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.

Aid for Japanese Schools in Ishinomaki, Japan

I want to post a big 'thank you' to Erica and Grover Naito-Campbell and the Nickerson family for providing opportunities for our students to contribute to the rebuilding efforts in Japan.

Erica left this weekend with thousands of origami hearts created by RGS students, designed to lift the spirits of Japanese students!


And the Nickersons are hosting a wonderful event, the details of which are shared below:

Aid for Japanese Schools in Ishinomaki, Japan

Experience the exciting Japanese Takohachi Drummers

&

Listen as Sanae Ito shares pictures & stories from her recent trip back to her devastated hometown of Ishinomaki, Japan.

Join us for a very special fundraiser

to aid in the rebuilding of

Inshinomaki schools damaged or destroyed by the recent earthquake and tsunami

in Japan.

June 5, 2011

4-6 pm

The Nickersons, 11175 SW Riverwood Road

Portland, OR 97219

Learn Japanese origami folding, discover your Asian zodiac sign, make and eat sushi and bid on wonderful silent auction items!

Please let us know you’re coming by emailing: chsnickerson@aol.com

This event was organized because a friend of ours is from Ishinomaki and recently returned to care for her parents who were injured in the Earthquake. They are quite elderly and were without electricity, heat, water and telephone reception for five days in the second story of their home before someone rescued them.

When Sanae returned to Japan she was shocked by the condition of the schools. Fifty-six of the 61 schools in her city were either destroyed or heavily damaged. Sanae took many photos and will share them with us on June 5th.

We are not professional party planners but couldn’t sit back and hear Sanae’s stories without being moved to action.

At this point we have the wonderful entertainment mentioned above and silent auction items such as a signed Blazer Basketball, McCormick and Schmick’s gift certificate, custom-made jewelry, to name a few. We welcome any items for the auction and donations large or small for the Ishinomaki schools.

Most importantly, we want all of our neighbors to join us on June 5th for a fun event for the whole family.

The Takohachi Drum group will play their drums plus do dances from the Ishinomaki area. They promise a fun program and will be bringing educational materials for school age kids.

Principal's Newsletter April 1, 2011

Sometimes I wish you all could see what I see, hear what I hear, in our school.

Wednesday afternoon was one of those times. I think I've written before of our professional development model -- study teams focus on topics of interest and importance and then have the responsibility to lead the rest of the faculty through meaningful learning experiences. The model was designed to give faculty a voice and direction in their learning, and also accountability to one another. The other day, that is exactly what happened.

Four of our teachers, focused this year on School Culture, led us through an activity called "Small Moments that Matter." From the title you can likely infer that the work revolved around finding effective and appropriate responses to the dozens of potential "teachable moments" we encounter when working with children every week. Sometimes the trouble with character ed programs or speakers is that they don't go deeply enough into real, actionable, moments. But this was the antithesis. I was so energized by the thoughtful care put forward by every teacher as they struggled through tough situations -- real situations -- and carefully put together meaningful adult responses which leave children impacted and better able to navigate in the future. I just wish you could have been there!
______________

On the theme of caring, last time I wrote asking for suggestions for what our students could do to assist schoolchildren in Japan affected by the earthquake. We've zeroed in on a plan, thanks especially to Erica Naito-Campbell and Grover, Tammy Sutter, and Maya Klein.

The recent earthquake and resulting tsunami in Japan have left many school children in need of not only physical items, such as basic supplies, but also emotional support. Riverdale Grade School students will be making origami hearts with messages of support and caring for school-age children in Japan, with a goal of sending thousands of Paper Hearts by the end of April. Seventh and eighth grade leadership students will teach other students how to make the hearts, and those messages will be given to a local nonprofit group to be sent to Japan.

In addition, Dr. MacNamara is working to establish a conduit for Riverdale families to support those devastated by the earthquake and tsunami.

___________

Coming Up Next Week

And, later in the month...author visit from RGS parent David Michael Slater!

The Value of a Semicolon

I've just come home from the screening (presented along with Lewis & Clark's Graduate School of Education) of the acclaimed edu-documentary Race to Nowhere.

My mind is racing a bit, so I thought I'd knock out some thoughts to continue what was a vibrant, impassioned, and thoughtful dialogue begun after the closing credits. (The three Riverdale High School students who participated in the panel dialogue were especially impressive. I was also very proud to see at least four RGS-ers in the crowd.)

In sum, and before I begin, I should share that while about 60% of the film spoke to places deep within me, another 40% was troubling and turned me off.

