Riverstone International School Newsletter
December 19, 2013
|
 Hi All, As I have been involved with many committee meetings and observing what has gone on at Riverstone over the last few weeks, it has struck me how generous, thoughtful, and committed our parents are. It occurs to me (more than ever) how blessed I am to be doing meaningful work in a community that is kind and pleasant. As we break for the Holidays, I continue to be grateful to work in a place that I love. I wish you all a safe and peaceful Holiday Season. I'll see you all in the New Year.  Bob Carignan Head of School bcarignan@riverstoneschool.org |
 Riverstone will be closed starting Saturday, December 21 through Monday, January 6. Staff will return for professional development on the 6th.
We will see students back on Tuesday, January 7.
Have a safe and wonderful break! |
|
RIVERSTONE GEAR READY FOR PICK UP
|
 If you ordered Riverstone gear last week, please stop at the Elementary School front desk and pick up your gear before the break!
We also have a few extra items (tees, hoodies, and sweats) for sale so be sure to ask what is available. First come, first serve.
Many thanks to Lisa Armstrong and Melinda Rose for coordinating this big order! |
|
JANUARY ACTIVITIES AND LUNCH ORDERS
|
 Get your new year in order!
Return your lunch order forms for January by Friday, December 20. Drop them off at the Elementary School or Middle School front desks. Contact Business Director, Kevin Richmond, with questions.
Register now for After School Activities for Session Three that starts in January! Register for activities until classes are full. Contact Tarrah Elam, Student Life Coordinator, with questions.
Camp Invention 2014 information is available now! Camp will be held June 23-27, 2014. Check your Elementary School student's backpacks on Friday or download Camp Invention information here.
|
|
PARENT MEETINGS WEEK OF JANUARY 7
|
We have several opportunities for parents to learn more about activities that your children will be involved in during the next few months. Please join us.
Dr. Mindy Gaddis is our first featured speaker at our parent brown bag lunch that will be held Friday, January 10 discussing wellness. Dr. Gaddis will be joined by other members of her team, including a dietician and fitness director. All parents and invited. Feel free to bring a friend!
Middle School Basketball Parent Meeting
| Tuesday, January 7 at 3:30 PM | Middle School Room 39 (Abby Fereday's Room) | Elementary School Winter Activities Parent Info Meeting
| Wednesday, January 8 at 8:45 AM | Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room | National History Day Gr 6 -Gr 10 Parent Info Meeting
| Wednesday, January 8 at 8:45 AM | Middle School Room 37 (Hayden Jared's Room) | Health and Wellness Brown Bag Luncheon for Parents presented by Dr. Mindy Gaddis
| Friday, January 10 at 12:00 PM | Harris Ranch Mill District Clubhouse: E Arrow Jct Dr and S Millsite Ave
|
|
|
WINTER BASH FOR MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
|
 Students in Grades 7-12 will celebrate the end of finals and kick off the Winter Break together on Friday, December 20 with an Advisory gathering and an hour of music and entertainment provided by their peers.
All students are encouraged to wear their favorite ugly holiday sweater. A competition among advisories will take place to find the ugliest of sweaters. Dig into your wardrobes, take a gander at a local thrift store, and get creative!
If you have any questions, contact Tarrah Elam, Student Life Coordinator.
|
|
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL GRADE REPORTS
|
 Parents should check Managebac next week, approximately December 24, to view Middle and High School grade reports for semester one. Reports will not be mailed or emailed.
The grade reports may be found under the Academics tab. Look for the Reports button on the right side of the screen.
Middle and High School parents need to log in to Managebac prior to Winter Break. If you need any assistance navigating Managebac once the break starts, please ask your student for help.
If you have questions, please contact Alex Ide, Director of Secondary Education.
Parents may use Managebac to send an excusal for their child's absence. Click on the Attendance tab and look to the right of the screen for the Submit Attendance Excusal button!
Link to the Managebac login page here. |
|
OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAM
|
 Winter Activities are just around the corner! Check the school calendar for your child's winter activities.
