On Wednesday, May 10, 2023, Riverview School District proudly recognized Sue Heyting and Snoqualmie Valley Dollars for Scholars, and Tejasvini Vijay, Cedarcrest High School Senior and Senior Student Representative to the School Board of Directors, as part of the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) Region 110 Community Awards Luncheon. The awards are presented annually to students, community members, administrators, and educators from across the region, recognizing their outstanding contributions to education. Sue Heyting/Snoqualmie Valley Dollars for Scholars | Community Leadership Award A true pillar of the Riverview Community, Sue Heyting, and Snoqualmie Valley Dollars for Scholars, has worked hard to provide financial assistance to Riverview students since 1990. In that time, nearly $1 million has been awarded to students who may struggle to afford higher education. Heyting's dedication, generosity and care for Riverview School District graduates has left an indelible impact on countless young people and families in our community. Tejasvini Vijay | Student Leadership Award Tejasvini Vijay embodies powerful student leadership and advocacy, with a poise and grace far beyond her years. From her influential years at Cedarcrest High School to her role as a community leader, Tejasvini has been integral in bringing conversations from our schools to district leadership. She has also represented student school board representatives from across the state at the annual legislative conference, where she recently interviewed Shankar Vedantam, host of the Hidden Brain podcast. In galvanizing others to action, she ensures fairness is universal while tirelessly working to make those around her feel seen, heard, and valued. Tejasvini inspires others to be advocates for change, likewise leaving a powerful and lasting impact in our Riverview Community. We celebrate the incredible achievements of Sue Heyting and Tejasvini Vijay and are thrilled to see their dedication and advocacy for Riverview students recognized by WASA at the 2023 Community Awards Luncheon.

Riverview School District is excited to introduce Angela Morrison to our Riverview Community. Effective July 1, 2023, Morrison joins Riverview as the next principal of Tolt Middle School. Throughout her career, first as a classroom educator and then in school district administration, Morrison has been an advocate for the social, emotional, and intellectual needs of her students. Establishing positive relationships with students, parents, staff, and the community is integral in her vision of creating a sense of caring, continuous growth, and collaboration. “I am honored to be chosen as the next principal of Tolt Middle School,” Morrison shares. “My heart for children and love of learning guide my work as a school leader, and my highest priorities are the success and well-being of students.” As an Elementary Math and Science Specialist in Issaquah School District, Morrison was at the forefront of coaching teachers to guide instruction, implementing K-5 STEM education in the district, leading curriculum adoptions, facilitating professional development opportunities for staff, and utilizing a data-driven approach to monitor student progress. Serving as Dean of Students for Pine Lake Middle School in Issaquah, she coordinated a school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Support System (PBIS) to meet the behavioral needs of students and promote effective teaching and learning. As an Associate Principal in the Lake Washington School District, most recently with Evergreen Middle School in Redmond, Morrison has been able to cultivate a school climate and culture which ensures all students, staff, and families feel seen, heard, valued, and safe. Leading the effort on the school’s #ICANHELP campaign, her dedication to resolving interpersonal issues with kindness and confidence has been a catalyst in allowing students to remain engaged. With a track record of building and fostering a unified culture between students, staff, families, and the community, Morrison has worked diligently to amplify student voice and remove barriers that might impede progress and success. “I am thrilled to welcome Angela Morrison to the Riverview School District,” shares Riverview Superintendent, Dr. Susan Leach. “I am impressed with her ability to create the healthy climate and culture that is essential for student and staff growth.” Morrison’s passion for learning and commitment to helping all students achieve lifelong success drives her work. “I am excited to get to know our Tolt Bears and to partner with the staff and families of the community,” she adds. “I am confident that together we will help all students have a positive middle school experience and achieve their academic and personal goals.” Please join us in welcoming Angela Morrison as the next principal of Tolt Middle School!

