Inside this issue:

Superintendent’s Letter It is with great pleasure and anticipation of good things to come that I address you today. I am pleased and honored to work for a school board and with an administrative team with such a clear understanding of what kids need. When I interviewed for this position, I was impressed by the quality of questioning by high school students. They demonstrated many of the principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools in the brief interview time I had with them. I am pleased that as part of the Strategic Plan, continuation of essential schools work at the high school and increased implementation at the grade school are highlighted.

”The Coalition of Essential Schools (CES) is at the forefront of creating and sustaining personalized, equitable, and intellectually challenging schools. Essential schools are places of powerful learning where all students have the chance to reach their fullest potential.

By coaching for cultures of continuous improvement and powerful professional learning communities focused on student achievement, CES works with educators to support and promote innovative and effective teaching. CES works with school districts and other entities to shape the policy conditions that support and promote schools characterized by personalization, democracy and equity, intellectual vitality and excellence, and graduates who experience success in all aspects of their lives: educational, professional, civic, and personal.”

– Coalition of Essential Schools

This year we are proceeding in a very intentional manner to learn about and implement the principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools (CES). At the high school these principles have been implemented for the last few years and you can clearly see evidence of implementation in the classroom. During this school year we will continue these discussions with the grade school staff. It is my belief that an instructional framework based on CES principles will be supportive of the integration of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) within the classroom.

As I have visited classrooms throughout the district, I have found many fine examples of instruction which is very compatible with strategies supported by CES. I think the transition will be more seamless than many believe. Good instruction is universal. The basic tenets of engagement, relevance and rigor will be present in any classroom where students are learning.

The 10 Principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools listed below exemplify what is important to CES. I look forward to us working and learning together.

1. Learning to use one's mind well 2. Less is more, depth over coverage 3. Goals apply to all students 4. Personalization 5. Student-as-worker, teacher-as-coach 6. Demonstration of mastery 7. A tone of decency and trust 8. Commitment to the entire school 9. Resources dedicated to teaching and learning 10. Democracy and equity

Riverdale Review•Superintendent's Letter•School Board Letter•Foundation Update

•Testing•Technology•Grade School Glimpse

•GS Book Fair•Athletics Highlights (GS & HS)

•High School Highlights•Parent Teacher Clubs (PTC - GS & HS)

DISTRICT 51J 1st Trimester Review 2013

From Left: Sarah G, Talisha R, Beatrice S, Emma K, Shirley Brandon, Terry Brandon, Cole B.

©Tal Volk, 2013

Riverdale Review

School Board Letter We wanted to give you an update on the Riverdale School District Strategic Plan developed last year. If you remember, the strategic planning process began in August 2012 with an initial set of interviews to gather feedback. A committee was then established with representation from parents, students, community, faculty, administration and the Board, and tasked with developing a strategic plan for the district and presentingittotheBoard.Thefinalplanwaspresentedto the Board on April 15, 2013, and included a revised mission and unique value description, as well as a set of strategic mandates and key initiatives to guide our district leadership.

Some of the work began immediately after the plan was adopted by the Board. For example, as part of the 2013-14 budget process last spring, our Interim Superintendent, Michael Taylor, developed a multi-year fiscalplanwhichwillbeupdatedeachyearattheendofFebruary. The Board completed a search process for a new superintendent, culminating in hiring Terry Brandon in June. Terry was able to be involved in the process of hiring our new grade school principal, Joanna Tobin. Terry and Joanna, along with Paula Robinson at the High School, have come together quickly as a team. We are happy to have such a capable, and permanent, leadership team in place. The strategic plan called for implementing the principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools (CES) in the District. Administrators are currently working on establishing CES Implementation Goals for the Grade School and aligning curriculum to the Common Core State Standards at the Grade School and High School. A group of community, staff and students is working on a visioning process for technology, which will culminate in recommendations to

theBoardjustafterthefirstoftheyear.OnAugust16th,2013, the Board adopted a policy for effective teacher evaluation. The administration is on track for providing district staff initial professional development based on CES principles, and all staff members will be evaluated this year under the new effective teacher evaluation process, enabling principals to measure teacher growth. The district also completed an initial communications plan with the help of staff, PTCs and others. There are a lot of exciting things going on in the district right now, but there is still work to be done. We appreciate your support and assistance in making Riverdale exceptional. Please contact your Board members if you have any questions or comments. We welcome the input.

