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Mertz Middle School

Fostering a love of learning

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All About Attendance

Regular attendance is closely tied to academic success, and California law requires schools to track and address absenteeism. Students are considered chronically absent after missing 10% or more of the school year (about 18 days), which can trigger outreach from the school's attendance team.

Absences can be reported through the ParentSquare app's Attendance feature, by calling your school's attendance line, or by emailing the school's attendance clerk. Please report absences by 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence whenever possible.

Excused absences include illness, medical or dental appointments, a death in the immediate family, religious observances, and court appearances. A note or ParentSquare message from a parent/guardian is required within 3 school days to excuse an absence; a doctor's note is required for absences of more than 3 consecutive days due to illness.

After 3 unexcused absences or tardies of more than 30 minutes, a student may be classified as truant under state law, triggering a letter home and a meeting with the School Attendance Review Team (SART). Continued absences can lead to a referral to the district's School Attendance Review Board (SARB).

Announcements

Back-to-School Night: August 27

All schools will host Back-to-School Night on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Families will meet teachers, review classroom expectations, and learn how to access the parent portal. Childcare is not provided, but siblings are welcome.

Wi-Fi Hotspots Available for Home Internet Access

Families without reliable home internet can request a free loaner Wi-Fi hotspot through their school's front office. Hotspots are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are especially recommended for households with multiple students completing schoolwork at home.

Contact: your school's front office, or techsupport@riverdaleusd.org

Riverdale USD's 1:1 Chromebook Program FAQ

Every student in grades K–12 is issued a district Chromebook for use during the school day, and students in grades 3–12 may take their device home. Devices come pre-loaded with Google Workspace for Education, approved learning apps, and content filtering that remains active on and off campus.

Families are asked to sign a Responsible Use Agreement at the start of each school year. Replacement chargers are available for purchase at the school office for $15.

  • Student usernames follow the format firstname.lastname@students.riverdaleusd.org. If your child forgets their password, contact your school's front office or email techsupport@riverdaleusd.org with your child's name and school. Passwords are typically reset within one business day.

  • Report a lost, stolen, or damaged device to your school's front office as soon as possible so it can be locked and location-tracked. A loaner device will be issued while repairs are processed. Families are responsible for a $30 repair fee for accidental damage, or full replacement cost ($280) for loss or theft, unless the optional device protection plan was purchased at enrollment.

Get Involved with Your School's PTA/PTO

Building a strong, supportive school community takes a village, and at Riverdale USD, our parent-led organizations are at the very heart of that effort. We are proud to share that every single school across our district features an active Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) dedicated to making our schools the best they can be for our students and staff. These wonderful groups of volunteer parents, guardians, teachers, and administrators work tirelessly behind the scenes throughout the academic year to enrich the student experience.

From stocking classrooms with extra supplies and honoring our hardworking educators during Teacher Appreciation Week to organizing beloved community traditions—like fall festivals, family movie nights, and spring carnivals—our PTAs and PTOs help make Riverdale schools vibrant, welcoming places to learn and grow.

Beyond social events, these organizations play a vital role in raising funds for key enrichment programs that directly benefit our kids. Thanks to their fundraising efforts, our schools enjoy extra resources for field trips, hands-on STEM materials, visual and performing arts programs, library updates, and playground improvements.

Whether you have an hour a month to spare or are looking to take on a larger role, there is a place for everyone. You don't need any prior experience—just a desire to support our kids and connect with other local families. Check out the opportunities below!

Attend a Meeting

Meetings are held once a month and are completely open to all families. They offer a fantastic, low-pressure space to stay informed about district updates, ask questions, and share your perspective.

Lend a Hand

Volunteering looks different for everyone. Whether you're helping out at a weekend book fair, baking treats for a staff luncheon, or helping coordinate an event from home, every bit of time makes a huge difference.

Connect with Your Campus

Joining is simple! Head over to your specific school痴 webpage or social media channels to find upcoming meeting dates, contact details for board members, and quick sign-up forms.