The documentary begins and ends with the stirring story of a beautiful young lady whose life ended with her suicide, which her mother attributes to the pressures she felt associated with school. Clearly, listening to the anguish of this mother bemoan the meaninglessness of the anxieties her daughter faced is excruciating. I can think of no worse situation. Too, much of the research mentioned in the film is gratefully presented here, on the website. The professors featured, many of them out of Stanford University, were especially thoughtful in their critiques of American schooling. The film's final frames exhort the viewers to advocate for reforms in the way we approach education in our nation. These recommendations really resonated with me, especially because they rolled back some of the more rhetorically exasperated content sprinkled throughout. For these reasons I really recommend you find a showing and set aside the 90 minutes to watch the documentary.

But there are a few things I find disturbing about what is, at times, a reductionist view of an incredibly complex social issue -- that is to say, the film seems to simultaneously pit the viewer against the vagaries of: teachers, homework, conservatives, involved and motivated parents, etc., all in the name of highlighting the truism that our current model of educating children quite often exacerbates social ills like illegal drug use and cheating. Early on, for instance, an English teacher tosses out a comment about the relative lack of importance she places on the semicolon. It's in relation to something quite important, like knowing about her students' lives, but still, she throws the semicolon under the proverbial bus with surprisingly detached contempt.

I have a special fondness for the semicolon; it allows us to go in more than one direction nearly simultaneously, and to hold sometimes paradoxical thoughts together with grace.

Homework, especially, became a hot topic in the panel discussion period. But homework was not the central theme of the film at all. Getting rid of homework is not the message of the film. I personally believe in developing an ethos of practice and patient focus. At the same time, I freely acknowledge that we don't always assign practice work that is worthy of your family's precious time. We, like many school communities, need to work on that.

The value of a documentary like Race to Nowhere, much like Waiting for Superman, is not in the solutions it offers, but in the mirror it provides. I'm very grateful to Dr. MacNamara, Jody Haagenson, and the folks at L&C for giving us a forum for reflection. Practice, reflection, and improvement are what school ought to be, and what it most often is in our little school. And, thanks to our wonderful faculty, our kids know well how to use a semicolon.

Principal's Newsletter -- March 11, 2011

This week's newsletter is going out a bit early -- I know some folks are going out of town for the weekend and I wanted to reach out ahead of time. In writing this I'm reminded I used to send these out Friday afternoons rather than Sunday evenings. I'll try to switch back.

There are the usual notices:

• Conference Sign-Up sheets are in the office -- Thursday and Friday are the dates.
• Lost and Found will be donated (after we search for names) during the break.
• The trimester ended today!

Some less usual announcements:

Spirit Week:

Monday, March 14th – Pajama Day!!

Tuesday, March 15^th – Decade Day- Dress in your favorite decade or a mixture of a few- Poodle skirts, tied-died duds, disco wear etc.

Wednesday, March 16th– Wacky Day!!! - Wear your wackiest outfit!!

Please remember to respect the dress code

Pi-Day (or near-abouts): Next Tuesday (March 15th) There is an opportunity for 15 6-8th grade students to attend a Pi Day celebration at Lewis and Clark. Students in attendance will participate in the following events.

1) PROBLEM SOLVING: A traditional math competition set up with individual and team events. Hopefully, students in the math department with create new challenge questions in a similar format to the Math Counts competitions to facilitate problem solving rather than problem remembrance. We also hope to assign a Lewis and Clark student to each group to work with the students.

2) PI RECITATION: This will be for students to memorize digits of pi. There will be prizes for those who can remember the most.

3) PIE EATING: Timed pi eating contest. This will be for students and coaches.

4) PIE BAKING: Will be judged by L&C math professors

5) CIRCLE DRAWING: drawing a circle of a given diameter free-hand. Points will be given for accuracy.

The event is scheduled between noon and 2:30. We would need to leave school around 11:40 or so and will probably return by 2:45-3.

If you would like your student to participate please send me an email at nhershman@riverdale.k12.or.us.

Track & Field News from Mr. Nebert:

Informational Meeting (for parents and athletes):
Tuesday – March 15, 2011 - meet in Mr. Nebert's room (#209) @ 3:45 - 4:15

Jackson track clinic is this Saturday from 1:00 – 3:30 pm. This is just a chance for the kids to see what track is about, no serious training. There will be five rotations: distance running (all on the Jackson grounds), field events (shot, discus & turbo jav), long jump (and possibly high jump if it’s nice and dry), sprints and relays, and hurdles. At least two of the Wilson coaches will be helping out and they are bringing high school track kids to help out with the different events so we’ll have some extra help. Dietrich is bringing Wilson Obegeide (silver medalist in the 1992 Olympics in Atlanta) to work with sprinters. We’ll start setting up around noon and I expect kids around 12:45. Hope to see you and some of your track stars on Saturday.

And another thought...

