Happy New Year!

New Graduation Requirements; The Essential Skills

January 13^th at 7:00 in the library we will be hosting an informational night for parents of sophomores and freshman.  The new graduation requirements impact the graduating class of 2013 and after.  Kate Wray, Michael Murray and Paula Robinson will be there to share information from the Oregon Department of Education.  This will be an overview of the new requirements and ideas about how RHS plan to address the implications for our students.

Importance of Sleep

I saw Dr. Denise Pope of Stanford University speak in November.  Her lecture and her research specifically, are based on reducing stress and increasing engagement for high achieving students.  I will share snippets of what I learned from her.  This week, of interest to me, based on what I see in our student body, is sleep.  Dr. Pope shares that sleep deprivation is equal to being drunk, so much so that one should not drive.  When one is sleep deprived memory is affected, processing is affected, in grade school they will be hyper and in high school they will “crash”. Students’ growth spurts will stop or slow and brain development is negatively affected.

Closed Campus

I am writing to address something that is on the student’s minds.  “Why are we a closed campus?”  According to the Ground Lease of the Collins View School Site by Multnomah County School District No. 1j, section 4.6.13, “The school at the Premises will operate as a “closed campus” i.e. students will not be permitted to leave campus during school hours including recesses and lunch hours”.  Some students are disgruntled about this and about the fact that we are required to monitor this.  We are doing our best to support the agreement, in some cases this has resulted in disciplinary action.  You can support our ability to remain on site by having a conversation with your student about cooperating with this agreement.

Basketball - Giving - Learning

Basketball season is off to a bullish start!  Our teams have been working hard to prepare and our opening game showcased their hard efforts.  It was exciting for me to see the students in action. 

It has been fun to watch how the musical is coming together.  Theatre is such an amazing thing, just when you think it might be hopeless, things blossom in spectacular fashion.

Today has been an emotional day for many of our students as they say their goodbyes to our guests from Guatemala.  Both of them hope “with all [their] hearts to come back as permanent students next year.

Frankie, Paula Robinson and Robert -- saying goodbye

*Advisories play Bingo for the Oregon Food Bank on Wednesday, December 15, 2010*

Here is how to play:

Students "purchase" a Bingo card by bringing in at least 3 cans or $3

(More cans or $$ would be a great help to Oregon Food Bank)

Bring your cans in a clearly marked bag or $$ in a clearly marked envelope to the Front Desk or RHS Library.

Thank you from students in the Ziff and Loggan Advisories.

Most Wanted Foods:

Oregon Food Bank needs these nutritious foods:

Canned meats (i.e., tuna, chicken, salmon), canned and boxed meals (i.e., soup, chili, stew, macaroni and cheese), peanut butter and other nut butters, canned or dried beans and peas (i.e., black, pinto, lentils), pasta, rice, cereal, canned fruits and vegetables,  100 percent fruit or vegetable juice (canned, plastic or boxed), cooking oil, shelf-stable milk, consider donating healthy, low-fat and low-sugar products

Oregon Food Bank can't use & to ensure food safety, the food bank cannot use:

Rusty or unlabeled cans,  perishable items (applies only to food drive donations),  homemade items, noncommercial canned or packaged items, alcoholic beverages, mixes or soda, open or used items.

PLEASE NOTE:* If you donate glass products, please box or bag them separately and label the box or bag "GLASS" on all sides.

New Graduation Requirements for class of 2014- Essential Skills Parent Information Night

Kate Wray, Michael Murray and Paula Robinson will be providing an overview of the State of Oregon’s new graduation requirements that begin with the class of 2014.  We will present details about the new requirements and have conversation about how we are planning to support students for success. January 13^th at 7:00 in the library.

December 3, 2010

Greetings,

There is so much activity in the building it is as if we never stopped for the Thanksgiving Holiday last week.  The students of RHS don’t miss a beat, you can be proud of their hard work and dedication.  My appreciation goes to the teachers who demonstrate high expectations, kindness and support for their students.

