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HEADlines
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RIVERMONT COLLEGIATE
Where there are no spectators, only participants!
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March 11, 2011 |
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Mission Statement
Rivermont Collegiate is dedicated to academic
excellence and maximizing the potential of each student through a nurturing,
stimulating, and structured environment that advances the individual's
intellect, character and creativity while guiding the student on a path of
life-long learning, prepared to engage fully in his or her local, national, and
global communities.
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What do you want to be when you grow up?
Dear Rivermont Community,
This is a fun question to ask our students! Often we can tell which grade the child is in based on the response. Lots of firefighters and police officers in the Early School. Doctors, teachers and pilots in the Lower School. Models, scientists and lawyers in the Middle School and millionaires, entrepreneurs, sport figures and Nobel prize winners in the Upper School.
As our students grow and mature they become increasingly aware of their talents and passions and develop a sense of what they want to be in the world. Some experience an "Aha!" moment when they know exactly what they want to do, while others' passions change yearly, monthly, weekly, even daily. Yet for all it is important to explore and consider the possibilities. Rivermont incorporates countless opportunities for students to "try on" different roles. From creative play in the Early School to student council, BizTown, Living Biographies, and Junior & Senior Projects, our students explore the depth and breadth of opportunity.
This week two groups of students not only explored - but achieved! The National History Day competition, led by Leigh Ann Schroeder, challenged students to immerse themselves in historical events and movements. This year's theme - Debate & Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences - inspired:
- 6th grader Shivani Ganesh to research NASA: Are we throwing money away in space? - which earned a special science in history award.
- 7th grader Hannah Hansen to portray Samantha Smith - The Andropov Project and 9th grader Shravya Pothula to research Gorbachev: Tearing Down the Wall, Building Diplomatic Relations.
- 11th graders Joan Weeks, Christine Mbakwe, Pavane Gorrepati and Meghana Pagadala to stage Raising the Gavel at Nuremberg: A Legacy of Colossal Failure or Diplomatic Success? and earrned perfect marks at the regional competition.
Joann, Christine, Pavane, and Meghana will participate in the state competition, joined by Hannah and Shravya. These students have been researchers, historians, performers and time managers!
Additionally, our 6th grade math team of Manasa Pagadala, Emilia Porubcin, Shivani Ganesh and Ben Nordic ranked 4th in the regional team competition and earned a spot in the state contest. Manasa, Emilia and Ben were ranked in the top 28 for their individual scores. For these students, their talents in mathematics could only take them so far. Their ability to work as a team, cope with pressure and time constraints, and think on their feet carried them to success - with a little help from their coach Chae Hee Porubcin, of course!
These achievements are impressive. The knowledge each student gained about their topics and themselves will stay with them a lifetime. Some have honed their talents, while others stretched themselves and found new passions.
At many schools a week filled with these achievements would be unique - at Rivermont it is the norm.
Rivermont Collegiate
Where excellence has many faces!
Where there are no spectators,only participants!
Where the future begins!
Rivermont IS Collegiate!
Rick St. Laurent
Headmaster
Don't forget! Spring forward one hour on Sunday, March 13th!
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Financial Aid - Tuition Assistance
It is the School's continuing goal that economic standing not be a factor in qualified students attending Rivermont. Families are encouraged to apply for tuition assistance when finances become a decision-maker in attendance. Rivermont follows guidelines for tuition assistance set forth by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Tuition assistance is made on the basis of need as determined by the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS). In addition, Rivermont asks that families complete a budget worksheet and submit current income tax information.
There are several important deadlines for consideration for financial aid:
1) Complete the Intent to Re-enroll & Apply for Tuition Assistance form and return it to the Business Office by Friday, February 25th, 2011.
2) Complete the PFS online - sss.nais.org - by March 11.
3) Submit a hard copy of the PFS online to the Business Office by March 11.