Namely, the first signs of Spring are emerging here on campus. I took a moment to snap a badly framed shot from the North corner of our campus yesterday (Brian Black I am not). The moment gave me time to reflect on how quickly this year is flying by. And things here really get going in the Spring -- Field Studies, Field Day, Talent Show, Music Concerts, District Arts Night, Promotion...hang on tightly!

Principal's Newsletter March 7, 2011

I have the best job in the world.

OK, so there's some email involved, but on nights like this past Friday night, and this coming Thursday night, it's clear to me that I really do.

All that I can really say about Cabaret is that, when I wasn't grinning ear-to-ear I was wiping tears away. I imagine that I'll be experiencing similar emotions at the concert on Thursday night as well. The kids work so incredibly hard to perform for their parents and friends. I don't tell them enough how proud they make us all -- my goal for the week is to let them know.

The week's calendar is linked here, but don't miss the Speaker on Tuesday night (thank you PTC!) and the concert on Thursday (thank you Molly!)

Principal's Newsletter 2/27/11

Early spring is the traditional time for school districts all over the nation to hold their annual Vocal and Instrumental Solo/Ensemble Festivals. These festivals are for students who participate in school music
programs and who are motivated to compete against other music
students in a District-wide festival.

Students prepare a solo or ensemble piece and perform it in front of a professional adjudicator. The adjudicator gives the student comments and a rating, from I (the highest) to V (the lowest). When entering at the high school level, students can compete for a State title.

This year Riverdale Grade School has six students entering the District 14 Vocal Solo/Ensemble Festival held at Wilsonville High School on Saturday, February 26th. Participating are 8th grader Jenna P. and 6th graders Michael F., Genevieve K., Lucie K., Lindsey S. and Isabel P.

The District 14 Instrumental Solo/Ensemble Festival will be at
Newberg High School on Saturday, March 5th. Riverdale Grade School has 14 students entered: 6th graders Simon C., Charlotte F., Timmy G., Wade K., Suzanna L., Eric P., Derek S.; 7th graders Brian G., Jack H. and Liam O.; and 8th graders Cole B., David H., PJ H. and Julia P.
________________________
Coming Events!

(Including 6th grade hoops, Cabaret, field trips, etc.)

Principal's Newsletter -- February 21, 2011

The buzz about the events of the next few weeks is really beginning to build. The other evening I had the opportunity to swing by a Cabaret rehearsal. The energy is absolutely breathtaking. The vast majority of 7th and 8th graders, as well as dozens of parent volunteers, are contributing to what will be an incredible series of performances.

The 7-8 boys have made the basketball playoffs and will meet OES this week in first round action.

Continuing in a line of great programming directed at Riverdale parents, the PTC is hosting Diane Gans this Thursday evening to speak about helping girls develop healthy relationships (Thursday night @ 7:00 in the Commons.) Each of the events has been successively better attended. I really urge our families to take advantage of this opportunity!

And, of course, Hit Explosion is just around the corner.

_____

A note about dogs on the field -- it is critically important that we maintain a high level of security for our children. When children are present, especially just as they arrive and are leaving campus, dogs must be on a leash. We have a great group of dog owners who are responsible for their pets and clean up after them, and I appreciate all they have done to keep our kids safe.

____

Bus #83 has been arriving at school just late enough in the mornings that I asked the bus company to adjust upwards by about five minutes. An adjustment like this can be difficult to calibrate exactly, so I'm hopeful that this notice will allow families to plan accordingly.

Principal's Newsletter -- February 13, 2011

This last week was a busy one, and one that gave plenty of opportunity for me to show off the wonderful things that are happening at our school.

At our Open House on Wednesday night I spoke with parents of prospective students about the things I believe make this a special place for learning.

• Relationships -- the capacity of relationship-building here is as strong as at any school I've ever seen. Teacher-parent-student relationships are at the core of everything that makes us successful.
  
• Purpose -- Injecting socially-relevant purpose into the curricula (both explicit and implicit) helps us extend the dialogue past content and into the wider world.
  
• Arts Integration -- The arts are connected, not just available. As innovation and concept-development become even more important than they are today, this approach is hugely beneficial.
  

Here are a few examples from the week, each of which exemplifies exactly the spirit of these respective aspects of our school community.

Relationships




The third graders in Ms. G's room shared their progress in their Egyptian unit of study with the kinders. They proudly displayed cat mummies and personal artifacts, relating the curricular learning to the younger students.







Purpose

Two assemblies on Friday focused on teaching students strategies for identifying, reporting, and avoiding bullying. The actors were from a troupe called "The Power of One," but the most effective actors were our students.









Arts Integration

Second grade parents volunteered to help Ms. Helmsworth with fitting and applying facial masks, which students will use to further their Native American study in the coming weeks.

















Here's what's on tap for the coming week.

