Riverstone International School
May 19, 2016
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Hi All, It is hard to believe that next week is graduation here at Riverstone - time flies! As you have heard many times, Riverstone's graduation is unlike any other. I urge you to attend all, or part of, the ceremony in order to see our faculty talk about each student and then to hear our students reflect of their time here. This tradition is always moving and celebrates what we pride ourselves on the most - the wonderful young adults that our students have become.
Speaking of flying (yes, terrible lead in)... if you happen to be driving down the road on Saturday morning, you may see something familiar flying by; our modular classrooms being driven off. Despite their current condition they have served us well. They echo years of great teaching within their walls. They made our school possible. All of our graduates remember them fondly - sort of an ugly building bond. It is a testament to our amazing teachers that Riverstone has grown in spite of them.
You will notice that the construction fencing has been installed and will remain throughout the summer as the building of "Phase 1" of the new Middle and High school begins. Because of the construction, we have been thoughtful about necessary changes to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors.
We will now be holding a student and teacher "thank you and farewell" during the final day of school instead of our usual all-school barbecue after school. Additionally, we are only offering one week of summer camps. We want all our focus to be on the safe and timely completion of the project.
This is also the time of year for us to say both goodbye and welcome to faculty (please see a note on staff transitions below). For those who have served our community, I say thank you and we wish you the best in your new endeavors. I am also excited to welcome new members to our community and announce new teacher roles.
Thank you for your continued support and keep your eyes on the road!
Call for anything,
Bob Carignan
Head of School
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 As we near the end of the 2015-2016 school year, we would like thank all of our staff for their dedication to our students and families as well as share news of staffing changes and transitions for the upcoming school year. Please join us in wishing those well who are departing for the next step in their journeys and warmly welcome new staff as they begin their Riverstone careers.
We wish all the best to the following staff members who are departing at the end of the school year.
Tom Dempsey will be pursuing other opportunities after three years at Riverstone teaching Humanities in the Middle School. We have appreciated Tom's dedication, commitment, and enthusiasm. We wish him all the best on his next adventure!
Demi Dlouhy, our Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme PE teacher and Athletic Director, is leaving Riverstone to obtain her Masters in Educational Leadership at Boise State University. She has been instrumental in advancing our athletics program over the past four years. Ms. Dlouhy is grateful for Riverstone allowing her to have an amazing experience and have the opportunity to impact such a great community. Go Otters!
Meghan Sterling, our Preschool teacher, is leaving Riverstone to pursue a new business venture. She will continue working with young children and parents in an exciting new venue - utilizing music and movement to foster both body and brain development in young children. Mrs. Sterling will miss the supportive Riverstone community and is grateful for the two years of fun and learning.
Sally Stewart, current Gr 3 teacher, will be retiring at the end of this academic year. Please join us in thanking her for her 19 years at Riverstone and in honoring her at her Retirement Party on Friday, June 3 (details below). Stacey Walker, current Gr 5 teacher, has accepted a position as Principal at GEM Prep: Nampa, opening for the 2016-17 academic year. In reflecting on her years at Riverstone, Stacey writes, "Riverstone has been an integral part of my development professionally and personally. In my six years here, I cannot thank the Riverstone community enough for the support, encouragement, and love like a family."
We also have staff who are transitioning roles at Riverstone or joining us for the next phase of their careers in in the fall. Please welcome them to their new roles. Pete Burton, who is currently teaching Gr 2, will be transitioning to teach PE for both the Elementary and Middle School in the new school year. Pete has a wealth of experience working with youth in athletics, in addition to his five years of International Baccalaureate PYP teaching experience at Riverstone. Pete is a Class A Golf Teaching Professional, Meridian PAL football referee, and an instructor and coordinator for The First Tee of Idaho, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to positively impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
 Mary Stewart will be joining Riverstone as our Senior Residential Coordinator for the new boarding program. Mary is coming to us from Mount Mansfield Winter Academy in Stowe, VT where she has been a long-time English teacher and dorm parent. Mary is a graduate of the University of Vermont and is finishing her Master of Arts at the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College. Mary was a competitive nordic skier for the University of Vermont and is looking forward to moving to Idaho and joining Riverstone International School as we build our residential program for students in Grades 9-12.  Britt Thorpe will be returning to Riverstone and joining the Elementary School next year to teach Gr 2. Britt graduated from the University of California, Berkley with a B.A. in Geography and from the University of Oregon with her M.S. in Geography. She holds both a Montessori Primary Teaching Credential, and a California Teaching Credential. Britt has taught in California, Idaho, and internationally at the Dalian American International School, China, and the American International School of Chennai, India. |
A new kind of senior prank tradition: thanking the teachers and staff at Riverstone International School for everything. Thank YOU Class of 2016 for your amazing contribution to our community. Looking forward to your Commencement next Thursday!
