Welcome Back Bears!!!

It is with great excitement that we welcome our Riverbend High School community to the start of the 2026–2027 school year! As I begin my third year serving as principal of Riverbend, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading such a remarkable community. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of learning from our students, partnering with our families, and working alongside an exceptional staff who continue to make Riverbend a place where students are supported, challenged, and celebrated.

As we begin this new school year, we remain focused on strengthening the foundation we have built together—one centered on high expectations, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to student growth and achievement. Our success is driven by the collective efforts of our students, staff, families, and community partners. When we work together with a shared purpose, we create an environment where every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

This year, we will continue building upon the progress and accomplishments of previous years while embracing new opportunities to grow, innovate, and better serve our students. I am excited about the continued collaboration, dedication, and Bear Pride that make Riverbend such a special place.

Throughout the coming weeks, we will share important updates and information to help ensure a smooth and successful start to the school year. Please continue to stay connected, as maintaining open and consistent communication with our families and community will remain a priority.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. I look forward to another year of learning, growth, and success together. Here’s to making 2026–2027 another outstanding year for Riverbend High School!

Go Bears! 🐻

Ninth graders will have their first day of school (Transition Day) on Monday, August 10, 2026. Ninth graders will have an opportunity to attend all of their A and B day classes, learn about many of the opportunities and expectations here at Riverbend, and pick up their school computer during their English 9 class. Freshman will be provided a printed schedule during their A1 class.

If your student is enrolled in a SCTC course (ex. JROTC), they will not travel on the transition day. During that block, they should report to the commons (cafeteria).

All grades will report on Tuesday, August 11. School hours are 7:35 am to 2:20 pm.

Student devices will be distributed during English classes on the following dates:

• Seniors: August 11–12
• Juniors: August 13–14
• Sophomores: August 17–18

As we prepare for the first day of school, please take a moment to have your student check StudentVUE (or ParentVUE) before arriving at school on the first day.

Following Open House on Tuesday evening, a few schedule changes were necessary. As a result, your student’s schedule may have changed slightly from the schedule they viewed during Open House.

Please make sure your student checks StudentVUE today, with particular attention to their first-block class (A1). This will ensure they know where to report on the first day of school.

Students will receive a printed copy of their complete schedule during their first-block class on the first day. Their first-block teacher will provide the information they need for the remainder of the school day.

For arrival, parent drivers will enter through the main entrance, turn right and follow the arrows. Student drivers will continue straight through the main entrance and follow the directions of the staff member directing traffic. The entrance on Spotswood Furnace Lane will be closed from approximately 7:15 am to 7:30 am to help support getting our bus drivers to their next route.

Beginning Friday, August 14, students who do not currently have a study hall or aide block may request to change one of their classes to a study hall.

Request forms will be available in the Counseling Office beginning Friday, August 14. Students will need to complete the form and obtain all required signatures before the request can be processed.

• You may drop a study hall to have late arrival or early release, as long as a Special Permission Form is on file and you have already met all your graduation testing requirements.
• You may also drop a credit-bearing class for late arrival or early release if it fits your current schedule. We will not rearrange your schedule to accommodate the change.
• After the drop deadlines, this will be recorded as a WP (Withdraw Passing) or WF (Withdraw Failing) on your transcript:
• Full-year courses: November 13, 2026
• Semester 1 courses: September 25, 2026
• Semester 2 courses: February 19, 2027

• You may drop an elective class and add a study hall if there is an open study hall available during that same block.
• We will not rearrange your schedule to make this happen.
• Please note: You cannot have more than 1 non-credit bearing class without special permission.
• Drop deadlines apply (see above) or it will be marked as WP/WF.

• Beginning Friday, August 14, students may request a course level change (Level up or level down). Forms will be available in the Counseling Office.
• Level changes (e.g., Honors to Regular, AP to Honors or Regular) are allowed through the end of the first nine weeks of the course and are based on course availability.
• End of the first nine weeks is Friday, October 9, 2026.

• Course-for-course changes are not allowed. The deadline to request different class selections was May 23, 2026.
• Teacher changes without the approval of school administration.

