Riverstone International School Newsletter
November 6, 2014
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 Hi All,
The theme of the 2014 Annual Fund Campaign is "This is my Riverstone." When I am asked what is "my Riverstone," the answer is easy and has not changed since I began working here 13 years ago. My Riverstone is our students.
I look up from my desk and see a picture of the first graduating class, lining the stairwell of my old house, after I cooked an early Thanksgiving meal during a school day - can't do that now!
I see a photo of the girls in this year's graduating class who made prom dresses out of sleeping pads when they missed the dance because they were still on their class backpacking trip. I see a Willamette University graduating crew, Katherine R walking through the gates at Brown University, and Mitchell H and Jesse S at their Columbia University/Barnard College graduation in what could be the most ironic picture of all time.
I have yearbooks and class graduation books lining my shelves and when I see every student's picture, it means something different to me; I have memories of each of them.
I have the amazing pleasure of watching students grow up before my eyes - since becoming Head of School, the students who were second graders are now fifth graders, wonderfully on the edge of Middle School. Students who were then ninth graders are now graduating and one of our Class of 2005 graduates is teaching here and giving me advice.
When I applied for this job I was very reluctant to leave the classroom, but I knew that every decision I would make on behalf of the school would put students first. We would sustain a school that had at its core a belief in the importance of our students and their journeys.
While we have a beautiful campus, amazing faculty, and generous parents, my Riverstone is a part of me; our students have made me the person I am.
Call for anything, 
Bob Carignan Head of School bcarignan@riverstoneschool.org |
 "Sense of community...How we all hang out together and appreciate each other's differences and how close we are."
"I love Riverstone because no matter what they are always welcoming. I also love the fact that there are small classes."
"Riverstone allows you to make mistakes. In my old school if you got the answer wrong you would be teased. Here I am not afraid to ask questions and broaden my understanding, or to take a guess at an answer."
These were just a few of the notes that Gr 7 students wrote when asked what was their Riverstone. There is a bulletin board in the Middle School with written notes from the entire Middle School. Please stop by and take a look!
Building and sustaining the Riverstone we each value takes everyone's participation. We need and appreciate your support of the Annual Fund Campaign.
As of Monday, we have received $80,319 in contributions and pledges to date with 30% participation from parents, staff, and Trustees. Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
Our goal is to collectively contribute $200,000 to the Annual Fund. We are striving for 100% support from our Board of Trustees, parents, and staff. We are also seeking to increase alumni participation. The campaign ends on Friday, Nov 22.
Thank you to Gr 7 students for helping chart our participation progress!
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 Grade 2 is currently studying the human body and how to keep it healthy. The central idea for their Unit of Inquiry is, "Healthy life choices facilitate the optimal functioning of the bodies systems and organs."
All parents are invited to a health fair, presented by the Gr 2 students on Friday, Nov 7. This is an example of our Elementary classes integrating one of our Five Pillars, Community and Service, into their units of inquiry. Topics that students will be speaking about include:
- Staying Hydrated
- No Smoking
- Avoiding the Flu
- Don't Touch Wild Animals
- Don't Text and Drive
- Don't Play With Fire
- Computer Health
- Food Allergies
- How Laughter Affects Your Health
- Safety With Household Chemicals
- Eye Safety
- Reading Food Labels
Grade 2 Health Fair: Friday, November 7 starting at 8:15 AM in the Atrium
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YOU ARE INVITED: OPEN HOUSES
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Current and prospective parents are invited to next week's open houses! Consider attending an open house to learn more about the next division or more about the school in general.
Your referrals are the highest compliment - please forward this email or invite a friend!
Elementary School Open House
Preschool - Grade 5
Tuesday, November 11
9:30 AM
Meet in the Elementary School Atrium
Middle & High School Open House Grades 6-12
Thursday, November 13
9:30 AM
Meet in the Elementary School Atrium
Please email Rachel Pusch if you are planning on attending or have questions. |
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SIBLING ENROLLMENT FOR 2014-15
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 Although it seems really early to be thinking about next school year now, we are already accepting applications for the 2015-16 school year.
We've had an upswing in interest for the next year, particularly in our youngest grade levels. Because of this, we would like to remind current parents that siblings receive first priority consideration for any spots available in all grades, but only until January 15, 2015.
What does this mean for current parents?
Please note that for 2015-16, we anticipate one class each of both Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten as follows: - Maximum of 12 students in Preschool
- Maximum of 16 students in our dual-language Pre-Kindergarten
Depending on interest, we hope to open two sections of Kindergarten with a cap of 16 students per class.
Please email Rachel Pusch, Director of Enrollment Management and Administration with questions. |
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HOST FAMILY FOR SPRING 2015
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A young man, Jan, from Germany would like to attend Riverstone in the spring of 2015 but is in need of a family willing to host him. If your family would be interested in hosting this student, please contact Rachel Pusch or Jane Kaserman.
Learn more about Jan below!
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 Photo re-take day is Wednesday, Nov 12. If you would like your child's photo re-taken, please return the photo package that includes the original photos that were taken.
Contact Lisa Armstrong, Elementary School Administrative Assistant, with questions. |
 All parents are encouraged to attend the next Parents' Association meeting on Thursday, November 13 at 8:45 AM in the Library.