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Your Student's Health & Safety

  • As flu season approaches, the district encourages frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, and considering a flu vaccine. Free flu vaccination clinics will be held at select school sites in October — watch ParentSquare for dates near you.
  • School staff can administer prescription or over-the-counter medication only with a completed Medication Authorization Form signed by both a physician and parent/guardian, and the medication must be in its original, labeled container. Students requiring emergency medication (such as an EpiPen or inhaler) should have an updated action plan on file with the school nurse.
  • To attend Riverdale schools, California school immunization requirements apply, including vaccines for DTaP, polio, MMR, hepatitis B, and varicella, with specific dose schedules by grade level. Personal belief exemptions are not accepted; only medical exemptions signed by a licensed physician are honored. Contact your school nurse with questions about your child's specific record.
  • All Riverdale USD schools conduct monthly safety drills, including fire, lockdown/intruder, and earthquake drills, in accordance with state law. Drills are announced in advance to staff but may be unannounced to students to test real-world response. Details of each school's safety plan are available upon request from the front office.

Employment News

Substitute teachers are needed year-round and do not require a full teaching credential — a bachelor's degree and substitute permit are sufficient. 

Having your paperwork ready ahead of time will significantly speed up the application process.

  • Official Transcripts: Order official transcripts from your high school or college.
  • Resume & References: Update your resume to highlight experience working with children, leadership roles, or customer service. Collect contact info for 2–3 professional references.

Submit the above to Adelaide Bergen, Substitute Coordinator, via email at abergen@riverdaleusd.org. If you are contacted to proceed, you will need to come to the office with a government-issued ID: a driver’s license, passport, or Social Security card.

Riverdale USD is pleased to welcome Dr. Elena Marsh as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, starting this fall. Dr. Marsh brings over 15 years of experience in curriculum and instruction and will oversee academic programs across all district schools.

  • Substitute teachers are needed year-round and do not require a full teaching credential — a bachelor's degree and substitute permit are sufficient. 

    Having your paperwork ready ahead of time will significantly speed up the application process.

    • Official Transcripts: Order official transcripts from your high school or college.
    • Resume & References: Update your resume to highlight experience working with children, leadership roles, or customer service. Collect contact info for 2–3 professional references.

    Submit the above to Adelaide Bergen, Substitute Coordinator, via email at abergen@riverdaleusd.org. If you are contacted to proceed, you will need to come to the office with a government-issued ID: a driver’s license, passport, or Social Security card.

  • Riverdale USD is pleased to welcome Dr. Elena Marsh as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, starting this fall. Dr. Marsh brings over 15 years of experience in curriculum and instruction and will oversee academic programs across all district schools.

Athletics & Activities

Fall Sports Registration Now Open: Registration for fall sports, including football, volleyball, cross country, and cheer, is open through August 8, 2026 on the district's Athletics Portal. A current sports physical dated after June 1, 2026 is required before a student can practice or try out.

Available sports and clubs: Offerings vary by school level. High schools offer a full range of interscholastic sports (football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, track, swim, and more) plus 20+ clubs such as robotics, debate, and student government. Middle schools offer intramural sports and clubs; elementary schools offer enrichment clubs like art, chess, and coding. Check your school's Activities page for the current list.

Join a Booster Club: Each high school has active booster clubs supporting athletics, band, and the arts through fundraising and volunteer support. Booster clubs welcome all parents and meet monthly — reach out to your school's athletic director for the current meeting schedule.

A group of young soccer players in red jerseys smile and laugh together on a grassy field.

Transportation Updates

  • Families who need bus transportation for the 2026–2027 school year must register through the Transportation Portal by August 1, 2026. Late registrations will be processed but may take up to two weeks to assign a route.

  • Transportation is provided free of charge to students who live beyond the district's walk-zone distance for their grade level, as well as to students with an IEP that specifies transportation as a related service. Families within the walk zone may request a courtesy ride for a small annual fee, subject to seat availability.

  • Bus routes and stop times are available through the Transportation Finder tool on the district website, or by calling the Transportation Department at (555) 219-4050. Students living more than one mile from an elementary school or 1.5 miles from a middle/high school generally qualify for bus service.

  • If your child misses the bus, please arrange alternate transportation to school and notify the front office of the tardiness. The Transportation Department does not send buses back for missed pickups. Repeated missed pickups should be reported to Transportation to check the route timing.

  • Students should arrive at their bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time, remain seated with seatbelts fastened where equipped, and keep the aisle clear. Repeated safety violations may result in a temporary loss of bus privileges, per the district's Transportation Conduct Policy.

Student Nutrition

Breakfast and Lunch Are Free for All Students

Through the Universal Meals Program, all Riverdale USD students receive breakfast and lunch at no charge, regardless of household income. Menus are posted monthly on the Food Services page and in the ParentSquare app, including vegetarian options daily.

