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
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