Date Rivers Edge opened: 2003
Program capacity/maximum enrollment: 712
Number of classrooms: 35
History of the school name: Rivers Edge Elementary borders the Chickahominy River
School mascot: Eagle
School colors: Blue and silver
Original grade levels: K-5 and PEDD
School notables/awards/traditions:
Virginia Naturally School - since 2008
Governor's Award of Excellence - 2008, 2010, 2011
Board of Education Excellence Award - 2009
PTA Parent Involvement School of Excellence - 2008
Destination Imagination participants in county, state, and regional levels
Knowledge Masters recognitions
3rd graders participate annually in the VCU Center for Economic Education Mini-Economy Market Day
Specialty/ Unique programs:
Recycling Program since 2007
Olweus Bully Program since 2009
Annual PTA/School Staff Forum since 2006
Paperless Day since 2007
Rally at the River Assemblies since 2003
School opened with social studies and science labs. Science lab was equipped with microscopes that could project image onto television screens.
School held Cultural Fairs that highlighted the various cultures represented at the school. Students and parents participated with many different types of foods for sampling, students dressed in native attire, and a participated in a grand parade around the streets near the school.
All Principals: Les Stanley (2003-2006) and Johnna Riley (2006 to present)
Additional notes of interest:
We opened school without a working cafeteria. Lunches were brought in from Shady Grove Elementary School.
Prior to the school opening, Mr. Stanley met with students who would be attending the new elementary school. He had lunch with the prospective students at Twin Hickory and Shady Grove on an individual basis. Parents and students were polled in a survey about the things they liked about their current schools and changes they would like to see. These were used in planning for the new school. The survey also allowed the students and parents to suggest mascots and school colors. The students voted and selected Royal Blue and Silver as the schools colors and an eagle as the official mascot. Mr. Stanley also met parents in community meetings prior to the schools opening. Mr. Stanley visited open houses held in model homes, community gatherings, and private homes to talk about the new school.
The first faculty meeting was held in May 2003 at Shady Grove Elementary in the library to focus on the vision and mission of the new school.
The first PTA meeting (Organization meeting) was held at Deep Run High School in April 2003. Our PTA was sponsored by the Shady Grove Elementary PTA. The principal shared the vision for the school and the first PTA Board was selected.
The roof on the office area of the school was not finished until August. They gym was not ready for use until November. Students used the bus loop for recess and physical education. The playground was not completed until March 2004. Our dedication was held in May 2004 with dignitaries from the General Assembly, School Board, School Board Office, and Board of Supervisors in attendance.
Rivers Edge Elementary is a mirror image of Echo Lake Elementary on Francistown Road.
During the 2006-2007 school year, the school was over capacity resulting in two classrooms and two support programs being housed in trailers.
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