Each year, Empower Youth Network (EYN) hosts the Rise & Shine Volunteer Recognition Breakfast, an event honoring volunteers who make a significant difference in the lives of valley residents. The event brings together students and community members from Duvall, Carnation, Fall City, Snoqualmie, and North Bend, with nominators and recipients sharing the stage together. This year’s Rise and Shine ceremony took place on Tuesday, June 7, at the Riverview School District ESC Assembly Hall. Awards were presented in the categories of “Youth,” “Volunteer,” and “Community,” while also providing scholarships to valley students. Between the Upper and Lower Snoqualmie Valley, more than 40 individuals were recognized for their hard work and commitment to volunteering in our shared communities. Riverview-connected recipients from the event include: SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS James Wilkes, Cedarcrest High School, Bill Carlson Memorial Scholarship Tejasvini Vijay, Cedarcrest High School, Sophie Theriault Youth Voice Scholarship Avery Zlateff, Cedarcrest High School, Keep It Local Snoqualmie Valley Scholarship Kayla Hampton, Cedarcrest High School, Pathways to Employment Success Scholarship YOUTH RECOGNITION Rowan Gladwell | Tom O’Dell | Jakob White, Cedarcrest High School (nominated by Tara Bergman) Rowan Gladwell, Tom O’Dell, and Jakob White were recognized for serving as student riders and Junior Assistant Coaches to the Cedarcrest Mountain Bike Club/Team, a program for students in grades 6-12 in the Riverview School District. Tara Bergman spoke as nominator and praised each student individually for modeling an inspiring work ethic and exhibiting dedication, focus and commitment to not only their skills on the course but as inspiring mentors and leaders to their fellow student-athletes. Tejasvini Vijay, Cedarcrest High School (nominated by Lori Oviatt and Dr. Susan Leach) Tejasvini Vijay was honored for her work as a Student Representative on the School Board and for her capacity to learn and try new things. As a natural leader and advocate, with a passion for social justice, Tejasvini is deeply involved in amplifying student voice and creating safe spaces to allow all voices to be heard. She is involved in local and national initiatives around causes and programs which amplify marginalized and vulnerable communities and, in her two years as a Student Representative to the School Board, Tejasvini has assisted Riverview in creating stronger policies around equity and inclusion, while serving as a liaison between students across the Riverview School District and the School Board of Directors. Chris Paz-Mercado, Cedarcrest High School (nominated by Tracie Kelly) Chris Paz-Mercado is an outspoken student advocate at Cedarcrest High School with Empower Youth Network’s (EYN) mentoring program. In working with EYN, he has become the first high school student to be accepted as an EYN mentor. Chris’ involvement in the EYN mentoring program has not only raised awareness among high schoolers about the program but has also inspired additional students in our communities to consider mentoring younger students and positively impacting youth in our Valley. VOLUNTEER (an award presented to a volunteer working directly with EYN) Kathryn Thompson, Tolt Middle School (nominated by Jami Au) As a consistent volunteer with the Weekend Power Packs program, Kathryn Thompson has helped cultivate and sustain EYN’s food sustainability program by picking up and delivering packs each week, making extra trips as needed to get additional packs as needed, while ensuring that those facing food insecurity never go without a meal. Dutch Siedentopf (nominated by Karla Russell) “Coach Dutch” has worked with students in both the Riverview and Snoqualmie Valley School Districts, presenting meaningful workshops with EYN’s Pathways to Employment Success program. In working with students on developing soft skills, including effective communication, students become more successful through their high school experiences and become well-prepared for a post-high school pathway. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Chad Amble | Issaquah Cedar & Lumber (nominated by Kappie Ayers and Riverview Education Foundation) With a “kids first” attitude, Chad Amble and Issaquah Cedar & Lumber donate considerable time, energy, and financial support to a wide array of non-profit organizations in the Riverview Community. Chad serves on a variety of boards for non-profits and further gives back to his community by hiring local high school students when opportunities arise. His efforts leave a lasting impact and support students and families in achieving their best academically, socially, emotionally, and in athletics. Don Fisher & Heidi Fisher | Carnation Café & Lounge (nominated by Helene Wentink) Don and Heidi Fisher are outstanding community partners and owners of Carnation Café & Lounge. They are an organization which gives any way they can – whether through the catering of community events, hosting of events and meetings in their restaurant and lounge, or in offering financial or promotional support for non-profits and organizations in the Valley. Mickey Davidson (nominated by Karen Worline) Concluding 12 consecutive years of service to the Riverview Learning Center PTSA Board, Mickey Davidson has served in a variety of roles and taken on countless responsibilities