November 25, 2025

Dear Parents/Guardians/Staff,

This newsletter features information on how growth plans can be built for students, a message from Mrs. Ruff, Child Study Team Director, updated key dates through February, some happenings in the district, and a few reminders.

Congratulations Mr. Stellwag and Mrs. Hunter!!!
We are thrilled to share some outstanding news with our school community. Two of our very own Riverside High School teachers have been selected by the New Jersey Department of Education to receive the Exemplary Educator Award! Only 120 educators earned this prestigious honor in the entire state of New Jersey for grades 6th - 12th this year!

Sincerely,
Michael Adams
Superintendent

As we move into the second quarter in the Middle School/High School and approach the end of the first trimester at the Elementary School, our focus shifts from reflecting on progress to planning for growth. Report cards and progress reports aren’t just a snapshot of grades — they’re a story of learning. They highlight strengths, reveal areas for continued growth, and guide both teachers and families in supporting each child’s next steps.

In every classroom, teachers have been reviewing student data, setting new learning goals, and adjusting instruction to meet students where they are. The same reflection can happen at home. Families can help by talking with children about what they’ve learned so far, what they’re proud of, and what they’d like to achieve next. These simple goal-setting conversations foster ownership and build a growth mindset — the belief that effort and practice lead to improvement.

You might start with questions like:

“What’s one thing that’s been easier for you this quarter?”

“What’s something that still feels tricky, and what could help?”

“What’s a goal you’d like to work toward by winter break?”

From there, create small, specific action steps together — whether it’s studying a bit earlier for tests, practicing math facts a few minutes a day, or reading a few extra pages each night. These daily habits help students strengthen responsibility, focus, and perseverance.

Progress reports mark a moment in time, but progress itself is continuous. Every small, consistent step — both in school and at home — adds up to big growth over time.

As the first marking period comes to a close, this is a natural time to pause, reflect, and celebrate how far our students have come. November invites us to focus on gratitude, and in special education, that means recognizing progress in all its forms.

At the end of each marking period, families will receive progress reports that show how students are advancing toward their IEP goals. These updates do more than fulfill a requirement; they tell the story of growth. Each data point represents countless small moments of perseverance: a student finally mastering a new word, using a coping strategy, or raising a hand to participate.

Why Progress Matters 📈

Growth over perfection. Progress may not always look like a straight line, but each step forward, no matter how small, is meaningful.

Data as a story. Behind every progress report is a journey of learning, patience, and teamwork. Monitoring data helps us celebrate what’s working and plan support where needed.

Partnership makes it possible. When teachers, specialists, and families share insights, students benefit from consistency across school and home.

Tips for Families 🏡

Review IEP progress reports together. Take time to celebrate your child’s growth before focusing on what’s next. Ask, “What’s one goal you’re proud of this marking period?”

Notice every day wins. Maybe your child showed independence in getting ready for school or used new calming strategies at home; those moments count!

Stay connected. If you have questions about your child’s goals or progress, reach out to the case manager or teacher to discuss next steps together.

Encourage persistence. Remind your child that learning takes time and that effort matters as much as achievement.

Tips for Teachers 🍎

Highlight growth intentionally. Point out specific examples when students meet or exceed their IEP goals—it builds confidence and motivation.

Communicate clearly. When sending home progress updates, use family-friendly language to help parents understand data and next steps.

Celebrate small victories. A high-five, a sticker, or a quick note home reinforces positive progress and relationships.

Reflect on instruction. Progress data can guide future planning, identify which supports are helping, and show where we can adjust to keep momentum strong.

Celebrating ALL Wins in Special Education 💫

As we move through this season of thankfulness, let’s take a moment to appreciate the meaningful progress we’ve witnessed and the important milestones our students continue to reach. Each achievement reflects steady growth, persistence, and the power of shared effort. 🌟

We are thrilled to share some outstanding news with our school community. Two of our very own RHS teachers have been selected by the New Jersey Department of Education to receive the Exemplary Educator Award! 🏆🍎 

Only 120 educators earned this prestigious honor in the entire state of New Jersey for grades 6th - 12th, and it recognizes teachers who:
✨ Demonstrate exceptional knowledge and instructional skill,
✨ Inspire students through their passion and leadership, and
✨ Make a meaningful and positive impact on their school community.

