Riverstone International School Newsletter
February 26, 2015
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 Hi All,
I'm on my way back from Boston after having a wonderful meeting with the Malone Family Foundation Schools. One discussion which was particularly engaging focused on the role of liberal education in our schools; it was very insightful and I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you in next week's newsletter.
I am excited for the opportunity to socialize with you this weekend at the auction. In keeping with the input we received as part of our Strategic Plan, our Fund A Need is focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). With your support, we can better equip our classrooms and labs, as well as implement a Kindergarten though Gr 8 STEM curriculum over the next few years. Please support our students as you can, enjoy yourselves, and have a great night. A special thank you to the Nenov family for running the on-line auction for us, which allowed us to keep all of the profits.
I also want to extend my sincerest thanks to Amy Bava and her team of volunteers who have worked so hard to create a memorable evening.
See you in Black, White, and Bling!
Bob Carignan
Head of School
bcarignan@riverstoneschool.org |
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PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
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 Parent Teacher Conferences are an important opportunity to learn about your child's progress. Spring conferences will be held Thursday & Friday, March 19 & 20.
Emails from our Directors will be sent on Monday, Mar 2 with links to sign up for conferences. Please watch for this information. Thank you!
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We are in the final stages of preparation for the auction on Saturday! Silent and Live Auction Listing
Please check your email on Friday for a listing of our silent and live auction items! 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, tennis clinic, 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. Online auction wrap up
The winners in the online auction will receive an email from Business Director Kevin Richmond. You can pay and pick up your items at the auction on Saturday or do so next Monday at school. Thank you!
Thanks to all of our donors and guests! Many thanks to our auction sponsors: Kendall Ford of Meridian, Brian & Tory Goltry, Mark & Kim Liebich, Matt & Suzanne Long.
Please contact Amy Bava, our Auction Chairperson, with questions. |
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RE-ENROLLMENT & CHECKLISTS
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 Thank you to our families who submitted their re-enrollment contracts and deposits for 2015-16!
With the re-enrollment contracts are a checklist of forms that also need to be completed. This year, we are really trying to have all parent information and forms (including copies of immunization records) submitted and uploaded into SchoolAdmin no later than May 1, 2015.
It is critically important for staff efficiency to complete the forms on the checklist as soon as possible so we can work over the summer months with the most up-to-date information. This makes a world of difference for us and we certainly appreciate your help.
Please contact Lisa Armstrong with any questions.
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HIGH SCHOOL DANCE TOMORROW
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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 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.
High School Dance: Friday, Feb 27 from 8:00 - 11:00 PM in the gym foyer
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 Best of luck to the 60+ competitors from Riverstone who will be competing at Idaho History Day on Saturday, Feb 28!
The 2015 NHD theme is Leadership and Legacy.
Watch for next week's newsletter or school blog for results from Saturday's event!
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 Our seniors will be performing on Wednesday, Mar 3 at their Senior Recital. These performances are part of the requirements of the Diploma Programme music class. All families are invited.
Senior Music Recital on Wednesday, Mar 3 at Dunkley Music at 410 S Capitol Blvd; starts at 6:30 PM
Save the date for two more opportunities to celebrate Riverstone students:
Riverstone Live at The District featuring Jam Fabrik and The Lone Tree River Band, Saturday, Mar 14 at 7:30 PM
Senior Art Show at The Crux on Saturday, April 17
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DEADLINE NEARING FOR SUMMER TRAVEL
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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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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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HOST FAMILIES FOR 2015-16
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The following note is from Jane Kaserman, ELL teacher and International Student Coordinator:
We are in the process of looking for host families for next year. We have several applicants that we are excited about. We are bound by U.S. State Department rules to secure a host family before we can accept a student and the earlier we can find host families the more choices of students we have. If you are interested in hosting one of the students below, please contact Jane Kaserman.
Niklas is a 15 year-old boy from Germany, he would like to spend next year at Riverstone. He will be entering grade 11. Niklas enjoys meeting new people, playing guitar, and playing soccer. He says, "I grew up in a sporty family, we do all kinds of different activities together. We go skiing and on bikes rides, it is a great way to spend family time together. I love playing soccer, I have been playing since I was 9 years old and have never missed a match."
Martina is a 16 year-old girl from Italy, who will be entering grade 11. She enjoys reading, swimming, volleyball, and meeting with friends. "I am cheerful and friendly, I try to be polite and kind to all people and my friends would define me as ambitious because I always want to get good marks. I like to spend time with my friends. Among my hobbies, I really enjoy swimming. I enjoy traveling and have traveled to many interesting places with my family. I want to be an exchange student because I want to improve my English and get to know a different culture and lifestyle. I am looking forward to that great experience living with a host family and getting to know many interesting people."
Jonas is a 14 year-old boy from Germany, he will be entering grade 10. Jonas enjoys soccer, visiting with friends, and video editing. "Going abroad for one year has been one of my biggest dreams. I am friendly, empathetic, humorous, helpful and charming; at least that is how my mother's friend describes me. My parents work a lot, therefore weekends are our special time. My wish to go to the U.S. comes from my experience traveling there. I am deeply impressed by the American way of life and American hospitality. I am looking forward to spending a great year and sharing my memories with you."
If you would like to host a student or just talk about the possibility, please email Jane.
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 Students in Grades 6 - 8 are invited to enjoy an evening together with a blast from the past!
Join us at the Time Machine Dance on Friday, Mar 13! Students in Gr 6 should represent the 60's, Gr 7 should represent the 70's, and Grade 8 should represent the 80's.
