Falcon Flyer

October:

October 26 - PTA Board & General Meeting, in the RE library 6:00 pm

October 26 - Spirit Day-Wear Red

October 27 - Spirit Day-Western Day

October 28 - Spirit Day-Wear College Apparel

October 29 - Spirit Day-Wear Your Favorite Sunglasses

October 29 - Crisis Drill

October 30 - Spirit Day-Red Friday - Wear Chiefs Gear

October 30 - Fall Parties (2:45-3:15) & Parade (3:30-3:45)

Hello Riverview Families!

Happy Friday, Falcons! Although it was a short week, it was certainly a busy one filled with lots of learning, excitement, and wonderful things happening throughout our building! As I visited classrooms this week, I was reminded once again of just how special our Riverview community is. I saw so many engaging, creative, and fun lessons, and I continue to be amazed by the incredible growth our Falcons are making each and every day! From hands-on learning experiences and meaningful classroom discussions to students challenging themselves and celebrating their successes, there is so much to be proud of!

One of the things I love most about Riverview is the dedication of our incredible staff. They are constantly finding ways to make learning meaningful, engaging, and fun while helping every student feel supported and successful. It is exciting to see our Falcons growing not only academically, but also as learners, leaders, and friends!

I also hope to see many of you tonight at our Fall Festival! It is going to be a wonderful evening filled with fun, laughter, and opportunities to connect with our amazing Falcon community. I know lots of fun will be had, and I can't wait to see everyone enjoying the festivities! Thank you, families, for your continued partnership and support. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful school community, and I am grateful every day to be part of it!

Wishing everyone a fantastic fall weekend!

Dr. Urban
Principal, Riverview Elementary

A HUGE shout-out to Mrs. Bergeron, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Zars, and Mrs. van Noordt for organizing such an incredible, hands-on science experience for our 5th grade Falcons! These amazing teachers are always looking for ways to go above and beyond to create fun, engaging, and meaningful learning opportunities for our students. Their dedication to bringing learning to life and connecting classroom instruction to real-world experiences is truly appreciated!

Thank you, ladies, for your creativity, collaboration, and continued advocacy for experiences that spark curiosity, inspire learning, and create lasting memories for our Falcons!

Our 5th grade Falcons had an incredible opportunity to become scientists for the day! On October 22, we welcomed a team from MilliporeSigma for an exciting, hands-on science experience exploring the fascinating world of microorganisms!

Students suited up in lab coats, safety goggles, and gloves as they learned about bacteria, viruses, and how germs spread. Through interactive activities, including using UV lights to reveal simulated contamination, students discovered just how easily germs can travel and why proper handwashing is so important!

What an amazing opportunity to bring science to life, spark curiosity, and connect classroom learning to the real world! A HUGE shout-out to our 5th grade teachers for organizing this immersive learning experience, and a special thank-you to the MilliporeSigma team for sharing their time, expertise, and passion for science with our Falcons!

Learning was definitely GLOWING at Riverview!

At Riverview, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are always our top priorities. As part of our ongoing commitment to school safety and Kansas's required annual safety drills, we will be conducting a crisis preparedness drill next week.

This drill will focus on responding to a medical emergency within our building. We will activate our CENTEGIX safety system, and students and staff will practice our established lockdown procedures. There will be no active simulation of an emergency situation.

Teachers will discuss the scenario with students in an age-appropriate, reassuring manner, emphasizing the importance of remaining calm, following directions, and staying safely in their classrooms. We want students to understand that not every emergency means someone is in danger. Sometimes, remaining in classrooms allows emergency personnel to provide assistance while protecting the privacy of someone who needs help.

Our goal is never to frighten students, but to help them feel safe, confident, and prepared. Just as we practice fire and severe weather drills, these opportunities help ensure everyone knows what to do if an emergency ever occurs. Thank you for your continued partnership in helping us maintain a safe, supportive, and prepared learning environment for all our Falcons!

Our Riverview staff goes above and beyond every day to make our school a wonderful place to learn and grow! We want to give our Falcon families an opportunity to help us celebrate the amazing people who make a difference in our students' lives.

Has a teacher or staff member made a positive impact on your child or family? Did someone go the extra mile, show kindness, or make your child's day a little brighter? We want to hear about it!

