Riverstone International School
October 1, 2015
|
 Hi All, Today we had a great day spent in professional development. We focused on differentiation in a program that was led by Dr. Jeremy Ford from Boise State University. As part of the Strategic Plan, we are focusing our efforts to give our faculty common tools and language to more effectively inspire each student in the classroom. Tomorrow, faculty will meet to discuss applying these techniques in grade level teams.
The day started off with a wonderful sit-down breakfast in the gym foyer sponsored by the PA (thanks as always). As I looked around the room, it was great to see everyone just talking and enjoying each other's company. Every table organically had formed with teachers from each division, which was wonderful. It is hard to believe that not long ago, we had two separate campuses!
And, as we celebrate our unity, I wanted to thank all of our new parents who have jumped into our community and to the returning parents who continue to welcome them. In the last few weeks, we have had a new parent mixer to introduce new parents and staff to members of the Board of Trustees. A new student welcome group has formed in the Middle and High School - we had our first pizza lunch to begin a dialogue of inclusion.
I ask all of you to continue to get involved in this community partnership that always has at its heart our students. The PA is a great way to do so, but not the only way. We also have a Parent Athletic Committee (PAC) that supports our athletic programs, contact Athletic Director Demi Dloughy for more information. We have an International Parents Committee; contact Sumiko Gomi for more information. Soon you will be seeing our Annual Fund kick off, which is led by parent volunteers, as is our only other yearly fundraiser, the Annual Auction in the spring - always a great time. Contact Kathleen Gilton if you would like to get involved in these programs. If you have a special skill that you feel could be valuable to our students let us know - there may be an opportunity for you to teach a class on a particular subject or offer an afternoon activity.
We are always looking to enhance our community and I ask that everyone continue to introduce themselves and say hello to unfamiliar faces. I look forward to this opportunity next Friday at the Fall Carnival!
Enjoy the long weekend,
|
 Did you check your child's backpack for their raffle tickets?
You don't want to miss out! Please turn tickets and money in on or before Wednesday, October 7. Want more tickets? Stop at the front desk of the Elementary School and see Sarah Taylor or Robyn Olnes in the Middle School.
Raffle prizes include:
- 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!
Tickets for rides and food will be sold October 4-9 in front of the Elementary School - cash & checks are accepted.
Recycle & Donate Your Small Toys for Prizes!
The Carnival Committee knows kids like prizes! We are looking to recycle any of the following items you may have in your home: beanie/other small stuffed animals, rings, bracelets, plastic figurines, frisbees, yo-yos, random small toys, stickers, glow necklaces, etc. Drop items off at the donation box near Sarah Taylor's desk in the Elementary School. Please make sure the items are in good and clean condition.
Sponsor an Inflatable!
If your family or business is interested in sponsoring the Orbiter or inflatables, please contact our Carnival Coordinator, Michelle Nenov.
The last Carnival planning meetings will be held on the following dates:
Tuesday, Sept 29 at 2:30 PM in the ES Multipurpose Room
Thursday, Oct 8 at 8:45 AM at the October PA Meeting in the Library
Volunteer!
If you haven't signed up to contribute baked goods for the cake walk, help set up/cleanup, or help during the carnival, now is the time! Check out our online Community Opportunities sheet.
Carnival: Friday, Oct 9 starting at 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM'ish
Please contact Michelle Nenov via email or phone at (415) 990-4138 for all things Carnival related!
|
|
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.
|
|
PARENTS' ASSOCIATION NEWS
|
 Thank you
A HUGE thank you for all who participated in the PA meeting!
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!
 Calling all Bakers, Cooks, Foodies and Possessors of a Sweet Tooth! Riverstone's annual bake sale is making a comeback! If you've missed the delectable caramels, cookies, cupcakes, breads, soups etc. you are in luck!
Popping up for one afternoon only on Wednesday, October 14, the bake sale will fill all your cravings! Stop by and check out the offerings outside the elementary school at pick up. Or send your kiddos with loose change and let them pick up a treat before they head home.
We need your favorite treats to share too! If you would like to contribute or help out in any way please see the Community Opportunities page.
 Get Ready for the Pumpkin Patch! We set up our own "Mini-Patch" in the Elementary School Atrium with plenty of jack-o-lantern pumpkins, heirloom pumpkins, edible squashes and sugar pumpkins to go around.
