Happy New Year Newsletter

Dear West Riverside Elementary Families,

Happy New Year and welcome back! We are excited to return to school and begin the second half of the year together. This time of year is especially meaningful as we build on the learning, growth, and strong connections developed during the first half of the school year, and we look forward to finishing strong alongside our students.

As we continue this journey, we want to share how much we value your continued involvement in your child’s school experience. Your partnership, encouragement, and engagement play a vital role in student success, and it is a privilege to work with such a committed and supportive community of families.

We would also like to share our appreciation with everyone who joined us for and supported our Winter Wonderland event. With approximately 1,500 attendees, the evening was a true celebration of community and togetherness. We are deeply appreciative of our PTO, staff, parents, and guardians whose time, energy, and dedication brought this event to life and made it so memorable.

The winter celebrations continued beyond that evening, and we feel incredibly fortunate for the generosity extended to our school this season. We are sincerely appreciative of HRBC Insurance for making Christmas in the Classroom possible and for ensuring that every student at West Riverside Elementary received a gift. Their support brought joy to our students and made a meaningful impact on our school community.

Lastly, we would like to acknowledge the families who shared their voices through the LCAP survey. Your feedback is invaluable and helps inform our decisions as we continue to strengthen our school and support student learning.

As we look ahead, we are excited about upcoming opportunities to connect, including our Chipotle fundraiser to support field trips, our celebration of the 100th day of school, and our Coffee and Conversations event. We hope you will join us for these events and continue to partner with us throughout the remainder of the year.

We look forward to a successful and rewarding second half of the school year together.

Warm Regards,
Mrs. Lopez and Mrs. Valdenegro

Principal and Assistant Principal

We are so grateful for our first-ever Christmas in the Classroom, made possible by the generous sponsorship of HRBC Insurance! This special event brought so much joy, excitement, and holiday cheer to our students. Thank you for helping create meaningful memories for our school community! ✨🎁

Did you know that missing just 2 days a month can add up to nearly a month of lost learning over the school year? Regular attendance helps children build strong reading, math, and social skills, starting as early as TK and kindergarten. When students come to school every day, they feel connected, confident, and ready to learn. We encourage families to schedule appointments outside of school hours when possible, communicate with us if challenges arise, and make attendance a daily priority.

Together, we can help our students succeed, one day at a time!

We are thrilled to welcome the year 2026 together. A new year offers a wonderful opportunity to set new goals, refine existing ones, and reflect on how far we have come as a community.

As a community teacher, I am deeply grateful to be part of a school where families, staff, and students work hand in hand to create a positive and supportive environment for everyone. This partnership is what makes our school truly special.

I am incredibly proud of our students for their dedication to growth, especially as they continue to strengthen their social skills and demonstrate kindness through small but meaningful actions each day. These moments matter, and they shape the caring leaders of tomorrow.

I am also thankful for our parents, whose collaboration and commitment help bring our school events to life and strengthen our sense of community. Your involvement makes a lasting difference.

To our teachers, thank you for your passion, hard work, and unwavering dedication to preparing our students to become confident, independent learners and future leaders.

Together, let’s make 2026 a year of growth, connection, and success for every child.

Parents, what better way to start the year than by revisiting our West Riverside behavior expectations, B.E.S.T. together!

B is for Be Responsible

E is for Encourage Others

S is for Stay Safe

T is for Treat Others with Respect.

We invite you to take a few moments at home to review these important expectations with your child. Your partnership helps us nurture a positive, safe, and welcoming school community where every student can learn, grow, and thrive. Thank you for supporting the BEST in our students!

Observed each year on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer in honor of Dr. King’s life and legacy and improve their communities.

CARE CLOSET- Every Friday or Wednesday by appointment

ESL Class - Every Friday- 8:30- 10:30 A.M.