Use the link below to submit a Falcon Staff Shout Out! Your kind words will be shared with our staff as we celebrate the incredible things happening at Riverview.

Let's spread some Falcon love and recognize those who help our students SOAR!

We are so excited to celebrate fall with our annual Classroom Parties and Parade on Friday, October 30! As we prepare for this fun afternoon, here are a few important reminders to help everything run smoothly and safely.

• Classroom Parties: 2:45–3:15 p.m. Party volunteer sign-ups will be sent out today by each classroom teacher. Each classroom is limited to 5 parent/guardian volunteers. Volunteers must sign in at the front office. Please, no siblings or pets.
• Fall Parade: Begins at 3:30 p.m. in front of the building. Students will exit on the east side, parade around the front, and re-enter on the west side before dismissal.
• Costumes & Clothing: Students are welcome to wear a costume, dress as a favorite character from a book or movie, show off their own fun clothing creation, dress in their best, or simply come as themselves! Participation in dressing up is completely optional. Students may bring their outfit to school and should be able to change independently. Please avoid face makeup, weapons, scary/gory elements, or anything that is not appropriate for elementary school.
• Dismissal & Parking: There will be no early checkouts after 3:00 p.m. Normal dismissal procedures will be followed, so please notify the office in advance of any changes. Parking will be limited; please use designated spaces and do not park along the dismissal-loop curbs, as these areas need to remain clear for buses and traffic.

We can't wait for an afternoon filled with fall fun, creativity, and Falcon community! Thank you for helping us create a celebration where every student can participate in a way that feels comfortable and enjoyable.

The final countdown is on! Our PTA Membership Drive ends THIS SUNDAY, October 25th, and we have just a few days left to reach our goal! We've reached 141 PTA members—81% of our schoolwide goal of 175! We're just 34 memberships away from filling Freddie's feathers!

The classroom competition is heating up! Mrs. Schwank's class is holding onto the K–2 lead, while Mrs. Martin's class remains on top for grades 3–5. But with lots of movement on the leaderboard, the classroom prizes are still up for grabs!

Haven't joined yet? NOW is the time! Every membership counts toward our schoolwide goal and your child's classroom total. No volunteering required. This is a simple way to support our students, teachers, and school! https://refalcons.givebacks.com/

We are excited to introduce a NEW Math Enrichment Opportunity for our Riverview students! The Math Challenge Program (MCP) is a FREE opportunity for students who enjoy puzzles, critical thinking, and exploring math beyond the classroom!

Every other week, students can tackle fun and challenging math problems that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and thinking outside the box. Students can participate at home with their families, and no sign-up is required! Bonus! Students who participate in the first challenge will be entered into a drawing for a small prize!

Be sure to check out the flyer for all the details, including how to participate and submit your solutions. If you need printed copies of the math problems, please reach out to Mrs. Conway, and she will be happy to help!

October 23–31 is Red Ribbon Week, a time when schools across the country celebrate the importance of making healthy, safe, and positive choices!

At Riverview Elementary, we encourage our Falcons to make choices that help them grow into their very best selves. Throughout the week, we will focus on taking care of our minds and bodies, being kind to others, making responsible decisions, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences.

Red Ribbon Week is a wonderful opportunity to remind students that even small choices can make a BIG difference! Together, we can help our Falcons build healthy habits, strong friendships, and bright futures.

We are proud to honor the brave men and women who have served our country at our Veterans Day Assembly on November 11th.

If your student would like to invite a veteran to attend and be recognized during the assembly, please RSVP by Tuesday, November 3rd using the link below.

Event Details:

• 9:00 a.m. – Veterans arrive and enjoy a light reception.

• 9:15 a.m. – Veterans will meet their student and line up for introductions.

• 9:30 a.m. – Assembly begins with a welcome and introductions, followed by a program to celebrate and recognize veterans for their service.

Please make sure to RSVP if your student is bringing a veteran so we can ensure every guest is recognized. We look forward to coming together as a school community to show our appreciation and respect for those who have served our country.

Create your own Flurry Friend with Pinot’s Palette! This fun painting event is for adults and kids (ages 5+) to enjoy together. The painting may look complicated, but it’s created by layering simple shapes one at a time, making it easy for beginners! Every person must have their own seat and paint (no spectators). Click the link for details and to sign up. Spots are limited!

