Rules & Routines

At Riverbend, students are expected to be safe, respectful, and responsible everywhere in the building, with any adult supervisor, and with one another. Great behavior is rewarded! 5th grade teachers use programs like Go for Gold!, team points, class points, and the Star Reacher program to reinforce what is expected. When a student does not meet expectations, this is a learning opportunity. We discuss better choices and allow the student to try again. If behaviors continue, there may be a small consequence, think sheet, or deeper discussion, and the behavior will be documented as a minor referral. If the behavior escalates or continues without the student taking action to change, a consequence and parent contact will follow and it will be documented for the office as a major referral. On guest teacher days, if a student's name is written down as having problematic behavior throughout the day, a referral will be written. Star Reachers with problematic behavior on guest teacher days will lose their badges because, by definition, a Star Reacher is a student who shows exceptional responsibility in all contexts.

5th grade, the last grade before entering middle school, is an important time to to have high expectations about turning in on-time, quality work. Riverbend 5th grade teachers expect and track timely work completion, and this information is used to determine report card grades at the end of each trimester. Students who complete work on time earn free time at the end of each bi-weekly cycle.

Mrs. Erickson's Work Completion Charts (you will need to know your child's student #)

Mrs. Burgin's Work Completion Chart (you will need to know your child's student #)

The 5th grade teachers use Google Classroom to house all online assignments and resources. Ask your child to log into his or her Google account to view their class work, and ask your child's teacher to send you a weekly digest of his/her online work through Google Classroom.

Students use chrome books at school to complete online work. Along with the privilege of using them comes responsibility. We take student safety very seriously at Riverbend especially when it comes to using the internet, computers and iPads. Thanks to Springfield residents' approval of the Bond Measure in 2014, we now have brand new computers and iPads at our school!

Students will...

• treat the computer with care knowing it will cost up to $1,000 to replace.
• have clean hands before I use the keyboard.
• only go to my work on the computer.
• give compliments and constructive feedback on other’s work.
• only use teacher approved apps and websites.

Students will not...

• change anything on the image of the screen (size, color, background).
• search for inappropriate content.
• open files that do not pertain to my work.
• delete files that do not pertain to my work.

We believe dating is not appropriate for 5th grade students and have a "no dating, no exceptions" policy in 5th grade and across the building. Students of this age do not know how to process romantic relationships maturely, and this causes serious drama and distractions that affect the learning environment. We encourage our 5th graders to focus on friendships that don't include dating until they and their parents feel they are ready, and after 5th grade. This is a nice article to help parents talk to their kids who are interested in dating.

The school district encourages students to avoid bringing electronic devices to school. If a student brings an electronic device (phone, gaming device, iPod, laptop, etc.) to school, we expect the devices to be both off and put away in backpacks upon arrival to school grounds. Unless otherwise authorized by school personnel, the device should remain off and away until student exits the school grounds. The school does not accept responsibility for devices that may become lost or stolen while at school.

If a student is found using a personal electronic device at school the staff member reserves the right to confiscate the device and request a parent/guardian to pick it up from the office.

Occasionally, teachers will allow an electronic device to be brought as a reward (electronics party) or for a long field trip. Written notice will be provided. Participation in these activities is at parents' discretion, and although we will lock doors and supervise closely during these events, devices are the responsibility of the student, not the teacher or the school.

Springfield Policy: In order to prevent disruption in school, birthday parties are not permitted. Please do not send treats or goody bags to school with your child. Birthday invitations can become a distraction or cause for hurt feelings. We ask that invitations to parties be distributed outside of school hours. Please contact your child’s teacher prior to sending any invitations to school.

Your child's birthday will be recognized in class.

If you know you are moving, please directly notify the teacher rather than sending word through your child. Let us know well in advance so we can help your child prepare and say goodbye to classmates. Please return any library books before leaving school.