Having TWO Riverside High School teachers selected in the same year is a remarkable accomplishment and a reflection of the extraordinary work happening in our classrooms each day.

Please join us in congratulating:

🎉 Mr. Stellwag 🏆

🎉 Mrs. Hunter 🏆

We are incredibly proud of their dedication and the example they set for our students, colleagues, and the entire Riverside community.

This week, we have been shining a huge spotlight on the incredible substitute teachers who step in every day to keep our classrooms running smoothly! Your flexibility, dedication, and positive energy make such a difference for our students and staff alike.

Thank you for being the reliable heroes who help keep learning going strong — we appreciate you more than words can say! 💙👏

A huge shoutout to Julius, who has been an outstanding member of our very first Running Club, and Arrie, who has played a vital role in our Volleyball Club this season.

We’re proud of their dedication, leadership, and commitment to representing Riverside Middle School with pride! 💙

Congrats to our RHS Athletes of the Month! Andrew has made impressive moves on the football field, and Zachary shines as a leader on our Cross Country team. Give a big round of applause for both of these talented athletes! 

In AP Statistics with Mr. Postell, students dove into an energetic, project-based learning experience as they prepared for their upcoming adventure in the Big Apple. Their trip to New York City will take them to The Edge observatory—one of the city’s most breathtaking viewpoints—where they’ll conduct a real observational study using the statistical skills they’ve been building all year.

To gear up for this authentic field experience, students engaged in a hands-on lesson that brought statistical design to life. Working with math partners, they brainstormed the kinds of behaviors they might observe at The Edge and discussed how to define each behavior clearly so every observer collects data the same way. Together, they mapped out when, where, and how they would carry out their observations, discovering that strong planning is the key to producing meaningful and valid results.

The room buzzed with debate as students explored different sampling methods to decide how they should select individuals to observe. They weighed the practicality of each approach against its statistical integrity, uncovering the challenges of minimizing bias in a bustling location like a New York City observatory. From observer bias to convenience bias, students considered real obstacles and developed strategies to keep their study as fair and accurate as possible.

By the end of the lesson, the class had not only designed thoughtful observational studies but also strengthened their confidence in applying statistical reasoning to real-world situations. With their plans in hand and excitement building for their trip, these AP Stat students are ready to take their learning to new heights—literally—at The Edge.

The National Honor Society hosted a wonderfully successful blood drive through the American Red Cross. Thank you to all of the volunteers that helped run the event and most especially to everyone that came out and donated.  We are so grateful for the support from our community!

Students in Mrs. Tippner’s class explored acid rain through an exciting hands-on lab 🌧️. They measured the pH of unpolluted water and compared it to simulated acid rain using real scientific tools. Students then modeled the effects of acid rain on human-made structures to see how weathering and erosion happen over time. They truly made science come to life! 🌟 

Students in Ms. Sereduk’s class practiced language acquisition by using adjectives to describe places and learning how to talk about their hometowns in conversation. They extended these skills by exploring and describing features of the broader New Jersey area. Students applied their new vocabulary in meaningful, real-world contexts.

In Ms. Starke’s English class, seniors are sharpening their close reading and comprehension skills through thoughtful analysis. Lively discussions have them digging into the text and connecting ideas. The class was engaging deeply and thinking critically at every step.

Students in Mrs. Bucci’s art class are exploring new artistic techniques. After practicing how to draw eyes with shading and guided strategies, they’re applying what they learned. Their final challenge is creating eyes for people of all ages.

We had the pleasure of welcoming our 8th-grade students and their families from Riverside and Delanco to explore all that RHS has to offer—and what an incredible evening it was!

Our administrators, staff, and students proudly showcased what makes Riverside High School such a special place. Families learned about our academic programs, activities, athletics, and all the exciting new courses and experiences available to students as they begin their high school journey.

Guests enjoyed a guided tour of the school, seeing our classrooms, facilities, and the many spaces where students learn, grow, and lead. The evening wrapped up with refreshments in the gymnasium, where families could ask questions, connect with staff, and feel the Ram spirit firsthand.

