Riverside Report

December 22, 2025-January 2, 2026 Winter Break

Monday January 5, 2026 First Day Back from Winter Break

Mon. Jan 5-Wed. Jan 7, 2026 Mrs. Lorge's Class to Twin Oaks

Tuesday January 6, 2026 Chess Club 3:00-3:30

Craft Club 3:50-4:50

Ukulele Club 3:50-4:50

Bead Club 3:50-4:50

Wed. Jan 7-Friday Jan 9, 2026 Mr. Aleckson's Class to Twin Oaks

Friday January 9, 2026 1st Reading Cafe 10:00-10:15

4th Grade Battle of the Books 11:50-12:05

5th Grade Battle of the Books 12:20-12:35

2nd-3rd Reading Cafe 2:25-2:55

4th-5th Reading Cafe 3:00-3:30

Mon. Jan 12- Wed. Jan 14, 2026 Mr. Hughes's Class to Twin Oaks

Tuesday January 13, 2026 Be Amazing Club 3:50-4:50

Bead Club 3:50-4:50

Craft Club 3:50-4:50

Ukulele Club 3:50-4:50

PTO Meeting in the Conference Room or via Webex from 4:00-5:00

Wed. Jan. 14-Fri. Jan 16, 2026 Mrs. Berry's Class to Twin Oaks

Thursday January 15, 2026 BlueJay Unified 3:50-4:50

Friday January 16, 2026 1st Reading Cafe 10:00-10:15

4th Grade Battle of the Books 11:50-12:05

5th Grade Battle of the Books 12:20-12:35

2nd-3rd Reading Cafe 2:25-2:55

4th-5th Reading Cafe 3:00-3:30

Sunday January 18, 2026 PTO's Sylvan Hill Sledding Event 6:00-9:00

Monday January 19, 2026 No School Day

Tuesday January 20, 2026 Chess Club 3:00-3:30

Bead Club 3:50-4:50

Craft Club 3:50-4:50

Ukulele Club 3:50-4:50

Friday January 23, 2026 No School Day

Monday January 26, 2026 Kdg, 2nd Grade, 5th Grade Winter Concert Practice at the Middle School

Advanced Learner Parent Meeting in IMC or via Webex at 5:00

Advanced Learner Showcase Night in Multipurpose Room at 6:00

Tuesday January 27, 2026 4th Grade Battle of the Books 11:50-12:05

5th Grade Battle of the Books 12:20-12:35

Chess Club 3:00-3:30

Kindergarten Winter Concert 5:00 at the Middle School

Second Grade Winter Concert 6:00 at the Middle School

Fifth Grade Winter Concert 7:00 at the Middle School

Wednesday January 28, 2026 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade Winter Concert Practice at the Middle School

