Riverview Elementary School

THIS REVIEW IS FOR FRONT OFFICE STAFF ONLY We haven't been at the school long enough to rate other areas. However, since the performance of the front office staff is the direct responsibility of the principal I have rated the leadership very low. After numerous encounters the front office staff (not necessarily all) have been unfailingly and consistently unhelpful and cold, bordering on outright rude. Every inquiry is a chore - heaven help you if what you need actually requires one of them to actually stand up (like providing a form, etc.) My concern is that if the expectations for the front office staff are so low and the performance not monitored (the principal's office is directly connected to the front office) then how is monitoring of teacher performance different.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my children's first year at Riverview. They have been in private school since preschool but I allowed them to stay with their dad this year & he lives in the district. My first experience was getting a volunteer form so I could help in the kids classes on Fridays. I filled it out turned it in & never heard from anyone. The front desk/office staff were cold & unhelpful. I got the impression that I was keeping them from more important things. I actually stood their waiting for roughly 10 minutes before one of the women asked, "is there something you need"? More in a way of "are you just gonna stand there & listen to our conversation"? Do you need some sort of credentials to be in the building? when I tried to use the restroom one of the women yelled at me and asked me where I was going. When I told her she replied irritably "use the one on the right". Do you need a hall pass? Communication is almost nonexisitant, my kids are not challanged academically, and were in Excell classes in private school. I'm hurt that the kids will be leaving their new friends but glad that they'll be back at their old school. It's like family there! I see now just just good it was.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in kindergarten at Riverview. I am very happy with her teacher who is new this year. I volunteered the other day and many of the students in her class are reading and spelling above grade level. The principal has been very responsive when I have been contact with her. I am thankful with cuts in other school districts that Riverview students still have music, PE and library classes.
—Submitted by a teacher

Overall I am a bit dissapointed by Riverview. My daughter is in third grad and her previous school consistantly gave out homework. She has had some homework since first grade every week. I understand the budget cuts have forced the district to cut the hours of instruction, however the education can and should continue at home to give the children the structure of having independant responsibilities. At a minimum, for their 1/2 day they should have some academics to take home to continue to improve. I can only imagine what this practice would do for the overall test scores if the children did have to pracitic what they learned at home as well. I would not recommend this school to parents looking for a new school.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in her second year at Riverview and looks forward to school every day. Her teachers have been excellent and have found ways to challenge her that are targeted to her specific needs and abilities. She is currently performing above grade level in most subjects and has really come out of her shell. Family involvement is encouraged and good citizenship is emphasized. Older children in the school are kind to my child. Riverview has been a great place for my child to start her academic journey.
—Submitted by a parent

This is the first year my child has attended this school. The teachers seem nice and professional. The principal has always been pleasant and kind, but the front office staff is horrible. I've been helped (if you want to call it that) by the front office staff several times this year and every time has been a bad experience. The staff members are very grouchy and rude. Their knowledge is quite limited and they seem like it's a hassle to have to answer any question that you may have. We always got a warm greeting at the last school my child attended. The staff was always eager to help and if they didn't know the answer they would make sure they found it for you. You could tell they loved their job. This school ,on the other hand, act like it's a prison sentence to be there. I'm greatly disappointed.
—Submitted by a parent

This is a fantastic school! class sizes are small, teachers are excited and postive, the the principal is caring and involved. Most of all an environment of learning is totally fostered at this school. My child is not teased or ignored, she is given the attention she wants and needs and the kids are taught to be friendly and repsectful not only of their teachers but of each other as well. My daughter is excited to get up every day and go to school here, and happy when she comes home. In contrast she recently attended another school in the district with a supposed higher rating for some extra curricular activities and the kids were snobbish and mean to her.
—Submitted by a parent

I am the PE teacher at Riverview. Our school provides a range of extracurricular programs to encourage students to participate in activities such as Volleyball, BINGO Night, Muffins with Mom and Donuts with Dad, Pumpkins n Poetry, Boys Club, Girls Club, WASL Warm Ups, the All School Production, Riverview Ropers Jump Rope Club, Choir, Chess Club, Drawing Club and School Safety Patrol. Participation in these activities help children feel a connection to our school community. The Riverview PTO has a tradition of parent involvement in our school's educational and extracurricular programs. One sure way to keep communication flowing between home and school is to get parents involved in their child's school community. All members of Riverview's community-students, staff, parents and visitors-are responsible for creating and maintaining our school's culture where everyone safely learns and grows. Come see for yourself what a great school we are! Alice Atha
—Submitted by a teacher

My daughter has been attending here for three years. She was sent home once because she had temporary very small highlights put in her hair. 1st and 2nd grade were great, she had homework and understoood what the teacher wanted. Third grade has been totally different, the hardest grade so far and she rarely had homework, it was hard to understand, the teacher did one conference during the school year. I had to go buy home schooling materials and home school her because they did not provide enough work. We are moving and I'm sad that my daughter is going to have to meet new friends, but I am not upset that she is changing schools.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is very disappointing. I was told that Riverview was an excellent school that is why we bought a home in the area, but currently I don't see any particular strengths. There are no designated groupings for higher math students, reading etc. No challenge unless you are here at the time of testing for the Excel program - and that is not a strong program either. The district is lazy and the riverview staff is busy with there own social standings at the office to principal level. Very disappointing school district.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends Riverview. I was initally impressed during the first days of school. Now after several weeks of school am no longer enthusiastic about this school. Their list of punishalble offenses and the lack of multitasking ability on his teachers part is very frustrating.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Riverview for CBC program. Last year was great this year with new teacher has been terrible. Comunication with teacher is horrible, and have become aware of questionable disiplinary procedures with special needs children. Principle has been less than profesional in dealing with my concerns.
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been attending Riverview since first grade and is now in the third grade. He is a special needs child and is in the CBC program. He has received wonderful support from his teacher and has excelled at many levels since he started in riverview. The school offers several field trips and activities to engage the children and in my opinion the teachers and staff I've met with seem to enjoy thier work and it is evident in my sons class as he has learned so much there. I do think they go a little over board on what they consider 'punishable offenses' and tend to make small occurances into horrible acts. Safety and happiness are key in a school environment however, if it is a skunk call it a skunk otherwise a simple talking to would suffice.
—Submitted by a parent

I am personally extremely impressed with Riverview and the education my son is receiving. The school is a smaller school allowing the principle to be involved on every level.I would say she knows every student personally. The classes are smaller than schools my children have attended in the past.They have many extra programs to meet individual interest along with several field trips. All teachers I have dealt with have taken a personal interest. The PE Teacher Ms Atha far surpasses any teacher I have seen. Great school!
—Submitted by Nicole Garrison, a parent

Great quality education.Principle and teachers really take interest.Class room size allows for individual attention.Teachers have high level of education and are creative with approaches and new programs. My kids love going to school each day!
—Submitted by a parent

My son has been going to Riverview for over a year now. The teachers are very caring and supportive of the children. The circulum is fair. Computers are available to the children. They learn about music and have a decent athletic program.
—Submitted by Glenn & Susan, a parent

Riverview Elementary School has exceeded any of our expectations. The school teaches respect and responsibility which is very refreshing these days. The faculty and staff that I have encountered are very good and the principal seems very involved and informed. My daughter is challenged and her excitement for learning has only grown since she has been at Riverview.
—Submitted by a parent