DISTRICT NEWS

THANK YOU! Thank you to all the families who made contributions to the Riverdale Foundation’s Annual Campaign! Our families have alwaysstepped up to support our students, and this year was no exception. 68% of our families made contributions, and together, we raised $824,745 for our children’s education. What a wonderful accomplishment! Although the Fall campaign has officiallywound down, if you would still like to contribute, you may do so at www.riverdalefoundation.org. It’s never too late!

Riverdale Review

TestingGrade School:

As a part of Oregon’s Early Learning initiatives, allstudents entering Kindergarten this fall participated in a statewide assessment including measures of early literacy, early math, social-emotional development, approachestolearning,andself-regulation.TheOregonKindergarten Assessment will provide educators with a common understanding of what children know and are able to do upon entering school, as well as a statewide perspective allowing early childhood providers to track trends and progress over time. Achievement gaps start, and are most successfully addressed, early. The results of the Kindergarten assessment are intended to help all Oregonstakeholdersaddressthesegapsrightaway. Although this program is called the Kindergarten Assessment, students cannot fail the test; it simply provides a snapshot of your child’s skills upon entering kindergarten, allowing teachers to tailor instruction appropriately. An interpretive panel is currently reviewing the assessment data which will be provided to districts in early 2014. It is important to note that data is being tracked for trends, not individual student growth. No individual student data will be released, and all personal identifiable data has been stripped from test resultsused for research purposes. More information about the Kindergarten Assessment can be found at: h t tp : / /o regonear l y lea rn ing .com/k indergar ten -assessment/home/. High School:

Riverdale High School has wrapped up our fall testing season with testing opportunities for students in grades 9-11.OnOctober16th,sophomoreandjuniorstudentstook the PSAT, and the freshman class took the ACT EXPLORE.Studentscore reportswillbemailedhome

for both of these tests in December. Sophomores also had the opportunity to take the ACT PLAN on November 13; reports will be sent out as soon as they become available. Riverdalehaselected tooffer theACTEXPLOREandPLAN for all students in 9th and 10th grade to assess students’ academic strengths and areas of need in advance of state testing. Typically students do not take the state tests in reading, math, and science until spring of their 10th-grade year; they do not take the state test in writing until winter of 11th grade. The EXPLOREand PLAN provide students, families and staff with valuable information regarding academic progress to help all students get on target for their educational and career goals. In addition, PLAN scores are accepted as an assessment option for the Essential Skills diploma requirement in reading and math. We want our students tohaveampleopportunitytodemonstrateproficiencyinorder to help each student meet graduation requirements.

Smarter Balanced Assessment:

Oregon is a governing state in the Smarter BalancedAssessment Consortium, and will transition from the OregonAssessment of Knowledge and Skills (OAKS)to the Smarter Balanced tests in the 2013-14 school year. Smarter Balanced is aligned to the Common Core State Standards in English language arts/literacy and mathematics and is designed to help prepare all students to graduate high school college- and career-ready. Currently, the Smarter Balanced assessments are being field tested in order to establish scale, calibratetest items and determine the preliminary achievement standards for 2014.

Transitionperiodsarealwaysdifficult,butalllevelsofOregoneducationareworkingtomakethischangeassmooth as possible. Here are some key differences that

DISTRICT NEWS

Riverdale Review

Smarter Balanced Assessment cont'd:

can be expected by students and parents in the coming year:

·At the grade school level, students will only have one opportunity to test per year (during the last 12 weeks of school); however, Smarter Balanced includes interim assessments to be administered locally providing actionable information about student progress throughout the year.

·High school students will be tested in the final12 weeks of their 11th-grade year with interim assessments throughout the high school years.

·English language arts/literacy and mathematics tests include traditional selected response questions, as well as constructed response questions requiring students to generate their own answers, provide support for their answer, explain processes, etc. These items will still be administered in a computer-based test but will be scored by trained raters.

·Smarter Balanced tests include performance tasks – written tests centered around real world contexts which allow for multiple approaches to collecting evidence of student knowledge, skills, and abilities.

We feel positive about our transition to Common Core State Standards and Smarter Balanced Assessments, knowing that our educators and curriculum prepare students for the increased rigor, higher order thinking and reasoning, and integration of knowledge and skills required. You can read more about the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium at www.smarterbalanced.org.