Thank you to everyone who attended and to our amazing team for making the night such a success. We can’t wait to welcome the Class of 2029 to RHS!

We are SO proud to share that 70 of our Riverside Middle School students earned Renaissance Card status this marking period — an incredible achievement that reflects their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence! 💛

These outstanding Rams showed what it truly means to be part of our Renaissance program by:
✨ Coming to school on time
📚 Maintaining stellar grades
🏀 Participating in extracurricular activities
💛 Displaying our Pillars of Character every single day

To celebrate their success, our cardholders enjoyed an unforgettable trip to Top Golf, where they were treated to a delicious breakfast buffet and a morning filled with golf games, laughs, and team spirit. It was the perfect way to honor their achievements and remind them that hard work really does pay off! 🎉⛳️

We are incredibly proud of our Renaissance Rams — keep shining, keep leading, and keep setting the bar high! 🐏💫

Riverside Middle School proudly celebrated our incredible Fall Sports student-athletes at the RMS Fall Sports Social! 🌟

Our dedicated coaches recognized each athlete for a ramtastic season filled with sportsmanship, hard work, and camaraderie. Every team also honored three athletes with special awards highlighting their unique strengths, leadership, and growth throughout the season. 🏆💪

We are so grateful for our students, families, and coaches who support our programs and make our Ram community so strong. To show our appreciation, we wrapped up the evening with delicious desserts and refreshments enjoyed by all. 🍪🧁🥤

Congratulations to all of our Fall athletes — you make us proud to be RAMS! 💜🐏✨

Mrs. Porreca and Ms. Bouchey’s 6th Grade math class is absolutely crushing their work with algebraic equations! 💥📘

Students are building strong foundations by solving one-step and two-step equations, justifying their thinking, and explaining their strategies like true mathematicians. Their teamwork, perseverance, and problem-solving skills are shining every day!

Way to go, Rams—your math minds are on fire! 🔥➕🐏

Students in Mrs. Stroebel’s ELA class are taking their writing to the next level by using the RACE Strategy to explain cause and effect relationships! 📝✨

They are restating the question, citing evidence, analyzing their reasoning, and extending their thinking with clarity and confidence. This structured approach is helping students strengthen their writing skills and communicate their ideas like pros.

Proud of these thoughtful writers and all the hard work they’re putting in! 💜📚🐏

In Ms. DePietro’s Art class, students are discovering the true power of paint—where creativity meets color and imagination knows no limits! 🎨✨

Our young artists explored blending, layering, and technique to bring their canvases to life in bold and expressive ways. From choosing the perfect palette to adding those final touches, students showcased confidence, originality, and artistic growth.

RMS is bursting with color thanks to these talented creators! 🌈🐏💜

Our 6th graders are diving into some exciting learning with Carnegie ClearMath, and the momentum is real!

One group has been exploring composite figures, breaking down big, complicated shapes into smaller, familiar pieces—like solving a shape puzzle! 🧩✨ Using the ClearMath routines, they’re sketching, visualizing, and explaining their strategies as they strengthen their problem-solving superpowers.

Another group has jumped into the world of algebraic expressions, spotting coefficients, variables, constants, and operations like math detectives. 🕵️‍♀️➕ With ClearMath’s collaborative structures, they’re working in small groups, talking through their thinking, and building the foundation for writing and simplifying expressions later this month.

Our Rams are collaborating, thinking deeply, and showing just how fun and powerful math learning can be. Math momentum is strong in 6th grade! 💡💪🎉

 Students in Ms. Black and Ms. Hangey's third-grade class are immersing themselves in a historical fiction unit centered on immigration. Through rich storytelling and thoughtful discussion, students are learning about the experiences of families who left their homelands in search of new opportunities. The class is building background knowledge, making text-to-world connections, and engaging in conversations about courage, culture, and the journeys that shaped our nation’s history.