Parents of seniors…

Please watch for the yearbook “baby ad” letter or email in January. You can prepare now by finding a picture of your senior from preschool days and composing a message of 25 words or less to accompany it. Details of the cost and deadlines will be shortly after school resumes in January.

Musical production coming in January to the Broadway Rose Theater Stage!

Riverdale High School students present the Shakespearean, science fiction, 60s rock musical (yes, you read that correctly) "Return to the Forbidden Planet." 

Shakespeare, science fiction, and great 50s and 60s rock-and-roll in a madcap outer space adventure and a truly unique musical! Hear some of your favorite oldies such as “Young Girl”, “Good Vibrations”, “Teenager in Love” and “G-L-O-R-I-A”

Friday, January 14th @ 7:30 pm

Saturday, January 15th @7:30 pm

Sunday, January 16th @ 2:00 pm

Thursday, January 20th @ 7:30 pm

Friday, January 21st @ 7:30 pm

Saturday, January 22nd @ 2:00 pm

(Ticket purchasing information coming soon!)

Finals are complete, students looking forward to a break...

Greetings and Happy Thanksgiving!

This week has been full with finals and the start up of our basketball program.  As I write the students are finishing up their last final, I can sense the upcoming release for them.  I am pleased that Riverdale operates in the trimester system as it allows students to take finals prior to a break.  They are able to actually relax and have some down time, which is essential for their mental health well being. 

An impressive event this week was the Music Department Program, Soundtracks, a presentation of songs from movie and T.V. soundtracks.  Twenty-one songs were performed by the combined programs (Instrumental Open Projects Class and Musical Theater Class).  An outstanding addition to the night was a duet performed by Roberto F. P. (our guest student from Guatemala) and Ben D.  Michelle Horgan pulled together a dynamite performance.

DATE TO REMEMBER:

December 3^rd is the deadline for ordering caps and gowns for graduation, which is June 7, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.

Of Interest:

"Parenting Your Student-Athlete" DVD now available

The Connecticut Association of Athletic Directors has produced a DVD - "Parenting Your Student-Athlete" which was financially supported by the Connecticut state high school association (CIAC) and the state coaches association (CHSCA). This professionally done video was developed to assist schools with the ever increasing problems created by the parents of athletes. It is 14 minutes long and has a series of vignettes which makes it perfect for your pre-season parent meetings. It will identify some unpleasant parent personalities as well as highlight some strategies parents can employ to enhance their child’s athletic experience. It is narrated by Suzy Kolber and Mike Golic from ESPN calling attention to 3 major themes.

A. Support your child AND their "entire" athletic program.

B. Make your child’s sport fun for them, not stressful.

C. Keep your child’s sports experience in perspective and see how you and they fit into the big picture.

The Video can be viewed or purchased at the following link: www.caadinc.org/parentvideo.html

Click Here to view the video "Parenting Your Student-Athlete"

India Trip 2010

Riverdale High School --  India 2011

Last week there was a fine turnout of interested parents and students who may want to participate in RHS's next service learning trip to India during fall 2011.  The meeting featured Mr. Palma's numerous photos of the 2009 trip and a Q and A session from the audience with students who went last year, Mr. Palma, and parent-leaders Susie Keeton and Chris Hall.

 The main focus of the trip is to aid poverty-stricken families in the state of Kerala in southern India.  More can be learned about the India-based charitable organization that sponsors the trip through www.hopecharities.org.

If anyone has any questions about Hope Charities or about this incredible cultural and service learning experience for RHS students, please contact Susie Keeton:  susiekeeton@comcast.net or Dan Palma: dpalma@riverdale.k12.or.us.

November 5, 2010

Homecoming

Our active and creative Spirit Club kicked off Homecoming with a lively pep rally.  Thank you to the Spirit Club and their teacher/sponsor Catherine Kernodle!  Everyone enjoyed the fun and silliness.  Riverdale pride and spirit was pumped up for the game.  The result was a great turnout.

