Monday, May 9, 2011

Principal's Newsletter 5/8/11

The International Space Station landed on Friday. Congratulations fifth graders for docking it so deftly in the covered play area.

The last week was an absolute whirlwind, with school buses coming and going, taking our kids to fields studies and other learning opportunities off-site. And this next week will only see more. Just as 6th graders wrapped up their field study on Friday, our 7th graders depart for Numanu on Monday and the eighth graders on Tuesday for Ashland. 5th graders will explore the capitol this week, just as 2nd graders check out OMSI and 1st graders Jackson Bottom. The 6th grade choral students and instrumental soloists are performing at a senior care facility on Monday afternoon.

One thing that is relatively universal is that, when I visit a field study, one or more of the organizers, hosts, or counselors will want to talk about how polite and respectful the Riverdale kids are. It s a real pleasure to agree.

Last week Jeff Robinson complimented the eighth grade for the way they represented themselves and their school while they were at the Multnomah County Courthouse "trying" Dred Scott in front of a judge. The judge, too, earnestly complemented the composure and skill of our young lawyers.

I am grateful for the opportunities these kids have to extend the walls of our school into the community, but also to their parents and teachers for working with them to develop into such great ambassadors for their school and community.