2025

As we near February, mother nature has sure thrown some cold and snow our way! Currently, our students are finishing up their winter NWEA testing. This is our second of three testing windows for NWEA. Your child's teacher will be providing you with NWEA scores on or before February 12th conferences.

During the winter, I know that the weather may cause you to be running late. Please leave early enough to be here by 8:40 AM at the latest. Recently, the 2nd bell has rung and we still have a line of cars all the way down Hampton street waiting to turn into school. The staff that is outside helping kids out of cars have been out there since 8:20 AM and we are freezing. We beg you to leave your house earlier. Also, you must use the crosswalk to cross from the parking lot. The crosswalk is located directly in front of the office. The entrance to the parking lot sidewalk is NOT a crosswalk! Lately, we have needed to stop traffic for those crossing in between cars. This is not safe and holds up traffic during this already-busy time. Also, for the safety of all, children should not be climbing on the snow hills before or after school.

Just a reminder, your child will be going out for recess as long as it feels like 20 degrees or higher. So, please send warm winter clothing and articles for going outside daily. Snow pants and snow boots must be brought to school and worn in order to play in the snow. Also, make sure that your child has gloves and hat or earmuffs. If they own a second pair of gloves, it may be helpful to keep these in their backpack, as their first pair may get wet while at first recess.

If your child is absent 10% or more of their school year, this negatively affects their progress/learning. Also, this does constitute a truancy infraction. You would receive 2 letters from our office before the last step of issuing a ticket is taken. Also, scheduling a meeting is helpful, so that we can work together to assist your child in being at school. The research is clear that when a student is absent 10% or more of their time in school, this greatly affects their learning. See the following article for more information: https://tinyurl.com/55fcarjt

Don't forget to scan the QR code located to the left of the buzzer when your student arrives late to school or leaves early. Only people listed in Power School or on your child's emergency card may pick up your student from school. You have the ability to update contacts through Power School.

If you have any questions or concerns, call the office at (734) 479-2550. You can also email myself (gmeli@riverviewschools.com) or Ms. Annie (aprusakiewicz@riverviewschools.com).

Go Pirates!

Gianina Meli

FEBRUARY:

2/4 - Pajama Day for $1 donation

2/9 - 100th day of School celebration

2/11 - Student Count Day

2/11 - Pajama Day for $1 donation

2/11 - Parent Club Meeting @ 6:00 PM

2/12 - Early Release (12:40 AM Dismissal)

2/12 - Parent/Teacher Conferences

2/13 - 2/16 Mid Winter Break // No School for Students & Staff

2/18 & 2/19 - Lemonade Wars (4th grade)

2/19 - Mentoring (9:30 AM)

2/20 - Jump Rope for Heart Kickoff Assembly

2/27 - Small/Tall Ball (6-9 PM, Grecian Center) tickets must be purchased in advance

MARCH:

3/2 - 3/6 - Jump Rope for Heart // Online donations are appreciated

3/6 - Early Release (12:40 AM Dismissal) Trimester 2 ends

3/10 - Spring Pictures

3/11 - Parent Club Meeting @ 6:00 PM

3/26 - Mentoring 10 AM

3/30 - 4/3 Spring Break

4/6 - Classes Resume

Mark your calendars and help spread the word. We cannot wait to meet all our future Pirates. More information to follow.

• Classroom teacher-classroom concerns, peer-to-peer or friendship concerns, classroom behavior concerns, playground or hallway concerns, and grading concerns

• Office Staff-attendance (absences, early releases), health needs (medications, illnesses), school events, volunteers and Watch DOGS, general school questions: Annie Prusakiewicz (734) 479-2550, aprusakiewicz@riverviewschools.com
• Transportation Department-Bussing and transportation concerns: Wendy Martin (734) 285-3900, Option #1; wmartin@riverviewschools.com
  

• Grounds/Maintenance -Building/facility concerns, cleanliness, grounds concerns: Sharon Mathews- (734)285-3900, ext. 2 (secretary to Gary Kennedy) or gkennedy@riverviewschools.com
• Student Services-enrollment questions, please contact Julie Karl at Central Office jkarl@riverviewschools.com or 734-285-9660, option 9

• Principal- major safety concerns; policy concerns; request for 504 services; concerns already addressed by the teacher, yet still not resolved. gmeli@riverviewschools.com
• School Social Worker- Social/emotional support and concerns. Stacey Woggon, SSW SWoggon@riverviewschools.com or call the office to be connected.

Mrs. Sandefur - Gabriella P.

Mrs. Peterson - Noah S.

Ms. Schock - Calliope C.

Mrs. Coleman - Hank V.

Mrs. Uhse - Charlie C.

Mrs. Masters - Ryleigh G.

Mrs. Taft - Harper H.

Mrs. Avery - Jayde L.

Mrs. Kissel - Xander T.

Mrs. LaFehr - Amelia A.

Mrs. Curry - Harper S.

Mrs. Grunwald - Kate C.

Mr. Snyder - Allison C.

Mr. Newland - Princeton C.

Ms. Fraczek - Anthony D.

Mrs. Gajewski - Ava R.

Mr. Newland attended Forest Elementary from 3rd to 6th grade and graduated from RCHS in 1999. From there, he earned his Bachelor’s in education from WMU and Master's in Learning Design & Technology from Wayne State.

This is his 13th year as a 5th Grade teacher at Forest. In addition to teaching, he’s also spent 15 years coaching football at Seitz and 10 years coaching basketball at RCHS. Ryan is a member of the District Math Committee, Schoology Committee, and the Elementary Guiding Coalition.

