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Riverwood's Top 5

September 5, 2025

Riverwood'sTop 5September 5, 2025

Welcome to Mrs. Rivera’s Newsletter, Riverwood’s Top 5 Welcome to Mrs. Rivera’s Newsletter, Riverwood’s Top 5

Top 5 Classroom Routines to Help Students Thrive

1. Start the day with a calm morning
  • Create predictable morning routines with enough time for breakfast, getting ready, a few minutes to connect with a hug or a fun story.


2. Pack Smart & Stay Organized
  • 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.


4. Prioritize Sleep & Healthy Habits
  • Elementary students need 9–11 hours of sleep each night. Consistent bedtimes, limited screen time before bed, and balanced meals support learning and behavior.


5. Stay Connected with School
  • 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 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 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 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

KIDS Assessment Overview

OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE

Thank you for making our Riverwood Open House such a success.

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MEET OUR NEW STAFF MEET OUR NEW STAFF

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3rd Grade Teacher

Hi, I’m Kate Smeenge! This is my third year teaching 3rd grade. For the past two years, I taught in North Carolina, but I am originally from Crystal Lake, and I’m so excited to be back in Illinois. I’m thrilled to continue my teaching journey here at Riverwood and can’t wait for a wonderful school year!
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4th Grade Teacher

Hi my name is Ana Vidal and this is my first year working at Riverwood! I am very excited to be working with everyone and learning a lot of new things this year! Prior to this I did my internship in a 4th grade classroom in Okemos, MI and got inspired to teach by my own 4th grade teacher, so teaching 4th grade has been pretty full circle. I am excited to be back home after studying at Michigan State University, Go Green!
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5th Grade Teacher

Hello! I am Jessica Gregory, a 5th grade teacher at Riverwood. This is my 9th year teaching. I have taught several grade levels including preK, 4th, and 3rd in Crystal Lake District 47 and most recently English language learners preK-4th grade in Wonder Lake District 36. I have 3 children of my own. When I’m not spending time with them I enjoy cooking, reading, doing puzzles, and working out. I am excited to be a Riverwood Rascal and I am looking forward to a great school year!

PICTURE DAY IS COMING AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! 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.

Picture Day Volunteer Form

DROP-OFF / PICK-UP PROCESS 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.

New Car Dismissal Drop-Off/Pick-up English
Recogida y entrega de vehículos nuevos en español

5th Grade Performing Arts Club 5th Grade Performing Arts Club

5th grade Performing Arts Club is forming now! Click here for more information:

5th Grade Performing Arts Club English
Club de Artes Escénicas de 5º Grado (Español)

CALENDER OF EVENTS CALENDER OF EVENTS

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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 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 PTO

Event Information
Riverwood PTO Meeting

LMC

5:30 - 6:30 PM

When?
Tuesday, Sep 9, 2025, 05:30 PM
Where?
300 S Driftwood Trail, McHenry, IL, USA
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English

Riverwood PTO Yearly Planner 25-26

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Español

Planificador anual de la PTO de Riverwood 25-26
Riverwood PTO Yearly Planner 25-26 Flyer (English)
Planificador anual de la PTO de Riverwood 25-26 (Español)

Riverwood PTO Spirit Wear

Click below to view the Riverwood PTO Spirit Wear Flyer.

Back to School Spirit Wear (English)
Ropa con espíritu escolar 25-26 (Español)

Community Events Community Events

Event Information
Girl Scouts - Join Us & Meet New Friends

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

McHenry District 15 Office

(Open House Style)

When?
Monday, Sep 8, 2025, 06:00 PM
Where?
420 Front Street, McHenry, IL, USA
Arapaho Fall Flyer
Click here to view the Arapaho Fall Flyer
12th Annual Craft/Vendor Fair - Sat, 12/6
Click here to view the 12th Annual Craft/Vendor Fair Details
Girls Basketball Fall Training Update
Click here to view the Girls Basketball Fall Training Update
Jr. Warriors Girl's Basketball Tryouts Flyer
Click here to view the Jr. Warriors Girl's Basketball Tryouts Flyer
Touch-A-Truck 2025 Flyer
Click here to view the Touch-A-Truck 2025 Flyer
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Riverwood Scoop Newsletter Links 2025-2026 / 2024-2025
Click here to view past Riverwood Scoop Newsletter Links 2024-2025
September Lunch Menu (English)
Menú Almuerzo de a Septiembre (Español)

District 15 Parent/Student Handbook 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.

D15 Parent/Student Handbook
Click here for the D15 Parent/Student Handbook
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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

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