The Homecoming soccer game at the Lewis and Clark field thrilled us all as the Mavericks proved themselves against Faith Bible 3 to 0.  It was an honor for me to recognize the Senior Fall athletes and their parents for their hard work, efforts and commitments.  Our Homecoming court was announced during halftime and they were escorted by our own Riverdale Falcons who carried banners.  The court is as follows: Freshman, Princess Megan G. and Prince Chase F., Sophomores, Princess Claire S. and Prince Jeffery K., Juniors, Princess Anna S. and Prince Joey S. and finally, Seniors, Queen Ellis M. and King Robert V.B.

The night culminated at the High School with Open Mic Night.  Michelle Horgan and the students transformed the Maverick Room into a spectacular night club and provided entertainment that included vocalists, piano, comedy, dance and a rock band.  The audience had a great time and we were all impressed with the range of talent shared!

H2O Dance and Fundraiser

The October 30th dance was a huge success, the students had a great time and consider the event a magnificent contribution to their fundraising efforts.  Our Superintendent, Dr. Brook MacNamara enjoyed the evening with the Mavericks as well.  Laurie LePore is greatly appreciated for providing a dance event for our student body.

Senior Panels

Mark Oldani has pulled off a spectacular and productive senior panel process.  I am impressed with the level of engagement the seniors enticed from the student body and staff members over the three senior panel days.  I learned from the proposals, had the opportunity to provide feedback and became better acquainted with students through my participation.  The organization was impeccable and everything went smoothly due to the behind the scenes efforts of Mr. Oldani.  I now understand the project and it's process and look forward to seeing the final exhibitions!

Open House

We had record attendance at Open House this year.  It was a fun and successful event.  Jody Haagenson and Hilary Chandler, the parents and the staff are appreciated for their efforts. It was the students, however, that shined and demonstrated the face of Riverdale.  We are proud of who they are and how they represent Maverick pride.  I extend my appreciation to Jody and Hilary, the parents and staff, but especially the students for their commitment, time and energy.

1st Round of State Playoffs for the Mavericks

We received final details on the RHS Boys State Playoff game and will know our opponent this weekend after all league games have been played.

WHAT:   RHS Mavericks State Playoff Game

WHEN:  Tuesday, November 9th
WHERE: Lewis & Clark Field

WHEN:   4:00p.m.

ADMISSION:  $4 - Students &  $6 - Adults -  Admission to all playoff games is mandated by OSAA to offset playoff game costs

GRUB:  Riverdale Boosters will have concessions selling pizza, popcorn, coffee, doughnuts, snacks, etc. 

Come support your future team and see our Co-District Champs advance in the playoffs.  For those of you who do not know, Riverdale Soccer is in the toughest district in the league.  We cannot recruit as our private school opponents can.  Our team's talent is amazing to watch! 

COME CHEER YOUR MAVS ON TO A VICTORY!!!

Instruction

The State of Oregon has adopted National Standards for instruction.  School districts are determining implementation across Oregon.  Riverdale High School embraces these national standards as they are designed to develop graduates who are internationally competitive.  Graduates will confidently sit in university classes next to any student from around the world.  More conversation and discussion is forthcoming as we plan our instruction and supports for our students. 

Traffic Reminder

• Students are released at 3:50 p.m (2:50 p.m. on Wed.).  To avoid congestion and to allow students who are driving to safely leave the school, we recommend that parents arrive after 4:00 p.m.  Please proceed around the student parking circle (north lot) and pick up your student at the pick up/drop off area by the hill as you are headed toward the exit.  Please do not park in front of the school (reserved for bus parking) or use turn around in front of the school between 3:45 and 4:30 for student safety. 

• During the hours of 3:45 and 4:30, if there is traffic lined up behind you, please turn right and use the Lewis and Clark roundabout to ensure that traffic continues to flow.