Riverstone International School Newsletter
August 14, 2014
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 Dear Riverstone Parents and Staff,
As part of the Strategic Planning process that was initiated last January, I was challenged to look closely at Riverstone's administrative needs. By evaluating the needs of the school going forward, and in combination with feedback from the community, I have restructured our administrative team. These changes will enable us to implement the goals of the new strategic plan and strengthen the support we provide to our students, staff, and parents. The following is an introduction to Riverstone's 2014-15 administrative team and a short summary of their roles. As College Counseling Director, Gretchen Arguedas will devote more time to our College Counseling program to better interact and guide both students and parents. Gretchen will also teach Grade 12 English and Theory of Knowledge at the Diploma Programme level. Lisa Armstrong, Administrative Assistant, is the first smiling face many of you see every day as she anchors our Elementary School front desk. She provides assistance to Elementary School families, as well as Admissions and Business Office support. Ben Brock leads our world-class Outdoor Education Program as Director of Outdoor Education. This year, in addition to planning outdoor activities for over 300 students, he will focus on risk-assessment and ensuring the continued safety of our students and staff in our classrooms without walls. As Student Life Coordinator, Tarrah Elam plans our Middle and High School advisory program, student social events, and our summer extension trips. She also coordinates our after-school and summer activities. We are very excited about the arrival of her first child later this fall. Kathleen Gilton will serve as the Director of Community Engagement and Communications. Refining our communications and presenting a defined Riverstone "brand" are her responsibilities. She will work with our constituents to consistently present Riverstone to our internal and external community. James Hamilton-Vail is the Elementary School Director and our Primary Years Programme Coordinator. He is responsible for all operations within the Elementary School, including staffing, scheduling, and budgeting for Preschool - Grade 5. He is also the point person for our J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation Khan Academy grant. Alex Ide will serve as our Middle School Director and Middle Years Programme Coordinator. He is responsible for all operations within the Middle School, including staffing, scheduling, and budgeting for Grades 6-9. Andy Johnson will serve as the High School Director and Diploma Programme Coordinator. He is responsible for all operations within the High School, including staffing, scheduling, and budgeting for Grades 10-12. Robyn Olnes is our Middle and High School Registrar, as well as Administrative Assistant and College Counseling Assistant. As the welcoming voice you hear as you walk in the Middle School, Robyn ensures that student needs are taken care of from Grade 6 through matriculation in college. Rachel Pusch will serve as the Director of Enrollment Management and Administration. Rachel will be responsible for all international and domestic admissions functions, financial aid budgeting, Malone Scholarships, as well as management of student records from first admissions inquiry to alumni status. Kevin Richmond, Business Director, is responsible for financial management of the school, ensuring that Riverstone uses all of its resources wisely and efficiently. As with everything we do here, we expect that these positions and responsibilities will evolve and improve each and every year. I am very excited about how this structure will enable our administrative team to work with staff, students, and parents. Call for anything, 
Bob Carignan Head of School |
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PHONE SERVICE TEMPORARILY DISRUPTED
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Just a reminder that at present time, we are not receiving phone calls at (208) 424-5000.
If you need to contact a staff member at the school, please email him or her. You may link to the staff directory here.
If you do need to call, please use (208) 424-0033 but be aware that this number does not have the capacity to record messages.
We will keep you up to date as soon as normal operations resume. Thank you for your patience.
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GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS **TOMORROW**
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 Girls in Gr 9-12 are invited to tryout for Riverstone's High School Volleyball team.
The High School Girls Volleyball team tryouts will be held Friday, August 15. Girls must attend both tryout sessions from 7:00 - 9:00 AM and again from 3:30 - 5:30 PM.
**All players who will be Freshman and Juniors next year MUST have a physical completed prior to tryouts. If students do not bring a completed physical form, she will not be allowed to tryout and will therefore not be able to make a team. Please do not forget this form! Download the physical examination form here.
Contact Demi Dlouhy, PE teacher and Athletic Coordinator, with any questions.