Photos courtesy of Jill Klune, Kim Lantz, and Kaeleigh Wilson. Click any picture to expand to larger view. Tolt Middle School's English Language Development (ELD) classes have been exploring the essential question of whether graffiti is street art or vandalism. Throughout the unit, they have read and discussed informational text, interviewed two street artists, watched videos and viewed images of various street art, and engaged in a hands-on project in which they created their own public street art in the form of a chalk mural at Tolt Middle School. On May 4, 2023, each student received a 2' x 2' square to create an image that reflects their cultural or personal identity. Local street artist Joe Lee Davidson guided the students as they co-created a quilt mural depicting their cultural/personal identity. The work is amazing, truly vibrant and exciting, and is on display outside the main doors to the L Building on the TMS campus. Thanks to ELD teacher, Jill Klune, and additional photos from Kim Lantz and Kaeleigh Wilson, we have an opportunity to share images from the creation of the mural and the wonderful day shared together.

The Riverview School District is excited to introduce Dr. Sara Woolverton to the Riverview Community. Dr. Woolverton joins Riverview as the district’s next Director of Student Services, effective July 1, 2023. Bringing decades of experience in special education, student advocacy, and district administration to her new role, Dr. Woolverton is excited about the new opportunities before her. “I have been actively seeking a district with a true collaborative spirit,” she shares. “When I met with Riverview, I was impressed with the quality of the questions and subsequent discussions about what Riverview was seeking in a Student Services Director.” With bachelor’s degrees in Special Education and Cultural Anthropology, Dr. Woolverton earned her master’s degree in Special Education and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. In her early years as a special education teacher in Seattle Public Schools and the Edmonds School District, Dr. Woolverton spent two years as an educational researcher at the University of Washington, analyzing the merits and efficacy of interprofessional collaboration between educators, public health professionals, social workers, and support staff working with high-needs students and their families. As a special education faculty and program advisor with Western Washington University, Dr. Woolverton designed a joint credentialing teacher education program, combining special education and ELL (English language learning), and has further mentored prospective teachers, administrators, and support staff in all aspects of special education support and services. Dr. Woolverton has served as a Special Education Program Manager and Special Education Director with Seattle and Everett Public Schools, respectively, and spent six years as the Director of Special Education for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District in Santa Monica, California. In her two years as a Senior Director for Tri-Valley SELPA in Pleasanton, California, she led a Special Education Local Plan Area, spanning six districts and encompassing 37,000 students. With Tri-Valley SELPA she developed a new infant/parent support program, provided professional development opportunities, analyzed data to pinpoint areas for growth and development, reformed practices, and established financial safety nets for small districts. At all times, Dr. Woolverton’s work remains centered around programmatic equity for all students. That commitment to equity has led to her serving, recently, as the Director of Special Education, Equity and Civil Rights, in Granite Falls School District and the Executive Director of Special Services in Snohomish School District since 2019. “I want to be part of a community that has the desire to remove barriers to academic and social/emotional learning so that students feel welcome and excited to learn every day, teachers feel supported and empowered to teach them, and families trust the district to do what's right by their children. I am honored to have been selected as Riverview’s next Director of Student Services and cannot wait to begin working with my new team and community.” Please join us in welcoming Dr. Sara Woolverton as Riverview School District’s next Director of Student Services!

The Riverview School Board of Directors is now accepting applications for the Junior Student Representative position for the 2023-24 school year. Applications are available for current Sophomores, who will graduate in 2025, and be Juniors next year. Application packets are available online on Cedarcrest High School and Riverview Learning Center school websites, via the QR Code above, or by clicking here. To access the information through the websites, click "Parents & Students." Then, from the dropdown menu, click "School Board Student Rep Information" for the application packet. Students will need to use their RSD credentials to login and access materials. Students who serve as a Student School Board Representative: • Serve a Two-Year Term on the Riverview School District School Board of Directors. • Earn .5 elective credit for each completed semester of service. • Are a Voice for Students across the Riverview School District. • Attend legislative events and conferences, meet politicians, and advocate for Riverview students. Applications are due May 21, 2023. Interviews take place May 31, 2023. Red Wolves and Ravens, serve your Riverview Community with this unique and amazing opportunity. Apply today!

