Saturday, April 24, 2010

Principal Newsletter -- April 23, 2010

(*Something goofy is going on with the fonts this week -- please excuse the odd look.)


We have so much to celebrate, not least of all on Tuesday night at the District Arts Night at Riverdale High School!


I had the distinct pleasure to accompany the 7-8 band for part of their day on Thursday. Molly Scholz entered the band in the Portland Public Schools Middle School Band Festival. In her words, "They played at a new, much higher level, and earned superlatives from everyone who heard them. I couldn't be more proud. All day - from playing at a Senior Specialty Care Center in the morning, having lunch and participating at the Festival, they represented Riverdale in the best possible way."


More and more, as we prepare to move back into our new school, it is becoming evident that our program should continue to evolve to match the potential of the new facility. A great example of this notion is evidenced in the planning of this field trip for band students. Mrs. Scholz approached me with the idea of taking the kids to do something meaningful in the down-time between watching other bands perform and their own performance time. I was all for it -- and the kids rose to the occasion, playing beautifully for local seniors and then taking time to talk with them.


Another faculty leader in this regard is
Nancy Helmsworth, in her collaboration with third grade teachers for the second year. The third graders are preparing stories and paintings in Zimbabwean style; they will hang alongside pieces from Weya, Zimbabwe as part of the Zimbabwean Artists' Project on May 7th.


Tim Bryson's Jazz Band
performed at the University of Portland competition and placed 5th out of sixteen bands (edging out OES for that distinction). John Carey won an outstanding soloists award.


If you have yet to meet 7th grader Natalie Chuang, then you're saving yourself a treat! She is a wonderful addition to our school community, and a talented rhythmic gymnast to boot. She placed 1st all around at her age and level in the Regional Championships. Natalie trains twenty hours a week; her results qualify her to compete in June in Chicago at the Rhythmic Gymnastic National Championships.
Great job Natalie!


Student Council CANNED FOOD DRIVE

The Oregon Food Bank needs our help!! Riverdale Grade School is hosting a canned food drive. The drive starts Monday, April 26th and ends Friday, May 7th. Please place any nonperishable food items in the barrels located in Smith’s main entrance. Most Wanted Foods are high in protein such as canned tuna, beef stews, beans etc. Our goal is to fill 2 barrels in 2 weeks.



Upcoming events:

Monday
3:45 PM - Site Council
6:00 PM Budget Committee Meeting, HS Library (Budget Message)

Tuesday
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM GS - Pre-K Storytime - Library
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM District Arts Night @ Riverdale High School; 7th Annual 6:00 pm-8:00 pm

Wednesday
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM GS 5th Gr. FT - Oregon State Capitol
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM GS - Kinder FT - Audubon Society

Thursday
10:15 AM - 3:00 PM GS - 6th Gr. FT - Japanese & Chinese Gardens
4:00 PM - 6:30 PM GS 5/6/7/8 Track meet at Lincoln HS

Friday
All day event K-12 Half Day for Students - Half Day Teacher Directed Work in p.m.
8:15 AM - 3:30 PM GS 5/6/7/8 Track meet at Catlin Gabel

Horse @ Smith

We Have an Incredible PTC!

Thank you!