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 Dear Riverstone Community,
I am very excited for the start of the school year! We have 27 new students joining us in Grades 6-12, including 9 students from Brazil, China, France, and Germany. I look forward to welcoming all of our new and returning students on August 26.
The following note includes highlights of what you can expect in the Middle and High School this year. We will focus on our school's five pillars to continue building a place where students feel safe to express themselves, to learn, to share, and to grow.
Academic Excellence: Prior to August 26, all teachers at Riverstone will take part in a day of advanced training in using inquiry as the basis for learning, which is a core philosophy of the International Baccalaureate Programmes. The Lee Pesky Learning Center will also lead a session on differentiated instruction as a means to modify teaching to meet students' individual needs.
Community & Service: Two other sessions for our teachers will focus on skills that build community, including developing an appreciation of being mindful and purposeful in interactions, and developing a greater understanding of the nature of bullying and ways to prevent it.
A major expansion of our Middle & High School service-learning program will involve two days of service that will take place on the first full day of parent-teacher conferences, October 17 and March 20. Students will go out into the local community and work with organizations with whom we share common values. We are in the early planning phase but please mark your calendars now if you'd like to join us.
Leadership by Example and International Understanding: This year, our Student Council will have more leadership opportunities as they align their organization to our five pillars. We are planning new extracurricular activities, encouraging greater depth of friendships and understanding among all our students.
Outdoor Education: Grade 6 will return to Yelllowstone National Park, Grade 7 will raft the Main Salmon, and Grade 8-12 will backpack in the Sawtooth and White Cloud Mountains, all within the first few weeks of school. These trips, including winter activities and spring trips, continue to be highlights of a Riverstone education.
Staffing update for Middle and High School
Recruiting and retaining highly qualified staff is always a priority. We are pleased that a large majority of our teachers are returning, and would like to share with you some changes that have taken place.
Brad Baxter, Carey Felzein, Gloria Gude, Aaron Olswanger, and Rebecca Wood are pursuing other opportunities and not returning this year. We will miss them and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.
 Jessica Davidson Almudever will be teaching MYP Spanish for Grades 6-8. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction. Jessica previously taught in a dual language program in Whittier Elementary School and as a classroom teacher at Anser Charter School.
 Israel Carr, Riverstone Class of 2005,will teach MYP Humanities for Grades 9-10. Israel has previously worked for education and service groups in Madagascar. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College and was a Peace Corps volunteer.
 Tom Dempsey will be teaching MYP Humanities for Grades 6-8. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Master's in Humanities with 13 years experience as an educator. Tom comes to us with an excitement to be teaching the IB philosophy in the classroom and has taught both Middle and High school levels in California and locally.
 Hayden Jared holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, with minors in Psychology and Reading, and a Master's in Teaching. He will teach MYP English for Grades 7-9. Hayden has coached Speech and Debate and worked for the YMCA as a counselor.
 Rhonda Schaff will teach DP Spanish Ab initio for Grades 11-12. She holds a Bachelor's of Arts and Master's in Spanish and has helped us with tutoring and support for our Spanish department in previous years.
Download a complete list of our
Middle and High School teaching staff and their respective courses here.
Meet the Teachers for Middle and High School students will be held Wednesday, August 21, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM in the High School Quad. Parents are most welcome to attend, please join us.
Parents of students entering Grades 6-12 should look for an email from me later next week with more details. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Enjoy the remainder of the summer!
Warm Regards,
Alex Ide
Director of Secondary Education
aide@riverstoneschool.org
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Register now for Fall Middle and High School Soccer! 
Get a jump on the new school year by bringing your student to meet his or her teachers and new classmates at Meet the Teachers. 
Last year, we held our first Riverstone Convocation, with students, staff, and parents in attendance. The intent was to start the school year celebrating what we know to be one of Riverstone's unique qualities, our strong sense of community.
Join the Riverstone International School team and register for FitOne, formerly the Women's Fitness Celebration, that will be held on Saturday, September 21.
The following is a note from the class instructors offering a a special incentive for students.
School supplies and book lists for the 2013-2014 school year have been posted on the school website under the About/Forms and Supplies tabs.
Mark your calendar for one of Riverstone's favorite fall traditions, the Fall Carnival. Kids of all ages, parents, and friends are invited! 
It's not too late to join the 2nd Annual Riverstone Summer Reading Challenge, "Links to Adventure." Information and log sheets are available on the school website under 
Have you liked our school facebook page? Share with your family and friends!