Riverbend Middle School Earns 2025 National School of Character Distinction
May 22, 2025 – Riverbend Middle School is thrilled to announce its recognition as a 2025 National School of Character by Character.org. This esteemed award celebrates Riverbend Middle School's dedication to cultivating a school environment that prioritizes character development, positively impacting student behavior, academic achievement, and overall school climate.
The National School of Character designation is a testament to Riverbend Middle School's successful implementation of Character.org's comprehensive framework, the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education. This framework guides schools in creating a culture of character that benefits all members of the school community.
Todd Dempsey, Principal of Riverbend Middle School, stated, "This recognition is a tremendous honor for Riverbend Middle School. It validates our ongoing efforts to instill core values and strong character traits in our students. We are committed to providing an educational experience that not only challenges our students academically but also prepares them to be responsible, compassionate, and engaged citizens."
Riverbend Middle School is one of only 71 schools and 3 districts nationally to receive this honor in 2025. This designation will be held for five years, signifying a sustained commitment to character education.
Please see the attached for Chromebook Collection Information!
Tuesday Student Spotlight: Charlotte Hendricks
Today we give a huge shout-out to our incredible Speech-Language Pathologist at Riverbend Middle School!
Thank you for the care, patience, and expertise you bring to helping students find and strengthen their voices. Whether it’s building communication skills, supporting language development, or boosting confidence, your work has a powerful impact on our students' success — both in and out of the classroom.
You help students express themselves, connect with others, and reach their full potential — and that’s something truly special.
We are so grateful for your dedication, your heart, and the difference you make every day!
Friday Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Varley
Don't forget! It's the final Purple Friday tomorrow as our Seniors have their Send-Off walk-throughs! Wear your purple and cheer them on! 💜 #MVNation
Tuesday Student Spotlight: Malik Stewart
What's happening this week at Riverbend?
This morning, a group of girls from Riverbend Middle School proudly completed a 5K run to celebrate the end of their Girls on the Run season. Congratulations to all who participated and thank you to their coaches for helping lead them!
Today we’re celebrating the Math teachers at Riverbend Middle School — the problem solvers, number crunchers, and logic lovers who make math meaningful every day!
Thank you for showing students that math is more than just numbers — it’s about thinking critically, solving real-world problems, and building confidence one equation at a time. Whether it’s fractions, functions, or formulas, you help students tackle challenges with curiosity and courage.
Your patience, creativity, and dedication make all the difference. From guiding group activities to cheering on those “aha!” moments, you turn math into a subject students can understand — and even love!
We appreciate all you do to help our students grow, succeed, and believe in themselves.
Today we’re giving a big round of applause to the amazing Elective teachers at Riverbend Middle School!
From the creativity of Art and Music, to the innovation in Digital Media, Journalism, and Technology, to the hands-on learning in Agriculture and Community Service, to the teamwork and energy of Physical Education, and the global perspective brought by Languages — YOU make learning exciting, meaningful, and fun!
Our elective teachers help students discover passions, build confidence, and develop real-world skills that go beyond the classroom. Whether it's coding a program, painting a masterpiece, leading a fitness game, or growing something from the ground up — you inspire curiosity, encourage self-expression, and open minds to new possibilities.
Thank you for sharing your talents and creating opportunities for our students to shine in so many unique ways. Riverbend wouldn’t be the same without you!
This morning, 50 students at Riverbend Middle School were recognized for their resilience. Nominated by staff members, these students stood out for their hard work, personal growth, willingness to go above and beyond, and many other admirable qualities. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them.
Today we also proudly recognize and celebrate our incredible District Health Coordinator — a true champion of wellness across our schools!
Thank you for your tireless dedication to keeping our students, staff, and families healthy, informed, and supported. Whether it’s managing health protocols, organizing screenings, providing resources, or offering a listening ear, you play a vital role in the well-being of our entire school community.
Your leadership, compassion, and behind-the-scenes hard work make a difference every single day — and we are so grateful for all that you do!
Because of you, health and safety remain a top priority, and our students are better able to learn, grow, and thrive.
Today we’re celebrating the English Language Arts teachers of Riverbend Middle School — the champions of reading, writing, and everything in between!
Thank you for sparking imagination, encouraging self-expression, and helping students find their voice. Whether it’s through exploring powerful literature, crafting compelling essays, or building vocabulary, you open doors to new worlds every day.
Your passion for language and learning helps students grow not only as readers and writers, but also as thinkers and communicators. The impact you make is truly immeasurable.
We appreciate your dedication, creativity, and the care you put into every lesson. You are the reason stories come alive at Riverbend!
Today, we take a moment to thank and celebrate our amazing school nurse who plays such a vital role in the health and well-being of our students. Whether it’s providing first aid, offering a comforting word, or managing health needs, your care and compassion make all the difference every single day.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication, quick thinking, and the calm presence you bring to our school community. You are essential to our students’ success and safety, and we are so grateful for all you do!
Tuesday Student Spotlight: Logan Giles
Today we shine a spotlight on two groups of extraordinary educators at Riverbend Middle School — our Science teachers and Special Education teachers!
🔬 To our Science teachers: Thank you for igniting curiosity and turning everyday moments into amazing learning experiences. From hands-on labs to fascinating lessons about the world around us, you help students explore, question, and discover. You inspire future biologists, engineers, and critical thinkers — one experiment at a time!
💙 To our Special Education teachers: Your patience, compassion, and commitment make a world of difference. You meet students where they are, help them grow with confidence, and celebrate every victory, big or small. Your work is rooted in heart, and your impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
You both bring passion, purpose, and support to our school community — and we are so grateful for all that you do!
Today, we give a special shout-out to the incredible History teachers at Riverbend Middle School!
Thank you for bringing the past to life in such powerful and engaging ways. Through your lessons, students don't just learn about dates and events — they gain a deeper understanding of the people, movements, and ideas that have shaped our world.
From inspiring discussions to creative projects, you help students connect the past to the present and empower them to think critically about the future. Your passion for teaching and storytelling makes history unforgettable!
We appreciate everything you do — you’re not just teaching history, you’re making it.
Nearly 25 local businesses and professionals took time from their busy schedules to visit Riverbend Middle School last Friday, sharing their knowledge and expertise during the 3rd Annual RMS Skills Day event. This is an amazing opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and hear first-hand insights in areas like athletics, automotive, carpentry, dentistry, emergency services, environmental careers, food service and more. It is made possible by the efforts of our incredible staff and our equally incredible & supportive community. Thank you for giving back to the students of #MVNation! #GrowingTogether
Video link: https://youtu.be/3r3wptYelaI
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🍎📚💛
This week, we celebrate the heart and soul of Riverbend Middle School — our incredible teachers!
Thank you for the knowledge you share, the patience you show, and the passion you bring into your classrooms every single day. You challenge, support, and inspire our students to dream big, work hard, and believe in themselves.
Whether you’re teaching core subjects, leading electives, guiding special education, or supporting student growth behind the scenes — YOU make a lasting impact. Your dedication doesn’t go unnoticed, and our school is stronger, brighter, and better because of you.
Every day this week we will highlight a different group of teachers that help make Riverbend Middle School Amazing!
