Riverstone International School
September 24, 2015
|
 Hi All, As fall rolls in, it is easy to be swept up by the enthusiasm that sports brings - particularly in this town. So today I wanted to let you know about the many athletic opportunities that are available to Riverstone students and how we are planning to proceed in this area.
Currently, we have sanctioned teams in boys and girls basketball and girls volleyball, both at the Middle (Gr 6-8) and High School (Gr 9-12) levels. Our teams are relatively new and we owe a debt of gratitude to the students in the classes of 2010 - 2012 for committing to starting these programs. These athletes took one on the chin for the athletes that have followed in their footsteps. Our volleyball and basketball teams are competitive, typically finishing in the middle of the pack in district rankings. The highlight of our athletic program was last year's Middle School girls basketball team making it to the 1A district tournament finals. I can't wait to hoist a banner!
We also have a non-sanctioned High School co-ed soccer team that plays in the Idaho Rush Select league during their spring and fall seasons. Our teams have been very successful, winning several championships and typically making a playoff run. Riverstone has a growing and enthusiastic Orienteering Club in both Middle and High School that competes in regional and national meets. We have a ski team participating in the Dotty Clark Races at Bogus Basin as well.
We actively encourage our students to participate in all of the sports that we sponsor, and each year we have students new to the sport on our teams - it is a great way to deepen a student's involvement in our community.
Students who want to play a sport that Riverstone is not sanctioned in have the option of playing for their local public school. Our students have and currently compete in cross-country, soccer, football, swimming, softball, lacrosse, and tennis. In fact, several of our students have been team captains and strong contributors.
Finally, many students are either currently competing or have previously competed at a high level on local clubs in non-traditional sports such as nordic and alpine skiing, fencing, kayaking, road cycling, mountain biking, rock climbing, and triathlons. We have worked to build relationships with coaches and programs outside of Riverstone and continue to do so.
Under the leadership of Athletic Director Demi Dlouhy, and as part of our Strategic Plan, we are looking at what sports Riverstone can participate in at a competitive level, what sports students are interested in, and how athletics fits within the resources of the school. Stay tuned for future surveys about athletics.
So, as you can see, we have many options for our students in an almost unlimited variety of sports. Please contact Demi if you would like guidance and more information on how your student can participate. Call for anything.
|
|
MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
|
 Middle and High School Movie Nights on the Lawn!
Grades 9-12 on Friday, Sept 25
The feature film for students in Grades 9-12 is Back to the Future. The movie begins at 8:00 PM and will finish at 10:15 PM.
Grades 6-8 on Wednesday, Sept 30
The feature film for students in Grades 6-8 is the original Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The movie begins at 7:30 PM and will finish at 9:00 PM.
Please remember that movie nights are student-only events. Please pick up your child promptly after their movie night.
If you have questions, please contact Tarrah Elam.
|
 Students in Kindergarten through Grade 5 explore the world through our Passport Club, without actually leaving home! Every month, students will receive a map that corresponds to their grade. Starting in Kindergarten and Grade 1, students focus on identifying five countries per month. In comparison, students in Grade 5 learn 25 countries and 5 capitals each month!
Students in every grade provide one researched fact based on their current Unit of Inquiry, integrating the Passport club with the IB philosophy. Students are given the prompt, "Select one or more continents or countries from your study level and describe something related to the Unit of Inquiry you are currently studying."
It may sound daunting, but our students are very successful, and the program builds upon itself year after year.
We will be posting the dates for the testing on the school calendar. We are also looking for volunteers to help with the testing -- no experience necessary!
September Passport Testing: Tuesday, Sept 29. The 29th is just around the corner so please encourage your child to study!
Please contact James Hamilton-Vail if you can help or have questions.
|
Please be aware of the road construction along Warm Springs Ave:
Friday, Sept 18 - Tuesday, Oct 6: closed between Glacier Subdivision and the East Valley Subdivision (east of the school)
Wednesday, Oct 7 - Wednesday, Oct 28: closed between N Harris Rd and Eckert Rd (west of the school)
Riverstone will be accessible for local traffic east of Eckert Rd throughout the construction project timeline.
