Principal's Welcome

Greetings Riverside Families,

I am honored to serve this community as the principal for Riverside Elementary. I have been a professional educator for twenty years. I served in many roles in Detroit Public Schools including elementary and middle school teacher, instructional specialist, assistant principal, and principal. I also served as an elementary principal in the Troy School District for two years. This is my second year serving as principal for Riverside Elementary and I look forward to many more. As principal, it is my role to help create an environment where learning is paramount and where students and staff feel safe physically, socially, and emotionally.

Riverside is a school which fosters leadership at all levels and holds a strong belief in student leaders.We believe that every person has a gift and the potential to be a leader. Students lead in a variety of ways. Students set goals, create plans, and use data to monitor their progress allowing them to have ownership of their learning. Students lead school wide meetings, have classroom jobs, morning announcements, serve as AAA safeties, and more. As we strive to always improve student achievement, we also realize that life is about the journey not just the end result. We empower our students in their individuality while teaching the rewards of teamwork. We believe in collaborating with all stakeholders including students, parents, and staff for it truly ‘takes a village’.

In addition to being the Riverside principal, I am a wife and mother of two wonderful sons who are heading into middle school and high school this year(four including my Bijon Poodle and Orange Tabby). We love spending time together trying new things. My children are so very different from each other that my husband and I are learning to embark on various adventures. My guys love to drag race, build race cars, play sports and competitive e-Sports. I love the ocean so the beach is my serenity. I am looking forward to watching my boys continue to grow into young men as my time with them flies by.

Please feel free to call or email me with your questions or concerns throughout the year. Together we can ensure our students get the best learning experience possible. As parent of a Riverside student, you are automatically a part of the PTO and your voice is welcomed and encouraged. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you in various capacities.

Together We Are Their Village,

Erica Rolack
Principal