Please follow the SCPS Guidelines provided above. If you have any questions, please contact your school counselor.

Note: Counselor alpha assignments have been updated to create a more balanced distribution of student caseloads and ensure equitable support for all students.

Please log in to ParentVue and complete the required beginning of the year documents. If you don’t complete these documents, you will not be able to access your student’s transportation, scheduling, and gradebook information.

Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing ten percent or more of the academic year for any reason, including excused absences, unexcused absences, and suspensions. Based on a 180-day school year, that means approximately 18 days per year or 2 to 3 days per month. Regular attendance is a significant factor in a student’s success.

RHS ended with a chronic absenteeism rate is 23.61% for the 2025-2026 school year. Our goal will continue to be less than 15% for the 2026-2027 school year.

Please visit the VDOE website for more information.

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of our instructional days and how vital consistent attendance is to student success. (Instructional Calendar 26-27). We understand that absences may occasionally be unavoidable, but we ask that families make every effort to schedule appointments, trips, or other commitments outside of the school day or during scheduled breaks. Consistent attendance not only supports student achievement, but also contributes to a positive and connected school environment.

Absences and tardies require a written excuse upon arriving at school. Students with excessive tardiness and absences may be required to provide a doctor's note to avoid consequences. RHS is a closed campus, meaning students may not leave school grounds without parental permission. You must check out at the Attendance Office before leaving the building.

To ensure consistent practices for 2026-2027, all SCPS high schools will follow the cell phone guidelines listed below during the instructional school day:

• During the school day, all students should be focused on instruction and appropriate social interactions.

• Personal electronic devices are to be silenced and out of sight during the entire school day (7:35 am to 2:20 pm).

• No earbuds/AirPods/headphones may be in sight during the entire school day.

• Smart watches may be used as watches, however if used as a communication device will be a violation of the new cell phone policy.

• Students may NOT use their smartphone/cell phone:

1. during class change

2. during lunchtime

3. during Bear Block Study Halls & Study Hall

• Students may use their smartphone/cell phone after school starting at 2:20 pm.

1st Violation:

• Warning from administrator
• Administrator or SSO collects the phone
• Student can pick up the phone at the end of the day

2nd Violation:

• Warning from administrator
• Administrator or SSO collects the phone
• Parent/Guardian must pick up the phone at the end of the day

3rd Violation:

• Discipline Referral
• Administrator or SSO collects the phone
• Parent/Guardian must pick up the phone
• Student attends a full day of ISS

4th+ Violation:

• Discipline Referral - Refusal to comply
• Administrator or SSO collects the phone
• Parent/Guardian must pick up the phone

To further enhance the safety of our students and staff, Spotsylvania County Public Schools will continue to implement the EVOLV Detection System at Riverbend High School. This system will screen students and visitors for potential weapons.

Students and guests will walk through the EVOLV screening detector upon entry. Students and guests must remove the following BLUE items:

• Binders
• Laptops
• Umbrella
• Eyeglass cases

All other items (e.g., backpacks, instrument cases, purses, gym bags, water bottles) should be carried through the detector for screening. The process is simple, with staff members available to assist.

Students are expected to arrive early to allow enough time to pass through the EVOLV systems and be in class on time.

Resources:

• EVOLV 2025
• Evolv Express Privacy and Data Security Document
• Evolv Health & Safety Document
• Parent/Guardian Guide

To be a Bear in Good Standing, students must meet minimum expectations in three areas:

• Attendance

• Behavior

• Grades

Students who are not meeting these expectations, and thus are not in good standing, will not be allowed certain privileges until the problem areas have improved.

SHOP DETAILS

- Sprint Shop Now: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/BendBears2
- Store Open until October 30, 2026

-Sprint Shop Now: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/RHSbendEmb

-Store Open Until October 17, 2026

Go Bears!!!

Congratulations to the RHS PTSA 2026-2027 Executive Board:

• President: Priscilla Upchurch
• 1st Vice President: Michele Scrivani
• 2nd Vice President: Leigh Ann VanderWijst
• Treasurer: Ashley Anderson
• Secretary: Nicole Kent

The RHS PTSA is looking for your support. Your membership allows us to continue programs that fund homecoming, after-prom, scholarships for graduating seniors, and hospitality events for our teachers and staff.