during her tenure. Her positivity never wavers, and her commitment to community building and raising awareness about Riverview Learning Center’s programs has helped create community and strengthen connections across the school. Leo Tenney (nominated by Wes Bergman) Leo Tenney brings community together through hosting a weekly Pokemon Club at Remlinger Farms. Nominator Wes Bergman shared that Leo is inspirational and supportive and has created a space where people can build friendships, connection, and share in the fun of playing the popular game. Participants can win prizes and Leo supplies all the materials needed for these weekly events. Ann Marie Gill (nominated by Tara Bergman) As a professional website developer, Ann Marie Gill has worked with numerous non-profit organizations in the community to help businesses and organizations effectively communicate to their audiences and improve and broaden reach and impact for all she works with. Ann Marie also has expanded the fundraising reach of the Cedarcrest High School Band Boosters, helping them create a website which has increased the ease with which they can raise money to support the Cedarcrest High School Band program. Sara Balsley (nominated by Kyla Page) A tireless volunteer and student and community advocate, with children’s success at the heart of her work, Sara Balsley volunteers for Carnation Elementary, the Riverview PTSA Council and seemingly all schools in the Riverview School District. Her understanding of the connection between PTSAs, schools, and parents, students, and families, enhances the understanding that an engaged PTSA organization has a direct impact on the student experience – increasing test scores, graduation rates, engagement in activities as just a few examples. Barb Lewis (nominated by Kaila Russell) A faithful volunteer for the Tolt Congregational United Church of Christ in Carnation, Barb Lewis oversees the weekly food bank program with Tolt UCC, and organizes and facilitates the church’s free community meal each week, serving hundreds of meals per month. She works with middle school and high school volunteers and shows all who work with her how to serve a community with a cheerful, friendly presence, while also empowering others around her to succeed. Kappie Ayers (nominated by Mike Ward) With her involvement in a variety of non-profit organizations throughout the Valley, Kappie Ayers is seemingly everywhere. As the current president of Riverview Education Foundation, she oversees the coordination of fundraising events and a grants program, which provides nearly tens of thousands of dollars in donations back into Riverview School District each year. She coordinates events for Cedarcrest Select Basketball, Cedarcrest High School’s basketball and baseball teams, and has served in a variety of roles on PTSA boards through the years. She commits to ensuring that children from all communities feel welcome, seen, and heard, while extending the same to adults she works with and supports in her endeavors. Robert Gilliam (nominated by Lindsay Gilliam) Serving as President of the Board of Directors for Carnation Farmers Market, Robert Gilliam has been an integral part in revitalizing the Carnation Farmers Market for a growing and expanding community. With the market’s focus on promoting healthy living and community engagement, Gilliam has led efforts to implement food access programs in the Valley and introduced the Power of Produce Kids Club and live music and activities to the Farmers Market experience. His dedication as a leader in community collaboration and volunteerism has been vital to the success of the Carnation Farmers Market. To see a complete list of all Rise & Shine honorees, please view the video montage of all honorees and recipients from this year’s event, courtesy of Empower Youth Network, provided below: Please join us in congratulating not only these Riverview-connected honorees, but all those honored throughout the Snoqualmie Valley for their community-minded volunteerism.

The Riverview Learning Center is making exciting changes to the CLIP (Contracted Learning for Individual Pacing) program for the 2023-2024 school year, better meeting the individual needs of each learner. While CLIP is currently only available for students in 11th and 12th grade, beginning next fall, CLIP will be an option for students in Grades 9-12 as an alternative way to earn a high school diploma. Class schedules are related to student learning/graduation plans, developed by school staff with student and parent input, allowing students more voice and choice in their learning. CLIP is designed to help students build connections between the academic work they engage in now with their future goals to make learning relevant and meaningful. To support this work, students will continue to participate in experiential learning as well as engage in internships based on identified career interest areas. Students attend classes 8-15 hours each week. Parents provide 15-20 hours of monitoring student work from home. Students are assessed weekly. All CLIP students must meet district graduation requirements and pass the state-required assessments during the student’s graduation year to qualify for graduation. If you would like more information regarding CLIP and changes to the program for the 2023-2024 school year, please contact the Riverview Learning Center at 425-844-4960.

