OWL NEWS
VOLUME 10 - JANUARY 30, 2025
Dear Owl Families,
We're already deep into NWEA benchmarking assessments, and it's incredible to see the progress everyone has made since the start of the year. Remember, during testing, it's more important than ever to ensure our scholars are getting consistent, good rest, so that they are ready to rock each and every day!
We are thrilled to announce that our January "Owl Supporter" is the Burgoyne family! The Burgoyne's have generously donated snacks, supplies, and their time to support their child and the rest of the class. They have contributed to the class snack cabinet many times throughout the year. The Burgoyne's also volunteered at the kindergarten Ugly Sweater Party, chaperoned a field trip to Luther's Farm, and supported their child and the class at events like the ABC Fashion Show. Additionally, they participate in school-wide events, such as the pumpkin painting and carving contest!
We are grateful for your continued partnership,
Ms. Kama-Starr and Mr. Cohen
IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS ENFORCEMNT UPDATES FOR CMSD STAFF AND FAMILIES
At noon today, our CEO, Dr. Morgan sent an important message to all educators and families. We are including it here in case you didn't receive the email message. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance translating this message (or any other communication we send).
Dear CMSD Family (Educators, Staff, and Families),
At the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, the safety, well-being, and success of every child in our schools is our highest priority. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and secure environment where all students can learn, grow, and thrive—regardless of their background or immigration status.
We understand that families may have concerns about law enforcement inquiries or actions on school grounds. Please know that CMSD follows clear protocols, grounded in district policy and federal and state law, to ensure that any such interactions occur in a manner that minimizes disruption to our students' education.
We are also actively reviewing and reinforcing our protocols with school leaders and our safety and security teams to ensure we remain vigilant and prepared.
CMSD is proud to serve our diverse community, and we want all families to feel safe, supported, and confident in our shared commitment to your children’s education. If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school principal or our district leadership team.
Thank you for your trust and partnership in creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
With care and commitment,
Dr. Warren G. Morgan II
CEO, Cleveland Metropolitan School District
LEGAL IMMIGRATION SERVICES
Asia services in Action Immigration Legal Services Program
3631 Kins Ave #2AW, Cleveland, OH 44114 Contact Melissa Gawelek
216.881.0330 Ext. 8805
Building Hope in the City
Schedule an appointment to discuss your immigration concern
216.241.9400
refugeeinfo@buildinghopeinthecity.org
Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Office
7800 Detroit Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44102
Call Hours: 9:00 am – 4:30pm
216.939.3769 216.334.2900
https://ccdocle.org/program/immigration-legal-services
Legal Aid Society
3209 Lorain Road
216.631.4741
216.687.1900
Spanish American Committee
4407 Lorain Ave.
216.961.2100
https://www.spanishamerican.org/
Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services
https://irisct.org/how-to-deal-with-ice/
https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas
RE: Source Cleveland
2054 W. 47th St. Cleveland, OH 44102
216.236.3877
National Immigrant Justice Center
Immigration Advocates Network
https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/
National Immigration Law Center
https://www.nilc.org/resources/warrants-and-subpoenas-facts/
Informed Immigrant
ELECTRONIC GRADEBOOK INFORMATION
Did you know that we have an electronic gradebook where you can check your child(ren)'s progress? Everything you need to know to access this resource is included below. We encourage you to check it out!
IMPORTANT DATES
1/31 - Pre-K No School [Educator PD]
2/5 - Early Release [12:50PM]
2/5 - Parent/Teacher Conferences [2:00PM-6:00PM]
2/6 - All School Field Trip to CSU
2/7 - Middle School Dance [7:00PM-9:00PM]
2/14 - No School for Scholars
2/17 - No School for Scholars and Educators
REMINDER: PERMISSION SLIPS DUE
If you haven't already, please be sure to turn in your child(ren)'s permission slip for Riverside's trip to the CSU Women's basketball game.
The game is on Thursday, February 6th.
Need a new slip? Please be sure to have your child stop by the office to pick one up. Thanks!
CONFERENCES AND EARLY RELEASE
On Wednesday, February 5th we will hold our next round of Parent/Teacher Conferences. This is an EARLY RELEASE DAY, and all scholars will be dismissed between 12:50PM-1:05PM. Conferences will begin at 2:00PM and conclude at 6:00PM.
