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."
Riverway Senior Shout-Out Caden Poulin Favorite Riverway Memory: Osprey Wilds Trip Favorite School Lunch: Pizza Favorite Teacher/Staff: Hunter Most Influential Person In Your Life: My mom Future Plans: Attend MN State Southeast's Free Tuition Program and get my CDL Favorite Quote: "The only impossible journey is the one you never begin." - Tony Robbins Advice to Students: Keep up in school. Standards are always changing. You need these classes. Stay in school and don't skip days- it will catch up on you and you will be stressed. It's better to get your work done on time.
On Monday and Tuesday of this week, a select group of Riverway's Secondary students worked hands on with the Primary students, teaching them what "Peer
Leadership" is all about. They played tag, had competitions, used the parachute, got out canoeing and got to create their own podcast on what peer leadership means to them. We can't wait to see what this group of secondary individuals accomplishes and how they influence the future of the primary program! 🩵
Our students continue to work hard on their costumes for Saturday Schools "Procession of the Species". Don't forget to get to Riverway by 10am Saturday so you don't miss out on this experience.
APRIL TEACHER OF THE MONTH! We’re excited to shine the spotlight on Ms. Sonja! Our incredible Children's House assistant and chicken tender, for always going above and beyond. She consistently brings passion, dedication, and positivity to the team—and it doesn’t go unnoticed. "This is my 22nd year working at Riverway. I have always said working at Riverway is more than a job. It’s an adventure and I love a good adventure. I am grateful to be working with the pre-K students in Children’s House. We are learning new things every day. I love being part of that." "I have also worked in secondary program and special education, in all three Riverway locations. It is a privilege to meet and get to know so many students, families and staff in this community of life long learners." A few of the wonderful nominations Ms. Sonja received include- "Whenever a student (or teacher!) gets hurt, they want Ms. Sonja because she is so calm and compassionate. She goes out of her way to help everyone!" -Ms. Miranda "She helps me with hard things." - Ethan "She helps me with my works." -Kobie "She gives me hugs!" -Dakhari Thank you to the CO OP for donating a gift certificate to Ms. Sonja for all her hard work and thank you Ms. Sonja for everything you do. You make a real difference! Drop a comment below to help us celebrate Ms. Sonja!
Students are putting some love into our plants for the plant sale Saturday! Make sure you bring cash so you can purchase some of these homegrown beauties- zinnias, marigolds, herbs, wild bergamot, artichokes, and more!
EVERYDAY IS EARTH DAY! 🌱🌎🌳🪻
Sharon took her science classes out to pick up litter today and quickly realized, one day is not enough.
Come join the fun at our 25th Anniversary party!
All are welcome!
Build a boat. Listen to music. Eat chicken.
Riverway: Just a reminder: There is no school tomorrow, Friday, April 4.