There are additional ways to support the PTSA, including purchasing a Bear Card for discounts at local businesses, buying a Riverbend magnet, or donating directly to any of our programs.

Please click the links below to support our PTSA. Membership forms are also available in the school's main office or can be downloaded here: RHS Membership Form 26-27

The RHS PTSA Bear Card is a fundraiser that supports some of our community business partners.

- Cost: $10 until October 1st ($15 after)
- Expires: 8/31/2027

Credit Card Order Form: https://www.givebacks.com/shop/stores/9c63f485-03f6-4d95-b1ef-9f4e36f5ae16/items/129262

Check or Cash Order Form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PZhIaVSxq_iHsi7PqtL6oUIY1o1Kilwe/view

2026-2027 Bear Card Participants:

• Affogato Europa Cafe: 10% off any purchase - https://affogatoeuropacafe.com/ (4125 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407)
• El Gran Charro: 10% off (cannot be combined with other discounts; alcohol not included) - https://elgrancharrova.net/ (5825 Plank Rd, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22407)
• Homemade: 10% off any purchase - https://www.homemadebrunch.com/ (7019 Harrison Road, Suite 109 Fredericksburg, VA 22407)
• Jersey Mike's: Free 22oz drink and chips with purchase of any size sub - https://www.jerseymikes.com/6062/fredericksburg-va (5635 Plank Rd, Suite 109, Fredericksburg, VA 22407)
• Kokee Tea: 10% off any drink - https://www.kokeetea.com/ (1672 Carl D Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA 22401)
• Long John Silvers: $5 off family meal / $2 off platter meal - https://www.ljsilvers.com/locations/va/fredericksburg/5167-plank-rd/ (5167 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407)
• Primo Car Wash: $10 off $20 Ultimate Wash (8am-5pm) - https://www.primocarwash.com/ (5807 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407)
• Subway: Buy any footlong for $7.99 (cannot combine with any offer; excludes 5 meat Italian, wraps, snacks, etc.). One use per day. www.subway.com (5769 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407)
• Tropical Smoothie Cafe: 10% off smoothie - https://locations.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com/va/fredericksburg/5705-plank-road (5705 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407)
• George’s Pizza: Small fry with any purchase - https://georgespizzaplace.com/ (5306 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22407)

If your student rides the school bus, please check ParentVue/StudentVue. Information regarding your student’s transportation can be found using the app or website.

If your student drives to school, please encourage them to leave early. Safety is our priority, and students should allow plenty of time to get to school on time.

Parent drop-off takes place in the front of the building. Parent drivers should proceed through the drop-off line that winds through the parking lot, and should not park in parking spaces. The foyer opens at 7:00 am, and the rest of the building opens at 7:10 am. Traffic will be heavy for the first few weeks, so we encourage you to arrive early. Security personnel will be on hand in the parking lot to assist with the flow of traffic.

You will need the County’s code (86784) AND each of your student’s ID numbers. This ID number is found in ParentVUE / Student Info / Perm ID. For more information, click here.

Students who are 16 years of age or older are eligible to receive their second dose of the meningococcal (MCV4/MenACWY) vaccine.

Once your student receives the vaccine, please submit an updated immunization record by one of the following methods:

• Email: rwade@spotsylvania.k12.va.us
• Fax: 540-548-2965
• In person: Submit the record to the front office for the school nurse.

All immunization records must be up to date prior to the start of school for in-person learning.

Families who qualify for a religious exemption may obtain the appropriate form from the county website. The original form must be notarized (stamped/sealed) and submitted to the school nurse prior to the first day of school.

If you have questions, please contact Nurse Wade via email.

Students, teachers, and staff who have symptoms of a respiratory virus can protect others by staying home when sick. Those who have been sick can return to school when, for at least 24 hours, both of these are true:

• Their symptoms are getting better overall, AND

• They have not had a fever (and are not using a fever-reducing medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

A negative covid test is not required because individuals may test positive for up to 90 days post infection. The CDC recommends that masks be worn after Covid-19 infections, but they are not required.

