Elementary school teachers focus on math

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Published on Saturday, May 16, 2015

By Jessie Bell

Students and their teachers at Rivers Elementary School drew closer to the end of their school year in April with an in-service day. Teachers gathered to talk about priorities for the 2015-16 year which include excellence in education with a focus on mathematics and student self-assessment, continuing with healthy living and community partnerships.

There are 27 students in kindergarten classes with Barb Carmichael and Carrie Ramsey as teachers. Adrienne Wiebe is filling in for Jennifer Andrychuk who is on maternity leave from Grades 1-2. Other Grades 1-2 teachers are Jennifer Pilling, Lindsay Carlisle and Farryn Davis. Allison Hamm teaches Grade 3, Meagan Smith Grade 4, April Sprenger Grade 5 and Lorraine Hodgson Grade 6.

A common change throughout Rolling River School Division is a move to multi-level classes for Grades 3-6. Teachers are anticipating this shift and have started having conversations with students in class. The multi-level information will also be forwarded to parents.

Meagan Smith also teaches, along with Bruce Helgeson, physical education. Richard Graham teaches music, Amanda Johnston is the resource teacher, Crystal Coleman the guidance counsellor. Long-time employees are school secretary Sheri McMurachy and custodians Kevin Jay and Lois Cave. There are 10 support staff workers who help wherever needed. Krista Reynolds is in her third year as principal; she will soon be on maternity leave to extend her family circle with a second child; her replacement is not yet known.

Students are practising for the upcoming track meet on May 14 at Rivers Collegiate. The Rolling River track meet is in Brandon on May 21.

On April 10 students did a flash dance mob with Grade 6 students as leaders. Dances were Macarena, heel-toe polka and the Mexican hat dance. Students were taught in groups before performing in the gymnasium. All students and teachers joined for a fun time.

Grade 5 students did a spring school-wide playground garbage clean-up, followed by a challenge to all staff and students to keep their school environment clean. A litterless lunch meant the use of reusable containers and a power down day meant turning off lights when not in use and taking a break from computer screens to enjoy the outdoors. All students and staff were asked to take their old batteries to school for Grade 5 students to take to Super Thrifty Pharmacy in Rivers, where they will be taken to a suitable disposable sits.

Parents are caring for plants at home for transplanting on May 29 in the wooden boxes near the playground.