November 2, 2026
Free activity, in 'Montessori terms', does NOT mean free-for-all. Free activity means choosing in an intentional, thoughtful way the activities to build a child's brain. By giving children options and new things to try, children will choose what is most interesting. Interest is their brain's way of saying, 'I need that for my growth' - please please do not confuse the interest in video games as brain development needs. Video games release dopamine... which makes them addictive... that is entirely different. Your child's brain needs three dimensional experiences, nature, sunshine, air, productivity, academics, social interaction, music, art and time to process what they have experienced.
One of our largest goals for children is to help them grow into productive, contributing citizens of their society. During this election season, it is your rite to contribute your voice to the path of government - I encourage you to take your child to the polls with you to see how our democratic process works!
A few reminders:
- Please bring your number to parent pickup. If you need a new one let us know. It really speeds up our process!
- No school Monday! We have a teacher inservice day.
- Conferences are next week - looking forward to seeing you there!
- Scroll to the end to take our District Survey - this shapes the direction of the next 5 year Strategic Plan!
Have a fantastic weekend,
Ms. Kai
![Free activity makes children happy. We can see how happy they are, bu tit is not the fact that they are happy that is important; the important thing is that a child can construct a man [human] through this free activity - Dr. Maria Montessori, The 1946 London Lectures](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/556d/thumb-facc7df0b2031a5d5ecffe15bd989208.png "Free activity makes children happy. We can see how happy they are, bu tit is not the fact that they are happy that is important; the important thing is that a child can construct a man [human] through this free activity - Dr. Maria Montessori, The 1946 London Lectures")
Parent Teacher Conferences
November 2nd & November 5th.
Parent-Teacher Conference sign-ups are now available! Please select one conference time slot per student. Each student will have one designated conference time during the conference nights.
Due to the limited number of available time slots, we are unable to accommodate multiple conference appointments for the same student. If multiple family members would like to meet separately or you need an additional conference time, please reach out to teachers directly. They can arrange an additional meeting outside of the scheduled conference nights.
Thank you for helping us make the most of our limited conference time and for your understanding!
Please click on this link to sign up for a time to meet with your child's teacher.
Help Feed Our Teachers During Conferences!
Conferences are right around the corner, and RFPME PTO is asking families to help feed our hardworking teachers during those two evenings! With conference schedules so packed, teachers often don’t get a chance to sit down for a meal. We’d love to help by providing easy grab-and-go items they can enjoy without having to leave the school.
The link below includes a list of items you can sign up to bring, if you’re able, as well as volunteer opportunities to help set up and clean up the food spread. Your support and generosity are greatly appreciated as we show our hardworking staff how much we care!
Diaper Drive is happening NOW at RFPME!
1 in 2 Families Struggle with Diaper Needs. We Want to Change That! Join us for our Diaper & Baby Wipes Drive and help fill the diaper bank! Diaper shortages can prevent families from accessing childcare and lead to health issues for children. Your support can make a big difference!
Students and staff at River Falls Public Montessori can bring diapers and baby wipes in between October 26-November 6. This event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of River Falls!
Needed Items: Newborn, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 diapers & baby wipes.
Please ensure all donations are in unopened, original packaging for safety.
Veterans Day
In honor of Veterans Day, the student council is creating a Hall of Honor. We are looking for names of Veterans to add to our Wall of Honor. If you would like to include a photo, that would be great too! You can send names and photos with your students or you can email Ms. Julie directly at julie.webb@rfsd.k12.wi.us. Please have names in by 11/9.
Students and staff at RFPME are inviting Veterans to join us on Wednesday, November 11 from 9:30-10:00 am for our Veterans Day Social. There will be light refreshments followed by a brief ceremony around the flagpole in front of the school at 10:00am. Please wear Red, White and Blue for this special event.
Math & Muffins
Enjoy muffins, milk, and juice while families play a familiar math game you’ve learned during their school day. This is a great opportunity to see the math your child works on in the classroom in action! Please join us on Monday, November 23rd from 8-8:30am in the RFPME Gym!
Parent Bookclub!
Our first bookclub will be December 1 from 6-7pm. We will be discussing Chapters 1-6 of 'Parenting with Love and Logic' by Aliza Payne. This book recognizes the realities of parenting in 2026 - busy schedules, rushed family time, and big feelings, no matter the age. It reframes parenting to get away from the cycle of reactive parenting and into a pattern of connection, boundaries and love. We look forward to seeing you there for this rich discussion - you are not alone in this journey!
River Falls Sharing Families
Need a little help this Christmas? Sharing Families assists local families in need by providing a joyful Christmas for their children through coordinated gifts.
Access Sharing Families application
Accepting the first 160 applications only. If not reached, application will close on November 6.
Questions? Email rfsharingfamilies@gmail.com
Have You Completed Your District Survey?
Between October 21 and November 9, every district household will receive an official survey invitation in the mail. Your letter includes a unique individual code necessary to ensure accurate community representation.
Two ways to complete your survey:
Online: Scan the QR code on your mailed letter to quickly submit your feedback.
Mail: Fill out the paper copy and drop it in the mail using the included pre-stamped envelope.
As the School District of River Falls begins developing our 2028–2033 Strategic Plan, your input will directly guide our future. Visit our Strategic Planning Webpage to learn more.
Thank you for helping shape the future of our schools!