4) Complete the Monthly Expense Budget Worksheet and return to the Business Office by March 11. This form is available at www.rvmt.org.
5) Make a copy of final 2010 income tax returns, schedules, and W-2s or Schedule C (if self-employed) and submit to the Business Office no later than April 20.
Although the first deadline has passed, families may still be considered by completing items 1-4 by March 11 (TODAY).
Forms can be found on the school website and the SSS logo below will link you to the School & Student Services site.
Questions can be directed to Business Manager Jen Nicol at nicol@rvmt.org.
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International Food Festival A Success!
A giant THANK YOU to all who helped with International Week and Food Festival this year, doing everything from phone calls to presentations to cooking to clean-up - WHEW! Last but not least, thank you to all who donated wonderful food dishes for the festival. This fantastic event would not be possible without each and every one of you!
It's true for the entire Rivermont community (not just for students!) - at Rivermont, there are no spectators - only participants!
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Kudos!
A BIG congrats to Sixth Grade Math Team members Shivani Ganesh, Ben Nordick, Manasa Pagadala, and Emilia Porubcin. The team competed in the AEA Regional Sixth Grade Math Bee this past Tuesday and won 4th place - they will be advancing to the state competition in May! The team was extremely excited - and we couldn't be more proud of them!
Also, a big thank you to mentor and coach Chae Hee Porubcin!
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Rivermont Takes First Prize in Trinity's Just Drive Teen Competition!
Rivermont has taken top honors in Trinity Regional Health System's Just Drive competition, with 100% of our Upper School students taking the pledge to avoid distractions while driving, such as texting, emailing, and using their cell phone. Rivermont earned a $1,000 donation towards this year's after prom party!
From February 1st through March 4th, students in grades 9-12 from Rock Island, Henry, and Scott County schools took the Just Drive pledge. Davenport North High School finished second, with 82% of students participating, while Rock Island High School placed third, with 74% participation.
According to a University of Utah study, using a cell phone while driving delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent. In a study recently completed for State Farm Insurance, only 36% of U.S. teens agreed that regularly text messaging while driving could be fatal, while 55% strongly agreed that drinking while driving could result in death.
Congrats, Rivermont Upper School! |
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All Four Rivermont Entries Receive Awards at History Day!
Sixth grader Shivani Ganesh was awarded the Rachel and Art Serianz Award for Excellence in the History of Science for her project:
Nasa: Are we throwing money away in space?
The group of eleventh graders Christine Mbakwe, Joann Weeks, Pavane Gorrepati, and Meghana Pagadala received perfect marks and are headed for the state competition with their performance:
Raising the Gavel at Nuremberg: A Legacy of Colossal Failure or Diplomatic Success?
In addition, seventh grader Hannah Hansen and ninth grader Shravya Pothula will be advancing to the state competition:
Hannah Hansen - Samantha Smith - The Andropov Project
Shravya Pothula - Gorbachev: Tearing Down the Wall, Building Diplomatic Relations
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Monday is Pi Day!
On Monday (3/14) students in grades 3-12 will be observing Pi Day at 1:59 p.m. in celebration of the mathematical constant pi (3.1415926...). Pi is the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Pi Day is celebrated by math enthusiasts around the world!
Activities will begin in the gym, where students will compete in math relays. Following relays, students will gather in the cafeteria for a competition to recite the most digits of the number pi. While the recitation is taking place, students will be enjoying "pi" or "pie"!
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It's Time To Smile!
Spring Picture Day - Tuesday, March 15th
All students will be photographed. As an added feature, Lifetouch will take a group photo of siblings, if you would like. If you are interested in a group photo of your children, please let Mr. St. Laurent (stlaurent@rvmt.org) know so we can be sure to schedule them!
There is no obligation to purchase photos. Portraits, price lists, and instructions will be sent home after pictures have been taken. You will have the option to purchase your portraits or return them.
