Shirley and I will continue to attend as many events as we can. Starting with my own, I believe this was the 56th sixth grade band concert I have attended. We thoroughly enjoyed every event we attended whether it was a high school play, a sporting event, students receiving well deserved recognition, an event chaperoned, a board meeting or even a dunk tank. I want to personally express my admiration and thanks. Academically, our schools rank among the top in the state. In parental support and involvement we rival the best in the nation.

As this is written, our seniors have graduated and our eighth graders promoted. There is much emotion connected with these transitions, but I would urge all to consider this motto… “Don’t cry because it’s over…smile because it happened.”

In closing, I would say that this has been a great school year in many ways. We have made great strides in technology and made significant progress on our Strategic Plan. We are so fortunate to have such committed students, dedicated teachers and staff, and caring and involved parents. I wish you and your families a safe, restful and enjoyable summer and look forward to seeing you next year!

Sincerely,Terry

Superintendent’s Letter As the 2013-14 school year draws to an end, I reflect in admiration and respect on the work that has been done by our students, teachers, administrators, and staff in making our mission of ‘developing inquisitive imaginative and eager learners’ a reality. And, of course, none of our successes would be possible without the cooperation and contributions of our parents, the PTC’s and the community at large.

Throughout this school year, I have visited most if not all of our classrooms and have seen first-hand the exceptional instruction that is taking place. I can’t imagine any school system in this country having more dedicated employees or a more supportive community than Riverdale. Just recently I had the opportunity to attend a number of music, art and athletic events. It was so heartwarming to see Riverdale High School students participate in the myriad of activities that make up a school year. Witnessing, first-hand the growth of kindergarten students during their first year of schooling, makes me feel confident we are in good hands.

Inside this issue:

Riverdale Review•Superintendent's Letter•Foundation Update•Grade School Glimpse

•Peter Pan & Field Day•Athletics Highlights (GS & HS)•High School Highlights

•Parent Teacher Clubs (PTC - GS & HS)

DISTRICT 51J 3rd Trimester Review 2014

Riverdale Review

In addition to the usual Annual Campaign, the Riverdale School Foundation sponsored two events in early May. On Thursday evening, May 1st, 170 people revisited the history of Riverdale School and the neighborhood. Many people enjoyed dinner in one of several neighborhood homes before heading to the Grade School Gym for a two hour program learning about a few of Oregon’s treasures from the Oregon Historical Society, listening in on an old fashioned Radio Show, and reminiscing with a panel of school alumni. The Riverdale School Foundation would like to thank Susan Rech and Kristen Kohnstamm for arranging delicious reunion-style dinners catered by Eat Tray Chic complete with wine donated by Penner-Ash Wine Cellars and Pamplin Family Winery. The Riverdale School Foundation would also like to thank the program moderator Elliott Trommald ’51 and Lee Ragen ’50 for orchestrating the panel of alumni that encouraged the audience to participate in a walk down memory lane as they shared their own stories. Thanks also goes to Brenda Bonnell and the RHS Drama Club for presenting memories from turn of the century alumni who wrote in for the school’s Centennial Celebration. Special thanks to Riverdale High School students Brooks H., Cole B., Nate P., Lily S., Isabel P., Adrian L., Noa C., Jessie J., Nico C., Bailey G., and Alex P. for transporting us to another time. Thanks to Heather Bogaty and Amy Coulter for refreshments and historical displays in the Commons after the program. It was an honor to welcome Dr. Marvin Weinstein ’34, Mrs. Carol

Riverdale School FoundationRiverdale School Foundation is happy to report the Annual Campaign gifts and pledges for this year have resulted in a gift to the School District of $870,000. ThisgiftenablestheSchoolDistricttofulfillitsmissionofprovidingafirstclasseducation toallof thestudentsatRiverdaleGradeSchoolandRiverdaleHighSchool. Becauseasignificantamountofthisyear'sAnnualCampaignwasfundedwithpledges,wearecountingonallofourfamiliestofulfilltheir pledges as soon as possible.

DISTRICT NEWS

Mount Clark ’34 and Judge Jack Beatty ’33 and many other alumni and former residents of the neighborhood back to Riverdale School.

The following morning on May 2nd, Kindergarten through fourth grade students invited their Special Friends to see their school and join them in their classrooms. Beloved Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, favorite neighbors and the occasional “special parent” enjoyed coffee and treats in the Commons while being serenaded by third and fourth graders. Principal Tobin welcomed the visitors and introduced her “Special Friend”, her grandmother who inspired a family of educators. Visitors

were then dismissed to their students’ classroom to meet teachers, classmates and check out all that learning going on. The Riverdale School Foundation would like to thank the Kindergarten through fourth grade students and their wonderful teachers for hosting a lovely morning. Special thanks to the Grade School PTC and Nif Lindsay for orchestrating the event.

