This afternoon our school district was advised by the local Health department and KSDE to lock down and prohibit the use of the West Campus track area and playground to all persons. This action was necessary due to numerous reports of people in non-compliance of the playground and social distancing restrictions. This area will be closed until further notice. Thank you for your positive cooperation.
USD 114 NAMES NEW SUPERINTENDENT
Mr. Travis Githens begins leadership of USD 114 on July 1.
March 30, 2020
The USD 114 Board of Education has announced the selection of Mr. Travis Githens, as the new superintendent. Mr. Githens will take the reins on July 1, 2020, after the resignation of Mr. Robert W. Blair at the end of the 2019-20 school year.
Mr. Githens has broad educational experience, as a teacher, administrator and an educator of educators. He has been principal of Chase County Junior & Senior High School USD 284 Cottonwood Falls, KS, teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, Fredonia USD 484, and Vice-President for Career and Technical Education at Independence Community College. He oversaw developing new academic programming and curriculum, mentoring faculty, managing large budgets including federal and state grant funds, working with contractors during two major campus construction and expansions for both building and system wide levels.
The mission of Riverside Schools is to provide a safe environment that empowers children to obtain their educational and personal potential as life-long learners.
Board President Jennifer Davis says that Mr. Githens emerged from a very thorough search process as the right candidate to lead the District. “The Board is certain in our choice of Mr. Travis Githens and confident that under his leadership USD 114 will continue to be recognized as excellent environment for learning.
Jennifer Davis, Board President, explained that community input, including the involvement of a committee of stakeholders was a key factor in the success of the superintendent search process. The committee included support staff, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members. “The input from the community as a whole was very helpful to our process.”
The Board selected two finalists, who were interviewed by the Board.
As a board team we feel we made the right selection to serve our students and our community.
There will be a special Board of Education meeting for the Purpose to Approve KSDE Waiver/Superintendent Search tonight, Monday, March 30, 2020 at 5:30 PM in the West Campus Multi-Purpose Room in Wathena. You may listen to this meeting by calling (773) 231 9226 and utilize the meeting ID of 665 103 8579. See https://www.usd114.org/o/riverside-usd-114/page/audio-board-meeting-attendance-information for more details.
RHS parents: The following link is the high school continuous learning plan with information on student learning expectations for this quarter. https://5il.co/eaje
Board to Interview
Superintendent Candidate
USD 114
Mr. Travis Githens will be interviewing for the position of superintendent with the board of education on the evening of March 26, 2020.
Mr. Travis Githens is the 2nd of two candidates that the USD 114 Riverside board of education will be interviewing. Candidates were selected for interviews based on their fit with desired characteristics that were developed with input from focus groups that were utilized throughout the search process.
Mr. Travis Githens is currently serving as Principal of Chase County Junior Senior High School USD 284 Cottonwood Falls, KS. He is in his fifth year in that position. Previously, Mr. Githens served as a teacher for one year in Fredonia USD 484 Lincoln Elementary School.
Mr. Travis Githens’ Schedule
March 26, 2020
4:00-5:00 Tour of the East & West Campus district facilities and Elwood & Wathena communities with Superintendent and Principals.
5:00–5:30 Virtual Introduction & Message from the finalist recorded & available on the district Facebook & website later in the evening. This change is due to COVID-19 guidelines.
5:30–9:30 Dinner with Board & Formal interview with the board and candidate conducted in executive session.
The board of education will conclude interviews on March 26, 2020. They will then determine which candidates are the best fit for the superintendent position in USD 114 Riverside.
As your students bring home their technology please remember these important tips! You can also view our acceptable use policy at the link below!
https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/326257/MS_Use_Policy.pdf
Rainbow communications has enabled hotspots for internet access at the locations in the graphic. Social distance must still be maintained, but these sites are available for internet access.
USD 114 Board of Education to Interview
Superintendent Candidate
Mrs. Jennifer Gatz will be interviewing for the position of superintendent with the board of education on the evening of March 25, 2020.
Mrs. Jennifer Gatz is the 1st of two candidates that the USD 114 Riverside board of education will be interviewing. Candidates were selected for interviews based on their fit with desired characteristics that were developed with input from focus groups that were utilized throughout the search process.
Mrs. Jennifer Gatz is currently serving as the Director of Student Learning for the District of USD 113 Prairie Hills, Sabetha, KS. She is in his/her fourth year in that position. Previously, Mrs. Gatz served as a principal for one year in USD 113, and an Administrative Intern for one year.
Dr. Jennifer Gatz’s Schedule
March 25, 2020
5:00 Virtual Introduction & Message from the finalist recorded & available on the district Facebook & website later in the evening. This change is due to COVID-19 guidelines.
5:30 – 9:30 Dinner with Board & Formal interview with the board and candidate conducted in executive session
The board of education will conclude interviews on March 26, 2020. They will then determine which candidates are the best fit for the superintendent position in USD 114 Riverside.
