Celebrating Our Partnership with Rivera: Growing Together in Hope

New Horizons Sunday school class members with Pastor Sheryl served 60 faculty and staff breakfast on December 17, 2025 at Rivera.

If you stopped by the Alternative Gifts Fair this year, you might have noticed a joyful energy at the Rivera Elementary table—and for good reason. Rivera has had an incredible year of growth, and our church’s support has played a meaningful part in that story.

Just last year, Rivera moved from a low-rated district standing to an impressive “B” rating. This kind of transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It takes dedicated teachers, hard-working students, supportive families, and a community willing to stand behind them. We are honored to be part of that community.

As part of their improvement efforts, Rivera uses iReady, a district program that supports student learning. Last year, students used iReady for math; this year, they are expanding to include reading as well. To help motivate and celebrate students’ progress, Rivera provides small incentives for completing program goals—and that’s where our congregation stepped in.

During the Alternative Gifts Fair, our church hosted a table highlighting our ongoing commitment to Rivera. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to present Rivera with a check for $1,700 to support student incentives throughout the year. These gifts may seem simple, but they make a huge difference in keeping students engaged, encouraged, and excited to learn.

While the funds raised are important, our relationship with Rivera goes far beyond a single gift. It’s about showing up—consistently, compassionately, and with the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive.

It’s about reading buddies, teacher appreciation efforts, tutoring support, and community presence. It’s about being a steady partner in their ongoing success.

To everyone who contributed, volunteered, prayed, or simply stopped by the Rivera table—thank you! Let us continue to walk alongside Rivera with the same love and community care that defines who we are as FUMC Denton.