Timber Talks
River Mill Elementary - August 18, 2025
Dear River Mill Families,
We are counting down the days for when we get to welcome your child to their 2025-26 school year and we can't wait! We want you to have all the information you need to help your child have the best transition, so please read this newsletter carefully and let us know if you have any questions.
Pre-K Families: Teacher Elizabeth will be sending communication for all details related to Pre-K. Teacher Elizabeth will be providing students and families the opportunity to come and see the learning space and have your questions answered. Your child's first official day of Pre-K will be on Tuesday, September 2nd!
Kindergarten Families: During Aug. 25th - Aug. 27th, your child will have one, half day of school that has been scheduled for a soft start. (See below for Soft Start details). All kindergarten students will attend on Thursday, August 28th for a half day. Kindergarten students' first full day of school will be on Tuesday, September 2nd. Remember that your Open House is on September 4th from 5:30-7:00.
1st - 5th Grade Families: Your child's first day of school will be on Monday, August 25th! Open House on August 21st from 5:30-7:00 pm.
ALL Families: During morning drop off, we ask that if you choose to walk your child toward the building that you give a hug and well wishes at the door and let our staff take it from there. Families will not be walking their child into the building. We know it can be emotional and hard to walk away, but your child is in good hands! If your child has a hard time, we still ask that you not linger because sometimes that can make it even trickier. If your child does continue to struggle, we will be in communication with you.
Safety & Security: Your child's safety is our top priority! In order to make sure we know what to do with your child at the end of the school day, it is imperative that you access and utilize PickUp Patrol. You can find information below about how to do that, or you are welcome to call our office for assistance. Registration emails were sent out earlier this week. On PickUp Patrol, you can indicate if your child should ride the bus, walk, or be picked up by someone, including who. If your child's dismissal plans change, you can make edits right within that system. All changes must be made in PickUp Patrol, or via the office. This needs to be done before the first day of school!
School Meals: This year, breakfast and lunches will be free for all students! Every morning all students (with the exception of PreK) will go into the cafeteria. If you do not want your child to have school breakfast, please make sure your child understands this. We will not be able to monitor and keep track of that for 500+ students upon entry.
Open House This year, we will host parents and students inside classrooms. Families are welcome to drop in, see their child's classroom and visit with the classroom teacher. Teachers may share information on classroom systems, routines, communication methods, and other essentials to help students be successful this school year. See the flyer below for dates and times!
Finally, we have so many great things planned right out of the gate this school year, and we can't wait to share those memories with you and your child.
Lindsey Fullenwider, Principal
Trevor Syring, Vice Principal
FOR ALL FAMILIES: TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
To ensure the safety of all our students, we ask that all families use the PickUp Patrol app to inform us of their child's daily transportation plans. Please make sure you have set up your child's plans for the first day of school and for the rest of the school year. This is an essential step for the first day of school. You can update these plans at any time! Registration emails were sent earlier this week.
If you need any help or support, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here and happy to assist!
Meal Prices for the 2025-2026 School Year
Great news! This year, ALL students will receive free breakfast and lunch — and that includes meals on REID days too!
Hello Families!
Since 2000, Todos Juntos has been a leading non-profit in Clackamas County, bringing the capacity and expertise needed to improve outcomes for rural communities. They have developed after-school programs that provide leadership development and pro-social opportunities for historically underserved populations, and have expanded their reach to offer community-based, comprehensive, and integrated programs in four Clackamas County communities.
Todos Juntos is proud to make a positive difference in the lives of many families — and we are proud to partner with them here at River Mill!
Please take a moment to check out their Early Learning Newsletter — it’s filled with helpful information and great resources for families! Just click the green link below to view it.
Cell phones and personal electronic devices need to be put in student’s backpack bell to bell. A personal electronic device—commonly referred to as a ‘cell phone’—is any device capable of making and receiving calls, sending text messages, or accessing the internet independently from the school’s network. This includes, but is not limited to, smartphones, flip phones, tablets, e-readers, smartwatches, smart glasses, and other web-capable devices, as well as the headphones or earbuds connected to them. In alignment with Executive Order 25-09 from the Oregon Governor’s Office (and ESD policy JFCEB), we will be following the guidance that electronic devices not be used during the school day. Students who disobey this rule or are in noncompliance with this rule, will have a conversation with the staff member to be reminded of the expectations on their first offense. For a second offense, the cell phone will be taken to the office until the end of the day. Parents will be notified and a meeting with school administration will be set up. If there is a third offense, the device will again be temporarily held, parents will be informed, and another meeting will be set up. Beyond a third instance of noncompliance, the school will determine appropriate consequences, always prioritizing keeping students in class and engaged in learning. The Elementary Schools will not be responsible for loss or damage to students’ cell phones or personal electronic devices brought to school.