Riverview Superintendent, Dr. Susan Leach, with Bridge-Builder Award recipient Katie Hinchcliffe Katie Hinchcliffe, a Special Education teacher with Carnation Elementary’s I-SET program, is the 227th recipient of the Riverview School District’s Bridge-Builder Award. Nominated by Superintendent, Dr. Susan Leach, Hinchcliffe received the award at the April 25, 2023, School Board Meeting. The Bridge-Builder Award consists of a lapel pin and poem, given in memory of Donna Polacek, the district’s long-time Personnel Director who always went the extra mile to give much more than was expected to the staff and students of Riverview. Periodically, throughout a school year, Bridge-Builder Awards are given to those who help further the mission and goals in Riverview. Each recipient’s pin is numbered and recorded commemoratively in a record book located in the Superintendent’s Office. Since the award’s inception in 1997, 227 individuals have been named Bridge-Builders by the Riverview School District. Dr. Leach’s nomination reads as follows: “I first met Katie during her orientation and during our first conversation, she was advocating for students with disabilities. She asked whether we had heard of utilizing adaptive bicycles for students with disabilities and asked whether we could set up a meeting to talk further about it. That meeting occurred after the start of the school year and, again, Katie advocated for her students. She lobbied for additional support for the I-SET program at Carnation. Parents whose children attend the program report significant positive changes in their children. Katie truly exemplifies a staff member who regularly goes the extra mile to help further the mission and goals of the Riverview School District.” During the presentation, Dr. Leach read from a letter shared by a parent, Melissa Baska, who spoke of the impact Hinchcliffe has made on her two sons. “Ms. Hinchliffe has reaffirmed to me that there are people who see the full potential in my sons, not just the limitations in their diagnosis, and she works incredibly hard to ensure that their best interests are at heart. She's given me a solace that I’ve never had when it comes to their education, and I could never express in words how much that has meant.” Please join us in congratulating Katie Hinchcliffe on earning this prestigious recognition and for a “Bridge Builder” in our Riverview Community!

The Riverview School District is pleased to announce the hiring of Justin Guzzardo as Riverview’s new IT Systems Administrator, effective July 1, 2023. Mr. Guzzardo has been a valuable member of the district's Information Technology (IT) department since the 2019-2020 school year, where he first served as a Technology Support Specialist I. He most recently advanced into the role of Technology Support Specialist II for the 2022-2023 school year. During his time in the IT department, Guzzardo has provided exceptional support to teachers, students, and staff, while consistently contributing to a wide range of directives and initiatives within his team. With a career focused around nearly two decades of customer service experience, Guzzardo brings extensive expertise and leadership skills to his new role. “Justin has a genuine passion for supporting student learning,” shares Christopher Collins, Riverview’s Director of Information Technology. “His calm approach to problem solving and innovative solutions is an asset to our department, and the district as a whole.” Please join us in congratulating Justin Guzzardo as Riverview’s next IT Systems Administrator!

