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E. Rivers Complaint 2025-2026

E. Rivers Student Suggestions, Complaints, and Appeals Procedures

E. Rivers Elementary School believes that all students should have voice and agency in their home, school, community, and world. At E. Rivers, we have the following ways for students’ voices to be heard:

  • IB Student Ambassadors: E. Rivers is equipped with IB Student Ambassadors that are ready and willing to hear other students’ voices.  Beginning in September through the duration of each school year, the IB Student Ambassadors work throughout the school day before, during and after school ready willing to help others and hear their suggestions and concerns.  At IB Ambassador meetings, these students can make their voice and the voices of peers heard through making suggestions and sharing concerns.  IB Ambassadors meet as needed through the school year. 
  • SEL Morning Meeting:  SEL morning meetings are held daily for fifteen- forty-five minutes in each classroom directly after morning announcements.  This is a perfect time for reflection and growth of the self and the learning community.  It is a time to share suggestions or ways to act for the self, the community, the school, and the world. 
  • Letter Writing: Students can write a letter to their teacher for suggestions and areas of improvement.  This is a great way for students to use their opinion writing skills in a way that takes productive action.
  • School Counselor and School Social Worker Appointments: Tamika Witcher, our school counselor, and Lisa Jamison, school social worker, believe that having a problem is best addressed as quickly as possible as to not interfere with instruction.  Students at E. Rivers can request to speak with our school counselor or social worker at any time throughout the school day.  The classroom teacher will contact them in a timely manner, and they will try to see the students by the end of the school day.  If not, they will see the student the following school day. 
  • Student Conferences: Students can request a time to speak one on one with a teacher or administrator.  A time will be granted to the student within the same day as requested, with follow-ups as needed. 

Student Voice and Agency Training: 

At E. Rivers, we teach a self-advocacy curriculum titled Second Steps.  In this developmentally appropriate curriculum the students learn how to share and solve their problems as well as what to say or do when someone or something is bothering them. An example includes the following steps: 

  1. Ask yourself, “Is this safe?” 
  2. If not, say “no” in a strong voice. 
  3. Tell an adult and keep telling until someone listens

Posters, visuals, videos, songs, and teacher-led lessons are used to support the curriculum, many resources available in both English and Spanish.  A few examples of the posters are included below.