Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Principal Newsletter -- September 18, 2009
Riverdale Athletes Off to a Roaring Start
Three Falcon teams led off their respective seasons with dramatic wins this week. On Monday evening the girls' soccer team upset rival Catlin Gabel in a pre-season opener that saw keeper Corey Linver make a huge save to avoid a tie in the final minutes. On Thursday afternoon the volleyball team was against the proverbial ropes, having lost the first game in a best-of-three format and down 1-19 in the second. They came back to win the second game behind the serve of Maddie Cameron and won the third game to put away the match. Also Thursday, the boys' Division II team was locked in a tie with a minute to go when Amir Sanaee scored for a dramatic win. Our athletic philosophy places at least as much emphasis on the ethics of sportsmanship and teamwork as on winning, but it is wonderful to see the athletes experience success so early on!
Research
Librarian Lisa Becker has developed a program of study for students at grades 3-6 around developing research questions, using the OSLIS framework for developing meaningful "essential questions." She's worked with teachers at each of these grade levels (and younger students, too, though on a less formal basis) to utilize this consistent framework. This has exciting implications for our students as inquirers, and will prove to be a helpful resource for parents as well. If you've not seen her excellent resource page in a while, it's worth a look.
Forms
Karen and Betsy are still collecting the various forms, fees, and -- most importantly -- emergency release forms. The deadline was last Friday, but there are still a large number outstanding. Please help us by turning any forms in to the office during this next week!
Parent Internet Safety Night
This program is designed for parents of students in grades 5-12. Both schools' principals and school counselors will be on hand to begin important discussions about the role of schools and family in monitoring appropriate Internet use, sharing take-home tips about Facebook privacy, and seeking feedback about potential future events. Please join us for snacks ahead of time, graciously provided by the PTCs. Tuesday evening, September 22nd, 7-8 pm (Riverdale High School, Maverick Room).
Upcoming events:
Monday
Tuesday
5th Gr Field Study to Mt. St. Helen's
4:15 PM GS Div II Boy's Soccer game (home) v OES
7:00 PM Internet Safety Night for GS/HS Parents @ RHS
Wednesday
4:15 PM GS Div II Boy's Soccer (away) v Life Christian
Thursday
4:00 PM GS 6/7/8 Gr. Girls' VB (away) vs Open Door
Friday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM GS - 3rd Gr. FT - Magness Tree Farm
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM GS - Student Council Speeches - Gym
Three Falcon teams led off their respective seasons with dramatic wins this week. On Monday evening the girls' soccer team upset rival Catlin Gabel in a pre-season opener that saw keeper Corey Linver make a huge save to avoid a tie in the final minutes. On Thursday afternoon the volleyball team was against the proverbial ropes, having lost the first game in a best-of-three format and down 1-19 in the second. They came back to win the second game behind the serve of Maddie Cameron and won the third game to put away the match. Also Thursday, the boys' Division II team was locked in a tie with a minute to go when Amir Sanaee scored for a dramatic win. Our athletic philosophy places at least as much emphasis on the ethics of sportsmanship and teamwork as on winning, but it is wonderful to see the athletes experience success so early on!
Research
Librarian Lisa Becker has developed a program of study for students at grades 3-6 around developing research questions, using the OSLIS framework for developing meaningful "essential questions." She's worked with teachers at each of these grade levels (and younger students, too, though on a less formal basis) to utilize this consistent framework. This has exciting implications for our students as inquirers, and will prove to be a helpful resource for parents as well. If you've not seen her excellent resource page in a while, it's worth a look.
Forms
Karen and Betsy are still collecting the various forms, fees, and -- most importantly -- emergency release forms. The deadline was last Friday, but there are still a large number outstanding. Please help us by turning any forms in to the office during this next week!
Parent Internet Safety Night
This program is designed for parents of students in grades 5-12. Both schools' principals and school counselors will be on hand to begin important discussions about the role of schools and family in monitoring appropriate Internet use, sharing take-home tips about Facebook privacy, and seeking feedback about potential future events. Please join us for snacks ahead of time, graciously provided by the PTCs. Tuesday evening, September 22nd, 7-8 pm (Riverdale High School, Maverick Room).
Upcoming events:
Monday
Tuesday
5th Gr Field Study to Mt. St. Helen's
4:15 PM GS Div II Boy's Soccer game (home) v OES
7:00 PM Internet Safety Night for GS/HS Parents @ RHS
Wednesday
4:15 PM GS Div II Boy's Soccer (away) v Life Christian
Thursday
4:00 PM GS 6/7/8 Gr. Girls' VB (away) vs Open Door
Friday
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM GS - 3rd Gr. FT - Magness Tree Farm
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM GS - Student Council Speeches - Gym
Monday, September 14, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Principal Newsletter -- September 11, 2009
I remember very clearly this day eight years ago. One of my colleagues' father was on board one of the planes, and my school was absolutely devastated, as was the country. Seeing the flags at half staff today is a stark reminder of how grateful we are to be working and learning where we are.
Busing
We're almost there. Thank you for the tremendous amount of patience you've granted us.
We have a change to announce that will remove the pressure from our most impacted buses. Beginning Tuesday the 15th we will be adding a fifth bus: #80. It will start at 11505 SW Breyman, relieve the largest stop from bus #81 -- Aventine Circus -- and finish with the RHS stop. On Monday we will attempt to personally reach anyone affected by these particular changes. Additionally, some final tweaks in the chronology of the routes will be posted simultaneously. When they are up on Monday I will send out another email with a link.
