Riverstone International School Newsletter
January 23, 2014
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 Dear Riverstone Community,
The first time we attended a Riverstone auction, we were new parents and our children were not yet even school age. My husband and I were touched by the remarkable way the community rallied around the cause of their children's education. It was one of our first exposures to Riverstone and it wasn't long before we decided that we would be sending our kids to school here as well.
Little did I know at the time that I would be up to my ears in auction planning five years later, but here we are and the planning is in full swing with art creation, project teams forming, and donors offering their support on a daily basis. It's overwhelming and yet the Auction Committee is undaunted!
With the help of a willing and involved community, we execute a premier event, demonstrating with time, talent, and dollars our commitment to this cause. This year, we expand our scope to the Internet and the possibility of a broad audience that will expand our fundraising ability. Our first online auction will launch Thursday, February 13 with some fun items for your consideration and a rockin' launch event.
Also on the horizon are:
- 50/50 tuition raffle
- Koenig wine sales
- a Rockin' Raffle with a musical preview for the community on February 20
You can expect invitations in the next couple of weeks. Start making your plans, get your babysitter, and expect to spend a memorable evening with us.
In the meantime, we need your help in any of the following ways:
- Donate! We are looking for the perennial favorites and creative new ideas for our online, silent, and live auctions. We love the baskets, experiences, and unique things you bring to the table! Download a donation form here.
- Join a project team! You can help out by being a part of a group who share your interests by signing up on the Community Opportunities sheet. Join an existing project or create your own. Grab a friend from your child's class or any other part of the school to help you out and increase the fun. Or ask one of us and we'll happily find the perfect spot for you.
- Sponsor a table! With Diamond, Platinum, and Gold sponsorships, you receive ten tickets, premier seating, advertising, and some fun perks. Contact Rachel Pusch if you'd like to learn more.
- Save the date and plan to attend! The night is going to ROCK!!
My co-chair, Mary Jane Murphy, and I know that March 1 will be here before we know it. We are so excited to show off all the hard work of a talented and creative committee and to join you in a celebratory night honoring one of the things we all hold most dear - the education of our children and the people and institution that enrich their lives.
Rock on!!
Amy Bava and Mary Jane Murphy
2014 Auction Co-Chairs
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 Arrive a few minutes early to school tomorrow and enjoy our students' musical talents during Friday Morning Music. These students all take private music instruction and would like to share their hard work with you.
To learn more about how your child can be involved in future performances, please contact Laura DeLaney, Music Teacher.
Friday Morning Music Friday, January 24 8:00 AM Elementary School Atrium |
 Place your orders for February's lunches by Monday, January 27. Don't forget to check the lunch schedule against your child's winter activities. Create Common Good, our lunch provider, continues to make adjustments to the menu so be sure to check out this month's offerings.
Forms may be returned to the Elementary or Middle School front desks.
Download an Elementary School lunch form here.
Download a Middle & High School lunch form here.
Please contact Kevin Richmond, Business Director, with any questions. |
 The next Elementary School Passport Club Testing will be Tuesday, January 28 for all grades except Grade 2.
Grade 2 students will take their test on Thursday, January 30 as they are nordic skiing on Tuesday.
Thank you to our Passport Club volunteers! |
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WINTER ACTIVITIES INFORMATIONAL MEETING
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 Parents of students in Grades 8, 10, and 12 are invited to informational sessions with Ben Brock, our Director of Outdoor Education, to learn more about upcoming winter activities for those grades.
Whether your student will be sleeping in a yurt (Gr 8 and 12) or sleeping in snow caves (Gr 10), it's important to be sure that everyone has the right gear and knows what to expect!
Please join us at whichever time suits your schedule. Parents of younger children are also invited if you'd like to learn what's on the horizon for your child!
Contact Ben Brock, Director of Outdoor Education, for more information.
Parent Meetings for Gr 8, 10, and 12 Winter Activities Wednesday, January 29 at 6:30 PM -- OR -- Thursday, January 30 at 8:30 AM Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room |
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MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
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 All parents are invited to an open house for our Middle & High School, Grades 6-12! Whether you are a parent of a child moving up to the next division, or would like to remind yourself of the many opportunities available to our students, we would love to see you.
