Paw Postings Banner 2013-14 
May 23rd, 2014
Headmaster Letter 

 

Dear Rivermont Families,

 

As we near the last few days of the academic year, this is the final Paw Postings until August. I would like to take a moment to thank you - parents, trustees, faculty, staff, and students - for such an incredible year. On a personal note, I'd like to offer my sincere thanks for your support and patience this year as we worked through a variety of faculty and administrative changes. Your encouragement and support made a huge difference. Thank you.

 

As we transition into summer, we'll be working on quite a few things that I'd like to bring you up to speed on.

 

In the next few weeks, we will unveil a new school website. The new design and content greatly expands the Rivermont story for prospective families and adds new features for current families, including a simple automated student absence reporter, individualized teacher pages to expand parent and student access to class materials, an alumni page, and an outstanding Parents' Council page to include a question and answer forum. Also released with the new website will be Rivermont's 5-year Strategic Plan, which will be available on the site.

 

Over the summer we will also finalize details of the Middle and Upper School curriculum changes for 2014-15. These changes have been in the works for over a year - now comes the exciting part of putting it all together. For rising senior parents, expect to see an info packet in the mail in early June outlining your student's college classes, schedule, our college visit trip plan for the fall, and the Rivermont college induction program.

 

Last week, I discussed the 1:1 technology strategy. For Middle School students and parents, in early June we will release computer specifications for those who opt to bring their laptops to school. We have worked hard to create a network that supports a wide variety of devices, so compatibility in most cases shouldn't be an issue.

 

Along with Summer at Rivermont, it's going to be hopping at Rivermont these next few months!

 

While we have welcomed outstanding new additions to the Rivermont Family this year, we unfortunately have to say goodbye to someone that has really meant a lot to the school. Over the past year and a half, Mr. John Rader has made a significant and lasting impact on Rivermont's band program, which has made huge strides. John will be taking a position at Morning Star Academy this fall teaching both science and music. I know it has been challenging for John to split time between Rivermont and Morning Star this year, leading two very different band programs and I personally thank him for his dedication. I speak for the entire faculty, staff, parents, and students in thanking him for his leadership and talent in bringing the joy of music to Rivermont students. We wish him all the best in his new position. John asked if I could include his farewell letter, provided below.

 

On behalf of the entire faculty, staff, and trustees I wish everyone an enjoyable and safe break. I look forward to seeing everyone back in August.

 

All the best,

 

Todd Zachary, Headmaster

 

Dear Rivermont Family,

 

After careful thought and consideration and with a heavy heart, I must regretfully resign from my position as Band Director at Rivermont at the end of the 2013-14 school year. My heartfelt appreciation goes to the administrators, teachers, and board members that gave me the opportunity to be part of the Rivermont community. I have enjoyed working with the faculty and staff, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their work and have been ready to collaborate and cooperate for the good of the student body. In addition, all have shown me respect and support as the band program was being re-established.

 

My personal goal these past three semesters was directed to revamping the Rivermont band program. The students have been delightful and increasingly willing to expand their skills and be engaged with their fellow band mates. Those in attendance at the SpringFest concert could easily see this was accomplished.

 

However, this past year I was asked to start a band program from the ground level up at Morning Star Academy. As the band program continues to develop next year and with teaching additional science classes, I have decided to pursue this position. My decision to leave Rivermont was very difficult.

 

Let me extend my wish for continued growth and success at Rivermont.

 

Sincerely,

John T. Rader, D.C.

Band Director, Rivermont Collegiate

Kudos!

8 Rivermont students enjoyed lunch at Happy Joe's on Tuesday as a reward for reading at least 18 of the 25 titles on the Iowa Children's Choice Award (ICCA) 2013-14 list. Most read all 25! ICCA is unique in that Iowa students themselves nominate books to be included on the yearly list, then read books from the list throughout the school year and vote for their favorite (students may only vote if they've read at least 2 titles from the list).

Karin McDonald (4th)
Ella Zillmer (4th)
Rohan Abernathy-Wee (5th)
Michael Cumberbatch (5th)
Xavier Cummins (5th)
Sarah Dobbs (5th)
Emad Haque (5th)
Kadin Shaheen (5th)

Manasa Pagadala (9th Grade) was named Fox 18 Cosmos Student of the Week for her science accomplishments and interviewed on Fox 18 news Sunday. Manasa is the 3rd Rivermont student to receive this honor! Click the photo to link to her interview on Fox 18's website.
Bottle Cap Mural Featured on Paula Sands Live

Rivermont's K-12th Collaborative Bottle Cap Mural was featured on Paula Sands Live yesterday! A round of applause to students who have worked on the mural since August and to Visual Art Teacher Colleen Tomlinson. A big thank you also to the Waste Commission of Scott County for the educational grant the funded the project. Click the image below to link to video on KWQC's website.

