Principal Max Doel of Riverside School, alongside two fifth-grade students, Alex and Violet, presented an overview of the social-emotional support initiatives at their school. The discussion centered on increasing the percentage of students who feel they have a trusted adult to turn to within their educational environment. Principal Doel explained that the school fosters a caring and respectful community through morning meetings in each classroom. These gatherings aim to develop a sense of belonging among students, facilitated by activities like student-led games and presentations.

The students shared their positive experiences with the school’s programs. Alex highlighted a lesson called “Think it Through,” which helps students understand thoughts and feelings in conflict situations. Violet discussed identifying personal character strengths, emphasizing the importance of emotional awareness. Additionally, Mr. Samar, the school counselor, conducts classroom lessons on growth mindset and teamwork, targeting students from kindergarten to fifth grade.

A notable initiative at Riverside includes the Lunch Bunch sessions, where small groups of students engage in activities to build social skills and rapport with staff. A creative project involving AI-generated images was particularly popular among students, teaching collaboration and compromise. The mentorship program pairs 25 students with staff members who volunteer their time to support and connect with students.

Riverside’s student council, comprising fifth graders, meets monthly to address community improvement areas. The council has effectively suggested changes like improving lunch line efficiency. The presentation also highlighted the school’s gratitude challenge, where over 200 gratitude slips were exchanged, promoting appreciation culture among students and staff. An upcoming kindness challenge was announced, focusing on encouraging positive interactions within the school community.

The meeting transitioned to broader district matters, particularly the facilities bond referendum scheduled for January 28, 2025. The Superintendent emphasized the importance of community participation in the voting process, noting potential adverse weather conditions that might affect turnout. The board provided polling locations and mentioned an app aiding voting logistics.

A significant portion of the meeting addressed the recent financial audit conducted by Niss Saachi and Company. The audit revealed a generally positive financial year for the district, despite economic challenges. The board noted no significant compliance issues, and the financial performance was bolstered by interest earnings on investments. However, it was cautioned that these earnings are not a recurring revenue source.

Attention then turned to the semiannual student safety data report. The board contextualized these findings by discussing developmental challenges faced by middle school students, particularly in self-regulation. The administration was commended for their efforts in educating students on conflict resolution.

The student board member report, presented by students Maya and Nikolai, brought a light-hearted perspective to the meeting. They humorously connected a recent early dismissal at Princeton High School due to an HVAC leak to the upcoming referendum, highlighting the need for facilities improvements. The students stressed the importance of informing their peers about the referendum and encouraged community involvement in school improvements.

The meeting addressed ongoing academic integrity concerns, with collaboration on a program named “AI zero” or “Chad zero” to discourage cheating and alleviate academic stress. The board discussed student support ideas, including workshops and resources for stress management, particularly in high-pressure courses like AP Chemistry. Suggestions were made for structured opportunities for one-on-one time with teachers, potentially alleviating students’ workload.

The operations committee updated the board on projects funded through a past referendum, focusing on HVAC upgrades and security enhancements. Sustainability efforts, including the introduction of solar panels to the district, were met with enthusiasm. The personnel committee shared updates on hiring timelines for new positions, and policy updates were discussed in compliance with recent legislative changes.