Uniquely Riverside
Curriculum Enhancements
Movement
Riverside School is committed to our S.P.A.R.K. (Supercharging Physical Activities for Riverside Kids) program which provides 50 – 70 minutes of movement for each student every day. This program was developed in response to current research by Dr. John Ratey demonstrating that physical activity prepares the brain for optimal learning. In addition to Physical Education instruction, students participate in a 15 minute mid-morning movement activity and conduct Focus2Learn activities for a total of 20 minutes throughout the day as well as daily recess for all classes. Students also participate in dance classes led by members the Latin Ballet Dance Company and a professional ballroom dance instructor. We also focus on physical fitness by encouraging children to make healthy food choices, limit television viewing time and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Language Fundamental (LF)
Riverside School students receive one-on-onel Orton-Gillingham language instruction for 30 to 45 minutes four days per week. Riverside School’s language fundamental sessions are remedial sessions in which reading, reading comprehension, handwriting, vocabulary, and spelling skills are taught. Our Language Fundamentals Program is staffed by teachers who are trained in the Orton-Gillingham Approach and certified by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners & Educators.
Social Skills
Along with building a strong academic foundation for our students, Riverside is committed to fostering positive social growth and developing the self-confidence of each pupil. Once each week, students participate in a 30-minute Social Skills class. Class activities are designed to reinforce social, ethical, and academic skills in areas such as critical and creative thinking, ethical decision making, interpersonal relationships, practical living skills, building self-esteem, and practicing citizenship. Learning techniques incorporated into the class include role playing, small-group discussions, reflective and moral dilemma exercises, and hands-on activities.
Essential Skills
Intermediate School course which offers strategies for reading and studying non-fiction material, keyboarding and research skills.
Riverside Resource Classes
Expressive Arts
Led by a Certified Art Therapist, Riverside School’s Expressive Arts Therapy program is not only designed to refine artistic skills, but also to cultivate personal growth. Once each week, students have an opportunity to explore visual arts, music and/or dance.
Library
Riverside School offers a fully automated library run by a professional librarian. The school’s collection includes audio books as well as printed books. It also holds a collection of resource books for parents and teachers on dyslexia and other learning differences.
Extracurricular Activities
Co-Ed Intramural Soccer
Riverside sponsors one-two soccer teams each spring and fall to take part in the private school intramural soccer program. These inclusive teams offer soccer team experience to beginning and experienced soccer players and are coached by our physical education instructor with help from parents and alumni
After School Classes & Workshops
After school pottery/art workshops are available throughout the year and are offered by our Expressive Art teacher, Peggy Healy who is a trained Expressive Art Therapist. Drama classes/workshops are available throughout the year and are offered by our Intermediate School faculty member, Alexander Keevil. For the 2011-2012 school year, Edible Education will offer after school cooking classes which teach on kid-friendly recipes that promote healthy food choices.
Student Council
Each year representatives are elected in each class to serve on the school’s student council. Led by a faculty sponsors this group is responsible for planning and implementing several community service projects for the students to participate in throughout the year. They also provide leadership to their fellow students and serve as ambassadors to campus guests.
