Riverside Meadows Intermediate School

11/06/2023

The Riverside Meadows Holiday Sale is live! Choose from hundreds of designs and garments that are delivered to your home! You'll save 20% off the entire site, including all new designs and product lines! Shop at https://1stplace.sale/14866

10/25/2023

"Great turnout at our first meeting today!! Reminder to join the PLESD design team to provide input to the design of the fourth school. This includes three (3) more community meetings this week:
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
3:15 p.m. at Riverside Meadows Intermediate School in the Library
Snacks and childcare will be provided.
6:00 p.m. at Cobblestone Elementary School
Dinner and childcare will be provided.
Thursday, October 26, 2023
6:00 p.m Zoom
PLEASE PLAN TO JOIN US FOR ONE OF THESE MEETINGS!
"

10/16/2023

Roadrunner Snacks
October 16, 2023,

September academic Success Skill: Managing Emotions

Mr. Brown’s Fist-Bumps

Hello, Roadrunner parents!

You have been fantastic about getting your roadrunners to school every day! Please continue to support your students and the school by encouraging good attendance habits.

This week, I would like to know if we can have volunteers to help with activities during recess, like Kickball, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. If you are interested, the process is to reply to this Parentsquare message and if you are available. I will accommodate as many of you as possible and let you know if we can use you on that day.!

We have some important announcements this week. Take a look at the information below.

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THIS WEEK’S

TOP STORIES

Coffee with the Principal

ASB Dance

PLESD Board Meeting this Thursday at Riverside Meadows

Homework Club

Tips for Parents

Coffee with the Principal

Our second monthly live and interactive virtual chat with our Riverside Community will be Friday, October 20th, at 8:30 a.m.

Coffee with the Principal

Friday, October 20 · 8:30 – 9:00 am

Time zone: America/Los_Angeles

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ksu-mpvz-fvp

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 413-337-1428‬ PIN: ‪687 734 085‬ #

These thirty-minute Google Meets, called “Coffee with the Principal,” will feature an interactive discussion of the exciting things we have been planning for and learning about in Roadrunner Land. This week, we will discuss student cell phones. The conversation should be fun and informative.

ASB Dance on Friday, October 27th

Our next dance will be held on Friday, October 27th, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. and will be Halloween-themed. Costumes are allowed and encouraged, as we will have a costume contest. Students with masks, weapons, or extremely heavy face paint cannot participate in the dance.

Tickets are 5 dollars each and will be sold by the student government during lunch 10/23-10/27. Permission slips are in the front office and can be picked up during break, lunch, or after school. (Only students from Riverside are allowed to attend.)

Students must bring their signed permission slip to purchase a ticket. Students with suspensions within the four weeks before the dance and those who do not pass our grade check policy will not be allowed to attend.

The PTSO will have a snack bar for the kids to purchase snacks and drinks, and students will need transportation to and from the dance.

PLESD Board Meeting

This Thursday, October 19th, a board meeting will be held at Riverside Meadows Intermediate School at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be served, and there will be a critical discussion about a fourth school in our district!

See you there!

Homework Club

The homework club continues next week. We will assist students on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tips for Parents

On task from start to finish

Middle school students are expected to manage multiple assignments and deadlines. Your child can stay organized with these practical tips.

Get started.

Recommend that your tween start on each project the day it’s assigned. An excellent first step is to list the required tasks (get supplies, do a rough draft) and a deadline for each. She can add to her list as she gets additional projects, so everything is in one spot. Idea: Your tween and a classmate could check each other’s progress daily to stay on track.

Turn in assignments.

If your middle grader leaves completed work at home, she’ll lose valuable points for turning it in late—or even receive a zero. Encourage her to place finished work in her backpack immediately. Before bed, she should put her backpack and other needed items by the door. Idea: Suggest that she put a sticky note on her dresser or bathroom mirror as a reminder. (“Take my math poster!”)