Riverdale School Foundation extends thanks to Superintendent Brandon and Principal Tobin for making the Grade School available for both these events in early May. Kudos to Ken Neilson and his custodial team for sprucing up the school for all of our important visitors.

Riverdale Review

Riverdale Review

Riverdale Grade SchoolBy Joanna Tobin Itisajoytoreflectonthe2013-2014schoolyear.Truthbetold, my favorite memories are quite simple. These include K i n d e r g a r t e n students running up to seventh and eigth grade girls to shower them with hugs and look up at them with unconditional admiration. Or, our 8th grade students at Field Day running backwards with arms linked then comically making it across thefinishlinefallingin laughter. It’s the smile, the hug and the excitement for learning that is deep in tradition, yet forward moving and grounded in best practices that make Riverdale Grade School a tremendous place to be.

For all Oregon public schools, this was a year of change. With the shifts to align to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and to best practices in grading, our teachers have certainly been busy. The amount of ground covered for professional development issignificant.Throughouttheyearteachershavebeenadjusting their practices with a strong emphasis placed on the eight CCSS Mathematical Practices. Next year we look to place more time and energy on the CCSS

English Language Arts standards; for which Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects (electives) help to support. Additionally, we spent time aligning our building practices to the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports methodology to include the creation of our individual and class Falcon Feathers. In the area of assessment and data, this year we say good-bye to the OAKS (Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) and plan for the next generation assessment of the Smarter Balanced Assessment to be administered during the last twelve weeks of the school year in 2015. With this change, comes a new way of looking at student achievement. As we strive to have a great handle on student achievement through formative assessments, we bring on the Measure of Academic Performance for Math and Reading this June (K-12). Students will participate in this assessment three times a year (approximately 45 minutes per session), in order to inform teachers’ instruction. One of the promising features of this assessment is it allows students to show their true capabilities beyond grade level. This way of looking at student performance will help us with our goals of inspiring growth and achievement for all students.

This year we have welcomed thirteen new staff members; four Teachers, one Technology Strategic Innovator, eight ClassifiedStaffmembers(Preschool,EveningCustodianand Special Education Assistants) in addition to my role. Also, we are actively screening and interviewing for six teaching positions. These new staff members bring with them new ideas and approaches that we welcome, while we continue to be grounded in our 126 years of tradition. For those who are leaving us, we wish you wonderful new beginnings and also the very best for those retiring. Thank you to the community and staff for welcoming us – it is with enthusiasm I look to the exciting things to come in 2014-2015.

GRADE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

This spring the primary blend became o c e a n o g r a p h e r s and studied ocean

ecosystems. They learned about the animals that live in the ocean habitat and wondered how they survived. They traveled to Haystack Rock to observe tidal pools. After returning back to school, they created fragile ecosystems in clay and paper.

Third/fourth grade students studied bridge structure and design. They explored the various types of bridge designs and how all of the parts of a bridge structure work together to create a working bridge. Students participated inawalkingfieldtrip where they experienced firsthandmanyofthebridgesin Portland. At the end of the trip, students were able to

become, "roadkill" on the Morrison Bridge, when the bridge operator opened the bridge, while the students laid on the roadway. At the end of the unit, students worked in groups to create bridges out of KNEX.

InMaythefifthgradersperformedFracturedFairyTales.The plays included Live! It's Fairy Tale News!; Cinderella Outgrows the Glass Slipper; Hansel and Gretel Are

Preschool threes completed a beautiful mural this Spring; it was a compilation of lots of painting! Inspired by Eric Carle books and his technique of illustrating they painted with real banana leaves, potato mashers, nylons full of sand, q-tips, whisks, cedar branches and even paint brushes through out the year and used that paper for the background of our mural, flowers, ladybugs caterpillars, clouds and sun.

Preschool threes studied slugs, snails, grasshoppers, salamandersandbutterflies. Aspartof thisunit, theyreleased their last Painted Lady Butterfly from thecenter of their circle and said their goodbyes. One of the butterfly stories theclass read was about telling your wishes and dreamstothebutterfliesand they carry those wishes on their wings.

The kindergarten classes enjoyed a wonderful field trip to downtown Lake Oswego on May 1, 2014. They rode Tri-met as their transportation to

their tour of the main fire station. It was a terrific culmination of their units of study for transportation and community helpers.

Riverdale Review

GRADE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Riverdale Review

friends with students from all over Portland." --Jonah S. "IhadareallyfuntimeatODSbecauseeachfieldstudywas completely different, so each day we had something new to look forward to. I made a lot of friends and I still hang out with some of them and keep in touch." --Piper A.

