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January 22, 2015
Letter from the Headmaster 

 

Dear Rivermont Families, Students and Friends

 

Rivermont Collegiate is an incredibly unique and special school that it has been my utmost privilege and honor to be a part of these last two years. Through your support and commitment, we have collectively set in motion significant advances in curriculum, student learning opportunities, faculty professional development, technology, and community outreach initiatives. We have strove together to create a new 5-year Strategic Plan that will guide our school's path forward. All this was made possible through your teamwork and tireless support.

 

 

For those that may not know a little of my background, I had the honor to serve in the Air Force for 23 years. While the experience was incredibly rewarding for both myself and my family, it did result in our family moving frequently. An educator herself, my wife Sheri supported each relocation moving from one school district to another until we settled in Philadelphia in 2010. When I was selected as Rivermont's Headmaster, it was always the intent that my family would relocate to the Quad Cities following my daughter's departure to college this last August. However, prior to the beginning of this school year, Sheri was offered an exceptional opportunity in a position she has always sought since beginning her career in education. We decided to wait until the winter holiday break to discuss the future as this would provide her a semester to reflect on her new position.

It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to resign as Headmaster at the conclusion of this academic year. The time my family has spent apart has been difficult this past year and a half. My wife and best friend supported me throughout our numerous moves, I need to support her now. My decision to leave Rivermont was a very difficult one and in no way reflects my commitment to the school or the board of trustees that I have received such tremendous support and assistance from over the course of my tenure. The reason for my resignation is solely a personal family issue, unknown at the time of my hiring, that prevents me from fully completing my duties to the school.

While it has been an honor and joy to work alongside each of you throughout these past several years, I will leave in June exceptionally confident in the school's direction and leadership. Mr. Curtis Fee will assume the position of interim Headmaster this June. Mr. Fee has been a steadfast leader within the administrative team serving as Dean of Students. He has been instrumental in the creation of our Strategic Plan, numerous curriculum and technology initiatives and our expanded Educational Partners program and senior internships. His vision and leadership will continue to move our school forward along the innovative and successful path we have charted together these past two years. Curtis has my utmost respect and confidence.

There is still much left to do this spring term and with your support we will continue to ensure Rivermont's success. Serving as Headmaster has been an incredibly rewarding experience and my heart will always remain with the school and its students. My decision to resign was incredibly heart-wrenching, however I need to consider the needs of my family. Thank you for your understanding and support.

 

Sincerely,  

Todd Zachary

Headmaster


Letter from the President of the Board of Trustees

Dear Rivermont Families,

On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, we are saddened by Todd's resignation as Headmaster at the conclusion of this academic year. However, what makes Rivermont truly special is the sense of family that universally embraces all of us within the school community in support of our wonderful students. While we hate to see Todd depart, as a member of the Rivermont family, we fully understand and support his decision. We wish him only the very best and happiness.

While he arrived officially at Rivermont in July 2013, Todd actually began working feverously to set in motion a myriad of programs and initiatives since early January of the same year. His steadfast vision and leadership guided our school through an incredible period of change and advancement. During his tenure the school introduced a myriad of curriculum initiatives, a comprehensive technology strategy, and established Rivermont's place within the educational community with our new Educational Partner and senior internship programs. Our summer school program greatly expanded under his guidance while his aggressive community outreach efforts firmly established our school's position within the Quad Cities. In such a short amount of time, Todd has truly made a lasting impact on our school and its future.

While we will miss Todd, the Board and I are incredibly excited to have Curtis Fee serving as our interim Headmaster. Curtis has been an exceptional teacher, student mentor, and leader within the school since his arrival. Recipient of the 2014 Waterman Chair for teaching excellence, Curtis has been instrumental in the creation of our new 2014-18 Strategic Plan and many of the educational advancements this past year. While we will initiate a nationwide search this upcoming summer, our school will continue to boldly strive forward under Curtis' vision and leadership. He has the board's utmost confidence and support.    

