Dear Riverbend Parents,

Let me start by saying how excited I am to be a part of the Riverbend community.  I was so impressed by the Juneau School District’s commitment to finding a good fit for this school and was equally thrilled by the welcome my family and I have received from Riverbend staff, parents and students.   

Riverbend School has been reduced by one teacher since last spring.  Therefore, in order to reduce our class sizes we combined two sections of 3^rd and 4^th grades.  However, if enrollment increases by just a few students over the next few days, we may get that position allocated back to us.  If this happens, it would mean changing student placements in a couple of classes.  While we realize changing placements after school starts is not ideal, if it would mean reducing class sizes then we would move forward.   Please bear with us in this process and know that we want every Riverbend student to be successful.

Teacher in-service took place last week and I can tell you that Riverbend staff is committed to helping every child make substantial growth this year.  Our plan is to meet regularly in grade level team meetings to discuss individual student progress.  These meetings will give staff time to collaborate to better provide interventions for struggling students as well as enrichments for students who are at or above grade level.  We will work hard to continue to improve our reading scores, as we know that reading is the foundation for school success.  Additionally, we understand that our students need to have strong math skills and the ability to problem solve.  Our grade level teams will use MAPS, SBA and student work to identify where our students are at and how we can team to best meet all of our students needs. 

It is important for you all to know that I am not only professionally invested in Riverbend; I am personally invested as well.  My son, Isaak, is a third grader at Riverbend and I have two more children who will start school here next year.  My children deserve a quality education as do yours.  I look forward to working with you, as parents, and the Riverbend staff to ensure that happens.   

Please join us on Thursday, August 25^th at Thunder Mountain High School at 6:00 p.m. for the School District’s report to the public.  I understand that parents will be given time to meet with their school principal and I would love to have that time to speak with you. 

Sincerely,

Shannon Avenson