On Friday May 2, 2014, the 5th grade class hosted tours of an inflated model ofthe International Space Station for younger children and guests. It is an annual event where 5th graders engineer inflated structures that

are connected.

Pairsoffifthgradersconcludedtheschoolyearwithanegg drop engineering challenge activity. Students designed, prototyped, then engineered structures that would allow an egg to break when dropped from 50 feet. Fifth grade engineers were faced with building constraints that included: not using foam, 25% of the egg must be visible, and it must land in the two meter diameter "Drop Zone". It was an exciting activity that topped off our full year of hands-on science.

The sixth graders presented a series of humorous plays based on stories from Greek mythology. The Greek plays are becoming a regular end-of-year tradition for RGS sixth graders.

7/8 Leadership class organized a food drive for the Oregon Food Bank at RGS from May 12 - May 19th. Two barrels of food were collected to

Really Beautiful but Have Really Weird Names; Two Pigs, a Wolf, and a Mud Pie; and Once Upon a Hundred-Year's Nap. The students memorized their lines and provided their own costumes and props. The plays were directed by Mr. Migchelbrink and Mr. Black and were performed over a three day period complete with lights, music, and sound effects. Students from other classes and parents attended.

In April all sixth graders attended Outdoor School. Sixth graders from Mr. Black's and

Mr. Migchelbrink's homerooms attended Sandy River Outdoor

School; sixth graders from Mr. Nebert's and Mrs. Reece's homeroom attended Arrah Wanna. While at Outdoor School, the students studiedfourareasoffieldstudy, and spent a day on each one: water, animals,

soil, and plants. The four components are tightly integrated. Even by the second day the students see how these four areas work together

in an ecosystem. One of the most amazing parts of Outdoor School is the hands-on aspect. The students are out in the field in various locations at the camps.They explore rivers, creeks, and ponds. They handle animal furs and skeletons. They identify and work with plants in the forest. "I got a great experience interacting with nature, and I met a lot of people and made new

GRADE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

from Beginning to Advanced, Marimba Pop and two levels of Jazz Bands) played with great skill and big hearts and the response was tremendous. Advanced Band also led the annual Field Day Parade and did an outstanding job and we had a fantastic Jazz Night outside in front of the Commons featuring the Grade School and High School Jazz Bands. We couldn’t be happier and are proud of all of our wonderful music students. Happy Summer!

Another Riverdale tradition, the all school photo taken by our own Mr. Black.

GRADE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTSbenefit families in need. In addition, third grade students worked collaboratively with the Leadership class by designing "Helping Hands"

bracelets which they sold during the food drive. The students raised $335.75 through the sale of these bracelets for the Oregon Food Bank as well.

The annual Talent Show was Friday, May 30th, in the RGS gym. Riverdale has Talent! Twenty-eight acts included musical talents, acrobatics, comedy, dance—to name a few —performed for the students, parents, and community members.

Spring was a w o n d e r f u l l y successful time for all K-8 music students. The K-4 Spring Concert was one of the most challenging concerts ever presented (a Classical music theme) and all of the students rose to the occasion playing and singing rounds from the 1600s, music by Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Rossini, Saint-Saens, Tchaikovsky and more. The Grades 5-8 Spring Concert was also a huge success – it is the culmination of a school year of hard work, teamwork, preparation and fun – and all seven instrumental groups (four levels of school concert bands

Riverdale Review

The tradition of Field Day goes back to 1921. Field Day at Riverdale School has brought the community together to celebrate the end of the school year and the start of summer. It begins with a fun run, a mini-parade, and jumps into field events for the grade school kids toparticipate in–athletes and non-athletes alike.

GRADE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Thirty Riverdale Grade School students and a camp staff of Riverdale High School Drama students produced Peter Pan Jr. after two months of drama camp after school. The students worked on improv, characterization, projection and choreography while learning the lines, lyrics and dance moves to the wonderful story of Peter Pan. There were Mermaids, Pirates, Lost Boys in PJs, Pirates, Indians (Hana Mana Ganda!!), and of course the iconic Captain Hook, sidekick Mr. Smee, sassy Tinkerbell and her fairy friends, the Darling Family and the boy who wouldn't grow up, Peter Pan! The students held three performances May 16th and 17th to full houses.

Peter Pan & Field Day

Volunteers make this event happen – over 160 volunteers participate. This year’s team was led by Riverdale parent, Sarah Reid. This is our Riverdale Community!

do you recognize this mom??

Riverdale Review

Riverdale Review

were all wonderful additions to this year’s team. Glenn S. posted the boys top times in the 100 and 400 meter dashes, and the farthest long jump. OctaviaW.,afifthgrader,wasa force in the hurdles and sprints, contributing some of the team’s best times in those events. Nova H. is proving to be a talented thrower, and Cannon D. showed a lot of versatility, running impressive times in a variety of races and doing well in long jump.