Jill Klune’s English Language Development (ELD) classes at Tolt Middle School recently tackled a multi-week project exploring the question: “Should schools ban unhealthy food?” What started as a simple question turned into a deep dive as part of their “Healthy Choices” unit. Students researched information and statistics about increasing obesity among young people and took a closer look at how food service operates within their own school district and specifically, how Tolt's cafeteria works. To gain a deeper understanding, students prepared a list of questions for Riverview Food Services Supervisor, Shelly Young, and Food Services Program Assistant, Robin Budig. They spent a day visiting Klune’s ELD classes, comprised of students in grades 6-8, answering those questions and also taking them on a tour of Tolt’s cold storage facility, pantry, kitchen, and lunchroom. Among the students thought-provoking questions: • Do we ever survey families about favorite recipes? • How can we reduce the food we waste? • How can we bring in or suggest new food items that students might enjoy? • What do we do with any food that is expired? • How long does it take to cook food served to students? • What is your favorite item served at Tolt Middle School? “The interview and tour allowed students to collect information for a final unit project where they advocated about one change they think our school cafeteria should make,” shared Klune. After taking notes from the Food Services presentation, students prepared “podcasts” or audio recordings summarizing what they had learned through the entire learning experience. They then divided into groups and made a second round of podcast/audio recordings, sent directly to the Food Services team, proposing a new item for consideration on the lunch menu. In addition to describing the recipe, students indicated the nutritional value of their proposed item and provided evidence and reasoning as to why middle school students would enjoy eating this meal during their lunch period. “The audio recordings were terrific, and I really enjoyed listening to them. I was so impressed with what the students learned and shared. We had so much fun teaching the students more about Food Services and answering great questions about how and why we do what we do,” said Young. “The students developed so many great ideas,” added Klune. “You can see all the thinking and practice that went into the final podcasts they created.” Some of the podcast highlights include: • 6th-grade students Alisson, Katie, and Nicolas, who created a podcast on the topic of “Steak Tacos.” • 7th-grade student Marvin, who shared one thing he learned from the presentations. • 8th-grade students Kelly, Andres, and Joel, who discussed the benefits of offering “Tortas” for school lunch. The students’ efforts has led to Young considering and evaluating the breadth of student recommendations she has received. Through Mrs. Klune’s efforts, this “Healthy Choices” unit has not only demonstrated the importance of teaching students about healthy food choices, but also the power that comes from being provided a platform to advocate for change.

Riverview's Instructional Materials Committee will recommend the following curricula to the School Board for adoption: Illustrative Mathematics Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II Educurious Middle School Social Studies These curricula will be available for viewing April 17-25, 2023 at the Riverview Educational Service Center in Duvall. On Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 4:30 p.m., Kristin Edlund, Riverview's Director of Teaching and Learning, will share information about the curricula in the ESC Assembly Hall.

The PARADE Program, located at the Riverview Learning Center, will be hosting Community Open House events on April 24 and 25, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. Prospective students and families in grades K-4 for the 2023-2024 school year will attend the Open House on April 24, while students and families attending grades 5-12 will attend on April 25. With thanks to the RLC and PARADE team, we have all the details to share regarding these upcoming events!

Scroll above to see images from Cedarcrest and Tolt TSA. Photos courtesy of the Cedarcrest and Tolt TSA programs Members of the Cedarcrest High School and Tolt Middle School TSA (Technology Student Association) clubs competed over four days at the 2023 Washington TSA State Conference in SeaTac. Students competed in a wide variety of events and competitions, while also making great memories and sharing experiences they will not soon forget. They also won prizes and awards (and quite a lot of them!), bringing home five first place finishes at the high school, one first place finish at the middle school level, and numerous other placements. Thanks to the Cedarcrest TSA Instagram and Tolt TSA Advisor, Erik McFarland, here is a summary of the awards received, as well as photos from the state conference! CEDARCREST HIGH SCHOOL • Tejasvini Vijay - 1st place - Future Technology Teacher • Ramon Arguelles - 1st place - Photographic Technology • Nolan Jacob, Peter Schaefer - 1st Place - Digital Video Production Team 2 • Kai Fridenvalds, Kavin Sundar, Sebastian Zambrano - 1st Place - Music Production Team 1 • Ramon Arguelles, Noah Massengill, Ella Orman - 1st Place - Silent Film Team 1 • Tejasvini Vijay - 2nd place - Extemporaneous Speech • Ramon Arguelles, Noah Massengill, Ella Orman, Nikolai Decneut - 2nd Place - Digital Video Production Team 1 • Tejasvini Vijay - 3rd place - Prepared Presentation • Olin Blycker, Peter Schaefer, Kavin Sundar - 3rd Place - Childrens' Stories Team 4 • Neo Ehlen, Tejasvini Vijay - 3rd Place - Debating Technological Issues Team 1 • Akshya Subbaraman - Top 5 Finalist - Future Technology Teacher • Cait Hawkins, Nolan Jacob - Top 5 Finalist - Technology Problem Solving Team 2 TOLT MIDDLE SCHOOL • Bent Coorevits, Greysen Wiggins - 1st Place - Mechanical Engineering • Wes Bergman, Scott Heckert - 3rd Place - Childrens' Story • Wes Bergman, Scott Heckert, Soren Jensen - 4th or 5th Place - Video Game Design • Xavier Ellsworth, Wes Bergman, Soren Jensen - 4th Place - Tech Bowl • Austin Culbertson, James Glover - Semi-Finalists - Video Game Design • Sam Bradbury - Semi-Finalist - Flight • Xavier Ellsworth, Andrei Frankovic - Semi-Finalists - Coding • Fiona Snook - Semi-Finalist - Childrens' Story • Arohi Bhide and Mehak Lalwani - Semi-Finalists - Forensics Please join us in congratulating all our TSA students for their hard work and incredible representation of our district, community, and their programs!

