Riverstone International School Newsletter
April 16, 2015
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 Hi All,
I just wanted to take a minute and reflect on this week's "Meet the Seniors" event.
As always, when community members hear our students speak about their lives and experiences, it is wonderful. The depth of their thinking and reflection, as well as their hope and optimism for the future is contagious.
What really stuck out to me this year is how much more integrated our school has become. Many of the questions that they answered were from Elementary School students who asked about academics and even college placement. This trend is everywhere!
Our High School Chinese students are meeting with our Mandarin students; we have older students leading after school activities and tutoring; our fifth grade Exhibition students will be tapping our older students as resources; music lessons are being taught; and opportunities for student leadership and mentoring are blossoming everywhere.
It was always the dream of our Board of Trustees and our community to bring the two campuses back together in the hope that these relationships would blossom - and they are doing just that. This is truly the best way to develop our "Leadership by Example" pillar.
To read about each senior, please download our Meet the Seniors brochure here.
View a complete listing of their college acceptances here.
So, if you see a senior - they are now preparing for their month long IB exams in May - please wish them well. But also thank them because they are continuing a tradition of excellence that has rubbed off on your student!
Call for anything,
Bob Carignan
Head of School bcarignan@riverstoneschool.org |
All parents are invited to a Parents' Association meeting on Friday, April 17 at 8:45 AM in the library. **TOMORROW**
We will be revisiting some items that were discussed at the recent PA meeting with the goal to pass the budget for next year.May meeting rescheduled for Thursday, May 7
Due to the fact that spring trips are taking place during the week of our regularly scheduled PA meeting, the May meeting has been rescheduled to Thursday, May 7. Nominations for officer candidates are now due on Wednesday, April 29. If more than one person has been nominated for an officer position, an online voting survey will be emailed to you on April 30. Voting will conclude on Wednesday, May 6 and the new board will be announced at the general PA meeting on May 7.
Turn in your nomination forms in person to Lisa Armstrong at the Elementary School, Robyn Olnes at the Middle School OR submit them electronically to Kim Liebich. Additional forms can be found on the counter at Lisa Armstrong's desk. Link to the PA Nomination form here. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact PA President, Michelle Nenov via email or (415) 990-4138.
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 Current and prospective parents are invited to join us at our open houses! Please invite a friend to learn more about our school and students.
Elementary School Open House (Preschool - Grade 5)
Tuesday, April 21 starting at 9:30 AM
Middle & High School Open House (Grades 6-12)
Thursday, April 23 starting at 9:30 AM
All open houses meet in the Elementary School Atrium. Please RSVP to Rachel Pusch if you are planning on attending or have questions.
Thank you for referring family and friends to Riverstone!
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 Parents, students, and friends are invited to the Senior Art Show on Friday evening, April 17.
Meet the artists, admire their art, and socialize! Live music provided by Riverstone students.
If you are lucky, you may get a great deal on a piece of art for your home!
Please contact Jim Harper, DP Art teacher, with any questions.
Senior Art Show on Friday, April 17 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at The Crux **please note change in time**
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ORIENTEERING MEET AT RIVERSTONE
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 Riverstone Orienteering hosts this month's City of Trees Orienteering Club Meet. Students, parents, and staff are invited to come out and give orienteering a try!
The event will feature 25 controls (or stations) which can be visited in any order. The more technical / distant controls will be worth 30 points. Easier / closer controls will be worth 10 points. There will be a slew of controls in the middle worth 20 points. The catch? You only have 1 hour to get as many points as possible; after 1 hour, point penalties are applied to your score for every minute that you're late. Strategies? Will you go for as many of the easy / close controls as you can, or will you spend the extra time to get the valuable but more difficult / distant controls? The most points wins!
Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: Registration opens 10:30 AM. Courses open for starts between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Course closes at 2:00 PM.
Start/Finish Location: Riverstone International School Gymnasium
Cost: Juniors - $5, Adults - $10, CTOC members - Free.
What to bring: Athletic clothing/shoes appropriate for the weather (which should be beautiful!), water as needed while on the course, cell phone for emergencies, compass to keep your map oriented (we have some for rental at nominal $1 fee).
