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April 21, 2016
Letter from the Headmaster
  
My wife had always wanted to take the violin and now that we were back in the United States, after a season of living in Russia, she sought out a private instructor, Ms. Virginia Ewoldt. Dana had taught French at the Anglo-American School of Moscow and although pregnant with our first child, she was interested in teaching at least part-time. Ms. Ewoldt told her about this great private school in Bettendorf, St. Katharine's/St. Mark's. When the school saw how remarkably talented Dana was as a language instructor, they hired her to teach French and Spanish, even though at the time she didn't know Spanish! I was now a Rivermont spouse. The year was 2000.

Our son Kenton was born and when he turned three years old, he began pre-school at Rivermont Collegiate (by that time the name of the school had changed). His teacher was Mrs. Collie, and he was one of two boys in a class with ten girls. Kenton seemed to rather enjoy the class! I was now a Rivermont parent. The year was 2003.

Following Kenton, our children Jaden and Ashlann also joined Rivermont during their Early School years. I witnessed firsthand the quality of education that Rivermont gave to my own children. It was an environment that was safe, friendly, and scholarly. I enjoyed the company of the faculty and the students and found myself frequently on campus. Mr. Knupp saw me hanging around and knew I had mad hoops skills, so he invited me to become his assistant basketball coach. I was now a Rivermont coach. The year was 2007.

One of the most popular Rivermont teachers resigned in February because of family reasons. Mrs. Paxton taught geography, and it can be challenging to find someone to finish the school year as a part-time Middle School instructor. I didn't have a lot of teaching experience, but I had a passport with a lot of stamps. Could I teach geography for the rest of the year, asked Mr. St. Laurent. I can try. I was now a Rivermont teacher. The year was 2011.

I sat at the table at the Duck Creek Starbucks with some of the members of the Rivermont Board of Trustees. Mr. Zachary had resigned in order to relocate and be with his wife. The Board would be searching for a permanent Headmaster to succeed him. In the interim, they hoped I could provide stability and leadership to the Rivermont family. I was now a Rivermont headmaster. The year was 2015.

Each stage of my Rivermont journey has been marked with happiness and crowned with satisfaction. At times I find it hard to believe that I have had the privilege of serving in so many capacities at this esteemed institution. As lovely as the campus is (thank you, Mr. Charlie and team), the true beauty of this school is found in the people. Teachers care about their students. Students care about their studies and about each other. Parents are involved in the education and promote the welfare of the school. Rivermont rejoices in triumphs and rallies around those who are hurting, just as a family should. So, when the time comes to say farewell, it is not an easy task. But when the right time comes, you try to recognize it, and then do the right thing. The year was 2016.

I look back with fond memories of my years at Rivermont Collegiate. The school has grown and prospered under the direction of Mr. Roach. I appreciate the kindness that he has shown to me personally. Students continue to achieve at a high level, and the faculty is as committed and devoted as ever. Life has spun me to a different part of the globe, but I continue to be involved in shaping and influencing young minds and great hearts. Wherever I go, once a Lion, always a Lion! The year was 2020.

Curtis Fee
Interim Headmaster  
 

DEADLINE EXTENDED!
Orders Due Friday, April 22nd
Check out all the great stuff including: hoodies and tees,

Music Notes Image
Spring Choir Concert
Moved to Thursday, May 19th
7:00 p.m.
Becherer Hall Auditorium

Join us for an evening of song from the Middle and Upper School Choir.

Congratulations
Manasa Pagadala (Grade 11)

Manasa Pagadala, will be among 600 students, teachers and experts from across Iowa coming together on the campus of Iowa State University for the World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute on April 25, 2016. The IYI engages hundreds of young people from across Iowa in hunger-related topics and discussions. Students discuss various elements of global hunger, interact with experts in different hunger-related fields, and propose solutions to key issues.

Students worked hard to prepare solution proposals for issues they see as exhibiting an important need in regards to hunger in our world today. Manasa's paper, "Improving Food Security through Efficient Energy Production in India, addresses the widespread issue of food insecurity in India and looking for a solution to the many problems that contribute to it.

Governor Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds will address the students, as will Iowa State president Steve Leath and Dupont Pioneer Director of Platform Management Marv Wilson. Click for  more information.

Spring Strings Recital
Thursday, April 28th
7:00 p.m.
Becherer Hall Auditorium

Join us for this annual recital with Lower, Middle and Upper school strings.

Fundraisers

NJHS Niabi Zoo Fundraiser
Friday, April 22nd

The National Junior Honor Society is raising money for Naibi Zoo. Lower School students (grades K-5) may choose to pay .50 cents to bring a stuffed animal to school. While, Middle and Upper School students (grades 6-12) may choose to pay $5.00 for a "free" dress code day.