Hight School Girls Volleyball Tryouts
Friday, Aug 15
Kennedy Gymnasium
7:00-9:00 AM and 3:30-5:30 PM Players must attend both the AM and PM session
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PARENTS' ASSOCIATION NEWS
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 The Parents' Association leadership team is gearing up for another great year building community and supporting the school.
You can learn more about the Parents' Association by stopping for coffee or tea at the Boo-Hoo Yahoo tables following Convocation on the first day of school. Also, watch for a newsletter specific to the Parents' Association detailing how you can get involved. New ideas and faces are always welcome!
The PA is currently looking to fill two spots on the leadership team
- Vice President
- Middle School Representative
If you are interested in learning more, contact Michelle Nenov, PA President, with questions or click here to visit the PA page on our website. |
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AUG 21: MEET THE TEACHERS & PHOTO IDs
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 Students and parents are encouraged to attend Meet the Teachers on Thursday, August 21.
This is a great way to ease the transition back to school by meeting your child's teachers, seeing classrooms, reconnecting with old friends, and meeting new friends.
New this year: we will be taking photo identification cards for students.
Parents should attend with their student(s) at the appropriate time listed below.
Meet the Teachers
Thursday, August 21
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Grades
| Time & Location
| Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten
& Kindergarten
| 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Elementary School
| Grades 1-5
| 1:45 - 2:45 PM
Elementary School
| | Grades 6-12 | 2:45 - 3:45 PM
High School Quad
**Please arrive at 2:45PM for announcements
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If you have any questions, contact James Hamilton-Vail, Director of Elementary Education, or Alex Ide, Director of Secondary Education. |
 Create Common Good, Riverstone's lunch provider, has big changes coming to their lunch program to appeal to more students and make ordering more convenient for parents.
CCG's new online ordering system is anticipated to be ready midway through next week. This system will allow you to order up to a month in advance or as late as the morning that you'd like lunch.
Download a flyer with more information here. |
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AUG 25: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL & MORE
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 School starts on Monday, August 25!
We will share parking maps and before- and after-care information in an upcoming newsletter. Please see the section below on the Riverstone bus.
School Schedule
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Grade
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School Schedule
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Where Students Meet
on Aug 25
| Elementary School
Preschool - Gr 5 | 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM | Parents may walk
students to their classes | Middle School
Gr 6-9 | 8:20 AM - 3:20 PM | Students meet at front
doors of Middle School | High School
Gr 10-12 | 8:20 AM - 3:05 PM | Students meet in
High School lounge |
3rd Annual Riverstone Convocation at 9:00 AM in Kennedy Gymnasium
All parents are invited to join us for our 3rd Annual Riverstone Convocation after dropping off their child.
Our goal is to start the school year celebrating what we know to be one of Riverstone's unique qualities and one of our Five Pillars, our strong sense of community. Convocation will last approximately 30-45 minutes. Let's pack the gym with students, staff, and parents!
Parents' Association Boo Hoo Yahoo immediately following Convocation
Sad to see your little ones head to class for the first time OR are you ready to shout "Yahoo" towards the sky? No matter your preference -- we will have the tissues and high-fives ready!
Plan to take a few moments immediately following the Convocation to stop by the Parents' Association tables in the Gym Foyer. Chairpersons for PA activities will be available to talk with you about what PA programs are taking place this year and how they can help match your skill set and interests to some of the important needs for our school. Being involved is good for you, your child, and the school. We're looking forward to meeting you! Contact Michelle Nenov, PA President, with questions. |
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OUTDOOR EDUCATION INFORMATION
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 The following is an abbreviated version of information in last week's newsletter. Please contact Ben Brock, Director of Outdoor Education, if you have questions.
The following information details where each class will be going this Fall, followed by a list of "to do" items to help ensure that we're all as prepared as possible. Preschool - Grade 5: Payette River Raft Trips (Gr 3-5 Sept 4; K-Gr 2 Sept 5; Preschool & Pre-K Sept 9)
- At least 1 parent must accompany students in Preschool and Pre-K.
- Let Ben Brock know ASAP what parents/grandparents/etc will participate in the float.
- Download, complete, and submit Cascade Raft and Kayak Release Forms for ALL participants to Lisa Armstrong at the Elementary School front desk or your child's classroom teacher, by the first day of school.
