Community
family education & support
A Lasting Network of Support
Our Family Education and Support program is dedicated to building a strong, supportive community for families of Riverview students. We provide a variety of resources and opportunities to connect through facilitated dialogue and topics specifically curated for Riverview families. Programming includes information sessions, discussion groups, book clubs, and a speaker series from professionals in the field. We also provide mentorship and group discussion for incoming new families, and a facilitated small-group alumni mentorship program for families who are in their final year of the GROW Program. Most importantly this program aims to provide a continuum of support that extends far beyond graduation.
Holistic approach
Educating, Connecting, and Empowering Families.
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New Family Mentorship
Connects new families with a peer mentor at the beginning of each school year and provides group check-in sessions on Zoom three times during their first year. This series is conducted in partnership with our Family Association Leadership.
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General Education Series
Open to all Riverview current families, covering a variety of family education topics. Sessions include listening to TED Talks, watching documentaries, reading and discussing books, or listening to a speaker, all followed by a facilitated discussion on the topic.
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Small Group Alumni Mentorship
Families in their final year of the GROW program participate in small group mentorship from Alumni Families who have walked the path before them. The primary goal is to offer support, guidance, and strategies throughout the transition process from someone who “has been there”. Mentors meet 4x on Zoom throughout the year in small groups to discuss, reflect, build community, and offer peer-to-peer insights.
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Alumni Family Programming
Designed specifically for our Alumni Families both within their first-year post Riverview and beyond. Topics are relevant to our Alumni Families and provide an opportunity for continued connection to Riverview and other Alumni Families.
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Sibling Support
As a school that supports students with varying levels of cognitive and learning challenges, we recognized the need and the importance to develop programs that support the siblings of our current students. We are in the beginning planning phase of this offering. Our goal is to provide relevant and supportive opportunities for the siblings of our current students.
Transition Speaker Series
Designed for families who have students aged 16 and up. Professionals in the field present on topics relevant to Transition Planning. Follow-up discussion groups occur the following week, allowing families time to further absorb and discuss the topics together.
dive deeper
Current Parent? Check out all our resources for families on the Family Portal.
The new family discussion groups were very informative!! As a new family, it was so nice to have a place to ask questions and feel supported. I am grateful for the discussion group.
Riverview Parent
Partnership Every Step of the Way
At Riverview School, families, along with their students, are involved in the transition process over several years. The Family Education and Support program works in concert with the Transition Services program during this time to offer comprehensive and relevant programming to our family community as they prepare for this major yet exciting transition.