Principal's Newsletter 2/6/11 (Super Bowl Edition)

A Principal "Breakthrough"

We are now halfway through the academic year -- hard as it may be to believe. This time of year can be seemingly magical in a student's development of both skills and confidence, especially those in the primary years. For me, it's a thrilling time of year to be spending time in classrooms. I know I've spoken to many parents about the new leaf I've over-turned, but I'd like to share it with you all in this format as well. After attending a seminar (the Breakthrough Coach) for school leaders and administrative assistants, Betsy and I determined to make a few changes to the way we do business. The primary purpose of these changes is to make me a more effective advocate for students, teachers, and families. A few have come more easily than others. But, for me, I've not noticed another strategy that comes close to making the kind of difference we've seen thus far. The change is simple, really:

• I spend at least two full days in a given week in classrooms, hallways, and the playground. I call them my "lock-out" days. This simple change makes all the difference in the world for me -- it allows me to be present rather than distracted when I'm doing the real work of a principal -- that is, interacting with children and teachers around learning. The other three days are reserved for the clerical, budgetary, and promotional sides of this work.
  
• I no longer have a voice-mail. Or, rather, I do. Karen and Betsy are incredibly gracious and helpful in arranging calls and setting the calendar so that I can be more effective.
  
• Paper does not pile up in my office. Again, because Betsy is so incredibly organized I am able to make sure the office is relatively immaculate before I head home for the evening.
  

The changes I am noticing are two-fold. I am more efficient and more reliably able to follow-through, and, at the same time, I am smiling more. There are 327 reasons for those smiles -- our kids are absolutely engaged in their own education, they are supportive friends for one another, and they love their school!


Adopt-a-Cause Efforts

Early in the year I wrote about the "Adopt-a-Cause" efforts I asked teachers to undertake with their classes. As we are halfway through the year, I thought it wise to update you on the decisions the grade levels have come to. Some of the projects are already underway, and others will be coming up soon as Spring emerges. In the meantime I am beginning to plan a "Sustainability Fair" to be held in conjunction with Earth Day on the half day April 22nd. many of the Adopt-a-cause projects will be on display at the fair, along with a number of additional student projects and professional displays. Here are details of the K-4 efforts; I will share the 5-8 projects next week.

• Kindergarten Kompost demonstrations (Students will study the science of composting, and promote its use in the school and at home.)
  
• 1st Grade Paper Towel Project (Students will divert all paper towel waste from the landfill-bound garbage receptacles toward our existing hot compost efforts.)
  
• 2nd Grade Beach Clean-Up (As part of the existing Oceans Study in the science curriculum, students will participate in a beach clean-up project.)
  
• 3rd Grade Zimbabwean Art Project (Last year was the first time our third graders took part in this great project, which was one of the inspirations for this effort school-wide. This year, the collaboration will continue.)
  
• 4th Grade Native Plants vs. Invasive Species (Fourth graders have developed a wonderful project that has immediate impact on our ecosystem. They are removing English Ivy from the hillside, and replacing it with native plants they are grafting from cuttings taken in Tryon Creek State Park.)
  

Scholastic Art Award Winners!

Art teacher Nancy Helmsworth helps middle school students develop pieces for submission into the Scholastic Art Awards, and this year we have three winners:

PJ H. - plumber gnome - HONORABLE MENTION
Adele E.- Bee salt + pepper - HONORABLE MENTION

Ingrid M.- puppy- SILVER KEY


Science Bowl!

Congratulations to our middle school science bowl teams. Our A team was 3-1 in
the morning and was one of 16 teams that went on to compete in the afternoon double-
elimination rounds. After winning their first game, they lost the next two and were
eliminated. Team B was 2-2 in the morning and did not make it to the double-elimination
rounds in the afternoon. Team A consisted of Dagan B, Brendan E, David H, PJ H, and
Alec N. The B Team included Arthur J, Nate K, Brian L, Quinn M and Erica N. What a
fantastic accomplishment for our 7th and 8th grade students!

The Regional Science Bowl is sponsored by Bonnevile Power Administration
each year and had 57 middle school teams competing for a chance to go to the National
Science Bowl. The competition is a fast-paced question/answer format of science and
math questions, which get more difficult as the day progresses. Its goal is to encourage
interest and career options in science and math by secondary students.

Coming Events (link here to calendar)

Principal Newsletter -- January 24, 2011

PTC Events!!!!

At the outset of this school year, the PTC board and I talked about wanting to make this a special year in terms of gathering students and families together as often as possible to hear from dynamic speakers, experts, and just to have a great time. I must admit, what the PTC has managed to arrange has even exceeded my expectations. In particular, Diane MacDonald and Meghan Pence have really made this series of events come to life!

The school is focused primarily on two areas this year -- improving writing instruction and building school culture. In the spirit of maximizing our efforts, each of the events falls under these two categories.