Thursday January 29, 2026 Rubik's Cube Club 3:00-3:30

First Grade Winter concert 5:00 at the Middle School

Third Grade Winter Concert 6:00 at the Middle School

Fourth Grade Winter Concert 7:00 at the Middle School

Friday January 30, 2026 1st Reading Cafe 10:00-10:15

2nd-3rd Reading Cafe 2:25-2:55

4th-5th Reading Cafe 3:00-3:30

Monday February 2, 2026 Rubik's Cube Club 3:00-3:30

Tuesday February 3, 2026 4th Grade Battle of the Books 11:50-12:05

5th Grade Battle of the Books 12:20-12:35

Craft Club 3:50-4:50

Ukulele Club 3:50-4:50

Wednesday February 4, 2026 Rubik's Cube Club 3:00-3:30

Thursday February 5, 2026 Rubik's Cube Club 3:00-3:30

Friday February 6, 2026 1st Reading Cafe 10:00-10:15

2nd-3rd Reading Cafe 2:25-2:55

4th-5th Reading Cafe 3:00-3:30

Rubik's Cube Club 3:00-3:30

Monday February 9, 2026 Rubik's Cube Club 3:00-3:30

Tuesday February 10, 2026 4th Grade Battle of the Books 11:50-12:05

5th Grade Battle of the Books 12:20-12:35

Be Amazing 3:50-4:50

Bead Club 3:50-4:50

Craft Club 3:50-4:50

Ukulele Club 3:50-4:50

PTO Meeting in the Conference Room or via Webex from 4:00-5:00

Wednesday February 11, 2026 Rubik's Cube Club 3:00-3:30

Thursday February 12, 2026 Rubik's Cube Club 3:00-3:30

BlueJay Unified 3:50-4:50

Friday February 13, 2026 1st Reading Cafe 10:00-10:15

2nd-3rd Reading Cafe 2:25-2:55

4th-5th Reading Cafe 3:00-3:30

Monday February 16, 2026 Rubik's Cube Club 3:00-3:30

Tuesday February 17, 2026 4th Grade Battle of the Books 11:50-12:05

5th Grade Battle of the Books 12:20-12:35

Craft Club 3:50-4:50

Ukulele Club 3:50-4:50

Wednesday February 18, 2026 Rubik's Cube Club 3:00-3:30

Thursday February 19, 2026 NO SCHOOL- Parent Teacher Conferences 11:30-7:30

Friday February 20, 2026 NO SCHOOL

Tuesday February 24, 2026 Chess Club Tournament 3:50-5:50

Be Amazing Club 3:50-4:50

Craft Club 3:50-4:50

Ukulele Club 3:50-4:50

Thursday February 26, 2026 Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30-7:30

Friday February 27, 2026 1st Reading Cafe 10:00-10:15

2nd-3rd Reading Cafe 2:25-2:55

4th-5th Reading Cafe 3:00-3:30

Students will be practicing for their winter concerts here at Riverside when we get back from winter break. Please make sure that your child has their tennis shoes at school during this time, as snow boots are unsafe on the risers. This year, they will also have a Winter Concert Practice is on Monday January 26th, 2026 for 2nd, 5th, and Kindergarten, and on Wednesday January 28th, 2026 for 3rd, 4th, and 1st grades at the middle school.

This year, all concerts will be held at the Middle School in the Auditorium. Doors will open at 4:30 for families to start arriving. Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early so that you can find seating before the program begins. Students should report to your classroom teacher in the Commons upon arrival at the Middle School. We will be dismissing students directly to their parents in the commons area following the concert. We ask that you please keep your child's jackets with parents upon arrival.

Winter Concerts are at the following dates and times at the Middle School:

January 27, 2026

Kindergarten at 5:00

2nd Grade at 6:00

5th Grade at 7:00

January 29, 2026

1st Grade at 5:00

3rd Grade at 6:00

4th Grade at 7:00

Sylvan Hill Sledding will be on Sunday January 18, 2026 from 6:00-9:00 pm.

(1329 Sylvan Street, Wausau)

Pre-sale tickets will be available, and you will be able to purchase tickets the night of the event as well. Please watch for more information closer to the event. This will be held unless the Marathon County Parks Department closes Sylvan Hill due to cold temperatures.

Ticket Prices:

Children Under 13- $5.00

Children Over 13/Adults- $8.00

*****All Tubers must be 42 inches or taller.

Hot dogs, snacks, water and baked goods will be available for purchase. Hot chocolate will be free.

We hope to see you there!

The 5th Grade Transition parent Information Night will be on Tuesday January 20, 2026 and Thursday January 22, 2026 in the Middle School Theater.

This is an evening for parents/guardians of current 5th grade students in which we will give an overview of the Middle School expectations, academics, supports, and other information. 5th grade students are welcome to attend if you want them to. We will also be holding 5th grade tours and an informational session for the students in May of 2026.

A new year is here, and it's the perfect time to set fresh reading goals! Encourage your child to explore new genres, discover inspiring characters, and learn about the world around them. January is a great month for setting reading resolutions, like choosing a book from a favorite series or trying a nonfiction book on an exciting topic. As we jump into the new year, let’s remember that every page turned brings new adventures and ideas. Let’s make 2026 the year of reading! Happy New Year and happy reading! 🎉📖

If you are interested in nominating your student (grades 1-4), please ask your child's teacher or the front office for a nomination form, or you can find the nomination forms here- Advanced Learner Nomination Packet

Parents who would like to know more about the challenge program are encouraged to join the Webex Parent Information Meeting using the information below.

Challenge Program Parent Information Meeting

Monday, January 26, 2026 at 5:00 pm in the Riverside IMC or join us via Webex using this link.