Back to School Night
On Tuesday night we would like to welcome all parents to join the faculty at Smith for our Back to School programs. As usual, we will separate the k-4 and 5-8 programs to allow for families with siblings in different levels to attend both. (Unfortunately, if you have two students within one of the ranges, "divide-and-conquer" is the best option.) One aspect of this year's event that will differ from years past is that we will not be inviting all parents into the gym for a brief introduction to the year. Our gym is smaller and won't accommodate such a large audience. Additionally, because of parking restraints, we are hopeful that avoiding the overlap will ameliorate neighborhood concerns about our impact.
Some reminders:
Sally Foster & SCRIP
The Sally Foster purchasing window is upon us -- September 9-25th! Please support our incredible PTC by purchasing wrapping paper. You can never have too much, and delivery will be nice and early -- October 20th.
SCRIP is another incredible way to help the PTCs of both schools. Look out for information about SCRIP as well.
Dress Code
We only have a few weeks of nice weather left, but during that time please help us by reminding students of our dress code.
Parent Internet Safety Night
Increasingly, parents are looking for help in understanding and dealing with the challenges posed by more and more ubiquitous access to the Internet. This program is designed for parents of students in grades 5-12. We will be sharing best practices, discussing the role of schools, and informing parents about children and two of the most critical platforms: social networking and gaming. Tuesday evening, September 22nd, 7-8 pm (Riverdale High School, Maverick Room).
Upcoming events:
Monday
4:15 PM GS Girls' Preseason Soccer (away) v Catlin Gabel
6:00 PM School Board Meeting @ RHS library
Tuesday
6:30 PM Back to School Night for K-4 parents
7:15 PM Back to School Night for 5-8 parents
Wednesday
4:15 PM GS Div I Boy's Preseason Soccer (away) v Horizon Christian
Thursday
4:00 PM GS 6/7/8 Gr. Girls' VB (away) vs Portland Waldorf
4:15 PM GS Div II Boy's Preseason Soccer (home) v Gilkey
Friday
Busing
We're almost there. Thank you for the tremendous amount of patience you've granted us.
We have a change to announce that will remove the pressure from our most impacted buses. Beginning Tuesday the 15th we will be adding a fifth bus: #80. It will start at 11505 SW Breyman, relieve the largest stop from bus #81 -- Aventine Circus -- and finish with the RHS stop. On Monday we will attempt to personally reach anyone affected by these particular changes. Additionally, some final tweaks in the chronology of the routes will be posted simultaneously. When they are up on Monday I will send out another email with a link.
Back to School Night
On Tuesday night we would like to welcome all parents to join the faculty at Smith for our Back to School programs. As usual, we will separate the k-4 and 5-8 programs to allow for families with siblings in different levels to attend both. (Unfortunately, if you have two students within one of the ranges, "divide-and-conquer" is the best option.) One aspect of this year's event that will differ from years past is that we will not be inviting all parents into the gym for a brief introduction to the year. Our gym is smaller and won't accommodate such a large audience. Additionally, because of parking restraints, we are hopeful that avoiding the overlap will ameliorate neighborhood concerns about our impact.
Some reminders:
- Primary (K-4) Programs -- 6:30-7:10
- Upper (5-8) Programs -- 7:20-8:00
- Children are not invited to Back to School Night
- Nancy Helmsworth and Molly Scholz have easily locatable classrooms this year, on the main hall. They will be in their rooms. Other specialists will be in the library area, between about 7:00-7:30.
- These programs are informational in nature, and not designed to be conference opportunities.
- Please remember to stop at the Foundation booth, which will be set up in the entry! Normally, we would invite Foundation President Steve Klein to speak with parents. The Foundation is a critical partner in our mission to provide the best possible education to our kids.
Sally Foster & SCRIP
The Sally Foster purchasing window is upon us -- September 9-25th! Please support our incredible PTC by purchasing wrapping paper. You can never have too much, and delivery will be nice and early -- October 20th.
SCRIP is another incredible way to help the PTCs of both schools. Look out for information about SCRIP as well.
Dress Code
We only have a few weeks of nice weather left, but during that time please help us by reminding students of our dress code.
Parent Internet Safety Night
Increasingly, parents are looking for help in understanding and dealing with the challenges posed by more and more ubiquitous access to the Internet. This program is designed for parents of students in grades 5-12. We will be sharing best practices, discussing the role of schools, and informing parents about children and two of the most critical platforms: social networking and gaming. Tuesday evening, September 22nd, 7-8 pm (Riverdale High School, Maverick Room).
Upcoming events:
Monday
4:15 PM GS Girls' Preseason Soccer (away) v Catlin Gabel
6:00 PM School Board Meeting @ RHS library
Tuesday
6:30 PM Back to School Night for K-4 parents
7:15 PM Back to School Night for 5-8 parents
Wednesday
4:15 PM GS Div I Boy's Preseason Soccer (away) v Horizon Christian
Thursday
4:00 PM GS 6/7/8 Gr. Girls' VB (away) vs Portland Waldorf
4:15 PM GS Div II Boy's Preseason Soccer (home) v Gilkey
Friday
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