Riverstone International School Newsletter
March 13, 2014
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 Hi All,
Just wanted to take a minute to talk about our seniors. This is a critical time for them as they have just put several "MAJOR" IB Diploma Programme landmark projects behind them.
First among these landmark projects is their 4,000 word Extended Essay (EE) on a topic of interest to them. Please think about your college experience and try to remember when you wrote a 16 page research paper that was self-guided. I'd be willing to bet that for most of you it wasn't until sophomore year or later. Our seniors will arrive at college having already done this. As always, the EE topics were wide, varied, and interesting. These papers are now flying across the world to be graded by IB examiners.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is another unique to IB component. Students wrote papers and gave presentations in which they were challenged to reflect critically on knowledge, as well as synthesize, analyze, and think deeply about how they understand the world around them.
The seniors' Community, Action, and Service (CAS) projects and reflections have also been completed. Since the summer after their Grade 10 year, each student has had to plan a project or projects related to creativity, action, or service and reflect upon these projects. Each student spends approximately 150 hours completing this element of the Diploma Programme that is designed to be a counterbalance to their academic development. Student "e-portfolios" have now been uploaded to the IB.
On top of their EE's, TOK papers, and CAS projects, they completed written assignments in Language A (English for most) and Language B (their second language). Last week, our art students completed their recorded art interviews in which they discussed their research workbooks and studio pieces. These papers and interviews are sent to examiners around the world as well.
We are incredibly proud of our seniors. Each student has their own special gifts and abilities, and by raising our expectations for all, and having a faculty that believes in and works tirelessly for them, our students often share that they accomplished more and challenged themselves more than they could have imagined. This is true academic rigor; it is self-motivated and the great hallmark of a Riverstone education.
When our seniors return from spring break, they will begin preparing for their IB Diploma exams, which run from May 5-23.
If you see one of our seniors, please pat them on the back and encourage them.
I hope to see you all at the Meet the Seniors Coffee on Tuesday, April 15 (hosted by the Parents' Association) and our Senior Art Show on Friday, April 18.
Call for anything,
Bob Carignan
Head of School
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 It's not quite spring break yet...but wanted to make sure that everyone had the correct dates.
Conferences: Thursday* and Friday, March 20-21
*Middle & High School Day of Service on Thurs, Mar 20 from 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Spring Break: Saturday, March 22 - Sunday, April 6
Teacher & Staff Inservice: Monday, April 7
Classes resume for students: Tuesday, April 8
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STRATEGIC PLANNING PARENT MEETING **TOMORROW**
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 Thank you for your amazing response to the initial survey for the strategic planning process - 139 parents participated! The committee has been reviewing the results and has identified five areas that we feel represent the key strategic priorities that should be addressed in the 2014-19 Strategic Plan.
We invite all parents to join us to provide additional input as members of the committee present the results of the survey and these priorities.
Feel free to contact Strategic Planning Committee members Michele Drolet, Amy Duque, or Kipp Martell with questions.
Strategic Planning Discussion
Friday, March 14
8:45 AM
School Library
All Parents Welcome!
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 Create Common Good, Riverstone's healthy lunch provider, has put together a new menu for April. Check it out!
Please return completed lunch forms to the Elementary or Middle School front desks by Friday, March 21.
Download an Elementary School lunch form here.
Download a Middle & High School lunch form here. |
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PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
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Parent Teacher Conferences are March 20-21. Please look for a previous email from our Division Directors with specific details.
Sign up here for Spring 2014 Middle and High School Parent-Teacher Conferences
Sign up here for Spring 2014 Elementary School Parent-Teacher Conferences
As a convenience, we will offer a free daycare service for siblings during your scheduled conference time. We will also be offering all-day care on Thursday, March 20 and Friday, March 21 for $30/child. Please email James Hamilton-Vail to confirm a space by Monday, March 17. |
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NEXT WEEK: ALL SCHOOL SPIRIT WEEK
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 The Elementary School Leadership by Example leaders from the Student Council would like the entire school to join them for Spirit Week on March 17, 18, and 19. Elementary, Middle, and High School, staff, and parents are encouraged to be part of the fun!
The leaders decided to connect Spirit Week to the learner profile words and IB attitudes.
Riverstone Monday (3/17): Wear Riverstone clothing or school colors (navy blue and light blue); connect to the learner profile word Appreciation.
Throwback Tuesday (3/18): Wear clothes from an earlier decade like the 60s, 70s, 80s, etc; connect to the learner profile word Open Minded.
Wacky Wednesday (3/19): Wear a wacky combination of clothes; connect to the learner profile word Risk Taker.
No face painting please! |
 We're closing the books on the auction -- last call for two great opportunities!
On the Rocks Party hosted by the Liebich family and Dinner Simply. $50/person. May 10, 2014. Bound to be a riot filled with great food and drinks! All are invited to sign up on our Community Opportunities sheet here.
Koenig Wine Magnums with class art have a few more left to purchase. $100 per magnum. Sign up on the Community Opportunities sheet here.