Graduation Requirements:

For students first enrolled in grade nine in 2010-2011(most current seniors) or later, three of the Essential Skills are graduation requirements: 1. Read and comprehend a variety of text2. Write clearly and accurately3. Apply mathematics in a variety of settings Students have many opportunities to demonstrate proficiency in these three essential skills. Studentassessment options include state tests, national standardized tests and local performance assessments. Current seniors can use the OAKS state test, PLAN,ACT, PSAT, or SAT to demonstrate their reading, writing and math proficiency. Students can also create worksamples to serve as local performance assessments. During the transition to Smarter Balanced, students whohavealreadymet thestandardvia theOAKStestmay continue to use that score, along with scores from the above listed national exams and local performance assessments. More information about graduation requirements and the Essential Skills can be found at http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=2042. The educational and assessment landscape has changed significantlyinthelastfewyearswithnewinitiativessuchas Common Core State Standards, Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, the Oregon Diploma andEssential Skills, and HB 2220. There are many changes in process and on the horizon. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me by email at shansen@riverdale.k12.or.us.

DISTRICT NEWS

Riverdale Review

Technology News

by Paul Nelson

New computers at RGSThis month Riverdale Grade School students started using an updated computer lab with 24 new Macintosh Mini computers. The new computers replaced older thin-

client workstations and are providing increased speed, reliability and access to exciting Apple software like iMovie, iPhoto and GarageBand. A big "thank you" goes to students who unboxed all the computers and installed them in the lab.

Google Apps @ RiverdaleNew for the 2013-2014 school year are Google Apps accounts for all Riverdale students in grades 3-12. Riverdale Gmail is provided for students in grades 5-12. Students should use their Google accounts for all schoolwork and communication with teachers. Google Apps for Riverdale may be accessed via this link: http://docs.riverdale.k12.or.us

Student laptop and tablet suggestionsBoth Riverdale schools have robust wireless networks and are designed to support student laptop computers and tablets. If you’re thinking about getting a computer for your child here are a few recommendations.

MacBook Air $999 - The Mac Air is lightweight, small and the battery will last all day. These computers are powerful, rugged enough for student use and will last for several years living happily in a crowded backpack.

Dell Inspiron 14R $750 - The Dell isatraditionalWindowsOSlaptopbut it’s small and has a touch screen and a DVD drive. When shopping for a Windows laptop, I suggest at least an i5 Intel processor and 6 to 8 gigs for RAM. This Dell has both.

Acer C720 Chromebook $250 - Don’t let the low price of this Chromebook fool you. This is a fast computer with an all-day battery. It’s small, light and since it’s running theGoogleChromeOS,it’salwaysgoingtowork.TheChromeOShasa downside in that this laptop needs to be connected via Wi-Fi. This can be a plus though for families who want more control of student computer use at home.

What about the tablets? - If you already have a computer at home that’s readily available for your child, then an iPad can be a great addition and it will work well at school. Its limitations can be frustrating though. Not all web pages and web applications work on iPads. Consider the iPad mini at $299 if you’re interested in a tablet.

Nexus 7 $229 - If you’re looking for a tablet, check out the Nexus 7. It’s a great alternative to the iPad and it works well with Google Apps used at Riverdale.

DISTRICT NEWS

Riverdale Review

As you walk through the halls of Riverdale Grade School you will be compelled to stop to admire the beautiful artwork. Beginning with the Preschool 3s Program,studentdrawingsoftreescolorfullyfillthewallwith poetic statements written by the children. To quote three year-old Leighton, “Leaves fall because of wind.” The four and five-year oldsof the Pre-Kindergarten program also created lovely trees. Their trees incorporated several different techniques such as sponge art. Traced hand prints also add a colorful personal touch. Earlier this fall the hallway was filled withspooky representations of spiders and ghosts. Darling footprints transformed into ghosts! Our Kindergarten students created apple trees thataccompanied an apple unit in the classroom. Handprints with tissue paper turned these trees into colorful pieces of art. As we gear up for Thanksgiving turkeys and other festive ideas are beginning to pop-up. This delightful turkey named “Oldie”was created by Eda D., with support from her family. Oldie's story

reflectshisgoodfortune–thathe’stoooldtobeeatenfor Thanksgiving Dinner!

First-graders and second-graders beautifully captured fallreflections.AnewArtstandardencouragesstudentsto create art inspired by nature and to be inspired by life. Additionally, students built quilts – paper story quilts inspired by Faith Ringold. These "quilts" had pictures relating to stories they wrote in class. S t u d e n t s responded to the questions, “What stories are in our lives? What pictures are in your stories?” Student artwork captures images from their stories, including “My First Time Riding My Bike”.