**Bonus Points will be awarded as tie-breakers for anyone who brings a first-time orienteerer!
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 The name is Bond, James Bond.
Students in Gr 9-12 are invited to dress their best for the 007 Diamonds are Forever Prom.
Tickets are $15 each with advanced purchase or $20 per ticket at the door.
Contact Tarrah Elam or a member of the Student Council with questions. High School Prom on Saturday, April 18 at the Adelmann Building (622 W Idaho St) from 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
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PLEDGE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE DURING EARTH WEEK
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 Pledge to make a difference during Earth Week! SustainingUs, a local sustainability organization, approached Riverstone student leadership groups with the help of Ben Brock and challenged them to alter their behaviors over spring break by making Sustainability Pledges, with a focus on reducing water consumption. The students found that pledges are an effective way of inciting behavioral changes and increasing personal awareness about the consumption of resources that we often take for granted in our daily lives. The project was such a success that the leadership groups want to invite the entire school community to make a Sustainability Pledge. Click here to see what others have pledged and make your own pledge! Pledge boards will be set up in each of the schools where students can see pledges made by other students and post their own pledges. Posters next to the boards will suggest pledge ideas and have information on sustainability topics in our region. Student volunteers will also be available to help brainstorm pledge ideas. |
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GR 8-10 SPRING TRIP INFO SESSIONS
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 Ben Brock, Riverstone's Outdoor Director, is holding two Equipment Information Sessions for parents of Gr 8-10 students. Join us on Thursday, April 23 at either 8:30 AM or 6:30 PM in the Elementary School and ensure you can help your students prepare and pack for the upcoming Spring Trips (week of May 11). Learn what the right equipment looks like, what the wrong equipment looks like, and what items can have the biggest impact on a student's experience in the field. You will also learn packing techniques that help ensure comfortable and efficient hiking. Gr 8-10 Parent Info Sessions on Equipment for Spring Trips: Thursday, April 23 at either 8:30 AM or 6:30 PM in the Elementary School
Not able to make it to one of the sessions? Don't hesitate to contact Ben via email or phone at 867-1046. |
 The Riverstone LIVE series continues featuring Riverstone students performing live.
Our Middle School Contemporary Ensemble and High School Ensemble a.k.a The Regulars and friends will present an exciting evening family friendly and popular music. Join us!
Riverstone LIVE! on Friday, April 24 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM at The Hub at 1408 W State St
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SUMMER ACTIVITIES & CAMPS
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 Riverstone has add more summer camps and activities to the list!
Elementary Activities include plein air painting, basketball, volleyball, fencing, cooking, Spanish language learning, cycling, science, contemporary dance, and more!
Middle & High School Activities include writing courses, contemporary dance, SAT Prep with Hunting Learning Center, art and more! Riverstone camps and activities are open to families and friends. Invite your neighbors or kids' friends to join us!
Download an updated listing of Summer Activities & Camps here.
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 Have you considered hosting an international student?
We are looking for a host family for one of our senior boys. Tianrun, Sky, has been at Riverstone for one year and he has demonstrated a very strong academic commitment. He has strong interest in math and science and he plays soccer. Sky has an aunt and uncle who live in Idaho Falls and he spends the school breaks with them. He is looking forward to returning to Riverstone for his senior year to complete the IB Diploma Programme.
If you would like to know more about hosting, or if you know someone you think might be interested in hosting this student, please contact Jane Kaserman. |
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NEED YOUR HELP WITH EXAM PROCTORING
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 Every year during May, our Seniors and over 100,000 other students around the world, take their end of Diploma Programme examinations.
These examinations begin on May 4 and continue until May 22. During that time our Seniors will take between 10-12 examinations across subjects. These examinations last from 45 minutes to three hours. They are very challenging.
Each examination requires a dedicated proctor. In year's past the school has relied on its faculty and staff to proctor each examination. This frequently pulls them away from their other classes and impacts instruction.
Over the last two years we have reached out to our parents asking them to volunteer to help proctor the examinations. Parents have supported this effort magnificently!