Download a map of the current road closure here.
|
|
SIGN UP FOR CHILDCARE DURING IN-SERVICE DAYS: OCT 1 & 2
|
School will be closed on Thursday and Friday, October 1 and 2 for teacher in-service days.
We will be offering childcare for students ages 3 - 11 on those two days.
The service will be available from 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM for a fee of $30.
Please reserve your child's space for the day or a portion of the day no later than Monday, Sept 28 with Tarrah Elam.
|
 This year's Carnival will be a HIT and is NOT to be missed!
There will be live music from Riverstone's Lone Tree River folk music band, delicious Mexican food, and Papa Murphy's pizza by the slice. And back by popular demand, the one and only, a true Riverstone favorite, the Orbitor amusement ride! There will be bouncy obstacle courses for all ages, a photo fun booth with props, a jousting inflatable and carnival games galore with LOTS of prizes and fun to boot!
This year's raffle items are hot, hot, HOT!
- A GoPro HD HERO Waterproof Action Camera Camcorder with 48GB AND an awesome accessories bundle
- GENESIS Composite Bow - Official Bow of the National Archery in the Schools Program
- A cool cruiser bike, compliments of Reed Cycle!
- A 60 minute massage
- One 6 week after school activity of your choice
- 2 tickets for the RIS Auction as well as Riverstone swag!
Look in your student's backpack this Friday for raffle tickets!
Sold tickets need to be turned in on Wednesday, October 7. If you would like to request more tickets stop at the front desk of the Elementary School and see Sarah Taylor or Robyn Olnes in the Middle School.
The Fall Carnival Committee will be meeting weekly and would love your help!
No experience required! Enthusiasm welcome! f you'd like to be part of the planning committee, please contact Michelle Nenov.
The following Fall Carnival planning meetings will be held in the ES Multipurpose Room on the following dates:
- Tuesday, Sept 29 at 2:30 PM
- Thursday, Oct 8 at 8:45 AM
If you'd like to get a jump on signing up to contribute baked goods for the cake walk, help set up/cleanup, or help during the carnival, check out our online Community Opportunities sheet.
Carnival: Friday, Oct 9 starting at 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM'ish
If you would like to be involved or have questions, please contact Michelle Nenov via email or phone at (415) 990-4138. |
|
MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL HOURS
|
The High School building will be open at 7:15 AM every day on school days. Students in Gr 6-12 who arrive early must be dropped off at the High School where Jim Harper or Robyn Olnes will supervise them until ensembles begin at 7:30 AM or until the entire school opens at 8:00 AM.
Middle and High School students remaining on campus after 4:00 PM must be in the gym foyer where they will be supervised by a faculty member until 5:45 PM.
Students must be picked up by 5:45 PM unless they are part of a team that is practicing and are under the supervision of a Riverstone coach.
|
|
PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR DAY OF SERVICE
|
 All students in Grades 6 - 12 will join the local community on Thursday, October 15 from 8:20 AM to 12:00 PM.
Riverstone's morning of service is a dedicated time that allows students to volunteer in their advisory groups. In the past, we have partnered with organizations such as Boise Parks Department, Boys and Girls Club, Create Common Good, Discovery Center, Idaho Youth Ranch and more.
Parents: if you would like to be part of our efforts, we would love to have your help.
Please contact Tarrah Elam for more details.
|
 Friday Morning Music will be returning in October! This is a wonderful opportunity for students who study music privately to participate in a supportive recital setting.
Friday Morning Music will start at 7:45 AM and end at 8:20 AM in time for your student to get to class. Please join us in the atrium and start your day off on a good note!