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GR 6 - 8 FOURTH OF JULY DANCE - TOMORROW NIGHT!
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 Gr 6 - 8 are invited to the last Middle School Social of the year! The "4th of July BBQ" Dance will be tomorrow night, Friday, May 20 from 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM in the Kennedy Gymnasium Foyer.
An American-themed dance, please dress all in blue, all in red, all in white or a combination. Tickets are currently on sale. The cost is $5 before the end of school on Friday or $7 at the door. Please email Tarrah Elam with any questions.
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SAVE THE DATE! UPCOMING END-OF-YEAR EVENTS
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Please keep these dates on your calendars regarding end of the school year events as well as summer hours. Email Kathleen Gilton with any questions and you can view the School Calendar at any time here.
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Event
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Date & Time
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Location
| Gr 5 Exhibition Evening
| Tuesday, May 24
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
| Elementary School Atrium
| Middle and High School Awards
| Wednesday, May 25
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
| Kennedy Gymnasium
| Honor the Seniors Dessert
| Wednesday, May 25
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
| Barber Park Event Center (4049 S Eckert Rd, Boise, ID 83716)
| Commencement Exercises
| Thursday, May 26
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
| Kennedy Gymnasium
| Friday Morning Music
| Friday, May 27
7:45 AM - 8:20 AM
| Elementary School Atrium
| Gr 6 - 12 Advisory Adventure Race
| Friday, May 27
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
| Riverstone Field
| NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
| Monday, May 30
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| Gr 5 Move Up Ceremony
| Tuesday, May 31
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
| Kennedy Gymnasium
| Last Day of School
| Thursday, June 2
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| Elementary School Field Day
| Thursday, June 2
12:45 PM - 2:30 PM
| Riverstone Field
| | End of Year Celebration | Thursday, June 2
2:30 PM - 3:05 PM | Riverstone Field
| Sally Stewart Retirement Party
| Friday, June 3
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
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2005 Claremont Dr. Boise, ID 83702 (Frizzell Residence)
| School Open - Summer Hours
| Tuesday, June 7 - Sunday, July 3
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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| | School Closed | Monday, July 4 - Sunday, July 17 |
| School Open - Summer Hours
| Monday, July 18 - Sunday, August 28
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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| | Summer Camps Week | Monday, August 8 - Friday, August 12 |
| First Day of the 2016-17 School Year
| Monday, August 29
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SALLY STEWART RETIREMENT PARTY
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 You're invited! Please join us to thank and honor a special colleague, innovator, educator, adviser, friend, trailblazer and teacher.
Sally Stewart, Gr 3 teacher, is retiring after 19 years of inspiring students at Riverstone. Pictured on the right with the current graduating Class of 2016 in their Gr 3 year, we will be hosting a Retirement Party on Friday, June 3 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Frizzell Residence (2005 Claremont Drive, Boise, ID 83702).
Please RSVP to Tarrah Elam if you would like to attend.
Sally Stewart Retirement Party: Friday, June 3 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at the Frizzell Residence (2005 Claremont Drive, Boise, ID 83702)
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HONOR THE SENIORS DESSERT & COMMENCEMENT
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 Honor the Seniors Dessert - RSVP's Due TOMORROW!
Please join us next Wednesday, May 25 at 6:30 PM at the Barber Park Education and Events Center ( 4049 S Eckert Road, Boise, ID 83706) for our annual Senior Dessert! This is a special event in which family, friends, teachers, and classmates wish the Class of 2016 well as they prepare for their graduation the next day. Tasty desserts, great stories, and a class video are part of the evening's festivities.
Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 for students; and free to the Class of 2016. Cash, check, credit, or billing by Kevin Richmond are all acceptable forms of payment! Please RSVP by TOMORROW, Friday, May 20.
