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How do I know The Riveredge School is a fit for my learner?
Please review this list – if you answer “yes” to the questions, then the Riveredge School might be a great fit for your learner!
Is The Riveredge School a good fit our family?
In addition to an inquiry and nature based approach to learning, consider how well your child adapts to changes in daily routines and schedules. One of the great benefits of our approach to education here at the Riveredge School is daily flexibility in how and when skills such as reading, writing, math, and problem solving are taught throughout the day. If your child adapts to changes in daily routines and schedules with ease, then Riveredge might be a great fit for your child’s learning style!
Students at ROLES tend to not have as many transitions from one subject to another as we integrate many of our topics and offer a number of projects while addressing the Wisconsin State Academic Standards. A day at ROLES isn’t broken down by how many minutes we spend with each subject but rather a focus on integrating the learning, letting inquiry drive some of what is learned and spending time in nature.
Please review our Mission, Vision, and Values to see how your student will fit into our learning environment.
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How often will the students be outdoors?
Most of every day! Although the students may begin and end their days inside, the majority of the day will be spent outdoors in different areas throughout Riveredge Nature Center grounds engaged in learning activities. A severe weather policy will be strictly enforced. Student comfort will be monitored and, in addition to more traditional learning objectives, you may be surprised how well your child learns to appropriately dress for different types of weather. This time outdoors will help students receive research-supported benefits of time in nature including decreased stress, increased concentration, academic achievement, perseverance, and positive mental and physical health benefits.
Wisconsin DPI Child Care Weather Watch chart
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What subjects will be taught?
The students at The Riveredge School will learn all the required Wisconsin DPI standards, yet in an inquiry- and nature-based environment which supports individualized learning and community-building. The curriculum includes reading, writing, math, social studies, science, art, music and physical education. One of the school’s goals is to support students in developing academic outcomes which exceed state and local averages.
Rather than separate “specials” subjects, art, music and physical education are integrated across the curriculum. You may hear students singing songs about insects as they search for specimens in the prairie. Students sketching in their nature jounals can be spotted on the land on most days. Cross-country skiing, hiking, tree climbing, and trail running are all ways that students engage their bodies as well as their minds at The Riveredge School. Through this integrated approach to learning, students connect to the land around them and develop a rich sense of place, land ethic, and environmental responsibility.
Here a student has finished “coloring” a snow sculpture. -
Will there be special clothing or supplies required?
We encourage all students to wear “play clothes” to school and prepare to get dirty! This is not a school for pretty dresses and nice shoes. A list will be provided with recommendations for the best type of outdoor clothing, with an emphasis on cold and wet weather. Families who qualify for financial assistance will be provided access to appropriate outdoor gear.
Kindergarten and first grade students will have use of school owned Oakiwear over suits which work well in all seasons. Special equipment and unique supplies will be provided by the school for all the students.
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Where will the classrooms be located?
Although the majority of each school day is spent outside, each class utilizes an indoor space on a regular basis.
For the 2022-23 school year, two existing classrooms within Riveredge Nature Center’s main building are used for kindergarten and first grade. The ROLES office is also located here in the west wing of the building. Third through fifth grade students have home bases in our Yurt Village which includes two yurts and a small classroom building within view of the main building. Second grade uses the former maintenance building located at the end of the west parking lot.
As a nature-based school, it is expected that we do things differently than a traditional school. One of those things we do differently is our teaching environment. Not only do we spend as much time outdoors as possible, our indoor classroom is also unique. Check out this interview with our 2nd grade and 4th/5th grade teachers with We Are Teachers.
Check out this post on yurt classrooms on the Colorado Yurt Company’s website highlighting The Riveredge School:
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Are the school’s teachers required to be licensed?
Yes. All teachers at The Riveredge School are licensed through Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).
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How and when can I enroll my child in The Riveredge Outdoor Elementary School?
Please visit our “How to Enroll” page to apply for the 2023-24 school year!
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2023-24 Alternative Enrollment Procedure (available after 7/1/22 and during the school year):
STEPS TO APPLY FOR THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR – Alternative Enrollment Procedure (available after 7/1/23 and during the school year):
1. After exploring our website including the three pillars, our mission, family resources, and FAQs, contact us with any additional questions. View the 2023-24 Lottery and Waitlist Results for the most recent updates regarding grade level openings throughout the summer and school year.
2. Complete a 2023-24 Enrollment Application for each child and return it to ROLES in person, via email (ROLES@nosd.edu) or via mail as soon as possible. Paper copies of the ROLES application are available in the ROLES office at Riveredge Nature Center.
3. (Only for families who DO NOT live in the Northern Ozaukee School District) If you are a family who does not live in the Northern Ozaukee School District and are open-enrolling to the system, you must complete the Alternative Open Enrollment Application through the Department of Public Instruction. This application can be accessed at: https://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment. This application is available after July 1, 2023. Applications may take about 20 days to process between the resident district and NOSD. Students must be cleared through this process before attending ROLES.
2023-24 SCHOOL CALENDAR – Approved by the Governance Council on 3/23/23.
