Fundraisers planned to support teacher during cancer treatment
Smiling hippos with messages of encouragement are popping up all over the hallways of Riverside Schools in recent weeks in support of a high school English teacher who recently was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Junior High and High School Principal Kelly Kauffman reported during the Tuesday evening Riverside board meeting about recent activities undertaken by district staff and students to buoy Lucinda Fleming as she goes through her treatments.
The hippos — one of Mrs. Fleming’s favorite animals — are available for purchase for $1 each by students, staff and community members, with funds donated to her family for support of medical and other associated expenses.
Mrs. Fleming received her diagnosis shortly before the 2021-22 school year began last month, and since then, the district has rallied around her, including staff members organizing meals for her family.
The principal also reported that last week after Mrs. Fleming’s first chemotherapy treatment, members of the band surprised the teacher at her house afterward, playing in her front lawn to lift her spirits.
In addition, a “Pink Out” event is planned for the Friday, Oct. 8, home football game, with Mrs. Fleming hosted as the guest of honor that evening. A T-shirt fundraiser was recently conducted for guests to wear to the game, also featuring a hippo and with the statement “#fightlikefleming.”
“We’re really thankful for the way that everyone has stepped up to show their support for Mrs. Fleming,” Mrs. Kauffman said. “Retired teacher Sarah Minnich also has been working alongside Mrs. Fleming in her classroom, so that she can be ready to assist if Lucinda needs to be out of the classroom during certain times for her treatment.”
In financial matters, the board also approved a contract with Waibel for VAV replacement and controls project at a cost not to exceed $275,000, with the funds to be paid through Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds.
Members also approved transfer of remaining balance in roof replacement fund of $10,843 back to the general fund.
In other action, the board:
• approved the employment of Tami Lovell as an ESL tutor at a rate of $140 per day for the 2021-22 school year as needed;
• accepted the resignation of Angie Recinos, bus driver, effective with the 2021-22 school year;
• extended the following supplemental contracts: Cari Beth Noah, vocal music K-6; Kasandera Knief, high school choir, middle school instrumental music, solo/ensemble instrumental; Tyler Hodge, JH football coverage, JV football coverage; Todd Guthrie, head baseball; Jacob Herron, assistant varsity baseball; Andy Phelps, head softball; Kylee Ransbottom Purtee, assistant varsity softball; Molly Harshbarger, Abigail Proffitt, JV softball co-coaches;
• approved the following volunteer coaches: Tim Walls, Ryan Robinson, John Godwin, varsity baseball assistant; Deanna McIntosh, Erin Krisher, assistant varsity softball;
• employ maintenance / field workers as needed at $20 per hour.
• accepted a donation of Casio CTK-533 Portable Keyboard ($100 value) to Riverside Elementary Music Department from Patricia Knear;
The next meeting is 6 p.m Tuesday, Oct. 19, at the school library.