Portraits will feature a relaxed pose with an outdoor background of spring foliage. Students should wear their favorite bright colors (white clothing is not recommended).
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What is Middle School all about?
What skills will my child need?
Where does my child fit in?
Why is small better?
Plan to Attend:
Middle School Parent Information Night
Tuesday, March 15th
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Parents are invited to join us to discuss academic expectations and curriculum, explore extra-curricular activities and athletics, and discover organizational and study skills needed to be successful in Middle School, as well as take the opportunity to meet Middle School faculty.
This event is open to the public - if you have friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc. who might be interested in Middle School at Rivermont, please encourage them to join us!
A light supper will be served.
The evening will begin in the Mansion Reading Room.
RSVP: Cindy Murray - (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 - murray@rvmt.org |
Plan To Attend The Upper School Play!
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Parent-Teacher Conferences
Thursday, March 24th - 3:00-8:00 p.m.
Friday, March 25th - 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sign Up Now!
A schedule is located at the front desk in Becherer Hall (Tammi Burrell), arranged alphabetically by teacher last name. Please sign up for a time slot to visit with each teacher you wish to see. Then, on conference days, teachers will be in their classrooms and will expect you at the times you registered for. We will make every effort to keep individual conferences on schedule - thanks for helping us watch the clock! As some teachers and times fill up quickly, it is advised that parents/families register early for the best selection. |
Parents' Council Meeting: Note April Time Change
The Parents' Council Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 13th has been moved from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. and will be a breakfast/coffee meeting.
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Whenever I am convinced that winter will NEVER end, I start making my summer reading list and it gives me hope!
Mark your calendar for a Rivermont Spring Book Fair at Barnes & Noble in Northpark Mall on Friday, April 15th.
A portion of all store sales on April 15th will be donated back to Rivermont! Barnes & Noble will have a variety of titles on hand, including Rivermont summer reading assignments. There will also be special events throughout the day - story time, adult book talks, staff picks - who knows what might happen??? Stay tuned for more info!
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World Relief Fundraiser
March 1st - April 1st
The Rivermont World Cultures Club is sponsoring a fundraiser for World Relief, collecting household items to help refugees settle in apartments. Donations will be collected in boxes in Becherer Hall. Items may be new or gently used.
Lists of items needed are located on campus, as well as on the calendar on the Rivermont website at:
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The Auction Is Coming!
The Auction Is Coming!
Get all the information at:
The Chronicles of Rivermont: The Lion, The Imps, and The Tigers
Annual Dinner and Auction
Saturday, May 7th - 6:00 p.m. - The Outing Club - Davenport
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Around the QC
Circa "Under 21" Karaoke Contest
Co-Sponsored by Happy Joe's and Whitey's Ice Cream
If you're between the ages of 8-17 and love to sing - come share your talent!
Preliminary Rounds - March 27th
Ages 8-12 - 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Ages 13-17 - 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Where: The Circa '21 Speakeasy - 1818 3rd Ave. - Rock Island
Sign Up: Call Circa '21 ticket office for reservations - space is limited.
(309) 786-7733 ext. 2
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Upcoming Events
March
11 End of Third Quarter
14 Pi Day (Grades 3-12) - 1:59 PM
15 Spring Picture Day
Ms. Brown's Best Books: Story Time at Rivermont, 1:30-2:15 PM
Middle School Information Night, 6:00 PM
16 Auction Committee Meeting, Time TBA
18 Spring Play Performance - Auditorium, 7:00 PM
19 Spring Play Performance - Auditorium, 7:00 PM
24 Early Dismissal, 11:30 AM
Parent-Teacher Conferences, 3:00-8:00 PM
25 No Classes
Parent-Teacher Conferences, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
26 BESTS Test and Open House Coffee, 8:30-11:00 AM
29 Auction Committee Meeting, Time TBA
National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony, 6:30 PM
31 LS (K-5) Spring Music Program, 7:00 PM
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