School Start Hub

Attendance

Each morning, a guardian must check in their child with a teacher in the foyer. Each teacher keeps a list of who is allowed to pick up a child; during the first week, email learn@rivertech.me or tell a teacher to add names and relationships to the list.

By Idaho, every River Tech student is considered a homeschool student, so parents are responsible for their child’s attendance. Regular attendance is essential for achievement. For high schoolers, attendance is part of the grade—one-eighth of the total grade in each class—and they are expected to attend as often as they are able.

Absences

If a student will be absent, please email learn@rivertech.me on or before the day of the absence, before 8:30 a.m. If there has been no contact and a child isn’t present when expected, a teacher will try to reach the parents. Please schedule doctor and dentist appointments before or after school hours where possible.

If a child is sick (fever, cough, ache, or fatigue), notify us and keep them home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone without fever-reducing medicine. A fever is 100°F or higher. We will send sick children home, and you’ll need to come pick them up.

Assembly

Each morning, full-time students gather for assembly—a mix of worship, a devotional, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance or National Anthem.

Closed campus

River Tech is a closed campus. Doors are kept locked except for morning check-in and afternoon pickup. Drop-off is 8:10–8:30; if you arrive late, the doors will be locked. If you need access at another time, arrange it in advance and call the school when you arrive—someone will open the door at 9:35, 10:25, 11:05, or during lunch (11:45–1:00). High schoolers may leave during lunch with parent permission; it’s a privilege that can be revoked.

See the arrival, pick-up & parking guide for the lot map, the morning car line, and where to park by grade.

Dismissal times

• High School (9–12): 2:30 p.m.
• Elementary and Middle (through 8): 2:35 p.m.
• The front door is the only exit for all students.

General rules (all grades)

• Authorized pickup only: students are released to parents/guardians or adults on the Approved Pickup List.
• Families may designate regular pick-upers.
• Non-regular pick-upers walk to the front door to state their identity and the student; teachers verify and may request photo ID.
• Same-day changes: notify the school in writing (email/text) as early as possible that day.
• Photo ID may be requested; custody orders on file are followed.

By grade

Elementary (1–4): a parent or authorized adult collects the child at the front entrance; teachers verify and record the handoff.

Middle school (5–8): front-door release with identification. If a teacher clearly recognizes a parent or regular pick-uper, the student may walk to the vehicle; if not, the adult parks and walks to the front door to verify.

High school (9–12): independent release at 2:30 via the front door—students may leave on their own. Families wanting parent-only pickup should email learn@rivertech.me.

Late pickup & early pull-outs

There’s a 15-minute grace period after the last exit (ending 2:50). After that, students wait with Dan or Mary in the staff offices; please notify the school if you’ll be late. Habitual lateness may prompt a courtesy conference. Early pull-outs are allowed with clear written notice on the same day, at the latest.

Homework

Each day a student is expected to complete a set amount of schoolwork; whatever isn’t finished in class is finished that night at home. Elementary and middle schoolers have a weekly vocabulary test and write a monthly essay. High schoolers receive additional homework. Repeated failure to complete assigned work is a responsibility concern under the Code of Conduct.

Make-up work & assessments

If a child is absent, they catch up at home; teachers may schedule a meeting if a child falls too far behind. At the end of the 1st and 3rd quarters, parents of students 12 and older are invited to a parent-teacher meeting; parents of students 11 and younger are invited at the end of the 2nd quarter.

Class changes

Students or parents may request to move into a higher or lower level for a current class. The request is discussed with the teacher and the parent.

Four-day students

Four-day students attend 80% of the time, so some of the full curriculum is missed. We place the most essential subjects on Tuesday–Thursday where practical, but it remains the parent’s responsibility to teach the remaining part. Parents are encouraged to bring work home and continue their studies; teachers are always happy to advise what to cover.

Homeschoolers

River Tech offers flexible enrichment for homeschool families—choose 1 to 4 days per week, with tuition scaling accordingly. Homeschool programs generally serve students ages 9–16 unless otherwise specified. All classes are taught with Christian commentary and a conservative moral framework, by a team with college degrees in their subject areas.

Cubbies & desks

Each full-time student is assigned a cubby or locker for class supplies, since desks are shared. Cubbies and lockers are school property and may be inspected. Don’t keep valuables in them—the school isn’t responsible for lost or stolen items. Students are responsible for the cleanliness and condition of their cubby or locker, including removing any writing, graffiti, or stickers.

Food & commons

Parents provide lunches—ideally a balanced, mostly cold meal with vegetables, fruit, protein, and whole grains. Microwaves are available, but we can’t refrigerate, so pack an ice pack. Store food in backpacks, not cubbies. Please skip desserts. Drinks are limited to milk, water, and 100% juice, and every student brings a full (preferably reusable) water bottle daily. Once a week each age group eats lunch at the park and needs a cold lunch. Please tell staff about any dietary restrictions or health conditions.

