It's Going to be a Great Year!

We are so excited that soon Riverside Middle School will have students walking through our doors once again! We are so looking forward to welcoming our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders back and making our new 5th grade feel welcome and ready to begin their RMS journey.

As a reminder, 5th grade students will have their first day of school on Wednesday, August 26th and then the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will join us on Thursday, August 27th. Students are welcome to arrive at 7:50 a.m. and our school day begins at 8:00 a.m.. Dismissal is at 2:45 p.m.

Below you will find important information about the start of school like: student supply lists, drop off and pick up locations, school meal information, welcome back letters, and lists of the teams that make up our great school. Students will be receiving their schedules within the next couple of days in the mail. Please let us know if you need a copy.

Welcome back, everyone! We are so excited to see you all soon!

Wednesday, August 26th - First day of school for 5th grade students

Thursday, August 27th - First day of school for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade (2nd day of school for 5th grade students)

Monday, September 7th - Labor Day - No School

Wednesday, September 9th - Early Release at 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, September 23rd - Early Release at 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, September 24th - RMS BBQ and Open House at 5:30 p.m.

Please click below to read a little about each grade level team and to access the supply lists for each class.

We are excited to announce that school breakfast and lunch will continue to be free for all students for the 2026-2027 school year!

7:50 a.m. - Student Drop Off Begins

8:00 a.m.- School Begins

2:45 p.m.- Dismissal

Arrival/Pick Up by Car

Walking to/from School

Students walking to school will also wait under the glass bridge when they arrive. Students walking should plan on arriving no earlier than 7:50 to ensure they are supervised.

Arrival/Pick Up by Bus

Students taking the bus to school will join students under the glass bridge when their bus arrives.

Late Arrivals and Early Pickups

Late arrivals (after 8:00 a.m.) and early pickups will need to report to the main entrance located at 13 Fairground Road. Students will need to obtain a pass from the office and then immediately report to the class that is currently in session.

The map and pictures below label the location of where students should go depending on how they will get to and from school.

A new Vermont law (16 V.S.A. § 583) has required all Vermont public schools to create policies for the upcoming school year that create mobile-device free learning environments. This means that students will not be permitted to use their mobile devices for the entirety of the school day unless there is a documented medical need. To read more about the Vermont law banning the use of cell phones please click here.

The Springfield School District has adopted a policy and series of procedures to ensure that we are in compliance with the new Vermont law. Highlights of the policy include:

1. Defining what constitutes as a mobile device

2. Providing all students with locked storage for their mobile devices

3. Ensuring that mobile devices are not used by students during the academic day (8:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.)

4. Outlining a procedure for when students and/or caregivers need to contact one another during the academic day.

5. Outlining consequences for students if the policy is violated.

For the complete policy that will go into effect on the first day of school for the 2026/2027 school year, please click here.

Riverside will provide safe storage for mobile devices (including smart watches) that will be housed in students' T3's. If students need to contact home during the school day they may use the phone in the office and caregivers may contact the office to leave a message for their child if needed. Students found using their device during the school day will need to turn their phone in for the remainder of the day to school administration.

I have been teaching for 21 years in a variety of positions, in both public and private schools. I have served as a mentor teacher supporting reading and math curriculum and lead professional learning communities. I taught music for grades K-6, as well as taught all subjects for kindergarten, first, fifth, and sixth grades. I spent a wonderful year at RMS teaching 6th grade math and now I’m back to teach 5th grade math.

I have a Bachelors of Arts K-12 in music education from the University of North Florida (Jacksonville, Florida) and I have a Masters of Education as a Reading Specialist from Liberty University (in Virginia).

My passion is teaching students to develop number sense, problem solving and math using concrete objects, making models, and playing games. I also love teaching students how to read carefully in order to solve problems.

I have been married to my husband, Dave Bentley, for 38 wonderful years! I love to read inspired suspense and mysteries. I love kayaking and biking as well as just being outdoors.

I have two children and six grandchildren whom I love very dearly and enjoy spending time with. I love a good cup of coffee with cream, an occasional diet coke, and shrimp fajitas!

Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions and ideas. If your child needs help, my door is open. I think we will have a fantastic year!

Love,

MRS. ANDIE BENTLEY

Many of you already know me as the We R HOPE Coach from last year. I’m excited to be back at Riverside Middle School as one of the Social Emotional Interventionists, continuing to support students’ social and emotional wellbeing.

My background is in coaching, where I’ve had the privilege of helping people build confidence, navigate challenges, and grow into the best version of themselves. I’m also currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

My husband and I live in Chester with our two cats, and we’re proud parents of four grown children. I love being part of this community and look forward to getting to know your students and supporting them throughout the school year.