Student Technology Usage

One of the many tools we hope to provide our students with is the ability to communicate appropriately in person and online. Along with that, we also want to instill good habits for responsible technology use in the interest of our students' safety while online. Recently, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of "Aristotle Alerts" from our technology monitoring software. These alerts are sent to building administrators when a particular word or phrase is flagged as inappropriate. Flagged items range from profanity used online or in song lyrics, words or phrases associated with violence, and racial slurs. One of the more common infractions we are experiencing is the use of the "n-word" by our students. In particular, this is occurring when students play an online game, and they use this term as an insult to other players online. Another specific area where we have seen a spike in this type of language is with streaming platforms like YouTube and Spotify.

At the beginning of the year, we reviewed the Acceptable Technology Use Policy with all students. In light of the dramatic uptick in these types of activities, we have addressed it with our entire student body again this week. Acceptable Technology Use at Riverbend looks like this:

• Students are using their school issued device only for school related purposes at school and at home.
  
• Google applications such as Google Docs and Google Slides are not to be used to chat with other students.
• Streaming content such as music and videos are appropriate for school use.

Students who do not adhere to these expectations will have disciplinary consequences as outlined in our student handbook policy for Acceptable Technology Use (Policy 11.3).

• FIRST OFFENSE: Up to 3 days of ISS
• SECOND OFFENSE: Up to 5 days of OSS
• THIRD OFFENSE: Up to 10 days of OSS and possible loss of all computer privileges

We recognize that many of our students do use their technology privileges responsibly and we are grateful for that. However, we felt it necessary to share this information with all of our parents and guardians in an effort to communicate transparently with you. We hope that you will have some productive and meaningful conversations with your students to reinforce the message they are receiving at school. As always, please feel free to reach out to an administrator if you have any questions or concerns.

Parent Conferences:

The message below is from an email sent out to all of our families earlier this week:

It is hard to believe we are midway through our first Trimester of the school year! Our students and staff have been doing some amazing things this year, and I am excited to see Riverbend's continued growth and success throughout this school year. I am emailing you today to let you know that your student's teachers will be reaching out to individually schedule any necessary parent/teacher conferences for the week of 10/2-10/6. We hope that this will allow for more flexibility in your schedule to arrange a conference at your convenience, rather than designating one evening for all conferences to take place.

As always, you are more than welcome to reach out at any time during the school year to request a meeting with any teacher or administrator. So, if you are unable to schedule a meeting during the upcoming week, please contact the staff member of your choice to set up an alternate time. Teachers will be reaching out by phone and/or email to request meetings. So, please be sure to keep an eye on your email and phone messages in the coming days.

Student Safety Update

We are excited to share that Riverbend has been provided with 2 handheld metal detectors purchased by the district. To ensure the safety of those present in our building, administrators may use these in any situation when it is necessary to search an individual who may have items that are prohibited on school grounds. Student safety is very important to us, and these are valuable tools to help us maintain a safe and secure school environment. If you would like to know more, please feel free to contact a Riverbend administrator.

Shout out to Nina Wilson for demonstrating the district pillar of COMMUNICATION. Nina was nominated by Mr. Dempsey. Riverbend appreciates Nina always communicating in a respectful way to her teachers and other students. Nina is able to communicate clearly and professionally.

Our 7th grade nominee for the Communication Pillar is Allison Jennings. Allison was nominated by ELA teacher, Ms. Megan Fink. Ms. Fink states, when Allison was absent, she was in constant communication with me to stay on top of her school work and with her class.

Prevention of head lice

Please remind your child not to share their personal items.

Head Lice can spread in many ways including:

• Head-to-Head contact with the infested person

• Sharing personal items like combs, brushes, or towels with the infested person

• Wearing clothes infested with lice, which includes hats, scarves and hair ribbons

• Using clothing or beddings that have recently been in contact with a person with lice

District policy for medication/ medication drop off

Please be aware that all prescription medications need to be dropped off by an adult/guardian to the school Nurse or Principal. Students should not be carrying medication at any time per district policy.

No medications, including over-the-counter medications, are to be carried in backpacks, purses, or on person for the safety of all of our students.

ALL homecoming info can be found on this link- including the parade float sign up. Our Homecoming parade is scheduled for Friday, October 13th at 2:30pm.

Red Ribbon Week will take place the week of October 23rd. We invite all students to participate in spirit week to "Be Kind To Your Mind."

This month's Beta Club Service Project is to bring in toiletry items for our building students in need. Please bring in either deodorant, body soap, or at least $2, so that we can purchase these items by October 27th. Turn these items into Mrs. Schultz (216) or Ms. Miles (210). In addition to turning in your items, please make sure that you mark the assignment complete in Google Classroom. Also, it is not too late to complete the September Service Project.

The 4th Annual Riverbend Craft Fair will be held on December 2, 2023. If you or someone you know is interested in registering a booth for this event, please contact Ms. Miles at riverbendcraftfair@gmail.com. We would also like to invite all family and community members to join us for a day of shopping. More information to come soon on times!

Article by Elijah Boyer and Tyler Vaughn, Riverbend Times

Photo by Mary Dunn, Digital Media Student

This week's Staff Spotlight is ELA teacher, Ms. Porter.

When Rachel Porter, an 8th-grade ELA teacher, became a teacher in 2021, she taught history, but has since moved to Riverbend to teach English. After moving, she has had a big sense of being welcomed by the community in Pacific. She has always loved working with kids and it’s just been natural to become a teacher.

“My grandparents inspired me to be a teacher,” Porter said. “My grandpa was a counselor and my grandma was a librarian.”

Before coming to Riverbend Middle School, Porter, had many jobs. She worked at a restaurant called Burrito-Ville, later at a daycare and worked as a history teacher at Hazelwood Northwest Middle School.

She attended Southeast Missouri State for about 7 years to get her degrees in political science and education. When she faced difficulties with life and finances, she had help from her parents.

We love to see our Riverbend students supporting each other at the various extracurricular activities around our district. Please note that all Riverbend students must be accompanied by an adult in order to attend an extracurricular event at any of our buildings around the district. Unaccompanied students will not be allowed to enter an event. If there are changes to game times, please check out the link below for additional information.

Helping students reach full potential through innovation, engagement, character, and community.

Website: mvr3.k12.mo.us

Location: 2085 Hwy N. Pacific, Mo. 63069
Phone: (636) 271-1481
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RMSIndians