100% of the proceeds from the above items go to Riverstone International School thanks to our gracious hosts and donors. Contact Kevin Richmond, Business Director, with any questions. |
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SUMMER ACTIVITIES AT RIVERSTONE
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 Summer Activities & Camps at Riverstone are returning for Summer 2014!
There are some old favorites we couldn't do without and some new faces and activities. Summer activities run from June 9 - August 15.
Ceramics, plein air painting, cooking, Spanish language learning, cycling, science, math skills strengthening, Camp Invention® and more!
A listing of Middle & High School School Ativities and Camps will be released next week. Creative writing courses, agility training, SAT Prep with Hunting Learning Center and art are some of the options!
Please remember that all Riverstone camps are open to families and friends. Invite your neighbors or kids' friends to join us!
We hope to have online registration within the next few weeks. In the meantime, please feel free to pick up extra copies of the forms at the Elementary School front desk and return your registration in person!
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REMINDER FOR BOARD OF TRUSTEES NOMINATIONS
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 Each year, the Riverstone Board of Trustees elects generally from two to four new members to replace trustees whose terms are expiring. New trustees typically assume their office immediately following the Board's annual meeting in May of each year and serve one or two consecutive terms of three years each. The Board welcomes suggestions from the Riverstone community for individuals who might make a positive contribution to the Board for a term commencing in May 2014. The Board is particularly interested in candidates with experiences and skills that will enable it discharge those responsibilities most effectively, in particular at this time individuals with finance, marketing, facilities/operations and development expertise. We are interested in hearing from you if you believe you are an appropriate candidate or know of someone else who might be, regardless whether they are presently a member of the Riverstone community. Applicants should submit a brief summary of their qualifications (preferably no more than a page in length) by April 9, 2014 to the attention of Board Nominations at the Elementary School front desk. Contact Michael Bergmann with any questions. The Board will then reach out for further discussions with applicants who it believes are an appropriate fit for the Board at this time. Thank you! |
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REGISTER NOW FOR STUDENT ACTIVITIES SESSION FOUR
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New Activities for Session Four for both Elementary School and Middle & High School! Check out all the great options here!
Registration is open for all activities until classes are full. Please return your completed forms to the Elementary and Middle School front desks.
Please contact Tarrah Elam, Student Life Coordinator, with questions. |
 The Parents' Association would like to welcome Melanie Ernst as Treasurer. Melanie and her family moved to Idaho from New York this past July. Their son, Pete E, is in Grade 8 at Riverstone and their son, James E, is in Grade 4 at Adams Elementary.
Thank you Melanie for joining our team!
If you would like to learn more about the PA, please contact PA President Michelle Nenov via email.
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 Students in Grades 9-12 are invited to a night of b owling, laser tag, gaming, go carts and friends at Wahooz! Kick off spring break with your friends!Contact Tarrah Elam, Student Life Coordinator, with questions.
Wahooz! Grades 9-12 Wednesday, March 19 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM |
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MAR 20 DAY OF SERVICE NEEDS A FEW MORE PARENT VOLUNTEERS
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 One of Riverstone's Five Pillars is Community and Service.
As part of our commitment to giving back to our local community, Riverstone's Second Day of Service for Middle & High School will be held Thursday, March 20 from 8:30 AM to 12 PM.
Advisory groups will be helping organizations such as Idaho Youth Ranch, Boys & Girls Club, Discovery Center, Create Common Good, and more.
Please save the date and plan to have your student attend school on Thursday morning of parent teacher conferences.
We also need parent volunteers! If you are interested in lending a hand, please contact Tarrah Elam, Student Life Coordinator.
Middle & High School Day of Service Thursday, March 20 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM |
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SPRING BREAK PHOTO CONTEST
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 Traveling to someplace scenic for spring break? Staying closer to home but looking for an excuse to get outside? Grab a camera!
The Elementary School Outdoor Education leaders from Student Council would like to encourage you to get outside and enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer. They are organizing a Riverstone Spring Break Photo Contest. Here's the scoop:
Photo Contest Guidelines
- Photos must be taking during spring break by the person entering the contest
- One photo per category per person
- Email your entries to Ben Brock, Director of Outdoor Education, by Friday, April 11 (bbrock@riverstoneschool.org)
Categories Include
- Birds
- Wildlife
- Scenery
- People
- Black & White (can be in any of the categories)
Contact Ben Brock, Director of Outdoor Education, or an Elementary School Student Council rep with questions. |
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BIRDING BIG BREAK CONTEST
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 Bird with a friend! Bird in your backyard! Bird by the river! No matter how you do it, give birding a try this spring break!
Join in Riverstone's 3rd Annual Big Break Birding "Competition" that really is just about fun. Keep a list of the birds that you identify over spring break and submit the list to Ben Brock by Friday, April 11.
Raffle tickets will be given for every list submitted, the longest list, oldest birder, every bird not on someone else's list, and best bird photograph! Everyone has a chance to win!