Short Stops

Comparatively speaking

Stretch your tween’s thinking with this analogy game. Choose two things with something in standard (two states, for instance), and give him an analogy to fill in: “Virginia is to Richmond as Oregon is to ________. Answer: Salem (Salem is Oregon’s state capital, like Richmond is Virginia’s capital). Take turns, and see how many analogies you can come up with.

Real-time meetings by Google. Using your browser, share your video, desktop, and presentations with teammates and customers.

10/03/2023

Roadrunner Snacks
October 2, 2023,

September academic Success Skill: Managing Emotions

Mr. Brown’s Fist-Bumps

Hello, Roadrunner parents!

We moved September into the completed file and welcomed October to 2023! There are lots of exciting events to look forward to, including some of you, to assist with. I get a lot of questions about how parents can help bring fun to our students during the school day. I will ask volunteers to help with activities during recess, like Kickball, soccer, basketball, and volleyball. I will let you know the process for getting on the list soon!

We have some important announcements this week. Take a look at the information below.

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THIS WEEK’S

TOP STORIES

PTSO

Saturday School

Elections

Eighth Grade Student Volunteers Needed

Homework Club

Tips for Parents

PTSO

We have a meeting this Thursday in the library at 6:30 p.m. We are holding a special election for a new president, so we need to see you there. We also include a virtual link to help involve as many parents as possible.

PTO Meeting

Thursday, October 5 · 6:30 – 7:45 pm

Time zone: America/ Los_Angeles

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/gaq-jytc-gmi

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 225-434-0226‬ PIN: ‪607 652 858‬ #

Saturday School

Saturday School is off to a great start. Students were able to flex their creative muscles in several ways. First, they painted their mini pumpkins, then they created a jar of eyeballs using a variety of art supplies, and finally, they wrote a fun made-up blurb about something silly or spooky.

Elections
Our election results are in!

Here are our 23-24 officers. Congratulations to:

President: Yami Sisko (8th)

Vice President: Madison Kincy (8th)

Secretary: Cruz Ruiz (7th)

Treasurer: Jayden Vasquez-Carmona (6th)

Spirit Coordinator: Cameron Aust (6th)

7th Grade Representative: Maverick Brunson (7th)

6th Grade Representative: Breanna Rizzo-Sturdevant (6th)

8th Grade Students volunteer scarers at the Rio Harvest Festival

The Rio Del Oro Harvest Festival committee is looking for twenty 8th-grade students who can be scarers at the Harvest Festival haunted house in exchange for Rio donating to the 8th-grade committee as part of the Riverside PTSO.

Students will serve on a 1.5-hour shift (5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.) each.

A signup sheet in the main office will close on Friday, October 6th.

Homework Club

The homework club continues next week. We will assist students on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tips for Parents

Discipline for tweens

Home alone? Not yet

Handling your tween’s behavior may be challenging as he outgrows “little kid” discipline methods. Strategies like these can help.

Use “I” messages.

A sentence that starts with “You always…” or “You never…” might make your middle grader feel more defensive and less apt to listen. Instead, try starting with “I.” (“I worry when I don’t hear that you got to your friend’s house safely” rather than “You didn’t call as I asked!”) At the same time, make sure he knows the consequences of not doing what you ask. (“I’ll have to ask you to come straight home from school if you can’t remember to call.”)

Meet halfway

Your child will be more likely to follow the rules if he understands the reasons behind them. Maybe he complains that he’s not allowed to go out on school nights. Explain that he needs to finish homework, spend time with family, and get to bed on time. Then, you could consider letting him go out one evening a week and give him a chance to show you he can meet his obligations.

Keep it in perspective.

Save severe consequences for serious circumstances (for example: your youngster cheats on a quiz). But for something minor, try using humor. It may keep a situation from growing into a full-blown argument. If your child frequently misplaces the remote control, say, “I think the dog lost the remote again. Can you find it?” You might get a laugh—and a more cooperative tween.

Short Stops

True to you

Encourage your youngster to stay true to himself as he meets new people. For instance, maybe he wants the approval of a popular student, but he knows that person cheats on tests or bullies younger kids. Explain that he shouldn’t compromise his values, such as honesty or kindness, to fit in.

