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May 9th, 2014
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Headmaster Letter
Happy Friday Rivermont Families!
As our year begins to come to a close, it's a natural time to reflect and take stock of the accomplishments of Rivermont faculty, staff, parents, and students this year. We set big goals and were able to accomplish or make great strides towards their attainment. To highlight just a few, we:
- Restructured Lower School curriculum, introducing new mathematics, literacy, and science programs while greatly expanding the integration of technology into classrooms
- Completed our first College Admissions Study, which helped shape new Middle and Upper School course offerings, sequence, and college planning for 2014-15
- Crafted a school-wide technology plan to expand curriculum and classroom activities
- Solidified partnerships with Augustana College, St. Ambrose University, and Western Illinois University to provide classes to rising seniors
- Expanded the faculty professional development program
- Enhanced school emergency management procedures, including a new automated notice system
- Introduced Blackbaud school management software, integrating student management from admissions to alumni relations
- Are in the final stages of constructing a new website (due to debut late May/early June)
- Are putting the final touches on a 5-year Strategic Plan
It has been a truly busy year, made entirely possible by your constant support - thank you!
I would also like to thank everyone for their tremendous support of the Annual Auction. It was an incredibly enjoyable evening. A round of applause goes to Rod Ossowski, our exceptional Director of Development, and the volunteers of the Auction Committee for all their time and talents - you are truly appreciated. A special thank you also to our sponsors and donors. The Auction would not be possible without all these amazing people!
We have a couple congratulations and, regrettably, staff announcements to make. Mrs. Brittany Marietta, our Marketing Assistant, will be leaving Rivermont at the end of the summer as she is expecting her first child. Brittany has instrumental in crafting our marketing and communications program. While we are certainly saddened to see her depart, we know she will remain a part of the Rivermont Family. We will be advertising the position opening this week for those that may be interested. Mrs. Erin DeSplinter, our innovative and talented 2nd Grade teacher, is also expecting a new baby and will be departing Rivermont at the end of the academic year. Mrs. Carrie Skillin, our energetic and driven Early School teacher who has extensive elementary experience, will take over 2nd Grade next year for Mrs. DeSplinter.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy weekend. Thank you always for your support of our students and school.
Best,
Todd Zachary, Headmaster
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Kudos!
Lauren Schroeder (7th), Asha Alla (6th), and Aislinn Geedey (7th) received the Outstanding Project in Iowa History award at this week's 2014 National History Day in Iowa contest, held at the State Historical Museum in Des Moines. Their project, a group documentary, was titled Iowa Divided: How Iowa Led the Way for African American Equality in Education.
Ashlann Fee placed 3rd in the 2nd Grade category in the 2014 WQPT-Quad Cities PBS Writers Contest. Ashlann will be recognized at an awards ceremony to be held Sunday, May 18th at the Deere-Wiman House in Moline. |
Schedule of Activities: Friday, May 9
Marion Crandell Assembly (All School)
8:45-9:15 a.m. - Auditorium
Marion Crandell, a former French teacher at St. Katharine's School, was the first American woman to be killed at the front in World War I. Rivermont annually celebrates faculty and staff and career hallmarks of 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years in an assembly named for her. Families are welcome to join us!
7th Grade to Junior Achievement Finance Park
9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Students need to pack a sack lunch.
Upper School Show Choir Performs at Rock Island Arsenal Military Spouse Appreciation Day
1:15-3:30 p.m.
World Cultures Club (Middle School) Cinco de Mayo Party
3:30-6:00 p.m. - Mansion
Upper School Student Council End-of-Year Celebration
3:30-7:30 p.m. - Rivermont Soccer Field
Cost: $5 per person
Complete details on the Rivermont website calendar - click here
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Parents' Council Meeting
Tuesday, 5/13
8:30 a.m. - Cafeteria
Last meeting of the year! Parents' Council will vote on open positions for 2014-15 - Vice President, Secretary, Scrip Co-Chairs (2 people), and Monty's Closet Co-Chairs (2-3 people). There's still time to let us know if you're interested! Contact [email protected].
Parents' Council Survey Help us gain insight from parents and plan for the year a head - your voice is important to us! Please complete the survey before May 9th - click here |
SpringFest Concert
Thursday, 5/15 7:00 p.m. - Auditorium Groups Performing: Band - Lower, Middle, and Upper School Choir - Middle and Upper School Strings - 4th & 5th Grade, Middle and Upper School
The Rivermont halls will be alive with the sound of music as we celebrate spring - don't miss it!
Complete details on the Rivermont website calendar - click here
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Bike Safety Presentation
Friday, 5/16 Rivermont Soccer Field Kindergarten - 8th Grade 2:30-3:15 p.m.
In recognition of National Bike Safety Awareness Month, the Bettendorf Police Department will host a bike safety presentation at Rivermont. They will be raffling off 10 bike helmets!
Complete details on the Rivermont website calendar - click here
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All Sports Picnic
Friday, 5/16 Front Circle Lawn 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Join us to honor Rivermont athletes! All student-athletes who participated in a sport during the 2013-14 school year are invited, as well as their families. Students may stay after school for activities on the soccer field until the grill fires up at 4:45 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony at 5:15 p.m. Please RSVP to Mr. Carman by Wednesday, May 14th - [email protected].
Complete details on the Rivermont website calendar - click here
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MS/US End-of-Year Trip:
Permissions Slips Due Friday, 5/16
Trip Date: Thursday, 5/29
Adventureland Park - Altoona, IA
6th-12th Grade
7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Every year, Rivermont sponsors an optional end-of-year trip for Middle and Upper School students to Adventureland. The cost of the trip is $35 which includes transportation and admission to the park. Mrs. Weeks needs a firm commitment by Friday, May 16th - please return the permission form that was emailed to parents, along with $35 per child, to Mrs. Paget at the Mansion front desk. For another copy of the form, contact Mrs. Weeks at [email protected].
Complete details on the Rivermont website calendar - click here
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Rock Camp USA to be held on Rivermont campus
Rivermont has partnered with River Music Experience as a satellite campus for Rock Camp USA! RME's Rock Camp USA program features 2 week sessions for musicians ages 8-18. Participants rehearse their chosen songs, record them during a dress rehearsal, and perform a concert in the Redstone Room. The following sessions will be held on the Rivermont campus:
June 16th-27th, concert on June 28th
July 7th-18th, concert on July 19th
July 21st-August 1st, concert on August 2nd
Register online through RME's website - click here
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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
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