Riverstone International School Newsletter
January 30, 2014
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 Dear Riverstone Community,
This time of year is always an exciting one as we are in the thick of recruitment season for the upcoming school year. We have a lot of interest from across the valley and around the country and are accepting applications from new students now for 2014-2015.
I am very pleased to announce that we will be offering a new Pre-Kindergarten program in addition to our Preschool program for 2014-2015.
PRESCHOOL (3 years old as of September 1, 2014**)
- Full-day program 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Limited number of morning-only spaces (8:30 AM - 11:30 AM)
- 12 students maximum
- One full-time teacher and an aide (12:2 ratio)
- English only instruction
- Developmentally appropriate PYP instruction
**Children must be fully toilet trained prior to the start of school
PRE-KINDERGARTEN (4 years old by September 1, 2014)
- Full-day program 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- 16 students maximum
- Two full-time teachers (16:2 ratio)
- Dual-language Spanish/English immersion program
- Developmentally appropriate PYP instruction
If you are interested in applying for these programs for another child not currently enrolled at Riverstone, please note that admission priority will be given to current families until Friday, February 28. As we've had considerable interest, I expect that space for 2014-2015 will be limited.
Referrals from current families are always our best source for new student enrollment - we thank you for your continued support of our school! Please invite friends and family to contact me regarding:
- Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten enrollment
- Malone Scholarships for students entering Grades 7 - 11
- Enrollment for all other grades
- Open houses and tours
We have a new online inquiry and online application making it even easier than ever for parents to contact us and apply.
Please let me know if you have any questions about our application process or open house schedule. I'm happy to help!
Best regards,
Rachel Pusch Director of Admissions and Institutional Advancement
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 Launching our first online auction!
Just 14 days until the launch of Riverstone's first online auction! Watch for details on how to login and bid big for Riverstone! We are accumulating some fun items and experiences that we are sure you will love!
Volunteer to help with project teams! We are looking for parents or students to help with project teams. We even have a few donated items that would be even better if a team could add the personal touches and make the item truly unique.
Attend our next Auction Committee The next auction committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 4 at 8:35 AM in the Elementary school Multi-Purpose room.
Join us even if you haven't been involved to date. We have great opportunities to be actively involved and have a lot of fun. |
 Students in Grades 6-8 are invited to our dance! Purchase tickets at the student store. Invite a friend!
The attire for the dance is semi-formal (dresses, bow ties, button-ups, and slacks).
Contact Tarrah Elam, Student Life Coordinator, with questions.
Dancing with the Stars Middle School Dance
Grades 6 - 8
Friday, January 31
6:00 - 9:00 PM in the Gym Foyer
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MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
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 All parents are invited to our open house on Thursday, February 6 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 and 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 at 6:00 PM
Friday, February 7 at 8:30 AM
**New daytime session added**
Elementary School Multi-Purpose Room
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 Lunch orders for February were due earlier this week but you can still turn it in for a later start date.
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. |
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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: Deadline to register for Middle and High School soccer is February 10!
Contact Demi Dlouhy, Athletic Director, 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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MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE BOWL
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 Thirteen Middle School students have been studying and practicing all year to participate in the Idaho Regional Middle School Science Bowl on February 8 at Boise State University's Micron Engineering Center (MEC).
Riverstone's team took 3rd place last year and we are fielding two teams in the competition this year!
If you have a chance to stop by and support our teams, the Free Radicals, please do!
The schedule for the competition on Saturday, February 8 is 9:30 AM welcome, 10:00 - 11:30 AM competition, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM lunch break, and 1:00 - 3:30 PM double elimination. The final competition is at 4:00 PM. Come and cheer them on (quietly)!
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WINTER ACTIVITIES INFORMATIONAL MEETING
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 Ben Brock, Director of Outdoor Education, held some great information sessions related to our Grades 8, 10, and 12 winter activities this week.
If you were not able to attend, or just want a peek of what is in the future for your child, you can download Ben's slide deck here.
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!
Contact Ben Brock, Director of Outdoor Education, for more information. |
Thanks to the High School Student Council for organizing the Winter Masquerade Ball with Student Life Coordinator, Tarrah Elam. Special thanks to DJ Jason Bennett, chaperones Rhonda Schaff, Gretchen Arguedas, Alex Ide, and Samantha Cole, as well as Todd Predovich (and crew) who set up all the special lighting and stage.
Photos from the High School Winter Ball are on the school's Facebook page. Check them out!
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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! |
The Girls High School season is coming to a close whereas the High School Boys continues and the Middle School Boys is in the early season. Watch the school calendar for game days!
Please contact Demi Dlouhy, Athletic Director, with any questions.
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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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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 Lisa Armstrong "helping" set up the Winter Ball last Friday!
Link to our school Facebook page here.
Follow the great things happening (or about to happen) at Riverstone!
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