Headmaster Letter
"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions." - Albert Einstein
I have always drawn inspiration from this quote, as it speaks to "possibilities." I also believe it captures the fundamental truth and goals of education - the ability to see what could be and then to make it reality. This past week I had the privilege to witness this first hand and I thought it would be fun to share a few observations.
The week actually started last Friday with an exceptional Variety Show in support of the Student Hunger Drive. For several weeks, under the creative mentorship of Sally Schulz and Kristin Skaggs, students strove for originality and directed their passion for the arts to support the hunger campaign. The show not only showcased tremendous talent, but highlighted students' confidence in themselves and their peers.
On Saturday, Rivermont hosted a tournament for the Varsity and Middle School Volleyball teams that included teams comprised of faculty and parents. Despite the occasional groan of a missed shot or an overly stretched muscle from the adult teams, the gym was awash with a sense of community and fun from what I'm assured will be a new annual tradition.
Sunday switched to Robotics as the Middle School teams create innovative solutions to natural disasters. From inflatable shelters to chemical fire retardants to personal avalanche protective gear, students are collaborating to find out-of-the-box solutions to save lives. And this is not even mentioning the robot programming!
And last night, weeks of planning and work by the Hunger Drive Committee resulted in 11,370 pounds of food being delivered to the River Bend Foodbank. While we took first place in our division, in talking to our students it was evident that was never the real goal. I think one of our 3rd Grade students said is best: "We just want to help - and see Mr. Zachary with red hair." Well, one out of two isn't bad. Thank you to the entire Rivermont Family for making such a difference in the community.
While it has been a week filled with imagination and promise, the real magic was in the work of our parents, who volunteered and stepped forward with tremendous energy. My heartfelt thanks to Parents' Council and all Rivermont Families - from an exceptional Book Fair that netted over $3,600 in books back to classrooms to the tireless coaching of our Robotics teams - no one can say the magic of turning imagination to reality is exclusive to our students. Thank you for your energy and passion in guiding our students to success.
It's truly been a remarkable week and we are only now just concluding the opening song.
Wishing everyone a safe and warm weekend as the Middle School ventures south to help land a few airplanes, travel across a silver beam, and maybe solve a few mysteries.
Best,
Todd Zachary, Headmaster
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