Riverwood's Top 5
September 5, 2025
Welcome to Mrs. Rivera’s Newsletter, Riverwood’s Top 5
Top 5 Classroom Routines to Help Students Thrive
- Create predictable morning routines with enough time for breakfast, getting ready, a few minutes to connect with a hug or a fun story.
- Check backpacks together each evening and again in the morning. Make sure lunch, homework, signed forms, and any special items (library books, laptop, etc.) are ready to go.
3. Set Aside Homework & Reading Time
- Have a consistent after-school routine for homework and reading. A quiet spot, short breaks, and your encouragement help kids build responsibility and focus.
- Elementary students need 9–11 hours of sleep each night. Consistent bedtimes, limited screen time before bed, and balanced meals support learning and behavior.
- Talk daily with your child about their school day (“What was something new you learned?” or “What made you smile today?”). Read teacher newsletters, check school apps, and keep in touch with staff so your child sees school and home working as a team.
SAFETY DRILL INFORMATION
- At Riverwood Elementary, the safety of our students is always our top priority. Throughout the year, we will be practicing safety drills such as fire, tornado, and lockdown drills so that students and staff know exactly what to do in case of an emergency.
- Our first lockdown drill was on, September 5th and members of our local police department were present to support the practice. Please know these drills are not meant to cause alarm but are important steps in making sure every child is safe and prepared.
WELLNESS CHALLENGE
This month's Wellness Challenge is being sent home with your student. Here is a digital link. September Wellness Challenge in English & Spanish
ASSESSMENTS
DESSA pre-assessment for students September 8th
STAR parent reports are coming home next week
KIDS (Kindergarten only) testing window is now until October
OPEN HOUSE
Thank you for making our Riverwood Open House such a success.
MEET OUR NEW STAFF
3rd Grade Teacher
4th Grade Teacher
5th Grade Teacher
PICTURE DAY IS COMING AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Picture Day for Riverwood Elementary is scheduled for
Friday, Sep 26.
This event's Order Code is 0098JYF.
Online ordering is available before and after Picture Day. Shipping and handling charges may apply to orders placed after Picture Day. Picture Day Ordering
Riverwood's Picture Day will be on Friday, September 26th at Riverwood. We are hoping for a few volunteers to walk the students from their classrooms to the gym and back on Picture Day. Please complete the form below if you would like to volunteer.
DROP-OFF / PICK-UP PROCESS
Thank you to families for getting your children safe to school by following the new drop-off/pick-up procedure.
5th Grade Performing Arts Club
5th grade Performing Arts Club is forming now! Click here for more information:
CALENDER OF EVENTS
SEPTEMBER
Tue, Sept 9th: PTO Meeting (5:30-6:30 PM)
Wed, Sept 17th: McTeacher Night PTO Fundraiser (5:00-8:00 PM)
Mon, Sept 22nd-Thu, Sept 25th: Scholastic Book Fair
Fri, Sept 26th: Picture Day (9:30-12:30 PM)
FROM THE NURSE’S OFFICE - Mrs. Paolini
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL: If your child requires medication to be given at school, please complete the Medication Administration and Health Care Treatment Plan form. The physician must also complete a portion and sign. The form and the prescription bottle must be brought to school by a responsible adult and provided to the nurse for review and storage. Please see the District 15 Parent Handbook for more information regarding medication at school. Some medications require an additional form, such as inhalers, anti-seizure medication and Epi Pens. I will be available during the scheduled supply drop off to receive forms & medications for school.
CONTACTING THE NURSE: Parents can reach me via email and send health documents to rwnurse@d15.org.
PTO
Event Information
LMC
5:30 - 6:30 PM
English
Riverwood PTO Yearly Planner 25-26
Español
Riverwood PTO Spirit Wear
Click below to view the Riverwood PTO Spirit Wear Flyer.
Community Events
Event Information
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
McHenry District 15 Office
(Open House Style)
District 15 Parent/Student Handbook
Please refer to the District 15 Parent/Student Handbook to find many answers to questions you may have that pertain to all D15 schools available in English and Spanish.
Riverwood Elementary School
Website: https://www.d15.org/Domain/14
Location: 300 South Driftwood Trail, McHenry, IL, USA
Phone: 779-244-1400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057063505521
Twitter: @RW_Rascals