• Today, as I write, author Mark Pomeroy is in the building, working intensively with 5th and 6th grade student writers.
• Angela Allen will be working with 7th and 8th graders on developing compelling characters.
  
• Yesterday, with the support of the PTC and some inspiration (and no small amount of hard work) from Ron and Lynn Penner-Ash and Diane MacDonald, we enjoyed a wonderfully fun -- and competitive -- ping pong tourney. Results here, by the way!
• Last week we had a great turnout to hear from Howard Hiton on boys' advocacy issues.
• Thursday February 24th, Diane Gans will be in the commons at 7:00 speaking about "Empowering Middle School Girls to Develop Healthy Relationships."
• And, of course, Hit Explosion is just around the corner, on 2/26. Buy your tickets now!
  

From Nick Hershman, regarding the upcoming Mathcounts competition:

Hi All,

I wanted to let you know that Mathcounts has just announced the date for its Portland Regional Contest. The contest will be held on Saturday, February 19th, 2011 from 9am to 1:30pm (probably more like 2:30pm). The contest will be held at the Mentor Graphics Corporation in Wilsonville, here's the address.
8005 SW Boeckman; Wilsonville, OR, 97070

If your student would like to compete we will have 10 spots. Any student in the 6th through 8th grade may participate. And I will hold tryouts this week during each of my classes. For most classes this will be on Wednesday/Thursday. Students not in class with me can arrange the contest during an elective period. The top four students will compete as our school team, and six runners up will be registered as individuals in the contest.

Mathcounts is always a fun day filled with bright students, math, and pizza!

Let me know if you have any questions,

Nick

Events this week include 4th grade game day, hoops games, and a first grade field trip.

Congratulations to Geography Bee and Ping Pong Winners!

Sunday saw an incredible turnout for the inaugural Ping Pong Tournament, the brainchild of Ron Penner-Ash. The tournament included over 120 players!

Ping-Pong Results

K-2
1st – Grant North
2nd – Venous Sanaee

3-5
1st – Sidharth Daga
2nd – Brian Lafranchi
3rd – Justin North

6-8
1st – PJ Hummelt
2nd – Mitch Teed
3rd – Haig Douzdjian

9-12
1st – Abdul Alhamidi
2nd – Ben Huthchings
3rd – Sevan Douzdjian

Women
1st - Jodi Fechner
2nd – Claudia Taylor
3rd – Laura Ford

Men
1st – Art North
2nd – Brian Johnson
3rd – Graeme Parkin

Geography Bee Results:

Our winner this year is Cole Burchiel. Our second place finisher was Justin North.
Congratulations to Cole, Justin and our other geography bee finalists:

Emma Komers
Sam Handley
Ianna Lull
Lily Scanlan
Torrin Kelly
Kevin Macdonald
Jake Myers
Derek Song

Principal Newsletter -- December 10, 2010

Last night we paid tribute to somebody incredibly important to life at Riverdale for the last eight years. At the K-4 Winter Music Concert a group of parents and teachers, spearheaded by Leslie Mahler, presented our head custodian Dennis Wiley with a brand new set of custom golf clubs and a sum of money for his use chasing the white ball around the Northwest's numerous courses. In addition, many parents who are members of various clubs and courses donated passes for his use in the years to come.

Dennis is retiring, effective the New Year. We couldn't be happier for him, but he will be sorely missed.

Every morning when I arrive to get set for the day, Dennis is there to greet me with a rundown of the night's goings-on (hopefully none) and the day's work schedule (always full). At the day's close he is there to check that there is nothing else needed before he heads home. In between, he is nothing short of a one-man-fix-it machine.

Truth be told, Dennis is far more than that; he is a fix-it, clean-it, open-it, smile-for-the-kids, move-this-please, supply-ordering, big-picture-thinking machine.

It has been said that he is a man with forty-plus wives. That's because at any given point he is liable to encounter one of forty-plus volunteers with a great idea for a quick fix or who need a hand with something. I personally rely on Dennis' abilities every single day.

Here are a few more things that we will miss about Dennis. The list could go on for pages, so I've combed it for a few nuggets, hoping you might learn something about our fantastic head custodian of the last eight years.

• He is an organic gardener who grows and appreciates some super-hot peppers.
• He used to walk across the Sellwood Bridge to get to work every day, even in the snow!
• His last two summers have been consumed with our two moves. Nobody contributed more to these efforts than he.
• He is about to be a grandfather, again, for the 9th time!
• He wears (literally) two hats -- a Yankee's hat and a Red Sox hat, because they were gifts from students and he wants to give equal time.

Please take advantage of the next week to say goodbye to an incredible man, and also to encourage him to come back and tell us how his handicap is going.

Godspeed, Dennis. Thanks for your hard work and unwavering dedication.