IMPORTANT: BOTH the ROLES application and online open enrollment application must be completed, processed, and approved before the student is allowed to register to attend ROLES!
Please refer to the school’s Enrollment and Lottery Process 2023 for detailed information about our school’s lottery and enrollment process.
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What is a Charter School?
A Charter School is a Public School in WI which serves to continue the improvement and innovation of our WI Public School system. Check out this quick video from WI Resource Center for Charter Schools to get a clear explanation!
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Will there be an enrollment fee?
Certain fees will be assessed from each student at the beginning of the school year, or at the time of admission if it is during the school year, to help defray the cost of specific materials. Such fees shall be in concert with the laws of the state of Wisconsin. The amount of the fees will be determined each year by the Governance Council. In the 2023-24 school year this fee is $100 per student. The payment of school fees is a family responsibility and the school administrative assistant will collect those fees.
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Which grades will be served and how many students?
In the 2019-20 school year, four classrooms of 16-18 students hosted grades K-4.
In the 2020-21 school year, five classrooms of 16-18 students hosted grades K-5. The 4th and 5th grades were combined this school year.
In the 2021-22 school year and beyond, six classrooms of 16-18 students each host grades K-5.
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Will there be a nature-based Middle School?
We hope so! Although much development is yet to be completed, there is a strong interest in exploring options to expand our school.
The Riveredge Nature Center education staff and Northern Ozaukee School District staff have been working together to develop their middle school programming to incorporate nature based learning and ways to utilize outdoor spaces near the building. Visit “Scientists in Residence” to learn more about this partnership. RNC and NOSD’s partnership to integrate nature based learning into their programming began benefitting middle school students during the 2021-22 school year!
The Northern Ozaukee Middle School currently has around 130 total students in grades 6-8. If you are interested in learning more about Northern Ozaukee Middle School, please contact either David Karrels, Superintendent or Ann Baumann, Data & Open Enrollment Coordinator.
David Karrels, Superintendent: dkarrels@nosd.edu; 262-692-2489 ext. 402
Ann Baumann, Data & Open Enrollment Coordinator: abaumann@nosd.edu; 262-692-2489 ext. 294
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Can I add my child’s name to a waiting list?
No, as a public school, we do not have a waiting list for enrollment. If demand exceeds available spots, a lottery system will be utilized. Once a family is enrolled in The Riveredge School, siblings will receive a preference for the following school year. These guidelines are determined by the Wisconsin DPI.
If you are interested in applying for the 2023-24 school year and was NOT a part of the lottery process, please view our “How to Enroll” page for 2023-24 Alternative open enrollment instructions. The alternative open enrollment period begins on July 1, 2023. (The online open enrollment process to be part of our annual lottery opens the beginning of February and closes at the end of April. Our annual lottery is held in May.)
Please refer to the school’s Enrollment and Lottery Process 1.26.23 for detailed information about our school’s lottery and enrollment process.
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Does The Riveredge School provide transportation?
Though The Riveredge School is not yet able to provide transportation to and from school, many of our families have organized carpool groups. Our PTO works diligently to connect parents to one another who are willing and able to carpool.
- At this time, there is no after school ROLES Nature Club. Please explore the RNC Family Nature Club for a fun community option to enjoy nature with your child! This is a community based RNC opportunity that gathers on a monthly basis. The club is totally free, and you can join at any time- no long term commitment needed!DOWNLOAD
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Will there be hot lunch available?
A formal hot lunch program is not offered. All students will be issued a school-owned “bento box” for use with home-packed lunches. The use of these lunch containers will ensure that food is “trail durable” and decrease trash.
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What is happening with the current nature-based 4K program that was based out of The Sugarbush House?
It is continuing! Riveredge Nature Center is very proud to be a partner with the West Bend School District (WBSD) and Kettle Moraine YMCA to host a public nature-based 4-year-old Kindergarten. The ROLES charter school provides an additional resource for teacher professional development and inspiration for this partnership with Riveredge Nature Center as well.
Our charter school, Riveredge Outdoor Learning Elementary School (ROLES), begins with 5-year-old Kindergarten, and we hope families with 4- year-olds will consider the WBSD nature-based 4K program for their children. The program is based out of The Coop, near the main visitor’s center, on the Riveredge Nature Center grounds. (Formerly it was based out of The Sugarbush House.)
Although both ROLES and the Nature-based 4K programs take place on the Riveredge Nature Center property, they are in partnerships with different public school districts. The 4K program is affiliated with the West Bend School District (WBSD). ROLES is affiliated with Northern Ozaukee School District (NOSD).
You can learn more about the nature-based 4K partnership on its webpage.
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My child has an IEP. Can he/she open enroll into The Riveredge School?
At this time, ROLES works in collaboration with Northern Ozaukee School District to provide special education services as determined by the IEP. During the application process, both ROLES and NOSD will review the needs of your child to determine if his/her needs will be adequately serviced in ROLES unique setting. The ROLES lottery takes place before IEPs are reviewed by ROLES and NOSD through the open enrollment process. Placement during the lottery does not ensure a seat offer. A child’s acceptance to enroll in ROLES with an existing IEP is determined on an individual basis.
