Riverside Otters got moving during a high-energy break-dancing residency with artist Mona Lisa. Through guided instruction and creative exploration, 2nd graders built coordination, confidence, and self-expression -- all while learning the art of breaking. Families were invited to see what children learned on the final day.
Yoga isn't just for grown-ups -- it helps kids build strength, focus, confidence, and can even help manage big emotions. Instructor, Jess Faunce made special connections to nature during this residency with Riverside 1st Graders.
Riverside Kindergarteners had an unforgettable visit to Red Barn Learning Center - for some, it was their very first time seeing farm animals up close! This hands-on experience opened their eyes to where our food comes from and the hard work behind it.
The 2nd Grade classes had an unforgettable day releasing butterflies as part of their science curriculum! Watching the butterflies take flight was a magical way to wrap up their lessons on life cycles and metamorphosis.
Our Spanish Immersion classes had a blast celebrating Día de los Niños with a festive piñata and cascarones! A joyful day filled with culture, laughter, and community as we honored the children at the heart of our school.
Riverside Elementary had an amazing drumming residency with Mike Arturi, drummer for The Lovin’ Spoonful! Our kindergarteners learned about rhythm, teamwork, and self-control. Families joined us on the final day to discover how they can make music at home with everyday objects! Big thanks to Mike for bringing the rhythm to our school! 🙌🎵
Riverside Elementary welcomed several amazing community partners to share valuable resources with our families at Family Night! We are so grateful for these partnerships that help strengthen our school community and support our students and their families. Together, we’re making a difference! 💙
Thank you:
Olmsted County Public Health
Guiding Partners to Solutions
Rochester Art Center
Community Education
Rochester Public Library
ACHLA
COPAL
SNAP Ed.
First Alliance Bank
Olmsted County Outreach
Early Childhood Family Services
Riverside Elementary’s PTA invited the community to join our “Litter Bit Better” cleanup event! Thank you to everyone (including K-Kids!) who helped make our school grounds cleaner and greener. We appreciate your hard work and community spirit!
Thank you to the Treble Choir from Honors Choirs of Southeast MN for sharing your talent with Riverside Students. We loved the performance!
Exciting partnership! Riverside Elementary and Winona State University have teamed up to support future teachers while benefiting our elementary students. Despite the rain, Family Night was a huge success—moving indoors didn’t stop the fun!
Ms. Lenz's Mindfulness class enjoyed a session on listening. Students listened to recorded birdsongs and learned about local birds. They enjoyed making these simple bird feeders to take home. They also tested them out here in Riverside's School Forest where the birds clearly enjoyed them!
Thank you to SPARK Children's Museum for inviting Riverside over to play! We had a blast!
Riverside 5th Graders learned where maple syrup came from when they tapped maple trees right here in our School Forest. Sara Holger from Project GO demonstrated how she cooks down the maple syrup at home. Students have been monitoring and emptying the buckets of sap. They are in for a treat when she comes back in April!
Riverside is proud of this monthly partnership that gives kids a better understanding and appreciation of the Great Outdoors, right here in our own backyard.
Sofia Padilla, teaching artist from In the Heart of the Beast (puppetry and theatre company) shared her talent and love with our Riverside students last week, encouraging active participation, fostering creativity and imagination, and making learning interactive. The week ended with shadow puppet performances for parents and caregivers.
This project is made possible in part through funding from the Greater Rochester Arts and Cultural Trust. This activity is also made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.
Riverside Central Elementary is a Turnaround Arts School. This means that we participate in the national Turnaround Arts program, which uses the arts to improve school culture and climate. This Community Weaving was started at our recent Family Event and continued last week with small groups from Ms. Norris and Ms. Mickelson's classes.
Minneapolis based organization, In The Heart of The Beast (puppetry and theatre), was at Riverside last week! Artist, Sofia Padilla taught students the art of shadow puppetry and story-telling using paper and sand. She continues her residency this week, finishing with student-created puppet performances. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts & cultural heritage fund.
Thank you to Subaru of Rochester and The Landing for coordinating this donation of jackets and shoes for Riverside students. We are so grateful!
Riverside Readers Theatre: Rooster Can't Cock-a-Doodle-Doo
This group of 2nd Graders met for several days with Ms. Leslie and Ms. RJ to reenact this story. Readers Theatre supports reading comprehension and context. The kids had so much fun performing this for the rest of the 2nd Graders.
Riverside Third Grade classes hosted their first Discovery Time session last week! All 3rd grade teachers hosted an activity in their space, and students went to different classrooms to work outside their own class. The goal was to give students a chance to get to know each other with an opportunity to explore something they are interested in. They are looking forward to the next Discovery Time!
Criselda Martinez is one of the 142 teachers to be nominated for 2025 MN Teacher of the Year. She has received word that she is among the 31 semifinalists!
Ms. Martinez teaches 2nd grade Spanish Immersion at Riverside Elementary. We are proud to have this exceptional teacher enriching the lives of our students!