Photos courtesy of Shelly Young, Robin Budig, and Sydney Hendrickson For a complete photo album from the Jr. Chef competition, please click here! On May 23, 2023, eight elementary teams worked tirelessly to create tasty and inventive recipes for consideration on next year’s school menu. At the end of the inaugural Riverview School District Jr. Chef competition, Stillwater Elementary’s Team Parfait emerged as winners! Their recipe, Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry with Rice and a Creamy Fruit Salad, wowed the judges and earned the team of fourth grade students a place on next year’s elementary school menu. “The contest was very close,” said Shelly Young, Riverview’s Supervisor of Food Services. Eight teams competed in the Jr. Chef competition (a ninth team, The Cacti Kittens, representing Eagle Rock Multi-Age, unfortunately withdrew as the event conflicted with the school’s annual High Tea reading celebration). Recipes prepared offered a vast array of flavors, tastes, smells, and creativeness. There was clearly something for everyone in this year’s Jr. Chef competition. Each contestant received a personally embroidered apron with their team’s name and a goodie bag consisting of fun items and new products which will be introduced in the 2023-2024 school year. “The kids worked so hard and took such great pride in their recipes,” shared Jennifer Horton-White. Horton-White was one of 14 judges and volunteers for the competition, not only trying each dish the teams created but also in monitoring the student chefs for proper food safety practices. Students and coaches participated in a food safety class held by Young and her Food Services team a few weeks prior to the big event. Judges and volunteers comprised Riverview employees, students, parents, administrators, and representatives from Oxbow Farm and Reser’s Fine Foods. Reser’s, represented by National Account Manager Paulina Burbank, donated four Safeway gift cards to be given to the winning team. An additional raffle was held and London Moore, a third-grade student from Stillwater Elementary and member of the Cookin’ Hawks team was the lucky winner! Moore received more than $300 worth of items from Pampered Chef. Gifts and prizes and “goodie bag” items were gathered through a combination of donations, items provided through Riverview’s affiliation with the Cool School Café program and purchases made through the Farm to Table grant received by the Food Services team last fall. All team recipes will be included in a 2023 Jr. Chef cookbook, including the Burrito Bowls recipe planned by the Cacti Kittens of Eagle Rock Multi-Age. “I am so very thankful for the coaches, volunteers and judges – this event could not have taken place without all of their help,” said Young. “I am super proud of everyone who competed and could feel everyone’s excitement throughout this process. For our first year, I think this went great! I am already thinking about how we can make this event better for next year!” A list of competing teams and recipes are included, along with a list of this year’s judges and volunteers. Thank you to everyone who made the first-ever Riverview School District Jr. Chef event such a flavorful triumph and success! TEAMS AND RECIPES Team 1: THE COOKIN’ HAWKS (Stillwater Elementary) Recipe: Barbecue Chicken Sliders with Fruit Salad Team Members: Charlie Boman, Tyler Cook, London Moore, Daryna Rostotskyy, with Jennifer Boman as Coach Team 2: TEAM PARFAIT (WINNING TEAM – Stillwater Elementary) Recipe: Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry with Rice and a Creamy Fruit Salad Team Members: Brigid Babcock, Kieran DelCarmen, Clare Jackman, with Rachel Talkman as Coach Team 3: THE FLYING SQUIRRELS (Carnation Elementary) Recipe: Meatless Breakfast – English Muffins, Scrambled Eggs with Cheese Team Members: Michael Batishchev, Will Byrnes, Lincoln Julius, Musa Khan, with Emi Byrnes as Coach Team 4: SHOOTING