A Message from Mrs. Spradling (aka: "Queen Nancy")

In 1995, the position of principal became open at Riverside Magnet School. With a strong background in curriculum and library science, I had always dreamed of working in an atmosphere of diversity, democracy, life long learning and dignity for staff and students.

As I investigated the Riverside program, I found that the focus was on teaching children through an integrated, thematic approach. All grade levels worked toward knowledge and skill through a cultural arts and history theme. Teachers were not assignment makers, but were curriculum developers. Textbooks and coverage of content was not a driving force. Rather, parents, teachers, and students worked to provide a discovery, hands-on, literature based program.

In addition, Riverside Magnet School was centrally located near every major museum in Wichita. It also happened to be very close -- four minutes -- from my almost 100 year old home. I quickly realized that my greatest dream could be realized if I could become principal of Riverside Cultural Arts and History Magnet School.

A committee of teachers and parents ultimately chose me as administrator. I found myself working with wonderful parents and a creative staff that truly wanted to be at Riverside. Then, as well as now, my main focus was and is the children. As I told the staff and parents when I was chosen to be the principal, "We will lock arms and take off running as a team for our children." That is exactly what we have done.

The staff, parents, students, and I have studied, planned, and worked together to build the strongest program possible. Our program and school have set the standards for how schools should be. The most dedicated, brightest and best teachers apply at Riverside. We assist the district in inservices and training for other teachers as well as helping to write and design sample lessons and curriculum standards for all district schools.

The building has gained a strong reputation in the community and has contributed to the neighborhood. People move to the Riverside neighborhood so their children can attend this school.

Come visit Riverside Cultural Arts and History Magnet School and see what I mean.

Nancy Spradling, Principal