Mad River Local School District 

Mad River Local Schools support academic excellence through teaming, exploration, and developing relationships. Our schools' respectful environments promote high achievement, personal responsibility, and life-long learning while attending to the unique needs of all students. 

We are proud of our students' achievements and the outstanding quality of our staff. We emphasize the need for continued improvement for the benefit of our students - our number one priority.

Our Mission Is to create successful educational experiences for all the students we serve through diverse opportunities.

The Vision of Mad River Local Schools is to engage students, employees, and the community through:

Quality and Safety
Student Experience and Performance
Financial Solvency
Employee and Community Collaboration

Motto:
Every Child Every Day for a Better Tomorrow

The schools that make up the Mad River Local School District are located in Riverside, Ohio – next to the City of Dayton and Wright Patterson Air Force Base.  Riverside is a socially and economically diverse city with a population of more than 23,000. The area has an abundance of parks and sports fields because life centers around family values. Three major educational institutions are located in the Dayton area: Wright State University, the University of Dayton, and Sinclair Community College. 

All eight of our schools are newer, state-of-the-art facilities. Our School District is comprised of four elementary buildings, two middle schools, one high school, and an early childhood center. It is Mad River’s goal to develop the uniqueness of each child by providing a variety of activities within the school day. Exposure to a rich and varied curriculum encourages children to grow and develop as well-rounded individuals. Mad River offers an outstanding preschool program and Special Education curriculum designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities. We have made a concerted effort to hire the best teachers, principals, and support staff possible and have kept our workforce current with best practices through excellent training programs. We stand ready to make this the best school district for all students. 

Mad River is proud to say that all of our teachers are highly qualified; several of our teachers hold National Board certification. By promoting excellence at every level, we help our students to become leaders, achieve goals, and contribute effectively to the well-being of society. At Mad River, our students strive for excellence on and off the field.

The Stebbins Career Technology Education program has been commended both state and nationally. Our Stebbins Air Force Junior ROTC drill team has earned 18 state championship titles and five national titles! It is the philosophy of the Stebbins High School athletic department to provide as many opportunities as possible for students to participate in an athletic team. Athletic programs are a reflection of the district's desire to bring out the best in our students, parents, school, and community. 

PRESCHOOL

Mad River’s preschool focuses on providing children and families with a successful first-school experience. The core and essential documents of the Early Childhood Program are explicit and intentional in supporting improved student achievement. Teachers use a variety of strategies to encompass the diverse needs of children. In our inclusive classrooms, typically developing preschoolers learn and play with students in a nurturing, language-enriched environment. All sessions provide a structured learning environment with a focus on play, social skills, language development, fine/gross motor, and pre-readiness academic skills. All students are active learners in a caring and inviting environment.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Our K-4 buildings feature challenging and imaginative programs, including before and after-school experiences. Our 1500 elementary students are nurtured to feel pride in their accomplishments and develop positive attitudes about their future years of schooling. Each school features large classrooms with modern furnishings, a library, labs, a clinic, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, and conference rooms to provide maximum educational settings. Computer labs are equipped with modern equipment. Safety cameras are located throughout the buildings and sites; the buildings include proximity card readers for all exterior doors and are equipped with a state-of-the-art digital Fire Alarm System.

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Within our two middle schools, you’ll find students and teachers making great achievements every day. Our 600+ fifth and sixth graders who currently make up the student body at Spinning Hills Middle School receive close, individual attention and a wide selection of creative academic offerings. Spinning Hills’ teachers focus on individual learners and guide them to increased independence. Our 5-6 building features 35 classrooms, several combined workrooms, a computer lab equipped with modern equipment and seating for 30 students, a library, gymnasium, a playground area with soft surfacing, a cafetorium with a stage, and an adjacent instrumental room, vocal room, and music library. The school also features a modern communications system equipped with technology infrastructure capable of supporting voice, video, and data. Currently, the district’s 600+ seventh and eighth graders attend Mad River Middle School. Mad River Middle School offers outstanding academic and social preparation for the challenges of high school. Exciting courses and programs focus on preparing students for success in high school and in their educational pursuits. Like Spinning Hills, our 7-8 grade building provides a quality learning environment. The building has spacious classrooms, science and computer labs, a gymnasium, a cafeteria, and an instrumental room.

HIGH SCHOOL

Walter E. Stebbins High School is a four-year, comprehensive experience that offers College Prep, Honors,  Dual Credit, and Advanced Placement courses and 10 award-winning Career Technology programs, including seven Tech Prep units. Stebbins’ Tech Prep graduates receive full tuition vouchers to continue their studies at Sinclair College.  A large selection of courses and scheduling provide maximum opportunities for each of the school’s 1100 students to fulfill credit requirements while exploring unique academic and career interests. Nearly 85% of Stebbins graduates pursue higher education, many with prestigious scholarships. Seniors often receive appointments to U.S. Military Academies or are awarded full ROTC scholarships.