Swapping activities

Has your child been involved in a sport or club for the past few years and wants to switch to something different? As long as she has met her commitment, let her explore— even if you’ll miss being a “baseball dad” or a “theater mom.” Trying new activities helps her discover other interests, and you’ll likely enjoy her new world, too.

No texting in class

If your middle grader has a cell phone or tablet, review the school’s policy on electronic devices. They may not be allowed, or your tween might have to turn them off or leave them in his backpack or locker during class. Remind him to follow the rules, and ensure you don’t text or email him during school hours.

09/29/2023

" Join us Tuesday October 10th in the Riverside Meadows Library for a Fentanyl awareness presentation. We will be hosting Arrive Alive California who will bring us a wealth of information as well as speakers from the District Attorney's Office, Net-5 Crime lab, first responders, and first hand accounts from a local family member. This presentation is open to anyone in our Plumas Lake community. Arrive Alive will also be conducting an assembly the next day at Riverside Meadows to educate our students on the dangers of Fentanyl. See the attached flyer for more information."

09/25/2023

Roadrunner Snacks
September 25, 2023,

September academic Success Skill: Attentive Listening

Mr. Brown’s Fist-Bumps

Hello, Roadrunner parents!

Week six is in the books, and we started autumn last Friday.

Thank you to the parents for moving as far forward in the morning during our “kiss and drop time” to get as many kids to their classes on time. Keep it up!

We have some important announcements this week. Take a look at the information below.

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THIS WEEK’S

TOP STORIES

PTSO

Progress Reports

Elections

Eighth Grade Student Volunteers Needed

Athletics

Homework Club

Tips for Parents

PTSO

Our meetings will be on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The next one is Oct 6th, and we are doing a special election for a new president, so we need to get the word out. We also include a virtual link to help involve as many parents as possible.

Progress Reports

Progress reports will go out on Friday, September 29th. They will be distributed to students during the “E” period (0 period).

Elections

Our election results will be announced on Tuesday, the 26th.

8th Grade Students volunteer scarers at the Rio Harvest Festival

The Rio Harvest Festival committee is looking for twenty 8th-grade students who can be scarers at the Harvest Festival haunted house in exchange for Rio donating to the 8th-grade committee as part of the Riverside PTSO.



Students will serve on a 1.5-hour shift (5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.) each.

A signup sheet is in the main office and will close on October 6th.

Athletics

Our new Athletic Director is Megan Parks. We are fortunate to have her leadership, and she will communicate any news related to Riverside Roadrunner athletics to our community.

Volleyball matches and Flag Football games will be away at Bear River on Tuesday (3:45 p.m. start) and at home on Tuesday with a 4:00 p.m. start time.

Homework Club

The homework club continues next week. We will assist students on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tips for Parents

Parent to Parent

Home alone? Not yet

My nephew, Adam, wanted to stay home alone after school this year. “I’m not a baby anymore,” he told me. “I’m old enough to watch myself.”

I wanted to tell his parents to give Adam more independence, but I wasn’t comfortable having him come home to an empty house while at work. I’ve heard too many stories about unsupervised kids experimenting with risky behaviors or watching TV all afternoon.

So, Adam and his parents came up with a plan. He attends an afterschool program in our school district three days a week. He’ll do his homework, play in the gym, and even try classes like coding and painting. He’ll take the school bus to his aunt’s house the other two days.

We are all breathing easier knowing that Adam will be safe, and I’m hoping he’ll enjoy being with other kids and not being home alone after all.

Dealing with change

■Q We moved over the summer, and my daughter just started Riverside. That’s a lot of change! How can I help her?

■A Two changes at once can undoubtedly feel overwhelming. The good news? Learning to adjust to change will help your daughter when she faces new situations in high school, college, or the workplace.

First, ask how it’s going. Then, talk through ways to manage problems. If she’s having trouble navigating the school, she could get a map and put an X on each class to plan her routes. Or perhaps she doesn’t have anyone to sit with at lunch or on the bus—she might ask to join another student sitting alone.

