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Riverside Elementary students and families,

Each day over the next week, I will be sending out emails and postings detailing more specific things about what school will look like for our students. Look for a video coming out that you can view and show to your child about their school day. Today’s email will be more general information. 

  • There will not be an open house this year. I have called around to other districts and that seems to be the trend. I know this can be scary for first time students and families and even for some of our returning Bulldogs. The teachers have been busy adapting to this change as well. We love open house and seeing everyone but sadly, we won’t be doing a traditional open house this year. Teachers have been creating class Facebook pages, sending letters or making phone calls to try to connect with students and families. Tours of the schools can be arranged by calling the school, emailing myself or by contacting the teachers.

  • There will not be anyone allowed into the buildings who is not a student or staff member. This goes from the first day of school through further notice. This policy will help us know who is in and out of the building

  • PK-5 students will remain in their room for most of the day. Art, library and music teachers will be coming to the students’ classroom for those classes. PE, will be held outside as much as possible. Students in kindergarten through 5th grade will eat breakfast and lunch in their classrooms. Students will have assigned seats in their classroom and students in 2nd-5th grade will also be assigned lockers. 

  • Facial Coverings are required inside the buildings and on the school bus. There will be “mask breaks,” throughout the day and students will not have to wear facial coverings at recess, PE or when they are eating. 

  • Hand washing or the use of hand sanitizer will be stressed as much as possible. We have created a list of examples when students should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer which will be shared and posted in the buildings. 

If you have questions or need clarification on what the “new normal,” will look like as we start the year, do not hesitate to call either school or send an email to myself, jcrum@riverside.k12.ia.us or to Dr. Mitchell at tmitchell@riverside.k12.ia.us. Please remember, communication, patience and adaptability will be important as we start the 2020-21 school year.