Riverstone International School
December 3, 2015
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 Dear Parents,
In light of recent events around the world, we wanted to remind you of our appreciation for our close-knit and supportive community. I am always grateful when I witness how much care our staff and faculty take to ensure our students' well being, safety, and happiness.
Nonetheless, the current rise of violent acts throughout the past few months in the United States and throughout the world deeply upsets us -- as we are sure it upsets all of you.
I'd like to share more about our safety action plans as there is not a day that goes by in which we do not think or speak about safety on and off campus.
To start with, we regularly revisit and practice safety plans in conjunction with the Boise Police Department and the Boise Fire Department.
We developed our safety plans to counter any on-campus intruders as part of our school's re-accredidation process with NWAIS. Police officers stationed across the road at East Junior High assisted us in developing this plan. They also provide consultation when we update the plan each year. We regularly review the actions we will take in the event of an on-campus intruder and have also installed a separate alarm system to warn us.
Additionally, we review and practice our fire evacuation plans regularly. This fall, we invited the Fire Marshall to campus to review our plan and walk the campus with us. He was impressed with our plan's clarity and ease of execution.
We know that thinking about violence in schools, workplaces, and entertainment venues is upsetting. We want to assure you again that we take your children's and our faculty's safety very seriously.
As the lead person coordinating our school's safety program, I continue to work with Bob and the faculty to ensure that our campus safety plans are effective and actionable, while also keeping our school welcoming.
We are not a community of fear, but a community of open-minded thinkers and problem-solvers.
Sincerely,
Andy Johnson
Middle and High School Director
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Parents' Association Meeting: Tonight!
Our next meeting is tonight, Thursday, Dec 3 at 7:00 PM at the Liebich home (1650 E Holly Street in Boise). We will have 30 minutes of social time and the official meeting will start at 7:30 PM.
Pizza Dinner Before the Variety Show: Tomorrow!  International Committee Meeting
The next International Committee will be held at 'Full Steam Bistro' (920 E Park Blvd, Boise, ID 83716) on Wednesday, Dec 16 at 8:45 AM. We will discuss upcoming events for the Elementary School. All parents are invited to join us!
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RIVERSTONE GEAR BLITZ SALE
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 It's that time of year again! You can now order Riverstone t-shirts, hoodies, hats or a carabiner by downloading the order form today.
We have included a new design based on artwork from our students that highlights Riverstone's Outdoor Education.
Check it out and place your order by Monday, Dec 7!
Please email Kathleen Gilton with any questions.
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 With the dropping temperatures, we wanted to remind parents to make sure your students come to school dressed for the cold weather.
Hats, coats, scarves, mittens, boots, etc. all help ensure our students are warm at morning and lunch recesses!
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VARIETY SHOW + PIZZA DINNER + BOOK FAIR
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 All-School Variety Show on Friday, Dec 4 at 6:30 PM in Kennedy Gymnasium
This wonderful and sometimes zany Riverstone tradition is one that you won't want to miss! Come check out our talented students and Riverstone community members in a fun night for the whole family!
Pizza Dinner from 5:15 - 6:15 PM in the Multi-Purpose Room
If you plan to attend the pizza dinner, please sign up here.
The cost is $5 per person for pizza and salad. We will also have water, wine and beer available.
Book Fair Grand Opening from 4:00 - 6:15 PM in the Atrium
Shop early at the grand opening of the Book Fair!
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RIVERSTONE BOOK FAIR 2015
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 A note from Elementary School Director, James Hamilton-Vail:
"The Scholastic Book Fair is a great event for our school community each year. Thanks to your purchases, our teachers and students now enjoy the benefits of learning with interactive whiteboards, document cameras, listening stations and other technology. We're happy to announce that the Middle and High School classrooms will also benefit from our community's attendance. Any generosity and support of this fair is greatly appreciated!"
Friday, Dec 4
Grand Opening 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday, Dec 7 - Friday, Dec 11 Book Fair Open Hours 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
We would love your help for setting up the Book Fair the morning of Friday, Dec 4 and for taking down the Book Fair the morning of Monday, Dec 14. Please sign up to help on the Community Opportunities sheet and contact Kim Fall with questions or for more information on how to volunteer. |
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RIVERSTONE ANNUAL AUCTION: SAVE THE DATE!
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 Please mark Saturday, Mar 12, 2016 on your calendars for our Annual Riverstone Auction!
This is our biggest community celebration of the year. If you would like to join the planning committee or have questions, please contact auction chairs Amy Bava or Kris Ball.
We can't wait to see you there!
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 The next Merci Lunch will be on Wednesday, Dec 16 with the theme of Africa!
Grade 5 will be hosting the Elementary School faculty lunch.
Grades 6-12 will be joining forces to provide the potluck lunch for the Middle and High School faculty. Please sign up on the Community Opportunities Merci Lunch sheet.
Not certain what African food entails? Check out suggestions here.
