Last Tuesday's Paddle Club spent the afternoon learning different parts of a canoe and paddles and tested their knowledge on the right (and wrong) way to wear a PFD.
Hungry Games Strikes Again!
This week’s French Toast Thursday was more than just a delicious treat — it was a hands-on exploration of food systems, nutrition, and mindful eating, inspired by our reading of The Omnivore's Dilemma.
We've been learning about the impact of corn in the American food system, especially how it influences the diet of chickens, cows, and pigs. To deepen our understanding, we compared eggs from corn-fed chickens with eggs from our very own Riverway hens, which enjoy a diverse diet of fruits, vegetables, and natural chicken feed. We closely observed the differences in yolk color and the clarity of the albumen — the Riverway eggs stood out with their vibrant yolks and firm whites!
We also took a closer look at what goes on our French toast: syrup. After studying the role of high-fructose corn syrup in processed foods, we compared a name-brand "pancake syrup" to real maple syrup. Using our senses, we smelled, tasted, and examined the textures and ingredients — the differences were eye-opening (and taste bud-opening!).
Finally, it was time to cook! Students put their learning into action by preparing and enjoying French toast made with our Riverway eggs and topped with their syrup of choice — a flavorful way to bring together science, sustainability, and good food.
Students in Riverway's "Hungry Games" class harvested 21 lbs. of produce and turned it into the most delicious eats: pico de gallo, Capri salad, two kinds of kale chips, and bruschetta over garlic parmesan bread with balsamic glaze (the school smelled amazing). We're so thankful for the garden and the staff & students who tend, harvest, prepare and SHARE this amazing food.
Students share their lunch scraps with the chickens, minimizing food waste and creating the happiest chickens on the block.
Started the week off right with our all-school Monday Morning Meeting. It's a time for staff and students to practice Riverway's key values, celebrate milestones, share important information and cheer each other on!
Now Enrolling 1-3 Grade! 📚✏️🚌
Is your child ready to thrive in a safe, supportive and engaging learning environment? Riverway Learning Community is now accepting enrollment for 1st-3rd grade only, for the upcoming school year.
At Riverway We Focus On:
☀️Small Class Sizes
☀️Personalized Learning
☀️Caring, Experienced Teachers
☀️Creative Play, Hands-On Learning, and Lots of Fun!
Apply on our website site.
First day of school is Wednesday!
Riverwaylearningcommunity.org
The garden is bursting with flavor and color! Some of these delights will find their way to our school lunches, fueling minds and bodies.
🎓🌟 Bridging Ceremony 2025 – A Beautiful Montessori Milestone 🌟🎓
Friday, we celebrated a truly special moment — the Bridging Ceremony, marking the last day of school and an incredible step forward in our children’s Montessori journey. 💫
From tiny hands exploring with curiosity to confident learners ready for the next stage, we’ve witnessed such beautiful growth. The bridge they crossed today symbolizes more than moving up — it represents independence, wonder, and the spirit of lifelong learning.
As Maria Montessori so beautifully said:
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” 🌈
Thank you to our dedicated guides, supportive families, and of course, our amazing students for making this year so meaningful. 💖
Here’s to new beginnings, continued discovery, and a joyful summer ahead! 🌱☀️
It's not all work during "May Term". In the afternoons we help the students experience the best outdoor spots in Winona. Today we took students hiking up Sugar Loaf and even got out fishing and pontooning on the Mississippi thanks to "Friendship Fish 'n Float" in Winona. What an amazing experience!
The last 2 weeks of school, or what we call "May Term", may be our favorite!
Secondary spends the mornings working on service learning projects to give back to the community. They give back to the Riverway Community by finishing projects like building a bridge for primary, creating beautiful walking paths in our enormous garden, clearing out invasive species on our lakefront, or creating the snacks for all the hard workers that day.
They also give back to the Winona community by volunteering their time at places like the Benedictine Center.
We love watching our students give back and learn skills they may have not otherwise.
S2 and S3 are working hard to build primary an amazing bridge for their bridging ceremony next Friday. 💙
MAY STAFF OF THE MONTH!
Secondary Students are especially thrilled to recognize Matt as our "Staff of the Month"! He consistently goes above and beyond- taking on every task with a calm and positive attitude, embracing challenges with grace, and supporting everyone around with unwavering kindness.
Whether it's stepping in without hesitation, leading with quiet strength, or simply being a steady and uplifting presence, Matt has become an irreplaceable part of our team.
"My time at Riverway has been so enlightening! I was delighted with the campus at my first visit when I saw it was filled with lush green space, towering cottonwoods, a glittering lake, and an enormous garden overflowing with life. As I began my journey here I discovered a staff that showed each unique student such patient care and attention that I knew this was my home."