In Mrs. Burry’s fifth-grade classroom, students are using an interactive math game to strengthen their understanding of multiplying powers of 10. Working together, students roll numbers, compute products, and compare which answer is larger. This hands-on approach not only reinforces place value and exponential reasoning, but also encourages teamwork, strategic thinking, and friendly competition—all while having fun with math.

Mrs. James’ class is hard at work using the Wonders Reading program to develop their opinion writing skills. After conducting a classroom poll, students are crafting essays in response to the question: “Should the Watch Tower be restored or demolished?” Students are learning to state a clear opinion, support their thinking with evidence, and explain their reasoning. This real-world writing task is helping them become confident, thoughtful communicators.

Mrs. Svekla's students explored the power of storytelling and discovered that even when we start with the same pictures, everyone’s story can turn out completely different!

Students talked through each picture as a class, sharing ideas and noticing details . Then they set off on their own creative journeys, writing unique stories based on what they saw. 

To help spark their imagination, they had access to sentence starters—perfect for kicking off their creative flow! 

We loved seeing their creativity shine! 

Second graders in Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Schneck’s classroom are strengthening their literacy skills through guided reading and sight-word practice. Small-group instruction allows each student to receive targeted support while reading leveled texts that match their needs. Students are practicing decoding, building fluency, and expanding vocabulary as they become more independent and enthusiastic readers.

Students in Mrs. Stenn’s second-grade class are tackling two-step word problems using a variety of hands-on manipulatives. By using tools such as counters, cubes, and number lines, students are learning to break problems into manageable steps and explain their thinking clearly. This concrete approach helps build strong math foundations and supports a deeper understanding of addition, subtraction, and multi-step reasoning.

In Ms. Morton’s third-grade class, students are strengthening their ELA skills through collaborative conversations. After reading their story, classmates paired up and shared their thinking, asked questions, and checked for understanding together.

It was wonderful to see students discussing key details, clarifying ideas, and building deeper comprehension as a team. Great job, third graders—your voices and ideas make the classroom come alive!

Today’s districtwide trivia call-in was brought to you by our amazing RHS Rampage students — Alex, Brianne, and Emily! 🌟 They asked the big question:

“What year was the Rampage established?”

 🅰️ 1980

 🅱️ 2020

 🅲 1966 

 🅳 2023

And our brilliant students knew their history — 1966 is correct! 🎉🎉

🍧 Congratulations to this week’s Snowcone Champions:

 🏫 RES — Ms. Heller’s class

 🏫 RMS — Mr. Philips’ class

 🏫 RHS — Mrs. Hunter’s class

Way to go, Rams! 🙌💙

 Until next week… be kind, study hard, and RAM UP! 🐏🔥

In partnership with the Knights of Columbus, our High School Student Council will be assembling and delivering Christmas meals to 250 families in our tri-town area this holiday season. 🥫✨

We’re asking for donations of unexpired, non-perishable foods such as peanut butter, boxes of cereal, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, noodles, and more! Every item helps make a difference for families in need. 🙌

🍩🥨 To make it even sweeter — the homeroom/classroom that collects the most items in each building will win a donut or soft pretzel party, courtesy of the Student Council!
Let’s come together, Riverside — small acts of kindness make a big impact! 💚❤️

NJ Information Hub https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/food/get-food-this-week.shtml

Community Food Bank of NJ https://cfbnj.org/find-foods-services/

Food Bank of South Jersey https://foodbanksj.org/zip-code-locator/

Using the links below, you will be able to view our updated or new BOE policies/regulations adopted at the November 13, 2025, BOE meeting (based on updates from the Strauss Esmay company).

As previously mentioned in past correspondence, all of the Riverside Township Public School District BOE policies and regulations are on our district website. You can access them by following the steps below:
1) Go to the district website.
2) Then go to the Board of Education menu.
3) You will then see the menu entitled "Board Policies" and "Board Regulations."