- Students participation is covered by the school; all other participants must submit $30/person to Lisa Armstrong (checks payable to Riverstone) prior to the trips.
Grade 4: McCall Outdoor Science School (Sept 15-19; 5 days)
- All Gr 4 students and chaperones must register on the MOSS enrollment page by the first day of school.
- Parents interested in chaperoning should contact Ben Brock, Ms. Fitz or Mrs. Clayton.
Grade 5: Idaho Bird Observatory (Sept 18; overnight car camping)- Parents interested in chaperoning should contact Ben Brock, Mrs. Walker or Mr. Lindsay. Help driving students/gear to the Idaho Bird Observatory would be much appreciated.
Grade 6: Harriman State Park and Yellowstone National Park (Sept 2-5; 4 days) Grade 7: Main Salmon River Trip (Sept 8-13; 6 days)Grades 8-12: Fall Trips (Aug 27-29; 3 days)
- Read the parent information letter and let Ben Brock know by August 15 if your child would like to participate in one of the themed trips (Yoga, Long Walk, Ultra-light, Solos, Fishing).
- Return Fall Trip Permission Slip by the first day of school.
- Begin locating clothing and equipment on the Fall Trip Equipment List and let Ben Brock know ASAP if you will need to borrow a backpack or other equipment.
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SCHOOL SUPPLIES & BOOK LISTS
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 School supply and book lists are on the school website. Click the button on the home page or look under the About > Forms, Supplies and Downloads tab.
Previous supply lists for Gr 3-5 incorrectly identified the source for the recorder and book
(ITEM #400665 - Angel 1 Piece Recorder) for music class. These recorders and books can be purchased directly from Dunkley Music in Boise, not West Music in Boise as stated.
If you have any questions about the lists, please contact either James Hamilton-Vail in the Elementary School or Alex Ide in the Middle & High School.
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INFORMATIONAL PARENT COFFEES
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 Parents are invited to attend Parent Coffees hosted by Division Directors. The coffees are scheduled by grade throughout the first two weeks of school.
At these informational sessions, the directors will share information about the upcoming school year, school procedures, communications, and more. Take advantage of this time to meet other parents and ask questions as well.
There is a lot to know about Riverstone so please take advantage of these sessions and join us!
Please view the school calendar to find the appropriate session for the Parent Coffees for your child's grade.
If you have any questions about the coffees, contact either James Hamilton-Vail in the Elementary School or Alex Ide in the Middle & High School. |
Save the dates for Back to School Nights!
Elementary School: Wednesday, Sept 10 at 6:30 PM Middle & High School: Wednesday, Sept 17 at 6:30 PM
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 Riverstone will be running the morning bus route again this year. Service will begin on the first day of school, Monday, August 25.
If you would like your child to take the bus, please meet the Riverstone bus at one of the indicated stops and times listed below. Todd Predovich, our driver, will complete the rider list at the end of the second week of school (we are allowing for the fall outdoor trips during week one) and parents will then be billed on a monthly basis. The fee is $75/month per rider.
The pickup locations are:
- 7:35 AM 16th & State (Albertsons parking lot near US Bank)
- 7:40 AM 15th & Dewey
- 7:44 AM 10th & Brumback
- 7:55 AM Warm Springs & Avenue C (in front of Dona Larsen Park)
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Our students continue to be out and about this summer!
 Avery W (soon to be Gr 5) has started a blog on the Reading Rockets website. It follows the journey she and family members took over the summer, following the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder through many states. Avery discusses the book report she did in the 3rd grade at Riverstone.
There will be more installments in the upcoming weeks so click here and check out Avery's blog!
Nina E and Katie O, both Gr 10, have been busy kayaking this summer. This photo was taken during one of their kayaking adventures!
If you'd like to share what your student has been up to this summer, send information to Kathleen Gilton, Marketing & Communication Coordinator.
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FACEBOOK PHOTO OF THE WEEK
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This week's Facebook photo of the week features our new Otter graphic, designed by Riverstone alum, Charlie Utting. We love it and hope you do too!
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