My how time flies when you're having a good time, it's February!

Assessments for sophomores

February 7, 8 & 9 our students will be provided the State Writing Assessment and February 10 & 11 they will be provided the State Reading Assessment.  Be sure your sons and daughters get restful night’s sleep during the week.

Poetry Out Loud

Riverdale High School is participating in "Poetry Out Loud" - The National Recitation Contest. Approximately 125 students participated (freshman & sophomores) through their classes and 22 students as contestants.

Poetry Out Loud uses a pyramid structure that begins at the classroom level. Winners advance to a school-wide competition, then to a regional and/or state competition, and ultimately to the National Finals.  To learn more about poetry out loud click here.

On January 21st , Riverdale held its first school-wide competition.  All 22 student contestants were incredible -- there was one winner - sophomore, Frankie W.   Frankie W will be heading to Salem for the statewide competition on March 12th.  Frankie will prepare three poems (including the poem she recited at the competition, "For the Young Who Want To" by Marge Piercy).  Please note that students, staff and parents are welcome to attend the State competition.  Admission is free.

Scholastic Art Awards

The Scholastic Art Awards of Oregon is a statewide regional affiliation of the national Scholastic Art Awards program, which offers early recognition of creative teenagers and scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors.  

Several Riverdale High School students have been recognized this year:

Eleanor V B "Landscape #1" in Charcoal - Gold Key Award

Annie E "Portland, Oregon" - Gold Key Award and "Annie (Self Portrait)" in charcoal - Honorable Mention

Evy B "The Mixed Up Giraffe" in acrylic- Honorable Mention

Chloe L "Self Portrait" in charcoal - Silver Key Award and "Woven Together" Watercolor - Silver Key Award

Basketball

Come Support the Maverick Hoops Program

Saturday, February 5th in the RHS Gym

4:30 pm - HS Boys JV Basketball vs. Portland Christian

6:00 pm - HS Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Portland Christian

7:30 pm - HS Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Portland Christian

The girls varsity team will be battling to hold onto sole possession of first place, and move one step closer to their first ever Northwest League title as the 11-1 Mavericks take on the 10-2 Royals.  Don't miss the game.

The boys varsity team is looking to keep their district playoff hopes alive as both Portland Christian and Riverdale are tied in league standings and both teams are looking to claw their way back into playoff contention.  It promises to be a great night of basketball action with the RHS Boys JV.

Join the Stampede!

Food Service Task Force

A food service task force had their first meeting this week.  Surveys from the students, staffs and parents were reviewed.  A list of priorities was gleaned and serves as foundation for their work.  It is clear that this community desires options for the students that are healthy and accessible. 

The task force consists of Grade School and High School parents, students, staff and administration.  Our first charge is to find a solution for the High School after Spring Break.  The second charge is to determine a solution for both the High School and the Grade School for the 2011-12 school year. 

Thanks to everyone who completed a survey.  If you have input you were unable to provide, please forward your thoughts to your principal via email.

Musical Task Force

Volunteers have been solicited for the musical task force.  We have not yet met.  Our charge will be to research and acquire a venue for our show next year and to discuss the theater program for the High School.  Please let me know if you are interested in contributing to this effort.

Field Studies

Our Field Studies experiences are just a bit more than a month away.  If your child is going to Wild Horse Canyon for the week, they need a Consent Form filled out.  These were mailed in December and a second one was filed in the schedule boxes, along with any outstanding balance, during conferences.  Your student will be bringing home a form if you did not pick up the one in the folder last week; these will be passed out during our next Field Studies meeting on Wednesday. Please take the time to fill this out and return it to the front office. 

P.S. Thanks to the staff who plan this experience, and plan to make this week a wonderful experience for all.  Your extra time and thoughtfulness are truly appreciated.

Juniors Zoo Trip

Juniors have enjoyed pen paling with their grade school buddies this term and enjoyed today's trip to the Oregon Zoo.  Over 140 Riverdale Community members participate in this annual event.  Thanks to the staff and parents who make this happen.  Thanks to the 1st, 4th, and 11th grade students who make it so sweet.   

H2O Class Update

Congratulations to the H2O class for reaching their goal.  $5000.00+ was raised to support H2O for Life and bring a clean and constant water supply to Ruhaama Primary School in Uganda.  This is our fourth school in only two years!  Thanks to all of you who bought Krispy Kreme-O-Grams, Giant microbes, and our various clothing items.   

Science Bowl

On Saturday, five Mavericks will be spending the day at the University of Portland surrounded by their fellow science loving peers from all over Oregon and Southwest Washington.  Good luck Science Bowlers!  This is our 13th year of competition.  Let the games begin.