich CT 06831. There are several opportunities to help between now and Monday, December 5: - Sponsor a Child’s Holiday Wish: A typical list includes a winter coat, sneakers, pajamas, underwear and something fun. They'll send you the list!
- Shop the Online Registry: Kids in Crisis has set up a Amazon registry for online shopping.
- Giving Tree: Just let Kids in Crisis know how many wishes you need to create your giving tree and they will send the list!
- Holiday Food or Gift Drive: Please contact jfebles@kidsincrisis.org for a list of what’s needed most this year.
- Donate Gift Cards: Consider donating gift cards in any amount that can be used to purchase last-minute items from supermarkets, Target, Walmart, Old Navy, Visa/Amex, etc.
- Sponsor a Holiday Dinner: The dinner benefits those kids staying at Kids In Crisis’ SafeHaven shelter this holiday season.
For more information or to schedule a drop-off, please contact jfebles@kidsincrisis.org. |
Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund: 2022 Holiday Aid Program The Greenwich Department of Human Services Fund is running their "2022 Holiday Aid Program" to provide financially eligible Greenwich residents with food, clothing, toys, and gift cards at Thanksgiving and for the Winter Holidays. The program is made possible by generous donations from community organizations, church groups, corporations, and private individuals. Because the need is greater than ever this year, the Fund is looking for additional support for the “Holiday Wishes” portion of the Holiday Aid program. The Fund is seeking monetary donations or $25 gift cards to Walmart or Target. Gift cards will be distributed to Greenwich families, so that they can purchase clothing and/or toys for their children. The deadline for gift card donations is Friday, December 9. |
Join the Cub Scouts! Cub Scout Pack 23 welcomes all Riverside School boys and girls to join in on all the excitement and adventure that Cub Scouts has to offer! Just ask one of our 75 scouts about the fun, hands-on learning experiences they participate in, such as camping, hiking, fishing, archery, and bouldering. Pack 23 scouts also learn important life skills like emergency preparedness and wilderness survival. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to be a part of it! Apply to become a member of Pack 23 here. Return completed applications to pack23nms@gmail.com. |
| SUBMISSIONS Have something to add? Email us at: peekweekriv@gmail.com/ Deadline for submissions is 3pm on Wednesday of the school week |
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