On a cold and gray morning, the River Ridge Learning Center team began their day with more than a few obstacles, a raspy voice, a jammed finger, and the weight of final preparations for the school’s long-awaited ribbon cutting ceremony. Yet despite fatigue, illness, and countless responsibilities, the staff demonstrated the same resilience and teamwork that have come to define the heart of River Ridge.
Before the first bell, the school’s director, Amy Christian, sent out a message that set the tone for the day:
“Okay fam. The heating has done all it can do. I am headed your way asap. Here are the thoughts in my head right now...
J-Mo – Can you tell the kids the change in schedule when they come in? We are doing the day backward.
Claunch/Rider – Can you get me measurements for both of the cord concealer that we need?
Kandy and Em – Can you start working in the front area to make it presentable?
Christine – Do you have ideas about where we can post the student testimonials?
John – Can you send Kandy your one-pager? I would like to have copies available for folks tonight.”
It was a snapshot of how this small but dedicated team operates, flexible, responsive, and united under one mission.
Throughout the day, teachers and staff balanced rigorous academics with the many moving parts of event preparation. Lessons continued as planned, morning group therapy and one-on-one counseling sessions took place, and the “Mice Project” moved forward as scheduled. Still, in every spare moment, each staff member took on additional roles to bring the celebration together.
Mrs. Kandy , the school’s secretary and registrar, spent the morning planning and purchasing items, driving across town to gather balloons, tablecloths, and ribbons. Mrs. Emily, our Peer Navigator, worked tirelessly to set up balloons, iron tablecloths, and prepare the snack table. Mr. John, our Licensed Professional Counselor, helped tidy spaces, offered a helping hand wherever it was needed, and even took on the delicate task of untying balloon arrangements. Meanwhile, Mr. Claunch, Mr. Rider, Mrs. Leitmeyer and Mr. J-Mo ensured the academic morning and afternoon routines remained on track, keeping instruction and learning at the center of the day’s rhythm.
The atmosphere was not one of exhaustion but of shared purpose. Staff members moved with quiet precision, treating one another with respect, dignity, and calm cooperation, an authentic reflection of the culture they have built together.
As the school transformed throughout the day, the culmination of weeks of planning came to life. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony began at Kate Collins Middle School, where Dr. Cassel and Director Amy Christian opened with words of gratitude and reflection. Mr. J-Mo followed with an overview of the school’s mission and programs, Mrs. Leitmeyer introduced the school’s positive reinforcement initiatives, and Mr. Rider unveiled the school’s official mascot, the River Ridge Otter.
Following the presentations, guests were transported to the River Ridge campus for the official ribbon cutting. Surrounded by faculty, staff, students, families, superintendents, delegates, partners, supporters and other dignitaries, Mrs. Christian cut the ribbon, marking not only the opening of a building, but the continuation of a shared vision for education, growth, and community.
The celebration that followed was filled with laughter, connection, and pride. Students, their families and members of our community joined in exploring the newly opened campus, and the River Ridge team watched their collective effort come to fruition.
For River Ridge Learning Center, the day represented more than a ceremony, it was a testament to perseverance, unity, and the belief that even the smallest schools can make the greatest impact.
