Like clockwork, the installation date of the new Lower School playground fell on the same day as the first significant snowfall of the season.  A masterful stroke of organization and timing.  Could it have been any better?  But seriously, the brave souls that weathered the snow and the cold did an amazing job.  Initially we thought we would only be able to complete the basic structure but in the end, after an additional four hours on Sunday, the entire structure including benches and sign were in place leaving only some anchor bolts, adjustments and mulch guard to be completed.  The installation supervisors from Fry Inc. were impressed with the determination and skill of our group.  In spite of the weather, or possibly because of it, we were among the best volunteer installation groups they had worked with.  What a great example for our students.  The Rivermont Community is Extraordinary! 

 Many thanks to our playground roughnecks:  Chris Bernard, Drew Boster, Jim Brindle, Emma Brindle, Kathy Brindle, Zain Dada, Peter Denee, Barry Dolan, Adam Douglas, Melissa Freidhof-Rodgers, Sue Johnson, Ed Knupp, Jim Luukkonen, Rex Masterson, Tom McVey, Joe McWilliams, June McWilliams, Jen Nicol, Crystal O'Neill, Bill Paxton, John Rodgers, Charlie Rodriguez, Karen Roebuck, Marvina Roebuck, Leigh Ann Schroeder, Rick St. Laurent, John Telleen, Colleen Vollman, Brant Vollman, Chi Ieong Wong, and Peter Xiao.

Becherer Hall and the Mansion have been transformed!  Preparing the campus for the numerous holiday events, parties and rentals is a tradition our students look forward to each year.  Many thanks to our holiday elves:  Amy Telleen, Lori Moran, Carey Bowman, Colleen Vollman, Mimi Gabrilson, Ann McCarthy-Weber, Marcia St. Laurent, Rex, Charlie, Brittany, Tammi, and all our student helpers.

Lest you think we have only been about fun and games, let me assure you there has not been an idle hand or mind on campus.  Fourth and Fifth graders have been preparing for the experience at BizTown interviewing and developing work plans.  Cheerleaders competed in their first cheer competition while raising the spirits and voices of our teams and fans.  Basketball players have kept us on the edge of our seats with their ball handling skills and last minute turn arounds.  Musicians have been performing in the area including our own Winter Concert. Of course our Upper Schoolers are finishing Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics experiments, research papers and studying for their much-loved semester exams.  This is in addition to spelling tests, math homework, foreign language vocabulary and preparation for Academic Fair projects.  There are clearly no non-participants here!

Have a restful weekend,