STARS (Carnation Elementary) Recipe: Green Pasta with Pesto and Snap Peas, Fruit Salad and Mixed Berry Smoothie Team Members: Brooklyn Graff, Elora Suchyta, with Liz Hellman as Coach *Team 5: CACTI KITTENS (Eagle Rock Multi-Age) Recipe: Burrito Bowls Team Members: Maggie Carosino, Matthew Verrett, Noah Verrett, Laila Wetherbee, with Laura Verrett as Coach Team 6: CEG3 (Carnation Elementary) Recipe: Homemade Chili, Homemade Chips and Cheese Team Members: Titus Edmonds, William Reid Neiger, Spencer Skeem, with Stephanie Skeem as Coach Team 7: THE PENGUIN CHEFS (Carnation Elementary) Recipe: Penguin Pizza with Fruit Salad and Assorted Veggies Team Members: Jayden Baldwin, Tyson Davis, Kellen Hubler, with Lauren Hubler as Coach Team 8: BEST CHEFS! (Riverview Learning Center/PARADE) Recipe: Meat Loaf with Apple Slices and Steamed Broccoli Team Members: Saige O’Neill, Arrow Seelbach, with Lara O’Neill as Coach Team 9: THE WORLD CHEFS (Stillwater Elementary/Cherry Valley Elementary) Recipe: Lentils and Lassi Team Members: Jack Cho, Darya Nikalayeva, Ariya Woods, with Sheetal Woods as Coach * - team withdrew from competition because of scheduling conflict. COMPETITION JUDGES AND VOLUNTEERS Rebecca Bonilla-Myers (Oxbow Farm), Terri Bookey (Principal, Carnation Elementary), Robin Budig (Riverview Food Services Program Assistant), Paulina Burbank (National Account Manager with Reser’s Fine Foods), Aisling Hendrickson (Student at Stillwater Elementary), Karen Hendrickson (Parent and Community Member), Sydney Hendrickson (Student at Tolt Middle School), Jennifer Horton-White (Riverview Secretary II – Substitute Office), Elise Luoto (Student at Cedarcrest High School), Jan Neigel (Program Assistant/EA II at Eagle Rock Multi-Age), Mayra Paniagua (Managing Cook at Cedarcrest High School), Meisha Robertson (Riverview Director of Business and Operations), Chuck Young (Community Member), Patti Zavala (Oxbow Farm).

The Riverview School District proudly recognizes and extends warm wishes to our LGBTQIA+ community, allies, and families during Pride Month! Pride Month, observed each June, holds significance as it commemorates the Stonewall Riots of June 1969. Throughout the month, various regional Pride parades and events serve as platforms to raise awareness about the history of LGBTQIA+ rights in our nation and to amplify LGBTQIA+ voices. To provide a deeper understanding of the Stonewall Riots and their impact, the History Channel has shared this information video: RESOURCES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS For additional information regarding the history of LGBTQIA+ rights, the Library of Congress offers valuable resources: https://www.loc.gov/lgbt-pride-month/about/ THE TREVOR PROJECT The Trevor Project provides support to LGBTQIA+ youth facing crises, feelings of suicide, or the need for a caring environment. You can reach them at 1-866-488-7386. They also offer a confidential online chat, confidential text message system, and access to a private, secure, and monitored TrevorSpace social networking site. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/explore/ IT GETS BETTER The It Gets Better Project offers a wide range of resources for the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, and families to research, explore, and discuss. https://itgetsbetter.org/ HEALTHY CHILDREN For parents of LGBTQIA+ children, Healthy Children has developed a series of articles and FAQs that offer guidance around discussions about their child's journey of coming out and embracing their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. English: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/dating-sex/Pages/Four-Stages-of-Coming-Out.aspx Spanish: https://www.healthychildren.org/spanish/ages-stages/teen/dating-sex/paginas/four-stages-of-coming-out.aspx Riverview School District extends our heartfelt wishes for a Happy Pride Month to our LGBTQIA+ community, allies, and families.