Our third-grade and fourth-grade students are deeplyentrenched in their Classroom City simulations. Equipped with businesses, currency, a city council and elected officers,studentsarebecomingexpertson thevarious

aspectsofcities.Howfittingthat they painted warm and cool tone city scapes! Water color pencils were the medium of choice for this project. Amazing self portraits may also be found in the hallways. Pastel self portraits inspired by Modigliani’s work capture the remarkable

personalities represented in these grade levels.

Through the Artists' Eyesby Joanna Tobin

GRADE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Riverdale Review

Squiggle Art is a graphic design technique for shading to make things appear three dimensional. These pieces of colorful Squiggle Art were created by our seventare thanks to our seventh-grade and eighth-grade students in Art B. Thank you to our Art Instructor, Liz Randall for encouraging and inspiring our students. Additionally, we are exceptionally grateful to our PTC and Art Literacy program for providing enriching opportunities for our students.

Fifth-grade and sixth-grade students created ship prints related to their Language Arts reading of "True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle". The prints are collagraphs, a collage print process. The partnership of Mr. Black and Mrs. Randall joining together on this project is an outstanding example of students experiencing the depth of content in multiple classroom settings.

Our seventh-grade andeighth-grade students have the option of electing to take art for either two or three days a week. Art A, the three day a week course, just finished asurrealism project. These sketches are inspired by Dali. They certainly speak for themselves.

GRADE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Riverdale Review

What makes a livable city? Students in third/fourth grade have been busy learning about local government and economics through a simulation where students design, run, and sustain a mini-city classroom. Elected and appointed positions, such as bank president, police chief, postmaster, and mayor helped to provide leadership while

businessesstruggledtomanagetheirmoneyandmakeaprofit.Ourcitycouncil members would meet to grant business licenses and take care of other city matters. Yes, we had a few bankruptcies, but overall our young entrepreneurs learned the importance of competition, a fair market price, andthehardshipofhigh-interestloans.Next,theywillfillouttheirincometax forms.

Thanks to a grant from our PTC, first and second-graders' workwith storyteller Ann Rutherford on developing, writing, and telling their stories.

Preschoolers Emmeline and Matilda work on Thanksgiving cards. They will put them into envelopes and walk them to the mailbox for mailing

The first and second-gradersare learning about sustainable communities. They have constructed a 3D city using recycled materials. They brainstormed and decided on business/services, culture, housing and transportation as services to include. They created characters that lived and worked in the city and wrote a bio for each person

Heidi Bader, our P.E. teacher, organized a week of guest instruction with student athletes from Lewis and Clark college. These students spoke with the children about sportsmanship, teamwork, and about becoming an athlete

at the college level. They also worked with the children at different movement stations.

The fifth-grade class continued the beloved Riverdale traditionof exploring the Mount St. Helens area. During a nearly week-long trip, students hiked across the Spirit Lake pumice plain, visited several visitors centers, crossed a suspension bridge high over Lava Canyon, and explored an ancient lava tube cave. The daily experiences, combined with group bonding activities in the evenings back at Silver Lake, made this trip yet another unforgettableexperienceforthisyear'snewfifth-graders.

In Mr. Migchelbrink's sixth grade social studies class the clay pot project is a hands-on activity that allows students to experience what it is like to work as an archaeologist. Students decorated pots, wrote messages in code, then smashed the pots. The shards were collected and the students traded with other students. They reassembled the pots and translated the codes.

Guided by Spanish instructor Angela Dawes, the seventh-graders created ofrenda projects in conjunction with their study of the Mexican holiday, "El Día de los Muertos." They shared their projects with the preschool class.

The eigth grade traveled to theOregonHistoricalSocietyand toured an exhibit about US presidents. During this tour they were able to see primary source documents from George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy. They also visited a permanent exhibit on Portland History.

A highlight for eigth-graders at RGS is Mole Day. It is a celebration ofthemoleusedinChemistryandoccurseveryyearonOctober23. Each pair of students sews and designs a stuffed mole, creates a presentation of relevant age-appropriate information, and presents that information and the mole to an elementary class.

GRADE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Riverdale Review

Visit Our Scholastic Book Fair:Monday: 8:00am-4:00pmTuesday: 8:00am-4:00pm

Tuesday Evening Event: 5:30pm to 8:00pmWednesday: 8:00am-3:00pmThursday: 8:00am-4:00pm

Friday: 8am-1pm

Come To Our Riverdale Scholastic Book Fair

December 9th-13thRiverdale Grade School Library

All for BooksThis is a monetary donation option that will provide more books to our classrooms and library. By making a minimal donation, just $1 or loose change, Scholastic will also match the money raised and provide books to Kids in Need Foundation and Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. All of the money (100%) collected goes directly to purchasing more books for our school! Please donate your loose coins to the classroom: pennies on Monday quarters on Thursdaynickels on Tuesday dollars on Fridaydimes on Wednesday

This PTC tradition benefits our children’s school library, and is a great opportunity for you to cross some names off of your

holiday shopping list, make a book donation to the library and fulfill

teachers’ classroom wish lists.