On March 28, 2023, the School Board of Directors voted to consolidate and disband the Eagle Rock Multi-Age Program at the conclusion of the 2022-2023 school year. What follows is a Frequently Asked Questions-style summary of answers to many of the questions we have been receiving during this process, and because of the recent School Board decision. Q: What is the status of the Eagle Multi-Age Program? A: By a vote taken at the March 28, 2023, School Board Meeting, the Eagle Rock Multi-Age Program will be consolidated and disbanded into Riverview’s comprehensive elementary schools at the end of the 2022-2023 school year. Returning Eagle Rock students will be transitioning to existing elementary schools or programs, beginning with the start of the 2023-24 school year. Q: With Eagle Rock Multi-Age consolidated and disbanded at the end of the 2022-23 school year, what will the district be doing to ensure students and families still feel part of a school community? A: The district has committed to connecting families with school volunteer opportunities in our comprehensive schools, as well as making sure each school’s PTSA organization is aware of, and reaches out to, Eagle Rock families transitioning into their new school. Additionally, Riverview will partner with a representative group of Eagle Rock parents, students, and staff to help determine transition opportunities. Examples include, but are not limited to, school tours, meeting teachers and staff, scheduling conversations with principals, and providing an overview of available programs and resources of interest to students and families. We look forward to developing a collaborative transition plan with our Eagle Rock families. Q: Why does the district need to address this issue with what seems to be a quick timeline? A: The existing conversation regarding potential changes to the future of the Eagle Rock Multi-Age Program began in the fall of 2022. Once a determination was made that a recommendation to consolidate and disband was the only viable direction for the district, meetings were scheduled with Eagle Rock staff and families on February 6, 2023, to discuss the challenges faced with maintaining Eagle Rock beyond this school year. During those conversations, the district informed families of the recommendation the district was proposing to the School Board and shared the issues involved with making this decision. Holding those meetings and sharing a recommendation to the School Board put a process in motion that not only met the requirements of Board Policy 6883, but would allow, if the Board voted to consolidate and disband Eagle Rock, students, staff, and families the opportunity to focus on implementation, next steps, and ensure all involved are engaged in the transition process. Q: Is the district following the law? What about policy and collective bargaining agreements? A: Washington law requires school districts to have a policy for when a recommendation has been made to close a school for instructional purposes. RCW 28A.335.020. Consistent with this law, Riverview School District’s Board Policy 6883 speaks to the requirements necessary in closing a school. All existing labor agreements are available on the Riverview School District website, by clicking here. Q: Eagle Rock has been in this district for many years. Why is Riverview now stating that it cannot continue to provide smaller schools with smaller class sizes? A: Questions about the fiscal viability of Eagle Rock Multi-Age have been discussed for many years, dating back to the tenure of previous superintendents, Dr. Anthony Smith, and Conrad Robertson. Given the current funding model, small elementary schools are not financially sustainable in a district of our size. Current funding in Washington state is based on costs associated with running a 400-student elementary school. With existing budgetary constraints, the district is forced to look at two main options: 1) Consolidate a smaller school with limited enrollment and transition those students into our existing comprehensive elementary schools; or 2) Cut and/or eliminate services, staff, and supports at other schools to continue providing resources to a school which does not generate enough revenue to remain fiscally viable. Q: If Eagle Rock presents a fiscal challenge, as the district claims, how has the school been able to remain open during the district’s overall decline in enrollment? A: The district did not have a clear view on whether the enrollment decline would be permanent, short-term, or long-term. Enrollment losses in Riverview, in neighboring districts and across the state and country, were believed to be because of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2021-22 school year, Riverview, like