Riverstone International School
January 21, 2016
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 Hi All,
January at Riverstone always ushers in a flurry of Outdoor Program activities as students lace up ice skates, click into nordic skis, and strap on snowshoes. Currently, Elementary School students are getting valuable practice layering for the cold and managing personal equipment while also improving balance, endurance, and coordination. For some, winter recreation is outside of their comfort zone; opportunities to offer and to receive assistance from classmates help knit our community together in sometimes subtle, but significant ways. Likewise, teachers and parent volunteers help ensure that students know they are supported even when the going gets tough.
Shortly, older students will up the ante; Grade 5 will travel to McCall where they'll live, study snow-science, and play for five days at the McCall Outdoor Science School. Students in Grades 8 and 10 will travel to the mountains beyond Idaho City where they'll backpack to yurts and remote campsites to learn about snowpack analysis and build and sleep in snow shelters. Skills that students began developing in younger years will help them succeed in what can be very challenging conditions on Middle and High School winter trips.
Perhaps more significant than the winter skills, however, are the attitudes towards outdoor recreation that take root during these long, cold months. At Riverstone, we aim to foster in students an appreciation for shared outdoor experiences as well as for our natural environment. Whether they're laughing with teachers and classmates on a bluebird, shirt-sleeve day on the nordic trails at Bogus, or enjoying a cup of hot chocolate after crawling out of a snow shelter to a foot of new snow, Riverstone students learn that together they can thrive in the face of significant challenges, and that time spent outdoors with friends is time well spent, even as the temps drop towards single digits!
Hope to see you out on (and off!) the trails this winter,  |
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PARENT COFFEE WITH SCHOOL COUNSELORS
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 Please join our school counselors to learn how to help your child with anxiety this Friday, Jan 22 at 2:15 PM in the Library. The counselors will be sharing different methods and approaches that you can take to help your child work through their anxiety.
One approach to coping with your child's anxiety is the F.E.E.L method:
- Freeze - Pause and take some deep breaths with your child. Help them calm down.
- Empathize - Anxiety is scary. Your child wants to know that you understand this.
- Evaluate - Once your child is calm, it's time to figure out possible solutions.
- Let Go - Let go of guilt. You are giving your child the tools to help them cope.
If you would like more information, please stop by the counseling office or contact Andrea or Shirley. We look forward to seeing you there! Parent Coffee with School Counselors: Friday, Jan 22 at 2:15 PM in the Library
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 Just a reminder that the next Passport Club testing is Tuesday, Jan 26 for all Elementary School grades except Grade 2. Students in Grade 2 will complete their testing on Thursday, Jan 28.
Please remind your Elementary School students to prepare for the testing! Contact Julia Davis with any questions. |
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KINDERGARTEN READINESS INFO SESSION
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 James Hamilton-Vail, Elementary School Director, will be hosting an information session for parents who are interested in learning more about Kindergarten Readiness and Riverstone's Kindergarten program on Wednesday, Jan 27 at 8:45 AM.
If you have a student who will be eligible for Kindergarten in the fall, please join us. There will be a short presentation followed by a question and answer session.
Feel free to invite friends!
Kindergarten Readiness: Wednesday, Jan 27 at 8:45 AM in the Elementary School
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 We have spirit, yes we do! We have spirit, how about you? Let's turn up our school spirit January 25 - January 29 with Spirit Week. Here is the schedule for the week's activities. Students in all grades may participate as they'd like!
Monday, Jan 25: DO IT UP with Crazy Hair Day!
Tuesday, Jan 26: SPORT UP with International Sport Day! Wear your favorite jersey, be a fan, referee or player.
Wednesday, Jan 27: COLOR UP with Class Color Day! Check out which color each grade will be wearing here.
Thursday, Jan 28: POWER UP with Super Hero Day! Plus Ottergraphs signed by Riverstone athletes outside of the Elementary School at 3:30 PM.
Friday, Jan 29: OTTER UP with Spirit Day! Wear Riverstone school colors of navy blue and light blue (white is always good too!) plus Girls Basketball SENIOR NIGHT in Kennedy Gymnasium at 6:00 PM.
