Goodnight Riverside offers Fond du Lac students a summer bedtime story read by teachers
A growing number of families in the Fond du Lac School District anxiously await the latest weekly bedtime story, read by teachers from Riverside School.
Goodnight Riverside offers Fond du Lac students a summer bedtime story read by teachers A growing number of families in the Fond du Lac School District anxiously await the latest weekly bedtime story, read by teachers from Riverside School. Check out this story on fdlreporter.com: https://www.fdlreporter.com/story/news/2019/08/14/riverside-school-offers-weekly-summer-bedtime-stories-read-teachers/1955630001/
Sharon Roznik, Fond du Lac Reporter Published 6:59 a.m. CT Aug. 14, 2019
Riverside Elementary School teachers Heather Meier and Heather Rathman read "Once Upon a Cool Motorcyle Dude" for the school's weekly "Goodnight Riverside" story featured on its Facebook page: Riverside Rockets. (Photo: Courtesy of Riverside Elementary School)
FOND DU LAC - There's a special twist to Tuesday night bedtime for students on summer break from Riverside Elementary School.
Roxanne Neumann's children, Declan, 10 and Anya 5, follow their normal evening routine of taking showers and getting into their pajamas, then they all pile into mom's bed to listen to the latest episode of "Goodnight Riverside."
The Neumanns are among a growing number of families in the Fond du Lac School District who anxiously await the latest weekly bedtime story, read by teachers from Riverside through the school's Facebook page.
The first story was posted June 12 on the Facebook page "Riverside Rockets," and features Heather Ramthun and Heather Meier reading: "Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude" by Kevin O'Malley. Other videos have shown Lisa Braithwaite reading "The Very Impatient Caterpillar," Jenna Wanta with "The Rainbow Fish" and Principal Jessica Hughes and her daughters sharing "The Napping House."
Neumann said her children look forward to each new book, and try and guess which teacher will be the featured reader.
"They've loved every story and I love it because it's something we can do together that encourages them to read and love books," she said. "My daughter is starting kindergarten, and this was also a good way for her to get familiar with teachers' names and faces."
The program was inspired by Westside Elementary School in the Sun Prairie School District, which launched storytelling videos by their teachers for the first time this summer, said Principal Jessica Hughes.
"Goodnight Riverside has been a fantastic way to reach our students and create connections with the entire community," Hughes said. "The greatest thing kids can do to maintain all they've learned during the school year throughout the summer is to read."
It sounds simple, but it's an extremely powerful tool, Hughes said, because reading can change a child's future.
The number of viewers keeps rising and the feedback from parents and students has been positive.
Riverside Elementary School's weekly bedtime story offerings read by teachers has become a hit throughout the school district. They can be viewed on Facebook on the Riverside Rockets page. (Photo: Courtesy of Riverside Elementary School)
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"Students tell us they've gone to the library to read the spotlight book of the night, have re-watched episodes multiple times and have (shared) the story with others," Hughes said.
Angie Putz says her kids, Ethan, 9, and Mason, 6, enjoy listening to someone other than their parents reading to them. Her sister, who lives in southern Illinois, also shares Goodnight Riverside stories with her one-year-old child.
"It's a great way for teachers to interact with all the students, and it keeps the thought of school in the minds of my kids while they have the summer off," Putz said.
Reading specialist Heather Meier was the one who picked up on the idea and got the ball rolling at Riverside. Teachers can sign up to read stories individually, with a partner or their own children, she said, and they arrange to have the filming done themselves. Meier then uses iMovie to post them on Facebook.
"The books can be classroom favorites, or a story that sends a message or something that's entertaining for the whole family," she said.
The idea has proved so popular, Meier says she hopes other schools will pick up on the idea, or could take turns putting up a "Goodnight Fond du Lac" story to be shared on the school district's website.
In the future the students themselves could even be recorded reading their favorite stories aloud, she said.
"I admire it and think it is a great example of staying connected with kids and families," said Superintendent James Sebert. "Strong relationships and inspiring a love of reading are foundational for kids being successful."
Throughout the summer, Fond du Lac's elementary schools offer library day once a week, featuring a story and activities. Riverside's runs from 9 to 11 a.m. every Wednesday.
Contact Sharon Roznik at 920-907-7936 or sroznik@gannett.com. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/reporterroz/
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