"I've been here about 2 years now as a learning leader assistant. I help learners with their studies, outdoors work/play, behavior, gardening, landscaping, maintenance, cleaning, cooking and a variety of other tasks. The deepest gratitude from the bottom of my heart goes out to this special community. I am so glad you are here and so grateful to be here with you."
Just a few of the wonderful nominations Matt received include-
"Matt makes it so I can understand my work and is real nice."
"He's awesome and one of my favorites. He's a good listener and is a big nerd like me 🙂."
"Matt is the definition of selflessness. He is the reason the not-so-fun jobs get done. Thank you, Matt!"
"Matt is friendly, kind, smart, thoughtful AND helps everyone. Thanks!"
Thank you for being a model of acceptance, humility, and dedication. Without a doubt, you are the well deserved winner of this honor.
Let's all celebrate Matt- an everyday hero in our learning community by leaving a kind note below.
CONGRATULATIONS RIVERWAY CLASS of 2025!
We are so proud of all you've accomplished. Here's to new adventures, big dreams, and the journey ahead. Go out and make the world better. 💙
We can't wait to celebrate YOU tonight!
Riverway Senior Shout-out
Jaiden Severson
Favorite Riverway Memory: Going to the beach at Whitewater sophomore year and being with all my friends
Favorite Riverway Lunch: Chicken Alfredo
Favorite Riverway Staff: Hunter
Most Influential Person in Your Life: My Parents
Future Plans: Attend RCTC's dental assistant program
Favorite Quote: "Never be ashamed of trying... effortlessness is a myth." - Taylor Swift
Advice for Students: "Enjoy the people, time and the memories you make at school, even if you don't enjoy the school part because it goes by so much faster than you'd think."
Riverway Senior Shout-Out
Sam Flom
Favorite Riverway Memory: When we went to Whitewater and had a party in the bathroom where we played music and danced
Favorite Riverway Lunch: Orange Chicken and Rice
Favorite Riverway Teacher/Staff: Sharon/Mr. Krage
Most Influential Person in Your Life: My mom
Future Plans: I plan to go and get my outdoor recreation degree and continue in the local parks and recreation program for the city
Favorite Quote: "The only thing holding you back is yourself." - James Moore
Advice for Students: "Go above and beyond what you're already doing and keep trying until you win."
Riverway Senior Shout-out
Zoey Malchaski
Favorite Riverway Memory: Trips to Whitewater
Favorite School Lunch: Pizza and Chicken Alfredo
Favorite Teachers/Staff Members: Sharon, Mike, Molly and Hunter
Most Influential Person In My Life: My dad
Future Plans: Work a full time job and eventually go to college for auto body
Favorite Quote: "No need to cherish luxury, everything comes and goes. Even the life you have is borrowed, cause you're not promised tomorrow." - Akon
Advice for Students: "Keep your head up. Do not let your emotions get the best of you. Time goes way too fast, and just like that you are staring at the finish line."
Riverway Senior Shout-Out
Madison Kohnen
Favorite Riverway Memory: Getting to know Ms. Barb
Favorite Riverway Lunch: Pizza
Favorite Riverway Teachers/Staff: Ms Barb and Shelby
Most Influential Person In My Life: Ms. Barb
Future Plans: Move to Texas and start my own business
Favorite Quote: "Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow." - Helen Keller
Advice for Students: "Don't give attitude"
Riverway Senior Shout-Out Kilena Deal Favorite Riverway Memory: Going to Osprey Wilds and participating in either the 20 ft or 40 ft ropes course Favorite School Lunch: Pizza Most Influential Person in Your Life: My Grandma Future Plans: Attending University Minnesota Rochester Favorite Quote: "Procrastination is the life you could have lived." Advice for Students: "Get the work done now and rest later."
Riverway Senior Shout-Out Eli Sultze Favorite Riverway Memory- Going to Osprey Wilds Favorite School Lunch- Cowboy Stew Favorite Teacher/Staff- Julie and Hunter Most Influential Person In My Life- My Mother Future Plans- Attend MN State Southeast College and get a 2 year degree Favorite Quote- "To learn from your past is to live in the present so you can see your future." - Chong Xu
Advice for Students- "Don't start conflicts with your teachers, always be respectful, turn in your work on time, always show up with a smile."
Riverway Senior Shout-Out
Emma Hatter
Favorite Riverway Memory: Going to Eagle Bluff in E1 and staying the night
Favorite School Lunch: French Toast Bake
Favorite Teacher/Staff Member: Mary Kate, Julie, Sharon
Most Influential Person In Your Life: My mom
Future Plans: Attend University of Minnesota Duluth
Favorite Quote: "I learned, when I look in the mirror and tell my story, that I should be myself and not peep at whatever everybody else is doing." - Kendrick Lamar
Advice for Students: "Don't fall behind on work and always take the opportunities to make your future easier."