Contact a Middle School Student Council member or Tarrah Elam with questions.
Middle School Dance for Gr 6-8 on Friday, Mar 13 from 6:30 - 9:00 PM.
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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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STUDENT'S ART SELECTED FOR ART EXHIBIT
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 Congratulations to Mackenzie R (Gr 12) for being selected as an artist in the Higher ground exhibition at The Boise Art Museum. Mackenzie's art was created with pen and ink on paper, entitled "The Drifter."
The Higher Ground 2015 exhibit runs from March 7 - April 26, 2015.
What is the Higher Ground? BAM continues this successful professional and educational opportunity for high school students in its eighth biennial exhibition. Organized every two years by the Museum's Education Department, Higher Ground is a juried art exhibition showcasing artwork by students in the Boise and Meridian school districts. Organized by the Boise Art Museum and sponsored by the Boise Southwest Rotary Foundation.
Save the date for the Senior art show on Friday, April 17 at the Crux. More details soon!
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 The following is a note from Mrs. DeLaney who organizes Riverstone's chess team:
We had a wonderful time at the triple crown tournament on Saturday and had great success with our team play.
We took first place in the K-3 and 4-6 novice tournament team competitions and 2nd place in the K-6 scholastic open division. Congratulations to Ethan M (Gr 3) who won the K-3 novice division, and Darci D (Gr 5) who won 2nd place in the K-6 division individual competitions. Audrey R (Gr 1), Lucas E (Gr 4), Dev S (Gr 4) and Vedant P (Gr 4) also placed in their sections. JM E (Gr 4), Patxi E (Gr 2), Cord G (Gr 3), Yutaka (Gr 4), Josh D (Gr 4) , and Connor C (Gr 5) played in the very competitive K-6 division as well.
There were over 80 students at the event and I am proud of how the team worked together between rounds to support each other. Well done, everyone!
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 Adapted from the Portsche's Jewelry Facebook page:
Congratulations to Thomas C (Gr 8) who was the winner of the Portsche's Valentine's Jewelry Design contest that the Gr 8 art class participated in.
The class was presented with the challenge of designing a pendant that fit within a one inch square grid, was made of sterling silver, six champagne diamonds, and one pearl. The winning design would then be built in the store by Philip Portsche. The entire class did an amazing job with their designs!
The kids, along with their teacher, Christine Corbin, came to our store to learn a bit about jewelry design and all of the different techniques used to build jewelry before they began their project. It was such an awesome experience being able to see them become inspired by what we get to do every day. Thomas was quoted as saying, "I think I've found my calling!" and that is such an incredible thing to be a part of!
Thomas put a lot of detailed thought into his vision and the finished piece turned out beautifully. He presented the necklace to his mother.
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 Congratulations to Riverstone's Middle School Mathcounts team for representing our school well at last Saturday's competition.
The team members were Patrick M (Gr 8), Laurel C (gr 8), Audrey H (Gr 8), Lucy C (Gr 6), and Kana T (Gr 8).
Thank you to Dr. Jing for coaching the team!
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HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL
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 The following is a note from coach Eric Chapman:
The Boys High School basketball team finished their season Tuesday night falling in the third round of the district tournament to Compass 24-51. Despite the loss, our team put together the finest season to date in our brief Riverstone history. The boys established new school records for most wins in a season, most road wins in a season, most points scored, most three pointers made and captured our first ever district tournament win last Saturday in a hard fought victory over Idaho City 45-31.
The individual improvement for every boy on the team was significant, as they each surpassed their own career highs for scoring in a game and for a season. The squad's top four scorers Dede S, Sam C, Jack G, and Alex M are all sophomores which bodes well for many exciting Otter games ahead in the next few years.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL
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 The following is a note from coach Jacob Sanders:
Last week, the Middle School boys team wrapped up the regular season with a trip out to Garden Valley. The B team lost a close game 20-22, coming down to a final last shot that just missed the basket. The loss left the season record at 7-1 and wrapped up a great overall season. The future looks good for the B squad where a majority of the boys will be moving up to the A team for next year.
The A team also had a close battle with Garden Valley, yet squeaked out a 1 point win. Riverstone was up by as many as ten points, but Garden Valley hung around and fought through it. The win finished off the season with a 3-5 mark and a spot in the post season.
On Wednesday night, the boys traveled out to face the undefeated number 1 seed Liberty Charter in Nampa. The boys played a great game and gave a great effort but Liberty was just a good team. The loss ended the season for the boys team. It was a good season and the boys are already looking forward to next year.
The Middle School boys basketball team would like to thank everyone that came out and supported them near and far. And a big thank you to MusclePharm for donating water bottles to the boys team and Riverstone athletics. Go OTTERS!
Check Riverstone's Facebook page for photos (thanks Tom Mahoney!).
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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 27
| Gr 9-12 Winter Dance
| Saturday, Feb 28
| Auction!
| Tuesday, Mar 3
| Senior Music Recital
| Wednesday, Mar 4
| Gr 8 and 10 Winter Trips
| Thursday, Mar 5
| Gr 8 and 10 Winter Trips
| Friday, Mar 6
| Gr 8 and 10 Winter Trips
Deadline for summer travel confirmations
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The week's Facebook photo of the week features our Gr 2 class during their production of Much Ado About Nothing. More photos on Facebook!
Keep an eye on Riverstone's Facebook page to keep up with what's happening at Riverstone!
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