We are excited to share the news with you that Qmlativ (pronounced “cume-luh-tiv”), the latest evolution of Skyward SMS (Student Management Suite), is coming to Riverview in February 2024. In this communication, we will briefly share what the arrival of Qmlativ means, outline steps already underway in preparing for the launch of Qmlativ in our district and share a general timeline for implementation. What Is Qmlativ and Why Is It So Important? Qmlativ is the latest iteration of Skyward SMS, an information system Riverview uses for data management of student and staff information, grades, scheduling, attendance, and food service. Skyward SMS allows for the creation of reports our schools and departments rely on, while also offering important internal uses like payroll, tracking time off, billing and invoice payments, and numerous other uses. Nearly every staff member in Riverview School District utilizes this system as part of their work each day, and some staff members in our school offices and central office use the tool multiple times per day. What Does the Transition to Qmlativ Involve? The transition to Qmlativ began months ago and is ramping up as we prepare for a February 2024 launch. Skyward SMS is being phased out for Qmlativ, requiring the district to migrate clean, high quality, and up-to-date and accurate data. Multiple departments in the central office have conducted regular meetings and begun preparations and started training with the new system. We have developed a comprehensive timeline that requires our internal Qmlativ Migration Team to be trained on the use of Qmlativ, and, in turn, provide training to our staff members later this year. As a Parent, How Does Transferring to Qmlativ Impact My Access to Skyward? For now, there will be no changes. In February 2024, Skyward SMS will go dark for approximately one week, as the database goes through the Data Migration Tool. During this time, Skyward SMS will be inaccessible to everyone, except those on the Qmlativ Migration Team. When Qmlativ is launched, the parent experience should be seamless, with information available to parents just as before, existing within a new interface and platform. What Are Next Steps? As the district continues to work on cleaning up data and planning for a smooth migration, we will provide periodic updates in the coming weeks. Today’s announcement is an indicator of what’s to come. We will share more details as we continue towards a successful migration and launch of Qmlativ in Riverview School District. Who Do I Contact with Questions? For any questions regarding the Qmlativ migration process, please email rsdinfo@rsd407.org.

In our continuing efforts to improve as a district, it is important for us to understand stakeholder perceptions about the job we are doing in providing a quality education for all our children. We are seeking information through a 10-15 minute survey that is available now through Monday, June 19, 2023. Students in grades 4 through 12 will also take the survey at school at some point within the next two to three weeks. We value your input as we strive to continue to improve. Thank you for your feedback. To access the survey, please click the link below (please note this link will take you to ceesurveys.questionpro.com): EES Family Survey Link: Riverview When accessing the survey: Choose your language preference on the opening page of the survey Select your child's school. If you have children in multiple schools, please complete one survey per child. Complete the survey and click submit. The Riverview School District thanks you in advance for participation in this year’s survey. Your insights and perspectives help us recognize our successes, while guiding areas of improvement in our district.

"I’ve never personally seen anything like it at the high school level." Those words from Cedarcrest Girls Golf Coach David McLaughlin perfectly summarize Charlotte Giffin's performance at the 2A Girls Golf State Tournament. After finishing in second place at the 2A District Tournament last week, Charlotte told Coach McLaughlin, "I guess I’m just saving my best golf for state next week.” Truer words have never been spoken. As the first-ever Girls Golf State Champion in Cedarcrest Red Wolves' history, please join us in congratulating Charlotte Giffin for bringing home a state championship! We also congratulate Hadley McDonough and Sydney Rapp for making the state tournament and further congratulate all of the Red Wolves' Girls Golf Team for becoming co-WESCO Conference Champions this year!

Avery Dumovic with "Look Deeper" From Cherry Valley Elementary to a nationwide art competition, fifth grade student Avery Dumovic has experienced quite the journey with her four-panel art piece, “Look Deeper.” Recently, Avery earned a Reflections PTA National Award of Merit in honor of her work. Each fall, hundreds of Riverview students create art pieces as part of the annual PTA Reflections Competition. Focusing on a common theme, the work is evaluated by local judges and community members, first at individual school-wide competitions and then at a district-wide Reflections gala in January. From there, first-place recipients advance to a state-level competition, with a select number of those entries moving on to the national Reflections competition in the spring. Working with this year’s theme of “Show Your Voice!”, for Avery and “Look Deeper,” this has been a fun and unexpected six-month process. “Look Deeper” is a striking visual piece, at once familiar, unique and distinctive. In her artist statement accompanying her work, Avery shared that she often speaks through her art. “I tried to express my voice and emotions through art. I purposely did not draw faces to make you think about how our body language connects to feelings. To understand emotions, we should look deeper than facial expressions or what people say. I can relate to all these emotions, and I am hoping other people will too.” Earning an Award of Merit at the National PTA Reflections competition places Avery in the company of just 15 Washington students to earn recognition in the national contest. Of those 15 students, Avery is one of three students to earn national recognition from our state in the “Visual Arts” category, and one of just two in her grade division. Riverview’s Director of Communications, Mike Ward, had a chance to interview Avery regarding “Look Deeper” and her receiving a Reflections PTA National Award of Merit. Q: What was the inspiration for “Look Deeper”? Are there one or two things that gave you the first ideas in creating it? A: When I start to create a piece, I never know where it is going to go. I often reflect on my art, after it is done, and think about what it means. My art just kind of flows from inside. Q: How has this Reflections experience been for you? You’ve competed in various levels of competition and received a lot of feedback. Has it been overwhelming, exciting…both, maybe? A: I wanted very much to win. I also knew I would be competing against a lot of deserving artists. Once I got to Nationals and knew I would be competing against students older than me, I was not sure if I would be recognized or not. Q: Is art something you create in your spare time? What other hobbies or interests do you have which may or may not include art? A: I love art and I draw and paint all the time. I also love soccer! My teammates call me Beast… I think it’s accurate. On behalf of all the Riverview students who participated in this year’s Reflections competition and shared their work with our Riverview Community, we congratulate Avery Dumovic on her Reflections PTA National Award of Merit and for reminding us all to “look deeper.”