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 As a reminder: If you call the school and leave a voicemail, please know that we check these messages frequently and will get back to you as soon as possible.
You may also send an email to either Robyn Olnes for Middle and High School inquiries or Sarah Taylor for the Elementary School.
Please remember that you may send absence excusals for Middle or High School students through Managebac. Thank you!
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 Just a reminder to be aware of the safety of our students when on the school grounds.
Please do not stop in the crosswalk in front of the Elementary School to drop off your students. We ask that you park your car in designated spaces and have your student use the crosswalk to access the building.
In general we ask that everyone:
- Check the Greenbelt as you enter/exit
- Drive slowly
- Refrain from cell phone use
- Make sure your student uses the crosswalks where available
- Reserve handicapped parking spots for those with a permit
We appreciate your cooperation. Thank you!
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GRANDFRIENDS DAY AND WINTER CONCERT ATTIRE
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 Grandfriends Day
We are hosting our annual Grandfriends Day on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 12:30 PM. Elementary School parents were sent an invitation earlier this week to share with someone special.
If your child has a grandfriend who will be attending, please RSVP to Sarah Taylor.
Winter Concert Following Grandfriends Day will be our Elementary School Winter Concert that starts at 2:00 PM. All are welcome!
This year's Winter Concert theme is 'Tis the Season of Peace and Joy.
Plan ahead for your student's concert attire Elementary students should wear dark jeans, pants or skirts for the winter concert performance. Please see below for grade requirements for the top portion of each student's outfit and contact Nicole Golay, Music teacher, with any questions.
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Grade
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In addition to dark jeans, pants, or skirts, students should wearing the following colors for their shirts:
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Preschool
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Light colors
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PreK
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Red, white and green
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Kindergarten
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Blue and silver
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Grade 1
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Any holiday color w/ hat and/or scarf
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Grade 2
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Tie-dye shirts or accessories
| | Grade 3 | Red and green | | Grade 4 | Red and green | | Grade 5 | Red, green, yellow, orange or African print/accessories |
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HAPPIER STUDENTS BETTER OUTCOMES
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 An article by Bob Carignan, Head of School, was recently published in a newsletter by Educational Directions Incorporated. Bob's paper stemmed from his fellowship at the Klingenstein Center.
The topic is Happier Students, Better Outcomes. Please download the article here.
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FRIENDLY FACES IN NEW ROLES
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We are happy to announce we've made two additions to our administrative team!
Michelle Nenov is joining us as a part-time Accounting Clerk. You may know Michelle as our past Parents' Association President and parent of Nina in grade 5 and Niko in grade 6. She has extensive experience in bookkeeping and small business financial management that will be an asset to Riverstone in her new position. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with an emphasis on education and minor in Business Management. Michelle will be reporting to Kevin Richmond.
 Melinda Quick is joining us as a part-time Marketing Assistant. Melinda graduated from Riverstone in 2009 and Sarah Lawrence College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts with concentration in Film and Literature. You may recall Melinda's recent reflection during our Annual Fund campaign in which she shared the impact of her Riverstone experience on her global perspective. Melinda's understanding of the Riverstone student experience and background in video production, communications, and social media will be put to great use in her new role. Melinda will be reporting to Kathleen Gilton.
Please join us in welcoming both Michelle and Melinda to the Riverstone team! |
 During the 2016 Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend (Friday, Jan 16 - Sunday, Jan 18), Riverstone is sponsoring a Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course and there are a few spots still available for any Riverstone students in Gr 10-12, parents or faculty/staff! The Wilderness Medicine Training Center WFA 3-day course introduces the concepts of medical care in a wilderness setting while focusing on basic life support skills, minor trauma, environmental topics, spine assessment, allergic reactions, and "common" medical emergencies. The majority of time will be spent in hands-on skills practice and simulations. Cost to participate is $200. Please contact Ben Brock for more information or to register. |
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MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL
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 A note from Middle School Girls' Basketball Coach Lacie Barker:
"This was Riverstone Middle School girls' last week of regular season and we are excited to be going to tournament next week! Both the A and B teams will join as one to take on Greenleaf Friends Academy in our first tournament game on December 10 at Riverstone.
Check the school calendar next week for the tournament schedule. We would love if you could come cheer on the team!"
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KINDERGARTEN COMMUNITY AND SERVICE
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 Our Kindergartener's current Unit of Inquiry is "Shelters that are designed to meet basic human needs." To connect service with their unit of inquiry, the students will be holding a drive benefiting the City Light Shelter. The drive will continue through Wednesday, Dec 16.
The shelter is most in need of deodorant, baby wipes, diapers sizes 4-6, as well as boxed stuffing mix and boxed dessert mix.
Please consider donating. A collection bin is located in the Elementary School. Thank you!
