Riverside USD 114

Riverside Counselors have compiled Covid Resources pertaining to county covid and social emotional resources, as well as the counseling continuous learning plan. These resources can be found at this link. https://www.usd114.org/o/riverside-usd-114/browse/121188

This is a reminder that the USDA and Kansas Department of Education are enabling us to offer free school meals to all children from 1 to 18 years old. These meals are reimbursable meals for the district from those agencies. All students may participate and the district will be able to count any and all meals as reimbursable meals. There is not a limitation on who and how many students can participate in this program. Students may pick up lunches at either campus distribution location. Please remember that we ask that you call or text the following numbers by 10:00 am everyday to let the school know how many meals to prepare for your children: East Campus Pick Up: 816-752-6935
(11th Street, south-bound – same as student drop off line)
West Campus Pick Up: 816-390-2486
(Pick Up Location: Jessie Street south-bound – in front of RHS)

Please follow the link to the Riverside Family Pulse Survey. This survey is to help the Riverside School system better meet the needs of students and families. This will help us grow into this new way of supporting you. It will allow us to see if there are patterns indicating we need to make adjustments to our plans. Thank you for your help! https://forms.gle/5MerYBYj2h53wfd67

Drive Thru/Walk Thru School Meals are being served at both pickup locations Monday through Friday each week. Meals will be served even on days that are scheduled as non school weekday attendance days. (for example Easter break) Meals will be served through the last scheduled school day of this school year which is Thursday, May 21st.

Please don't hesitate to reach out, we are here for you!

This afternoon our school district was advised by the local Health department and KSDE to lock down and prohibit the use of the West Campus track area and playground to all persons. This action was necessary due to numerous reports of people in non-compliance of the playground and social distancing restrictions. This area will be closed until further notice. Thank you for your positive cooperation.

USD 114 NAMES NEW SUPERINTENDENT Mr. Travis Githens begins leadership of USD 114 on July 1. March 30, 2020 The USD 114 Board of Education has announced the selection of Mr. Travis Githens, as the new superintendent. Mr. Githens will take the reins on July 1, 2020, after the resignation of Mr. Robert W. Blair at the end of the 2019-20 school year. Mr. Githens has broad educational experience, as a teacher, administrator and an educator of educators. He has been principal of Chase County Junior & Senior High School USD 284 Cottonwood Falls, KS, teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, Fredonia USD 484, and Vice-President for Career and Technical Education at Independence Community College. He oversaw developing new academic programming and curriculum, mentoring faculty, managing large budgets including federal and state grant funds, working with contractors during two major campus construction and expansions for both building and system wide levels. The mission of Riverside Schools is to provide a safe environment that empowers children to obtain their educational and personal potential as life-long learners. Board President Jennifer Davis says that Mr. Githens emerged from a very thorough search process as the right candidate to lead the District. “The Board is certain in our choice of Mr. Travis Githens and confident that under his leadership USD 114 will continue to be recognized as excellent environment for learning. Jennifer Davis, Board President, explained that community input, including the involvement of a committee of stakeholders was a key factor in the success of the superintendent search process. The committee included support staff, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members. “The input from the community as a whole was very helpful to our process.” The Board selected two finalists, who were interviewed by the Board. As a board team we feel we made the right selection to serve our students and our community.

There will be a special Board of Education meeting for the Purpose to Approve KSDE Waiver/Superintendent Search tonight, Monday, March 30, 2020 at 5:30 PM in the West Campus Multi-Purpose Room in Wathena. You may listen to this meeting by calling (773) 231 9226 and utilize the meeting ID of 665 103 8579. See https://www.usd114.org/o/riverside-usd-114/page/audio-board-meeting-attendance-information for more details.

RHS parents: The following link is the high school continuous learning plan with information on student learning expectations for this quarter. https://5il.co/eaje

Board to Interview Superintendent Candidate USD 114 Mr. Travis Githens will be interviewing for the position of superintendent with the board of education on the evening of March 26, 2020. Mr. Travis Githens is the 2nd of two candidates that the USD 114 Riverside board of education will be interviewing. Candidates were selected for interviews based on their fit with desired characteristics that were developed with input from focus groups that were utilized throughout the search process. Mr. Travis Githens is currently serving as Principal of Chase County Junior Senior High School USD 284 Cottonwood Falls, KS. He is in his fifth year in that position. Previously, Mr. Githens served as a teacher for one year in Fredonia USD 484 Lincoln Elementary School. Mr. Travis Githens’ Schedule March 26, 2020 4:00-5:00 Tour of the East & West Campus district facilities and Elwood & Wathena communities with Superintendent and Principals. 5:00–5:30 Virtual Introduction & Message from the finalist recorded & available on the district Facebook & website later in the evening. This change is due to COVID-19 guidelines. 5:30–9:30 Dinner with Board & Formal interview with the board and candidate conducted in executive session. The board of education will conclude interviews on March 26, 2020. They will then determine which candidates are the best fit for the superintendent position in USD 114 Riverside.

