Principal's Corner

Greetings Riverside Families,

I hope this message finds you all doing well. I want to thank everyone who joined us for the grade-level parent orientation meetings. If you were unable to attend, you can find the presentations on our school website. We look forward to partnering with you and making this a great year!

Please read below for information about the week ahead.

Warm regards,

Ms. Richardson

Coffee with the Principal & Volunteer Training

Friday, August 28 at 8:30 am in the Auditorium

Please join Ms. Richardson for coffee and doughnuts as she introduces our plans for the 2026-2027 school year. There will also be a mandatory Volunteer Training for anyone who has, or is planning to get, a volunteer badge.

The meeting will also be on Zoom:

Meeting ID: 896 3118 0836

Passcode: 025902

Picture Day

Tuesday, September 1

All students will have their picture taken this Tuesday. If you wish to order photos, please scan the QR code above or view the flyer here.

Room Parents Needed

Are you interested in becoming a room parent for your student's class?

As a reminder, Room Parents must be badged volunteers and help the teacher in organizing celebrations and so much more. You must be registered in the Parent Portal to apply for your volunteer badge. You can access the Parent Portal link in the section below. Once registered, you can apply for your volunteer badge here.

Fifth Grade Families... we need you!!!!

Scan the QR code on the flyer below to be directed to sign up.

Jackets, Sweaters, Water Bottles, and Lunch Boxes...Oh, My!

Our lost and found is already overflowing!

Please write your child's name on their jackets, sweatshirts, lunch boxes, and water bottles. This will allow us to help them find their belongings.

Please encourage your child to keep track of his or her belongings. Items not claimed by Back to School Night will be discarded. I thank you in advance for your partnership.

Team Prime Time Update (After School Program)

I am happy to share that the new TPT Director will be Coach Jackie. She has been at Riverside as a coach and will be returning to Riverside Drive as the Site Director for Team Prime Time. Coach Carolina will continue to support our students as the Assistant Site Director.

All students must be picked up promptly at dismissal if they are not enrolled in Team Prime Time. If you need afterschool care for your child, please be sure to fill out and submit your Team Prime Time application ASAP. You can find the forms here.

LAUSD and Riverside Drive Cellular Telephone Policy

REMINDER

LAUSD and Riverside Drive have a

NO Cellphone and Smart Watch Policy

and

New Water Bottle Safety Policy

Mobile Devices- including smart watches

Phones and smartwatches MUST be turned off and stored in backpacks. Our Governance approved policy is as follows:

1st Offense - Student is directed to put the device away

2nd Offense - The staff member will confiscate the device. It will be returned at the end of the day. Notice sent home.

3rd Offense - The staff member will confiscate the device and send it to the Main Office. A parent/guardian will need to pick up the device from the office and sign the policy notice.

New Water Bottle Safety Policy

All water bottles must be stored in the student's backpack.

Students are highly encouraged to bring soft and plastic water bottles to school

Students may not use a water bottle to harm another person or property

Students who violate this policy may not be allowed to bring a water bottle to school

** Further violation of the District Policy will require a conference with the Principal. **

I thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Classroom Birthday Celebrations

I want to remind our school community about our Governance Council's approved birthday celebration policy.

** Parents must receive prior approval from the classroom teacher for all celebrations. **

- Parents must make arrangements with the classroom teacher at least 48 hours in advance.

- Treats, if allowed by the teacher, must be store-bought AND must meet the dietary restrictions of ALL students in the class.

- If treats are sent without teacher approval, they will stay in office and can be picked up before the end of the day

- No goodie bags, toys, or balloons.

- Celebrations are limited to the last 10 minutes of the school day.

- In lieu of a treat, families can donate a book or other prearranged item to the class.

- Families may not use volunteer badges to attend a birthday celebration

Please note that all classrooms make a student feel special on their birthday regardless of whether treats are allowed or sent

Please sign up in the Parent Portal!

Volunteer Applications are now open for the

2026-27 School Year

Parents, are you signed up in the Parent Portal? The LAUSD Parent Portal is where you can update emergency contact information, submit absence notes, and how you access the E-Choices platform to apply for magnet programs.

Parents will need their student's ID number and your Parent PIN. You can contact the main office for this information.

You can access the Parent Portal here.

A Few Things to Remember...

Social Media ~

We encourage our school community to follow the District's message: if you see something, say something. Please encourage your children to report any concerns to an adult on campus. Your partnership is much appreciated. It is strongly encouraged that you monitor your child's online activity and any social media accounts.

Parent Volunteers ~

A few reminders when volunteering on campus... Please maintain confidentiality and refrain from sharing personal academic and behavioral information about other people's children. If you have questions or concerns, please speak to the teacher. We appreciate your support in maintaining a safe and respectful classroom environment.

Student Injuries ~

Students with injuries that require crutches, splints, slings, or other equipment MUST return to school with a doctor's note. District policy requires the note to indicate the student is cleared to return to campus and any restrictions. The nurse will contact you to pick up your child if they do not return with the appropriate documentation. Please call the office with any questions in order to avoid confusion.

Covid/Communicable Disease ~

Please notify the main office if your child tests positive for Covid or another contagious disease, such as lice or hand-foot-and-mouth disease. We are responsible for notifying any close contacts so that they know to look out for symptoms. You informing the office is a way to help ensure that everyone can make decisions to keep themselves and others healthy.

Arrival and Dismissal Gate Information

Students may enter any school gate for arrival and dismissal.

Arrival: Gates open at 7:30 am and are closed promptly at 8:01 am.

New this year- Students arriving to school after 8:01am MUST be escorted and signed into office.

Dismissal: Gates open at 2:29 pm (M, W, Th, F) and 1:29 pm on Tuesday. Gates are locked at 2:45 pm (1:45 on Tuesdays). UTK- 5th grade students not picked up on time will be taken to the after-school program (TPT) to wait for pickup.

TK, Kindergarten, and 1st grade parents, please pick up your students at their classroom.

Safety First During Drop Off and Pick Up!

Please model safe behavior when dropping off and picking up students. Be respectful of our surrounding community and follow traffic laws. Do not park in crosswalks, make illegal U-turns, block the driveways of our neighbors, or allow students to cross in the middle of the street. School police will be making patrols, and drivers may be ticketed. Thank you for your partnership and cooperation in advance.

Just A Reminder!

Thursday, September 3- Back-to-School Night 5:30-6:30pm

Friday, September 4 ~ School Closed / Admissions Day

Monday, September 7 ~ School Closed / Labor Day