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OUTDOOR EDUCATION WINTER 2016 CALENDAR
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Riverstone's Winter Outdoor Education provides Elementary, Middle and High School students the opportunity to broaden and develop skill sets and attitudes that encourage a lifetime of discovery in the outdoors. Whether they're improving their balance on ice skates, learning about the importance of layering at SnowSchool, or spending their first night in a snow shelter, Riverstone students will make great strides this winter!
Winter Outdoor Education programs begin the week of January 11. Here's what's in store:
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Grade
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Activity
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Date
| Preschool
| Swimming lessons
| Fridays (Jan 15, 22, 29, and Feb 19)
| Kindergarten and
Grade 1
| Ice Skating Lessons
| Thursdays (Jan 14, 21, 28 and Feb 4)
| Grade 2
| Nordic Lessons
| Tuesdays (Jan 12, 19, 26, and Feb 2)
| Grade 3
| Nordic Lessons
| Wednesdays (Jan 13, 20, 27, and Feb 3)
| Grade 4
| SnowSchool at Bogus Basin
| Thursdays (Jan 14, 21, 28, and Feb 4)
| Grade 5
| 5-Day McCall Outdoor Science School trip
| Monday, Feb 22 - Friday, Feb 26
| Grade 6 and 7
| Ski/Snowboarding Lessons at Bogus Basin
| Fridays (Feb 12, 19, and 26)
| Grade 8
| 3-Day Yurt Trip near Idaho City
| Wednesday, Mar 2 - Friday, Mar 4
| Grade 10
| 3-Day Winter Camping Trip near Idaho City
| Wednesday, Mar 2 - Friday, Mar 4 |
To prepare for these activities, please: - Put the appropriate dates on your calendars.
- Download Equipment Lists and Release Forms on the school website. You can also find these documents by clicking on the orange "Resources" button on the website homepage.
- Keep an eye out for Release Forms, which will come home with your child prior to Winter Break.
If you have any questions, please contact Ben Brock.
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DIPLOMA PROGRAMME THEATRE PERFORMANCE
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 Come watch Riverstone's DP Theater Class perform "The Bad Seed" by Maxwell Anderson on Wednesday, Dec 9 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Hub. Lasting approximately 2 hours (including intermission), we recommend attendees are ages 13 and up due to mature content. Admission is free.
Directed, produced and performed by our DP Theater students and additional high school actors, this is a play you don't want to miss! Please attend and support their hard work.
"The Bad Seed" DP Theater Class performance: Wednesday, Dec 9 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM at the Hub (1408 W State St)
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MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL SKI AND SNOWBOARD REMINDER
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 Now is the time for Middle and High School students to register for the 2016 Bogus Basin Ski & Snowboard Race Program! Make sure you register before the end of the semester.
If you have questions about the program, or would like to get registered please contact Josh Udesen, Robyn Olnes, or Ben Brock.
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Feel free to check out the upcoming events for the rest of 2015 below and mark the dates on your calendar. We hope to see you there!Event
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Date/Time
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Location
| PA Meeting
| Thursday, Dec 3
7:00 PM social time
7:30 PM meeting start
| The Liebich Home (1650 E Holly Street in Boise)
| Book Fair Grand Opening + Pizza Dinner +
All-School Variety Show
| Friday, Dec 4
4:00 - 6:15 PM Book Fair
5:15 - 6:15 PM Pizza Dinner
6:30 PM Variety Show
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Atrium
Multi-Purpose Room
Kennedy Gymnasium
| Book Fair
| Monday, Dec 7 - Friday December 11
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
| Elementary School
| Elementary School Grandfriends Day
| Wednesday, Dec 9
12:30 PM
| Elementary School
| Elementary School
Winter Concert
| Wednesday, Dec 9
2:00 PM
| Kennedy Gymnasium
| Senior Play "The Bad Seed"
| Wednesday, Dec 9
6:30 - 8:30 PM
| The Hub (1408 W State St)
| International Committee Meeting
| Wednesday, Dec 16
8:45 AM
| Full Steam Bistro (920 E Park Blvd)
| | Winter Recess | Saturday, Dec 19 - Monday, Jan 4, 2016 |
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Here's a sneak peak at what's cooking for lunch at Riverstone next week! Remember, we also have gluten free options, turkey and ham wraps, and add-ons, like granola bars and apple juice.
- Monday: Seasoned red beans and rice served with shredded pork, veggie sticks, and seasonal fruit.
- Tuesday: Turkey hot dogs served with veggie sticks and seasonal fruit.
- Wednesday: Spaghetti and bolognese sauce served with roasted broccoli, seasonal fruit, and a roll.
- Thursday: Roasted chicken served with roasted red potatoes, corn, and seasonal fruit.
- Friday: Grilled chicken with pasta and a cream sauce served with roasted corn and seasonal fruit.
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This week's Facebook photo of the week is of Gr 11 students getting a jump on their Extended Essay research today at BSU. Did you write a 4,000 word essay based on independent research in high school?! They are!
Keep an eye on Riverstone's Facebook page and Instagram to keep up with what's happening at Riverstone!
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