Looking to add some Falcon spirit to your wardrobe? Our Riverview Spirit Wear shop is a great place to find customizable shirts, sweatshirts, and more for the whole family! Choose your favorite design, apparel style, and color to create something that is just right for you.

Even better, the shop stays open throughout the year, so there’s no ordering window to miss! Whether you need something for Red Friday, a school event, or just want to show your Riverview pride, you can order whenever you’re ready.

Check out the flyer below and scan the QR code to start customizing your Falcon gear!

Looking for a favorite treat, drink, snack, or something special for a Riverview staff member? We’ve made it easy! Check out the Staff Favorites and Amazon Wish Lists below. These are completely optional, but are a helpful resource for families who are looking for ways to celebrate or support our amazing staff throughout the year!

Student and staff safety is always our top priority. Riverview will continue using the Visitu Visitor Management System this year, following district safety guidelines. All visitors must check in through the office with a valid photo ID. The ID will be scanned into the system and a visitor sticker with your photo will be printed. This sticker must be worn and visible at all times while in the building.

For the safety of everyone, no visitor will be allowed in the building without a valid ID. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work together to maintain a secure learning environment for our Falcons.

Dear USD 232 Families:

We are writing to share an important safety request regarding e-bikes, e-scooters, skate boards, and traditional bicycles on our school campuses.

Across Johnson County, communities have seen a significant rise in the number of e-bikes and e-scooters on roads and sidewalks, including around our schools. Along with this increase is a growing concern about the safety of children and teens operating these motorized devices. Some local communities are now considering additional safety measures or regulations to help protect young riders.

We are not implementing a new rule or regulation. Instead, we are simply asking for your help.

If your child rides an e-bike, e-scooter, traditional bicycle, or similar device to school, we respectfully ask that you encourage them to walk their bike or scooter once they arrive on school district property.

Slowing down in these high-traffic areas can help increase alertness and reduce the chances of an accident during the busiest times of the school day, such as arrival and dismissal.

We recognize this is a request, not a requirement, and we appreciate your consideration and partnership in helping keep all of our students safe.

Additionally, the City of Shawnee requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a helmet when riding a motorized bike, scooter, or skateboard, and the state of Kansas requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a helmet when riding motorized bikes. We encourage families to ensure their students wear a helmet when riding any bike, scooter, or skateboard to reduce the risk of injury.

Thank you for your continued support.

USD 232

Beginning this school year, a new Kansas law prohibits students from using or accessing personal electronic devices during the school day while on school property. This includes cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, wireless earbuds, smart glasses, and similar devices. Devices should be powered off and put away from the start of the school day until dismissal.

Please help us by discussing this new expectation with your child before school begins. Students may always use a school phone if they need to contact a parent during the day. Families should also be aware that USD 232 is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices brought to school.

Thank you for partnering with us as we implement this new state requirement and continue to provide a focused, distraction-free learning environment for all students.

Get ready for some spooky fun! De Soto High School is hosting a Trunk or Treat event, and all of our Falcon families are invited to join in the fun!

Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy an afternoon of treats, festive decorations, and community fun!

📅 Sunday, October 25, 2026

⏰ 3:00–5:00 PM

📍 De Soto High School Parking Lot

Bring your family, grab your candy buckets, and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon! We hope to see lots of our Riverview Falcons there!

Get ready for some spooky fun! The Mill Valley Student Council invites all elementary students and families to their annual Haunted Halls event on Sunday, October 25, from 4:00–6:00 PM! Enjoy an evening filled with fun games, trick-or-treating, prizes, and Halloween excitement as you explore the halls of Mill Valley High School!

📍 Location: Mill Valley High School, 5900 Monticello Road, Shawnee, KS (Enter through the main entrance.)

Don't miss this fun opportunity to celebrate the season with our Mill Valley community!

Vision

Together at Riverview Elementary, we foster excellence, belonging, and growth so all students are prepared for a bright future.

Mission

At Riverview Elementary, our mission is to create a supportive and inclusive learning community where every student is empowered to achieve excellence, build meaningful connections, and grow academically, socially, and emotionally each day.