|
|
|
Joyful Pairs at the Annual Gathering
 
Enjoying drinks, food and fellowship at the Annual Gathering on October 9 are (clockwise from top left) Tom & Adelma Hnasko, Jamie & Laurie Lenfestey, Charles Dale & Robin Roffer, and Michel Darmon & Steven Roffer. Over 100 parents, friends, and staff members joined us for a great evening in our courtyard, which was capped off with a wonderful slideshow of all of the children at RGS. |
|
All-School Literacy Event to Focus on Middle East
Over the next few months, all classes at RGS will focus on a part of the world that is featured daily in the news: Afghanistan and Pakistan. The plan for the next few months includes:
-
A special assembly to launch our event on Tuesday, November 10 at 8:15 am
-
Every class reading a version (picture book, upper elementary, or adult version) of Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen
-
Every class extending their learning about Afghanistan and Pakistan through a class project
-
A continuation of last year's "Pennies for Peace" fundraiser
-
Presentations by Tony O'Brien, Santa Fe resident, photojournalist, and author of Afghan Dreams, a children's book about children in Afghanistan
-
A special assembly on Thursday, February 11 in which classes will present displays of learning about Afghanistan and Pakistan
-
Depending upon interest, a parent book group (see below)
We are excited about the power and intellectual engagement of our entire community reading the same book as well as furthering our educational goal of bringing a global perspective into children's learning.
Parents are welcome to join us for any or all of the special events. In addition, library media specialist Susan Steinman has ordered extra copies of the adult version of Three Cups of Tea. If you are interested in reading it, please feel free to borrow it from the RGS library, and if you would like to participate in a book group, please contact Maureen Devlin. |
|
The Annual Fund Needs YOU
Peter Trevisani and Amanda Innes, Annual Fund Parent Co-Chairs
We all know that Rio Grande School is a special place, one where the magic of childhood is celebrated every day. For many of us, we would not have chosen to live in Santa Fe were it not for the exceptional education that RGS offers to our children. That's why we hope you will join us in giving to the school's Annual Fund.
Why does RGS have an Annual Fund?
Our tuition dollars cover only about 80% of the school's annual expenses. RGS chooses to ask parents, grandparents, alumni and friends to make up the difference with tax-deductible donations to the Annual Fund. In doing this, RGS keeps tuition more affordable to a broader range of parents in Santa Fe.
Where does my gift to the Annual Fund go?
Gifts help to cover all of the school's annual expenses, 70% of which are faculty and staff salaries and benefits. Gifts also help equip our children's classrooms with new technology, provide for faculty professional development opportunities, and bolster our tuition assistance funds.
How much should I give?
The amount you give is a personal choice. We simply ask that you evaluate the importance RGS plays in your family's life and give accordingly. Gifts range between $1 and $15,000. No amount is too small (or too large!), and the school needs and appreciates each and every gift. Our goal this year is $200,000, and every gift gets us closer to that goal.
How do I give?
You will soon receive a packet of information about the Annual Fund. If you are unable to make a donation right away, the school appreciates your pledge to give by May 31, 2010. Simply sign your pledge card or enclose your donation in the return envelope in your packet. Or, you may bypass the mailbox and give right now using the below link to our secure server.
Whatever you choose to give, we urge you to show your support of our wonderful school by participating in the Annual Fund. It's your children, grandchildren, friends--and the City of Santa Fe--who will benefit! |
|
"Honor Roll of Giving" Lauds History of Philanthropy at RGS
Built upon over thirty years of donor generosity, Rio Grande School is proud to display its gratitude on a new "Honor Roll of Giving" Donor Appreciation Wall in the school's main hallway.
"This wall emphasizes the history of philanthropy and leadership at Rio Grande School," said Head of School Jay Underwood. "Its mosaic of different sized tiles, arranged randomly and not in order of gift size, also underscores the egalitarian spirit that has long been a hallmark of RGS."
The wall's left side lists significant dates and events in the school's fundraising history, dating back to the purchase of the Academic Hill campus on which the school now stands. The bottom of the wall lists all of the board presidents and heads of school since the school's founding in 1978.
| |
|
RGS Stars 
Maintenance staff member Jim Anaya's son Nathaniel ("Nano") was recently accepted into the University of New Mexico's Graduate School of Education. Nano intends to earn his master's in elementary education. Congratulations to both Jim and Nano on the start of this new path!
Spanish specialist Stephanie Tuttle completed her first half marathon yesterday at the Duke City Marathon in Albuquerque. She finished with a time of 1:52:23 and was the tenth female in her age division.
We are thrilled to announce that Brenda Zappitell, parent of second grader Juliana, has agreed to make her abstract representational paintings available at the well known Bennett Street Gallery in Buckhead, Georgia. Brenda is also represented locally in Santa Fe by Selby-Fleetwood and Artful Sol in Vail, Colorado. Congratulations on this exciting news, Brenda!
Be an RGS Star! We take pride in the accomplishments of our students, parents, grandparents, staff, and alumni. Please email your star's information to NewsGrande editor Kate Remsberg. | |
|
|
|
|
Mark Your Calendar
NO SCHOOL
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Friday, October 23
Halloween Parade
Friday, October 30
1 pm in the RGS Courtyard
Parent Association Meeting
Wednesday, November 4
8 am in Gilbert Hall
NO SCHOOL
Head's Holiday
Friday, November 6
NO SCHOOL
Teacher Report Writing & Thanksgiving Holiday
Monday, November 23
thru Friday, November 27
|
Non-Recyclables Needed for Art Project
Our students will be participating in the Recycle Santa Fe Art Show in November are are collecting would-be landfill items for art projects. Plastics that are #3 and up, drink pouches, packaging and anything that cannot be recylced is needed. Purple collection boxes will be placed in each classroom, but items can also be delivered to Melissa in the art room.
At our last Parent Association meeting on October 7, we welcomed Dr. Alice Kahle as our parent education speaker. Visit the links below to download notes from her presentation and to read the minutes from the meeting.
|
|
Join
Us for the Inaugural RGS Halloween Parade!
Please join us for a Halloween Parade for Grades K-6! The parade will take place on Friday, October 30, at 1:00 in the courtyard; all K-6 students, staff (and parents, too?) who want to dress up are welcome to participate.
Students should come to school in regular clothing and will change for the parade. Since costumes that aren't scary to some children literally terrify others, we ask that you follow these guidelines:
-
No weapons at all
-
No bloody, gory costumes
-
No skimpy costumes
If teachers determine that a costume is inappropriate, we will ask your child not to wear it.
Following the parade, many grade levels are planning a special treat. Hope to see you there!
 | |
NewsGrande