The pumpkin patch will be open from 8:00 - 8:45 AM and 3:15 - 4:00 PM each day, October 12-14.
We could use your help with sales, so please sign up online on the Community Opportunities page.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Parents' Association in our efforts to support our students and school.
|
Many thanks to the Parents' Association Merci Committee for hosting a wonderful breakfast for our faculty and staff this morning. Waffles, sausage, fruit, coffee, fresh bread, potatoes...wow!
What a great way to start off the day!
|
 Variety Show auditions are coming!
For those of you who are new, the Riverstone Variety Show is unlike any other show in town. You might see dancing, opera, skits, a numchuck demonstration, a magic show, or a family musical performance. No matter what the show includes, you don't want to miss this one-of-a-kind Riverstone tradition that will be held on Friday, Dec 4.
Online signups to audition will go live on Monday, October 26 with auditions beginning on Monday, November 2. Slots are limited so plan ahead and be ready to sign up!
All members of our community are welcome to share their love of performance (students, parents, grand parents, teachers). Be creative, be original, be unique! Each performance should:
1. Involve 2 or more performers,
2. Last 4 minutes or less, and
3. Include at least one member in Grade 2 or above
Why are we announcing this so early? We want to make sure that everyone has a chance to organize their act/performance in way to be most successful by the audition dates.
Please contact Damon Brown with any questions.
|
|
LUNCH PROGRAM VOLUNTEER NEEDED
|
 Volunteer to help serve lunch
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.
Online ordering
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.
|
 All Grade 6-12 girls basketball players are encouraged to participate in open gym sessions.
Coach Bashaw, our High School Girls basketball coach, and Coach Barker, our Middle School Girls basketball coach, will be opening the gym for players who are wanting to touch up on basketball fundamentals and compete in scrimmages against fellow players. There is no fee to participate.
The days and times for the open gym for girls in Gr 6-12 are:
Tuesday, Oct 6
| 6:30 - 8:00 PM
| Wednesday, Oct 7
| 6:30 - 8:00 PM
| Tuesday, Oct 13
| 6:30 - 8:00 PM
| Friday, Oct 16
| 6:30 - 8:00 PM
| Wednesday, Oct 21
| 6:30 - 8:00 PM
| Friday, Oct 23
| 6:30 - 8:00 PM
| Wednesday, Oct 28
| 6:30 - 8:00 PM
| Thursday, Oct 29
| 6:30 - 8:00 PM
|
Please contact Coach Bashaw if you have any questions.
|
The last few months have seen Riverstone Orienteers racking up some serious accolades.
Most recently, in Lake Tahoe, CA at the US Classic Distance Championships, Alden K (Gr 8) placed 1st in his age group, Zoe P (Gr 8), Nathan M (Gr 11), Natalie P (Gr 12), and Zach C (Gr 12) placed 2nd in their age groups, and Ethan T (Gr 11) and Regan Z (Gr 12) placed 3rd.
Perhaps a better indication of the waves that Riverstone Orienteering is making came from a member of the US Junior National Team who said we are reminiscent of European orienteering clubs and that he hasn't come across a team like ours anywhere in the States! We had the Riverstone banner flying and everyone outfitted in Riverstone Orienteering jerseys, music and dancing prior to the events, and cheering by the entire team at the finish for our teammates, complete with the ringing of a cowbell to urge them to finish strong. And with Riverstone participants spread across six age groups (F-14, F-16, F-18, M-14, M-16, M-18) no other orienteering club came close to having such a great showing of young orienteers!
Way to go Otters! Watch a short video recapping their trip below!
|
|
VOLLEYBALL UPDATE & SPORTS PASSES
|
 High School Girls Volleyball
A note from the coach, Nevena Dragovic
"I am happy to see that team is improving in the individual level as well as a team. In every game we bring something new and fight no matter who is our opponent. I believe we will play our best volleyball during District Tournament (October 15-22) and I am looking forward to it."
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
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.
|
|
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!
|
This week's Facebook photo of the week features last Friday's movie night for students in Gr 9-12.
Keep an eye on Riverstone's Facebook page and Instagam to keep up with what's happening at Riverstone!
|
|
