Dear Riverview Parents,
Happy Friday! We hope you are well and are filled with hope and optimism for the spring. We have some important items to share with you this week, so please read through the following items in their entirety.
- Vaccines – We have some wonderful news to share with you. As many of you may know, Pre-K to 12 public and non-public school teachers, administrators, bus drivers, and other school staff, as well as early childhood education and childcare workers, will be vaccinated separately in Pennsylvania. The departments of Education (PDE) and Health (DOH), the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), and the National Guard are collaborating with the PA Intermediate Units and other education partners to develop an equitable statewide vaccine distribution plan. Riverview educators and staff will be vaccinated in two “tiers” over the next few weeks. According to the information we have, it seems that all Staff will be vaccinated by the start of the 4th marking period. How does this affect us? First and foremost, this provides an extra layer of protection to our educators, and therefore, an extra layer of protection to our school community. Overall, this is great news for Riverview and will help to allow for additional educational options for us moving forward.
- State Standardized Assessments – As you may or may not know, as a part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the Federal government requires each State to administer standardized assessments each year. Last year, due to complications related to the pandemic, the Federal Government allowed States to apply for waivers allowing for postponement of those assessments. We were hoping for a similar waiver this year. However, the Federal Government are standing firm on standardized assessments, as they want a better understanding of how the pandemic has affected student learning, and the need for data to help appropriate additional funding and emphasis on public schools. How does this affect us? We are preparing to administer all PSSA, Keystone, and AP assessments this spring. Therefore, try to encourage your children to do their best, and stay patient and positive with the process.
- Masks and Safety Measures – Although case numbers and positivity rates continue to improve and vaccines continue to raise immunity, please remember that we are still in a health crisis. Please continue to wear your masks, stay safe, and avoid close contact with other people and families at this time. We will continue to do the same here at school.
- Upcoming Board Meetings – We have a Student Life Board Study Session this Monday at 7pm via Zoom, and there are some great topics for discussion. There is also a voting meeting the week after on Monday, March 15th at 7pm. Please join us!
In the meantime, please continue to stay happy, peaceful, and safe. Thank you for your continued support of the Riverview School District.
Go Raiders!
Sincerely,
The Riverview Administration