Join by meeting number

Meeting number (access code):2494 252 6852

Meeting password: BdkcNucp368

Conferences will be held Thursday February 19th, 2026 from 11:30-7:30 & Thursday February 26, 2026 from 4:30-7:30, so that teachers and parents can discuss a student's progress in school. An e-mail containing a personalized link for your child(ren) will be sent out to parents to select a 15-minute conference time that works best for your family. You are also able schedule 15-minute conferences with encore (art, music, PE, library, & guidance), and special education teachers if needed, using the same link. Since it is important for teacher and parents to communicate with one another, the school annually sets a goal of 100% parent participation at conferences.

There is No School for students on Thursday February 19, 2026, to allow for in-person conferences. There is also No School on Friday February 20, 2026, as it is a teacher PD day.

We are pleased to announce the 2025 Riverside “Giants in Science” Science Fair. The date for this exciting event is on Thursday March 5, 2026 and will be held in our Multipurpose Room from 9:00-10:30.

All students in grades K-5 are invited to register. Students can complete a project individually or in a group up to three total students. Science fair display boards in various colors are available in the office for $5.00. Registration forms and display board order forms are being sent home with all students. Check out the “Science Fair” link on Riverside’s website for more information. An additional informational packet will be provided to students who are participating, when they turn in their registration form.

Can you become the next “Giant in Science?” Register now and give it your best shot! See you at the fair! Science Fair Registration Form

Love and Logic will help build positive relationships with your children, teach them to be responsible and help them be prepared to learn in the classroom. You can register online using the QR code or by sending the form back to school. Love and Logic Registration Form

Every Day Matters!

DID YOU KNOW?

• Regular attendance is crucial for students to gain academic and social skills they need to succeed- Like listening, paying attention, problem solving and self-regulation.
• Elementary learning is sequential, building on the skills learned from previous days.
• Kindergartners who miss more than 5 days a year struggle with learning to read.
• Missing more than 5 days per year lowers student test scores.
• Research shows students who miss more than 10% of a school year (2 days/month) are less likely to read proficiently by third grade.

Ways to minimize students time away from school:

• Arrive on time and avoid leaving early.
• Plan vacations during school breaks.
• Schedule appointments before/after school when possible.
• Partner with other parents/guardians as needed for transportation.

The application period for the 2026-2027 school year is February 2 – April 30, 2026. Wisconsin's inter-district public school open enrollment program allows parents to apply for their children to attend a school district other than the one in which they live. The DPI web site has additional information and the on-line open enrollment application.

Parents must complete an online application no earlier than February 2, 2026, and no later than April 30, 2026 by 4:00 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted for any reason.

At this time, once a student is accepted to attend D.C. Everest under open enrollment, and they maintain regular attendance, the student may continue to attend the district without having to reapply every year.

For more information contact Rachel Rentmeester at 715-359-4221, extension 1230.

Children 4 years of age on or before September 1, 2026 are eligible for the DC Everest 4K program. If you will be transporting your child, you may register at the 4K site of your preference, however, this preference is not a guarantee. If you require busing, you must register at your neighborhood 4K site. If you are unsure of the 4K site in your area, please refer to the 4K site map on the DC Everest website. Please bring your child’s original birth certificate or other appropriate documentary evidence and immunization record when registering.

There will be a 4K Information meeting Monday, February 2, 2026 from 6:00-7:00 at Weston Elementary School.

All children who will be five years of age on or before September 1, 2026, are eligible for next year’s kindergarten class. Parents of students new to the District are asked to register their child for the 2026-27 school year. Registration forms and more information can be obtained from the D.C. Everest website or from the Riverside office.

Kindergarten enrollment is held during the first full week in February. You will need your child’s birth certificate or other appropriate documentary evidence and their immunization record, to upload as part of the online registration. If you know of a neighbor or friend that may not receive this information, please have them call Riverside School at 715-359-2417.

Students currently enrolled in a D.C. Everest 4K program do not need to register. Parents will be receiving an email to confirm kindergarten enrollment.

Join us at our next PTO meeting, Tuesday January 13, 2026. We will meet at Riverside in the conference room at 4:00 p.m. or you can join us via Webex.

