green treeNewsGrandegreen tree
The Newsletter of Rio Grande School       May 10, 2010
Frank Leto Concert Brings RGS to its Feet

Frank Leto Concert

On Friday, April 30, RGS gathered in the MAC to welcome Frank Leto and his band for a morning of singing, dancing, and tons of fun. Pictured above are students who are demonstrating hula dance moves similar to sign language. From left to right are Kate Gale (2), Spencer Calavan (3), Lucien Dale (2), Harley Simard-Halm (1), Taylor Lincoln (3), Maya Crosby (3), and Rianna Huertas (3).  Special thanks to Barbara Bentree who made Frank Leto's visit happen.
Fifth Grade Travels to Mars
  
Bella Sverre-Harrell, Luc Simard-Halm, Sebastian Montesinos, Jennifer Jackson, and Olivia Lenfestey sport their stylish Mars Mission t-shirts.
Mars Mission 1
 
On Friday, May 7, the fifth grade class traveled to the Albuquerque Convention Center in order to participate in the annual Mars Mission with dozens of other elementary schools state-wide.

The fifth graders have been working for several weeks to create different simulated life support systems for the climate and conditions on Mars.  Some of these systems include water and air supply as well as food production.  The day was packed to the brim with time to present information to other visitors about their life support system designs, collaborate with other schools to build larger habitats, have their plans and final projects reviewed, as well as time to view other schools' projects.

Congratulations to all of our participating 5th grade Mars experts, especially to Jennifer Jackson and Mollie Parsons for their organization of this special and memorable trip.

Chris Casey, Molly McCarthy, Alex Champagne, and Ryder Brooks float in the cosmos.
Mars Mission 2
Spring Musical to be Presented on GrandeFriends Day

Rio Grande School will be presenting the original musical entitled "The R Word" as the GrandeFriends Day Concert this year on Friday, May 21. This production will be a collaboration between the drama, music and art classes and may be the first ever musical presented by the entire student body. The story follows the Robinson family as they recover their long lost RGS kids. We spend a year with them as they learn how to function in society after spending 5 years on a deserted island. The sixth grade class will be the "stars" of the show and we look forward to learning all that they have to tell us about "civilized" living!

GrandeFriends Day invitations have been sent to grandparents, and we are hoping for a strong turnout. This year, we are also proud to welcome renowned performer and RGS grandparent Jacques D'Amboise as our honorary MC! Parents, please plan to join us for the show, which will take place at 11:oo am. Shortly before and immediately after the show, please also join us in the courtyard for the Annual Student Art Exhibit. Dismissal will occur immediately after the show, and there will be no extended care on that day.
Don't Let this Year's Summer Solution Slip Away!
 
As we inch toward the middle of May, there are only a few weeks left before the Summer Solution kicks off.  Make sure you've reserved your spot for all the fun before others do!  We'll be building catapults, launching rockets, donning superhero capes, celebrating the World Cup, and getting soaked Camp Logoall summer long.  As the start of camp gets closer and closer, each week is filling up.  Your children can be a part of the good times, but the clock is ticking to sign up!

Registration forms can be found at the front desk, or you can check it out here.  Any questions can be directed to Neal Turnquist and Kate Remsberg.

We look forward to welcoming you in a few short weeks!
RGS Stars!
 
The Dale family welcomed some very exciting news this week as Lili (4) was cast in an episode of the new ABC comedy/drama series, Scoundrels, which is set to premiere on Sunday nights at the end of June.  Congratulations to Lili and family for this extremely exciting opportunity.  We look forward to seeing Lili's shining face on the small screen!  For more information about Scoundrels, click here.

Congratulations to Spencer Calavan (3) and Mary Recktenwald (3) who made their First Communion on Sunday, April 25.  With support from family and friends this Sunday was one full of celebration.  Pictured below from left to right on this special occasion are Spencer, Lucas Schlenzig (4), Rianna Huertas (3), Mary, and Yannick Schlenzig (3).

Mary and Spencer
Quick Links


This Issue In a Nutshell
Mars Mission in ABQ
GrandeFriends Day
Summer Solution!
RGS Stars
Mark Your Calendar 
 
Staff Appreciation Day
Friday, May 14
EXTENDED CARE ENDS AT 3:30
 
GrandeFriends Day
NOON DISMISSAL, NO EXTENDED CARE
Friday, May 21
 
Field Day
NOON DISMISSAL
Friday, May 28
 
NO SCHOOL,
Memorial Day
Monday, May 31
 
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, EC-4th Grade
Thursday, June 3
 
Sixth Grade Graduation
Friday, June 4
10:00 am in the MAC

Summer Solution Begins!
Monday, June 14
9:00 am in the MAC
Book Fair 2

Book Fair A Grande Success!

The Book Fair was a fantastic success in every way! Books are beginning to arrive and will be distributed soon. Thank you everyone for supporting this fun and worthwhile event. Students and parents were excited by the diverse selections. The Parents Only morning with yummy refreshments was well-attended and much appreciated. The fair realized gross sales of over $5,100, from which the school will receive a profit of approximately 40%. Special thank yous are extended to the following parent volunteers: Kelly Huertas, Julie Sabol, and Barbara Wetherill; and Sarah Thomas for the Hospitality Committee. Thank you for donations of Birthday and Wish List books to the Media Center from the following families:  Kirby, Wetherill, Leonard, Gossum, Weyhrauch, Underwood, Simard-Halm, Miller, Mazuera, Huertas, and Walden.

End of the Year Library Materials

As the end of the school year is rapidly approaching, it is important that all outstanding resources borrowed from the center are returned by Friday, May 21.  Please help your child explore all the usual hiding places for books, magazines, and audiobooks checked out under his or her name.  Please watch your e-mail for notices about due and overdue items.


Book Fair
**IMPORTANT EXTENDED CARE NEWS**
 
Please note the following changes to our extended care hours:
 
Friday, May 14 (Staff Appreciation Day): EXTENDED CARE ENDS AT 3:30 so our staff may attend a special appreciation event.
 
Friday, May 21 (GrandeFriends' Day): NOON DISMISSAL, NO EXTENDED CARE
 
Friday, May 28 (Field Day): NOON DISMISSAL, EXTENDED CARE OFFERED UNTIL 5:30.
 
Thursday, June 3 (Last Day of School for EC-4): REGULAR DISMISSAL, EXTENDED CARE OFFERED UNTIL 5:30.