There are pre-examination information sessions for proctors on Tuesday, April 28 at 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM in the Library.
Contact Andy Johnson with questions.
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JOIN US: PERSONAL PROJECT EXHIBITION
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The Personal Project Exhibition will be held April 30 at 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM. The afternoon exhibition is aimed towards students. The evening exhibition is aimed towards parents. All are welcome at one or both!
The exhibition is the time during which our Grade 10 students present their projects and work to their fellow students, their parents, and other interested community members.
The Personal Project is a key element of each student's Middle Years Programme experience. Each student works on an individual project over the course of the year. The project is intended to be a capstone experience in the MYP that enables our students to demonstrate and extend skills they have developed over the preceding five years.
Please come and share in this important event in our students' lives.
Gr 10 Personal Project Exhibition on Thursday, April 30 at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM in the Kennedy Gymnasium
Contact Andy Johnson if you have questions.
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In the interest of ensuring we have accurate information, we will include information on the Idaho State History Day Competition in next week's newsletter. Rumor has it that Riverstone students rocked! Stay tuned for next week!
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Riverstone's Gr 9 class has been invited to compete in the High School Solar Go-Kart Challenge sponsored by Greenspeed Research.
The first race will be held in the summer of 2015 on the Boise State campus. By switching out old fossil fuel burning engines for clean electric motors and solar panels, the power of the sun will be harnessed to race student-built go-karts showcasing renewable energy and the exciting STEM fields.
For the remainder of the school year during their Design Technology class, our Gr 9 students will be challenged to build the most efficient go-kart. Greenspeed Research has provided a kit, but modifications to maximize efficiency are up to the individual teams.
We need mentors with skills in engineering and design. We especially need mentors with skills in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, CAD, fabrication, car mechanics, and racing strategy.
If you would be interested in being involved and working with our students on this exciting challenge, please contact Trevor Engmann.
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STUDENT ACTIVITIES SESSION 4
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 Session 4 of Student Activities started this week but your child might still be able to join in many of the activities!
Elementary activities include robotics, tennis, soccer, volleyball, basketball, typing, creative writing, knitting, and violin! Download an Elementary School Activities form here.
Middle & High School activities include orienteering, golf, self-defense, and game programming. Download a Middle & High School Activities form here.
Contact Tarrah Elam with questions. |
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RIVERSTONE GOLF TOURNEY & CADDYSHACK PARTY
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 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.
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Thank you to the Parents' Association and Natalie Geffros for organizing Meet the Seniors on Wednesday! It was a packed house! We all enjoyed hearing their stories and words of advice for younger students.
If you weren't able to attend, please download our Meet the Seniors brochure here.
To see photos from the event, visit Riverstone's Facebook page.
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NAVIGATING FORWARD PARENT MIXER
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 The final mixer of the spring for our Endowment Campaign will be Thursday, May 7. All parents and staff are invited!
Kindly hosted by parents Alexander Toeldte and Nicole Lagacé Toeldte and Campaign Co-Chairs, Treacy and Kurt Liebich
Join us for an hour to socialize with parents and
enjoy light appetizers and beverages. As promised, you will not be asked for contributions.
This event is simply an opportunity to celebrate and share the importance of this next step in our school's journey. Please RSVP to Rachel Pusch.
Endowment Mixer for All Parents & Staff on Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 PM at the Toeldte's home at 1901 Claremont Drive
Contact Kurt and Treacy Liebich to learn more about this important endeavor!
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 The next Passport Club test is Tuesday, April 28. The final test of the school year will be Tuesday, May 26.
If you have any questions, please contact Passport Club Coordinator, Julia Davis. |
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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.
At this time, we have 75% of families with their forms complete.
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. If you are among the remaining 36% who still need to submit your forms, please do so here.
Please contact Lisa Armstrong with any questions.
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We enjoy sharing what our students are up to outside of school! If you have news to share, please email Kathleen Gilton.
Megan T (Gr 9) is playing/singing the role of Anne Frank in the Music Theatre of Idaho production of Anne Frank. The performances will be April 30 - May 2 at the Jewett Auditorium on the College of Idaho campus in Caldwell. Congratulations Megan!
