Dear Parents and Caretakers,

The winter season brings unique opportunities and challenges to our school community. During this time, we often see an increase in student absences due to seasonal illnesses, family travel, or weather-related disruptions. These absences can impact both individual students and the classroom as a whole.

When students are away, they may miss important instruction, engaging discussions, or the opportunity to connect with peers. This can sometimes lead to feelings of falling behind or increased stress. At the same time, we understand the importance of prioritizing health and family time, especially during this season.

Our goal is to support students in staying connected to their learning and ensuring they have the resources to catch up when they return. We encourage open communication if your child needs assistance with missed work or additional support to feel confident and prepared in class.

Thank you for your partnership as we work together to keep our students healthy, engaged, and thriving during this season.

Respectfully,

C.J. Blatchley

Dean of Programs and Students

Move This World

Move This World is a Social-Emotional Learning curriculum used throughout Riverside Township Schools to help students build a solid foundation for students to successfully set, pursue, and achieve lifelong goals, but they also create a healthy environment where students strengthen their interpersonal skills, cultivate a growth mindset, and foster the development of self-management techniques.

This program equips both students and parents with tools to build essential skills for emotional well-being. To access the family platform, please visit Move This World - Login and use the following login information specific to your child's school level:

Elementary School:
Username: RiversideTES.Family
Password: movethisworld
Middle School:
Username: RiversideTMS.Family
Password: movethisworld
High School:
Username: RiversideTHS.Family
Password: movethisworld

Family Platform Guide

MTW Common Language

For a detailed guide on navigating the platform, please refer to the attached Family Platform Guide. It provides step-by-step instructions on accessing and utilizing the wealth of resources available. Should you require any assistance, feel free to reach out to me at cblatchley@riverside.k12.nj.us. I am here to help and ensure you make the most of this valuable tool for your family's well-being.

A fresh start for growth & grace

January is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and embrace new beginnings. It's a month to practice mindfulness by staying present and finding peace in the moment. Teach children simple mindfulness techniques, like taking deep breaths or sharing three things they’re grateful for each day. Show them the power of grace by encouraging forgiveness—for themselves and others—when mistakes happen. Help build their self-esteem by celebrating their strengths and small victories, reminding them of their unique abilities. This season of renewal is an opportunity to model balance, self-care, and kindness, setting a positive tone for the months ahead.

Feb. 12- Chinese Lantern Festival

The Chinese Lantern Festival, also known as Yuan Xiao Festival, marks the end of Lunar New Year celebrations. This vibrant event is a time for families to gather and admire glowing lantern displays, enjoy traditional foods like tangyuan (sweet rice balls), and partake in cultural activities such as dragon dances and solving lantern riddles. Symbolizing unity, hope, and joy, the festival lights up the night with dazzling colors and serves as a beautiful celebration of Chinese heritage and tradition.

Feb. 27- Carnaval in Mexico

Carnaval in Mexico is a lively, colorful celebration that takes place in the days leading up to Lent. Rooted in tradition and bursting with energy, it features vibrant parades, elaborate costumes, music, dancing, and cultural performances. Highlights include the crowning of the Carnaval Queen and joyous street parties. Carnaval is a time for communities to come together, indulge in merriment, and embrace Mexico's rich cultural heritage before the reflective season of Lent begins.

March 14- Holi in India

Holi, the Festival of Colors, is a joyous celebration of spring, love, and the triumph of good over evil. Rooted in Hindu tradition, it typically begins with Holika Dahan, a bonfire symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. The next day, people come together to throw vibrant colored powders, dance, and share festive treats like gujiya. Holi transcends barriers of age, status, and community, promoting unity, forgiveness, and the renewal of relationships. This exuberant festival is a kaleidoscope of color and culture, embodying the joyous spirit of renewal and togetherness.

February Calendar

March Calendar

Care Solace

Riverside Public Schools has partnered with CARE SOLACE to allow our community to quickly connect to reliable, ethical and quality mental health care and recovery services.

If you or a family member is experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, substance abuse, or other mental health conditions, use Care Solace for expert help in navigating the mental health care system. The Care Concierge team can quickly and confidently find available providers in the community, matched to your specific needs.

Contact Care Solace 24/7: 888-515-0595
-OR-
To start an anonymous search: caresolace.com/rtpsd

Care Solace provides:

Care Concierge professionals available 24/7 by phone, email, text or video chat in any language.
A dedicated Care Concierge to support you through the whole process, calling providers on your behalf to determine a fit.
Help with private insurance, Medicare, and no insurance.
Care Solace services come at no cost to you or your family.
Completely confidential support; Care Solace will not share your information without your permission.
In-person, online, or teletherapy options.
Appointment coordination for students, staff, and their families.

For more information on Care Solace and navigating the search engine, please watch the following video: Introduction to Care Match

Please also contact your schools guidance counselor or child's case manager.
*** If an individual is a danger to themselves or others please call 911***

SEL Day is a global, grassroots campaign for social-emotional learning to support children’s academic recovery, mental health, and well-being. Celebrate with us on March 3, 2025.

Create a video, take pictures, or just have a conversation reflecting on the following SEL skills:

Self-Awareness—My recognition of who I am, what I need and how I feel relative to the world around me.
Self-Management—My ability to manage my emotions and behaviors, to complete a task or succeed in a challenging situation.
Social Awareness—My demonstration of consideration for others and a desire to positively contribute to my community.
Relationship Skills—My ability to use positive communication and social skills to interact effectively with others.
Decision Making—My approach to problem solving that involves learning from others, from past experiences and using my values to guide my action and accepting responsibility for my decisions.

Watch SEL Day Video

Additional Resources:

Developing Social-Emotional Skills, ZERO TO THREE
Being The Person Our Children Confide In, Janet Lansbury
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Episodes, Fred Rogers Productions
12 Tips for Raising Confident Kids, Child Mind Institute
Tantrums, Defiance, Aggression – Oh My!, ZERO TO THREE
How to Be a Less Anxious Parent and Enjoy Your Child, Janet Lansbury
Mindfulness Toolkit, Transforming Education
10+ Social Emotional Activities for Home, Pathway 2 Success
Online Teamwork Games, PBS Kids
Importance of Self-Care: Why Parents Need Time Out to Recharge, HealthyChildren
Toll-Free 24-Hour Emotional Support Helpline (866.342.6892), Optum
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988)
NAMI National HelpLine Warmline Directory, NAMI