Heritage Weekly Update

Welcome Back to School!

Dear Families,
We look forward to a fantastic start to the year. As we prepare for the 2026-27 school year, we want to share some important information to help ensure a smooth start for everyone.

Open House

Mark your calendars for our annual Open House at Heritage Elementary! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to meet their teachers, find their classrooms, and for families to get acquainted with the school environment.

• Date: Monday, August 17th
• Time: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

First Day of School
The first day of school for students will be Tuesday, August 18th. The morning bell is at 9:00 AM with the tardy bell ringing at 9:15 AM. Our dismissal time is at 3:40 PM. We can't wait to see all our students' smiling faces ready to learn!

Kindergarten Gentle Start
To ensure a smooth and welcoming transition for our youngest learners, we're implementing a Gentle Start for Kindergarten students. Please note the staggered start dates below:

• Tuesday, August 18th: Kindergarten students with last names A-G
• Wednesday, August 19th: Kindergarten students with last names H-N
• Thursday, August 20th: Kindergarten students with last names O-Z
• Friday, August 21st: All kindergarten students will attend

 

Pick-up/Drop-off Procedures
Please note that our pick-up and drop-off procedures will remain the same as last year. We ask all families to continue to follow the established routes and guidelines to ensure the safety and efficiency of student transportation. Students may not leave their vehicle prior to the 9:00 AM morning bell. We will have teachers outside to assist your students as they enter the building. Your cooperation helps keep our students safe!
The afternoon pick-up time will be a little hectic as we get settled in. We thank you for your patiences as our staff works to efficiently get students and vehicles out. 

Supply Lists
To help your student be prepared for success, supply lists are now available. You can find the complete lists on our school website.

HES Supply Lists 2026-2027

Final Forms Completion
A friendly reminder that all Final Forms must be completed and submitted online before the first day of school. These forms are crucial for ensuring we have up-to-date contact, medical, and emergency information for your child. Please visit https://rivervalley-oh.finalforms.com to complete these as soon as possible.
 

School Fees
School fees for the upcoming year are $40. Online payment can be completed through MySchoolBucks. You may also pay in cash or checks (payable to River Valley) in the front office. If you feel you qualify for free or reduced fees, please be sure to fill out the portion in your Final Forms regarding the free and reduced program. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.

You may see a fee for the Chromebook Insurance - this is an OPTIONAL fee if you choose to select the insurance. If you do not wish to purchase this insurance, the fee will drop off in October. You may opt-in later, however, the device must be inspected and in good working order to gain coverage. 

 

Free Breakfast and Lunch
We are thrilled to announce that free breakfast and lunch will continue to be provided for all students this school year! This initiative helps ensure that every student has access to nutritious meals, supporting their learning and well-being.

Elementary Lunch Menu 26-27

Safety Measures at River Valley

 

Seatbelts

For the safety of all our students, we want to inform you of our seatbelt requirement for all students riding school buses. All students must wear a seatbelt while on the bus. We appreciate your help in reinforcing this important safety measure with your children.
 

Weapons Detectors

River Valley Elementary Buildings (Heritage and Liberty) will begin using weapons detection systems at our main entry points for the morning arrival. 

Please see the following notice for additional information. 

Vic the Viking Detector Video

Weapons Detector Letter - RV Elementary Buildings

Viking Bash!
Join us for our annual Viking Bash on Friday, August 21th from 4:30-6:00! The festivities will take place at our RVHS campus between the Middle School and tennis courts. This is a fantastic opportunity for students, families, and staff to come together, celebrate the start of the new school year, and enjoy some fun activities and free food. Schools will be having a 1-hr early release on this day (2:40 PM for our elementary families). Students will receive a free voucher to enter the game accompanied by a paid adult. 
 

Boys and Girls Club
Heritage Elementary is the host site for Boys and Girls Club in the RV community. This is a before and after school student program.

Picture Day
Picture day for Heritage Elementary will be coming up on Thursday, September 4th. Teachers will be sending home forms and reminders as we draw closer. 

We are excited to see everyone back this week! We will see you on Tuesday! 

Sincerely,

John Wickersham
Building Principal at Heritage Elementary