Grade 6 Rube Goldberg Project -- Riverdale Goes Viral

Check out what Mr. Nebert and his 6th grade scientists were able to accomplish at the end of their investigation into mechanics and simple machines.

They have begun a YouTube Channel, called 56riverdale. Stay tuned for more video entries!

Principal's Newsletter -- April 3, 2009

Congratulations are due to three outstanding 4th grade writers: Shannon Kehoe, Lindsey Stern, and Isabel Pereira have all received Honorable Mention in the Tall Tale Writing Competition for Tryon Creek State Park. Their winning entries on "How Beaver Helped Build Oregon" will be read on a live radio station, at the Earth Day Celebration at the park on April 26th, and rewarded with a gift certificate at the park Nature House. Please be sure to congratulate our winning writers when you see them.

We are beginning to gear up for a remarkably busy Spring. While this coming week's calendar may look rather empty, it promises to be the proverbial calm before the storm of important events. Personally, I was having a hard time tracking the bigger picture. I'll take this opportunity to ask you to mark your calendars for a number of them.

Children's Author Lecture -- This year's author, John Scieszka, author of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, will speak at the First Congregational Church downtown at 7:00 pm on Monday, April 20th.

District Art Show -- On May 4th, from 6:00-8:00 pm, visual artwork from every arts participating student in the district will e on display!

Cabaret -- The halls are alive with the sound of musical numbers in the late afternoons. Students and teachers are working hard to prepare for the big shows on May 14-16. The 14th will be a dress rehearsal, open to the public at a steeply discounted rate, the show on the evening of the 15th will be the traditional catered dinner theater for families, and the Saturday night show will again accommodate a larger audience. We are expecting a great turnout this year!

Music Concerts -- Our musicians are busily preparing for a number of events: the K-4 concert will be on May 28th and the 5-8 band and choral concert on June 4th. Additionally, the RGS/RHS Jazz Night will be held at the high school on June 1st.

Green-Up Day -- Set for Saturday, May 2nd, the efforts this year will focus on the south parking lot and the invasive ivy on the "back 40."

Field Studies -- 4th grade (May 7 & 8), 6th grade (week of May 10), 7th grade (week of May 18), and 8th grade (week of May 18).

Field Day -- May 30th is the big day!

PTC End of Year Coffee -- June 8.

Awards Assembly -- June 11.

Promotion Ceremony -- June 11.



The Coming Week's Calendar

Monday
PTC Executive Board Meeting 8:45
7th grad RHS Parent Perspective 7:00

Tuesday

Wednesday
3rd grade field trip -- OMSI
Early Release 2:30

Thursday
RGS track restoration 3:30

Friday

District homepage: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/District/
Grade School homepage: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/GradeSchool/
High School homepage: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/HighSchool/
Athletics schedules & information: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/Athletics/
Foundation information: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/Foundation/
Grade School PTC webpage: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/rgs_ptc/
High School PTC webpage: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/rhs_ptc/

Happy Spring Break!

Principal's Newsletter -- March 20, 2009

• Just about every time I find myself leaning over a pool table I find myself wishing I'd paid a bit more attention to geometry. As of today, Mr. Hershman's geometry class should not have the same experience. The picture at left is of the Smartboard in the 7-8 mathematics classroom, set up for "Pool Table Geometry." Students were busily setting up "shots," banking balls off of the rails and right into the holes. The class has also been busy geometrically determining the appropriate angles for a "Wii-board," a homespun interactive whiteboard that utilizes infared technology to mimic the commercial model pictured.
  

• I have some rather sad news to report. Mira Peterson, our wonderful 4th grade teacher, is moving on. Her fiance has been "matched" into a residency in Salt Lake City and they will be departing soon after their wedding early this summer. We will miss her sorely. She is a wonderfully collaborative and energetic part of the faculty here, and I know the relationships she's developed with children and families have had an enormous impact.

• On a happier note, this coming week is Spring Break -- we look forward to seeing everybody on Monday the 30th!

• The First Friday coffee on April 3rd will focus on plans for next year's transition to Smith Elementary, with a focus on families of children in grades K, 3, and 4. I will share information about the configuration of these grade levels for the 09-10 school year at this morning event as well as the Pre-K Story Time on Thursday and an informational meeting on Friday afternoon as well. If any family is unable to attend any of these events please let me know and we will make other arrangements.
  

Calendar

Monday
Site Council meeting 3:45

Tuesday

Wednesday
Winter Sports Assembly (5-8) 1:05

Thursday
Pre-K Story Time 2:45

Friday
First Friday Principal's Coffee 9:00
Next year's 3rd and 4th grade parent meeting 3:30

District homepage: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/District/
Grade School homepage: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/GradeSchool/
High School homepage: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/HighSchool/
Athletics schedules & information: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/Athletics/
Foundation information: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/Foundation/
Grade School PTC webpage: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/rgs_ptc/
High School PTC webpage: http://www.riverdale.k12.or.us/rhs_ptc/