To reserve your tickets for the Senior Dessert, please stop by the Elementary School or Middle School front desk. You may also email Kathleen Gilton.
Senior Dessert: Wednesday, May 25 at 6:30 PM at the Barber Park Education and Events Center (4049 S Eckert Road, Boise, ID 83706) **Tickets required -- please RSVP by TOMORROW, Friday, May 20**
Class of 2016 Commencement - Next Thursday! Commencement exercises will take place on Thursday, May 26 at 4:00 PM in the Kennedy Gymnasium. Graduation is another one of our unique-to-Riverstone events: each graduate will be spoken about by a teacher or staff member, and then will reflect on his or her time at Riverstone. The words spoken at this ceremony are truly incredible. We encourage families to join in the celebration of our graduates!
Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2016: Thursday, May 26 at 4:00 PM in the Kennedy Gymnasium (5521 Warm Springs Avenue, Boise, ID 83716)
**No ticket required**
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 Did you know your student may not be fully enrolled for next year yet? Have you logged into SchoolAdmin to check? As a part of the re-enrollment process additional enrollment forms (Student Health, Emergency contacts, Field trip permission, etc) must be submitted as well. These forms should be submitted no later than Tuesday, May 31.
At this time, we have forms from approximately 79%
of our families. Only 21% left to go! Thank you!
It is critically important to complete these forms as soon as possible. Working with the most up-to-date information makes a world of difference and we certainly appreciate your help.
Log into SchoolAdmin here to check your student's status and complete any remaining forms. Please email Sarah Taylor with any questions.
Re-enrollment forms due by Tuesday, May 31!
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 A quick reminder that Tuesday, May 24, is the next Elementary School Passport Club testing!
Happy studying! And good luck!
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GRADE 5 EXHIBITION & MOVE UP CEREMONY
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 Over eight weeks, 27 fifth grade students worked in ten groups studying 10 real-world issues and completed 56 unique community-based action steps to positively impact our community. On Tuesday, May 24 at 6:30 PM, you are cordially invited to attend the Riverstone Grade Five Exhibition, the culminating project for the Primary Years Programme (PYP), in the Kennedy Atrium.
Please join us for a celebratory evening as students share their Exhibition inquiries into real-world issues and resulting community-based action. For more information on each project, download this spreadsheet and this action chart.
And save the date! Please also plan to join us at the Gr 5 Move Up Ceremony on Tuesday, May 31 at 9:00 AM in the Kennedy Gymnasium.
Please contact Stacey Walker or Trevor Lindsay with questions. |
 Our final Friday Morning Music performance will be next Friday, May 27 at 7:45 AM - 8:20 AM. We have a full program filled with young Riverstone musicians.
Please join us in the Elementary School Atrium for this wonderful final performance and start your morning off on a good note!
Final Friday Morning Music Performance: Friday, May 27 at 7:45 AM - 8:20 AM in the Elementary School Atrium.
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4TH ANNUAL RIVERCAMPS ADVENTURE RACE
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 The 4th Annual Adventure Race Competition returns! Next Friday, students in Grades 6 - 12 will have their last two advisory gatherings.On Monday, advisory groups will gather together for a planning session to organize each student into competitor roles in the Adventure Race.The Adventure Race will take place during the morning of Friday, May 27 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This unique relay race requires each student to participate in one of five legs: kayaking, orienteering, balloon launching, biking, and climbing, as well as two whole group challenges.This fun competition encourages students to work together, cheer each other on, and builds community. The reigning champs from the 2015 competition are the students in the the Clearwater Advisory Group. Who will take home the Gold in 2016?
Please contact Tarrah Elam with questions!Middle and High School Advisory Adventure Race: Friday, May 27 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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SUPPORT RIVERSTONE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
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Have you followed us on Facebook and Instagram yet? Did your student return home from their Spring Trip with some great photos that you've shared on your own social media? Tag Riverstone so we can see your great community posts!
- If tagging on Facebook, please make sure you are following us and either enter @Riverstone International School in the text of your post or tag Riverstone as your location. Please also feel free to share any of our posts with your friends and family on your personal page by clicking the "Share" button.
We can't wait to see your great photos and posts on social media!
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MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL MORNING OF SERVICE
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Check out these reflections from our Riverstone students and participating parents -- as well as from the Boise community -- on our Morning of Service tradition that we organize each semester.