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CARNIVAL AROUND THE WORLD
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 The International Committee is planning a special event for Elementary School students to celebrate "Carnival Around the World." The committee is building upon last year's event, Mardi Gras, and focusing this year on celebrating Carnival in Brazil.
The committee is preparing displays featuring how different cities and countries celebrate Carnival. Currently, they are featuring Italia, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela and New Orleans. It would be great to have more countries represented. If you have experience with celebrating Carnival, own something relating carnival that we can borrow, or would like to be involved in this fun celebration, please contact Sumiko Gomi via email or text. Please contact her before Sunday, Jan 24 if you'd like to be involved. The display will be in the Atrium from February 1-12, with our special student celebration, including Brazilian treats during lunch on Tuesday, Feb 9. |
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AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES BEGIN NEXT WEEK: SIGN UP TODAY!
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 Session 3 After School Activities begin next Monday, Jan 25!
We have many new activities to choose from such as Dance, Yoga, Embroidery, Robotics, Card Making, Film, and so much more.
Please fill out the appropriate form at the link below for your student and return it to Tarrah Elam, or contact her with any questions.
Download Elementary School After-School Activities Session 3 here.
Download Middle and High School After-School Activities Session 3 here.
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STUDENT HOSTING OPPORTUNITY
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If you have ever thought about hosting, but haven't been sure about taking an unknown student into your home, we have a fantastic opportunity for you! Two years ago we had a student from France, Theo, who spent a year at Riverstone. He quickly became a favorite of all of his teachers and many of the students. Not only was he well liked at school and by his host family, but his parents and the rest of his family embraced the Riverstone community.
Now they would like their younger son, Sam, to have the same kind of wonderful experience Theo had. Sam is enthusiastic about soccer and enjoys tennis. He is really excited by the possibility of coming to Idaho and becoming a part of our community. If you have considered hosting, this young man would be a wonderful student to share your home with. It is imperative that we secure a host family for him as soon as possible so that we can ensure that he is placed at Riverstone and that we have the opportunity to continue building this international relationship with he and his family. If you are interested in hosting Sam, please contact Jane Kaserman or Rachel Pusch for more information.
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CHECK OUT RIVERSTONE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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Riverstone social media accounts are growing and a great way to keep an eye on what's happening on a daily basis at school!
- Class of 2015 graduate Levi S's graduation speech
- LearnStorm parent informational meeting invitation from Riverstone's Khan Academy ambassadors
- Everyday sightings from building snowmen at recess to classroom activities to weekly sport events
- Spanish exchange student, Andres G
- Save the Date: Riverstone Annual Auction
- Riverstone Outdoor Education: Winter Activities
- Exploring Magnetism and Electricity with Micron
- Annual Riverstone Alumni Bash
Recent Instagram posts include photos and videos from: - High School Girls and Boys Basketball team photos
- Winter Outdoor Education SnowSchool student selfie
- Plowing snow in front of the Elementary School building
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GR 9-12 SNOW DOWN DANCE: THIS SATURDAY
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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 this Saturday, Jan 23 from 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM in the Kennedy Gymnasium Foyer.
High School Student Council representatives are selling tickets through this Friday, Jan 22. 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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 A fun surprise arrived in the mail this week: a plaque from the Festival of Trees as recognition for Riverstone's entry this year, Totally Tubular.
You may recall that our tree was made entirely of recycled PVC tubing and upcycled ornaments. The tree was stunning and was awarded Best in Show in the School/Youth Division II for Non-Tradition Christmas trees!
At right is our Festival of Trees Chairperson and Chief Decorator, Michelle Nenov, with our plaque that will be on display in the Elementary School.
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CALL FOR MUSICIANS: FRIDAY MORNING MUSIC
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 Starting at 7:45 AM on Friday, Jan 29, students will play their instruments until 8:20 AM (in time for them to get to class). Please join us in the Elementary School Atrium and start your day off on a good note!