The following is the schedule of Friday Morning Music:
October 23
November 20
January 29
February 26
March 11
April 29
May 27
If your child would like to perform on one of the above dates, please email either Nicole Golay or Damon Brown.
|
|
INTERNATIONAL PARENTS COMMITTEE
|
 The International Parents Committee is a group of international parents who are interested in connecting with other international families and helping the school by sharing their international perspective and experience.
The committee has two main goals:
- Helping new international families join this wonderful community
- Contributing to the international understanding of students with real testimony of this global world
If you have an international background and would like to share it, please join us! We have a meeting once or twice a month, depending on what event is waiting for us.
Our first meeting for 2015 is next Wednesday.
When: 8:45 AM on Wednesday, September 30
Where: 5487 E Quartersawn St Boise ID 83716 (at Anne-Claire D's house)
Contact Sumiko Gomi if you have questions.
|
|
CALLING ALL ACTORS AND THEATRE LOVERS
|
 Renee Vomocil and the Grade 12 DP Theatre class are looking for enthusiastic actors for this winter's full length production of "The Bad Seed." Theater students are required to plan, stage and perform a play as part of their course requirements to earn the IB Diploma.
The class is looking for additional students to audition for the production. It is not necessary to have any acting experience. We are looking for enthusiasm, passion and commitment. There are both male and female roles.
Please bring a prepared monologue OR you may read from selections provided at the audition. A reading with the cast from the play will also be required.
We will be holding auditions in Jane Kaserman's room in the high school during lunch and after school on Tuesday, Sept 29 and Tuesday, Oct 7.
Please reserve an audition time on this google document if you are interested in auditioning.
If you are cast, rehearsals will be held after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A full schedule will be posted for rehearsals after casting decisions have been made.
Thank you! We hope to see you at auditions!
Please contact Andy Johnson with questions.
|
 Tips to start the school year off right!
Eat breakfast
- Students who eat breakfast have higher test scores than those that do not.
- Are less distracted
- Have better physical endurance
Establish a sleep routine
- Train your brain to know when its time to fall asleep
- Whatever you do be consistent with it. Try to keep the same order every night. Your brain will associate brushing your teeth, washing your face as an indicator that sleep is coming.
- Try to turn off electronics 30 minutes before bed. The lights can cause stimulation.
- Get 9-10 hours of sleep to feel well rested. Learn how much sleep your body needs. Keep your bedroom cool and dark.
Get organized
- Start planning ahead for due dates and social events.
- Don't overbook yourself and know what will cause you stress.
For more tips stop by the counselor's office located in the Elementary School, or email Andrea Kuenzli or Shirley O'Neil.
|
 Correction to last week's newsletter!
The following are the members of Riverstone's Board of Trustees:
Jerry Sturgill (Chairman)
Morton Hardwick (Vice Chairman)
Mark Liebich (Vice Chairman and Secretary)
Scott Peterson (Treasurer)
Brian Bava
Juan Carlos Duque
Tory Goltry, M.D.
Kurt Liebich
Suzanne Long
John Perl II, M.D.
Jeff Russell
Ben Schwartzman
Nicole Lagacé Toeldte
Thank you to our Trustees for their time and energy on the school's behalf!
|
 The school year is in full swing and so is lunch by Life's Kitchen! The November menu will be posted soon, and you will see a few modifications to recipes and menu items as we continue to incorporate student and parent feedback.
Volunteer Opportunity!
If you are a Riverstone parent looking for a volunteer opportunity, consider helping us serve lunch! We are looking for 1-2 parents to help our staff serve hot lunch Monday through Friday. It's a great way to keep lunch prices low and the food quality high!
If you have questions, contact Jeremy at Life's Kitchen at (208) 331-0199 x302 or jeremy@lifeskitchen.org.
The online ordering system can be found at http://lifeskitchen.h1.hotlunchonline.net and the Riverstone School Code is 211-930. You can order as late as 10:00 PM the evening before.
