Riverstone International School Newsletter
February 19, 2015
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 Hi All,
It is time again for one of Riverstone's signature events, the Annual Auction. As many of you know, this is a wonderful time to join in and celebrate our community. Throughout the years, we have worked hard to limit the amount of fundraisers we allow in order to take pressure off our parents who are already making an investment to send their children to Riverstone. No cookie dough sales here!
The Auction is always a fun evening -- we get to laugh together and support our students' education. Each year, at the end of the live auction, we invite everyone to participate as they can in our Fund-A-Need initiative. In keeping with the goals of our strategic plan, the 2015 Fund-A-Need is focusing on our science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs.
We want to ensure that our classrooms and labs are equipped with supplies and materials to match the depth of our strong science curriculum. Having necessary equipment and facilities for students to investigate, research, and explore science more fully will impact all of our students from the Primary Years Programme to the Diploma Programme.
We would also like to begin integrating a nationally recognized STEM curriculum developed by Project Lead the Way (www.pltw.org). PLTW provides professional development and training, materials, and learning modules that will enhance our Units of Inquiry in the Elementary School and our Design Technology classes in the Middle School. Our goal is to integrate Project Lead the Way in Grades 5 and 6 next year, with the intent of expanding its use from Kindergarten through Grade 8 over the next few years. Please take a look at their website. You will find their curriculum is well-developed, consistent with Riverstone's inquiry based learning, and relevant. With this program, we will continue to build our students' STEM skills.
Please watch for more information in next Tuesday's auction newsletter about the 2015 Fund-A-Need. We also will share how your generosity and support of the 2014 Fund-A-Need impacted our students and staff.
On a different note, as you re-enroll your child(ren) for next year, please know and expect that you will return to an improved school. Improving our STEM education is just another example of our culture of improvement to make each year better than the last. We will continually strive to ensure that we are the best educational choice available.
As always, I want to thank all of you for your support.
Bob Carignan
Head of School
bcarignan@riverstoneschool.org
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FINAL HOURS OF ONLINE AUCTION
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Online auction!
Don't forget to check the online auction one last time and snap up those items you've been bidding on. The online portion of the auction closes tonight at 9:00 PM as we turn our attention to the party and auction at the Boise Centre next Saturday. To join the online auction, visit riverstoneauction.nenov.org. The online auction will close on Thursday, February 19 at 9:00 PM.
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 The following information is from Rachel Pusch, Director of Enrollment Management and Administration, who manages our online re-enrollment process.
Reenrollment contracts were sent out yesterday via email to those families who have not applied for financial aid.
This year, we are asking for all re-enrollments to be submitted no later than Tuesday, February 24, 2015 by the end of the business day at 3:30 PM.
You have already created an account in SchoolAdmin, which is the same system we used last spring for re-enrollment, as well as for update of your child(ren)'s school forms. If you've forgotten your password, you can easily request a new one from the login page.
Once you've signed in, you will see your current student(s) listed and will need to select one student at a time. The system will ask you to select your payment plan and complete the individual contract(s) online. If you have more than one child, you will need to conduct this process for each of them.
SchoolAdmin will also ask you to submit your re-enrollment deposit of $1,000.00 no later than February 24, 2015. You can do this in several ways including personal check or credit card. You should indicate your payment type using the drop down box provided.
After you submit both the re-enrollment agreement and re-enrollment deposit, you'll be directed to a checklist of forms to be submitted.
This year, we are making a huge effort to have all forms (including copies of immunization records) submitted and uploaded into this system no later than May 1. It is critically important for staff efficiency to submit these forms as soon as possible so we can work over the summer months with the most up-to-date information possible. Please consider taking an extra 10 minutes to complete these as soon as you submit your re-enrollment agreement and deposit. This makes a world of difference for us and we certainly appreciate your help.
Please contact me with any questions you may have and I'll be happy to help.
For families who have applied for financial aid:
If your family received financial aid in 2014-15 or if you have already applied for financial aid for 2015-16, you will not have yet received a re-enrollment agreement. Once financial aid awards are determined during the first week in March, you will receive an email indicating a re-enrollment agreement is ready to complete. This will allow us to incorporate your financial aid award before you need to submit your contract.
Please note that we are reserving placement in the appropriate grade for students with pending financial aid applications for 2015-16.
If you intend to apply for financial aid and have already received a re-enrollment agreement, please contact Rachel Pusch or Kevin Richmond before Friday, Feb 20.
If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Pusch regarding re-enrollment and Kevin Richmond regarding financial aid.
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 Join us Friday, Feb 20 from 8:00 - 8:30 AM in the atrium for Friday Morning Music!
Our students who study privately would like to share their love of music with you. If your child would like to perform in the future, please contact Laura DeLaney.
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PARENTS' ASSOCIATION & MERCI LUNCH
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 All parents are invited to the next Parents' Association meeting that will be held on Thursday, Mar 12 at 8:35 AM in the library.