Feel free to contact Ben Brock, Ms. Fitz, or Kim Liebich, our resident birding experts for tips on getting started! |
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VOLLEYBALL CAMP FOR GRADES 5-8
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 Girls in Grades 5-8 are invited to a three-day volleyball camp being held April 8-10 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM hosted by Riverstone's Volleyball coach and High School Volleyball players.
Attendees will learn basic volleyball skills and fundamentals such as passing, setting, serving, and more through drills, 6v6 games, and conditioning. Download a flyer here.
Riverstone's head volleyball coach, Demi Dlouhy, and Riverstone High School Volleyball players will lead the camp.
Contact Tarrah Elam, Student Life Coordinator, to sign up. Contact Demi Dlouhy, Athletic Director, with questions.
Volleyball Camp for Girls in Grades 5-8
April 8-10
4:00 - 6:00 PM
Kennedy Gymnasium
Cost $60/player
**SIGN UP NOW**
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SPRING BREAK MEANS THAT SPRING TRIPS ARE NEARLY HERE
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 Please refer to the school calendar and make sure that you have the dates for 2014 Spring Trips listed in your personal calendar!
Kindergarten: Montour Wildlife Refuge Gd 1: Given's Hot Springs Gd 2: Hagerman Gd 3: Horsethief Gd 8: Hell's Canyon Gd 9: Grand Gulch Gd 10: Sheep Creek
Information Letters and Equipment Lists will be circulated and posted soon!
For the most part, non-cotton clothing that sufficed for Winter Activities will work great on Spring Trips as well, but make sure that base layers, fleece insulation and rain gear still fit. Students in Grades 8, 9 and 10 should take advantage of Spring Break to break in new hiking boots which, come May, will need to cover up to 30 miles of trails, blister-free! Contact Ben Brock, Director of Outdoor Education, with questions about Spring Trips. |
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HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN 2014-2015
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 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 consider including the following student as part of your family next year!
Tianrun L - a student from China entering Grade 10 this fall Tianrun (or Sky, as he prefers to be known) lives in Xi'an, China and is keen to come to America to study. He knows about Riverstone through his family, who live in Idaho Falls. Sky's English level is high, and he currently attends a school that offers the AP curriculum. He cites his favorite subjects as physics and math. He loves to play badminton, soccer and chess, and likes all kinds of music. When asked what he thought would be a great way to integrate with a new host family, he said he would like to learn how to cook American food and would enjoy helping out in the kitchen to share Chinese cuisine. He is eager to learn to ski and to participate in the school's outdoor program. Camping sounds like a great new adventure to him. Sky's teachers indicate that he is a very hard worker, is honest, reliable, and charming.
Hugo S - a student from France in Grade 11 this fall
Hugo is a 16 year old male from a western coastal town in France, who has chosen Reiverstone for his year abroad. Hugo comes to us from ASSE, a company with whom we have worked for many years. Hugo enjoys tennis, skiing, running and sailing, and also video games and art history. Ultimately, Hugo hopes to have a career in design and is fond of drawing, painting and design. Hugo has 3 siblings and several step-siblings. He says that he would like to see the American's way of life and to perfect his English to become completely fluent, although his English proficiency is already quite high.
Please contact Rachel Pusch, Director of Admissions and Institutional Advancement, or Jane Kaserman, our ELL teacher and International Student Coordinator, for more information! |
 Just a reminder that our new trees that were planted with last year's Fund A Need proceeds are still establishing roots and getting settled into their new homes. Unfortunately, we have had some accidental damage recently.
Please be good stewards of these new trees and remind kids to be careful when playing around them. Thank you!
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 Looking ahead to summer...the school will be closed from Wednesday, July 2 - Wednesday, July 9. Otherwise, we will be around to answer questions, prepare for the upcoming school year, and continue to recruit new families!
Summer hours for administrative staff will be 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. |
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MICROWAVES
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 The Elementary School microwaves are proving to be very popular during these cold months and the lines to use them are long. And more and more often, children are bringing in items that require 3-4 minutes of microwave time.
If you are sending your child with lunch that needs to be heated up, please look for items that may be warmed in approximately one minute.
This will ensure that everyone has a chance to warm up their lunch and have adequate time to enjoy it. We appreciate your cooperation!
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 The Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure", slated for Saturday, May 10 this year, is a 5K run whose proceeds support breast cancer care in our community, including services such as mammograms for women who cannot afford them.
Riverstone parents and students who'd like to get out for a fun run and support the cause can register for Riverstone's team, "Otters for the Cure." Note that the "Non-Competitive" options are cheaper than the competitive ones.
If you are interested and have questions, please contact either Lisa Hecht or Caroline Sobota.
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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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FACEBOOK PHOTO OF THE WEEK
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The Facebook photo of the week featured three Grade 10 students, Reagan Z, Artur N, and Theo G, learning to paint as they worked together on one of their Personal Projects. Reagan, Artur, and Theo are from China, Spain, and France.
Link to our school Facebook page here.
Follow the great things happening (or about to happen) at Riverstone!
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