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GR 3 ARTWORK AT ST. ALPHONSUS
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 Riverstone Gr 3 artists recently shared their floral artwork masterpieces with St. Alphonsus Hospital. Their work will be featured in the patients hallway on the 3rd Floor.
Students connected the study of watercolors with their classroom unit of inquiry, Sharing the Planet, in which they are studying water as a resource. They hope to understand how we use water, care for it, and ensure that all humans have access to clean water. Each student chose their own flower to create using pencil and watercolor. By painting with watercolors, students learned another important characteristic of one of the Earth's most important resources. They also hope to brighten the day of visitors to the hospital!
Thanks to Elementary School Art Teacher, Jay Nelson, for coordinating this wonderful partnership!
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DP BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT COURSE REQUEST
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 Jami Whitmer, our Diploma Programme Coordinator, is seeking business leaders who are willing to provide incoming senior Business and Management students with real-world business connections.
During the final year of the IB program, senior Business and Management HL students are required to conduct a research project in which they demonstrate the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize business decisions using business tools and theories learned in class while applying them to a real-world business setting. In order to do so, they must engage with business leaders, managers, and decision makers to gather information about choices facing an existing organization. Students lead interviews, email, skype, conduct interviews, etc. in order to gather primary data about the organization with which they are working. Ultimately, students prepare a report with recommendations to be furnished to the business leader.
Volunteers in this process agree to meet with the student at least once in person, and communicate with the student via Skype, email, or phone for perhaps a few more meetings if needed. Volunteers agree to furnish some data about their business (kept strictly confidential and shared with no one excluding the IBO) and share their experience and expertise. The time commitment required is minimal, but an ability to respond quickly to students is needed.
We hope that the Riverstone community can help identify individuals or companies who may be willing to serve in this important role starting in the Fall of 2016.
If you are willing to volunteer, have a recommendation for another person to contact, or would like to learn more, please contact Jami Whitmer. |
 Thank you to everyone that joined us at the International Committee meeting yesterday! We had a wonderful year and are so thankful for your participation and support.
If you would like more information or you would like to be involved next year, please contact Sumiko Gomi. |
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PURCHASE YOUR MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK
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 If you haven't ordered your Yearbook yet, don't worry - there's still time! Order today and the Yearbook will be shipped directly to your home.
2. Enter Riverstone's code: 1014422443653681
3. Enter your information (name, email, birth date) to sign up for an account or choose the option to purchase as a guest by scrolling down and selecting "Buy Standard Yearbook"
4. Purchase your Yearbook for $21.24 - you will receive a receipt via email
5. All finished!
For every book purchased, TreeRing will plant a tree in our school's name. Please remember to join us at the Yearbook Signing Party during lunch next Tuesday, May 24. Yearbooks will be available to pick-up and participate in the signing party for those that processed their order before May 10. Please email Melinda Quick with any questions.
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RETURNING YOUR LIBRARY BOOKS
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 Please read the following note and request from our Librarian, Susan Tabb:"Well it's that time of year. Please check around your homes, cars, trucks, boats, etc., for any Riverstone Library books so your students may return them by Friday, May 13. Books can be returned to Mr. Hamilton-Vail's Library Basket, Classroom Library Baskets or directly to the Library in the Middle School.
We are also looking for clean copies of "The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel" by Gareth Hind. If your Gr 8-12 student read this book in their Gr 6 year and you still have it, please consider donating it to the Riverstone Library. Thank you for your support." Please email Susan Tabb with any questions or donations.
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The process of removing the modulars from campus continues! Keep an eye on the Riverstone Facebook page and future newsletters for further progress!
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 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. If you are ordering pizza, please only select the number of slices you want to purchase. Please do not adjust the pizza size (small, regular, large) for your order.
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| This week's Facebook photo is of our Riverstone Elementary School teachers -- and LearnStorm Ambassadors -- (from left to right) Ms. Fitzharris (Gr 4), Mrs. Wallace (Gr 3), Mrs. Walker (Gr 5) and Mr. Lindsay (Gr 5) celebrating our Khan Academy LearnStorm Math-letes on the blue turf of Boise State University last weekend! Congrats to all of our students for placing Riverstone consistently on the leaderboard throughout the competition!
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