As I mentioned last week, we had a wonderful alumni event. It is always great to catch up and hear what our former students are doing. We heard from students who were doing internships in financial analysis, internships at Deloitte Touche, working for an online magazine, and producing live music at a radio station. One of our students moved back to Idaho while working part-time editing for Penguin Books while trying to build up a free-lance business in videography. My favorite was a Veterinary School student who just completed her first operation on a cat - she proudly showed us a picture of the live cat the next day! All of them were engaging and thoughtful, and all of them reflected the International Baccalaureate (IB) way of learning that prides itself on fostering engaging students.

As I also mentioned last week, I would like to reflect on our IB Diploma Programme (DP) for students in grades 11-12 and how the program has shaped our school and our students. Last May marked the 10th year that we have administered IB exams. Since 2006, nearly 200 Riverstone students have taken the exams.

Here are some recent IB Diploma Programme stats and averages:



The International Baccalaureate programs we offer from Preschool through High School are not only excellent preparation for the examinations but also result in much better chances of success at college and university. 

According to recent research from a professor at the University of Wisconsin, IB Diploma holders have higher first year retention and better success in college.

So what does this all mean in the big picture? It goes back to those alumni that we were talking about. The IB, taught effectively as it is at Riverstone, prepares students well for college.

Our student leave here prepared academically, but also ready to engage with their teachers and classmates (one of the most important factors in college retention). Because of our small class sizes, and inquiry based learning, students connect with mentors and become more involved in their own education - they take this to college with them.

We are very excited by the graduates that we produce and it is a reflection of all of our staff who work hard to provide our students with the best education available.

As always, we will continue to stay focused on making sure that each year is better than the last, a goal uniquely suited to a school like ours.

Please stop by if you have any questions.

Meichun (Julie) Lin has joined the Riverstone team as our Grades 5-8 Mandarin Chinese teacher. Julie recently graduated from Northwest Nazarene University as a certified teacher. We are excited to welcome her and to support her as she continues to build the school's Mandarin Chinese language program. 

Tiffany Coltrin will be working with Tina Morgan in Grade 1 as an aide, as well as providing lunch duty and remediation in the afternoons. Tiffany graduated from Boise State University with her teaching degree in Theatre Education.  She has been a substitute teacher for the Boise School district and has just returned back to Boise after living on the East Coast.

Mies Whittington, who has worked at Riverstone for several years, will be working with Pete Burton in Grade 2 as an aide, and continuing to provide Before-School care.

Congratulations to Damon Brown and Jami Whitmer who were selected as our Middle Years Programme Coordinator and Diploma Programme Coordinator, respectively.

Traffic Patterns and Parking

• Please drive slowly and carefully when on campus
• Refrain from cell phone use
• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists in the crosswalks or on Greenbelt
• We have several reserved parking spaces -- we appreciate your cooperation in respecting the signs.

School Hours

Download school supplies and book lists here.

Our fee-based Before and After Care Program for Preschool - Grade 5 students takes place in the Multi-Purpose portable of the Elementary School, Monday through Friday.

• Drop-off for Before Care begins at 7:30 AM
• Pick-up for After Care must take place no later than 5:30 PM

Please pick-up your children directly from the Multi-Purpose portable, rather than entering through the Elementary School. Doors to the Elementary School are locked at 4:00 PM.
 
If you have questions, please contact Tarrah Elam.

As Riverstone continues to grow, it is more important than ever that we can adequately supervise our students - and we need your help.

This year, Riverstone will be conducting a supervised after school "study hall" for students in Grades 6-12.

• Study hall will be held in the gym foyer on Monday through Thursday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
• If a student is on campus, they must be in the study hall area, which will include the foyer, the basketball courts closest to the Elementary School, and the picnic benches directly outside the eastern foyer doors.
• Students will not be allowed to be elsewhere on campus unless in the direct supervision of a faculty member during an after-school activity or athletic program.

Riverstone cannot accommodate any students on campus unless attending a game or being directly supervised by a teacher or coach after 6:00 PM Monday through Thursday or after 4:00 PM on Friday; students will be asked to leave as Riverstone cannot accept this liability.

Grade 9-12 Co-Ed Soccer: Practice began August 24 at 3:30 PM. Practices will be Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Games on Saturdays. Contact Head Coach, Mark Stilinovich at mark.stino6@gmail.com. Register at IDAHORUSH.com under Select High School- Fall 2015 - PLAYERS. Register NOW! 

Grade 6-8 Girls Volleyball: Aug 31-Oct 15. Practices 3:30-5:00 PM, Monday-Thursday. Games two days a week.

Grade 9-12 Girls Volleyball: Practices began on August 14 but there is still time to join the team. Practices 5:00-7:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Games two days a week. Please contact Nevena Dragovic at nevenadragovic@u.boisestate.edu for more information.

ValleyRide also provides bus service to the area via Route 18 Harris Ranch. There are three morning round trips and three afternoon round trips between the Harris Ranch area and downtown Boise. View the Route 18 Schedule here.