Tuesday Grand Event5:30pm to 8:00pm

Special visit from our own famous local author Graham Salisbury!

6:00-6:30pmAuthor of Calvin Coconut, Dog Heaven, Blue Skin of the Sea, Jungle Dogs, Under the

Blood-Red Sun, and more. We are thrilled to have him here.

Bring a guest or two! Each visitor receives a raffle ticket. We will raffle off books and a grand

reading prize! Cookies and beverages provided.

Check out the online book fair for an even greater selection! December 4th-13th.Visit http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/

Riverdale. Coach Rodriquez has instilled a strong passion and love for the game of soccer. His attitude

is infectious as he continues to develop the fundamental skills of the soccer program. Congratulations on a strong season of soccer.

Volleyball put together one of its best seasons in recent history with an overall record of 4-6 under second year coach James Tharp. The volleyball numbers have skyrocketed from last year, and Riverdale was able to put together two teams at the 6th-8th grade level forthefirsttimeinseveral seasons. Winless just a year ago, the Falcons just missed the playoffs this season by one game. The strong numbers and improved overall record has this program moving in the right direction for years to come. Cross Country made its debut at Riverdale GradeSchoolunderfirstyear head coach Jennie Denekas.Forthefirsttime the Falcons participated in the Metro Christian League Cross Country season and did a tremendous job. In their inaugural season under Coach Denekas the boys and girls program continued to grow their number of participants throughout the year. The teams had several strong showings in both league and non-league events, and are poised to make a strong return next fall.

Grade School Athletics Boys Division 1 Soccer under new head coach Chad McHenry, who moved from the Division 2 squad last season, won the Metro Christian League regular season title with a record of 8-0-1, and an overall record of 10-1-1.TheFalconssolelosscameintheMCLsemi-finalmatchagainstrivalOES.Aftercompetingscorelessthrough a full game and two overtime periods, the Falcons would eventually fall in heart-breaking fashion on penalty kicks to end the year. It was a great season and this team did an outstanding job this past fall. Girls Division 1 Soccer under second year head coach Aaron Ruddick saw an infusion of youth to the team this year. Several key 8th graders remained, but the team was primarily made up of 6th graders. Throughout the course of the season, with the strong leadership from Coach Ruddick and his returning 8th grade leaders, the girl’steamsteadilyimprovedwitheachmatchfinishingthe season with a record of 1-9-1. The future looks strong for the young Falcons as they remain committed and focused on their fundamentals. Boys Division 2 Soccerfinishedwithanoverallrecordof6-6,and4-6intheleague.Underfirstyearhead coach Fabio Rodriquez, the Falcons continued to improve and develop their strong soccer tradition at

Riverdale Recap Sports programs celebrated several accomplishments and continued to positively represent the Riverdale athletic program. There were also several new faces, and new programs this fall as athletics continued to grow at Riverdale.

Riverdale Review

ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTS

Boys Soccer wins league title for the second time in school history, completing an undefeated regular season mark of 12-0. First year head coach Mark Madeira took the Mavericks to theirfirsteverundefeatedregularseasonmark,andfinishedthe season with an overall record of 12-0, 9-0 in league before heading into the playoffs. The Mavericks won their firstroundstateplayoffmatch-up against Gervais 6-0, advancing to the state quarterfinalswheretheydropped a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to St. Mary’s of Medford.

Along the way, the Mavericks picked up several awards, including six all-league selections (Ben F., Chase F., Ramon C., Kian S., David R., and Ryan M.). Ben F. was

named league Player of the Year, and Riverdale’s head coach Mark Madeira was named Coach of the Year. Additionally, the boys’teamfinishedwiththestate’s2ndhighestteamGPAat3.70. Congratulations on a tremendous season, you’ve made us all so very proud. Girls Soccer began the year with their new head coach Willie Anderson. Faced with one of the toughest soccer leagues in the state, the girls’ program relied heavily on Coach Anderson’s strong, calm, competitive presence on the sidelines.TheladyMavericksfinishedtheyearwitha3-8record, as they continue to build and develop. Congratulations to the girls program for finishinginthetop 5 in state academics with a team GPA of 3.67.