Lost & found

The lost & found box is in the hallway at the top of the stairs. Please check it weekly, and label valuables with your child’s name.

Phones & devices

Students are discouraged from bringing a cell phone; if they do, it stays in the backpack all day. A phone used during the day is confiscated until dismissal. Students are, however, required to bring their own tablet or laptop for their grade level. Parental controls can be added but aren’t required, since the school runs its own safety network. Devices are for school use and shouldn’t carry non-educational apps that aren’t school-approved. (Full device specs are on the Student Devices tab.)

School currency (Gold)

For full-time students, the school uses a currency called Gold (RTC) to recognize effort and good contribution. Gold is a recognition system, not a discipline system—it’s earned for positive contribution and faithful stewardship, and it is never deducted as a punishment. Eligibility for certain privileges may require no major violations, demonstrated responsibility, and a positive behavioral trajectory.

“For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth.” — Proverbs 3:12

River Tech exists to cultivate bright minds and disciplined character. Discipline is not primarily about punishment—it is about formation. Correction is an act of care; standards are an act of love. When standards are violated, behavior is corrected calmly and consistently.

The RIVER values

• Responsibility — we do what is expected promptly, carefully, and without being chased.
• Integrity — we tell the truth, own our actions, and do what is right even when no one is watching.
• Voice — we use words, tone, and timing that are respectful, clean, and fitting for the moment.
• Excellence — we complete our work and carry ourselves with professionalism, care, and purpose.
• Respect — we honor people, property, time, and authority through our conduct and attitude.

River Tech students move like the river — steady, directed, and powerful.

The student pledge

Students pledge to: submit to civil authority and its laws (which rules out tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, vaping, illegal drugs, gambling, and shoplifting); submit to those in authority over them; respect and honor others; respect the property of others (and report accidental damage immediately); conduct themselves with honor and integrity in word; use wholesome speech that respects God, Christianity, and His Church; be modest in dress and appearance; use technology appropriately (only school-approved apps during school hours); and inform a teacher or administrator if they learn of anyone threatening harm to themselves or others.

Standards of conduct

Students are expected to show responsibility (prompt obedience, composure in transitions, care for shared spaces, accountability), integrity (truthfulness, ownership, honest work), voice (no profanity or mocking; respectful tone), excellence (careful work, neat appearance, proper device use), and respect (dignity toward others, response to authority, hands to themselves, no bullying).

Discipline policy

River Tech uses a clear three-tier response model: teacher correction; direct teacher-to-parent contact when the same minor behavior recurs or correction does not hold; and administrative involvement when behavior continues after parent contact or is a major violation from the outset. Correction is calm, brief, and consistent.

Minor violations (teacher-managed) are isolated departures—running indoors, talking during instruction, minor dress corrections, first-time device misuse, mild disrespect, careless messes, incomplete work. Teachers respond with immediate correction, a reset where applicable, brief restorative action, documentation if it repeats, and direct parent contact when the same behavior continues.

Major violations (administrative) include blatant defiance, physical aggression, harassment or bullying, directed profanity, threats, serious device misuse, academic dishonesty, theft or intentional damage, leaving class or campus without permission, serious disrespect, or an established pattern of minor violations that continues after teacher correction and parent contact. Responses may include parent contact, detention, restitution, restorative service, loss of privileges, a behavior contract, suspension, or—when necessary—expulsion.

A single mistake does not define a student. When a pattern begins, the teacher documents it and contacts the parent or guardian directly; if the behavior continues after that contact, administrative intervention may occur. Restoration is the goal—students may be asked to redo the behavior properly, apologize, repair damage, make restitution, or take part in restorative service.

Transitions, readiness & school order

Students are expected to respond to signals and instructions promptly, move with control, form quietly and efficiently, and be ready for instruction. Repeated classroom-order or transition concerns follow the same three-tier progression.

Progressive intervention & enrollment

River Tech is committed to restoration before removal. Phase 1 corrects minor violations, documents patterns, and has the teacher contact the parent or guardian when an initial correction does not produce lasting follow-through; teacher, parent, and student work toward early realignment. Phase 2 begins when a pattern persists: a parent meeting is scheduled, a written behavior contract may be issued, and a review window (typically 30–45 days) is set. Phase 3 is an enrollment determination if the pattern continues and growth isn’t demonstrated—which may mean a withdrawal recommendation, non-renewal, or expulsion in severe cases.

Immediate removal may skip these phases for physical violence, threats of harm, serious harassment, severe academic dishonesty, weapons, drugs/tobacco/alcohol, or actions that compromise safety. Removal is based on trajectory, responsiveness to correction, and influence on culture—not merely a count of infractions.