As your students bring home their technology please remember these important tips! You can also view our acceptable use policy at the link below! https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/326257/MS_Use_Policy.pdf

Rainbow communications has enabled hotspots for internet access at the locations in the graphic. Social distance must still be maintained, but these sites are available for internet access.

USD 114 Board of Education to Interview Superintendent Candidate Mrs. Jennifer Gatz will be interviewing for the position of superintendent with the board of education on the evening of March 25, 2020. Mrs. Jennifer Gatz is the 1st of two candidates that the USD 114 Riverside board of education will be interviewing. Candidates were selected for interviews based on their fit with desired characteristics that were developed with input from focus groups that were utilized throughout the search process. Mrs. Jennifer Gatz is currently serving as the Director of Student Learning for the District of USD 113 Prairie Hills, Sabetha, KS. She is in his/her fourth year in that position. Previously, Mrs. Gatz served as a principal for one year in USD 113, and an Administrative Intern for one year. Dr. Jennifer Gatz’s Schedule March 25, 2020 5:00 Virtual Introduction & Message from the finalist recorded & available on the district Facebook & website later in the evening. This change is due to COVID-19 guidelines. 5:30 – 9:30 Dinner with Board & Formal interview with the board and candidate conducted in executive session The board of education will conclude interviews on March 26, 2020. They will then determine which candidates are the best fit for the superintendent position in USD 114 Riverside.

Riverside High School Students may pick up their personal belongings and other needed educational materials at any of the following times: Wednesday, March 25: 1:00 - 3:00 pm Thursday, March 26: 1:00 - 3:00 pm Friday, March 27: 1:00 - 3:00 pm Students will be expected to park their vehicles in the student parking lot across the street from the high school. Students will call the high school office phone number, 785-989-4426. After calling, an RHS staff member will deliver their belongings to the parking lot. Students will be expected to stay in their vehicles until their belongings are delivered and not congregate with other students. In the event that students are unable to pick-up at any of the above times, please call the high school office and make an alternate appointment.

The Doniphan County Health Department has ordered that the use of all playground equipment is prohibited to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COIVD-19). As a result, our school district has closed the playgrounds on both campuses. Thank you for your cooperation. The link provided is to the Doniphan County Health Department Order: https://5il.co/e40s

Superintendent Bob Blair has posted an update on the district's plans to meet your students' needs under the current state restrictions due to COVID 19. Click on this link to see the update: https://5il.co/e0t6

Internet Availability Survey: Please help us as we plan and consider what content can be delivered online and where we might find resources to help by completing this form: https://forms.gle/pwFpy7UmYtxtoV2Q9

There will be a special board meeting for purpose of COVID-19 Update/Superintendent Search/Personnel Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 5:30 PM Located at West Campus Cafeteria, Wathena, KS 66090 Meeting Agenda 1. Call to Order & Prayer 2. Adoption of Agenda and Approval of Consent Agenda a. Waive Time, Date, and Place 3. Update on COVID-19 Plans 4. Personnel Actions 5. Adjournment You may call (773) 231 9226 and utilize the meeting ID of 665 103 8579 to listen to this meeting. You will be muted on entry to the meeting. Public comments are not allowed during a meeting so please remain muted during the meeting. During executive sessions, audio broadcast will be muted.

In reference to obtaining student belongings: In accordance with the latest directive from the state governor, the school district buildings are restricted from allowing students to pick up items until after a full 2 weeks closure. We will communicate more information as we meet the state requirements. Be aware that changes are sent to us almost daily. At the point the schools are cleared to distribute belongs, we will develop and communicate an orderly plan for students to pick up personal belongings, and needed school materials and technology. With our current knowledge this will be no sooner than March 30th.

Riverside USD 114, all Driver's Education meetings have been postponed until further notice.