Here is the link to sign up:
https://ptcfast.com/schools/Riverside_School
Once you click this link, please select your child(ren)'s class/educator(s) and select a time that best fits your schedule. Our plan is for conferences to be held in person. If that doesn't work for you, please let your child(ren)'s educator(s) know and they can make arrangements to meet with you via Zoom or they can call you.
MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE
It's time for our annual Middle School Semi-Formal Masquerade Ball Dance and Game Night! This years dance will take place in the Riverside Gym on Friday February 7th from 7-9pm. This dance will only cost $5 and includes pizza, drinks, dessert, DJ, games, prizes and photobooth. Payments for the dance can be made in the office until 2/5. Cash only please!
Semi-formal attire is requested, dress to impress!
Please, no jeans - this is a dress up event!
Masks will be provided, but feel free to wear your own.
This dance is for Riverside 6th, 7th and 8th grade scholars ONLY.
NO outside guests or family members.
FROM THE DESK OF NURSE UPPERMAN
February is Dental Health Month!
Nurse Upperman will be conducting educational sessions throughout the building to emphasize the importance of strong dental health. Let's work together to ensure our scholars maintain healthy smiles! 🦷
The Cleveland Clinic mobile unit will be here on February 26, 2025. Please reach out to Ms. Upperman if you would like your child seen by these services.
Additionally, please remember to keep scholars who are not feeling well at home to help maintain a healthy environment for everyone.
SAY YES W/ MS. INDIA
What's Inside:
- Mental Health Services
- Youth opportunities unlimited
- Garfield produce market
- Clara Westropp produce market
- PC's for people re-grand opening - low cost computers and affordable internet
ACCESS THE FULL NEWSLETTER HERE: https://bit.ly/4gcG1Zb
PTC CORNER
Upcoming Events:
- PTC Meeting: Don't forget, our next meeting is scheduled for February 3rd at 6:00PM. We look forward to seeing you there!
- February Family First Night: Mark your calendars for our next Family First Night on February 26th. It's a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and enjoy some quality time.
OUTDOOR RECESS
As the weather cools down, we want to remind families that outdoor recess will continue whenever it’s above 32°F and skies are clear. Fresh air and active play are essential for students’ health and focus, so please ensure your child is dressed for the weather. Hats, gloves, warm coats, and sturdy shoes are a must to stay comfortable and enjoy the fun. Thank you for helping us keep recess safe and enjoyable for everyone!
RIVERSIDE SWAG SHOP
We are opening a Riverside Swag Shop. We will keep it open all year and new items will be added throughout the year. If you have suggestions, please reach out to Ms. Kama-Starr, Mr. Cohen, or Ms. Davis. Please note this is not a fundraiser. We are simply offering this because families have asked about purchasing Riverside items. As items are ordered they will be printed and mailed directly to your home.
Riverside School Store: Linked here
ATTENDANCE
- Please call the office (216-838-6700) if your child will not be at school.
- Scholars are tardy after 9:35AM.
- Scholars will not be released early from school without the office receiving communication and consent from a family member in advance. We also ask that scholars are not picked up between 3:00PM - 4:05PM. This is to support our preparations for dismissal.
SCHOOL MISSION
In partnership with our families and communities, Riverside will develop responsible scholars, who think critically and creatively while becoming lifelong learners who make positive contributions to our diverse society. Riverside is committed to providing student-centered, inclusion-based educational practices that seamlessly incorporate technology, the arts, health, and fitness.
Riverside, we overcome, we evolve, we grow - today, tomorrow, and always!
Principal: Heather Kama-Starr
- Phone: 216-562-8082
- Email: heather.kama-starr@clevelandmetroschools.org
Assistant Principal: Kyle Cohen
- Phone: 216-327-8262
- Email: kyle.cohen@clevelandmetroschools.org
School Secretary: Katie Davis
- Phone: 216-838-6700
- Email: katie.davis@clevelandmetroschools.org
Family Support Specialist: India Moore
- Phone: 216-645-7309
- Email: imoore@sayyescleveland.org
School Nurse: Therese Upperman
- Phone: 216-838-6714
- Email: therese.upperman@clevelandmetroschools.org