Harassment, bullying & threats

Bullying, threats, and harassment—whether sexual, ethnic, racial, age, religious, or handicap-related—will not be tolerated. Students who are bullied or who observe bullying must report it to a teacher immediately. Any threat of bodily harm, regardless of intent or whether it’s “a joke,” is taken very seriously and may lead to suspension or expulsion. These are major violations and involve administration immediately.

Speech & language

Level 1 — avoidable language (e.g., “dang it,” “that’s dumb”): a minor violation, corrected verbally. Level 2 — targeted language (e.g., “you’re stupid,” “shut up”): a minor violation with a stronger correction and documentation; if it recurs, the teacher contacts the parent, and continued behavior after that contact moves to administration. Level 3 — profanity and vulgarity: a major violation with administrative involvement, parent contact, and restorative action.

Devices, plagiarism, weapons, and substances

Devices are tools for learning. First or isolated misuse is a minor violation (teacher correction, device confiscated until day’s end). Repeated misuse is documented and followed by direct parent contact; continued misuse after that contact becomes a major violation and moves to administration. Serious misuse—accessing prohibited content, bypassing the safety network, installing unapproved apps, or using a device to harass, record, or deceive—is a major violation from the first instance.

Plagiarism—presenting others’ ideas or writing as your own—is not allowed, and AI tools such as ChatGPT are not permitted on assignments unless a teacher says otherwise. Academic dishonesty is a major violation.

Weapons: bringing knives, guns, or objects made as weapons onto campus or to school activities may result in suspension or expulsion (per Idaho Code). Drugs, tobacco, and alcohol: River Tech maintains a drug-, tobacco-, and alcohol-free environment; violations may result in suspension or expulsion and parent notification.

The full dress code—with the visual guide—is on its own tab for easy reference.

Open the Dress Code tab →

In short: uniforms are optional; dress should be modest, professional, and suitable for school, with coverage of midriff and seat, neat natural-color hair, safe and subtle accessories, school-appropriate graphics, and clean, secure shoes suited to the day. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety-dependent activities. The helpful test: would you feel confident sending your student to a job interview in this outfit?

How we handle concerns

We resolve concerns promptly, fairly, and biblically—going first to the person privately, then including one or two others, then bringing it to leadership if still unresolved (Matthew 18:15–17), restoring gently (Galatians 6:1), and speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Start small and close, seek understanding, be timely, and respect privacy.

By situation

Student with another student: student speaks with the student privately and proposes a repair, ideally within two school days; if unresolved, the student goes in person to the shared teacher for mediation; then a teacher-coordinated parent meeting; then the Principal, whose decision is final.

Parent about a student situation: parent emails the shared teacher to schedule a meeting; if unresolved, parent emails the Principal (cc teacher). The Principal’s decision is final.

Student with a teacher: student shares the concern privately (emailing the teacher to schedule if needed); if unresolved, student emails the Principal (cc teacher).

Parent with a teacher: parent emails the teacher to schedule a meeting; if unresolved, parent emails the Principal (cc teacher).

Standards & protections

Use specific facts, assume good intent, keep details confidential to those involved, and let staff document the concern and next steps. Email is the default for scheduling (teacher first, Principal when escalated). For immediate risk, harassment, discrimination, self-harm, abuse, or other legally reportable concerns, skip directly to the Principal (learn@rivertech.me) and authorities as required. No one is penalized for raising a good-faith concern; the Principal is the final authority.

Emergency preparation

River Tech works with local government, law enforcement, and emergency-management officials to monitor safety and respond quickly. We maintain Safe School Plans, run emergency drills, and require a clean criminal-record and reference check for every teacher. Several staff are first-responder certified (Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED). Parents are responsible for keeping current primary and secondary contact information on file. If a guardian can’t pick up a child after an emergency, the child remains under staff supervision until an authorized adult arrives.

School closure

If the school must close, parents are notified by email and it’s posted on the website and social media. We generally follow the Post Falls School District’s closure decisions.

Emergency services directory

In a dire situation call 9-1-1. Other resources: Post Falls City Police (208) 773-3517 · Idaho Poison Control 1-800-222-1222 · National Runaway Safeline 1-800-786-2929 · Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 · National Sexual Assault 1-800-656-4673 · Substance Abuse / Mental Health 1-800-662-4357 · Teen Dating Abuse 1-866-331-9474 · Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 · Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888. For questions about River Tech’s emergency protocols, contact Tech Director Jordan Ezell at 208-660-9798.

Private Facebook group

We encourage all parents to join our private Facebook group, where we post news, photos, and videos of daily activities: facebook.com/groups/1019181042165588. We aim to hold at least five special events a year—concerts, musicals, parties, and more—and we’ll also email you about important events.

Fundraising

Tuition covers basic expenses; extra funds are a tremendous blessing—supporting classroom and playground improvements, trips, camps, quality supplies, and tech equipment like computers and 3D printers. If your company would like to sponsor the school, we’ll list you as a sponsor on our website. We also raise funds through tickets, t-shirts, yearbooks, and photos.