Riverside High School Students may pick up their personal belongings and other needed educational materials at any of the following times:
Wednesday, March 25: 1:00 - 3:00 pm Thursday, March 26: 1:00 - 3:00 pm Friday, March 27: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Students will be expected to park their vehicles in the student parking lot across the street from the high school. Students will call the high school office phone number, 785-989-4426. After calling, an RHS staff member will deliver their belongings to the parking lot. Students will be expected to stay in their vehicles until their belongings are delivered and not congregate with other students.
In the event that students are unable to pick-up at any of the above times, please call the high school office and make an alternate appointment.
The Doniphan County Health Department has ordered that the use of all playground equipment is prohibited to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COIVD-19). As a result, our school district has closed the playgrounds on both campuses. Thank you for your cooperation. The link provided is to the Doniphan County Health Department Order:
https://5il.co/e40s
Superintendent Bob Blair has posted an update on the district's plans to meet your students' needs under the current state restrictions due to COVID 19. Click on this link to see the update: https://5il.co/e0t6
Internet Availability Survey:
Please help us as we plan and consider what content can be delivered online and where we might find resources to help by completing this form:
https://forms.gle/pwFpy7UmYtxtoV2Q9
There will be a special board meeting for purpose of COVID-19 Update/Superintendent Search/Personnel
Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 5:30 PM
Located at West Campus Cafeteria, Wathena, KS 66090
Meeting Agenda
1. Call to Order & Prayer
2. Adoption of Agenda and Approval of Consent Agenda
a. Waive Time, Date, and Place
3. Update on COVID-19 Plans
4. Personnel Actions
5. Adjournment
You may call (773) 231 9226 and utilize the meeting ID of 665 103 8579 to listen to this meeting. You will be muted on entry to the meeting. Public comments are not allowed during a meeting so please remain muted during the meeting. During executive sessions, audio broadcast will be muted.
In reference to obtaining student belongings: In accordance with the latest directive from the state governor, the school district buildings are restricted from allowing students to pick up items until after a full 2 weeks closure. We will communicate more information as we meet the state requirements. Be aware that changes are sent to us almost daily. At the point the schools are cleared to distribute belongs, we will develop and communicate an orderly plan for students to pick up personal belongings, and needed school materials and technology. With our current knowledge this will be no sooner than March 30th.
Riverside USD 114, all Driver's Education meetings have been postponed until further notice.
Today at 4:00 pm, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced the statewide closure of all Kansas school buildings, ceasing in-person instruction through the duration of the 2019-2020 school year. Our school, like all other Kansas schools will be implementing an at home Continuous Learning Plan for students beginning the week of March 30, 2020. Please read the document for more information on the timeline and plan going forward. https://5il.co/dveb
Drive Thru/Walk Thru Meals beginning Wednesday, March 18th!
Riverside Schools will be preparing meals during the time school is closed. We ask that you call or text the following numbers by 10:00 am everyday to let the school know how many meals to prepare for your children:
East Campus Pick Up: 816-752-6935
(11th Street, south-bound – same as student drop off line)
West Campus Pick Up: 816-390-2486
(Pick Up Location: Jessie Street south-bound – in front of RHS)
Please let us know the number of 18 year-old and under meals you will need. Due to the current National Emergency, the Federal and State agencies have moved to Summer lunch requirements, which allows any child 18 years and below to eat for FREE. The USDA guidelines require that we physically see the students receiving the lunches. Students may pick up lunches at either campus distribution location.
The same day lunch and next morning breakfast will be handed out daily between 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. I am sure we will be flexible due to this being an absolutely unique experience, please be patient and stay positive, as we will all work together as partners to do the best for our students.
Summary:
1. Call or text 816-752-6935 for East Campus Pick up or 816-390-2486 for West Campus Pick up by 10:00 am.
2. Students 18-Under; FREE
3. Pick up from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm at either of the two locations listed above.
4. Be patient and positive, we will get through this together!
https://5il.co/dujk
Riverside USD 114 will hold a special meeting tonight for the purpose of discussing Covid 19, you may call (773) 231 9226 and utilize the meeting ID of 665 103 8579 to listen to this meeting. You will be muted on entry to the meeting. Public comments are not allowed during a meeting so please remain muted during the meeting. The meeting agenda is here: https://5il.co/drx1 and the latest informational KDHE document is here: https://5il.co/drx0 Please read these reference documents.
Parents, with today’s recommendation from KDHE and KSDE, Riverside schools will now be closed this week. Website access for an explanatory document is at https://5il.co/dqpk
Parents, please read the attached document from Superintendent Bob Blair. School will be in session Monday, but please pay special attention to the 5 bulleted points that apply to activities, facility use, visitors, and bus route changes. These changes are being implemented at the direction of the state. These changes will affect you and your students immediately, please read them. If you do not receive emails, this document will be available on the school website (https://5il.co/dq87) and Facebook.