November 2025 Policies and Regulations- BOE Approved

P2535- Library Material

P9163- Spectator Code of Conduct

R1330- Evaluation of Business Administrator

R1400- Job Descriptions

R2464- Gifted and Talented Students

R2535- Library Material

R5130- Withdrawal From School

R5410- Promotion and Retention

R5420-Reporting of Student Progress

R5550- Disaffected Students

R5560- Disruptive Students

R5750- Equal Education Opportunity Complaint Procedures

R5860- Rules for Safety Patrol Members

R6422- Budget Transfers

R6810- Financial Objectives

R7410.01- Facilities Maintenance

R7420- Handling and Disposal of Body Waste and Fluids

R7420.1- Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan

R7420.2- Chemical Hygiene

R8451- Control of Communicable Diseases

November 2025 Abolished Policy

P5570- Sportsmanship **Note: Policy 9163, Spectator Code of Conduct took the place of this policy

HVAC

As of November 13th, the HVAC project within the gymnasium, all-purpose room, and fitness center is essentially complete. All equipment and materials have been installed, and rooms have been painted. The system itself is actually running and cooling these areas as needed. The only work left in this project is a rebalancing of the system.

Just like the HVAC project, this project is nearly completed. Footings for the courtyard shade sails were installed during the teacher's convention as well as new striping for the parking near the ES media center as well as the pole barn parking lot. At this time, we're anticipating the courtyard area to receive a final layer of asphalt during winter break or sooner. The shade sail system should be fully installed during the winter or early spring. Once the shade sails and picnic benches have been installed, the project will be closed out.

We are coming into the final weeks of this project with substantial completion by the end of the month. Flooring inside the building is completed. Data drops and phone lines are just about completed. The phone and intercom system will be installed shortly. Individual classroom cubbies have been installed, and upper cabinets will be delivered and installed over the next couple of weeks. Exterior finishes are onsite and ready to be installed, and the front door awning has been delivered and will be installed over the next few days. The final utility piece of the building is the water, and we are currently waiting on a water meter and service to the building. The goal is to have a TCO or CO issued by mid-December with all furniture moved into the classrooms shortly after. The expectation is to have the building ready for use after students return from winter break.

Our district's Facebook page serves as a fantastic digital hub where we can all come together to share and discover information, fostering a sense of connection and unity. Here, you'll find a vibrant array of updates, highlights, and insights into the wonderful happenings within our school. From heartwarming student achievements to exciting classroom activities and upcoming events, our Facebook page is the perfect place to stay informed and engaged. It's not just a platform; it's a dynamic space where we can celebrate our collective achievements, support one another, and strengthen the bonds that make our school community truly exceptional. With so much going on during the school day and after hours, our Facebook page is the best place to make sure you always know in advance when there will be an event to enjoy around the school or extended community.

We look forward to having you join us in our cozy digital home on Facebook! Find us here and then click the three dots near the upper right side of the page (under search) and select FOLLOW. Then you will automatically get updates about what is going on and what is coming up for Riverside Schools and Community!

RTSD Sports Hub Link

The RTSD Sports Hub site is live. In addition to a variety of RHS/RMS athletic information, you can find the RHS/RMS team schedules in the link below.

riversideramsathletics.org

NFHS Network - Streaming Games

Riverside Rams fans can stream games live, or watch back on demand, any competitions that are broadcast from our Rocky Cancellieri Football Stadium or our Pop Vernon Field House. Fans can go directly to https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/ and search for Riverside High School. Monthly and annual subscription plans are available. Members will get access to stream and view any games on the network from a variety of devices.

GoFan - Mobile Ticketing

When attending ticketed events at Riverside High School, fans are able to purchase tickets through our partnership with GoFan. We have QR codes and card readers on site, but the best way to now purchase your tickets to our events is through their mobile iPhone or Android GoFan app, or online at gofan.co. We are cashless for any ticketed sporting events, so please plan ahead.

The school district offers a variety of clubs/activities for the students. Our dedicated staff also volunteers their time to serve as the advisor of several of the clubs included in the link below. If your child is interested in any of the clubs/activities listed in the link and is not already currently in that specific club/activity, please have them contact the advisor directly. Please note that some clubs have prerequisites (for example, the National Honor Society), and a few may have a capacity number due to various variables.

Click here to view the 2025-2026 RTSD Clubs

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are delighted to announce that Riverside Township School District will be participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2025-2026 school year. This means that ALL enrolled students in Riverside Township School District will receive healthy breakfast and lunch meals each day at no cost to your household.

