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Rio Elementary principal spotlights A-rating, character programs and extracurriculars
Summary
Rio Elementary Principal Matt updated the Chino Valley Unified School District board on the school's A rating, student attendance, English-learner supports, extracurricular programs and community partnerships.
Matt, principal of Rio Elementary School, told the Chino Valley Unified School District board that the school is an A-rated campus with a broad array of extracurriculars and a focus on character development.
The principal said the school aims to keep students engaged and cited 24 students with perfect attendance. He outlined programs and partnerships intended to support literacy, character and student enrichment, and described efforts to make the school a safe, welcoming place for families.
The presentation centered on three takeaways: academic performance, character education and community partnerships. "Education is the practice of practical skills in the midst of virtuous action which promotes intrinsic joyful learning," Matt said, quoting Thomas Jefferson as he framed the campus focus on literacy and character. He said the A rating reflects factors including student growth on state tests across regular education, special education and English-learner cohorts.
Matt listed specific offerings at the school: 17 clubs and extracurriculars; weekly library technology sessions; a full-time physical education teacher; an EL (English learner) program with a 45-minute conversational class for newly arrived students; student government; quilting and cooking clubs; chess club; a gardening club supported by Yavapai College; and plans to pilot mountain biking for 10 students through an outside organization.
He described community partners active on campus — the American Legion, the Elks, local police departments, CAFMA and the Lions Club — and said AmeriCorps Seniors and the Yavapai Library Network also support students. Matt pointed to the campus single-point entry, perimeter security and the presence of a school resource officer as elements of campus safety. "Officer Gronick ... is an amazing, amazing portion to our school life," he said, describing the SRO's visible, informal interactions with students.
The principal also described recognition systems that reward attendance, reading goals and character traits. He said the school plans to expand library hours next year and pilot a stop-and-read initiative in which the campus will pause for several minutes to read aloud.
Matt closed by inviting board members to visit the campus and observe programs in person. Several board members and attendees praised the school and its staff during the public remarks that followed.
Ending: The presentation was informational; no formal board action was taken on the school report. Board members were encouraged to schedule campus visits to see the programs described.
