Victoria BELIEVES in Reading!

This year the Victoria Elementary School and PTA has joined with the Riverside County Regional Medical Center in participating in the “Festival of Trees...for the love of a child!”

We are excited to join other schools, groups, and companies in donating a decorated tree to this wonderful community event! The Festival of Trees has become a special Inland Empire holiday tradition and is scheduled over five days during the Thanksgiving week - November 24-28 at the Riverside Convention Center. Proceeds from the event enable the Foundation of Riverside County Regional Medical Center to purchase equipment, especially for the units that serve children.

Bring your family to come see our tree at this free community event. You will find Victoria’s tree in the Elves Forest. The theme of our tree is “Victoria School BELIEVES in Reading!” Dr. Seuss's The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is favorite children's book this time of year. Do you see the Grinch trying to steal our tree? Students added handmade ornaments resembling “mini-book” versions of their other favorite stories. This was not only a wonderful opportunity for our students to contribute to the Riverside Community and help others, but also emphasizes that we know reading is important.

The Press Enterprise states:

The festival also will offer live entertainment, crafts and games for children, baked items and crafts for sale, and visits with Santa Claus.

This is a great place to have your picture taken with Santa ... no lines," Vaughan said.

There also will be special events like a story time with Santa from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday and a scavenger hunt during Family Day on Nov. 27.

"It is a great family event. There is always something to see," said Jeri Vaughan, foundation executive director.

Festival of Trees

What: Tree display and fundraiser for Riverside County Regional Medical Center children's units

When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 24, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 26, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 28

Where: Riverside Convention Center, 3443 Orange St., Riverside

Admission: Free

Information: 951-486-5520 or rcrmcfoundation.org

Victoria Honors RPD Officers

Last week students were off school in honor of Veterans' Day. We explained to students that Veterans' Day is not just a holiday when we don't have school, but is rather a day when we honor the men and women who have served to protect our country.

Today, students had the opportunity to honor Officer Bonaminio, who was not only a veteran, but also worked to serve our community. The procession of officers escorting the body of slain Riverside Police Officer Ryan Bonaminio passed by our school this morning. Students lined our fence on Arlington Ave. to show their respects to him and to the other men and women who work to keep our city safe. Many students put their hands over their hearts or saluted the officers as they drove past Victoria on their way to the funeral ceremony. Other students held a brightly-colored banner, decorated with handprints and hearts, stating, "Thank you RPD for keeping our city safe."

We hope that Officer Bonaminio's family, friends, and colleagues may find comfort at this time and know that they have tremendous adoration and support from their community - including the children at Victoria School.