Many thanks to the families who are providing the Merci lunch on Friday, Feb 20!
The Elementary School lunch is being hosted by our Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten families.
The Middle & High School lunch is being hosted by Grade 6 and Grade 10 families.
If you have any questions regarding our Merci program, please contact Heather Webster.
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NOTE FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR
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 All parents are invited to a parent information session on Friday, Feb 20 to discuss the topic of connecting with your kids when they want to unplug. We will discuss ways to keep the lines of communication open as well as the importance of keeping a close relationship with your child.
Please feel free to email Shirley O'Neil, School Counselor, or Andrea Kuenzli, Counseling Intern, with any questions.
Parent Information Session with our Counseling Team: Friday, Feb 20 at 2:30 PM in the library
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Now is the time to RSVP! Last chance to get your tickets to the auction. There are still a few spots open at tables and we would love to have you join us but time is passing quickly and it will soon be too late. Don't delay!! Only four days left to choose your meal before its chosen for you. Purchase your ticket online. Sign Ups We have some remarkably fun and creative opportunities for you to get involved with the community. Have a look at the Community Opportunities page or stop in the Elementary School to sign up for Koenig wine with art labels, our 1st Annual Golf Tournament, a Minecraft party, the Liebich's Caddyshack Cocktail Party and more. All are welcome to sign up for these items -- it's more fun if you're there!! Link to the Community Opportunities page here and click on the tabs at the bottom for specific sign ups. Live Auction Preview
Faculty Dinner! The winner of this item will be able to share an evening with our amazing faculty and their spouses in the comfort of their own home. Twenty guests will be treated to a menu designed by our faculty to be shared with friends for a memorable evening. You and a faculty coordinator will determine the theme and the faculty will do the rest to bring you a delicious meal. This item should be used before the end of 2015 on a mutually agreeable date. Many thanks for the generosity of so many that are making such fabulous donations! Special thanks to our amazing auction committee!
Please contact Amy Bava, our Auction Chairperson, with questions or to get involved! |
 Our Gr 2 students have been hard at work preparing for their annual Shakespeare production. This year's play is Much Ado About Nothing and is part of their unit, How We Express Ourselves. The students performed today for the Idaho State Veterans Home residents.
Families are invited to performances either Friday morning, Feb 20, at 9:00 AM or Monday evening, Feb 23 at 6:00 PM. Performances are held in the Kennedy Gymnasium.
Photo at right shows our Gr 10 students painting the sets with the Gr 2 students.
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 All interested Gr 9-12 boys and girls are welcome to join the Riverstone's High School soccer team.
- Season runs from Feb 23 - May 9
- Practices: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3:30 - 5:00 PM
- Games: Two per week
- Parent Meeting: Monday, Feb 23 from 4:30 - 5:00 PM in Kennedy Gymnasium
**All players need to register at Idahorush.com under U-18 Select High School. International students are able to register. Uniforms provided by Riverstone.
Contact Demi Dlouhy, Athletic Coordinator, with any questions.
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 The next Passport Club testing for the Elementary School is Tuesday, Jan 24. Please remind your student to start studying!
Thanks to all of our parents who volunteer to help with the Passport Club!
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 It's a black out - a white out -- or a black and white out!
Students in Grades 9 - 12 are invited to dance the evening away on Friday, Feb 27 from 8:00 - 11:00 PM at our Black and White dance.
Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Encourage your student to purchase their ticket early!
Questions? Check with the High School Student Council or Tarrah Elam.
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DIPLOMA PROGRAMME INFO SESSION
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 Parents are invited to learn more about the Diploma Programme at Riverstone.
Andy Johnson, our High School Director and Diploma Programme Coordinator, will be explaining what the DP requirements are, what courses Riverstone offers, how students should approach choosing their courses, what the benefits of the DP in college preparation are, and more.
Although of utmost importance to parents of current Gr 10 students who will be entering the Diploma Programme next fall in Gr 11, all interested parents are encouraged to attend.
Both information sessions will be held on March 10 at 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM in the library. The sessions will last about an hour.
Please contact Andy Johnson with any questions.
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SUMMER TRAVEL FOR GR 8-11
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 Students in Gr 8-11 are invited to explore Riverstone's summer travel opportunities!
- Gr 8-9 will travel to Florida and Dry Tortugas National Park
- Gr 10-11 will travel to Belize
To learn more or register for a trip, please visit www.grandclassroom.com and click on the Find My Trip tab. Insert Riverstone into the school options to see detailed itineraries.
If your child would like to join either trip, your commitment is due Friday, March 6.
If you have any questions, please contact Tarrah Elam.
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HOST FAMILIES FOR 2015-16
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 The following note is from Jane Kaserman, ELL teacher and International Student Coordinator:
As the International Student Coordinator, it is my pleasure to work with all of our international students. My role with the students includes ensuring they are in the proper classes, they have the academic support they need, they are integrating into the school community, and that they know they have an advocate to help them with anything they might need at school.
