Another RGS tradition made its return this year. After a year hiatus, kinders and 6th graders were able to pair up again for some experiential learning. They walked together carefully handling their baby salmon and then released these Chinook salmon into a nearby body of water. Students spent time observing daily changes in the developmental process of the fish as well as studying about environmental issues. You could say the day went swimmingly!

 

Students are currently engaging in their third equity and inclusion lesson of the school year. These lessons focus on the theme of diversity.

Summaries of each grade-level lesson as well as the aligned state standards can be found at the link below. I have also linked the previous lessons - if you are ever looking for them in the future, they can be found at our district website. Please reach out to me with any questions at arotwein@riverdale.k12.or.us.

- Abby Rotwein (she/her), Director of Equity & Inclusion

Riverdale Grade School is thrilled to have our Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) back in full swing after a hiatus due to COVID. The goal of RGS's GSA is to provide a safe place for students to gather. The student-run club provides a place for students to meet and support each other, talk about issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, and work to end homophobia and transphobia. The club meets once per month during lunch recess. Grades 5/6 meet in one session and grades 7/8 meet in another. Staff advisers for the club are Megan Lenard, Meridith Stevens, and Carrington Light. An optional interest survey for students will be posted next week.  

The Oregon Department of Education has developed a LGBTQ2SIA+Student Success Plan that outlines requirements and recommendations in public schools. ODE recommends that schools make intentional safe spaces for LGBTQ2SIA+ students to gather. Here is the text from page 12 of the above document: Another aspect of safe, affirming spaces that is important to students includes “GSA” (GenderSexuality Alliance or Gay- Straight Alliance), “QSA” (Queer-Straight Alliance), and other clubs based on students’ cultural, racial, or ethnic identity (affinity groups such as Latino Club, Black Student Union, etc.). Student comments indicate that these spaces are safe and affirming because of the shared aspects of identities within the group. 

There are also Oregon Department of Education Health Standards that align with this content. See examples below:

5th Grade, HE.1.5.10: Explain differences and similarities of how individuals identify regarding gender or sexual orientation.

6th Grade, HE.1.6.21: Identify the differences between biological sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.

7th Grade, HE.1.7.22: Define differences between biological sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.

8th Grade, HE.1.8.22: Explain the differences between biological sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.

Twice a year, schools must report the immunization and exemption rates for their students. Preliminary rates are on the immunization page on the district website, and these will be updated after Immunization Exclusion Day on February 16. You will receive a letter from MESD if your student is missing any immunization records. Please make sure to send these records to the school office as soon as possible to prevent your student from being excluded from school on Feb. 16.

 

If you haven’t already registered for the weekly OHSU COVID-19 screening tests administered each Wednesday, please email covidconsent@riverdale.k12.or.us as soon as possible to get registered. You will receive a separate consent form for each student.

Consent forms must be completed and submitted for students to be able to participate. Please contact the front office if you haven’t been receiving tests.

Click here for more information on this program.