Panther Press

Haywood County Schools has launched a new initiative called 95, and we are excited to bring it to Riverbend! The 95+ represents our belief that every student can become a skilled reader.

At Riverbend, our staff is committed to helping students build strong reading skills and develop a love for reading that will support them in every subject and beyond school. This initiative reflects our shared goal: to celebrate students’ progress, encourage a positive reading culture, and ensure that all of our Riverbend Readers feel confident and successful.

Together, at school and at home, we can help every child reach that 95+ mark and discover the joy of reading! 📚✨

Supporting Reading at Home

• 📖 Read together daily — even just 10–15 minutes makes a big difference.

• 💬 Talk about stories — ask questions like, “What was your favorite part?” or “Why do you think the character did that?”

• 📝 Make reading fun — let your child choose books that interest them, and celebrate every success along the way.

• October 6–10 – Spirit Week 🎉

• October 6 – Picture Day

• October 6 – Panther PAC Breakfast for Staff

• October 8 – Fire Safety at RES 🔥

• October 10 – Popcorn Friday 🍿

• October 13 – No School (Optional Teacher Workday)

• October 17 – Panther Party 🐾🎶

• October 30 – Duty-Free Lunch for Staff (join PAC Remind)

📸 Picture Day – October 6th!

Picture Day is coming up on October 6th! Flyers from Strawbridge were sent home with students to order school pictures. If you need a new flyer, just call the office and we’ll be happy to send another one home.

Families also have the option to purchase online at:
Strawbridge.net
Online Code: FM489165

Get ready, Panthers — our very first Panther Party is coming up on October 17th!

📌 Details:

• Permission Forms: Will be sent home on October 6th

• Forms Due: Wednesday, October 15th

• Cost: $6 per student (includes juice, a slice of pizza, and 2 hours of fun!)

• Extras: Students may bring spending money for treats and goodies

It’s going to be a fantastic night of fun, games, and dancing! 🐾💙

🟦 Rising Panthers – Starting October 23rd! 🟦

We are excited to announce that Rising Panthers will begin on October 23rd! This new incentive program is designed to celebrate students who model positive behavior and meet school expectations every day.

Here’s what to expect:

• Each nine weeks, we will highlight school-wide behavior expectations.

• Teachers will also communicate classroom-specific expectations.

• Students who consistently meet these expectations will be recognized through the Rising Panthers program.

We can’t wait to see our Panthers rise to the challenge and shine! 🐾✨

NC Elementary Testing is the last month of the school year. Please be mindful and do not schedule any vacations or appointments during this window of time.

This will be updated as weather may alter our schedule.