Dear Riverview Community, Hope this message finds you all doing well. In this update, we are providing a link to a video message from our Superintendent, Dr. Susan Leach. With this message to our community, Dr. Leach discusses recent events at Cedarcrest High School and additional thoughts regarding safety and security in our district. To view a transcript of this message in English, please click here. Para ver una transcripción de este mensaje en español, por favor haga clic aquí.

The Riverview School District School Board of Directors is announcing the formation of two new committees - the Capital Assets Advisory Committee and The Financial Advisory Committee. These committees are designed to provide the School Board of Directors input, perspective, and recommendations for the Board to consider regarding capital facility projects and financial issues that relate directly to district decision-making. Applications for both committees are now open and will close on June 15, 2023. If you have any questions regarding these committees, please contact Riverview's Director of Business and Operations, Meisha Robertson, via email at robertsonm@rsd407.org. CAPITAL ASSETS ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Riverview School District School Board of Directors is forming a Capital Assets Advisory Committee. The purpose of the Committee is to provide the board with diverse perspectives on capital facility projects and offer input and recommendations. The committee will address various topics, including but not limited to future bond planning, construction projects, and facility maintenance. This ensures that the board receives comprehensive input and guidance regarding capital facility related matters. Applicants should have a working familiarity with any of the following: facility design and/or construction practices, business management, expertise with organization(s) of comparable size to the district. Applicants must be free from any relationship that would interfere with independent judgment. Preference is given to individuals who reside within the Riverview School District boundary area. APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 15, 2023 FINANCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Riverview School District is forming a Financial Advisory Committee. The primary purpose of the Financial Advisory Committee is to be a resource to the Riverview School District Board of Directors on financial issues that impact, or may impact, the current and projected fiscal health of the District. Functions of the committee include the following: Learn and understand the financial issues that impact Riverview School District; Review and provide feedback on financial forecasts and associated assumptions; Review and provide feedback on other financial reports, as requested; Assist in translating the meaning of the District's financial reports to the general public; Any other duties that may become necessary which are consistent with the general direction outlined through the duties noted above. Applicants should have expertise in accounting, finance, and/or business with organization(s) of comparable size to the district and be open-minded and willing to engage in meaningful dialogue for the common purpose of helping Riverview School District improve. Applicants must be free from any relationship that would interfere with independent judgment. Preference is given to individuals who reside within the Riverview School District boundary area. APPLICATION DEADLINE: JUNE 15, 2023

On April 27, 2023, Riverview School District earned eight overall awards, as part of the Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) Annual Conference. With four Awards of Merit and four Honorable Mentions this year, the recognition from WSPRA recognizes a culture of collaboration that exists within Riverview’s school communications work. “Earning awards from WSPRA this year is extra special because much of the work recognized was collaborative in nature,” said Mike Ward, Riverview’s Director of Communications. “We successfully led a comprehensive school rebranding initiative, brought attention to an often-overlooked program in P.A.I.V.E., and amplified student voice across multiple platforms. I am proud of our work and sincerely appreciate that the collaborative spirit of our communications program has been recognized.” This year, Riverview earned Awards of Merit for the following projects: Branding/Image Package: Tolt Bears Logo and Re-Branding This award was shared with SpellBrand design leader Mash Bonigala, Tolt administrators Amie Karkainen and Karen Maguigad, and project facilitator Bianca Simoneaux Special Purpose Publication: 2022-2023 Superintendent Entry Plan This award was shared with Riverview Superintendent, Dr. Susan Leach, and designer Philip Brautigam Video (Storytelling): YESS Summer School Program 2022 Writing: P.A.I.V.E. – Personal Achievement in