Riverdale Cross Countryisflourishingunderthirdyearheadcoach Michael Johnson. In just their fourth year, Riverdale’s cross country program surpassed 30 athletes in both the girls andboysprogram.Boththegirls'andboys'teamsfinishedfirstintheNorthwestLeagueChampionships,andforthegirlsit was their second league championship in three years. Atdistrictsbothteamscompetedwell,asthegirlsfinishedtheir season fourth at district, just missing out on qualifying for the state championship event. The boys, however, fought off a strong Westside Christian teamtofinishsecondin the district and claimedtheirfirsteverstatechampionshipappearanceatLaneCommunityCollege.Whileatstatetheboys’finished11th overall lead by Garen M., Andre L., Brian G., Spencer S., Tucker P., Cole B., and Conor S. Additionally the boys cross countryteamfinishedfirstinstateGPAforthe3A/2A/1Awithateam GPA of 3.91. Volleyball continues to improve under second year head coach Kory Langley. A fairly young squad this season, the Riverdale volleyball program will only be graduating two seniors off this year’s team. Most of the Mavericks will be returning, including 2nd team all-league award winner Talisha R. Coach Langley continues to build upon and develop the strong foundation they have put into place over the past two seasons. Congratulations to the Lady Mavericks for winning the Northwest League’s Sportsmanship Award as voted on by the coaches of the league and claiming the 2nd highest GPA in 2A volleyball with a team combined GPA of 3.83.

High School Athletics

ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTS

Riverdale Review

College Counseling at RiverdaleRiverdale High School offers comprehensive college counseling services that are modeled on the practices of the best Independent High Schools. Ourcollegeacceptanceratehasbeenoutstandingduring recent years, and our students are happy with their college choices. The college application process is a community effort at Riverdale. Students and their parents do their part with great care, of course. Teachers write many thoughtful recommendation letters each year. Parent volunteers help to welcome college representatives.

The college-going culture at Riverdale begins freshman year, when students envision their post-highschoolfutureswhilefillingouttheirEducationPlanandProfile.Allstudentsfulfill“core”graduationrequirements, but they also have time to design an individualized path toward college acceptance and/or career realization. We want Riverdale students to be the strongest possible candidates to the colleges of their choice.

Riverdale High School, a Coalition of Essential Schools small school, values a high level of academic achievement, discovery and pursuit of personal passions and developing a personal portfolio that will assist in the achievement of dream goals after leaving Riverdale. This requires that we continue to support student-directedlearning,internships,flexiblescheduling(as best we can), students’ demanding personal schedules, high quality classes that require critical thinking and college counseling that facilitates students to have the best opportunity to achieve acceptance intheirdreamschoolortheirdreaminternship.Ourextensive college counseling services are made possible by the efforts of counselor Michael Murray and volunteer Jill Hall.

The tools that all grades use when exploring colleges and careers are: •Standardized testing (Administered at Riverdale

High School)o Freshmen – Explore Testo Sophomores – Plan Test, PSATo Juniors – ACT, PSAT (the PSAT is given during sophomore and junior years). Students sign up for the SAT on their own: this test is not administered at Riverdale.

•Naviance: This is a computer program used by Riverdale and thousands of high schools across the nation. Naviance helps students explore college choices and Riverdale uses it to send recommendations, transcripts and reports to colleges when our students apply.

•Parent meetings: The college selection and application process is outlined at every grade-level parent meeting during the fall of every school year. We have just completed this year’s meetings.

•A College-going culture and ongoing academic advising: Most students at Riverdale plan to attend college, and they take their studies seriously. This creates a peer culture that supports college preparation and exploration. Teachers train students inspecificskillsandhabitsnecessarytosucceedinacollege environment. Advisors, who help with student EducationPlansandProfiles,areavailableforcollegeand career discussions. Students often meet regularly with Mr. Murray about scheduling choices, internship and independent study opportunities, and “what do I need to do to get into this college” questions.

•College credit courses: Writing 121 and both trimesters of Western Civilization are Riverdale courses that offer college credit. They are conducted like college courses. Many students also access Lewis and Clark’s Templeton Scholars Program and Reed’s Young Scholars Program, or attend PSU or PCC classes to experience the college environment firsthand.

•College representative visits.Over60collegesayear visit the Riverdale College Counseling Center.