Meal Applications

Even though meals are free for all students, families are strongly encouraged to complete the annual Household Income Survey, since it determines school funding, discounted after-school program fees, and testing fee waivers.

Food Allergies

Families should submit a completed Special Dietary Needs form, signed by a physician for medical allergies, to the school's Food Services office. Cafeteria staff and school nurses are notified so meals can be adjusted or substituted accordingly.

Lunch Menu

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School Board Announcements

Board Meeting Schedule

The Riverdale USD Board of Education meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Board Room, 400 Riverdale Parkway. Meetings are open to the public and livestreamed on the district's YouTube channel; agendas are posted 72 hours in advance per the Brown Act.

The meeting schedule for the 26-27 school year is as follows:

  • August 11, 2026
  • September 8, 2026
  • October 13, 2026
  • November 10, 2026
  • December 8, 2026
  • January 12, 2027
  • February 9, 2027
  • March 9, 2027
  • April 13, 2027
  • May 11, 2027
  • June 8, 2027

Speak at a board meeting

Community members may sign up for public comment at the start of the meeting or submit a request in advance via the board meeting portal. Speakers are typically given 3 minutes per topic. Comments related to specific personnel matters are addressed separately under closed session procedures.

Filing a complaint

Concerns should first be raised with the school site (teacher, then principal). If unresolved, a formal Uniform Complaint Procedure (UCP) form can be submitted to the district's Compliance Office, which is required to respond within 60 days.

UCP forms are available in English and Spanish below:

Meet Our School Board

Riverdale USD's six-member elected Board of Education sets district policy and budget priorities in support of the district's mission: to ensure every student graduates prepared for college, career, and civic life. Board member bios and term expirations are listed below.

Jane Aguilera, President, Region 3

Term Expires 2028 Mrs. Aguilera is an entrepreneur deeply connected to the Riverdale community. Her sons graduated from Riverdale High School where she volunteered in their extracurricular activities, including soccer and the debate team. Her older son works in IT while her younger son is a teacher. She enjoys a variety of hobbies, such as snorkeling, gardening, and going to the theater with her husband.

Daniel Harris, Vice President, Region 5

Term Expires 2029 Mr. Harris is a civil engineer whose daughter graduated from the district, where he frequently volunteered as a youth track coach and STEM club mentor. She now works as a structural engineer. In his free time, Mr. Harris enjoys woodworking, hiking local trails, and preparing Sunday dinners with his family.

Sally Jones, Region 1

Term Expires 2028 Ms. Jones is a retired pediatrician with two children who attended local public schools, where she volunteered extensively with the PTA and school health drives. Her daughter is now a nurse practitioner while her son works in graphic design. She enjoys landscape painting, baking sourdough, and taking weekend road trips with her partner.

Sophia Wilson, Region 2

Term Expires 2027 Mrs. Wilson is a financial advisor deeply committed to the Region 2 community. Her twin sons graduated from the district, where she spent years volunteering with the athletic booster club and the school orchestra. One son is now a CPA, while the other serves in the Coast Guard. She enjoys kayaking, community gardening, and attending local theater productions with her husband.

Mark Wong, Region 4

Term Expires 2027 Mr. Wong is a software architect actively engaged in the Riverdale community. His children graduated from the local school system, where he volunteered for robotics competitions and career day mentorship. His older child works in urban planning, while his younger child is currently in law school. He enjoys road cycling, photography, and hosting board game nights with his family.

Noah Thompson, Region 6

Term Expires 2029 Mr. Thompson is a small business owner who graduated from Riverdale High, where he participated in extracurricular activities including the drama club and set design. He enjoys playing acoustic guitar, restoring vintage furniture, and birdwatching in his backyard.

Academics Info

  • Free after-school tutoring is offered at every school 2–3 days per week for students needing extra support in reading or math. Students can also request teacher office hours, and high schoolers have access to the Riverdale Homework Help Center, staffed by credentialed teachers Monday–Thursday until 5:00 p.m.

  • State assessments (CAASPP) for grades 3–8 and 11 will be administered in April 2027. Additional benchmark assessments occur three times a year to monitor student progress. Specific testing dates by school are shared through ParentSquare closer to the testing window.

  • Parents may request a GATE screening by contacting their school's GATE coordinator; screenings are typically conducted in 3rd and 5th grade. To request a Special Education evaluation, submit a written request to the school's principal or the district's Student Services Department, which must respond within 15 calendar days.