Hi All,

As I was thinking about the countdown to the first day of school, I began reflecting on how Riverstone has worked so hard to be true to its core beliefs over the years. At times, this feels like an outdated pursuit - I can't just Google it. One of the reasons it seems old fashioned is that society has changed so much since we began our journey as Riverstone.

Several years ago, before I became Head of School, I was tasked with creating a technology policy. I did my research, called around to other schools and crafted a masterpiece - a masterpiece that was relevant for 10 minutes. It was useless before it was printed. Looking back on that experience as I was re-crafting our student handbook made me realize that what we need to focus on is our values.

Our goal is to instill in our students the ability to value what is important and to reflect on what they have learned in a way that promotes purpose and wisdom. To live a truly meaningful life, you can't web search what to do next.

For our students, these enormous changes in technology and communication capabilities have created a world that is much different than the one I knew. They are armed with unlimited information and access without having had the time to develop wisdom. In many ways, this is one of our biggest challenges as a school and as parents. I see this as an opportunity for us to work together to help our students.

Before school starts, please take some time to have a conversation with your student about technology. While each family will have different ideas and set different parameters we ask that you discuss the following;

• Where can technology be used?
• What hours can it be used?
• How much monitoring will you do as parents?
• What is the family procedure to follow if your child gets in over their head and needs real help - and know that they will be safe?
• Philosophically, how can they stay true to their values as they are applied to quickly changing situations?

As a school that embraces meaningful conversations and a "Liberal Arts" approach to education in its true sense, we hope that we can help students learn through honest academic discovery, reflection, and thought. Many years ago, I came across a final exam question by a teacher named Jerry Iris who taught a college Religious Ethics class. I have kept it on my desk ever since. He simply asked his students to reflect on the course and answer the following question, "Drawing on the readings in this class, in what or whom do you find guidance for the conduct of your life?"  

Ensuring that our students can answer that question thoughtfully is the true coin of the realm.

Call for anything,

Bob Carignan

Head of School

• Please drive slowly 
• Watch for cross traffic from the Greenbelt and crosswalks
• In the Elementary School, please park and walk children into the school using crosswalks
• Refrain from using your cell phone
• Utilize the Kennedy Gymnasium parking lot for less congestion

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.

• Dates are listed on the school calendar on the website
• Parent letters, necessary equipment, and permission slips  for each trip are on the website under the About > Forms > Downloads & Supplies
• Watch for grade specific emails as well.