Roadrunner News

Happy February, Families!

We are excited to welcome a new month of learning, growth, and fun here at school. January was a busy month, and we are so proud of the hard work our students have been doing each day. February is a wonderful time to continue building strong routines, practicing important skills, and celebrating the progress students are making both academically and socially.

This month also brings some special elementary milestones, including our celebration of the 100th Day of School! 🎉 This is always a favorite time for students as we recognize how far they have come since the first day of school. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on growth, perseverance, and all the learning that has added up day by day.

Students wrapped up their Winter Diagnostics and made great progress! We are excited to share that our school was 76% proficient in reading and 82% proficient in math. Both are higher than the district average! Way to go students and teachers!

Thank you for encouraging your child at home through reading, practicing skills, and celebrating their efforts. Your partnership makes a big difference in student success.

It's officially winter with this cold weather! Please make sure students are safe before school during these colder days that we don't want them standing outside before the doors open too early. On regulary days, doors to not open until 8am (8:30 for PreK).

We want students to stay healthy and WARM when they go out to recess. Students do go outside to UNLESS the temperatures are below 15 degrees or there is precipation. Please ensure that your child is bringing their coats, hats, mittens and accessories to stay warm.

We do have some extra coats available if your child needs one. Please contact the office or your teacher if your child is in need. (only one coat though so we can help multiple students). Ready or not, winter is NEAR!

With second semester beginning this month, ALL students missed days began at 0. If students are missing lengthy amounts, there are protocols in place.

5 days; (call from principal)

10 days; (meeting with principal)

13 days; (school engagement meeting downtown)

20 days; (student becomes truant and is referred to the county attorney)

Each school day begins at 8:30AM (unless weather permitting) and attendance is taken shortly after. Each TARDY adds up on student attendance. We encourage students to join walk/talk on the playground or come in for breakfast before 8:30am. Being tardy and leaving early add up on attendance.

Thank you to sharing your students with Riverside. If your student is going to be absent, kindly share with your teacher and the office ahead of the school day by email, call, or Talking Points. This way we prevent having to make calls. If students are going to be gone multiple days, you can send one message to cover the time.

Most classrooms begin the day with Character Strong and building relationships through social emotional learning. If your child is late, they miss these opportunities to interact.

Thank you for partnering with us to allow students all the experiences at Riverside!

Students will bring home their 2nd quarter report cards on February 5th. Watch their folders!

Just a reminder that when your child is absent, please call the office each day. If you had a planned absence, then share the dates with the office so they won't need to call. This helps us ensure our student safety! Thanks for your help!

WOW! The snack cart has been a HIT with students! We appreciate all the support and are excitied to use profits on more student opportunities and classroom resources. Starting the new year, we will only be doing the snack cart on TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS prior to dismissal. Thanks again for all the support!

Classes will hold their own parties for the holiday. Watch for more information in their teacher newsletters!

Our new and revised apparel store is up and running! Sales will come and go so keep watching throughout the year! Shipping is directly to your house.

https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/iowa/siouxcity/riverside-elementary-school

• School will not be in session on Monday, February 16 due to staff professional development.

The District provides every student with a device to enhance the overall learning experience. When a student receives their device, it is their responsibility to take appropriate care of the device. Unfortunately, the District has hundreds of devices damaged or destroyed each year.

Damage to devices or lost devices could result in fines and reduced Internet access. Detailed information on fees is available in the Parent/Guardian and Student Handbook on the District website. We encourage you to remind your student about the responsibility that goes with having a device.

The District’s mobile app provides quick and convenient information at your fingertips. Download the mobile to receive push notifications from the District about closings and cancellations and stay updated on today’s school lunch menu, upcoming events, and school news. Look for Sioux City Community Schools in your app store today!

The District has cell phone protocols in place to ensure an engaging and distraction-free environment for our students. The protocols restrict the use of electronic devices during the school day. For more information, please review the 2025-2026 Parent/Guardian & Student Handbook on the District website.

Do the terms Snap map, private account, or ghost mode sound familiar? If you answered no, you are not alone. Many families are unfamiliar with these social media terms and others. The District website offers information for parents on the most popular social media platforms and tips for keeping kids safe online. Information is available on the District’s website.

As a parent or guardian, you have the right to decide to keep your child home on any day you feel it is unsafe for your student to be in school because of weather conditions. If you believe the weather provides a sincere reason why you may have to keep your student at home or take your student home when classes are scheduled to continue, you, as a parent or guardian, will simply need to contact our school office to let us know.

The District sends out important information regarding school closings and cancellations and other updates to our families via phone, email, and text. Additionally, our school will contact you in case of an emergency or student health concern. Make sure your contact information is updated in our system and that your phone accepts the school’s phone calls. Doing this will ensure you receive school communication promptly and we can reach you in case of an emergency. To make updates to your contact information, please contact our office.

With the cooler temperatures upon us, please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the colder winter. Even during the winter season, the District allows recess and outdoor activities to continue as usual, so it is important that students have the right winter weather clothing. When the temperature feels like 15 degrees or lower, students are kept inside for recess and activities. Students should be prepared for the cooler weather with a warm coat, hat, scarf, and gloves. If your student does not have access to cold-weather apparel, please contact our school office.

The weather in Iowa can be unpredictable. If the weather requires us to delay the start of our school day, cancel school for the day, or dismiss school early, information will be sent to families through email, text, and voicemail. In addition, this information is posted to our social media sites and the District website.

Please remember that parents and guardians have the right to make the decision to keep their child home on any day they feel it is unsafe for their student to be in school because of weather conditions. If you believe the weather provides a sincere reason why you may have to keep your student at home, or take your student home when classes are scheduled to continue, you as a parent or guardian will simply need to contact our school office to let us know.

Stay connected with family-friendly activities, programs, and clubs in the community through Virtual Backpack. The e-newsletter, which includes information from various Siouxland organizations, is sent out monthly to all district families. Or, view the most up-to-date lists of events and activities on the Virtual Backpack website.

February 3rd: 100th Day of School Celebration

February 4th: Kindergarten Field Trip to Museum 9-11am

February 5th: 2nd Quarter Report Cards Come Home

February 13th: Class Valentine's Parties

February 16th: No School (Teacher Professional Development)

February 19th: K and 2nd Hearing Screenings