Riverstone International School
January 7, 2016
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 Happy New Year!
As I have written before, one of the highlights of my break is always the Riverstone Alumni Bash - and this year was no different. The broad range of activities that our former students are engaged in, their travels and interests, and their college or work experiences always make me both proud and grateful for my time at Riverstone. These kids are wonderful.
Over the past few weeks, alumni have also been stopping by to say hello, to bring coffee for a teacher, or to show a visiting friend what a different experience they had in school. Our alumni speak so warmly of their time here and love to chat with our teachers about their experiences after leaving us.
The relationships that our students develop with their teachers last a lifetime, and these opportunities exist because of our mission and priorities. We have invested in small classes that allow our faculty members to become mentors and role models, not sages on the stage. Both teacher and student explore inquiry-based learning together; they succeed, they fail, they all grow. In this close, collaborative environment we strive to inspire lifelong journeys.
Each classroom and each of our "5 Pillars" has the potential to make a difference in our students' lives. Our small classrooms and the student-teacher bonds that they nourish make our students who they are. It is unlike anywhere else, and what we have built together in Idaho is very special.
As we enter our peak enrollment season with monthly open houses, I ask for your support in helping spread this message of Riverstone. Word of mouth is still our number one recruitment method. We are always looking to expand our community with curious, mission-driven students who are willing to take responsibility for their education and learn how important it is to work collaboratively with the adults in their lives.
Next week, I will share more information about financial aid so that you all may feel more comfortable discussing this topic with prospective families. Riverstone and I will always be committed to having a rich socio-economic diversity in our student body.
Sincerely,
 Bob Carignan
Head of School
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 Please tell your family and friends about our upcoming open houses! Visitors will learn about Riverstone and tour the school.
Your referral is greatly appreciated and important to our community!
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Open House
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Date
| Elementary School
Preschool - Gr 5
| Tuesday, Jan 12
at 9:30 AM
| Middle and High School
Gr 6-12
| Thursday, Jan 14
at 9:30 AM
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Open houses begin in the Elementary School atrium.
Additional open house dates throughout the rest of the semester may be viewed on our website. Please encourage friends to RSVP here or contact Sarah Taylor with any questions. |
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PRIORITY APPLICATIONS & FINANCIAL AID
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 January is an important time for current families to start planning for the 2016-17 school year too.
Priority consideration for siblings of current students We give priority consideration to siblings of current students if they have completed their application by January 31, 2016. Please contact Rachel with any questions. Current families wishing to apply for financial aid for the 2016-17 school year If you would like to apply for financial aid for the upcoming year, please complete your online application (http://sssbynais.org/parents) and provide supporting documents to Kevin Richmond, Business Director, by January 31, 2016.
More information may be found on the Riverstone website.
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JOIN MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL
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All interested Gr 6-8 boys are welcome to join the Riverstone's Middle School Basketball team. Practices will be Monday - Thursday from 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM and there will be two games per week.
The first practice will be on Monday, Jan 11 from 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM in the Kennedy Gymnasium and the season will finish on Wednesday, Mar 2.
If your Middle School student is interested, there is a mandatory Parent Meeting on Monday, Jan 11 from 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM in the Kennedy Gymnasium. Middle School Basketball Team MANDATORY Parent Meeting: Monday, Jan 11 from 4:45 PM - 5:00 PM in the Kennedy Gymnasium.
All players, regardless of grade, must fill out the Athletics Consent Form. If you have any questions, please contact Head Basketball Coach Jacob Sanders.
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STUDENT ACTIVITY AND CLUB SIGN-UPS
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Happy New Year!
We'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and thank you for your support in 2015. We are looking forward to another wonderful year!
Next Parents' Association Meeting
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first meeting of 2016! Please join us at our next PA Meeting on Thursday, Feb 4 at 8:45 AM in the Library.
International Committee Meeting
The next International Committee will be held on Wednesday, Jan 20 at 8:45 AM at Amy Duque's home (5292 E Quarterpath Dr, 83716). We will discuss upcoming events in February for our Elementary School students and the International Committee item for the Auction. All parents are invited to join us! Computer Graphics/Design Assistance We are looking for someone in the Riverstone community with Computer Graphics/Design background that would be willing to assist with a project. If you have experience or know of someone who does and might be interested, please contact Natalie Geffros.
Thank you! We'd also like to thank the PA for providing snacks during our teacher in-service day on Monday. The treats were delicious and made our first day back even better!   |
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OUTDOOR EDUCATION WINTER ACTIVITIES
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Are you ready? Winter Outdoor Education activities begin Monday, Jan 11.
To prepare for these activities, please:
- 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.
- Release Forms were sent home with your child prior to Winter Break. Elementary School students should return the form to their classroom teacher and Middle/High School students should return forms to Ben Brock.
Check out the video below on best ways to layer clothing and which type of clothing you should be bringing for these activities and Winter Trips:
If you have any questions, please contact Ben Brock.
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AUCTION COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
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 It's time to giddyup! The auction committee needs your talents and energy! The auction committee will be gathering on Tuesday, January 19 in the Multi-Purpose Room at 8:45 AM.
Join us to brainstorm options for auction items, learn the nitty-gritty of how we organize and execute the Riverstone auction, share your thoughts to elevate the fun, and get involved with one of Riverstone's biggest fundraisers! Contact Amy Bava, co-chair of this year's auction, if you would like more information or if you would like to get involved but are not able to attend.