Prior to his time at Forest, he spent three years teaching 7th grade at Trillium Academy in Taylor.

Mr. Newland has been married to his wonderful wife Jill for 6 years. She is a phenomenal teacher at Gudith Elementary in Woodhaven. His son Callum is four years old and currently attends Pirate Preschool. In his free time Ryan enjoys spending time with friends and family, golfing, and working out.

Mr. Newland values the opportunity to have a positive impact on the community that shaped him. As a graduate of this school district, who now teaches at the elementary school he attended, his connection to this community runs deep. Each year at Forest, he sees familiar faces. Children of his childhood friends, children of former classmates, and students from families he’s known since he was young. Ryan values the responsibility of ensuring these students are safe, cared for, encouraged, and held to high standards, just as he was when he was a student in Riverview.

The best part about working at Riverview Schools is getting to work alongside so many Riverview alum who share the same goal of giving back to our alma mater through strong leadership and community service. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch our students grow into successful adults and know that we played a small part in that journey. There’s also a real sense of pride in helping keep Riverview one of the most respected school districts in the area.

Congratulations, Mr. Newland. Forest students are so lucky to have you for their teacher and mentor.

Mr. McTaggart grew up on the Eastside of Detroit and surrounding cities. He attended Grosse Pointe North High School before matriculating to Michigan State University, earning his Bachelor of Arts in English literature. After college, he spent three years teaching English as a foreign language in Daegu, South Korea, an experience that directed his professional aspirations towards the field of education. A lifelong lover of language, he pursued a career in speech-language pathology upon returning to the United States, eventually attending Western Michigan University for his Master of Arts. This is also where he met his wonderful wife, Christel, who is also a school-based speech-language pathologist. Together they share professional tips, but not too much, and endlessly critique each others’ micro-dialects.

Brian is currently a speech-language pathologist at Forest Elementary School, his first and only position in Riverview Community Schools. He previously worked at middle schools in Warren Woods and Wayne-Westland School districts. He enjoys having a more direct impact on child speech and language development in his current position and values the perspective he gained working at the middle school level.

Brian is a proud lifelong nerd and enjoys everything from historical lectures to cult classic films. A great weekend for him involves a hike at a local park with his wife (Christel) and dog (Rodrigo), some kind of tabletop game with friends, and time spent writing speculative fiction. If you have a niche interest or area of expertise, Brian would love to hear about it.

Mr. McTaggart values most the direct effect his intervention and problem solving has on his students’ development. Students see him to do things that are hard for them. With the right approach, they can make incredible progress. He is most proud when students are proud of themselves for the work they put in and the results they achieved.

No job in education is easy and it is readily apparent that the staff at Riverview work tirelessly to provide a high quality education for our students. Brian is honored that his fellow staff selected him for his efforts given their own hard work. There is a spirit of cooperation in this district that is special and shared among staff, students, and families. We are all working towards the same goal – the betterment of our students and community – and Brian considers it a privilege to be a part of it.

Congratulations, Mr. McTaggart. Forest is so fortunate to have you on our team.

Under the direction of Ms. Kristi Kruger, the second-grade classes of Mrs. Masters and Mrs. Taft quoted Dr. King and performed songs that were inspired by his message of peace and equality. Student voices raised in confidence and compassion to the selection of “Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round” by The Freedom Singers along with “Sing about Martin”, “Kumbaya”, “North Winds Blow” and “Martin Luther King”.

Boots, crocs or sandals will not be permitted in gym class. Students will be unable to participate in the gym class activities due to safety concerns if they are wearing unsafe footwear. Parents/ guardians thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Help your child start each school day comfortably by dressing them appropriately for the weather! On warm, sunny days, lightweight clothing like t-shirts, shorts, and breathable sneakers will keep your child cool during outdoor activities and recess. For cooler or unpredictable weather, consider layering—a sweater or light jacket that can be easily removed indoors works well. Don't forget rain gear like a coat or umbrella when storms are forecast.

During winter months, please ensure your child has adequate outerwear including a warm coat, hat, gloves, and appropriate footwear for snowy or icy conditions. We encourage you to check the weather forecast together as part of your morning routine, turning it into a learning opportunity about weather patterns and planning ahead.

When children are dressed appropriately for the weather, they can focus on learning and enjoy their time with classmates without the distraction of being uncomfortable.

Our district leaders have updated our Strategic Plan for the next 5 years - this plan will be the focal point and road map for all decision making that will be made for instruction, building improvements, staffing, and curriculum changes. After reading, I welcome all input from you on this plan. Strategic Plan Click Here

The Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program continues to make a meaningful impact in our school this year, and we want to extend a sincere thank you to all the dads, grandfathers, uncles, and father figures who have already volunteered their time and energy.

Thanks to their presence, students are seeing firsthand how important positive male role models are in education. Watch D.O.G.S. volunteers have been assisting throughout the school day—in classrooms, hallways, the lunchroom, and on the playground—building connections with students while supporting teachers and staff.

Beyond mentorship, the program plays a key role in enhancing school security. Having additional adults on campus provides a greater sense of safety and supervision, allowing both students and teachers to focus fully on learning and instruction. The extra set of eyes and ears helps create a welcoming, secure environment where everyone can thrive.

We encourage more dads and father figures to consider signing up to participate in the Watch D.O.G.S. program. Even a single day of volunteering can make a lasting difference. Your involvement shows students that school matters, that they are supported, and that positive adult engagement is a powerful part of their success. Please make sure that you have a background check on file before you sign up.

Thank you again to all of our Watch D.O.G.S. who have stepped up so far this year. We look forward to welcoming many more volunteers as we continue working together to support our students and strengthen our school community.

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