Riverbend Newsletter
November 2026

From the Principal
Mr. Dempsey
Riverbend Families,
Tuesday, Nov. 3rd is an important day for Riverbend and the entire Meramec Valley School District. Specifically for Riverbend students, Prop K will provide a variety of opportunities to enhance their education throughout their time in the Meramec Valley R-III School District.
The Prop K project list includes:
New middle school building on the PHS campus:
Students will have more opportunities for advanced coursework because they will have the ability to travel back and forth between the new building and PHS to work with high school teachers.
Band students will have a larger space to accommodate the growing number of participants in our band program. The current room at Riverbend is undersized and is in close proximity to other academic classrooms.
A new building would also provide two gym spaces. Currently, Riverbend has one gym space that houses two full gym classes each period. There can be up to 70 students in the gym at one time. This limits the types of activities and instruction available to our students. Having two dedicated gym spaces allows for improved safety and a wider variety of activities.
Student-athletes would no longer need to be transported to the PHS campus for extracurricular activities. Currently, students ride a bus from Riverbend and often have to transport their equipment on already crowded buses.
Updated safety measures:
Keyless entry systems will improve security for students and staff.
The new building will also serve as a second storm shelter for all community members.
Prop K includes projects across the district, too. You can find more details about the full plan at www.mvr3bond.org. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have questions. We are always open to discuss the amazing impact this could have for our students and staff. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Prop K for Kids and for being part of our school community.
First Trimester Notes
In just a couple of short weeks, we will officially be ⅓ of the way through our school year. As we get closer to ending Trimester 1, here are a few important reminders:
Communication: Our teachers have been asked to communicate early and often with guardians of students who may be in danger of failing a core class. Please feel free to contact your student’s teachers if you have questions or concerns as well. Clear and consistent two-way communication is an important tool in helping our students succeed.
Schedule Changes: Students may request a schedule change during the first week of Trimester 2. The counselor request form is located in 7th and 8th Grade Central in Canvas. Students must fill out the form to request a change. Counselors will review the request with the student before making any changes. Please keep in mind, not all requests will be approved due to limited space in a class, scheduling conflict with a required class, or other circumstances.
Repeat Classes: If a student fails a core class during Trimester 1, they will repeat that course during Trimester 2. This could cause them to miss out on an elective class to make room in their schedule for the repeat course. If a student fails 2 or more core classes throughout the school year, they will be required to attend summer remediation during the month of June.
Sincerely,
Todd Dempsey, Principal
Counselor's Corner
Mrs. Hohe and Mrs. Vitale
7th Grade History A classes will have Compass Health presentations over Cyberbullying. Opt-out forms have been sent home and an infinite campus message has also been sent. Please get any opt-out forms returned to the counseling office prior to the presentation date.
Nurse's Notes
Mrs. Scott
Just a few reminders regarding our district's head lice procedures:
Students found with live lice must be sent home. They must return to school by car and be checked and cleared by the building nurse before the parent leaves. Students may NOT ride the bus until cleared by the RN.
Students sent home will be provided a lice treatment kit and instructions for treating both the hair and home environment. This may include a handout explaining what parents should look for and how to properly wash and clean items at home.
Beta Club
Mrs. Schultz
Beta Club Service Projects:
November: Please bring in food to support our annual food drive.
Monday, November 2--Mac N Cheese/boxed pastaTuesday, November 3--- cans of vegetables
Wednesday, November 4-- boxed potatoes/canned sweet potatoes
Thursday, November 5---Boxed stuffing/gravy
Friday, November 6---Boxed desserts/ cranberry sauce
11/9-11/13: Any non-perishable food item is appreciated!
** Please check expiration dates; we will not be able to accept expired food.
If you miss a day, just remember to participate and bring in that food!!
Turn food in for your Tribe teacher and then turn in your assignment on Google Classroom!
December:
We have a few options this month to do some service.
1st: Bring an unwrapped gift ( board game, coloring books/crayons/markers, Play-Doh, or a craft activity) for the Adopt-A-Family program, and turn it in to Mrs. Schultz by December 9th.
2nd: Bring in wrapping paper and supplies to wrap gifts for Adopt-A-Family by December 9th.