You may be wondering why you still need to complete a School Meals and Summer EBT Application. All parents and guardians are required by the State of New Jersey to submit this application or check that you do not want to apply, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Only one application is needed per household.

• Completing this application is important because approval for free school meals automatically qualifies your child for Summer EBT, a program that provides a one-time $120 benefit for groceries during the summer months. Applying for free school meals is a quick, easy, and secure process!
• Applications can be downloaded from our website at www.riverside.k12.nj.us. Each office has copies available. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a notice in the mail regarding your child eligibility for free or reduced-price meals.
• Your participation is crucial! Every eligible form that is not submitted means a loss of potential resources for our schools. Please submit your completed application as soon as possible to help ensure our school receives the maximum funding this year.

If your child wishes to have a second meal, the cost for breakfast at the elementary level is $1.50 and lunch is $3.05. For our Middle and High School students, a second breakfast is $1.75 and a second lunch is $3.20.

Please note that à la carte items and snacks, such as beverages, chips, and cookies, are not free. Prices for these items will be posted in each cafeteria.

Participating in our school breakfast and lunch program provides nutritious food for our students, helping them to concentrate better and learn more. It also saves you valuable time and money at home. We are committed to promoting healthy eating habits and continuously improving our kitchen offerings.

We hope you will join us and the school community in supporting this exciting new program by encouraging your child's participation in school breakfast and lunch this year. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss special dietary needs, please do not hesitate to contact our Food Service Director at (856)461-1255.

Thank you for your Support

Robert O‘Brien

School Business Administrator

We are excited to welcome all of our parents and guardians to OnCourse Connect, our new student information system that is now fully replacing Genesis. OnCourse Connect provides a secure, user-friendly portal where you can access important information about your child’s education—grades, attendance, schedules, and more—all in real time. Starting this summer, Riverside Township School District will move to OnCourse for student, parent, and staff information, including academics, attendance, etc. Please note that all district communication will continue through Parent Square and remain unchanged. You will still receive the same notifications, newsletters, and important information through the ParentSquare App, text, or email notifications based on your settings. 

Important Next Steps:

In the coming days, all primary guardians of students currently in PreK to 11th grade will receive an email from OnCourse Connect with your unique username and initial password. Below you will see a preview of what that email will look like so you can recognize it when it arrives.

Welcome to OnCourse Connect! OnCourse Connect is a secure web portal that allows parents and guardians to view student information in real time, including: student schedules, grades, attendance, and homework.

Your OnCourse Connect Username is: ${UserName}

Your temporary password is: ${InitialPassword}

To log on, please visit: www.oncourseconnect.com

You can also access OnCourse Connect on your mobile device. The OnCourse Connect app is available in the iOS App Store and Google Play Store.

Kind Regards,

The OnCourse Team

Once you receive the login credentials, please follow the directions in the email to access the portal and:

 Confirm you are correctly linked to all of your children in the district. Even if you have more than one student in the district, you should only have your one unique username and login that is linked to all of them. If that is not the case, let us know using the email below, and we will update it for you. 

 Ensure your parent/guardian contact information is accurate. Feel free to add updated or additional phone numbers or emails. The more ways we have to contact you, the better. 

 Review, update, and add emergency contacts as needed. We transferred over all of our primary contacts, but the more data you transfer, the greater the chances that something moves incorrectly or that something old and outdated moves over with the accurate information. Therefore, rather than prioritizing the transfer of all of our historic emergency contacts, we are asking each family to take a moment to re-verify that your emergency contacts are entered correctly so we can be completely sure that all of the information in our new system is 100% correct. 

Keeping this information current is essential. Without accurate information in the portal, it may be very difficult for you and your child to access fall class schedules later this summer.

Please note that grades, attendance, and remaining health/medical data will not be transferred into OnCourse until the summer. So, while you can look around the different tabs, right now the primary tab open for parent access is the contact information. The rest of the system is still pending final summer updates. 

