Roadrunner News
Riverside Elementary School

May 2026 Newsletter
Principal Note
Dear Families,
As we begin the month of May, it’s hard to believe we are entering the final stretch of the school year. April was filled with hard work and perseverance as our students completed ISASP testing. I want to sincerely thank our students for their effort and focus, our staff for creating calm and supportive testing environments, and our families for their encouragement at home. It truly takes a team, and we appreciate the partnership.
As we move into May, our focus shifts to continued growth and finishing the year strong. Students will be completing their i-Ready diagnostics, which provide valuable insight into the progress they’ve made and help guide our next steps in instruction. This is an important opportunity for students to show what they know and how far they’ve come this year.
While the end of the year is in sight, it’s also a time when routines and consistency matter more than ever. We know students can feel a mix of excitement and restlessness, so maintaining strong expectations, daily attendance, and a positive mindset will help ensure a successful finish for all.
I hope you all have a wonderful summer!
5th Grade Celebration
5th Grade parents are invited in on May 22nd at 9:00am for a celebration to recognize students and wish them well as they end their elementary journey.
April Students of the Month
Staff Members of the Month for April
Mrs. Mix came back from maternity leave and jumped right into helping us with the ISASP pep rally for the students. She is also planning great things for our 5th grade students.
Mrs. Whitsel brings a contagious positivity to our halls. She spends time making connections with students and creates engaging activities that are very memorable for students. Riverside is very lucky to have her!
Mrs.Hellman truly exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond for our school community. Her leadership and creativity were on full display as she led the ISASP assembly, bringing energy and excitement to an important time of year for our students. She also took the initiative to design shirts that helped build unity and school spirit, showing her commitment to creating a positive culture. Beyond these efforts, she consistently demonstrates genuine care and dedication to her students, always putting their needs first. Mrs. Hellman's positivity, leadership, and willingness to step up make her an invaluable part of our team and a well-deserving Staff of the Month honoree.
Gotta Brain, Gotta Helmet
2nd graders learned about bike safety from Opportunities Unlimited. Each student received their own helmet to keep safe!
ISASP Assembly Kickoff
4th grade teachers vs. 5th Grade Student Game Show to kick off ISASP testing! 3-5th graders worked very hard on these assessments. We are proud of each of them!
Support Learning Over the Summer
As we wrap up another wonderful year at Riverside, we are so proud of the growth our students have made—academically, socially, and emotionally. Summer is a well-deserved time to relax and recharge, but it’s also a great opportunity to keep learning in fun and meaningful ways.
We encourage our Riverside families to build simple routines that support learning at home. Just 15–20 minutes of daily reading can make a big impact. Writing letters to family members, keeping a journal, or even helping create a grocery list are great ways to strengthen skills. Everyday activities—like cooking, shopping, or playing games—can help reinforce math and problem-solving.
Our local library is a wonderful resource for books and summer programs, and we encourage families to take advantage of these opportunities. Most importantly, continue fostering kindness, curiosity, and responsibility—values we work hard to build at Riverside each day.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We look forward to seeing our students return in the fall ready to learn, grow, and shine!
Important Dates to Remember
School will not be in session on Monday, May 25 for Memorial Day.
On Friday, May 29, school will have a normal two hour dismissal for summer break. Have a wonderful summer!
Outstanding Fees? Pay Them Today!
Do you have school fees that need to be paid? Visit the Sioux City Community School District website and click on “Pay Fees”. This will link you to MySchoolBucks where you can pay your student’s school fees online. Questions? Please give our school office a call.
Get a Jump Start on Required Immunizations & Screenings
Iowa immunization laws require certain immunizations and screenings for students or completed medical or religious exemption forms on file. The requirements and exemption forms are located on the District website We encourage you to contact your student’s doctor soon to schedule any required immunizations or screenings so your student is prepared for next fall.
End of the Year Information on Medicine
Student medication and/or medical supplies will be sent home with your child on the last day of school. If you would like to make other arrangements, please contact the school office before the last day of school. Any unused medication that remains at school will be disposed of in compliance with federal and state laws or will be given to the School Resource Officers for proper disposal.
Summer Meals for Children
The Sioux City Community School District is once again participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals are available Monday through Friday for all children ages 1-18 years without charge. Please visit the District’s website for more information including serving sites and schedules.
What's Happening This Summer?
There are a variety of community events, camps, and more to keep your student active and learning during the summer months. Check out the latest Virtual Backpack newsletter, emailed to district families every month, or click here for a calendar of upcoming events.
What's Happening in Siouxland
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.
Upcoming Dates
May 5-22nd: Spring I-ready Diagnostic
May 6th: 4th grade Sioux City History Field Trip
May 14th: Field Day (raindate May 21st)
May 15th: 3rd Grade Field Trip to Adam's Nature Center (9:30-11:30am)
May 15th: 3rd grade to Adam's Nature Center 9:30-11:30am
May 22nd: 5th Grade Celebration 9-10am in gym
May 28th: 2nd Grade Walk to Goldie Park 10-12pm
May 28th: 5th Grade Movie and Park Trip
May 29th: Last Day of School with Students! Staff vs. 5th Grade Kickball at 1:00pm; Early Dismissal at 1:30pm