Though the Falcons will be losing the leadership of its eighth graders, Gillian S. and Gavin W., the team’s younger runners are very talented and motivated. Next season is going to be exciting!

Club LacrosseFounded in 2002, Riverdale Lacrosse completed its 12th season with a record-breaking number of participants on two girls teams (3/4 & 5/6) and four boys teams (1/2, 3/4, 5/6, & 7/8). The girl's teams had great seasons with a strong mix of returning and new players. They workedhardandfinishedtheseasonwithhugesmiles!The boys teams also competed fiercely and workedvery hard. Some highlights: our 3/4 team broke the all-time record with 27 registered players and our 7/8 team finishedwithan18-0perfect record, the third timeoureighth graders have been part of a perfect season!

Grade School Athletics

Track & FieldA small but talented group of Falcons capped off a successful season with a strong performance at the District Meet held at Wilson High School on May 17th. Sixteen athletes recorded 31 personal records (PRs) at the meet; some athletes set personal best marks in multiple events. Leading the way for the Falcons, were 8th grader Gillian S. and GS track seventh grader Glenn S. Gillian set three lifetime bests out of four events at the meet, running a PR in the 200 meter, the 50 meter hurdles, and the javelin. She was also close to her PR in the discus. Glenn S. set PRs in the 100 meter dash, 400 meter dash, and long jump, as well as contributing to the team’s best 4x100 meter relay time of the season.

This tremendous amount of improvement also reflectsthe Falcons season as a whole. Each member of the team approached their events with enthusiasm and

dedication, working hard to improve each practice, and competing hard at each meet. The most improved athlete this season, based on the cumulative amount of time that he shaved off his previous PRs,

was Miles R., who went from a season best of 6:22 to a lifetime best of 6:09.5 in the 1500 meters.

The team was also fortunate to have a strong combination of experienced athletes with great gifts for leadership, and several talented new-comers. Natalie B., Cannon D., Nova H., Octavia W., Jack B., Joe H., and Glenn S.

ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTS

The Riverdale Mavericks had its most successful Spring sports season in school history, headlined by a school recordforanumberofqualifiersandastatechampion.This Spring Riverdale saw 15 athletes qualify for state track, tennis, and golf-- the highest number of qualifierstheschoolhasseen.Additionally,fiveathletescompeted with Wilson HS on its lacrosse teams, four students participated in club rowing at the Lake Oswego Rowing Club, and four sailors represented RHS in the high school sailing program at Willamette Sailing Club. As the programs continue to grow so does the success of our athletes.

Track and FieldTrack and Field had nearly one-third of its team qualify for the state meet this year, in a very successful district track meet at Portland Christian. Both the boys and girls team finished third overall at the district eventwhich saw tenRiverdale athletes finish in the top twoin their respective events and moved on to the state championships at historic Hayward Field in Eugene.

The Mavericks continued their outstanding performances as several athletes posted their personal bests while at the state meet. The boys team saw Guy Eroh take 3rd overall in state with a time of 9:29 in the 3000 meters. BenFieldfinished3rdinstateintheboys400meterswitha time of 52.23 seconds. Two of Riverdale boys relay teams advanced through to the state competition where Max Zinda, Colton Mayberry, Wyatt Jones, and Ben Field took 5th place with a time of 46.27 seconds. The Boys 4x100 team consisting of Wyatt Jones, Max Zinda, Garen Marter, and Ben Field also placed 5th in state with a time of 3:40. The Maverick boys squad finished themeetwith a 9th overall place in state, their second top ten finish inback-to-back years.

On the girls side, freshman Lilah Abrams finished 5th overall inthe 3000 meters with a time of 11:44. Alexandra Scott, placed in two events finishing 10th inthe 300 meter hurdles with a time of 53.47, and 7th in the 800 meters with a time of 2:33. Sophomore Katherine Pelz highlighted the state track meet with her firstplacefinishandnewstate meet record in the girls discus at 125’ 10”. Katherine becomes the firstgirlsindividualstatechampion in Riverdale history. Riverdale girls team finished a schoolbest 14th place at the state track meet.

