District Administrators Corner

by Loren Glasbrenner, River Valley School District Administrator  When you call the River Valley School District, a person answers the phone. Not an answering service or a recording—a person (unless someone is on the line). There are districts that have switched to an automated system with choices or voice recognition technology instead of having a live person answer the phone. The decision to upgrade is considered cost effective in the eyes of many leaders instead of taking the time to have personnel stop to help. River Valley disagrees. If a parent or family member, otherwise known as our customer, cannot reach the school, the immediate response will be that our district is impersonal and does not care about our families. You can ask anyone and they will tell you that talking to a machine is an exercise in patience, or frustration. We believe in people and make the effort to help out. The River Valley School District takes pride in offering the best we can for our families. We employ outstanding people, more specifically outstanding community members, to help our families. If you call the following offices, here are the people that will answer your call: • 546-2228 - River Valley Early Learning Center - Nadine Westphal • 588-2559 - River Valley Elementary  - Sarah Schaller  - Michelle Orcutt • 588-2556 - River Valley Middle School - Trisha Larson - Nancy Tabrizi • 588-2554 - River Valley High School - Luanne Kindschi - Joannie Harrington - Elly Schram • 588-2551 - River Valley District Office - Paula Wedige - Julie Kuhse - Gwen Gorman You will not find more thorough, patient, and prompt help than from these staff members. Even though it isn’t, they make the work look easy. They are essential to our daily work. Each of our schools has a tremendous office team that is family centered. The offices on the Spring Green campus are open year round for students and parents who may have questions. Office hours during the school year are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Monday through Friday). It is also where a student or parent can take care of many of the following items: • To answer a quick question. • To set an appointment to see the administration. • To find a school counselor. • To put money into your lunch account. • To see a school nurse. • To pay for athletic/academic/field trip fees. • To receive excused/tardy slips before going to class. • To check for lost and found items. • To sign out before leaving school. • To obtain a work permit. • To ask questions about transportation. • To get a Band-Aid or receive first aid. • To get help with technology. If you have a question, give us a call. Someone will answer or get back to you soon.