There is no greater compliment than a referral. Please invite a friend!
Learn more about what makes Riverstone an exceptional choice for Middle and High School students.
- Benefits of our Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme
- Small classes
- Increasingly challenging outdoor education
- Service opportunities
- Leadership opportunities
- Our international community and hosting opportunities
- Athletics and extracurricular opportunities
- College counseling
- Optional summer travel
- Financial aid and Malone Family Foundation Scholarships
Please contact Rachel Pusch, Director of Admissions and Institutional Advancement, with questions or to RSVP.
Middle & High School Open House
Thursday, February 6
9:00 AM
Meet in Elementary School Atrium
Our next Elementary School Open House will be held on Tuesday, February 11
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SUMMER TRAVEL INFORMATIONAL MEETING
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 Parents of students in Grades 6-11 are invited to learn more about our summer travel programs and itineraries for Summer 2014! Washington, D.C., Vancouver, B.C., Montreal, and Rio de Janeiro!
Travel procedures, chaperone introductions, tentative itineraries and cost information will be discussed. Download a previously shared letter to parents referencing travel opportunities for students currently in Grades 6-11.
Please contact Tarrah Elam, Student Life Coordinator, with questions.
Parent Meeting Grades 6-11 for Optional Summer Travel
Thursday, February 6
6:00 PM
Elementary School Atrium
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2014-2015 SCHOOL CALENDAR
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If you're looking ahead to next year, check out the following calendar that includes the major dates for 2014-2015.
This information is being incorporated in the school calendar on the school website as well.
| 2014 - 2015 Academic Year | | August 25 | First Day of School for 2014-2015 | | August 27 - 29 | Fall Trips for Grades 8 - 12 | | October 2 - 3 | Teacher In Service - No School | | October 16 - 17 | Parent-Teacher Conferences | | November 26 - 28 | Thanksgiving Recess - No School | | December 20 - January 4 | Winter Recess - No School | | January 5 | Teacher In Service - No School | | January 6 | Classes Resume | | March 19 - 20 | Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences | | March 21 - April 5 | Spring Break - No School | | April 6 | Teacher In Service - No School | | April 7 | Classes Resume | | May 28 | Commencement | | June 4 | Last Day of School |
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MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL DANCES
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 Students in Grades 6-12 are invited to dance the night away!
The Riverstone Winter Masquerade
Grades 9 - 12
Saturday, January 25
7:00 PM - 10:30 PM in the Elementary School Atrium
Dancing with the Stars
Grades 6 - 8
Friday, January 31
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM in the Gym Foyer
The attire for both dances is semi-formal (dresses, bow ties, button-ups, and slacks).
Students may invite a friend! Tickets on sale now!
Contact Tarrah Elam, Student Life Coordinator, with questions. |
 The Parents' Association is seeking a volunteer to serve as Treasurer. This job can be done at home and is a great way to contribute to our school community!
If you are interested in volunteering as the PA Treasurer, please contact Michelle Nenov, PA President.
Our next Parents' Association meeting is on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 8:35 AM in the Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room. Please join us!
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Take advantage of another opportunity to learn more about National History Day! The national organizers are offering online orientations to the various presentation categories at the end of January and during early February through Google Hangouts. Please use the following link to learn more:
We are also asking for parent volunteers to serve as judges at the Regional and State competitions on Saturday, March 1 and Saturday, April 12. These competitions are hosted at Lowell Scott Middle School and the College of Idaho respectively.
There are no special qualifications to judge. You only have to be interested in the competitions and in giving kids a great experience presenting their research. It will also be a huge boost for our kids to see familiar faces at the competitions. We really need your support!
Please contact Andy Johnson, Dean of Faculty for the Secondary School, with any questions. |
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MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER
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 Parents of students in Grades 6-12 who are interested in playing spring soccer on one of Riverstone's co-ed teams should register now with Idaho Rush. You may register: Receive a $20 discount for registering before February 3, 2014!