Sincerely,
Courtney M. Kay-Decker
Board of Trustees President, Rivermont Collegiate

Dear Rivermont Families,

For over 130 years Rivermont Collegiate has provided the families of the Quad Cities with an exceptional educational experience. As a teacher, I am continually amazed by the creativity, intellect, and character of our Rivermont students. As a parent, I am impressed by the dedication, compassion, and competence of our faculty and staff. Rivermont is a truly special place, a community of learners with a rich heritage and a bright future. I am excited about serving in the capacity of interim Headmaster and am grateful to the Board of Trustees for this opportunity.

During the past couple of years Rivermont has taken tremendous strides to position our students for success in college and in life. Our new 2014-2018 Strategic Plan is an excellent guidepost, calling for innovation and creativity while holding true to the fundamental tenets of Rivermont's culture and history. I would like to take a moment to recognize the tremendous leadership and vision provided by Mr. Zachary during his tenure. I look forward to working with him in the coming months of transition. I would also like to thank the entire Rivermont family for your continued support and encouragement. I am honored to guide Rivermont in its next chapter, aiming to enrich its superlative legacy.

Sincerely,
Curtis Fee
FTC Robotics League Championship
Saturday, January 24, 7:30 am
West High School


A total of 26 teams from two leagues will each participate in five matches before entering the elimination round. Based on the competition, judging and interviews, the top six teams will move on to next level of competition in Coralville, IA. The meet will begin at 7:39 am and is expected to last until 7:00 pm.

For more information visit the FTC website.

Trivia Fundraiser
February 20th
Doors open at 6:30pm 
Trivia begins at 7:00pm

All Rivermont families are invited to join us for a family friendly trivia fundraiser benefiting the children of Amalia Rodgers. Please RSVP by February 11th to Mrs. Ashby at [email protected] or 563-676-5562. Seating is limited. Children are welcome to play but childcare will not be provided.

Informational flyers to follow shortly.

It's Basketball Season!

Support Our Lions 

 

Come support our players at these upcoming games.  

  •  Thursday, 1/22 - Middle School Girls vs. Temple Christian, 4:30pm (home)
  • Friday, 1/23 - Varsity Boys at Scattergood, 6:00pm (away)
  • Monday, 1/26 - Varsity Boys vs Quad City Christian, 5:00pm (home)
  • Wednesday, 1/28 - Varsity Boys vs Scattergood, 6:00pm (home)

More information and the full season schedules can be found on the Rivermont Website. 

 

Go Lions!  


Parents' Council Winter Coffee
January 29 at 8:00 am

The Parents' Council invites all Rivermont parents and families to have a quick cup of coffee when they drop off their students for school. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet new families, catch up after winter break, and shake off those January chills.

Join us, we'll keep the coffee hot!

Parent-Teacher Conferences (K-12th Grade)
January 29, 3 to 8 p.m.
(Early dismissal at 11:45 a.m.)
January 30, 8 a.m. to Noon
(No classes)

Sign Up Early

The conference sign-up book is now available at the front desk in Becherer Hall. Come in and choose a time with each teacher you wish to see. Slots fill up quickly, so it is recommended that families register early.

Child Care

Early School lunch, Afternoon Adventures, and After School Care (for PreSchool - 12th Grade) only take place on full school days. Since Thursday, January 29th is an early dismissal day, special After Care services are available, at a nominal fee, starting at 11:45. Please notify your student's teacher if your child will be staying and if he or she will need a school lunch.
Complimentary child care is available in the library during your scheduled conference time(s).

Early School parent-teacher conferences will take place on March 3 & 5.


Evening With the Headmaster
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
6:30 to 7:30 pm
Becherer Hall Auditorium

We will be discussing a variety of topics from our recent College Admissions Study to new curriculum initiatives. We will be Live-streaming the event over the web. Child care will be provided in the library.

Rivermont Snapshots:

Intellect, Character, and Creativity in action!


There's much more to see!
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