As the year goes on, continue to check in. With your support, she should soon be feeling comfortable."

09/18/2023

Mr. Brown’s Fist-Bumps

Hello, Roadrunner parents!

Thank you for preparing your students for school! We are off to a great start and attending school at nearly a 97% rate. Let’s see if we can get to 98% in October!

I had an excellent “Coffee with the Principal” meeting today and look forward to October’s event. The discussions with parents after the event were enjoyable. They were happy with the opportunity to learn how our discipline plan is designed at Riverside.

We have some important announcements this week. Take a look at the information below.

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THIS WEEK’S

TOP STORIES

Monday Student Release is at 2 p.m., and Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 12:30 p.m.

PTSO

Parent-Teacher Conferences - Minimum Day Release

Elections

Eighth Grade Student Volunteers Needed

Coffee with the Principal

Athletics

Homework Club

Tips for Parents

PTSO

Our meetings will be on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The next one is Oct 6th, and we are doing a special election for a new president, so we need to get the word out. We also include a virtual link to help involve as many parents as possible.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (9/20-22). Our minimum days for students mean that students will be released at 12:30.

Elections

Our elections for student officers will begin on Friday, the 22nd.

8th Grade Students volunteer scarers at the Rio Harvest Festival

The Rio Harvest Festival committee is looking for twenty 8th-grade students who can be scarers at the Harvest Festival haunted house in exchange for Rio donating to the 8th-grade committee as part of the Riverside PTSO.

Students will serve on a 1.5-hour shift (5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.) each.

A signup sheet will be available on Monday in the main office.

Coffee with the Principal

We had an excellent “Coffee with the Principal” meeting on Friday and look forward to October’s event. The discussions with parents after the event led me to believe that they were happy with the opportunity to learn how our discipline plan is designed at Riverside. Our following conversation will occur on October 20th from 8:30 to 9:30 in our cafeteria. If you cannot make it there in person, here is the Google Meet link:

Coffee with the Principal

Friday, October 20 · 8:30 – 9:30 am

Time zone: America/ Los Angeles

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ksu-mpvz-fvp

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 413-337-1428‬ PIN: ‪687 734 085‬ #

Coffee with the Principal is the time for parents to hear about instructional programs, gain instructional data knowledge, learn strategies to assist their children, ask questions, and share concerns that positively impact student academic achievement.

The first month’s topic will be “How does student discipline work at Riverside?”

Athletics

Volleyball matches and Flag Football games will begin this week. Both sports will be at home on Tuesday, and both sports will be away at Arboga on Thursday.

Homework Club

The homework club continues next week. We will assist students on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tips for Parents

Just write it! Just write it!

Middle graders do a lot of writing in school—not just in language arts but in other classes, too. Motivate your child to enjoy writing with these fun at-home suggestions.

■ Free writing.

Encourage her to get a cute notebook and write in it every day. She can set a five-minute timer and write anything she wants (even if she begins with, “I’m not sure what to write…”). Your tween will probably get on a roll, and she might want to keep writing when time’s up! Idea: For inspiration, she could listen to music or write in a nice spot outside.

■ Topic of the week.

Have family members take turns posting a random topic on the refrigerator. Examples: “Predict a 22nd-century fashion trend” or “Do you think people should eat only ‘breakfast foods’ for breakfast? Why or why not?” Everyone writes a response to the topic, and you can share them at the end of the week.

REMEMBER PARENTS

No texting in class

If your middle grader has a cell phone or tablet, review Riverside’s policy on electronic devices. They may not be allowed, or your tween might have to turn them off or leave them in his backpack or locker during class. Remind him to follow the rules, and ensure you don’t text or email him during school hours.

Real-time meetings by Google. Using your browser, share your video, desktop, and presentations with teammates and customers.

09/06/2023

"Mr. Brown’s Fist-Bumps

Hello Roadrunner parents!

I am looking forward to a tremendous four-day week.

