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.