Principal's Newsletter -- March 9, 2012

Two evening events this week encapsulate for me what it means to work in this community, for your children.

The first was a parent informational night we held on Tuesday in the library.

I presented my review of research into multiage classroom configuration. As I said the on Tuesday, one of the first memories I have of observing the community in action was of a packed school board work session focused on the possibility of "blends." The tenor of our meeting this week was positive and collaborative, not without challenging questions and concerns, but genuinely positive. I was so grateful to see so many interested people gather to discuss our transition to multiage classrooms at grades 1-2 and 3-4 next year. That you would spend two and a half hours with me on a Tuesday night to hear about the research, the best practices, and the implementation of this transition means you are truly invested in our school and its success for your children.

I will send out by email a synopsis of the research into best practices in multiage education and a summary of our implementation plan today, in case you were unable to attend.

I will use this format, as well as regular check-in meetings, to share with you our progress in the transition. These will be held on the first Tuesday evening of each month: April 3rd, May 1, and June 5. I welcome you to attend, and will seek your inputs and questions prior to each informational meeting in order to address your areas of interest.

On Wednesday night we gathered for another purpose altogether -- another AMAZING band and choral concert.

The RHS Jazz Band led off with their usual dazzling performance, followed directly by the 5th grade band's debut, the 6th grade band, advanced band, and Riverdale Singers. The finale, though, is what produced the first standing ovation I've witnessed in four years of music concerts. Molly Scholz and her husband created a music video highlighting service learning at Riverdale, from first graders to eighth graders, with inspired music from the Riverdale Singers.

It is an extremely heartwarming product. I will be posting it here as soon as we collect permission from the parents of the children involved.

I am proud to be working in a place where a meeting about classroom configuration brings nearly a hundred parents to work collaboratively, and where -- the very next night -- a teacher-student project brings down the house (and a few tears).

Principal's Newsletter -- March 5, 2012

I am so thrilled to be back among the students this week! In essence, Saturday was my re-entry from my leave, with two momentous events for our school community.

It is an understatement to note that this was an incredibly emotional weekend. On Saturday afternoon many of you attended a memorial to celebrate the life of Susie Stageburg Keeton. We were reminded to embrace life, to be gracious and kind to one another, and to hold dear the moments we have with our families. Personally, my wife and I share the experience of so many people who have joined the Riverdale community in recent years -- Susie could not have welcomed us more warmly four years ago.

The PTC auction came later that evening, and, once again, I was blown away by the generosity of spirit and resources from which we benefit so much in our work with your children. The organizers pulled off a time warp worthy of Midnight in Paris (think: 1920's) and it seemed to me that a grand time was had by all.

This week two evening events are my main focus.

• On Tuesday evening, at 6:30, I will hold a parent informational meeting regarding classroom configuration. I'm really looking forward to the dialogue.
• Wednesday evening, at 7:00, our musicians in grades 5-8 will perform, with an added bonus project developed by Molly Scholz, her multi-talented husband, and Lori Peterson.

Finally, just a last note that this Thursday marks the end of the second term, with no school on Friday. 7-8 grade students will bring home elective selection sheets on Wednesday.