The weather will be in the high nineties all week. Please have your student bring a water container to school to help with hydration.

Thank you for moving in front of the cafeteria as far as possible to drop your student off at school. Having our students in their seats by the start of school has been fantastic!

We have some important announcements this week. Take a look at the information below.

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THIS WEEK’S

TOP STORIES

I.D. needed for student pick up from the office

PTSO

Coffee with the Principal

Volleyball practices begin

Homework Club

Kiss and Drop in the morning

Tips for Parents

PTSO

Our first PTSO meeting is Thursday, September 7th. The meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. in the library. This group will be active this year, so don’t miss it!

Go Roadrunners!

Coffee with the Principal

I am pleased to announce that I will host a monthly interactive virtual chat with our Riverside Community starting next Friday, September 15th, at 2:00 p.m. These thirty-minute Google Meets, called “Coffee with the Principal,” will feature an interactive discussion of the exciting things we have been planning for and learning about in Roadrunner Land. I will try to give us topics we can focus on, which should be fun and informative.

Students who are picked up early from school

Thank you to those who come prepared to show identification to our front office team when picking up your student early from school. With over five hundred students and many new families in our community, we work to keep our students safe and released to the appropriate person.

Athletics

Volleyball practices start September 5th and will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays.

6th grade 3:00-4:00

7th grade 3:45-4:45

8th grade 4:15-5:30

Game dates and times will be announced at a later time.

Homework Club

Homework club begins this week. We will assist students on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays after school, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Additionally, other clubs are forming that will start this week. Stay tuned for more information!

“Kiss and Drop” Area in the morning.

Our morning drop-off is working, but it would work more efficiently if drivers would roll as far forward as possible in front of the cafeteria before letting your Roadrunner out of the vehicle. It would also decrease the traffic on the street leading to the school grounds.

Tips for Parents

School is priority #1

Knowing that school comes first will keep your middle grader focused on doing her best. Share these tips for ensuring the school remains front and center all year.

Be there, be ready.

Your child needs to be on time and in school each day. That way, she can hear lessons, participate in class discussions, and work in small groups—things she won’t be able to make up outside of class. Also, she should be rested and alert by eating a healthy breakfast and getting enough sleep (9–11 hours for tweens and 8–10 hours for teens).

Keep up

Being a good student means taking assignments seriously, working hard, and finishing them on time. Encourage your youngster to stay on top of homework by writing down assignments and having a specific time and place each day to study. Also, while kids this age can be reluctant to ask for help, tell her that’s something successful students do. For instance, she might approach her teacher after class or call a friend if she’s stuck on a homework assignment.

Track progress

Suggest that your middle grader regularly check her grades in each class and overall grade point average. Knowing where she stands will let her set realistic goals and plan ways to reach them. For example, if she’s halfway to the next higher letter grade, she could attend after-school review sessions, Homework Club, or organize a study group for that subject."

08/29/2023

HERE IS SOME INFORMATION ABOUT RIVERSIDE SPIRIT WEAR!

08/29/2023

Roadrunner Snacks
August 28, 2023,

August Success Skill: Being Safe, Respectful, and Responsible

Mr. Brown’s Fist-Bumps

Hello Roadrunner parents!

Week two is in the books!

The weather will be in the high nineties all week. Please have your student bring a water container to school to help with hydration.

Regarding warm weather, please continue to support our school dress code. We appreciate your assistance.

We have some important announcements this week. Take a look at the information below.

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THIS WEEK’S TOP STORIES

Monday, 8/28, is an early release day. Student dismissal is 2:00 pm

I.D. needed for student pick up from the office

Volleyball tryouts this week

Kiss and Drop in the morning

Tips for Parents

Monday is an early dismissal day.

Mondays during the school year allow our staff to continue training and to meet in our professional development communities. We release our students at 2:00 p.m. instead of 3:00 p.m. to facilitate this. Thank you for your support.

PTSO
Many of you have approached me about joining the PTSO and participating in some exciting activities for our students. If this is you, call our office and let them know. I will forward your name to our PTSO board!
Go Roadrunners!

