Friday, September 18, 2009

Principal Newsletter -- September 18, 2009

Riverdale Athletes Off to a Roaring Start

Three Falcon teams led off their respective seasons with dramatic wins this week. On Monday evening the girls' soccer team upset rival Catlin Gabel in a pre-season opener that saw keeper Corey Linver make a huge save to avoid a tie in the final minutes. On Thursday afternoon the volleyball team was against the proverbial ropes, having lost the first game in a best-of-three format and down 1-19 in the second. They came back to win the second game behind the serve of Maddie Cameron and won the third game to put away the match. Also Thursday, the boys' Division II team was locked in a tie with a minute to go when Amir Sanaee scored for a dramatic win. Our athletic philosophy places at least as much emphasis on the ethics of sportsmanship and teamwork as on winning, but it is wonderful to see the athletes experience success so early on!


Research


Librarian Lisa Becker has developed a program of study for students at grades 3-6 around developing research questions, using the OSLIS framework for developing meaningful "essential questions." She's worked with teachers at each of these grade levels (and younger students, too, though on a less formal basis) to utilize this consistent framework. This has exciting implications for our students as inquirers, and will prove to be a helpful resource for parents as well. If you've not seen her excellent resource page in a while, it's worth a look.


Forms


Karen and Betsy are still collecting the various forms, fees, and -- most importantly -- emergency release forms. The deadline was last Friday, but there are still a large number outstanding. Please help us by turning any forms in to the office during this next week!


Parent Internet Safety Night


This program is designed for parents of students in grades 5-12. Both schools' principals and school counselors will be on hand to begin important discussions about the role of schools and family in monitoring appropriate Internet use, sharing take-home tips about Facebook privacy, and seeking feedback about potential future events. Please join us for snacks ahead of time, graciously provided by the PTCs. Tuesday evening, September 22nd, 7-8 pm (Riverdale High School, Maverick Room).



Upcoming events:

Monday

Tuesday
5th Gr Field Study to Mt. St. Helen's
4:15 PM GS Div II Boy's Soccer game (home) v OES
7:00 PM Internet Safety Night for GS/HS Parents @ RHS


Wednesday
4:15 PM GS Div II Boy's Soccer (away) v Life Christian

Thursday
4:00 PM GS 6/7/8 Gr. Girls' VB (away) vs Open Door

Friday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM GS - 3rd Gr. FT - Magness Tree Farm
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM GS - Student Council Speeches - Gym

Monday, September 14, 2009

Looking for a Repeat!


The season begins today vs. Catlin Gabel.