Riverstone International School Newsletter
September 25, 2014
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 Hi All,
As I mentioned last week, I would like to take the next several newsletters to talk about our "5 Pillars." The upcoming Strategic Plan continues to place a top priority on Academic Excellence at Riverstone. Starting with a common understanding of what that means is vital to our community. We are defining Academic Excellence as follows: At Riverstone International School, every student arrives with his or her individual knowledge, strengths, and needs, and will be challenged and supported accordingly. By creating a shared expectation between students and school to strive for personal growth and academic excellence, students develop into independent thinkers whose curiosity, creativity, and commitment enable life-long success. As we look towards the future within our culture of continuous improvement, it is important to understand where we are now. Much of what we do here is to prepare students for their next steps. The Yale website asks students to consider, "Am I prepared to take college-level math, writing, and science courses?" We are certain that after completing their years at Riverstone, the answer is yes. Mathematics According to the Institute of Education Sciences, in the United States, 16% of students graduate from high school having studied Calculus. At Riverstone, typically more than 75% of students have studied Calculus and Statistics in the Diploma Programme Mathematics Standard Level and Higher Level courses. Every graduate studied math for four years. Writing
Riverstone students write in every subject and developing skill in writing is always emphasized. In their senior year, students complete a 4,000 word Extended Essay on a topic of their choosing. By design, this is a student-driven process and advisors are allowed limited opportunities for input. Additionally, 100% of our students take 4 years of literature and writing.
Sciences In the United States, 30% of high school graduates have studied Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. The Class of 2016 is the first class where 100% of students who attend Riverstone from Gr 8 will have studied all three sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Additionally, students in Gr 11-12 specialize in one of these sciences for another two years as part of the Diploma Programme. Starting with the Class of 2016, Riverstone students have 5 years of High School Science upon graduation.
When the first families had the vision to start Riverstone, they believed in experiential and inquiry-based education that would entail more than test scores. Students would have to apply their knowledge, analyze and think critically, and take responsibility for their learning. I believe they would be proud that we have stayed true to this belief. In next week's newsletter, I will share how we currently measure our academic programs. Call for anything, 
Bob Carignan Head of School bcarignan@riverstoneschool.org |
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FRIDAY MORNING MUSIC **TOMORROW**
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 Friday Morning Music starts Friday, September 26! Join us at this monthly event in which students who take private music or vocal lessons share their talents with us. It's a great way to start your day!
This month's performers include Jack F (K), Nanaka F (Gr 2), Kelly W (Gr 7), Hailey W (Gr 5), and Darci D (Gr 5).
If your child is interested in performing, please contact Laura DeLaney, Music teacher, for more information.
Friday Morning Music: Friday, September 26 from 8:00 - 8:30 AM in the Elementary School Atrium |
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TEACHER IN-SERVICE & CHILDCARE
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On Thursday, October 2 and Friday, October 3 Riverstone will be taking part in State In-Service Training for teachers.
As there is no school on these days, we will be offering childcare from 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM at a cost of $30 per day.
Please email Lisa Armstrong by Monday, September 29 if you would like to use this service, so that we can be sure that we are staffed accordingly. |
Students in Gr 6 - 8 are invited to join the Middle School Student Council members for a trip to Linder Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze on September 26!
Gr 6-8 Lindner Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze: Friday, September 26. Meet at Riverstone for the bus ride out at 5:30 PM. Pickup from Riverstone at 8:45 PM
The bus driver can drop off students after the activity at the Winco on Front/Myrtle Street at 8:30 PM. Parents must be present and prompt! Please let Tarrah know that you will be at Winco so that we can drop him/her off in your care.
If you have questions, please contact Tarrah Elam, Student Life Coordinator. |
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SPIRIT DAY & SENIOR NIGHT
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 Show your Riverstone pride! Our first All-School Spirit Day and Senior Night for Girls Volleyball are coming soon!
On Monday, October 6, the High School Volleyball team will be having a Meet & Greet at 3:30 PM in front of the Elementary School. The team will be in uniform and would love to meet our younger students and sign team cards! Plan a few extra minutes at pickup that day!
Tuesday, October 7, will be an All-School Spirit Day! All students, staff, and parents are encouraged to show your Otter pride by wearing light or navy blue (our school colors) or your favorite Riverstone gear!
No face painting please.
Tuesday night's game against Horseshoe Bend High School will be our seniors' last home game of their volleyball career. Join us to show your support of their leadership!
Volleyball Team Meet & Greet: Monday, Oct 6 at 3:30 PM by Elementary School All-School Spirit Day: Tuesday, Oct 7 Senior Night for Volleyball: Tues, Oct 7 at 7:00 PM Kennedy Gymnasium |
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CONTACT US IF YOUR CHILD IS ABSENT
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If your student will be absent, it is important to notify the school as early as possible.
- In the Elementary School, please call Lisa Armstrong at (208) 424-5000 ext 0
- In the Middle & High School, please call Robyn Olnes at (208) 424-5000 ext 1
Parents in Middle and High School may also send a message through Managebac. Click on the Attendance tab and look for the button on the top right, "Submit Attendance Excusal."
We call parents of any students who are absent who have not notified us that they are excused. Thank you!
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FALL CARNIVAL RAFFLE & PRIZES
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 We are just two weeks from the Riverstone Carnival!
Raffle + Awesome Prizes!
Envelopes with raffle tickets, instructions, and a prize list will be in your child's backpack Thursday or Friday. Please watch for it!
Only $1 per ticket! Prizes include:
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GoPro waterproof camera to record your adventures!
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Cool Cruiser Bike from Reeds Cycle!
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Massage!
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2 Tickets for the RIS Auction!
