River Bend Families, 6/13/22
I hope all of you are having a wonderful summer. I also hope that during the time away this summer you and your family can refresh and recharge. This short letter is a summary of a few projects taking place at the schools, a reminder about lunch charges next year, a call for bus drivers, a thank you to our summer school staff, and an opportunity for physicals in western Whiteside county.
Bathrooms at FHS- The four bathrooms on the top and middle floors will be renovated to be ADA accessible and single use. The bathroom work will be completed in two phases. Phase I will begin in June and end around the start of the school year. Phase II will begin after Phase one is complete during evening hours.
A secured entrance is being added to the FHS main office entry. We are working with a local contractor as well as having our construction students complete the remodeling of the secured office entrance. The main entry will be completed in the summer. When the students return in the fall they will begin remodeling the office space.
The FHS art room is getting additional cabinets and new tables. The middle school is also getting new cabinetry in the rooms that were not updated last summer.
Both the high school and the elementary school will be getting new desks and chairs. The new desk and chairs will allow the classrooms to be more design flexible. As soon as the new furniture is on-site, we will be offering chairs and desks to the public.
Other items to note:
School lunch update- The federal program that has allowed school districts across the country to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of income will expire on June 30, 2022. Since 2020, this program has eliminated the need to collect payments for school meals for any student. During the 2022-23 school year, families who do not qualify for free or reduced lunch will have to pay for school meals. Students whose families are eligible for free or reduced price breakfast or lunch will be able to access meals next school year at no cost or a discounted rate.
School Bus Drivers Needed- Due to retirements we have lost three bus drivers and need to replace those positions. Starting driver pay is 17/hr. A minimum of 4 hours each day is guaranteed. Drivers have the opportunity to pick up extra trips. Insurance benefits are available with the positions. The District can assist in training and helping get the necessary licenses. If you are interested please email Vpetersen@riverbendschools.net or call 815-589-2711. Please pass the word.
Summer School- This is our second year of summer school and I am very grateful for the turn out and hard work from all the staff. ESSER III Federal funds have allowed us to offer summer school at no cost. We have budgeted summer school dollars for the summer of 2023 and 2024. The River Bend Education Foundation has also helped subsidize the cost of the field trips. During our week of summer school last summer we had about 100 students attend classes. This summer over 150 students attended classes during the week of June 6-10th. About 240 students have also signed up for the educational field trips being offered on various dates throughout the summer. Thank you to Mrs. Schipper for organizing the classes and thank you to the staff who are providing the instruction. Thank you River Bend Education Foundation for offsetting the field trip expenses.
Physicals and Sports Physicals- The Whiteside County Health Department (WCHD) will be traveling to communities in Western Whiteside to provide Physicals for $35 dollars. Here is a PDF of the dates as well as the physical forms needed. The WCHD mobile health team will be at the following locations on the following dates and times.
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Fulton High School July 6-8th from 8:30-4:00
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Erie High School July 11th-12th from 8:30-4:00
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Morrison High School July 19th-20th from 8:30-4:00
On-line registration- On-line registration will begin Tuesday July 5th and end August 12th. You can begin the registration process at the District Website. www.riverbendschools.org
Summer Fun: Totally Tuesdays will be taking place again this summer on the following dates at School Park on 10th Ave.
*Tuesday June 21st starting at 5:30- Food sponsored by Kiwanis.
Live music- The Stockwells
*Tuesday July 12th starting at 5:30- Food trucks will be on site.
Live music- Wild Oatz
*Tuesday August 2nd- Combined with National Night out at City Baseball
Fields. Food trucks will be on site. Many games and activities for kids.
Live music- Three on a Tree
Enjoy your summer,
Darryl Hogue
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