NJHS King's Harvest Fundraiser
Monday, April 25th through Thursday, May 5th

The National Junior Honor Society is hosting a fundraiser for King's Harvest. Collection bins will be placed around campus for student's to collect food, toiletry items, baby supplies and animal supplies.

Middle School StuCo Fudge Fundraiser
April 29th and May 27th

The Middle School Student Council will be selling homemade fudge to the Middle School on the last Friday of April and May. Proceeds will help support another school in the community.


NHS "Mr. Rivermont" Contest
Open to students in grades 6-12
Friday, April 29th from 4:00 to 4:45 p.m.
Becherer Hall Auditorium
Admission: $4
Votes: $1/each (unlimited)

Middle and Upper School students are invited to sign-up for a chance to become "Mr. Rivermont" - a contest fundraiser sponsored by the National Honor Society. Each participant will put together an act and audition beforehand. In addition, each participant will select his/her benefiting organization. After the event, audience members will vote on who will be awarded "Mr. Rivermont." All of the proceeds will go to the organization chosen by "Mr. Rivermont." Each person has an unlimited amount of votes.

Congratulations Brittany McDonald (Grade 12)

Brittany is among three high school students from the Bettendorf area to receive the DAR Good Citizens award from the Hannah Caldwell Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution at an Honors Luncheon held on March 3 at the Davenport Outing Club.

Each school selected its senior student based on the criteria of dependability (truthfulness, loyalty, and punctuality), service (cooperation, courtesy, and consideration of others), leadership (personality, self-control, and ability to assume responsibility), and patriotism (unselfish interest in family, school, community and nation) to an outstanding degree.

Read the complete article here.


school bus cartoon
Field Trips

City Hall Trip (1st Grade)
Friday, April 29th
Depart: 12:05 p.m.
Return: 1:10 p.m.

The first grade class will be culminating their Junior Achievement class with Mr. Ashby by taking a trip to City Hall. Students will meet the mayor, police chief, fire chief, take a tour, and see inside the fire station.

Concordia Trip (Grades 3-6)
Friday, April 29th through Monday, May 2nd
Depart: 6:30 a.m. on the 29th
Return: 3:30 p.m. on the 2st

Concordia Language Villages is a camp in Bemidji, MN where students are immersed in the target language (French or Spanish) and culture for an entire weekend. Most of the counselors are native speakers who lead the children in sports, games, songs, dance, and general camp activities. For more information see their website.

Story & Activity Time for
Parents and Children

(ages birth - 5 years)
May 5th
8:45 a.m. to approximately 9:45 a.m.
Location: Becherer Hall Library

Parents and children are invited to join us in the library.
Limited slots available, please RSVP to Karen Roebuck at 563-359-1366, ext. 302.

Download the flyer.

College Signing Day Celebration
Monday, May 2nd

College Signing Day is Sunday, May 1st so we're going to celebrate on Monday, May 2nd. Seniors, help Rivermont honor you and celebrate College Signing Day by wearing the colors and t-shirts or sweatshirts, etc. of the colleges  and universities you have chosen to attend.

Lower School Musical
Thursday, May 12th
7:00 p.m.
Becherer Hall Auditorium

Come join the lion, the turtles, the singing fossils and a host of other animals as they bring to life the music of Camille Saint-Saens.
Rivermont Athletics
Support Our Lions!

Track and Field
  • Thursday, 4/28 - Meet @ Northeast Jr. High (4280 4th Avenue, East Moline), - 4:00 p.m.
Golf
  • Friday, 4/29 - Rivermont vs. Northeast at Canyon Creek GolfCourse (1871 420th Ave., Clinton) - 4:00 p.m.
Go Lions!

New Classes Added! 
2016 Summer at Rivermont Catalog Now Available Online!

What's your pleasure? Select from a wide variety of summer classes.

Download the catalog from the Rivermont website or by clicking this link.
Parents' Council Update 



Facebook Update:
We have been promoting for Rivermont audience to:

Like us on Facebook

"Like" the Parents' Council Facebook page
to keep up with conversations and events!
 
Calendar: 
  • April 29 (Friday) - Scrip Orders Due (Order Form)
  • May 4 (Wednesday) - Social Event Wide River Winery, Le Claire, IA - 6-8 p.m.
  • May 10 (Tuesday) - PC Meeting, Reading Room - 8:30 a.m.
     
 
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.




Ferelith Senjem 
Parents' Council President 
 

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