TennisBoysTennisfinishedtheyearwithanevenfivewinsandfivelossesontheseason--theirbestfinishinrecentyears.The Mavericks went into the district tennis tournament held at Lewis and Clark College, and Tualatin Park and Rec. and saw a record number, eight boys, advance

to the second day of the tournament. In singles, all four singles players, Ryan Molinari, Krystof Komers, Ramon Calvino, and Cole Bemis advanced

before eventually falling during day two of the tournament. On the doubles side the Mavericks had two teams advance out of the first day. Bothteams of Matous Komers and Grant Roulier, and

ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTSHigh School Athletics

Riverdale Review

Riverdale Review

Calen Shoen, and Eli Berne broke through to day two of the tournament before both teams would eventually drop to the overall champion and runners-up. The program continues to grow and advance under Coach Ziff as they look to build upon their team’s overall depth for the future.

The girls tennis program had an outstanding season this past spring. This year’s team saw four of its players ranked going into the three-day district tournament. In doubles the team of Sophie Hamilton and Isabelle Gilges entered the tournament seeded 8th, and in singles Elizabeth Berry was seeded 7th overall, while Michelle Ly was seeded 2nd. With only the top four individuals and teams reaching the state competition the Mavericks had a record number of girls reach day two of the tournament. Two doubles teams Allison Molinari and

Isabelle Whitlock along with Sophie Hamilton and Isabelle Gilges advanced through to day two. In singles Elizabeth Berry, Elisa Romano, and Michelle Ly all advanced

to day two, giving the Mavericks seven girls from their team advance. The highest number ever the Mavericks have seen. After an exciting three days of tennis, Riverdale sophomoreMichelle Ly finished 2nd overallat districts and advanced once again to the state tennis championships held in Corvallis.

Michelle Ly was seeded #3 overall in the state tournament and as a result received a bye into day two of the competition. Michelle went to work quickly as she wonherfirstmatch6-1,6-0advancing her to the state quarterfinals.Inthequarterfinals,Michelleonceagainmade quick work of her opponent with a 6-2, 6-0 win. Duringthesemi-finalmatchMichellebattledthe#2seedElsa Harris from Crook County. In a hard fought match Michelle eventually fell to state runner-up. She quickly bounced back however winning her third place in state by a score 6-1, 6-3. Congratulations Michelle, and the entire girls tennis team on an outstanding year! The Mavericks would also like to congratulate their very own girls tennis coach, Jeff Brown, on receiving coach of the year honors!

ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTSGolfGolfcontinuestogrowatRiverdale,andfirst-yearheadcoach Sandy Sutherland saw some great improvements overtheseason.Theboysteamthisyeardefinitelyhadabreakoutseason.TheMavericksfinishedinthetopthree in each of their tournaments this season, and won three tournaments outright during the year. Riverdale’s youngsquadwasconfidentthattheycouldmakesomenoise at the tournament and battle for one of the two qualifying spots for state. In their two day event the boys squad of Tristan Nurse, Will Couche, Oscar Logeais, Grant Brown, and Austin Pellissier played well, but unfortunately finished thirdoverall, just one spot shy of the team qualifying for state. However, junior Tristan Nurse’s round of 80 and 84 earned him third place as an individual for the match and an automatic individual qualifier for state competition inCorvallis. While at state Tristan competed against a field of 80golfers over two days at Trysting Tree Golf Course shooting an 86 for both of his rounds. With his score Tristan finished 32nd overall in state. TheMavericks will return all but one of their golfers next season, and are poised to make another strong run at state.

For the girls team Sarina Walter, Sophia Baker, and Bailey Grayson, all competed as individuals in this year’s two-day event held at the Oregon Golf Academy in Woodburn. Following day one Riverdale’s own sophomore Bailey Grayson was just two positions outside of fifth and automatically qualifying to go to state as an individual. Bailey played well over the two day event, but unfortunately was not able to make up the last two spots to qualify her to state as an individual. All three girls are set to return next year, and their goal is to grow the program so they can also compete as individuals

Boys LacrosseRiverdale/Wilson Varsity Lacrosse Team ended its season with a 12-4 record. They ended the season with a 12 to 9 win at Lake Oswego High School on a sunny day in front of a big crowd. Four Riverdale boys play on the Riverdale/Wilson teams: Riverdale students Sam Schenk and Kian Safari – Varsity and Ryan Quisenberry and Cameron Safari on JV.

Willamette Sailing ClubCapping off a great season full of regattas all over the Pacific Northwest,the Riverdale Sailing Team competed at the Oregon State Championships, held on May 3 and 4 at Willamette Sailing Club. The “Gold Fleet” team of Ramón Calvino/Erik Holmgren and Ramón/Ingrid won nearlyallitsraces;andthecombinedfleetswithallRHSsailors (Ramón Calvino, Erik Holmgren, Ingrid Myers & Arthur Jenkins) won 2nd place overall.

Oswego High School, who ended up winning the state championships with consistently strong performances throughout the playoffs.

ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTS

Riverdale Review

but a team as well. They are looking to round out the last two members of their squad and compete in next year’s district to qualify for state in both individual and team match play. RowingJuniors Brian Larkin, Madeline Whitlock, Kaitlin Thomas, and Zach Freid, along with rising 9th-grader Marissa Thomas, celebrated the end of spring rowing season with Lake Oswego Community Rowing (LOCR) last week. As part of LOCR, RHS rowers competed in multiple regattas this season, i n c l u d i n g the Covered Bridge Regatta on Dexter Lake (south of Eugene), the Brentwood Regatta in BC Canada (one of the largest high school rowing regattas on the west coast of North America!) and the USRowing Northwest Junior Rowing Championships on Vancouver Lake, WA on May 16 - 18. Congratulations to sisters Kaitlin and Marissa for taking third in Novice Women’s 4 at the Northwest Regionals!

Girls LacrosseThe Riverdale/Wilson Girls’ Lacrosse Team finished the year with an 11-3 record and a strong performance through to the Quarter Finals of the OGLA State Championships. The season included two strong wins over Lincoln High School and Central Catholic during the regular season as well as a terrific first round playoff victory at home against Lakeridge High School (14-7). The team finished itsseason in the q u a r t e r f i n a l s against Lake

Join Wilson Girls’ Lacrosse:

AliciaGorriaranearnedherfirstvarsityletterinlacrosseas the team’s goalie and hopes that more players from RHS will join her on Wilson Girls’ L a c r o s s e Team for the 2015 s e a s o n . E l e v e n seniors are g r a d u a t i n g this year, so there is plenty of opportunity participate on both the varsity and junior varsity teams. Wilson normally fields twogirls’ lacrosse teams with 35 girls. Please contact C o a c h C a t h e r i n e D a v i d s o n at 503-975- 8243 or A l i c i a Gorriaran about playing on the team in the 2015 season.

Riverdale High SchoolBy Paula Robinson

As I look back on the 2013-14 school year I am thrilled for several reasons. The students are well, achieving at high standards and thriving! With an exceptional administrative team the School Board has put in place, my time has been spent working to support students, families and teachers in the pursuit of excellence. I have immersed myself in school improvement, student dreams and instructional coaching.

This year Riverdale High School has accomplished international accreditation, earning exceptional

marks. “Institutions seeking accreditation must meet AdvancEd standards specified for their institution,

demonstrate high levels of student performance and provide evidence of stakeholder satisfaction with the operation of the institution. The External Review by a team of highly qualified evaluators is the hallmark ofAdvancEd Performance Accreditation as it energizes and equips the leadership and stakeholders of an institution to achieve higher levels of performance and address those areas that may be hindering efforts to reach desired performance levels. External Review is a rigorous process that includes examination of evidence and relevant data, interviews with stakeholders, and observations of instruction, learning and operations. The entire community has worked hard all year to prepare for the External Review process and our collaboration and hard work were evident. You may read the high school’s report by clicking here.

This time of year is the perfect opportunity to thank our students for their engagement in education and their participation in the continuous improvement of our school culture, it’s programs and it’s practices.

HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Our student body actively works with staff in order to develop their ideas and integrate them into their educational experience. Our staffs establish continuous improvementinourschoolthroughtheirownreflection,collaborationandthefine-tuningoftheirpractice.Ourparents not only support their children and our teachers in tangible ways they contribute their time and resources generously. I extend my thanks and deep appreciation to the students, staffs and parents who make Riverdale thefinecommunityandtheexceptionalexperienceitis!

We are saying goodbye to our seniors and sending them off to college, while at the same time our enthusiasm to embrace our new freshmen class in September escalates. Have a joyful restful summer. The 2014-2015 school year will be here before you know it, more impressive accomplishments to come.

Riverdale Review

RHS student Cole Bemis won the International Bridge Building Competition in Chicago, Illinois. RHS students Cole Bemis and Kate Hollingshead competed in the International Bridge Building Competition Saturday, May 10th in Chicago, Illinois. This was the tenth consecutive year that Riverdale students have represented Oregon in International competition, and the third time in less than five years that aRiverdale High School studenthastakenfirstplaceat this competition.

Ms. LePore and Mr. Schell's Art/ Science class traveled to Brad's World of Reptiles in Corvallis. The Brad’s World staff taught students about a variety of reptiles and let brave volunteers hold all kinds of animals, from spiders to snakes to alligators. Each student was told to choose a reptile that especially peaked their interest to study and artistically render later in class.

Seniors presented their Senior Exhibitions on May 23, 2014. Senior exhibition is a interdisciplinary project that students complete over the course of their spring trimester. It requires Riverdale High School seniors to craft an essential question, conduct research, connect with an expert

HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTSworking within the area of their research, write a 12-15 page academic paper and present their findingsto an audience of teachers, students and community members.

