Hi All,

Last week, a major topic at the Malone Family Foundation Conference was the future of liberal education. In our discussions, we used a definition similar to the Association of American Colleges and Universities which defines a liberal education as follows:

"An approach to learning that empowers individuals and prepares them to deal with complexity, diversity, and change. It provides students with broad knowledge of the wider world (e.g. science, culture, and society)... (it) helps students develop a sense of social responsibility, as well as strong and transferable intellectual and practical skills such as communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-world settings."

We were grappling with the questions, "In a society growing more and more concerned with pure 'job skills,' is a liberal education still relevant? Should great pre-university schools ensure that their students have the tools needed to lead a nation through ever more complex issues?" The answer to both is a resounding yes.

As a great school, we must take this challenge on. Riverstone prides itself on providing a strong education across all of the academic disciplines. 

A liberal education includes strong math and science preparation. These subjects fundamentally change how our students organize their thoughts and look at the world. Through strong number literacy and a foundation in the scientific method, they will always be able to question and look for answers in a systematic and factual way.

Our students are taught to think like historians. They look for perspectives, patterns, relevance, and bias. They are trained to speak, read, and write in a foreign language; a great feat of empathy. They use these skills to understand complex social issues and make informed decisions.

Our students learn how to connect with and write about the great vault of humanity that is literature and the arts. They learn about lives that they could never lead and feel the raw emotion provoked by beauty.

In all of these subjects, we help our students engage in an age-old dialogue to understand and find meaning and truth, so that they may develop a moral code to guide their lives.

When our students graduate, they are prepared for whatever path they take. Our alumni have told us this. They have the tools to be great life-long citizens and learners. Their lives are richer because they have more meaning to attach to everything they see, from all of the disciplines. They are able to adapt to a world changing faster than ever and to maintain their inner compass.

Our mission is to inspire these journeys and I am proud of it.

• Gr 8-9 will travel to Florida and Dry Tortugas National Park
• Gr 10-11 will travel to Belize

• 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

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.