other districts, continued to follow state requirements that accommodated adequate spacing, smaller class sizes and higher staffing levels. The district was also following mandated safety measures and other requirements directly related to COVID-19. When the October 2022 enrollment numbers were made available, it became clear that enrollment was not returning to pre-pandemic levels. Several factors play a part in this: lower birth rates, higher housing costs, a wide array of educational opportunities for families, including private schools and virtual options, families relocating to more affordable communities, and Riverview simply not seeing a boost in student enrollment that matches new housing starts and families moving into our communities. The impact of inconsistent enrollment will continue to impact the district’s financial position in the 2023-24 school year. Q: Where can I see the presentations and discussions on this matter? A: Effective January 2023, all School Board meetings are now livestreamed to the community, then archived for on-demand viewing. Members of Riverview's administrative team provided an initial presentation at the February 28, 2023 Board Meeting. A parent advocacy group, Save ERMA, presented their research and findings in support of retaining Eagle Rock during Public Hearing at the March 14, 2023 meeting. During the March 28, 2023 meeting, prior to the Board vote, Superintendent, Dr. Susan Leach, and Director of Business and Operations, Meisha Robertson, provided additional information to address Board questions which emanated from the previous presentations. All School Board meetings are available for viewing here: https://www.rsd407.org/meetings Q: Is Riverview significantly overspending on professional development/learning, relative to neighboring school districts? A: No. This claim is addressed by Riverview during the district presentation during the March 28, 2023 Board Meeting (meeting linked above). Q: Is comparing budget codes a good methodology for comparing how districts spend money? A: Comparing budget codes is not an efficient way to determine whether a district is overspending, relative to other districts. Just as one budgets differently than a friend or neighbor, or can view a similar expense differently, school districts have the flexibility, within the law, to develop budgeting styles and practices that work best for their system. That flexibility makes it nearly impossible to tell whether you are making a proverbial “apples-to-apples” comparison. Additionally, labor costs vary widely in our state. Specifically, in King County, labor costs range significantly higher than in other parts of the state, which may have districts of similar size but have a different socio-economic background. Q: Is Riverview overspending in Transportation, relative to neighboring school districts? A: Comparing transportation costs between school districts can be difficult. Several factors must be considered and not all school districts operate the same. Factors to consider include ridership, whether the routes are rural-based or city-based, etc. Simply dividing the number of students by a budget code used for transportation expenditures fails to put into proper context the uniqueness of a school district’s transportation challenges. In Riverview, for example, most of our routes are rural door-to-door routes, more costly to operate than a city route where large groups of students gather at a relatively small number of stops. Some districts utilize Metro cards or public transportation. Other districts run an “every other week” schedule because of driver shortages. With the recent suggestion that the district reduce transportation costs by $500,000 to help keep Eagle Rock open, the district would be forced to eliminate approximately one-third of our driver workforce. This would impact hundreds of students in our district who need district transportation to attend school each day. Q: Is Riverview overspending in Office and Clerical Staffing, relative to neighboring school districts? A: Again, comparisons district-to-district can be difficult. With the recent suggestion that the district reduce office and clerical staffing by $500,000 to help keep Eagle Rock open, the district would be forced to eliminate approximately 8-10 positions, which could include: building and office managers, registrars, attendance secretaries, counseling office support staffing, a payroll and benefits coordinator, department support staff, etc. Q: What plans are in place for the Eagle Rock campus, now that the program is set to be disbanded? A: The district has no plans to use the Eagle Rock campus or portables currently. In time, the site could potentially be used for storage.