Friday, May 1, 2009

Principal for the Day























  • Introduce the assembly...check.
  • Explore the attic...check.
  • Tour with prospective parents...check.
  • Principal's coffee...check.
  • Picked up balls on playground...check.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Principal Newsletter -- May 1, 2009

Wondering why Mr. Patterson was roaming the halls in a Riverdale Track sweatshirt while a fourth grader led tours around the campus and kicked off Friday's Danza Azteca assembly? Harrison Lee was a fantastic Principal-for-the-Day. The rest of the students gave him a rousing ovation first thing in the morning, leading me to wonder what I can do to keep up?

The District-wide Arts Night will be held this coming Monday evening at Riverdale High School. Join me for what promises to be an incredible show, with pieces from every arts student in the district displayed.

A huge "thank you" is due Debra Milligan for organizing the guest author visit by Franny Billingsly.

Field Day News: Please get your BBQ, Fun Zone and T-shirt sales done through the PTC’s online store ASAP. The last day for Field Day T-shirt orders will be Friday, May 8th!!
When you go to the PTC store site there is a button on the left for Field Day. Click that and you will see three options for T-shirt sales, BBQ tickets and the Fun Zone. While you have to back out of each area of ordering it will all total up at the end for one payment process. Hard copy order forms are available in the office.

Riverdale's Got Talent will air on May 29th at 2:15. Check the Grade School site for permission slip/entry form and more details.

Finally, Green-Up Day is on for this Sunday at noon. Bring gardening gloves and any tools you can muster. We'll be focusing on the South parking lot and creeping ivy this year.



The Coming Week's Calendar

Monday
PTC Executive Meeting 8:45
District Arts Night, RHS 6:00

Tuesday
Progress Reports Mailed
7-8 Band Field Trip
5th Grade Field Trip -- Salem
Budget Committee Meeting 6:00

Wednesday
Early Release 2:30

Thursday

Friday
2nd Grade OMSI Amazing Whales
3rd Grade to Berry Botanic Garden
8th Grade to Multnomah County Courthouse

District homepage: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/District/
Grade School homepage: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/GradeSchool/
High School homepage: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/HighSchool/
Athletics schedules & information: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/Athletics/
Foundation information: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/Foundation/
Grade School PTC webpage: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/rgs_ptc/
High School PTC webpage: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/rhs_ptc/

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Principal's Coffee Friday the 1st

Parents,

Please pardon the mid-week email, as well as an alteration in published plans.

I had planned to meet with current 2nd grade parents to discuss class configuration at Smith Elementary. However, for a number of reasons, I would like to change that plan.

The First Friday Principal’s Coffee will be on Friday, May 1st in my office at 9:45 (following the Danza Azteca performance).

There will be no specific topic and I’d like to invite all comers. Principal for the Day Harrison Lee will field all the tough questions; I'll take the softballs.

This year, more than most, the budget process is critically important to our planning. Next week, the District Budget Committee will recommend funding and staffing levels to the Board for approval. Following the Board’s adoption of that budget I will share the plans we are developing for the 2009-2010 school year at Smith Elementary. These are likely to vary from plans I previously shared with parents of current 2nd and 3rd grade parents, but will not be set without input from parents and faculty. Evening, as well as daytime opportunities, will be available. With the pending move to Smith I feel most comfortable seeking input once fewer variables are at play.

In other news, the school is abuzz with preparation for Spring performances of all kinds. Green-up Day is slated for this coming Sunday. I’ll meet anybody wanting to pitch in against weeds and ivy in the South parking lot at noon. Bring your gloves and tools.

Again, I apologize for any confusing change in plans. I believe this will be the best way to proceed.


As always, my best,

jeremiah

Monday, April 27, 2009

Guest Author Franny Billingsly




Franny Billingsly, this year's guest author, works with third graders on developing high quality characters. Even Ms. Gorenstein and "Boompa" get in on the action!

Worm Bin Excavation


It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it. The beautiful dirt you see in the background was, at one time, leftover snack and lunch refuse. Ms. Peterson's worm bin is responsible for turning it into rich, fertile soil.