Hi All,

Thank you to all who attended "Meet the Seniors" on Tuesday! There is no better way to understand what happens when students complete a Riverstone education than when you hear it from the students themselves. Throughout Tuesday's event, it was obvious how prepared our students are to work in a collaborative and challenging world.

One theme we heard throughout the event was that while our seniors valued so many of their shared experiences, they were encouraged and supported to develop their own interests and passions as well. Through hard work, reflection, and guidance, they each were inspired to take a special journey that was all theirs. Our mission is reflected in their comments and the actions that they have taken. I am always most proud of our school when I see first hand that our students have become the confident young adults they were meant to be.

The next step for the Class of 2016 is to sit for the very challenging  IB Diploma Programme exams during May. Students take an average of 15 exams covering all of their six subject areas except art (they submitted their portfolios earlier). These exams range from 1-3 hours and challenge students on everything that students have studied during the two-year Diploma Programme. I remember a student commenting after leaving the math exam, "These evil test making geniuses have made me use everything I ever learned! And sometimes in a single question!"

As each test session is completed, our IB team will send the completed exams to examiners around the world who have been trained to ensure that each student - regardless of where they live - is held to the same high standard. As a result, student success is internationally measured; yes, our seniors are part of a select group of students globally. This year, we hope to share examples of the type of questions students face in different subjects. Parents can take part in a fun exercise to learn first-hand what a Riverstone education prepares students to accomplish. I dare you to try and pass!

Another theme that was repeated on Tuesday was gratitude; for classmates, for our school and the education they have been afforded, for their parents who have invested in their child's education, and for their teachers who have mentored and guided them. The latter encompasses all of our staff - every teacher that students have had through the years has contributed to the success that our seniors are enjoying now.

One teacher that has had such a longstanding impact on our students is third grade teacher, Sally Stewart. From the very beginning when we were founded as Hidden Springs Community School, Sally has prepared and nurtured students for what lies ahead. It is with great excitement and sadness that I announce her retirement at the end of this school year.

Sally's wisdom, her kindness, her talent in the classroom, and her avid support of the Cal Bears is something that has impacted every student who she has taught. The memories that our students have of her are warm ones and we will enlist them to help us celebrate her final year.

Sally is a longstanding part of a dedicated team of parents and teachers who dreamed of what we have become. This team hoped to create a world-class school that would prepare students for what lies ahead and she will retire knowing that she has been an integral part of our success story.

Over the coming months, we will plan a celebration in Sally's honor and will keep you posted. Until then, please say thank you!