Download more information on the school lunch program, including ordering instructions.
|
Thank you students (Carola C, Derek L, Elsa C, Jordan L, Madeline M, Mateo W, Nina N, Rebecca T), family members (Francesca G, Kim L, Mary T, Rachel P, Susie K) and faculty (Ms.Smackey, Mr. Moreno-Ramierez, Ms. Robinson, Ms. Wallace, Ms. Fitz, Ms. Tabb). Our Bookworm is growing and you have met the challenge by reading 139 books.
It's not too late to add your name and books to our growing Bookworm. First Grade is getting ready to start measuring the worm and they want everyone's books to count. Please use the link below and meet the Summer Reading Challenge
All books read or listened to between June 1st and Labor Day count. Yes, electronic books count.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NXBKjxyeh2KKjFOAIeCUJXWeaA7LqrcOVgehyiDcXII/edit?usp=sharing
|
|
KEEPING OUR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS INFORMED
|
We have also been asked if we could share the school newsletter with students. We are happy to do so! However, to have this happen, we need students to opt-in to the newsletter.
If your student would like to receive the weekly school newsletter, please have him or her click on the Join our Mailing List button below, provide his or her email address, and opt-in!
|
 |
 High School Co-Ed Soccer
Riverstone added another victory to their season with a 6-2 win over FC Young Money on Wednesday.The next game is Wednesday, Sept 30 at Simplot Fields at 5:45 PM. Come out and cheer them on!
Please check the school calendar for athletic events.
Admission to Athletic Events
Admission at Kennedy Gymnasium is charged for all high school athletic contests. No admission is taken at Middles School contest unless it is a district conference tournament game. The admission price is the same for all schools in the conference as described below.
High School Regular Season Admission Fees
$5.00 - Adult
$3.00- Senior Citizen
$3.00 - Student (12 years and older through high school with photo ID)
No Charge- Riverstone Students and Staff
No Charge - Children ages 6 and under
Season Pass Prices (only applies to regular season contests)
During season ticket sales, you may purchase adult and family All-Sports Passes. Passes are the equivalent of a general admission ticket and will gain you access to any regular season home game. Passes are good for the entire 2015-2016 school year.
All Sport Pass - Adult - $45, Family (up to 5 members) - $75
Fall Season - Adult -$25 Family (up to 5 members) - $45
Winter Season - Adult - $25 Family (up to 5 members) - $45
We are currently offering a discount on the All Sport Pass - Adult - $30, Family - $60
Passes will be sold starting next week at home games and at the Elementary School front desk.
Playoff Contest Prices
Admission fees for Regional and State Events are determined by the Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA). In general high school ticket prices for IHSAA regional games is $5.00 and this price applies to all persons 6 years of age and older. Middle school ticket prices for the Western Idaho Conference (WIC) tournaments games are $2.00 and this price applies to all persons 6 years of age and older.
|
|
PARENTS' ASSOCIATION NEWS
|
 Please contribute to the Parents' Association Fund
You can download the PA Funds Contribution Form and return your form and contribution to the Elementary School front desk. Thank you!
Final call for photos for the Photo Directory: September 30
To have your family's photo included, please send an email to Riverstonepa@riverstoneschool.org with the following:
- A family photo (1MB digital file)
- If your child lives in two households, please feel free to send two photos
If you have any questions, please contact Treacy Liebich.
|
|
POLICY HIGHLIGHT: VISITORS
|
With exception of applicants visiting for their student-visit day, all visitors to the school, including parents, guest speakers, alumni, and community members, must check-in and obtain a visitors badge at either the Elementary School or Middle School front desks.
Badges should be returned and visitors check out at the end of the visit.
Thank you for your cooperation!
|
This week's Facebook photo of the week features one of our Gr 4 students in a quiet moment while at McCall Outdoor Science School this week.
Keep an eye on Riverstone's Facebook page and Instagam to keep up with what's happening at Riverstone!
|
|