Students who are picked up early from school
Thank you to those who come prepared to show identification to our front office team when picking up your student early from school. With over five hundred students and many new families in our community, we work to keep our students safe and released to the appropriate person.

Athletics
We need an athletic director for the 2023-24 school year. There is a stipend for the position. If you are interested, please get in touch with me at Riverside Meadows.

Coaches

6th Grade-TBD

7th Grade- Mrs. Gamble

8th Grade- Mr. Cruz

Tryouts will be 8/29-8/31

6th grade -TBD

7th grade: 3:00-4:00

8th grade:4:00-5:00

Team rosters will be posted on Friday, 9/1, at the nutrition break posted on the coach's doors.
Practices start September 5th and will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays

6th grade 3:00-4:00

7th grade 3:45-4:45

8th grade 4:15-5:30

Game dates and times will be announced at a later time.

“Kiss and Drop” Area in the morning

Our morning drop-off is working, but it would work more efficiently if drivers would roll as far forward as possible in front of the cafeteria before letting your Roadrunner out of the vehicle. It would also decrease the traffic on the street leading to the school grounds.

Critical and Creative Thinking (Continued)

Did you know that being a good thinker can help your middle grader improve in school, make good decisions, and deal with life’s challenges? If they know how to evaluate information and think creatively, they’ll be better able to apply what they learn and handle everyday problems. Try these four activities to practice thinking skills.

5. Pose creative questions

How would the world change if no one needed water? How might your child celebrate a holiday with socks? Together, brainstorm a list of interesting questions. Post your list, and add to it as you think of more. Then, talk about the questions over dinner. Hearing everyone’s answers will make for exciting and fun conversations.

6. I’ve got this!

Ask your middle schooler to write a “business plan” for solving a real problem he sees at home, school, community, or the world. For instance, maybe he is concerned about wasted food in the cafeteria. His plan could include launching an awareness campaign by making flyers about food waste and hunger and designating a donation bin where students can place uneaten fresh fruit and unopened packaged foods. Finally, encourage him to take steps to put his plan into action.

7. Engineer away

Suggest that your tween challenge her friends or family members to build something with household materials. Everyone could decide what to create (a zip line for stuffed animals or a musical instrument). Then, gather materials like cardboard boxes, string, old toys, broken appliances, and tools. Display your creations, and take turns showing—and explaining—how they work. Variation: Have everyone collaborate on one big project.

8. Make a Möbius strip

A Möbius strip is a twisted loop of paper that will stretch your middle grader’s thinking as he tries to analyze how it works. To make one, have him cut a 2ʺ x 11ʺ strip of paper and draw a line down the center. Next, he should hold opposite ends, twist the paper once in the center, and tape the ends together. Let him predict what will happen if he cuts along the line. (He will create a longer, thinner Möbius strip.) Why does he think it’s still in one piece? What will happen if he:

● Cut it down the center again?

● Draws and cuts along a line closer to the edge of the strip?

● Makes a new strip with two or three twists?

Fast forward: Why it counts

Picture your child in the workplace 10–15 years from now. Will she have what it takes to thrive? Being a good thinker and problem solver will go a long way toward helping her succeed.

Critical thinkers think for themselves. They look at and evaluate information to reach a logical conclusion or make an informed choice. This skill will let your tween analyze everything from math problems in school to marketing opportunities in a future job.

Creative thinkers are in the idea business. They can look at a task, challenge, or situation in multiple ways—so their thinking takes them where others might not. Creativity allows your child to develop clever approaches to presentations and papers. At work, it could help her think of better ways to handle customer service calls or develop new products her company might sell.

Problem solvers identify what is wrong and figure out how to fix it. They compare solutions, pick the best one to try first and keep going until they find a successful strategy. This kind of thinking and persistence is important in all schoolwork, from science experiments to research projects. It can help your middle grader solve workplace issues, whether making sure colleagues get along better or streamlining a manufacturing process. "

08/26/2023

It's Volleyball Time!