3rd: Do some service for a family member, teacher, neighbor, or friend. It should last about 30 minutes, and you should not get paid for said service.
Make sure you are turning in your project to earn your service points
FACS
Mrs. Alt
If your student is currently taking FACS, sewing supplies are due November 3rd!!! Please see below for the list of needed supplies. Students are completing one project below. If you have any questions, please contact jalt@mvr3.k12.mo.us. Thanks!
Pillowcase (Option 1)
1 yard fabric (not a thick fleece fabric)
½ yard of a coordinating (matching) fabric
1 spool of a coordinating thread
Cinch Sack Backpack (Option 2)
1 yard of fabric (not a thick fleece fabric) or two fat quarters
1 spool of matching in color thread
9 ft of cording (paracord $1.94 at Walmart)
Over the Shoulder Bag (Option 3)
3 fat quarters (Packaged material that can be bought in any fabric store or any Walmart. Dimensions are usually 18 X 20) (one quarter will be the outside, one will be the inside lining and one will be for the handle)
1 spool of coordinating thread
Zippered Supply Bag (Option 4)
Two Fat Quarters(one outer and one inner)
One Zipper 10 in- 14 in
One Spool of Thread
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Veteran's Day at Riverbend
Riverbend Band
On October 27th, twenty-two Riverbend students traveled to Hilsboro High School to audition for the Middle School District Band. Thirty schools were represented there and around 400 students auditioned. These students had a great audition and made it into the band! We are so proud of them! Their performance will be at Farmington High School on Saturday, November 7th at 6:30 pm.
Patrick Hernandez - 1st chair flute
Meredith Simpkins - 2nd chair flute
Declan Smith - 5th chair clarinet
Paxton Libby - 8th chair clarinet
Brooklyn McCoy - 4th chair trumpet
John Albretsen - 1st chair french horn
Rain Hewitt - 1st chair trombone
Mason Wilkins - 4th chair euphonium
Abigail Bradley - 5th chair tuba
Zac Mullins - 4th chair percussion
Honorable Mentions: Emily Alexander and Charlie Christiansen
Travel Club
Mrs. Smith
Spotlight: Adventure Awaits in Italy & Greece! Summer 2028
Get ready to pack your bags for the ultimate global adventure! We are beyond thrilled to announce an unforgettable journey to Italy & Greece in Summer 2028, and your student is invited! Imagine stepping into ancient history, walking the cobblestone streets of Rome, exploring breathtaking Greek islands, and immersing yourself in vibrant Mediterranean cultures. This transformative trip will ignite curiosity, foster independence, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Why You Won’t Want to Miss Out:
Early-Bird Savings: Unlock an exclusive $250 discount by locking in your spot early!
Priority Access: Spots are strictly limited—get priority access to secure your placement before it fills up.
Full Experience: Enjoy an action-packed itinerary filled with hands-on learning, flexible payment options, and total support every step of the way.
Join us for a quick, one-time informational meeting, to learn all about the itinerary, pricing, and how to enroll! Meeting details: NOVEMBER 10, TUESDAY, at 6pm in the Riverbend Cafeteria
RSVP for the Informational Meeting Here
We are partnering with EF Educational Tours, a trusted travel organization with 60 years of experience helping students explore the world safely and affordably. Want to learn more about how educational travel works? Check out EF Educational Travel 101 for parent insights and FAQs.
I can’t wait to share this remarkable opportunity with you all!
Warmly,
Jenny Smith
Please note: This is a non-school sponsored trip.
Happy Birthday
Happy November Birthday!
Happy birthday to all students, parents, and staff who celebrate their birthday in the month of November.
Athletic Website
The new athletic website is up and running. The community can find team information, schedules, and other athletic resources. Parents and community members are encouraged to bookmark the new site to stay connected.
Breakfast/Lunch Menus
What's for Lunch?
See what's on the menu
1. Visit your new menus URL at: MVR3 Menus
2. Click into the menu you'd like to view to open the interactive monthly calendar.
3. Click the magnifying glass on any day to view all items served.
November at a Glance
Riverbend Middle School Infornation
Helping students reach full potential through innovation, engagement, character, and community.
Website:
Location:
2085 Hwy N
Pacific, MO 63069
Phone:
(636) 271-1481
Facebook: