Friday, March 27, 2026

A Message from Principal Peterson Spring Break is here, and it’s a well-earned pause for our entire Riverside community. I hope our students, staff, and families take this time to truly rest, recharge, and enjoy some fun together—you’ve all been working incredibly hard, and it shows in our classrooms every day. As we head into the break, I’m reflecting on the strong momentum we’ve built together this year. From the growth we’re seeing in our classrooms to the ways our students continue to show up, support one another, and stay engaged—there is so much to be proud of.

When we return, we’ll jump right into the final quarter of the school year. This last stretch matters. It’s a time to stay focused, keep attendance strong, and continue pushing our thinking as we build toward the end of the year. We’ll be encouraging all students to finish strong: academically, socially, and as members of our Riverside community. Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support. Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing, and joyful Spring Break. We will see you soon on Tuesday, April 7, 2026,  ready to make the most of Quarter 4!

Riverside PTA Announcements

Click to Join the PTA Stay Connected! ptariversidees@gmail.com Facebook: RiversideFCPSVA Instagram: riversiderocketspta

At Riverside, our Rockets have been building knowledge and skills all year long. This spring, students will have the opportunity to show their growth and learning during our upcoming assessments. Below are the key dates to help your child feel prepared and ready for success.

Helping Our Rockets Soar: Family Tips for Testing Days

Your support at home makes a meaningful difference. A few small steps can help students feel confident and ready to do their best:

• Get plenty of rest: A full night’s sleep supports focus and stamina.
• Eat a healthy breakfast: Fueling up helps with energy and concentration.
• Keep routines consistent: Predictable mornings help reduce anxiety.
• Promote a positive outlook: Encourage effort and remind your child that growth takes time.
• Be on time: Arriving promptly helps students start the day calmly.
• Offer encouragement: Reassure your child that these assessments are just one way we understand their progress.

We are proud of our Riverside Rockets and the dedication they’ve shown throughout the year! Thank you for partnering with us to support every student as they continue to learn, grow, and shine!

Two-page informational document regarding Fairfax County Public Schools Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) screening, timelines, and service levels. Click each flyer for link to full text and official referral forms.

Harmony and Heritage week flyer detailing daily cultural activities from April 13 to April 17 and a Friday night event

Event flyer for Heritage Night on April 17, featuring activities like food samplings, music, and sign-up QR codes. To Perform: Scan the QR code on the left of the flyer. Music Requests: Scan the QR code on the right to request music for the fashion show or performance.

Riverside Elementary Kindergarten Orientation flyer for April 8, 2026, including RSVP and registration details. Scan the QR code on the flyer or Click the flyer for Online Registration.

Ensuring Student Safety: Register for Volunteer FCPS

At Riverside ES, our volunteers are a vital part of our school community. We deeply value the time and care they give to our students.

Recent updates to our volunteer process focus on one primary goal: keeping students safe.

These updates — such as checks against the sex offender registry and, in some cases, criminal background checks — are safety measures that will help us maintain a secure and supportive learning environment for every student in our care.

We encourage all our parents and community members interested in supporting our students by volunteering at school to visit [Volunteer FCPS], click “Learn More,” and then “Sign Up.” After you create a profile, you will view an orientation video and complete a volunteer application.

Volunteer FCPS ensures a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must be registered in Volunteer FCPS. This includes individuals who volunteer to chaperone on field trips, work at book fairs, and help out regularly in classrooms, libraries, or cafeterias. Volunteers who work unsupervised with students will also be required to undergo a background check.

We understand these changes may seem disruptive, especially for long-time volunteers. Our intent is to ensure that our students feel safe and supported with each and every person they encounter at school.

As a reminder, all volunteers — and visitors to a school — are required to sign in by scanning their ID at our visitor kiosk. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.

No Toys allowed at school