Parents and students were alarmed by an announcement, during the Budget Meeting of April 27th, that schedule changes were being considered for the High School next year. After the faculty worked hard to consider every possible option, it has been determined that we will not have a different schedule next year.
However, because of the reduction in teaching staff, other changes in the structure of how-we-do-business must be considered. We are discussing the viability of targeted all year math and foreign language instruction, fewer single-grade classes, and ways to introduce a wider range of activities, independent and group study projects, service projects and community building. Our goal is for students, faculty and parents to feel that Riverdale is a vibrant place to spend time, offering meaningful challenge and bountiful opportunity for academic, social and individual growth. We welcome creative ideas from everyone in the community, and will keep you informed about our discussions.
While functioning with fewer teachers is always more challenging, we expect that our program can be preserved and even improved.
A parent survey about the schedule was promised at the April 27th meeting. Because the scheduling decision was made efficiently, to allow us enough time to create a schedule for next year and start the schedule forecasting process, we will not be sending out a survey specifically about the schedule. Look for a survey about a wide range of topics at the end of the year.
Graduation update:
Announcements, caps and gowns targeted arrival is May 11th.
We are assured that there will be back up (extra) caps and gowns in the event someone may not be prepared. Dan from Royal-T Herf Jones planned to call anyone without a cap and gown. Sam has emergency late forms for order if you know that you have not ordered.
Service hours are culminating. Becky Kennedy and Michael Murray are working with students to wrap up their projects and hours. If your child is at risk for not graduating due to their lack of service hours you would have received a letter (twice) and a call from Ms. Kennedy. Diplomas cannot be awarded without this completed requirement.
Very important: Please notify Sue Teeter or Michael Murray about all grants, scholarships, awards and acceptances your child has been awarded. I hope to provide your child with mention on the graduation program and we would like to document their cumulative successes.
We look forward to seeing you all June 7th at 7:00 pm, Agnes Flanagan Chapel at Lewis and Clark College. Tickets are limited.
Lastly, I am new to this class, I acknowledge that they are graduating with a new principal and might be missing Ms. Higgins at this time. It is also true that I have not known them for their first three years at RHS. I would appreciate any stories, accomplishments or experiences you see as highlights that you might share with me as I begin to think about what to include in my address to this amazing class of young men and women.
A Book Store in the Library? Yes! -- Book swap is coming...
The RHS Book Swap is only a few weeks away! Be part of It. Here is how it works:
1. Clean out your bookshelves: Most wanted items include: appropriate adult and YA fiction, mysteries, historical fiction, sci-fi, graphic novels, non-fiction such as history, current events, cookbooks, travel, art, pets, psychology, sports, essays, philosophy, biography, CDs, & DVDs.
2. Bag it! Bring in your donations (starting now) in a bag or box that is clearly marked with your name.
3. 3=1: We give you one book credit for every three items you donate. So, if you donate 12 items, you earn enough points to “buy” 4 books/cds/dvds at the sale. The more you bring in, the better the choices for everyone.
4. On the first day of the sale, only those who donated items are allowed to select items.* If you run out of points, you may purchase a title for $.50 for paperback, $1 for hardback/cd/dvd. On the second and third days, everyone is welcome and all titles will for available for sale at these great prices.
This sale is not designed to raise money, but we sometimes make enough to purchase a nice assortment of popular paperbacks to loan for Summer Reading.
Important Dates:
May 7 - Prom at EcoTrust Building
May 9 - School Board meeting 6:00 at the grade school
May 10 - Spring Sports awards at 7:00 at Lewis and Clark Stadium
May 12 - Red Cross Blood Drive at RHS
May 25 - Forcasting Night for new 2011-2012 RHS students
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