Currently, a limited number of students with only speech/language services receive services through NOSD onsite at ROLES during the school year.
During the open enrollment process, you will be asked if your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). Please refer to this DPI document to assist you in the completing the open enrollment online form for your child with an IEP: https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/open-enrollment/pdf/Bulletin-16-05-Special-Ed-and-OE.pdf
For more information on the open-enrollment process and considerations regarding your student, please visit this DPI website: https://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment/special-education
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What will the school calendar be?
2023-24 SCHOOL CALENDAR – Approved by the Governance Council on 3/23/23.
Any school closures or delays due to inclement weather will follow the Northern Ozaukee School District response.
Virtual Instruction on Fridays has been approved by the Governance Council to continue through the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years. Mondays through Thursdays will continue to be in person school days. A virtual only instruction option is not available at ROLES at this point in time. Our focus continues to be high quality in person, nature-based outdoor learning.
The first and last days of school and winter and spring breaks are the same dates as NOSD’s school calendar. There are some differences between the NOSD school calendar and ROLES school calendar during the school year of days off school in October and February and some teacher work days. Please make sure to reference the ROLES 2023-24 SCHOOL CALENDAR. (If there are changes to the calendar due to special events planned for The Riveredge School, they will be shared with families in advance.)
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When will the school day begin and end?
Our school hours are 8:30AM – 3:35PM, Monday – Thursday, for in-person instruction.
Our Fridays are reserved for virtual instruction and teacher preparation.
See “What are Virtual Fridays?” below for more information.
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How does ROLES prepare students to transition into a traditional brick and mortar school setting for the upper grades?
Life skills development: Our inquiry based approach to learning naturally facilitates growth in students’ problem solving and critical thinking skills, essential skills that will aid students as they navigate into the upper grades and throughout their lives. Students work together collaboratively with their classmates and teachers to investigate and explore their experiences and observations of the environment and their surroundings. We strive for students to become stewards of the land through environmental awareness and conservation throughout their lives after leaving Riveredge.
Standards based curriculum: Our teachers follow the Wisconsin State Standards for the core subject areas including Environmental Literacy and Sustainability when deciding what to teach, when to teach it and how it will be evaluated. We use standards based assessment tools such as NWEA MAP and the Wisconsin Forward exam. Lastly we use a standards based report card to communicate learning progress with the parents. These curriculum, instruction and assessment practices align with the majority of Wisconsin Middle School curriculum and evaluations practices.
Technology: Our students have access to technology in every classroom comparable to what you would find in most public schools and use those tools to facilitate the learning. Examples include electronic tablets, apps, online subscriptions with individualized student programming, etc.
Organization skills: Our students are transitioning to a variety of learning environments throughout the day. Think about the packing everything you need to go for a hike, but then add in the tools you will need to learn. Our students come to us each day ready for the environment and the learning that will take place while in it. These organizational skills build independence in our students as they prepare for different outdoor weather and both physical and academic activities.
We often hear that the hardest piece of the transition for our students is “getting used to being inside for most of the day.”
Reference Articles:
Mechanisms of children’s exposure to nature: Predicting adulthood environmental citizenship and commitment to nature-based activities
Children and nature: Following the trail to environmental attitudes and behavior
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What are "Virtual Fridays"?
Our Fridays are reserved for virtual instruction and teacher preparation. After careful consideration, research, and reflection, the Governance Council has approved virtual instruction on Fridays, “Virtual Fridays”, for the next three school years. This includes: 2022-23; 2023-24; and 2024-25. Mondays through Thursdays continue to be in person school days. A virtual only instruction option is NOT available at ROLES at this point in time. Our focus continues to be high quality in person, nature-based outdoor learning.
Fridays consist of virtual instruction off-campus. Virtual instruction includes an all school meeting and independent schoolwork and activities. Some schoolwork and activities are online and some are traditional paper/pencil.
This school year there is an all school Google meeting 20-30 minutes long on Friday morning and assigned tasks by the classroom teachers to be completed individually at home by the student, or as a family in some cases over the day and/or weekend. Our amazing staff has organized family and cross age level projects and activities highlighting topics such as the Winter solstice, Sled dog racing, and Invasive species. The tasks offer families flexibility in their schedules.
Many PTO sponsored clubs/events are offered on Friday afternoons, such as Ski Club at Sunburst in January, Rock Climbing Club, and Archery Club.
Virtual school days are considered student attendance days. Participation is required for positive attendance as reported by the school district and to the state. Participation includes attending any virtual meetings and completion of assigned tasks.
2023-24 SCHOOL CALENDAR – Approved by the Governance Council.
Teacher preparation on Fridays includes time for teacher preparation, professional development, collaboration and meetings. Due to the format of our in person school days, students gain time in instruction due to less transitions compared to a traditional format. Teachers do NOT have any preparation time or time away from students built into school days Mondays through Thursdays. The Virtual Friday format allows teachers to have weekly preparation time to provide high quality instruction throughout the week. As a charter school, new innovative approaches and formats to instruction and learning that are different from the traditional brick and mortar school are one of our expectations.