 Jeremy D (Gr 11) has received his pilot's license! He trained for about 18 months and completed his testing over spring break. Wow! |
 Wednesday, April 29 at noon is the deadline to join the school's Riverstone for the Cure team in the Race for the Cure 5K run on Saturday, May 9.
This run funds research towards prevention, early detection and improved treatment for breast cancer, which affects 1 in 8 women.
This run is FUN! Click here to register now.
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BIG BREAK BIRDING CONTEST
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 Big Break 2015 results are in! With nearly 30 people participating in this year's event, Riverstone birders identified close to 200 species of birds. As exciting as the numbers were the destinations; in addition to blanketing the country (California, Utah, Louisiana, Missouri, Florida) we also went international with lists submitted from Ecuador, the Galapagos, Mexico, Belize, and France!
Here are a few other highlights:
- Yuta F (Gr 4) submitted exquisite drawings of all the birds on his list. We might have a budding Audubon on our hands!
- Avery W (Gr 5) submitted her lists via EBird, a citizen science organization that allows everyday birders to contribute to our growing understanding of ever-changing bird populations.
- A few California Condor sightings!
- First-time Birders who exceeded their expectations in counting birds and having fun! Way to go!
Thanks to all who participated and we hope to see even more birders and birds next year!
Photo above features our Elementary School birders!
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 The Parents' Association has started planning for the second Annual Riverstone Family Photo Directory!
If you took a family photo over spring break, please email it to riverstonepa@riverstoneschool.org. The next edition of the photo directory will be released in the fall when school starts.
Please contact Treacy Liebich with questions.
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To help with planning, here are a few important events you will want to include in your calendar.
The first day of school, vacations, etc for 2015-16 are on the school calendar!
Friday, April 17
| Senior Art Show at the Crux
| Saturday, April 18
| Gr 9-12 Prom
| Thursday, April 30
| Gr 10 MYP Personal Project Exhibition
| Monday, May 4
| Diploma Programme Exams Begin
| Wednesday, May 6
| Spring Arts Festival
Endowment Parent Mixer
| Monday - Friday, May 11-15
| Gr 8 and 10 Spring Trips
| Monday - Sunday, May 11-17
| Gr 9 Spring Trip
| Tuesday - Friday, May 12-15
| Gr 3 Spring Trip
| Wednesday - Friday, May 13-15
| Gr 2 Spring Trip
| Thursday - Friday, May 14-15
| Kindergarten and Gr 1 Spring Trips
| Tuesday, May 26
| Gr 5 Exhibition Evening
| Wednesday, May 27
| Honor the Seniors Dessert
| Thursday, May 28
| Commencement
| Tuesday, June 2
| Gr 5 Move Up Ceremony
Middle & High School Awards Ceremony
| Thursday, June 4
| Last Day of School with Field Day and All School BBQ
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 The following are some of the highlights of the coming week. For more events and additional information, view the school calendar here
Friday, April 17
| PA Budget meeting at 8:45 AM in the Library
Senior Art Show from 6:00 - 9:00 PM at The Crux
| Saturday, April 18
| High School Soccer at 9:00 AM on Optimist 13
High School Prom from 8:00 - 11:00 PM at the Adelman Building
| Monday, April 20
| Did you make a pledge for Earth Week?
| Tuesday, April 21
| Elementary School (Preschool - Gr 5) open house at 9:30 AM
| Thursday, April 23
| Gr 8-10 Spring trip equipment info session at 8:30 AM and 6:30 PM
Middle & High School (Gr 6-12) open house at 9:30 AM
| Friday, April 24
| Friday Morning Music at 8:00 AM
Riverstone LIVE at the Hub at 6:30 PM
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The week's Facebook photo of the week features the Class of 2015 at Zoo Boise. Riverstone has a tradition in which the seniors choose a theme for their class photo. We've had a western theme, super heroes, thrift store, roaring 20s and flower power 60s. This year, the theme was animals at the zoo -- with tourists!
Keep an eye on Riverstone's Facebook page to keep up with what's happening at Riverstone!
These kindergarteners visiting the zoo were completely enthralled with our seniors!
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