Hope to see you there! Please contact Michelle Nenov, PA President, with questions. |
 Note from Middle School Girls Basketball Coach Abby Fereday:
The Middle School Girls basketball team swept all three games at their preseason round-robin tournament at Ambrose School last Saturday. They defeated Horseshoe Bend 27-7, Idaho City 24-12, and Notus (who they lost to last year in the playoffs) 37-11!!
The girls are excited for the season and have been working hard for the last three weeks of practice. Their official season kicks off next Tuesday when they travel to Idaho City. Only two home games this year, however, so be sure to mark your calendars for Thursday, November 13 and Tuesday, November 25! Come out and support the girls!
Middle School Girls Basketball Home Games in Kennedy Gymnasium:
Thursday, Nov 13 at 4:00 PM
Tuesday, Nov 25 at 4:00 PM
Contact Demi Dlouhy, PE teacher and Athletic Coordinator, with any questions. |
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SIGN UP FOR RIVERSTONE'S RAKE UP BOISE TEAM
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 Join Riverstone's Rake-Up-Boise Team!
Raking up the yards of those who are not able is one of many ways that Riverstone gives back to our community.
Contact Tarrah Elam, Student Life Coordinator, if you have questions.
Rake Up Boise: Saturday, Nov 15 Meet at Riverstone at 9:00 AM |
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NWAIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PRESENTATION TO PARENTS
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 The Executive Director of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS), Siri Akal Khalsa, will be visiting Riverstone on November 17. Besides touring the school and meeting with staff, he has happily agreed to present a short talk to parents on trends in independent education.
All parents are invited. Feel free to bring a friend!
Parent discussion with Siri Akal Khalsa, NWAIS Executive Director: Monday, November 17 at 2:45 PM in the Library |
 Follow Riverstone students and their activities on the Riverstone Facebook page, Youtube channel, and Riverstone blog!
Recent Facebook posts include photos from:
- Halloween Parade
- Annual Fund Quotes
- Middle Years Programme Music Teaching Concert
- Lots of everyday sightings
Recent Youtube additions on the Riverstone channel:
Recent additions on the Riverstone blog:
- Red + Green = Blue
- The Six Pound Sunflower
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STATE OF THE SCHOOL ADDRESS
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If you were not able to attend the State of the School Address on October 22, please listen to an abbreviated voice presentation from Bob Carignan and view the slide deck.
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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOCKED AT 4:00 PM
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 For increased safety of our staff and students, please note that the Elementary School front doors will be locked at 4:00 PM each day.
Parents picking their children up from After-Care should proceed directly to the Multi-Purpose Room along the east side of the school.
Elementary students in After-School Activities will be brought out to the front of the Elementary School by their instructor to meet parents.
Thank you for your cooperation! If you have questions, please contact James Hamilton-Vail, Director of Elementary Education. |
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STILL TIME FOR FAMILY DIRECTORY PHOTOS
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 We are still adding photos to our photo directory -- it's not too late to send in your family's photo! Don't worry if your photo is not totally up-to-date!
- A family photo (1MB digital file)
- If your child lives in two households, please feel free to send two photos
We look forward to seeing all of the beautiful (or entertaining) pictures of you and your families! If you have any questions, please contact Treacy Liebich. |
We enjoy sharing our students' news outside of school. Please feel free to send a note to Kathleen Gilton if you would like to share your child's news!
Darci D (Gr 5) cracked the top ten with an 8th place finish playing up in the U12 division at the 2014 Susan Polgar World Chess Championship for Boys and Girls held last weekend in Chicago! The competition was fierce, but she dug deep and gritted it out!
Congratulations to the Riverstone Gr 1 Girls Soccer team who finished their 3rd season playing together with parent coaches, Jill Perl and Amy Cooper! Go Yellow Otters!
Four Riverstone juniors, Gabe B, Gwen D, Carter G, and Ben M, attended the Oct 28 Boise Youth Barbershop Festival and were invited to perform as part of the evening performance. The group was privately coached by the Ringmasters, European and International Barbershop Quartet champions!
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There is a lot going on next week at Riverstone! Although not a complete list of all things happening, here are some highlights for the week.
View the school calendar here.
| Friday, Nov 7 | Merci lunch hosted by Gr 3, 6 and 10 -- THANK YOU!
| | Tuesday, Nov 11 | Elementary School Open House at 9:30 AM in the Elementary School Atrium
MS Girls Basketball Game at 4:00 PM at Idaho City
| | Wednesday, Nov 12 | Picture Re-Take Day
| | Thursday, Nov 13 | Parents' Association Meeting at 8:40 AM in the Library
Middle & High School Open House at 9:30 AM in the Elementary School Atrium
| | Friday, Nov 14 | High School Boys Basketball Tryouts at 6:00 PM in Kennedy Gymnasium |
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THIS IS MY RIVERSTONE FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL
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Check out the bulletin board in the Middle School for more quotes from students about their Riverstone!
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FACEBOOK PHOTO OF THE WEEK
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This week's Facebook photo of the week features Elementary School art teacher, Jay Nelson, roasting pumpkin seeds on Halloween in our kiln, and then sharing them with two Gr 4 students. Quite creative! And tasty!
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