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Riverdale School District News

Published Jan. 29, 2021

Riverdale School District

Friday, Jan. 29

Riverdale School District News
 
Dear Riverdale Community, 
There is light at the end of this long tunnel. Vaccines are being administered to our staff. We know it’s been difficult waiting and appreciate your patience. 
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Teams are preparing to provide in-person support for identified students during Phase One beginning the week of February 8th. RGS and RHS are poised to begin limited in-person instruction for a small number of students based on analysis of student data. We are using data points to inform steady and safe expansion of supports for individuals and small groups every 1-2 weeks per guidance. 
Limited In-Person Learning Phase-in beginning Feb. 8th Prioritized Stages (Mental Health, Academic, Social-Emotional Supports)
  • Acute Mental Health Interventions 
  • Academic Interventions, students who are critical/high priority 
  • Small group, grade level interventions (seniors, 9th grade social groups).  
On January 25th, the school board approved a March 8th timeline for Phase Two to bring back Riverdale’s youngest learners, beginning with Kindergarten students, for in-person, hybrid learning. This decision is grounded in achieving full efficacy of our vaccinated staff members. Phase Two provides instruction to Kindergarten students either at school or at home. A survey will be sent to each family describing their student’s options.
School board members received advice from top-level experts during the Jan. 25 board meeting, including:
Expertise about COVID science and health protocols from:
  • Dr. Ann Loeffler, Deputy Health Officer, Multnomah County Public Health
Expertise about HB 4402 information and legal guidance from:
  • Jim Green, Executive Director, Oregon School Board Association
We’re planning future re-entry phases. We are working and preparing based on tentative dates, paying close attention to the changing nature of the virus, the vaccine, and the guidance from state and county-level authorities. Emotional health and wellness of our children and staff are our top priorities. Our preference is to be in person with K-12 students learning at school. As we further develop Riverdale’s model, we continue to prioritize the ability for students and teachers to shift fluidly from in-class learning to distance learning as health and safety guidelines change.  
Future Phases: 
  • Phased introduction of in-person learning for other grades (per guidance)
  • Opportunities for other peer/social interactions
  • Summer learning opportunities supported by Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER 2 funds $48,000)
Next steps:
As we proceed through each phase, our professional development will include consistent expectations around PPE/Safety Protocols. We plan to make these efforts widely known and understood by staff, students and parents, all of whom will be provided necessary training. Riverdale aims to reduce anxiety and stress for students, families, and staff as much as possible in this highly evolving, complex environment. 
Resources and Information:
 
Reducing spread
In our upcoming presentations we plan to include a day in the life of a teacher and student “Returning to Learn” as well as additional information regarding:  
  • Surveys/ThoughtExchange to Inform Phase Two Hybrid Learning Plans 
  • Virtual Community Forums for feedback and input on Return to Learn Phased Plans 
  • Presentation of updated RGS and RHS blueprints for Hybrid with answers to FAQs
  • PPE parent volunteer group present their recommendations to Principals
  • Q/A Sessions for PTC at RGS and RHS
  • Continued Weekly Communications (E-Blasts for GS/HS/District)
  • Continued integration of ThoughtExchange in two-way communication 
  • Updated Videos for Community from Interim Superintendent as needed
  • Additional Community Forum Topics K-12, as needed 

We welcome your questions and feedback as we wade through this all together. 
Sincerely,
Joanna Tobin, Interim Superintendent 
In case you missed any eblasts, be sure to look at Riverdale News on our website to find all of our recent communications.
 

RHS Virtual Open House Recap

 
 
RHS hosted their first virtual Open House for prospective new families on Wednesday night. There were over 80 families in attendance. Ten staff members rotated through small breakout groups to answer questions and give an overview of classes. Six of our RHS students were also on hand to answer student-directed questions. It was so exciting to see so many happy faces and meet new prospective RHS families.
 
 
 
Open House
 

Calendar

 
  • Monday, Feb. 8 - School Board Work Study at 4:30 p.m.
  • Monday, Feb. 15 - President's Day (no school)
  • Monday, Feb. 22 - School Board Work Study at 4:30 p.m.
  • Monday, Feb. 22 - School Board Meeting at 6 p.m.