The upcoming Sylvan Hill Sledding Event will be discussed, as well as conference nights, upcoming field trips, clubs, and preparing for activities such as the Ice Cream Social. We'll see you there!

statro@dce.k12.wi.us

Ext 5326

Happy Holidays Riverside Families! During Guidance with me in the month of December, students in grades K–5 participated in bullying prevention lessons using the Second Step Bullying Prevention curriculum. Students learned how to recognize what bullying is (and how it differs from conflict), report bullying to a trusted adult, and refuse bullying by using assertive, respectful responses. Through discussion, role-play, and age-appropriate videos, students practiced being upstanders, supporting peers, and helping create a safe and respectful school community. Families are encouraged to review the 3 R’s—Recognize, Report, Refuse—with their child and talk about how these skills can be used both at school and outside of school.

Helping Kids Sleep When Stress is the Culprit

Many children struggle with sleep when they’re feeling stressed, whether it’s due to school pressures, social challenges, or changes at home. As parents and caregivers, understanding the link between stress and sleep can help you support your child in managing both. Here are some practical tips to ease the bedtime struggles:

1. Create a Calm Bedtime Routine
   A consistent, relaxing routine before bed can signal to your child that it’s time to wind down. Activities like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing gentle breathing exercises help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

2. Encourage Physical Activity During the Day
   Physical activity can help relieve stress and promote better sleep. Encourage your child to get outside and play or engage in sports. But avoid high-energy activities too close to bedtime, as they may have the opposite effect.

3. Limit Screen Time Before Bed
   The blue light emitted from screens can interfere with sleep by disrupting the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Set limits on screen time at least an hour before bedtime to help your child’s brain relax.

4. Talk About Their Day
   Sometimes, children need a space to express what’s on their minds. Talking about the things that are stressing them out—whether it’s a tough test or a fight with a friend—can help them feel heard and ease their worries. Be patient and listen without judgment.

5. Practice Relaxation Techniques
   Teach your child simple relaxation strategies like deep breathing or visualizing a peaceful place. These tools can help calm a racing mind and prepare for restful sleep.

6. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment
   A dark, quiet, and cool room can make a big difference in how easily your child falls asleep. Consider using soft lighting, a white noise machine, or blackout curtains if necessary.

7. Watch for Signs of Anxiety
   If stress-related sleep issues persist, it may be a sign that your child is dealing with anxiety. In this case, it’s important to consult a pediatrician or counselor who can provide additional support.

By helping your child manage stress and creating a peaceful nighttime routine, you can improve their sleep quality and emotional well-being. Sweet dreams!

Healthy Coping Strategies That Move You Toward Your Better Future

Life can get really tough. One of the best gifts we can give to children is to help them learn and practice helpful coping skills that can support us to get through stress and the hard stuff of living. It’s challenging enough as an adult to relate to stress, anger, discouragement or other uncomfortable feelings in healthy ways, right? Even when we know that having a big cry, going on a walk, or doing some living room yoga would be more helpful than eating that bag of chips or scrolling on social media, we often choose to do the latter. No matter your age, dealing with tough things is inevitable.

For some young people, the coping strategies that have been modeled for them, have not always been positive (like eating a full bag of chips or scrolling on social media). The more we can introduce children to new ideas and alternative healthy coping strategies, the more productive and compassionate their actions and thoughts will become. Better communication, increased social awareness, empathetic behavior, and overall happiness are all benefits to utilizing healthy coping strategies. Here are some healthy coping strategies you and your child can use that move you toward a resilient future:

• Ask for help

• Talk to a close family member or caring adult and ask them to listen

• Exercise, workout, play sports

• Focus on the end goal, which is success

• Create a timeline to get work done

• Get outside for fresh air and spend time in nature

• Rest. Go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep

• Write down your issues and potential solutions

• Get creative! Draw or paint, play an instrument, sing, dance, write a song/poem/letter, write in a journal

• Breathe! Take some deep, relaxing breaths

• Eat healthy and take care of your body

• Build something, take on a project or hobby

• Connect with healthy friends & laugh with them

• Tidy up your room and space at home

• Listen to positive music that strengthens you

• Focus on positive thinking – focus on the solutions

If I can be of any support to your child throughout the school day, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Email: jkrautkramer@dce.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.dce.k12.wi.us/riversideelementary
Location: 166543 River Rd, Ringle, WI, USA
Phone: 715-359-2417
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DC-Everest-Riverside-Elementary-781561655213872/