Additionally, I place students with host families and support both the families and the students as they adjust to a new living situation. Over the past five years, I have had the pleasure of working with students from all over the world. I have learned about cultures and traditions from the students and their families. Despite our original trepidation about hosting, my husband and I decided to try the experience for a year. Since then, we have added several 'sons' to our family as our host students have become like our own children. Our extended family has grown as we have been included in the families of our host sons. I truly feel that my world has expanded in this role.
During the next couple of months, we will be arranging host families for our international students for next year. I am writing in hopes that you might consider hosting a student next year.
I encourage you to imagine your own child traveling to another country and how important it would be to be sure that he/she is with a family that would care for him/her. We have a wonderful community at Riverstone and I can't imagine a better place for international students to be than at our school and in our community.
If you would like to host a student or just talk about the possibility, please email me.
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INTERNATIONAL PARENTS COMMITTEE
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 Thank you to the International Parents Committee for organizing a Mardi Gras celebration and providing materials to decorate masks. The kids loved the decadent treats and festivities.
Check out photos on Riverstone's Facebook page.
The committee has two main goals:
- Helping new international families join this wonderful community
- Contributing to the international understanding of students with real testimony of this global world in which they will live and take part
The committee has just started meeting, so if you have an international background and would like to share it, please join us! You can contact parents Aurelie Queste, Ceris McGowan, Yukina Fukushima, Antoinette Sabarots, Anne-Claire Depuydt, Sumiko Gomi, Karen Peterson, Francesca Gottifreddi, and Catalina Gamino.
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HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL
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 The following is a note from coach Eric Chapman:
The High School Boys Basketball team completed the regular season with a hard fought win on senior night over Victory Charter 57-49. It was a true team effort as all eight players got in the scoring column and three players -- Dedi S, Sam C and Jack G (all Gr 10) -- reached double figures in the same game for the first time this season.
The team has been practicing hard for the last week preparing to start play in the District Tournament starting this Thursday and Saturday. We have a tough draw against the #7 ranked team in the state at Notus in the first round, but the boys are ready to give them a tough battle and excited for the opportunity to compete.
We will also play again on Saturday at Columbia High School in Nampa, so come out and help support the team this week as we try to win our first ever tournament game. Watch the school calendar or Facebook page for the tip off time.
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HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL
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 The following is a note from coach Julia Fishman:
The High School Girls Basketball team had a record season this year, ending with a 9-11 record after a loss to Compass in our District Tournament.
I am extremely proud of all that we have accomplished this season, both on and off the court. Every player on the team exceeded their playing ability from last year, and I am itching to get back on the court for a winning season next year!
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NATIONAL HISTORY DAY JUDGES NEEDED
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 Planning is well underway for this year's Treasure Valley Regional History Day Competition. This competition wouldn't be possible without volunteers. Please consider volunteering as a judge. No experience is necessary.
The competition will be held Saturday, February 28 at Lowell Scott Middle School. The judges' orientation begins at 8:00 AM, followed by judging. We will provide breakfast snacks and lunch for judges. The 2015 NHD theme is Leadership and Legacy.
Your time, energy, and support of this program are much appreciated. If you are able to help, please email Kimberly Schafer or call (208) 855-4375.
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 Middle & High School Day of Service on Mar 19
Riverstone's Morning of Service for students in Gr 6-12 will be held on Thursday, Mar 19.
Students will give back to our community by serving a variety of organizations during our first day of Parent-Teacher conferences.
If you are a parent that would like to join in the fun, or your child will not be able to participate, please contact Tarrah Elam. We need lots of help and would love to have you join in the effort.
Engage Your Child's Brain on Mar 20
We have partnered with two organizations to provide stimulating opportunities on Friday, Mar 20 for students in Gr 6 - 12.
- Students in Gr 6-9 may attend a writing workshop designed by The Cabin for Riverstone students. The class will take place from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and cost is $50.
- Students in Gr 9 - 12 may take a practice PSAT, SAT, or ACT at Huntington Learning Center at no cost with results analyzed and shared with families. Testing will begin at 9:00 AM and finish around 1:00 PM
Please email Tarrah Elam to confirm participation.
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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, Feb 20
| Friday Morning Music
Gr 2 Shakespeare Play
Merci Lunch
Parent Info Session with the Counseling team
| | Monday, Feb 23 | Gr 2 Shakespeare Play
Parent Meeting for HS Soccer
| | Tuesday, Feb 24 | Passport Club Testing
| | Friday, Feb 27 | Gr 9-12 Winter Dance
| Saturday, Feb 28
| Auction!
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We are celebrating Lisa Armstong's birthday in this week's Facebook photo of the week. Happy Birthday Lisa!
Keep an eye on Riverstone's Facebook page to keep up with what's happening at Riverstone!
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