Riverview School District officials preparing for the start of the 2021-22 school year
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New computer devices at the elementary schools, districtwide updated facilities and familiar friendly faces are among what is awaiting Riverview students this coming school year.
Superintendent Neil English said his Oakmont and Verona staffers are excited to welcome students back to full-time, in-person learning starting Thursday, Aug. 26 after more than a year of educational adjustments due to the covid-19 pandemic.
A full-time virtual option will be available for families not quite comfortable with their children in school.
“In what was arguably the most difficult year in the history of public education, Riverview stood firm against relentless adversity to end the 2020-21 school year with success and hope for the future,” English said. “Thanks to supportive parents, passionate educators and curious students, we successfully navigated the challenging hybrid system while providing programs and services many doubted would be feasible amid a pandemic.
“Despite these odds, we staged numerous student programs and events including a safe and successful student musical, a beautiful prom for our upperclassmen and an in-person graduation ceremony that celebrated our immensely talented and prepared senior class before their loved ones.”
The district has worked extensively since the June graduation on improving the students’ learning experience.
All elementary students and teachers are expected to have new devices via purchases made through federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds.
Other capital improvements include HVAC systems upgrades as well as concrete and paving, electricity and playground updates and other projects.
“There is work being completed at all three buildings over the summer, and we are excited about the additional upgrades,” English said.
Riverview also received a grant to buy a “grow pod” so it can start producing farm-to-table foods.
No major personnel moves were made, and no programs are cut in the district’s 2021-22 budget.
The district was formed in 1971 via merger of the Verona and Oakmont school districts. About 915 students are enrolled for the upcoming milestone year.
“We now enter Riverview’s 50th anniversary with battle scars that have made us stronger and more resilient than ever,” English said. “All year long, we will be commemorating a half-century of incredible achievement in our Riverview communities of Verona and Oakmont. We cannot wait to have our students back in our classrooms live and in person.”
School board president Lisa Ashbaugh said she shares in the superintendent’s excitement.
“I’m looking forward to the students coming back to school this year in person,” she said. “We will continue to follow all of the proper health and safety guidelines, but it’s important to get the students back to normal for their educational needs. The district has been hard at work preparing for the start of school and completing some construction projects at each of the buildings. We should be good to go by the first day, hopefully.”
No decision yet on masks
District officials have not made a call on whether masks would be required for vaccinated students and staff.
English said officials meet weekly with the Allegheny County Health Department and are considering the state Health Department as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and data.
More information and other administrative recommendations about the back-to-school preparations are expected to come out at the Aug. 16 school board study session.
More information about Riverview activities is available at rsd.k12.pa.us.