We are also seeking coaches for the Middle and High School soccer teams. If you are interested, please contact Demi Dlouhy, Athletic Director, for details. |
High School Girls
The Riverstone Girls have improved in many ways since the beginning of the season. With a close 2 point loss at Greenleaf, and leading Liberty (2nd in Conference) by 1 at half time, the girls have shown a vast improvement in basketball IQ and general attitude towards the game. The girls look to close out regular season play this month on a high note and head into Districts with some momentum! Go Otters!
Girls High School Basketball Senior Night at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, January 28 against Rimrock. Join us!
High School Boys
The Riverstone Boys High School Team is now in the midst of conference play and aiming to prepare for the District III tournament in February. The Varsity team has made significant progress having improved its margin over our opponents in every game so far this season! The squad is led in scoring by senior Drew K and freshman Dedi S. Of note, senior co-captain Tristan R recently established a new school record for the most career varsity games played with 39 and he continues to add to that mark with each contest. Congratulations to Tristan for three years of dedicated hard work!
The Junior Varsity squad is currently 4-5 after a couple of close defeats but the boys are working hard to complete the season with a winning record. A number of our Grade 10 international students including Regan Z, Ben J, Theo G and Justus S are all making key contributions. The JV team is led in scoring by freshman Jack G.
Middle School Boys
The Middle School boys season is underway. We will have an update next week!
Please contact Demi Dlouhy, Athletic Director, with any questions.
Photo of Middle School Boys Basketball team (in navy) in action.
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HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN 2014-2015
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 Please start thinking about hosting an international student next fall! Some students need to be hosted for half of the year and others for the full year.
Many of our families have hosted several students over the years and continue their friendships long after the student has returned home or gone to college. Whether your kids are younger or older, everyone benefits from learning together about each other's cultures.
Please contact Rachel Pusch, Director of Admissions and Institutional Advancement, or Jane Kaserman, our ELL teacher and International Student Coordinator, for more information! |
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FORMS, SCHEDULES, AND INFO AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
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 Just a reminder...
Lunch and activity forms, as well as outdoor education equipment lists, are available on the school website.
Review the school calendar to identify dates for winter outdoor education activities, athletics, Spring Break, graduation, etc.
If you are a Middle or High School parent, please remember to check Managebac for information on your child's progress, assignments, messages from teachers, and more.
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APPLY NOW FOR SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID
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We are now accepting applications for Fall 2014 and holding monthly open houses for current and prospective families!
Enrolling Siblings
If you have a sibling for whom you are considering applying, please contact Rachel Pusch.
Malone Scholar Applicants
If you know know of new students who might be great Malone Scholar applicants, please encourage them to contact Rachel Pusch.
Candidates for Malone Scholarships must be new students entering Grades 7 - 11 and meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of the United States;
- Show enthusiasm and motivation for academic excellence, evidenced by grade reports and test scores; and
- Demonstrate financial need to qualify for funding of at least 30 percent of tuition through Riverstone International School's need-based financial aid process.
Open HousesRiverstone has started their monthly open houses. Invite your friends who may be interested in Riverstone! Current parents are encouraged to attend to learn more about what's coming their way.
Next Elementary School Open House: Tuesday, February 11 at 9:30 AM
Next Middle & High School Open House: Tuesday, February 6 at 9:30 AM
Financial Aid
If you are a current family who would like to be considered for financial aid for the 2014-2015 academic year, please submit your SSS parent financial statement and provide your most recent IRS Form 1040 (2012 or 2013 if you have it already completed) to Kevin Richmond, Business Director, no later than Friday, January 31. This will enable the school to include your potential award with the re-enrollment contracts in February. Please contact Rachel Pusch, Director of Admissions and Institutional Advancement, with questions. |
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FACEBOOK PHOTO OF THE WEEK
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The Facebook photo of the week featured our High School Girls Basketball team cheering on Coach Ian Rumpp during his other coaching gig in town. Awesome picture!
Link to our school Facebook page here.
Follow the great things happening (or about to happen) at Riverstone!
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