Cabaret News:

Our first "Cabaret Work Session" will be held from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 16th in the Grade School Commons. This session is not only for those who signed up to help, but for ALL 7th and 8th grade parents, to get to know more about Cabaret, your committee members, what your job entails, ask questions and brainstorm.

There are still quite a few slots open and in need of parent sign up. If you have NOT already signed up for a volunteer position, you will have the opporutnity to do so at this work session. Everyone with a child participating in Cabaret will be called upon to help in some capacity. Therefore, we would like to have ALL parents with a child involved in Cabaret attending on the 16th.

If you are unable to attend, or would like to know what jobs are available prior to the meeting, please contact Elisa Klein at elisaklein@comcast.net or Deb Burchiel at tova4@mac.com. Ongoing information about Cabaret will be in Jeremiah's weekly newsletter, so please review weekly to see the latest updates.

Coming Soon:

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Principal's Newsletter November 12, 2010

It's difficult to believe we are approaching the end of the first trimester in our new building. As a celebration, please plan on joining us for Thursday's grade 6-8 music concert, starting @ 7:00 in the gym!

Last year we began honoring our outstanding 7th & 8th grade students with two designations based on grade point average; upon our return from the Thanksgiving holiday you can look for a display honoring students whose hard work and dedication to academic success earns a place on the Honor Roll (all A's, with one B) or Principal's List (all A's).

Coming Up:

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Math Competitions Opportunities

From Mr. Hershman, a number of math-related opportunities for students in grades 6-8:

Hi Parents! The year is off to a great start, and I wanted to add some Math Contest dates to your calendars. Please continue reading if you are interested in having your child compete in Math Contests this year, and let me know if you would like to help coordinate local contests for Riverdale students in addition to the dates below.

• Tuesday, November 16, 2010. The AMC 8 (in class for all Algebra, Geometry students. Other interested students should get in touch with me and are invited to participate)
• Week of January 13th. School Mathcounts Contest to determine school team for ...
• Sometime in February, Regional Mathcounts Contest (10 Riverdale Students can compete).
• Friday, April 29th, 2001: Pentagames. (9 students can participate, we will need a few parents to help drive students to and from the event)
• Thursday, December 9th, 2010: Riverdale Winter

Our first contest, the AMC8, is an in-class multiple choice test. All Algebra and Geometry students will take it on Tuesday, November 16th, 2010. Students from other sections are welcome to take it as well. If they are interested, they will need to find a free period on the 16th to take the test. Please email me if your student would like to participate. Students from all over the world participate in the AMC 8; students who place in the top two percent have their names published in a book of recognition distributed across the world.

The next major contest is Mathcounts, a very rigorous, national contest. Mathcounts has not yet published the dates for the "Chapter" (Regional) contest. The Chapter contest must take place in February, and the State contest takes place in March. Students interested in Participating in the Mathcounts contest must compete in the School Contest which will take place the week of January 13th. We will conduct an Individual Sprint (40 minutes), Target (40 minutes) and Team Round (20 minutes). Students not enrolled in the Mathletics elective should seek permission of their elective teacher to attend Mathletics during that week.The top four students from this competition will invited to form the RGS team at the Chapter contest. The next six students will be invited as individuals to the Chapter contest. Individuals get to compete in all the same events as those on the school team. Only the students on the school team have scores which count towards our school total. The top team from the Chapter contest will advance to the State Contest in March. The top students at the state event will be invited to the National Contest to take place in May. Mathcounts is widely recognized as the premiere math contest for students at the Middle School level. Watch a video of the top students, and you'll be very impressed.

Pentagames is the last math contest of the year and this year, will be held on Friday, April 29th, 2011. Only current 7th and 8th graders are eligible to compete. The school team will consist of three seventh graders in Pre-Algebra, three eighth graders in Algebra, and three students who do not fit in either of the other categories make up the Open squad. Interested students will take a test and the top three qualifiers eligible at each level will form the Riverdale Team.

Pentagames often requires parent assistance to drive students to the event which is held on Friday. Students will miss one day of school, do lots of math, eat pizza, and have a great time!

We are looking to add a few more contests to the agenda. If you would like to help with the logistics, it would be great to host a Riverdale Fall and Winter Math Contest. It would be great to offer prizes and snacks. If you would be interested in helping coordinate a contest, please get a hold of me.

Principal Newsletter -- October 15, 2010

RGS 3rd graders making architectural sketches of the new building with Ms. Helmsworth. Many early art projects will be on display for the State of the District even on Tuesday evening.

A few big upcoming events merit extra space here:

On Tuesday evening, in the Grade School Commons, Dr. MacNamara, Mr. Schofield and the School Board will host a "State of the District" presentation and dialogue. This is a tradition of the neighborhood that has fallen by the wayside in recent years, and is being revitalized. I encourage you to attend.

