Paw Postings Banner 2013-14 
November 8th, 2013
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

 

Traffic Safety Reminder
  
Please use the crosswalk to move between the parking lot and the lower entrance to Becherer Hall. Pedestrians (especially small children) are very difficult to see emerging from between parked cars into the line of traffic coming down the hill. Please also remember to drive slowly as you move down the hill and around Becherer Hall. Safety first!
Rivermont Wins Our Division of Hunger Drive! 
  
Congrats to the Upper School Hunger Drive Committee and a HUGE thank you to the entire Rivermont Community for your support during the last 6 weeks - Rivermont WON our division of the 2013 Student Hunger Drive!
  
We collected 11,370 pounds of food - 248.5 pounds per student - and the value of our donation is over $5,500. Way to go, Lions!
  
Rivermont Receives 2 Grants
Funds help support Visual Art at Rivermont!
  
Scott County Waste Commission ($150) - For an environmental education project led by Colleen Tomlinson, Visual Art faculty. K-12th students will create a collaborative 4'x8' mural using recycled bottle caps. The project creates a visual representation of how small objects of trash (like bottle caps) accumulate within our school community. Students will also learn about up-cycling and how art can be created using objects that would otherwise take up landfill space.
 
John J. Quail Foundation ($256) - To purchase The World's Greatest Artists DVD set for the Visual Art department. The set introduces Lower School students to Leonardo Da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Andy Warhol, and more through animated art history.
Grandparents' & Special Friends' Day
Wed. 11/27
  
This beloved annual event celebrates the special people that help shape the lives of our students. Guests will enjoy a visit to students' classrooms followed by a reception and music program.
 
Please complete an invitation form and return to Rivermont no later than Friday, November 22 so we may send a student-designed invitation to grandparents and special friends.
 
Invitation forms are available on the Rivermont website - click here.
Concordia Language Villages Logo Concordia Language Villages
Trip available to 3rd-6th Grade
Registration Due Wed. 11/13

 

Students in 3rd-6th Grade are invited to attend the Concordia Language Villages trip this coming April in Bemidji, MN. Concordia is a unique experience in language and cultural immersion! In order to secure your child's reservation, please submit the $50 deposit, registration form, and health form to Dana Fee by Wednesday, November 13. These forms, as well as an itinerary and cost information, are available on the calendar at www.RivermontCollegiate.org/calendar (scroll to November 13).

Parents' Council Image Meetings Next Week

 

Parents' Council

Tues. 11/12 - 8:30 a.m.

Cafeteria

At this meeting, Parents' Council will be voting on updated Bylaws and Mission Statement. Parents' Council is open to all parents of Rivermont students and there are still plenty of opportunities to help this year - join us!

 

Auction Committee

Thurs. 11/14 - 12:00 p.m.

Mansion Reading Room

This meeting will be very informal and we are seeking any and all who are able to help with this year's Auction and Dinner. We are always looking for new members on the Auction Committee! The Auction is held in the spring and is a large fundraiser for Rivermont. There are a wide variety of tasks (big to small) that make the event a success - join us to learn more and explore how you may be able to help!

Standardized Test Iowa Assessments & CogAT Testing Next Week

Nov. 11-15

Iowa Assessments (Grades 2-8)

CogAT (Grades 4, 7, 9) - please note CogAT testing extends into week of Nov. 18

 

Rivermont students will be taking the Iowa Assessments (formerly ITBS) and CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) during the week of November 11-15 (CogAT testing for Grades 4, 7, and 9 will extend into the week of November 18). Homework for students taking these tests will be very light. For best performance on these tests, it is recommended that students be well rested, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive to school on time.

Go Lions!  Support Rivermont Student-Athletes! Lion Head
  
Middle School Boys Basketball competes in the first games of the season next week!
  
Tues. 11/12 - Middle School Boys BB vs. Eagle Ridge (away)
Thurs. 11/14 - Middle School Boys BB vs. Morning Star (home)
 
Complete schedules are available on the Rivermont website calendar.
Plan to Attend: Alumni Basketball Game
Wed. 11/27 - 11:10 a.m. Tip-Off
  
Once a Lion, always a Lion! Stay connected to friends who shared the court and classroom and the faculty and coaches dedicated to your success. Join us to play or just to cheer and catch up. Alumni cheerleaders are encouraged to join the current Varsity squad to cheer at the game, as well! Those who wish to play (or cheer with the cheerleaders), please RSVP to Brian Carman - [email protected].

Rivermont Snapshots:

Intellect, Character, and Creativity in action!

There's much more to see - follow Rivermont on Facebook!

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RIVERMONT COLLEGIATE
The Quad Cities' Only Private College Prep School for PreSchool through 12th Grade
1821 Sunset Drive - Bettendorf, IA 52722 - (563) 359-1366