No School Monday
End-of-Year Activities

Complete details about all activities are available on the Rivermont website calendar - click here

Tuesday, 5/27
Imp-Tiger Competitions
8:40 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Kindergarten - 12th Grade will compete in various events around campus to earn points for their Imp-Tiger team, culminating in the tug-of-war on the Front Circle lawn at 11:30 a.m. Students should wear comfortable athletic clothing (in their Imp or Tiger colors, of course!). Parents are welcome to join us!


Yearbook Dedication
Front Circle - 12:00-12:10 p.m.
Yearbook staff will say a few words dedicating the yearbook. Early, Middle, and Upper School students will receive yearbooks at this time. Lower School students will receive their yearbooks the morning of the 28th. Students not able to attend can pick up their yearbooks any time over the summer at the Mansion Front Desk.


Lunch on the Lawn
Front Circle - 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Bring your favorite picnic lunch and a blanket for lunch with your child! Food will also be available for purchase from the cafeteria. Students may leave with their parents after lunch. For those who stay until normal dismissal time (3:30 p.m.) we will show the animated movie Firebirds (rated PG). In addition, normal after school care will be provided until 6:00 p.m.


Used Textbook Sale & Scholastic BOGO Book Fair
Sponsored by Parents' Council
Front Circle - 12:00-1:30 p.m.
If you would like to sell your used textbooks or purchase used textbooks for next year, please see the instructions and book lists linked to below. In addition, Parents' Council will be holding a BOGO Scholastic Book Fair to purchase books for summer reading - all books will be BOGO (buy one, get one free)!

Also, Monty's Closet, Rivermont's spirit store, will be open during Lunch on the Lawn and the book sales - stock up on Rivermont gear!

Used Textbook Sale Instructions - click here
1st-5th Used Textbook List for 2014-15 - click here
6th-8th Used Textbook List for 2014-15 - click here
9th-12th Used Textbook List for 2014-15 - click here
Required Summer Reading List - click here


Computer Club Gaming Party
Mansion 3rd Floor Computer Lab - 1:00-4:00 p.m.
6th-12th Grade students are invited to an end-of-year gaming party (optional). Cost is $5 per student.




Wednesday, 5/28
Lower School Promotion Ceremony
Becherer Hall Auditorium - 9:00 a.m.
Join us for a ceremony to recognize Kindergarten - 5th Grade students. Lower School families are encouraged to attend. Students should arrive by 8:30 a.m. sharp and are free to leave with their parents following the ceremony. In honor of the importance of the day, students should dress more formally in field trip dress / modified business attire.


Headmaster's Reception
Central Hall - 10:00 a.m.
A reception between ceremonies to visit with faculty and staff as we celebrate another great year!


Middle & Upper School Promotion & Awards Ceremony
Becherer Hall Auditorium - 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a ceremony to recognize 6th-12th Grade students. Middle and Upper School families are encouraged to attend. Students should arrive by 10:30 a.m. sharp and are free to leave following the ceremony. In honor of the importance of the day, students should dress more formally in field trip dress / modified business attire.


Senior Project Presentations
Becherer Hall Auditorium - 5:30 p.m.
Each Rivermont senior completes a Senior Project, including a two week internship. Seniors will present their projects to faculty this evening. Families of seniors and faculty are encouraged to attend!


Senior Dinner
Biaggi's Restaurant - 7:00 p.m.
Join us to honor the Class of 2014! Seniors, their families, and faculty and staff are invited to join us in celebration. RSVP to Linda Paget at [email protected] or (563) 359-1366.
Middle & Upper School End-of-Year Trip
Thursday, 5/29
6th-12th Grade (optional)
Adventureland Park - Altoona, IA
7:30 a.m. depart
8:00 p.m. return

Students should dress appropriately for the weather (don't forget sunscreen) and bring extra money for lunch and dinner.

Complete details on the Rivermont website calendar - click here
127th Commencement
Friday, 5/30
10:00 a.m.
Mansion South Lawn
 
All Rivermont families, friends, alumni, and the public are invited to join us for commencement exercises for the Class of 2014. A reception will follow in the Mansion. (In case of inclement weather, graduation will be held in Becherer Auditorium.)

Complete details on the Rivermont website calendar - click here
Did You Know?
 
Rivermont students, even if they don't reside in Bettendorf, may use the Bettendorf Public Library without any extra fees (conveniently located minutes from Rivermont off 18th St. - 2950 Learning Campus Dr. - Bettendorf). This includes not only checking out materials, but also the opportunity to participate in BPL's summer reading programs.
 
Simply visit the registration desk with your library card from your district library and explain that your child attends Rivermont in Bettendorf. You can even use your district library card to check out materials from BPL - no need to have 2 cards!
Register Now - Summer at Rivermont Filling Fast!

All PreSchool / Junior Kindergarten level courses are full, but we are taking wait list registrations - contact Linda Paget at (563) 359-1366 or [email protected] to be put on a wait list.

There are still over 45 courses open for Kindergarten - 8th Grade, from Dr. Seuss to Crazy Chemistry to Digital Photo Phrenzy!

Complete course catalog is available online - click here

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