The RHS Homecoming soccer game at Lewis & Clark College is Friday night at 6:30. I want to encourage RGS students to attend and cheer on the Mavericks.

The RHS Open House will be Sunday afternoon from 1:00-3:00. This is not just an event for 8th graders -- though it certainly is very timely -- but many 7th graders rightly begin their high school thought process about now.

As usual, we will hold our Halloween parade on the last Friday of the month -- the 29th. Costume prep is already underway, I am sure. Students will change into, rather than come dressed in, their costumes. Please help us reinforce the guidelines: "appropriate for school" and "no weapons."

Also, a reminder for dog owners of our "leash laws" focused on keeping children safe:

1. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times while on any portion of the school campus (includes commons, sidewalks, covered play areas.) *Please note: in this context, "campus" is separate from the field area.

2. Dogs must remain on a leash on the field when school is in session and children are present, and during any practices, school events, and sports events.

3. Dogs may not be left unattended on campus or tied up on campus for any reason.

4. Dogs are not allowed on the chipped area of the playground or near the play structures at any time.


Coming Soon:

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Monday, 10/18
Volleyball @ Life Christian - excused - 2:40, bus - 2:50, game - 4:00

Tuesday, 10/19
Girls (White) Soccer @Meadowglade - excused - 2:25, bus - 2:35, game - 4:15
Boys (D1) Soccer @TVJA - excused - 2:50, bus - 3:00, game - 4:15
Girls (Blue) Soccer vs Kingsway @ 4:00
Boys (D2) Soccer vs Gilkey @ 5:15

Wednesday, 10/20
Boys (D2) @CS Lewis - bus - 2:50, game - 4:15
Girls (White) Soccer vs PAE @4:15

Thursday, 10/21
Boys (D1) Soccer @ PAE - excused - 2:50, bus 3:00, game - 4:15
Boys (D2) Soccer @ Forest Hills Lutheran - bus @4:30, game @6:00
Girls (Blue) Soccer vs OES Green @ 4:15

Friday, 10/22
Volleyball @Forest Hills Lutheran, excused - 2:40, bus - 2:50, game - 4:00

Principal Newsletter -- October 8, 2010

What if we could reduce our landfill-bound waste by half?

It's perhaps a bit ambitious, but that's our new goal.

We've thrown our collective hat over the wall by asking Waste Management to remove one of our four cubic yard garbage receptacles, and to replace it with a new hot compost container.

I've been thinking for a few years about a worm bin or compost system here on site -- and we may yet be able to utilize a modest worm bin for educational purposes -- but this new system will allow us to take advantage of economies of scale and will enable us to divert far more waste. The rule of thumb for the compost is simple: if it rots, it'll do. We can include meats, dairy products, bone, soiled napkins, brown paper bags, even pizza boxes and waxed paper. The leadership class, with Sara Brounstein, is busy training (after attending a training themselves) each class on how to separate and compost their food.

You will notice new green cans in the Commons and in the staff lounge, lined with compostable bags. Please help us out by encouraging children to fill them. (Then, on the weekends, you can buy it back as garden mulch;) Other ways to help us reach this goal are to minimize pre-packaged snack foods and to use re-usable lunch containers.

Reducing our waste by 50% is a big goal, but I know we can do it!


Thank You PTC!

Thank you for a great couple of days conferring about your children. We are so well cared for by the PTC -- the food they provide keeps us all going during conference days!


Coming Soon:

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Next week's athletic calendar:

Monday, 10/11
Volleyball vs Gilkey - 4:00
Girls Soccer - White @OES - Release Time - 2:40, Bus - 2:50, Game - 4:00

Tuesday, 10/12
Volleyball @CS Lewis - Release Time - 2:30, Bus - 2:40, Game - 4:00
Boys Soccer - D2 vs SW Christian - 4:00
Boys Soccer - D1 vs Meadowglade - 5:15
Girls Soccer - Blue @Meadowglade - Release Time - 2:35, Bus - 2:45, Game - 4:15

Wednesday, 10/13
Girls Soccer - White vs OES - 4:00

Thursday, 10/14
Boys Soccer - D1 vs OES - 4:00
Boys Soccer - D2@ Catlin - Release Time - 2:50, Bus - 3:00, Game - 4:00
Girls Soccer - Blue vs PAA - 5:15

Friday, 10/15
Volleyball vs Faith Bible @4:00

Principal's Newsletter -- September 24, 2010

Thank you for bearing with us as we manage and improve the parking lot situation. It's truly getting better every single day! Today I was out there and we had a somewhat congested situation for only two minutes.