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One 6 week after school activity of your choice!
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Front row seats reserved for you at RIS event of your choice
Recycle and Donate Your Small Toys for Prizes
The Carnival Committee knows that kids like prizes! And many of us have small items in our home that your child may have outgrown or lost interest in that are still in great shape and would be fabulous prizes. Recycle and donate them!
Please consider recycling and donating any of the following items: beanie/other small stuffed animals, rings, bracelets, plastic figurines, frisbees, yo-yos, random small toys, stickers, glow necklaces, any other items kids might like to get for prizes!
There will be a bin for placing donated items by the Elementary School entryway. Please make sure it the items are in good & clean condition! Thank you!
Sign up Online to Volunteer on Carnival Night (and for Set Up and Clean Up) Sign up to contribute baked goods for the cake walk, set up/cleanup, or help during the carnival on our Community Opportunities Sheet here.
Sponsor an Inflatable If your family or business is interested in sponsoring the Orbiter or inflatables, please contact our awesome Carnival Coordinators, Julie Worthington or Kim Fall.
Please invite your family and friends to Riverstone's favorite family event. Games, food, and camaraderie for all ages!
Fall Carnival: Friday, October 10 from 5:00-8:00ish PM outside of the Kennedy Gymnasium |
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The Parents' Association is hard at work planning the Fall Carnival.
The next PA meeting will be Thursday, October 9. Join us!
If you are interested in learning more about the Parents' Association, contact Michelle Nenov, PA President, with questions or click here to visit the PA page on our website. |
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STUDENT COUNCIL BLOOD DRIVE
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 The High School Student Council will be partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Wednesday, October 15.
Riverstone and Boise community members are invited to make a life saving donation! Did you know...
- Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood
- More than 41,000 blood donations are needed every day
- A total of 30 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
Please schedule your appointment to donate at www.redcross.org. Our Sponsor Code is: RiverStoneSchool
For eligibility information, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Student Council/American Red Cross Blood Drive: Wednesday, October 15 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Kennedy Gymnasium Foyer.
If you have questions, please contact Tarrah Elam, Student Life Coordinator.
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NEED PARENTS FOR MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL DAY OF SERVICE
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 We need parents to be part of our Advisory morning of service on Thursday, October 16 from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM.
Get to know Riverstone students and staff while helping out a local organization! Parent volunteers will be partnered with a Riverstone Administrator and have the chance to accompany advisory groups from Grades 6 - 12 as they volunteer at organizations in our local community.
If you are interested in this fun and rewarding volunteer opportunity, please visit the Service Opportunities tab on the the Community Opportunities Page to sign up.
Contact Tarrah Elam, Student Life Coordinator, with questions.
Middle & High School Day of Service: Thursday, October 16 from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
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SIGN UP FOR RIVERSTONE BASKETBALL
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 Students in Gr 6-12 are encouraged to join our Middle & High School Basketball teams! The teams compete in the 1A Western Idaho Conference.
Teams practice and compete as follows:
Middle School Girls Basketball (Gr 6-8): October 20 - December 17
High School Girls Basketball (Gr 9-12): November 3 - February 19
Middle School Boys Basketball (Gr 6-8): January 12 - March 4
High School Boys Basketball (Gr 9-12): November 14 - March 5
If your student is interested in either Middle or High School Girls Basketball, please contact Demi Dlouhy, Athletic Director.
If your student is interested in playing High School Boys Basketball (Gr 9-12), please contact Eric Chapman, Head Coach, at echappy@aol.com.
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 The Riverstone International School soccer team played well last Saturday, winning both of their games. This weekend, they will face tough competition -- come out and cheer on the team! Go RSFC!
Check out photos from the games on the Riverstone Facebook page.
RSFC Games: Saturday, September 27 at 9:00 AM on Field #15 and 3:00 PM on Field #20 at the Simplot Fields
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 High School Volleyball update from Coach Demi DlouhyThe girls had a tough loss on Tuesday's game against Greenleaf Friends Academy. Our team is working very hard everyday in practice to learn how to become more consistent and to come together as a team. I am very hopeful to see improvements this coming week against Gem State, Idaho City and Canyon Springs.
Upcoming volleyball games include:
Tues Sept 30
High School Girls Volleyball vs Gem State at home at 6:00PM
Thur Oct 2
High School Girls Volleyball vs Canyon Springs High School at 6:00 PM
(JV Only)
If you have any questions, contact Demi Dlouhy, Athletic Director. |
Middle School Volleyball update from Coach Eric Pederson
The Riverstone Middle School Volleyball team continues to show steady improvement with skills and teamwork. They have been winning individual games and are looking to win their first match in their final games of the season.
During their most recent game against Compass Charter School, the coach from Compass made a point of complimenting the girls on their improvement in just the past two weeks. Kudos to the team!
Next game: Monday, Sept 29 Middle School Girls Volleyball vs Victory Charter School at Victory at 4:00 PM 
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WARM SPRINGS ROAD CLOSURES
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For more information about the Warm Springs City Sewar Project, scheduled work, and associated detours and road closures, visit the ACHD website here.
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There is a button directly above to the left for your family and friends to click and join our mailing list. In order to maintain the integrity of our lists and follow best practices associated with electronic newsletters, requests to join the list need to come directly from the person receiving the newsletter.
Additionally, there is a button at the bottom of the newsletter each week. Thank you!
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FACEBOOK PHOTO OF THE WEEK
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This week's Facebook photo of the week features Todd Predovich, our Facilities Manager/Bus Driver/Do All That Is Needed Guy, being wished Happy Birthday by three of our Gr 8 students.
If you see Todd, wish him Happy Birthday!
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