For current guidelines on respiratory illnesses, please refer to the following link for guidance.

On SCPS website under health services, there are additional resources listed:

• Health Services
• Current CDC guidelines
• Current Respiratory virus guidelines

Date: Monday, August 17 & Tuesday, August 18

Location: Lecture Hall

Scheduled Time: Sign up at https://vosphoto.com/riverbend (Walk-ins cannot be guaranteed)

Images Available: Link to photos in student's email

Questions about Ordering? Email us at seniors@vosphoto.com

Date: Thursday, September 3 & Friday, September 4

Location: Auditorium

Scheduled Time: During student's English class

Images Available: Approximately two-three weeks after picture day

Questions about Ordering? Email us at underclass@vosphoto.com

Date: Tuesday, August 11

Please email your coach for time and location.

ASVAB Test

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

ASVAB Testing Dates

Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026 and Tuesday, February 2, 2027

Time: 7:30 am

Location: Lecture Hall

For more information, please reach out to Mr. Dolan.

The fall sports parent meeting will be held at Riverbend on Tuesday, August 11, at 6:00 pm in the RHS Auditorium.

Parents and guardians of fall student-athletes are encouraged to attend to receive important information as we begin the fall athletic season.

The 2026-2027 Riverbend Athletic Season is here! Be on the lookout for our season ticket plan on GoFan.Co. Download the GoFan App on your phone today. Look for the QR codes that will be posted around our school, posted online, and at our stadium/gymnasiums. Also, see the GoFan Links on our Athletics page. Below are the links for Riverbend Athletics and Season Long Digital Pass:

Riverbend High School GoFan Page - Buy Your Tickets Here

Save Money & Buy Year Long Passes

• 2026/2027 Yearlong Riverbend Student Pass - $50
• 2026/2027 Bears Individual All Season Sports Pass - $125

See our Bears sports schedule on the riverbendbearsathletics.com website or at https://www.arbiterlive.com/School/19307

Riverbend athletics will not be accepting cash at sporting events. You may buy tickets ahead of time or as you arrive at the stadium. If purchasing at the gate, RHS accepts debit/credit cards or Apple pay.

• $9 ticket General Admission ($11 for Varsity Football Games)
• 65 and older free
• 6 and under free

Friendly reminder that SCPS athletic events have a no bag policy except for small clutches (5" x 7"), diaper bags, or medical equipment bags. No pets, no balls or sports equipment, and no outside food or drinks.

Come on out and support your Bears! We hope to see you there!!!

GO BEARS!!!

Want to know more information about all things Riverbend? Be sure to like and follow Riverbend High School on Facebook!

As we start our school year, please be aware that RHS will be conducting multiple fire drills and lockdown drills in the first 20 days of school as required.

Families are able to access student dues or fees online. For your reference, high school fees can be accessed here. (Not yet registered? View the SchoolCash Online Registration Instructions).

Dues are as follows:

• Senior - $25

• Junior - $15

• Sophomore - $10

• Freshman - $10

View Riverbend High School's breakfast and lunch menus, powered by Nutrislice.

Check out the Parent Resource Center Monthly Newsletters for upcoming events, sessions, and meetings: https://www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us/o/cfps/page/monthly-newsletters

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to your child's Assistant Principal or School Counselor. Your child's administrator or counselor can be determined by the first letter of their last name:

Principal

Ms. Elliott

Assistant Principal Contact Information:

Mr. Farley: Students with the last names A-D

Mrs. Stiffler: Students with the last names E-K

Mr. Nicely: Students with the last names L-Ra

Mr. Gebhardt: Students with the last names Re-Z

Activities Director Contact Information:

Mr. Johnson-Williams

School Counselor Contact Information:

Mrs. Kennedy: Students with the last names A-C

Mrs. Rolling: Students with the last names D-F

Mrs. Powell: Students with the last names G-K

Ms. Taylor: Students with the last names L-O

Mr. Dolan: Students with the last names P-Sh

Mrs. Shaffer: Students with the last names Si-Z

Attendance Contact Information

Ms. Liming

Website: https://www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us/o/riverbend

Location: 12301 Spotswood Furnace Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407

Phone: 540-548-4051