Hi All,

As we head towards the end of the year, it is time to say a bittersweet farewell to some members of our staff. As always, we understand that life changes and new opportunities are a wonderful part of life, and so we support their decisions and thank them wholeheartedly for their commitment to Riverstone. Each of them made a difference to our students and each of them brought their unique gifts into the classroom. So, please join me in thanking the following teachers and wishing them well in their future endeavors - they will always be welcome in our community!

Laura DeLaney has made the choice to return to her family business, Rediscovered Books, and to pursue a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at Boise State University. Rediscovered Books is embarking on a major expansion and needs all of her attention at this time. Laura and her husband, Bruce, established Rediscovered Books to create a place in our community where their passion for books and education could be shared with the diverse people of our community. Laura is excited to expand their connections, foster new relationships, and explore new opportunities in their entrepreneurial venture. According to Laura, "One of my many fond memories of working at Riverstone are the smiles of parents and students as they listen to the choir sing or students perform at Friday morning music. This is a wonderful place with many gifts to share with its students and I am glad that I was a part of it for awhile."

Israel Catz has been accepted into Harvard Graduate School of Education where he will earn his Masters of Education in International Education Policy. He is excited about making a difference in the world and hopes to return to Sub Saharan Africa where he can help drive curriculum reform and development through better access to meaningful education. He has expressed endless gratitude to Riverstone International School for opening the world up to him as a young person and has cherished the past two years spent "learning and growing along with the students and teachers in this special place." He has said on numerous occasions that "Riverstone is the only place in Idaho for people who are serious about education."  Ultimately, he hopes to return to Riverstone in the future with new skills and experiences to support our community as we continue to define what excellence and community mean in the Treasure Valley.

John Blossom has taken a position for next year teaching Middle School English and Humanities at the French American School of Puget Sound on Mercer Island. He looks forward to brushing up on his French and being back in the Seattle area with family once again. He is extremely grateful to Riverstone for the wonderful opportunity to teach here and is sorry it turned out to only be for a short time. The hardest part of leaving is saying goodbye to the amazing students of Riverstone who have deeply impressed him with their kindness, intelligence, and creativity.

We have already begun the selection process for their replacements and will inform the community as decisions are made and positions filled. We know that we have big shoes to fill and will do our best to ensure that the legacy of these teachers and what they brought to the classroom will be honored. We wish each of these teachers well! 

I also would like to invite you to attend three very important events next week including Meet the Seniors, the Endowment Mixer, and the Senior Art Show. These are great opportunities to celebrate our students and school community. 

Call for anything, 

Head of School 

Be part of history by playing in Riverstone's first golf tournament! And don't miss a great party! Proceeds benefit Riverstone and our students. 

Riverstone's First Annual Golf Tournament (Saturday, May 16 at 1:30 PM)

Golf scramble at Warm Springs Golf Course! Form a team of four or sign up solo and we'll place you on a team! Teams can consist of male, female, co-ed, student/teacher, etc. $100 per player includes round of golf, cart, and light refreshments midway through the course. Kindly organized by Gr 2 teacher, Pete Burton. Sign up here.  

Caddyshack Cocktail Party (Saturday, May 16 at 5:30 PM)

Head to the home of Kurt & Treacy Liebich for a festive Caddyshack themed cocktail party! Whether you finish your round of golf in the scramble or meet the players afterward, all are invited! Don't forget to pop your collar and sport your best plaid pants! Kindly donated by Kurt & Treacy Liebich. Sign up here.