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Dust off your cowboy boots, hats, flannels, and handkerchiefs! All students in Gr 9-12 and their guests are invited to our Snow Down dance on Saturday, Jan 23 from 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM in the Kennedy Gymnasium Foyer.
High School Student Council representatives will sell tickets starting the week of Monday, Jan 18 during lunch. Ticket prices are $5 if purchased before the dance and $7 at the door.
Guests are more than welcome to attend with a signed Guest Permission Form. Please download and return to Tarrah Elam prior to the evening of Saturday, Jan 23.
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RIVERSTONE LIVE: SAVE THE DATE
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 Save the date for the next Riverstone LIVE! Join us on Friday, Feb 19 at 7:30 PM at the District Coffee House (219 N 10th Street in downtown Boise) to watch Riverstone student bands Lone Tree River, Sloth Patrol, and The Regulars perform. We can't wait to see you there! Riverstone LIVE! on Friday, Feb 19 at 7:30 PM
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OVERHEARD AT THE ALUMNI HOLIDAY BASH
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We were thrilled to see so many alumni back home for the holidays and hear all about their latest adventures. Included below are a few photos from the party and some awesome updates from alumni we "overheard." Thank you to everyone who attended! Julia F (2010) is now working at Boise State University as Operations Assistant for Women's Basketball and as the Administrative Assistant for both Women's and Men's Basketball. Charlie U (2009) recently returned from a trip to Chile where he worked with internationally renowned painter Tony Foster. Becca Q (2011) caught up with fellow classmates and told us all about her new position with the Evanston Public School system in Illinois developing educational programs and assisting with budget development. Alex P (2014) recently declared Economics as his major at Pomona College. Ellery C (2014) is playing volleyball as a sophomore at Lewis and Clark University while studying International Affairs. Hannah Mae S (2009) encouraged her fellow alums to come and check out the newly renovated Discovery Center where she works as the Volunteer Program Director and assists with various marketing initiatives. Erik M (2005) enjoyed answering his peers' questions about his current job testing out video games in Portland. From the Class of 2012: Jonathon F and Jackson C will graduate this spring with degrees in Economics from Duke University and Wesleyan University, respectively; Davis G will also graduate this spring from Arizona State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Karoline W (2015) is loving her freshman year at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania and is hoping to major in International Relations or Global Studies.    
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We recently got to catch up with German exchange student, Alex R, who studied at Riverstone from Sept 2005 - June 2006 with the class of 2007.
Watch the video below to hear about his experience at Riverstone and why he continues to come back to Boise to visit his teachers, peers, and host family.
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WELCOME BACK FROM OUR SCHOOL COUNSELORS
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Happy New Year!
The following is a note from Andrea Kuenzli and Shirley O'Neil, our school counselors.  Welcome back, Riverstone! We hope that your break was fun, relaxing, and stress free.
We wanted to remind everyone that we are here for you and your students. We can help with stress management, time management, anxiety, sleeping troubles, mindset, relationships, happiness, a balanced lifestyle, and many more topics.
The parent resource board located outside of our office in the Elementary School currently features articles on motivation and happiness. Take a moment to look through the board with your student(s) and let us know if we can provide you with any further information.
Please also email either of us ( Shirley or Andrea) if you have any questions or concerns. You can stop by our office, located in the Elementary School, anytime. If we're unavailable, feel free to leave a note in our mailbox on the office door.
Andrea and Shirley
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DONATE YOUR USED RIVERSTONE GEAR
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 Do you have used or outgrown Riverstone apparel? The PA is collecting retired Riverstone gear for a 2016 Auction Project. All colors, sizes, and logos are welcome. Please bring in anything you would like to contribute to the donation box at the Elementary School Front Desk or Kathleen Gilton's office in the Middle School. If you have any questions, please contact Natalie Geffros or Sarah Taylor.
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BIG BREAK BIRDING COMPETITION
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 Submit your Annual Big Break Birding "Competition" list to Ben Brock or Kerry Fitzharris by this Friday, Jan 8.
Raffle tickets will be awarded for a variety of categories and everyone has the chance to win! If you have any questions, please reach out to Riverstone's resident "Bird Dorks" Ben Brock, Kerry Fitzharris or Kim Liebich! |
 Welcome back Riverstone students! Life's Kitchen is in full swing, and next week's menu is listed below. If you haven't registered, it's easy and quick, and so is ordering. You can purchase meals for one day or an entire week, or month. There are many meal options, so look through the entire spring menu here. - Monday: Spaghetti and bolognese sauce served with roasted broccoli, seasonal fruit, and a roll
- Tuesday: Savory BBQ chicken sandwich with roasted corn and seasonal fruit
- Wednesday: Cheese, Pepperoni, and Hawaiian pizza by the slice
- Thursday: Shredded chicken hard shell tacos with seasoned rice, veggie sticks, and taco fixings
- Friday: Macaroni and cheese with green beans, veggie sticks, and seasonal fruit
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This week's Facebook photo of the week features our Gr 4 students impressing our administrators during the presentation of their persuasive essays! They presented many terrific ideas on how to improve our school.
Keep an eye on Riverstone's Facebook page and Instagram to keep up with what's happening at Riverstone!
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