• One minor tweak which will make a great deal of difference is this: parents driving from North to South on Breyman may use the yellow-curbed area adjacent to the cross-walk for drop-off. Beth Marchi is out there everyday with the crossing flag, and is able to help students safely exit their vehicles (on the right-hand side) onto the curb. They should then walk through or around the school to the back side. Pick-up in this same location is possible in the same manner.
• From the South side, driving North, it is okay to drop students at the crosswalk as well. They should cross in front of your car; the crossing guard will assist in ensuring oncoming traffic stops as well. This is not as convenient as the other direction, but it's nice to have another option if things are congested.
• Wednesday, an officer of the law has informed me he will be ticketing folks parked in the "triangle."
  
• I'll throw in one more quick note: while speeding drivers is not a huge issue here, all it takes is once. Please be thoughtful in driving, especially as the roads get wet for the first time. We have so many children riding bikes and we want to ensure their safety.
  

You may have noticed a fence being installed on the perimeter of the field. There are many purposes the fence will serve, but one important purpose is to help us respect the property of our neighbors who have been so gracious throughout this building process. Until it is constructed -- and after -- it is important for us to be cognizant of our neighbors' property, and to remind children that safe play needs to remain on the field.

Our attention now turns to the Grand Opening on October 3rd. This promises to be a wonderful event, with multi-generational participants in families celebrating the opening of the new school. Stay tuned for more details from the school district.

• I am putting out an "RFP" for 7th and 8th graders who would like to be hosts at the event. Requirements would be (a) dressing nicely and acting as docents, (b) meeting with me on Wednesday next during school to discuss their role, and (c) be here from 2:45-5:15 on the 3rd. Please email me with your son or daughter's desire to participate.

Coming Soon:
(Trying a new format -- follow the links to see the events listed on the district calendar.)

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Our Wonderful Community!

Principal's Newsletter 9/17/20 (part II)

If you're interested in reading about all of the norms, expectations, lines, staircases, bell times, etc., scroll down to Part I or click this link.

Otherwise, if you'd rather read about our fantastic student athletes, mathletes, and coming events like Back-to-School Night, read on.

Math Team to Hold Two Morning Practices Each Week
The RGS Math Team has recently hired Heather Kitada, a talented and enthusiastic junior majoring in Math at Lewis and Clark, to run two practice sessions each week. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:30 to 8:30, Heather will work with students to develop their math abilities and prepare them to compete both as individuals and as a team on a variety of in-house, local, and national contests. Students will have opportunities to receive recognition for their successes in competition, and to grow their interest and love for math! In addition to the AMC 8 competition in November and the Mathcounts competition in late February, there will be a variety of events and contests open to students throughout the year. This is a great way to help your student foster a love of math and the skills to excel! Register through the PTC Community School page.

Soccer/Volleyball season is upon us. The boys Division II team with coaches Paine and Morton played yesterday against SW Christian to kick off their season. The Lady Falcon Volleyball team, under Coach Brounstein, started their season in our gym against Forest Hills Lutheran last night. They lost in a very competitive match. Upcoming games are posted below.


I am thrilled to announce that we have a second girls soccer team. The schedule is being posted as I write to the district and district athletic calendars -- the two girls' schedules will be denoted by color, a "blue" team and a "white" team. The job is posted, and if interested, please contact Rob Pridemore, district athletic director. We were able to pull this off because of behind-the-scenes work by Lori Peterson and Rob Pridemore, as well as the incredible turnout of our female athletes -- 30 girls are out for soccer this season. Coupled with a very healthy roster of 12 for volleyball, these are truly impressive numbers.

Back-to-School Night is this coming Tuesday evening. We will return to our regular format, which is a tight time-line but allows us to see as many people as possible without impinging anyone's evening schedule too badly. I encourage those of you close by to walk, if possible, as parking will be at a premium. It is a parent-only event.

The format is as follows:

• 6:30-7:05 -- Primary (K-4) classroom presentations.
• 7:10-7:25 -- All parents and staff meet in the commons for brief remarks from the principal, the PTC, and the Foundation.
• 7:25-8:00 -- Upper (5-8) classroom presentations.
  

Coming Soon:

Monday:

• 4th grade to Tryon Creek
  
• home volleyball game vs. Life Christian
• away division I boys soccer game vs. Catlin Gabel
  

Tuesday:

• home division II boys soccer game vs. Catlin Gabel
  
• away girls soccer "blue" vs. Portland Adventist
• home girls soccer "white" vs. OES
  
• Back to School Night

Wednesday:

• Picture Day
• PTC General Meeting in the commons

Thursday:

• away division II boys soccer game vs. Life Christian
• home volleyball game vs. Emmaus Christian
• away girls soccer "blue" vs. Kingsway
• away girls soccer "white" vs. OES
• home division I boys soccer game vs. Horizon Christian