RPDS Dictionary What

Afternoon Academies

are we talking about?

As the school day concludes, more than 40 Afternoon Academies begin! Read more about Academies on page 28.

Capers

Caper (v.) to skip or dance about in a lively way. Capers (n.) is RPDS’s annual fundraising gala. It’s a big party to celebrate and support our school community.

Free Dress Days

If you see a free dress day on the school calendar or in Riverside Reminders, it means students are invited to wear clothes normally outside of dress code. Bust out the jeans, shorts, and t-shirts. Some free dress days even have special themes!

ELC (Newton Early Learning Center)

Did they say your child’s classroom is “in the ELC”? ELC is simply an abbreviation for the Newton Early Learning Center. The ELC is homebase for our PreK 4 and Kindergarten classes, and Riverside in the Afternoon, too.

Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day

A cherished half-day event during which grandparents or special friends join students at school.

RITA (Riverside in the Afternoon)

Before and after an academic school day, RPDS is here for your child with Riverside in the Afternoon, usually referred to as its acronym, RITA. The extended day program opens its doors at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. in the evening on regular school days.

RPA (Riverside Parents Association)

RPA stands for the Riverside Parents Association. This group of parent volunteers helps with special happenings throughout the year. Learn more on page 31.

Sundae Monday

Sundae Monday is a back-to-school celebration held the Monday before the first day of school. Students can meet their teachers, check out their classrooms, and enjoy an ice cream sundae while catching up with friends and meeting new friends. It’s a sweet way to kick off the school year!

Team RPDS

The Team RPDS Program was created to motivate and encourage students and their families to enjoy a more active lifestyle outside of the school and work day. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate a lifelong love of play and exercise! Every year students are given a special Team RPDS t-shirt, which they are allowed to wear every Friday throughout the school year.