Riverdale Review

HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Otherpreparationhasbeentohaveourmedicalneedsinorder, including SEVERAL immunizations and prescriptions totakealongasapersonalfirstaidkit.Visaapplication,although a time-consuming process, is complete and all of our passports have our visa included. We have our personal supplies packed, such as mosquito repellent, mosquito tents, rupees, rain coats, clothes for 90 degree weather that cover us up in a modest fashion and many other things we would not normally pack. Finally, our luggage is weighed and less than 50 pounds. Students are meeting with their instructors this week to ensure they know what work to manage in order to return to school prepared. Lastly, we have learned about NQR. NQR is “not quite right” and we have learned to expect thingswemightseektocomfortus,suchasOreoCookies,tobe “not quite right”. We are prepared for adventure, as The Insight Guide to India describes in the following quote, “India slams you in the face with heat, spice and dirt, then it seduces you with color and sensual pleasure. The constant chaos can charm or repulse. Some run away from India; others keep coming back.”

We express our deep appreciation to those of you who have helped and to those who have contributed. Bon Voyage!

You can follow our adventure at http://www.bridgestoindia.org

Bridges to India is a program led by students from Riverdale High School that raises money to fund Hope Charities Inc.,anonprofitorganizationwhosemissionistoprovidehealth care and community support for the needy people of Kerala in southern India. Hope Charities Inc. was started in 1999 by Riverdale High School parent Dr. Daisy Kuchinad to serve the needy and working poor of small villages in southern India. Hope Charities manages a medical clinic, provides vocational training for women, provides after school tutoring for students and is looking to address the need for hospice and rehabilitation programs. Riverdale High School students have funded through their efforts not only the services mentioned above, but have provided clean water to a village by funding a well and have provided clean water for oneschoolbyfundingawaterpurificationsystemworkinginconjunction with the H20 for Life class led by Mrs. LePore.

Bridges to India – Riverdale High School Sophomores and Juniors Heading to India

By Paula RobinsonThis year’s Bridges to India team consists of nine students, their chaperones (myself and my husband Stan Robinson) parents, and leaders Cathy Mick and Karl Schultz. We all began working last May in order to be prepared for our November 23, 2013 departure and to be equipped with medical supplies, sewing supplies and funding for another year of clinic services. Students and their parents have worked diligently over the past seven months and have met almost weekly during this time.

Now that we're done writing letters, washing cars, selling concessions, hosting the Homecoming Dance, acquiring medical equipment and supplies and packing, we're ready for this life-changing trip to India! We look forward to our work and experience abroad. While we are in India we will be working with students in Lingua Lab teaching English as a second language, we will be building and painting structures, going to school with Indian students as shadows (we will be shadowing students at their schools), inaugurating a building and performing other “organic’ tasks that come our way. During our time we will be thinking of all of you and will prepare a presentation that will give us the opportunity to share our experience upon our return (December 19th, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Maverick Room at the high school).

OnMay5,2013webegandiscussingwhichbookswewouldselect to read. I built a robust bibliography (available upon request) that included a range of topics and styles to select from. We all committed to reading and sharing three titles. Ourdiscussionshaveandwillcontinuetocenteraroundtopics such as; religions, tribes, the Gupta Empire, the Mughal Empire, Europeans in India, independent India (Nehru and Gandhi), contemporary issues, food and drink, festivals, performing arts, cinema, art and architecture, Hindu deities, and places. Students have presented on their assigned geographic topic and have prepared a performance they will provide as a “gift” to our hosts while in India.

Riverdale Review

HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Riverdale High School’s H20 For Life Class showcased at the International Water ConferenceRiverdale High School was invited as "clean water warriors" to the International Water Conference hosted by Congressman EarlBlumenaueratPortland’sMercyCorpsCenter.OurH20For Life students proudly represented teacher Laurie LePore and the class’s work during the event. Students assisted in hosting over 200 attendees.

The International Water Conference included water warriors from many organizations and functions, from education, for profitandnon-profitorganizations,tothefaithcommunity.Among the experts who were highlighted: Conservation International, Engineers Without Borders, Living Water International, Medical Teams International, Green Empowerment,CARE,ONE.org,WaterAfrica,PortlandStateUniversity’sSWEETLab,OregonStateUniversity,andRiverdale High School’s H20 for Life class.

Congressman Earl Blumenauer, who hosted the event, presented Mrs. LePore with the International Water Leader of the Year award! Mrs. LePore spoke from the heart as she shared the passion in her work.

Laurie LePore, has influencedmanystudents(future water leaders) in remarkable ways; please read further to hear what students say about her and her work.

