Day One Message

April 6, 2020

Dear Riverview Families,

Today was the launch of a new era in education for our students and teachers -- SPPS Distance Learning. For being our first day, we had so many successes! Many students submitted videos and assignments to their teachers - it made their teachers so happy to see their faces! Several students had a chance to talk to their teachers over the phone to see how things went. And students were able to get reconnected to one another.

I want to thank you for understanding that this will take some time. We are in a time where teaching and turning in assignments rely on the internet and websites to be working properly. The reality is that these tools are in the highest demand ever across the country and there will be technology challenges.

Looking forward, and knowing that technology issues at some point will cause stress and anxiety to students, families and educators, I want to offer some quick thoughts.

1. Take a deep breath - Your child is not going to be penalized for Seesaw or Schoology not working or your iPad needs repair.

2. Strengthen the Wifi - When your child is working, try to disconnect all your other devices from the wifi or hot spot. This can help with videos downloading quicker and websites working faster.

3. Encourage your child not to stress or worry - They want to make their teachers happy and continue learning and may feel stressed when they cannot do so.

4. Find a schedule that works for your family - The morning welcome activity is what’s used for attendance. Students have all day and evening to complete it.

5. Ask for help - if your child is unable to submit an assignment, email or call your child’s teacher.

There are several ways you can ask for help. If you have questions that you cannot find answers to on the District Distance Learning website or the Riverview Distance Learning Website, please call our school and leave a voicemail at 651-293-8665 or call your child’s teacher directly. We will do our best to respond to your emails and voicemails as quickly as possible.

If you need technology support, you may also call 651-603-4348, email familysupport@spps.org or visit spps.org/ipadhelp.

Thank you for supporting your child and Riverview West Side School of Excellence. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call or text me at 651-785-5181.

Sincerely,

Nancy D. Páez, Principal