Bears Newsletter, Week of 10/5/26

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.

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.

Riverbend High School sends two sophomore students each summer to the HOBY State Leadership Seminar, all expenses paid. These student leaders will represent our school at the conference, and in turn, we ask them to be model student leaders for the remainder of their high school careers.

HOBY is only open to current 10th graders. If you are interested in applying, please email Mrs. Wessel (ewessel@spotsylvania.k12.va.us) by Friday, October 16 so you can be pulled for a Bear Block information session on Wednesday, October 21.

The Survey is also available in Spanish - 2026-2027 Public Budget Survey –Spanish.

Spotsylvania County Public Schools (SCPS) is seeking participants to serve on upcoming division review committees. We welcome a variety of perspectives and encourage individuals from the following groups to consider participating:

• Staff Members

• Parents/Guardians of SCPS Students

• Community Members (not employed by SCPS)

• High School Students

If you are interested, please fill out this Google Form.

Interested in medicine, chemistry, forensic science, or criminal investigations? Join our Career Chat with Dr. Samantha Tolliver, Chief Toxicologist at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, October 14 during Bear Block. Space is limited! Please contact our Career Readiness Paraprofessional, Ms. Gray, to sign up.

Congratulations to Ethan H. of the Varsity Cross Country team on being selected as the Riverbend's Athlete of the Week!

Ethan is being recognized for his outstanding performance and for consistently maintaining the high standards of integrity, respect, leadership, and sportsmanship that represent Riverbend Athletics. In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Ethan maintains an impressive 4.7 GPA, demonstrating his commitment to excellence both academically and athletically.

Congratulations, Ethan! We are proud to recognize you as Riverbend's Athlete of the Week!

Please join us on Tuesday, October 13 @ Panera from 4 pm to 8 pm to support the RHS PTSA. We hope to see you there!

Welcome to a new year of AP classes. Teachers are busy getting students enrolled in their sections of AP Classroom and students have begun to decide on whether they will be taking the AP exams for their courses.

Here are some details regarding the AP exams for this school year:

• Cost: $99 per exam - The amount may be paid in full or you can put down a $40 deposit.
• This initial payment must be made by October 9, 2026.
• After this date, there will be an additional $40 late fee per exam added.
• The final balance will need to be paid by December 18, 2026. Any balances due not paid in full by this date will result in the exam(s) being cancelled and a $40 cancellation fee will be applied.

• Other fees:

• Cancellation fee - $40 per exam; any exams cancelled November - March

• Unused Exam fee - $40 per exam; for any exams not used after March

How to sign up/pay for the AP exams: Either parent/guardian or student can see Mrs. Bohnstedt in the Counseling office to fill out the AP Order Form and make their payment. The payment can be made by cash, check, ApplePay, or credit card (processing fee will be added for electronic payments). There is NO online payment available for AP exams.

AP Exam Dates for 2026-2027 (Please click this link to see the dates for the AP exams in the Spring. Remember to add them on your calendar.)

If you have any questions about the courses or exams, please reach out to your child’s AP teacher directly.

Riverbend High School is committed to addressing parent and guardian concerns in a timely, respectful, and collaborative manner. Please review the attached Parent/Guardian Complaint Resolution Process for information on how to share concerns and work toward resolution.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open! Seniors and their families are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to help ensure they are considered for available financial aid opportunities.

Please visit FAFSA – Federal Student Aid to complete your application.

The current grading period will end on Friday, October 9. Students should be checking StudentVUE regularly to review their grades, monitor missing assignments, and stay up to date with their coursework.

Families are encouraged to check in with their students and help ensure they are aware of any assignments that need to be completed before the grading period ends.

Freshmen should have already had their one-on-one meeting with their school counselor. These meetings provide an opportunity for students to get to know their counselor, discuss how their transition to high school is going, and identify ways we can support their success.

If your freshman has not yet met individually with their counselor, please encourage them to reach out to the counseling office.

Please encourage your child to check their grades in StudentVUE at least once each week to identify and address any missing assignments or concerns early.

Students should also check their school email daily, as important information and updates are shared throughout the week.

Friday, October 9 - Radford University

Tuesday, October 13 - Randolph-Macon College

Wednesday, October 21 - Old Dominion University

Wednesday, October 21 - William & Mary

Tuesday, October 27 - Longwood University

Thursday, October 29 - James Madison University

Friday, October 30 - Christopher Newport University

Please sign up during Bear Block.

5:00 pm Fr Volleyball vs Stafford @ Stafford High School

5:00 pm JV Volleyball vs Stafford @ Stafford High School

5:00 pm JV Field Hockey vs Stafford @ Stafford High School

6:30 pm Varsity Field Hockey vs Stafford @ Stafford High School

6:30 pm Varsity Volleyball vs Stafford @ Stafford High School

4:00 pm Boys & Girls Cross Country Commonwealth Districts @ Clint Farms

5:00 pm Fr Football vs Mountain View @ Mountain View High School

6:30 pm JV Football vs Mountain View @ Mountain View High School

5:00 pm Fr Volleyball vs North Stafford @ Riverbend High School

5:00 pm JV Volleyball vs North Stafford @ Riverbend High School

6:00 pm Varsity Field Hockey vs North Stafford @ Riverbend High School

6:30 pm Varsity Volleyball vs North Stafford @ Riverbend High School

9:30 am Boys & Girls Cross Country Albemarle Invite @ Panorama Farms

11:00 am Competition Cheer Tournament @ Brentsville District High School

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 26, 2026

Go Bears!!!

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.

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

Help us show our amazing bus drivers how much we appreciate them! Donations of any amount are welcome and will help RHS PTSA provide coffee, muffins, and a little something extra as a special thank-you to our bus drivers.

Donate today! https://riverbend.givebacks.com/shop/items/1098000

Thank you for helping us celebrate the drivers who safely transport our students each day!

We’re excited to introduce NEW monthly gift card raffles for our PTSA members! Each month, we’ll have two drawings—one for student members and one for staff members. All current and new members are automatically entered!

- Our first drawing will be October 27!

Not a member yet? Join for just $15, or choose a Booster Membership for $25, and you’ll be entered in the next drawing!

Visit our store to join today: https://riverbend.givebacks.com/shop

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.

The Riverbend clinic is currently seeking donations of solid color sweatpants in a variety of adult sizes. Items may be men's, women's, or unisex.

Please ensure all donated clothing is:

• Clean and in good condition
• Free of rips, holes, or stains
• Solid colored

No tops or shirts are needed at this time.

Thank you for supporting our students and helping us provide clothing when it is needed!

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
• 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

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 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!

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 SFE.

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.

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