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.