These short videos below will give you an idea what it will look like when you log in for the first time and what you will see as you verify your student, guardian, and emergency contact information. If: 

1) you need help accessing your account or updating your information; or if 

2) there is another primary guardian in your household who should also have portal access that you are not able to add yourself; or

3) there are any errors or concerns with any of this process; 

Please email us at this dedicated email address that we will use to ensure all parents and guardians can access their accounts- OnCourseAccess@riverside.k12.nj.us.

VIDEOS

Initial Login to OnCourse Connect - Make a New Password - All 3 Languages 11 June 2025

Updating Contact Information - ENGLISH- OnCourse Connect - 11 June 2025

Updating Contact Information in Spanish - OnCourse Connect - 11 June 2025

Updating Contact Information in Portuguese- OnCourse Connect - 11 June 2025

Thank you for your partnership as we transition to this improved system that strengthens communication and supports student success.

You can also view the calendar by clicking this link: 2025 -2026 School Calendar.

The Riverside Township School District has developed protocols for any immigration enforcement efforts on school property, and we have communicated those protocols to appropriate staff members. These protocols are consistent with guidance from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), “School Preparedness and Emergency Planning.” The link to the NJDOE website is:

https://nj.gov/education/security/studentrights/index.shtml

The District will adhere to the guidance from the NJDOE and the New Jersey Attorney General’s office. We remain committed to keeping our schools a safe space for all of our students to learn and grow. We want to ensure that all students feel safe and supported during their learning. If you notice a student experiencing emotional challenges related to this topic or any other topic, please contact the administration or a school counselor for guidance and support. Additionally, please find Ms. Blatchley's (RTSD Dean of Program and Students) latest "Wellness Wednesday" newsletter in the link below, which contains social-emotional tips and activities.

https://sites.google.com/riverside.k12.nj.us/wellnesswednesdaywinteredition?usp=sharing

ZeroEyes is now fully installed throughout the district's interior and exterior and at our stadium. ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software is layered on existing Riverside Township School District digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, ZeroEyes dispatches accurate and real-time actionable intelligence about the illegal carrying of a gun near or in an occupied area or building to administration and law enforcement. ZeroEyes will dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence, including visual description, gun type, and person (s) location, to local law enforcement and the school security team as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from detection.

Additionally, as mentioned in previous correspondence, 3M ballistic window film was installed this past summer on various exterior windows and doors throughout the district.

The Zero Eyes sign listed below is posted throughout the district. 

Riverside Township School District has just launched its brand-new Parent Programs website. Our Dean of Programs and Students, Mrs. Ruff (newly appointed CST Director), has developed a one-stop destination for valuable resources, informative videos, a calendar of upcoming events, and a helpful Q&A section. Stay engaged and informed as we support our students together. Check it out today!

Ram-Powering Parents Website

Our school uses ParentSquare for all communication, including emails, texts, and app notifications. 📨📱 ParentSquare uses your email and phone number from Genesis and will create your account. Make sure you register your account through the email that has been sent. 

We encourage you to access your account, download the mobile app, and update your preferences on when and how you are notified. 📲✅

Stay connected and never miss an important update! 🌟

#ParentSquare #StayConnected #SchoolCommunication

As the school year ends, we know summer can present unique challenges for students and their families. To support their mental well-being, CareSolace has created a Family Survival Kit for Summer, offering comprehensive tips and guidelines for a smooth transition out of school.

The Kit Includes: 

🌴 Summer Vacation Intention Setting: A guided activity for setting positive summer intentions, fostering purpose and joy.

💡 Tips for Parents Over the Summer: Advice on balancing activities, screen time, and relaxation for a healthy summer environment.

💛 How to Find a Therapist Over the Summer: Steps on how to notice the need for therapy, approach the topic, and connect with a mental health professional through Care Solace.

📝 Establishing a Routine: Helpful ideas on how to set a routine over the summer that prioritizes family, fun, and responsibility. 

Check it out by clicking the attached documents to this post, have a great summer! 


Riverside Township Public School District students, staff & families looking for help with mental health or substance use, can call Care Solace at 888-515-0595 for 24/7/365 personalized & confidential help finding a therapist or you can search on your own at www.caresolace.com/rtpsd.