On Saturday, April 5th Riverdale's Science Olympiad Team traveled to George Fox University for a day

of building, testing and n e r d - i n g out at the Oregon State Competi t ion. The team of 14 Mavericks

was competitive, placing 4th overall out of 14 teams and winning gold in Geologic Mapping, silver in Disease Detectives and bronze in Rocks and Minerals.

Three of our best shined at Portland State University's Annual Young Historians Conference - S e m a Hasson, Maddie Hauenstein, and Jonathan Huston had their papers selected this year. Competition was fierce andthese were outstanding papers. Five of the best papers received this year from Western Civilization courses were submitted.

May 1st was the universal deadline for making college commitments. The Class of 2014 had 215 acceptances to 188 different colleges. They were offered more than $7 million in merit and need based scholarships.

Riverdale Review

laws. This is a good way for the students to see the 10th Amendment to the Constitution in action as it was at the start of the Civil War.

Bruce Nicholson visited the Consumer Sciences class to show them the many facets of cars. He showed them emergency precautions and how to check and work on different parts of the engine and other systems in the car. Students learned how to check oil, change the oil and oil filter, how tocheck the antifreeze and where the emergency gas shutoff is. Other information that was covered included where theair filtersare,how tochange windshield wiper blades, how to access the fuse box, and what the warning lights on the dashboard mean. They also covered how to check tire wear, pressure, rotation,andwhattodoifthecarexperiencesaflattire.

Madeline Hauenstein was awarded a National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y scholarship for

2014-2015. Madeline will be studying Turkish in Turkey for the Summer.

Senior Day Out was a beautiful warm sunny day. Seniors enjoyed Short Sands Beach at Oswald West State Park. Barry from food service had a bon firegoing when the students arrived after the short hike to the beach. Thank you to the Parent Teacher Club

HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTSRiverdale had a complete sweep of Oregon’s representatives The National Peace Essay Contest is an annual competition for high school students to explore peace building and earn college scholarships. As anational competition, one winner and a few honorable mentions are selected from each state. This year, coordinated by Laura Pridmore-Brown, Riverdale had a complete sweep of Oregon's representatives with Eleanor Solomon (Freshman) winning first place and BenRichmond. (Freshman) and Grant R. (Sophomore) receiving honorable mentions. Eleanor's essay will be reviewed at the National Contest.

Riverdale High School students John Nutter and Jeff Wiegand(teamname-WetooloW)qualifyforthefinalsof the West Point Bridge Design Competition in New York on June 27th. They qualified byplacing in the topfive(fifth)inthesemi-finalroundoftheWestPointBridge Design Competition on June 2nd, 2014. There were over 27,000 bridges submitted for the qualifying round, of which, the top 40 teams were invited to compete in thesemi-final round. ThefifthplacefinishqualifiesthemforthefinalsinNewYorkonJune27-28,where they will be given notebook computers, and will be competing for scholarships.

Steve Holgate as Lincoln captivated the audience of 5-12 graders at the grade school and chatted with Mr. Palma's Civil War class before departing. It was his third appearance at Riverdale. The Civil War class also debated the current p r o p o s e d state voter r e g i s t r a t i o n

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Star Party, unveiling and testing their telescopes that they worked on all trimester.

Invited by student Lilah Abrahams, Senator Wyden talked to RHS students about civic responsibility and education reform, followed by a Question & Answer session.

The Riverdale high School Girl Up club would like to thank everyone who donated dresses to their Dress Drive this spring. Thefinaltotalwas65dresses,or$650thatwill go to support Girl Up and UN programs around the world that will help make sure every girl has a chance to be safe, healthy, and educated leaders.

The High School Spring concert was an amazing performance. The music was outstanding, creative and entertaining. The concert included several individual and small group performances. The choir professionally performed very difficultand layeredpieces.ThisconcertwasMichelleHorgan’s last concert with us, she is pursuing her career asamusicalwriteranddirector,herfirst showwillbepart of an event this next year. Thank you Michelle for a great send off concert, it was beautiful and fun.

Riverdale High School service team on Medical Issues hosted a brunch. 100% of funds from this event go to support Camp Ukandu. Camp Ukandu is a planned “outrageously fun” camping experience for young people who are living with cancer. It gives these kids an opportunity to play outdoors, explore their talents, socialize with other kids, and receive the advocacy they need to feel safe, secure, and very happy.

RHS Senior Yonah B earned OSAA-OMEA (Oregon Music Education Association) State Title – 2014 State Champion Baritone, May 3rd at Lewis & Clark College.

