Riverview officials ready to welcome students back

Riverview administrators are preparing for the return of their Raiders.

With the first day of school fast approaching on Aug. 21, staff is ready to welcome 405 students to Tenth Street Elementary, 160 students to Verner Elementary and 434 students to Riverview Junior-Senior High School.

“Across the district, several exciting updates and enhancements are in place for the upcoming school year,” said David Turk, Riverview Junior High principal. “Our custodial and maintenance teams worked diligently over the summer to ensure our buildings are ready to welcome students and staff.”

Turk said improvements include newly paved parking lots at all district buildings, replacement of stair treads and 200 new desks were added to the junior-senior high school.

“From a staffing perspective, we are pleased to welcome five new teachers district-wide, with a sixth expected to join soon as we finalize the hiring of a new Spanish teacher,” Turk said.

He said high school students will be offered the opportunity to enroll in creative writing and entrepreneurship, and co-taught classes will be increased in both the middle and high schools (co-taught class is when two or more teachers share responsibility for instructing a single group of students). This model can be used to support students with diverse learning needs, including those with disabilities, by combining the expertise of both general and special education teachers.

“Our administrative team is energized by the many improvements across the district and the academic innovations for the upcoming year,” Turk said. “The physical upgrades to our buildings — including new paving, refreshed interiors and new classroom furniture — demonstrate our ongoing commitment to safe, welcoming learning environments.”

The district is hosting a series of events throughout August leading up to the first day of school. Verner hosted a National Night Out on Aug. 5, featuring food, activities and the distribution of free backpacks and school supplies. A new family orientation will be hosted on Aug. 12 at Tenth Street and a seventh grade orientation breakfast will be hosted at the junior-senior high school on Aug. 13.

Both elementary schools will host back-to-school food truck events on the first day.

“We look forward to reconnecting with students and families and continuing to build a strong, supportive school community, as Riverview is more than just a school district — it’s a family,” Turk said.