Among our high school’s stellar features are an award-winning Air Force Junior ROTC program, an outstanding music performance program, and first-rate student senate leadership. Stebbins High School maintains a long history of North Central accreditation and upholds one of the strictest academic standards in the athletic league in which it competes.

Many student-athletes have gone on to compete in college and professional sports. Two Olympic medalists are Stebbins alumni. Since Stebbins High School opened in 1957, interscholastic athletics have been an integral part of the school and a school district that prides itself on excellence in academics, athletics, and the performing arts.

With a beautiful and modern high school, there is great excitement about the enhanced opportunities for the young men and women who attend Walter E. Stebbins High School.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

The excellent Mad Board of Education has earned the respect of this community. Board members work closely with the administrative team and all school employees to provide the absolute best education and activities for our students. 

Our parents are involved. Our schools value family participation and deeply appreciate the large numbers of parents and community volunteers who provide ways and means to expand the educational experience of every young person in the Mad River Local School District.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Registration Information & Requirements: 
All registration takes place at the assigned school. 

A student must register to attend school in the school attendance area in which his/her parents or legal guardian reside. A parent or legal guardian must complete the registration process prior to the student attending school. 

When moving from one school district to another, you must withdraw your child from the former school, prior to enrolling them at the new school. 

Please provide the following information at the time of registration: 

• Birth Certificate 
• Shot Record 
• Recent Report Card (Grades 1 - 12) & Unofficial Transcript (Grades 9 - 12) 
• Two Documents Showing Proof of Residency. (The first document MUST be a Lease Agreement, Mortgage Payment Coupon, or Deed if they own free and clear. The second can be an electric bill, gas/oil bill, water bill, homeowner or renters insurance, vehicle registration or insurance, payroll check, child support check, or social security/welfare/assistance payment. 
• Court Awarded Custody (if the student lives with someone other than a biological parent or if parents are divorced). 
• All documentation must be current. (Last 30 days) 

Students, parents, and/or legal guardians are responsible for reporting changes of address to school principals immediately upon moving or knowing that moves will take place. 

Where can I get a school supply list? 
School Supply lists for all elementary and middle schools can be found at each school. Stebbins High School does not provide supply lists. On the first day of class or at orientation, each high school teacher will inform students about what supplies they will need. 

What are the age requirements for kindergarten enrollment? 
The Mad River School District currently offers full-day kindergarten classes. Children must be five years of age on or before August 1, to enroll in kindergarten and six years of age by the same date to enroll in grade one unless previous public school kindergarten attendance can be verified. 

What is the cost of a school lunch? 

*Those who would normally qualify for free or reduced lunch will still need to complete the free and reduced lunch form.

The Food Service Department has adopted a computerized POS system (point of sale) that allows all Mad River students to participate in a prepaid debit system for all lunches and snacks purchased. For parents, this system provides a convenient, secure, and accurate way to prepay into students' accounts. 

Parents can deposit any sum of money into the accounts to cover the cost of lunches and snacks purchased by their children. When the student goes through the line, the purchases are recorded on the cash register and the card is swiped through the card reader. The amount of the purchase is deducted from the student's account. 

The POS system allows families several options to choose from. Parents can arrange for separate or family accounts, limits can be set, and options can be made to buy a la carte. A detailed account activity report may be generated at any time during the school year by contacting the Food Service Department (937-259-6601). 

This system is NOT a charge account and students must have money in their account or pay in cash. "Deposits" into the accounts can also be made to the cashier in the cafeteria. Prepayments, cash, or checks (Payable to Mad River Food Services) should be sent directly in with your child and can be handed in right at the cash register during lunchtime. We will continue to accept cash at the registers. However, we encourage students to use the prepaid system instead of cash to avoid lost money and allow for faster service. 

Free and Reduced Meals 
Most of our school children are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals through the School Meals Program. In order to receive this benefit, eligible students must complete and return the Application for Free and Reduced Price Meals. You are eligible to apply for benefits any time your income changes. Please notify our department when this happens. These forms are available at each school or can be downloaded from the Food Service webpage. 

Where can I find out information about bus routes? 
Parents may contact the Transportation Department, at (937) 237-4280 to get information on bus schedules. 

Does Mad River have a full-day kindergarten? 
All four Mad River elementary schools offer a full day of kindergarten. 

Does Mad River have a Head Start program? 
For more information, please call (937) 226-5664. 

Does Mad River have a preschool program? 
Mad River offers an integrated preschool program for "typical" children and children with disabilities ages 3 to 5. Classes will be held Monday through Thursday at the Mad River Early Childhood Center. Morning classes (9:00-11:30) and afternoon classes (12:15-2:45) are available. Parent preference will be considered. For preschool information, please call (937) 259-6603. 

What does Mad River have to offer my special-needs child? 
Mad River offers a variety of programs for special needs students. Contact the Student Services office at (937) 259-6603.