Patricia Torvalds earned the Award for Aspirations in Computing from the Oregon and SWWashingtonRegionAffiliateofthe National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT). This award recognizes the top technically-oriented women from Oregon and Southwest Washington. Applicants were judged on their academic history, technical skills, aptitude, experience, leadership activities, outreach to others and future college plans.

XV: Observatory (the student led class that focused on the engineering and constructing of two telescopes) held a

who make this annual Senior Day Out trip possible. It is among the highlights of the graduation celebrations.

District Arts Show was April 23rd and featured visual and performing arts by students in grades K-12.

HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

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RGSlunchservicevolunteers,togiveahighfivetoakid in a younger grade, and to be kind to his/her fellow classmate.

Looking forward, Minnie Cooper and Christina Summers havefilledEVERYvolunteerchairslot for2014/2015.We look forward to you participating in some of the exciting community, fundraising, communication and enrichment activities next year. Try to read the following list of next year PTC responsibilities out loud and in one breath:

PTC website, New Family Lemonade, BTS Packet, BTS Coffee, Ice Cream Social, New Parent Coffee, school supplies, BTS Night, Ladies’ Stag Hike, Ladies Stag Dinner, monthly teacher appreciation lunches, Rookie Party, conference meals, Carnival, Original Works, December and June Book Fairs, Room Parents, Class Connectors, New Family Liaison, Community School, Extended Care, Lunch, lunch service, Party Packs, Community Garden, weekly Parent Pack, Directory, Spirit Wear, teacher/staff holiday party, Battle of the Books, Teacher Appreciation Week, Art Literacy, Enrichment, Technology, Auction, Field Day, End of Year Coffee, and everything in between.

If you have interest in helping with any of the preceding, please contact Christinasummers@comcast.net.

Thank you all for your donations of money, time and talent. Our 8th Graders give a gift to RGS to leave it better than they found it. Thank you not only for

honoring the legacy of the generations that came before you by maintaining wonderful PTC traditions, but for your efforts to leave RGS even better than you found it for the little ones just joining our RGS community. Best, Chrys Hutchings RGS PTC President

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RGS PTC Update:This has been a great year to lead the PTC. Riverdale hired an impressive new RGS Principal and a strong new Superintendent in the same year. Both bring best practices to Riverdale. Mr. Brandon and Ms. Tobin focusonimprovingsystemssothatallstudentsbenefitfrom comprehensive and excellent standards. PTC has accumulated a substantial pool of cash and we want to support this progress. We respect how Mr. Brandon and Ms. Tobin are prioritizing and tackling tough issues like Math, Technology, Teacher Training and Culture. Accordingly, we authorized over $160,000 of grants for RGS this year. This did not empty the coffers; we have over $100,000 in teacher grants committed for next year.

The heart of Riverdale Grade School continues to be its Community. And that Community could not have been better showcased than at Field Day. Sarah Reid led an extraordinary cast of parent volunteers to put on a day as perfect as its weather. The master of ceremonies at the microphone was not a paid professional, just a professional dad volunteering yet again. We think he bought our story that advancing from Cake Walk Caller at Carnival to MC Kris Summers at Field Day was a promotion. The

success of Field Day caps an a m a z i n g year of P T C events and act iv i t ies. Thank you to all who c h a i r e d , staffed and donated to events. We especially want to thank every wonderful parent who raises a child to look up and says thanks in the lunch line to our wonderful

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High School PTC Update

The Parent Teacher Club has enjoyed a full year, with many opportunities to use your parent contributions to enrich the High School program in the classrooms and in extracurricular activities.

In the Fall and Winter trimesters, we assisted with funding and parent volunteer support for the New Families’ Potluck, Bridge Building, Urinetown, a Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Skybox Social, and Robotics. In addition to these extracurriculars events, the PTC bought classroom and lab supplies as well as helped to provide a range of speakersforassembliesandfieldtripstointroduceourstudentstoarangeofideasandexperiences.Oursupportof the College Center extends the excellent preparation our students receive in the classrooms.

The Spring is a calmer time for the PTC, as we prepare our budget for the next year. The big event of the season was the Booster Club-sponsored “Spring Bling”-themed Prom on May 10th at Ecotrust, with record attendance of over 185 students! A big thanks to all the parents who helped with ticket sales and with set-up and clean-up, and to the very popular DJ Swaggy T. Proceeds from ticket sales help fund Booster activities and programs, like concussion testing and team uniforms. The PTC also provided XV Observatory with some of the funding for its telescopes and District Arts Night with hospitality for the evening and funding for supplies.

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The PTC board thanks its members—the generous donors of donations and money at the Winter Auction, as well as the volunteers who have spent countless hours on the year’s activities for students and the dinners during conferences for our high school staff.

We look forward to a relaxing summer and to meeting our Class of 2018 with the Service Learning activities and Potluck in August!

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