Activities include: Ice Skating Lessons - Preschool through Grade 1 Nordic Lessons - Grades 2 and 3 Snow School - Grade 4 McCall Outdoor Science School - Grade 5 Ski & Snowboard Lessons - Grades 6 and 7 Idaho City Yurt Trip - Grade 8 Bogus Basin Snow Camping Trip - Grade 10 Senior Trip to the Sawtooths - Grade 12
A meeting for parents interested in learning more about all Elementary School Winter Outdoor activities is being held on Wednesday, January 8 at 8:45 AM in the Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room. Contact Ben Brock, Director of Outdoor Education, with questions. |
|
BIG BREAK BIRDING CONTEST
|
 Looking for something to do outside since there's not much skiing to be had? This Winter Break get out and bird!
The third Annual Big Break Birding "Competition" is a great excuse for a walk along the Greenbelt, a snowshoing trip to Idaho City, or just stocking the bird feeders and curling up in the window seat with binoculars and a hot chocolate.
Raffle tickets awarded for a variety of categories...everyone has the chance to win! Not sure where to start? Get in touch with Riverstone's resident "Bird Dorks" Ben Brock, Kerry Fitzharris or Kim Liebich! Download the Big Break flyer here.
Submit lists to Ben Brock or Kerry Fitzharris on Tuesday, January 7. |
Congratulations to the winner of the Bookmark Contest, Veronica R (Gr 2)! Copies of Veronica's bookmark have been given to everyone who purchased an item at the Book Fair.
Book Fair sales exceeded $8700! The school earned Scholastic credit that will be used to enhance our Elementary School classrooms and the school library.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to Scholastic's All for Books. We were able to purchase 22 books for The Cabin. The Executive Director, Britt Udesen, attended an assembly on Wednesday to thank students and receive the books.
Special thanks to Book Fair Coordinator, Kim Fall, and her team of volunteers for making the Book Fair so much fun for our students and families.
|
 Middle School Boys Basketball
There will be an informational meeting on Tuesday, January 7 for parents of students interested in playing Middle School Boy Basketball. Coaches will be handing out practice and game schedules along with addressing expectations of the student athletes during the season. The Middle School Basketball season runs from January 8 - February 22. Boys in Grades 6-8 are eligible.
High School Boys Basketball
The Riverstone Boys High School Team enters the 2013-2014 season returning four Varsity players. There is a renewed energy and enthusiasm this season with a school record 16 participants of which 13 are either freshmen or sophomores and bodes well for future success. The boys have worked extremely hard this first month and the JV and Varsity teams have both captured victories and combined hold a 4-6 record heading into our game on Wednesday at Idaho City. Our three senior captains Drew K, Tristan R, and Robert B have provided great leadership to our young group who continue to develop their skills and show steady improvement each week. The team takes a well earned break over the holidays but then jumps right into the heart of our conference schedule in January and February. We look forward to all your continued support both in the stands and behind the scenes for Otter Basketball! High School Girls Basketball The Girls Basketball team takes on Greenleaf Friends Academy tonight. Go Otters! |
 Thank you to our parents who contributed to the Merci lunches this past semester!
These lunches are much appreciated by our staff! They make our days brighter.
A heartfelt thank you to our Parents' Association and Monica Macha for coordinating the Merci lunch program! |
 Attention all you Rockers! Don't let those holiday cards overshadow the Auction Save the Date arriving soon!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 1 and get ready for an epic auction!
We are currently looking for your help with connections and contacts in the music world. We would love to put together a once-in-a-lifetime package that includes a musical experience.
Please email one of our Auction Chairpersons, Mary Jane Murphy or Amy Bava, if you have any ideas or suggestions for this item.
|
It has been a busy week or two at Riverstone and there are lots of pictures posted on the school Facebook page. Check them out!
|
Our Middle and High School Choir was rehearsing during their final early morning session of the semester when we decided to take quick video of them singing, "In Winter."
We've added photos from our winter outdoor activities as well -- some from several years ago. Check it out!
Thanks to Choir Director, Laura DeLaney, for guiding our choir!
 | | Riverstone Choir: In Winter |
|
|
RIVERSTONE YOUTUBE CHANNEL
|
 We are building a collection of videos on our school youtube channel. Subscribe so you can stay in the loop!
|
|
FACEBOOK PHOTO OF THE WEEK
|
 The Facebook photo of the week featured our Senior Tristan R at our Pep Rally organized by the Student Council.
Link to our school Facebook page here.
Follow the great things happening (or about to happen) at Riverstone!
|
|
