August 25, 2016

Welcome back!

Words can't express my delight and excitement about the beginning of this school year. After a summer full of work and preparation, hearing laughter and seeing smiling faces warms my heart. There is a palpable energy around campus. Teachers' rooms look fantastic and students are all dressed up in their new outfits. This is what it's all about!

Each summer our faculty reads a book for study and reflection. I have to admit, when I saw the title of this year's I was skeptical. I've read countless books on teaching, learning, homework, curriculum development, leadership, etc. After you've read enough books on teaching and leadership they seem to recycle key points, using new analogies and examples for already over-used concepts. It's been a long time since I've read one that captured my attention and reshaped - even challenged- how I think, approach my work, and my perceptions of strong parenting. The book is called Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol S. Dweck Ph.D. I would like to strongly suggest that each parent in our community give it a read. It's so good that I won't say any more here. Read it and you will see.

Each year faculty grapple with issues that are much like our students, letting go of summer schedules and mustering their energy to reengage the school-year routines. This year, our faculty came back chomping at the bit! The Mindset book has sparked great conversation and even led to us reinstating student orientation that features reflection on how our mindset can quantifiably impact our outcomes. Mr. Knupp's leadership in the Student Life arena has drawn many faculty in support of his initiatives. This year he and the Division Directors will (and have already begun to) focus on character development and school spirit.

In addition to the Student Life initiatives, this year's other initiatives will be many. A faculty committee will examine best teaching practices and examine the weekly class schedule. Faculty will also be given time to collaboratively analyze their curriculum maps with particular attention to vertical alignment (content and skill preparation for the subsequent grades). We have completely restructured the school's budget and will implement processes that promote greater transparency and stewardship. We will be formalizing our fundraising efforts in a concerted effort to raise more and reduce our operational deficit, which is a normal part of nonprofit financial structures (think "PBS Viewers Like You" campaigns). We have officially launched an international homestay program and will be assessing the viability of expanding that program. These are exciting times.

Our new faculty members have immersed themselves and formed strong cohort. They are off to a fantastic start and Ms. Hildebrand has a comprehensive plan to support them during their transition into our community. I'd like to ask everyone in the community to reach out to them, regardless of what grade your child attends, and welcome them. Our school culture can be demanding and overwhelming but I know that your kindness and support will carry them through the most difficult first months. Teacher retention is important. Burnout is real. Please take time to express gratitude and support to all of our faculty and staff throughout the year. Parents' Council is a great place to start - and you are all already members!

Congrats to each of you, parents, for starting your new school year. I am honored and humbled to lead this great school. This will be a year of learning and listening but there is much to do and I'm excited to begin the work with all of you. Please call or visit me if I can be of service.

C. Max Roach
Headmaster

Please welcome our new faculty members!

Learn more about all of our faculty by logging into the Teacher Pages on the Rivermont website (rivermontcollegiate.org) using the parent login that was provided to you. If you have questions, please contact the school at 563-359-1366.

We would also like to introduce . . .

Imp/Tiger Sorting

The first day of school culminated with the traditional sorting of new faculty, staff, and students, into Imps or Tigers.

We welcomed 21 new Imps and

22 new Tigers to the Rivermont family.

Let's give them a big Imp/Tiger cheer!

Congratulations Mrs. Adams!

Rivermont science teacher Mrs. Jenna Adams, will be honored at The University of Iowa's Belin-Blank Center Recognition Ceremony on Sunday, September 25, 2016. Mrs. Adams was nominated by Rivermont senior Manasa Pagadala. The Ceremony celebrates students who show exceptional ability through one of the Center's programs. These students were encouraged to identify a teacher who has made a significant impact on their lives to be recognized along with them.

Rivermont Athletics

Keep your eyes on the Athletics page of the Rivermont website for game and practice schedules.

Take me to Rivermont Athletics!

Rivermont at River Bandits

Sunday, August 28th, 1:00 p.m.

Modern Woodman Park
Tickets: $5 for the BERM

It's the Rivermont Parent's Council Social Committee's first event of the school year! A casual, family friendly community day at the ballpark.

Please bring you own blankets and chairs, as well as sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. Food can be purchased at the event.

Questions, email Theresa Schultz, Social Committee Chair


	Theresa Schultz Social Committee Chair Send Email

Rivermont Parents' Council
Social Committee Meeting

Friday, August 26th, 2:00 p.m.

Rivermont Parents' Council holds monthly meetings as well as regular committee meetings. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend the PC meetings and/or sign up for a committee.

Monty's Closet Is Open!
Get Your Spirit Wear and Imp/Tiger Shirts!

Orders due by September 2nd

Show your school spirit! Be sure to get your new Imp/Tiger shirts ordered! They will be delivered prior to the Founder's Day Fun Run! Don't miss out on your chance to get clothing to wear to school during the fall!

Click on an image to view form.

Get your Imp or Tiger shirt in time for the
Fun Run

Get your spirit wear for the fall!

Angie Laufenberg
Monty's Closet Committee Chair
Send Email

Fall Imp/Tiger Day and
Founder's Day Fun Run

Friday, September 30th

Did you know the Founder's Day Fun Run is the ONLY major student fundraiser of the year?

Coordinated by Rivermont students and Parents' Council, the Founder's Day Fun Run keeps your student from selling coupon books, candy, gift wrap, etc. throughout the year!

Proceeds from the this event:

help fund teacher requests for special projects supplies designed to enrich your child's learning experience
help fund and/or enhance student field trips
helps fund special school events that enhance the Rivermont experience for all

This year's event promises to be the best ever with new goals and incentives, as well as fun student activities leading up to the event.

Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.

Rosanne Sampson

Fund Run Committee Chair
Send Email


	Ferelith Senjem Parents' Council President Send Email

Parents' Council Meetings

Rivermont Parents' Council holds monthly meetings and all parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. It's a great way to meet other parents, get involved, and stay up to date on all the event and activities throughout the school year.

Upcoming PC Meetings:

September 6th, 8:30 a.m.

Visit the Rivermont website for a complete list of meetings.

Down the Parents' Council 2016-17 Event Calendar.

Rivermont Parents' Council enhances the Rivermont Experience and includes every Rivermont parent/guardian as a member. Our primary goal is to fund programs and activities that directly benefit students and faculty - 100% of Parents' Council proceeds are returned to Rivermont. Our second goal is to foster community spirit by hosting events that bring the entire Rivermont Community together.

Rivermont Collegiate | 563-359-1366 | marketing@rvmt.org | RivermontCollegiate.org

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