September 2026 Newsletter
Welcome back Riderwood!
We hope you had a fun and restful summer! It was wonderful seeing so many families at Back to School Night on Tuesday. As we kick off the new school year, here are some important dates and things to keep in mind.
Join the PTA TODAY!
Last year, your generous support allowed us to fund Teacher Appreciation Week and Scholastic magazines for the kids. We were able to reimburse teachers and special area teachers with specific needs or classroom supplies. We fund Field day (with Kona Ice and Dunk Tank), the School Play, 5th grade Farewell and the International Breakfast.
When you sign up for a membership, there is zero obligation to attend meetings, and you aren't secretly signing up to run a bake sale (we promise!).
Your membership simply shows your support and directly funds amazing programs for our kids. Whether you want to be a behind-the-scenes superstar or jump into the action, every single person is welcome here!
While you are there, please don't forget to share your information to be included in the School Directory. The form is at the bottom of the page.
Check out the New Online Spirit Wear Store!
A portion of sales goes directly to the PTA to fund programs and supplies for the students. Use code RIDERWOOD20 through 9/9 for 20% Off
Grade-color t-shirts help keep our students safe and easy to spot in crowds during field trips and school events!
Each incoming class is assigned a specific color that will follow them all the way through their elementary school journey (for example, a student wearing yellow in Kindergarten will continue wearing yellow in 1st grade, 2nd grade, and beyond). While these shirts are encouraged, they are completely optional.
Stop by our school store today to find something your student will love!
Important Announcement!
You must complete the Volunteer Training Application each school year to chaperone field trips, volunteer in the cafeteria, for upcoming MEE visitations in PE, and more.
Please note that the Volunteer Trainning process is now 100% digital. That means there will be NO paper option for parents to fill out quickly if they did not complete it ahead of time.
We want to avoid having parents stand in the office for 15 minutes on their phones to complete the training, especially since so many of you want to visit your children during "MEE week."
Please help us by completing the Volunteer Training Today!It only takes 15 minutes, and you will be set for the rest of the school year.
Attention K and 1st Grade parents!
Dr. Savage, is looking for parents / adult helpers to come and help during PE, starting September 8th!
Each school year Dr. Savage does an incredible job creating a theme and transforming the gym with the MEE equipment. This year she is inviting Adult Helpers during each PE class for grades K & 1 to help encourage and spot students as they travel through the MEE equipment.
Plase sign up below for specific dates and times!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040A48ADA929A6F58-65378674-movement#/)
Dr. Savage also has a "MEE Helpers” folder on all Schoology pages in the Physical Education class documents for Grades K & 1. In the folder you will find the Rules for the MEE equipment, an instructional video of the techniques and language she will be using to help students cross the equipment safely.
Don't forget to do your 15 minute Volunteer Training and come to help!
September at a glance.
SEPT 1 – Fall Clubs Registration Opens
SEPT 7– Labor Day (Schools Closed)
SEPT 8 - Starting September 8, Dr. Savage is looking for adult helpers for grades K and 1st to come to PE class to support her. More information above! (All visitors/volunteers must complete the Volunteer Training before coming. Click here to complete the volunteer training.)
SEPT 22 to 25 – MEE Gym Visits. Refer to your child's schedule. (All visitors/volunteers must complete the Volunteer Training before coming. Click here to complete the volunteer training.)
SEPT 16 – Fall Clubs Registration Closes (or until filled)
SEPT 21 – Professional Development (No School for students)
SEPT 25 - Dr. Savage, our amazing PE teacher, needs help taking down the MEE equipment, beginning at 2:30 pm. Please let her know if you can help at nsavage3@bcps.org (All visitors / volunteers must complete the Volunteer Training before coming. Click here to complete the volunteer training.)
SEPT 25 – Back to School Picnic ( Please save the date! We'll need volunteers. More info coming soon.)
Plan ahead!
OCTOBER
OCT 6– First PTA Meeting of the year!
OCT 16 – Professional Development (No School for students)
OCT 30 – Halloween Parade in the morning (parents and guardians are welcome to come!) / Half day of school (12:30 dismissal) / End of 1st quarter.
NOVEMBER
NOV 3 - Election Day. Schools closed
NOV 9 to 13 - Fall Run Week. Save the date to come an cheer!
NOV 16 – Parent/Teacher Conferences. No school for Elementary School kids.
NOV 16 to 20 - American Education Week and Book Fair. (Save the date! We need volunteers to come an help. More info to come! )
NOV 25 – Early dismissal (12:30 pm)
NOV 26 & 27 – Thanksgiving Holiday Break
Yearbook Photos: Please send your child's pictures with their name and grade to be included! riderwoodyearbook@gmail.com
Let's make it a great school year together!
Riderwood PTA
Ps.If you have a friend missing out on our newsletter; forward this and have them email riderwoodpta@gmail.com to be added to our distribution list.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook @RiderwoodES
and Instagram @riderwoodelementary
Visit our PTA website!
