Riverside Local Schools
Educating Excellence!

Superintendent's Message

Dear Riverside Local Schools Community,

As we embark on the 2024-2025 school year, I am filled with enthusiasm and anticipation for what promises to be an exciting and productive year. It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to each of you as we begin this new academic journey together.  "One Community, Pursuing Greatness, and Getting Better Every Day" perfectly captures the spirit and commitment that drives us forward.

Over the summer, our dedicated staff has been hard at work preparing for the new school year. We have made significant safety enhancements to our legacy facilities, integrated new technology throughout our schools, and developed innovative programs to enrich the learning experience for students. Our focus remains on providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment that encourages curiosity and a love for learning.

In line with our commitment to educational excellence, we will continue the work defined by the four pillars of the District’s Strategic Plan:
 
  • Safety, Climate, and Wellness
  • Advocacy, Partnerships, and Engagement
  • Fiscal Sensibility
  • Teaching and Learning

As we embark on this new school year, I encourage all students to take full advantage of the opportunities available to them. Get involved in extracurricular activities, challenge yourselves academically, and most importantly, support one another. Parents and guardians, your involvement is crucial, and we value your partnership in your child's education.

This year, we are introducing the Portrait of a Riverside Beaver.  This visionary framework outlines the key competencies that we believe are essential for all of our students - K-12 - to thrive in an ever-evolving world. The Portrait of a Riverside Beaver emphasizes the development of the following competencies:
 
  1. Lifelong Learner: Cultivating a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom, inspiring students to continuously seek knowledge, and grow throughout their lives.
  2. Communicator: Equipping students with the skills to effectively articulate ideas, listen actively, and engage in meaningful dialogue with diverse audiences.
  3. Leader: Fostering leadership qualities that empower students to inspire and guide others, make informed decisions, and take responsibility for their actions.
  4. Self-Awareness: Encouraging students to understand their strengths, weaknesses, emotions, and values, while promoting personal growth and resilience.
  5. High Character: Instilling integrity, empathy, ethical behavior and ensuring that our students act with respect and responsibility in all their endeavors.
  6. Creative Thinker: Nurturing creativity and innovation, enabling students to approach problems with originality and develop unique solutions.
  7. Collaborator: Teaching the importance of teamwork and cooperation, and preparing students to work effectively with others to achieve common goals.
  8. Innovator: Inspiring students to think critically and embrace change, driving progress and finding new ways to address challenges.
These competencies will guide our educational strategies, ensuring that our students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the future. By focusing on these areas, we aim to develop well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with the character and skills necessary to lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to society.

Let’s make the 2024-2025 school year our best one yet, as One Community, Pursuing Greatness, and Getting Better Every Day!  Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 440.352.0668.
 
Warm regards,



Dr. Christopher J. Rateno
Superintendent
Riverside Local Schools
[email protected]

Marlo Herrmann
Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
440.358.8202
[email protected]