Riverbend Middle School

📢 Prop M for MVR-III – No Tax Increase Bond 📢 is on the April 8th ballot and will allow MVR-III to build a net zero ready school, lowering energy costs and serving as an educational tool to teach students about sustainability practices, all while potentially saving money on utility bills to be allocated to other facilities across the district: 🧱Like the 2021 Zitzman addition, the new middle school would be built with ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) walls that provide superior energy efficiency and increased strength & durability. ⬇️The Zitzman addition is using 39% less energy per square foot than the national average for K-12 school buildings. ⚡Energy usage at ZE is 34% less than the previous structure, which is a direct energy cost savings to MVR-III! 🗳️ Prop M is a NO Tax Increase investment in our students and schools. Remember to Vote Tomorrow! #MVNation #MovingForwardTogether

This week, we’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible work of our assistant principal, Mr. Ken Grodie! Assistant principals are the unsung heroes who help create a positive, safe, and productive school environment. From managing daily operations to supporting instructional leadership, they are involved in every aspect of the educational experience. Whether it's addressing student needs, overseeing discipline, implementing school policies, or collaborating with teachers to improve the classroom experience, assistant principals play a pivotal role in shaping the culture of the school. They are problem-solvers, mentors, and advocates for students and staff alike. Their work goes beyond administrative tasks—they’re actively engaged in making sure that every student has the support and resources they need to thrive academically and emotionally. In times of challenge or change, they are often the calm, guiding presence that keeps the school running smoothly. Let’s take a moment to thank not only Mr. Grodie, but all of our assistant principals out there for their hard work, dedication, and leadership. Your contributions are integral to the success of your schools, and you make a lasting difference in the lives of both students and educators.

📢 Prop M for MVR-III – No Tax Increase Bond 📢 is on the April 8th ballot and will bring exciting improvements for our students, including: 🏫 A New Middle School – A brand-new 7th-8th grade school will be built on the Pacific High School campus 🔄 Reimagined Learning Spaces – Students in grades 5 & 6 students will move to the current Riverbend School 🚀 Maximizing Usage of District Facilities – New learning space for Alternative Program students and additional office/storage space at Pacific Intermediate 🗳️ Vote on April 8th (or now with No Excuse Absentee Voting). Prop M is a NO Tax Increase investment in our students and schools! #NoTaxIncrease #MVNation #MovingForwardTogether

Today, we celebrate National School Librarian Day, a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of school librarians to the educational community. These dedicated professionals do more than just manage books—they inspire a love of reading, foster creativity, and provide critical resources that help students succeed academically and personally. School librarians wear many hats: they’re teachers, mentors, technology experts, and curators of information. They work tirelessly to ensure that students have access to a diverse range of materials, whether it’s a novel, research resources, or digital tools for learning. Librarians play an essential role in promoting literacy, critical thinking, and information literacy—skills that are essential for success in today’s world. So today, let’s take a moment to express our appreciation for these educational heroes. Thank you, Mrs. Moser, for your dedication, creativity, and the positive impact you have on the lives of students and educators alike. You truly make a difference!

Friday Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Birkholz

📢Did You Know? Voting for the April 8th Election is Happening Now! "No Excuse Absentee Voting" can only be done in person at the County Clerk/Election Authority's Office. 🗳️You don't have to wait until Election Day to cast your vote! Here's what you need to know: **What:** Early Voting for the April 8th Election. **Where:** Franklin County: M-F from 8:00am-4:30pm/Sat. 8am-12pm at 400 E. Locust Rm 201 in Union. Jefferson County: M-F from 8:00am-5:00pm/Sat. 8am-12pm at 729 Maple St., Hillsboro. St. Louis County: M-F from 8:00am-4:30pm/Sat. 9am-1pm at 300 Clarkson Rod., Ellisville or 1010 Meramec Station Rd, Ballwin for West St. Louis County voters **Why:** Avoid long lines, possible flooding delays, and vote at your convenience! #NoTaxIncrease #MVNation #MovingForwardTogether

Today, we celebrate the incredible individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes, making a difference in the lives of students every single day. Paraprofessionals are the heart and soul of our classrooms. They support teachers, assist with learning, offer encouragement, and provide essential guidance that helps students thrive. Their dedication and passion often go unnoticed, but today we want to shine a light on their invaluable contributions. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and the positive impact you have on the future!

Please use the link below to access this month's Riverbend Parent Newsletter. https://secure.smore.com/n/sueypj

Registration is now open for Pacific High School 2025 Summer Sports Camps. All camps are held on the PHS campus and are $35 per attendee, per camp. View options at bit.ly/PHScamps or visit pacificsportscamps.com to register. Complete your registration by May 15 to secure a free camp T-shirt! Mark your calendars for 25-26 Athletic Teams Registration, which will open July 1. #MVNation

🚍School Buses Matter! 🚍 📢 Prop M for MVR-III – No Tax Increase Bond 📢 is on the April 8th ballot to help update our aging bus fleet: ✅ Our buses work hard every day with an average of 100+ miles added daily ✅ Eleven of our 37 buses have over 200,000 miles of service ✅ New buses can cost up to $140,000 each 🏆 MVR-III Transportation has been proudly recognized for 13 years of MO State Highway Patrol Fleet Excellence for Safety. This is a no-tax increase investment to continue providing safe, reliable transportation to our students. 🗳️ Vote on April 8th! #NoTaxIncrease #MVNation #MovingForwardTogether

Friday Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Hinkebein

KSDK News visited Zitzman Elem to interview MVR-III Superintendent Dr. Schwierjohn about our storm shelter, utilized by over 75 residents during the recent severe weather. Visit bit.ly/mvr3news for more info, and watch the KSDK video at bit.ly/mvr3shelter. #MVNation

Tuesday Student Spotlight: Bentleigh Frisch

Did You Know? 📢 Prop M for MVR-III – No Tax Increase Bond 📢 is on the April 8th ballot and will bring vital facility improvements to ALL schools, including: 🏫 Maximizing Resources – All current schools will remain open 🌱 Future-Ready Design – The new middle school will be built for energy efficiency 🛡️ Enhancing Safety – Adding a 2nd storm-safe shelter protects students and MVR-III citizens 🗳️ Vote on April 8th! This is a no tax increase investment in our schools and students. #NoTaxIncrease #MVNation #MovingForwardTogether

Tuesday Student Spotlight: Tori Walter

The 3rd Annual Pacific Girls Basketball 4-Man Scramble fundraiser is April 27 at Sullivan Golf Course. Enjoy a day at the course while supporting PHS athletics! All proceeds go to the Lady Indians basketball program. Contact Melanie Missey or Cody Kelley to register. #MVNation

Great job coaches and athletes! Our 8th grade volleyball team finishes the year with a 2nd place trophy. Great weekend and an amazing season!

Great start! 8th grade starts the Owensville Tournament with a WIN. #compete.

Storm Shelter at Zitzman Elementary Open to the Public Thanks to the passage of Prop 1 in 2021, MVR-III was able to build the Zitzman Elementary storm shelter gymnasium. This shelter, built with reinforced concrete and impact-resistant materials, provides protection from tornadoes and winds up to 250 mph. For the safety of our community, the Zitzman storm shelter/gym will be open tonight, Friday, March 14, 2025, from 7:00 PM until the storm passes. Please park in the front lot for entry. More info about the weather forecast can be found at: https://www.weather.gov/media/lsx/DssPacket.pdf. Stay safe and take care tonight!

Friday Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Schultz