Independence, Vocation, and Education This award was shared with P.A.I.V.E. Program leader Jolene Barrett Honorable Mention Awards were presented for the following projects: Print Newsletter and Mailer: Riverviews – Creating Community This award was shared with designer Philip Brautigam Video (Informational): Kindergarten Registration Writing: Cedarcrest Class of 2022 Valedictorians & Salutatorians…In Their Own Words! Writing: YESS - Students Earn Money, Credit & Experience This award was shared with YESS Program Coordinator Dana Koukol The WSPRA Communication Awards recognize creative and effective work in school district communications from across the state. Entries are encouraged from all public and private schools or districts, including special schools such as vocational-technical institutes, regional or county education service districts, education agencies, and private enterprises serving as partners with those organizations. Since 2020, Riverview has earned 34 WSPRA Awards, including four “Best in Category” honors for school districts with less than 10,000 students, as well as national awards recognition from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA).

The Riverview School District is proud to welcome Jeannette Siemers to the Riverview Community as the next principal of Cedarcrest High School. Siemers will assume her new role, effective July 1, 2023. A servant leader at heart, Siemers has developed a proven track record of building relationships, balancing high student expectations with high student supports, empowering staff to grow their capacity, and prioritizing equitable access for student success. From her beginnings as an elementary and middle school classroom educator, to becoming a Teacher Leader in both the Burlington-Edison and Lake Washington School Districts, Siemers facilitated a variety of trainings on literacy development, organized a book drive that saw more than 4,000 books placed throughout Lake Washington School District for Title I students, and helped align math and ELA (English Language Arts) curriculum across 27 elementary schools for 4th and 5th grade students. In the Monroe School District as a Dean of Students for Fryelands Elementary, she launched a high school mentoring program, which matched high school student-athletes with at-risk elementary students. As Assistant Principal and Athletic Director with Monroe High School, Siemers brought community together creating a culture of celebration by recognizing donors at sporting events, and then carrying that culture into the walls of the school, celebrating the great work of students and staff alike. At Monroe High School, Siemers created the Bearcats Teach program, a Bilingual Education Initiative focused on recruiting, preparing, and mentoring bilingual high school students to prepare them to become future bilingual educators. In addition, she implemented the Seal of Biliteracy and World Language Competency Credit program at Monroe High School. Her work in this area saw immediate results: an initial 1% increase in graduation rate overall in the district, and an approximately 4% increase in the second year of the program. Those numbers have continued to grow in Monroe even after Siemers moved into her new position as Assistant Principal at Cascade High School. “Empowering staff to grow through an instructional leadership lens is one of my favorite parts of the work,” Siemers shares. Underscoring that belief, Siemers is the co-founder and lead facilitator of Together in This, LLC, an organization committed to training and consulting with school districts and organizations on Restorative Practices, and the interconnectivity of social emotional health, student leadership, and school safety. Her development of trainings and presentations has provided her the opportunity to present at educational conferences across the state, while also providing training during the first annual DEI Conference with Everett Public Schools. In reflecting back on these experiences, Siemers states that “growing an understanding of our individual beliefs and exploring our own personal and social identities and how they impact our work with students and families is humbling. It truly is a privilege to walk alongside committed and dedicated educators in the work of serving students and families.” Riverview Superintendent, Dr. Susan Leach, shares her enthusiasm for Siemers’ arrival. “A new era will soon begin at Cedarcrest High School, and we are excited to welcome Ms. Jeannette Siemers to usher it in. Jeannette comes with a wealth and breadth of experience, with a passion that is palpable and an energy that is contagious.” Siemers will replace Ray Labate, who announced his retirement in February 2023, after 28 years in school administration and 25 years serving as Assistant Principal and Principal of Cedarcrest High School. Please join us as we welcome Jeannette Siemers to the Cedarcrest Red Wolves family!