If your child would like to perform on one of the dates below, please email Nicole Golay or Damon Brown. This is a wonderful opportunity for students who study music privately to participate in a supportive recital setting.Friday Morning Music: Friday, Jan 29 at 7:45 AM - 8:20 AM in the Elementary School Atrium. |
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RIVERSTONE AUCTION: SAVE THE DATE!
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We hope to see you all at this year's Auction "Boots, Chaps, and Cowboy Hats" donning your best cowboy apparel! Make sure to save Saturday, Mar 12 at 5:00 PM on your calendar now so you don't miss out on the fun.
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Next Parents' Association Meeting
Please join us at our next PA Meeting on Thursday, Feb 4 at 8:45 AM in the Library. Auction Committee Volunteers Needed
It's time to giddyup! The auction committee needs your talents and energy. Contact Amy Bava, co-chair of this year's auction, if you would like more information or if you would like to get involved. |
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PRIORITY APPLICATIONS & FINANCIAL AID REMINDER
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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 Pusch 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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 A note from High School Girls Basketball Coach Wally Bashaw:
"The team traveled to Idaho City to battle with the #5 team in the state last week. We came out a little excited and Idaho City put on the pressure by getting a 23 point lead in the first half. From there, the girls steadied the ship and fought hard only allowing Idaho City to score 8 points in the second half but still losing despite their awesome efforts. Our next game was at home against Rimrock High School. The team came out with a plan in putting pressure on Rimrock to try and get some easy baskets, getting them to turn the ball over 15 times in the first half but struggled to turn that into points. Going into the half down by 13 points, they came out strong in the second half but couldn't get the ball into the basket, falling to Rimrock 21-46. We are definitely seeing improvement in various important parts throughout each game. In our last 3 games, Riverstone has taken more shots than their opponents along with having more takeaways than turnovers. We are making great progress!"
 A note from High School Boys Basketball Coach Eric Chapman:
"We are now 8-4 in this season and currently in the thick of league play with games every Tuesday and Friday this month. The Varsity team captured their first ever victory up against Idaho City High School! Alex M (Gr 11) played a superb all-around game leading the team in both scoring and assists while Jack G (Gr 11) led us on the boards with 9 rebounds.
Back home in the Otter's Den on Tuesday night the Varsity boys established a new team record with their eighthwin of the season over Rimrock High School. Building a big early lead allowed everyone to get involved as eight different players scored. Individually, junior Dedi S led in scoring, rebounding and assists while juniors Andres G and Jack G each scored in double figures and freshman Bobby L also scored in his first varsity game.
Our Junior Varsity squad is gradually starting to become a more cohesive unit as they see regular game action. They lost to Idaho City High School by 3 points to what is easily one of the tallest and most physical teams they will face all season. Seven different players scored during the game with sophomore Joshua H-K leading the way. At our home game, the team earned their most dominant win of the season 48-27 over Rimrock High School. Again a balanced attack with eight different players scoring led by Joshua H-K (Gr 10) and Orion B (Gr 9).
Our schedule becomes much more challenging the next few weeks starting with back-to-back away games at Wilder High School this Friday and at Victory Charter School next Tuesday. It would be great to see some friendly, supportive fans in the stands out on the road to help cheer us on!" Photos are posted on Riverstone's Facebook page!
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 Box Tops for Education
Get clipping your Box Tops or round up the ones that you've already clipped from the bottom of the drawer where you stash them. You can help the school earn money...painlessly! Just look for the BoxTops logo. For a complete listing of items that qualify, visit their website to download a list.
Bring them in to the Elementary School front desk.
 Idaho Youth Ranch Donations
The school earns money from the donations that we use towards our service learning program. Last year, we raised enough funds to cover the cost of transporting advisory groups to their project sites for the Middle & High School Day of Service.
Visit our donation bin in the Elementary School parking lot to drop off any donations.
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 There are many great hot and cold lunch options for this week, so look through the entire spring menu here. |
This week's Facebook photo of the week features students using their time during recess to make giant snowballs!
Keep an eye on Riverstone's Facebook page and Instagram to keep up with what's happening at Riverstone!
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