Riverview Elementary parents and students last week had a chance to learn about Title I programs and have a little fun at the same time.

The elementary school held its Title I night and Nothing But Net faculty basketball game Sept. 1 at the school.

"Because we were delivering important information in a fun and innovative way, I think our parents were more receptive to the information we presented," said Riverview Elementary academic coach and teacher Tasha Hamil. "Our school is in constant communication with our stakeholders; therefore, their overall knowledge about the programs our school offers is high."

Following the Title I meeting, families gathered in the gym to watch their favorite teachers of the blue team square off against the fan-favorite teachers on the silver team.

"I have participated in this event for the past three years as a student intern and now as a first year teacher," said kindergarten teacher and silver team member Tyler Cleveland. "I love the sport in general, but more than that, I love seeing my students' faces light up as I score or as I block a fellow staff member's shot. The kids need to see their teachers active and having fun out there."

Riverview Elementary art teacher and blue team member Chris Lundy said that he enjoyed being able to interact more with his colleagues on the court.

"This is my second year playing. I jump at any chance to participate in a faculty sporting event," he said. "I'm not much of a basketball player, but it's a lot of fun being with my colleagues in that dynamic as opposed to just in meetings and passing in the hallway."

Hamil said that she believes the game is a hit with the students because of the teacher participation.

"I believe the game was lot of fun for everyone," she said. "Riverview Elementary has such talent within the staff members. Every member of our staff was present that evening: Playing basketball, singing, dancing, selling concessions, the list goes on and on."

And it's that togetherness that helps make the school special, Hamil said.

"We have a saying that we use a lot at Riverview and that is that we are ‘All in this together.' We have a lot of fun together, and we are all about showing our SPARK (service, pride, attitude, respect and kindness," she said. "We educate the whole child, and work together with our stakeholders to pull our events off with great success."