--“H2O for Life is a class that is comprised of students who are aware of the global water crisis and are willing to go above and beyond normal class expectations to educate and inspire change in the community while fundraising money for the building of wells, water purification systems and bathrooms in areas of need. The class is divided into five student-led groups that act under the guidance of Mrs. LePore. The groups are

each tasked with their own jobs to do, working together to raise funds and going out into the community to engage and educate. This has led to increased awareness and knowledge throughout the Riverdale School District community and has connected us to other groups such as the Maasai warrior Elder, Sabore Ole Oyie of Kenya, who is spreading awareness about lack of water access in his work as an ambassador. Elder Oyie has visited Riverdale twice and because of our relationship we have had an opportunity to serve his village. In addition to working in individual groups, each student researches a topic related to the global water crisis to teach to the rest of the class. At the end of this year, eight schools from Africa, the Philippines, and India will have new access to water thanks to the H2O class and Mrs. LePore’s dedication.” -- H20 for Life Student

--“Being in Ms. LePore’s water class reaffirms the most incredible thing that any youth can believe: that they can make a difference. In H2O for Life, students are not hindered by their age, they’re not disregarded by geographic location. Within the next few years they are heading to different colleges with different fields of interest. But that doesn’t mean that right now, every day in class, they can’t change thousands of lives, including their own. H20 for Life and Ms. LePore empower students to unleash their own potential, to pour their souls into raising water awareness and delivering vital hydration and sanitation to schools in developing countries. Ms. LePore teaches students that from the classroom in Riverdale High School, working in a group of 25 people, they are powerful and their actions have meaning. Knowing that as a teenager gives them hope and creates a feeling of limitless possibilities.” -- H20 for Life Student

--“Mrs. LePore is admired because she has dedicated so much of her own time and effort to help this cause. She inspires us not only with her enthusiasm for helping other people gain access to clean water, but also with her encouragement of our individual interests. Being an altruistic, passionate, and motivating educator and mentor, Mrs. LePore serves as a role model for many students. Mrs. LePore engages her students with unfailing vehemence and admiration for the topic.” -- H20 for Life Student

Riverdale Review

HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

College Highlights for Fall & Winter •College Representative visits in the fall: This fall there were65 college visits.

•The PSAT inOctober.•October Parent Night: The college application process is outlined during this evening gathering for parents… and there are cookies.

•November Financial Aid Information Night: Understandingthefinancialdimension

•Riverdale Graduates Return for College Forum: This January panel event is a highlight for students and parents.

•Junior Day Out: January 16th. This is a full day, off campus, comprehensive program that informs students about every aspect of their college search and application process.

•College 101: A series of classes during winter trimester that gives students experience with college search engines and other resources, outlines the college application process, introduces effective essay writing and provides testing information. Two drafts of a college essay are written and each student receives coaching about their work. Juniors emerge from these sessions with a binder that addresses every aspect of the college search and application process. Parents should look at this binder as well.

An important upcoming event is the Riverdale High School Graduates Return for College Forum on Wednesday, January 8th, 2014. Riverdale graduates will speak about their college experiences. Speakers will represent: large and small colleges from near and far, public and private institutions, Ivy League and specialty schools. These alums will discuss issues such as the following: the transition from high school to college; the college experience; participating in athletics and extracurriculars; how Riverdale prepared them; what they could have done differently in high school; and how Senior Exhibition prepared them. Please plan to join us.

Riverdale Drama

In November, Riverdale High School's Drama Club produced William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream under thedirectionofClaraHillier.Ourcastdidanoutstandingjob of expressing the humor and drama of the play while performing it in the original Elizabethan English. Many of our actors played two or three characters, mastering a variety of physical and vocal roles, including stage combat and long soliloquies. The stage at the grade school gave an authentic feel to the production as the intimate setting allowed the performance to be done without microphones. It was great to see our grade school and high school attendees appreciate Shakespeare! The winter drama production will be the comedy satire Urinetown, a Broadway musical, with performances January 24-February 1.

Please join us for GRADUATES RETURN: RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE FORUM

Wednesday, January 8th, 2014, 7:00 - 8:30 PMRiverdale High School, Maverick Room • 9727 SW Terwilliger Blvd. Portland, OR 97219

www.riverdaleschool.com

Riverdale Review

HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Riverdale Review

riverdaleP A R E N T T E A C H E R C L U B

This is an exciting time for Riverdale Grade School (RGS) and a wonderful opportunity for RGS PTC to support it. RGS PTC’s mission is two-fold: 1. Raise and spend money to enhance the RGS educational experience; and 2. Sustain/improve our wonderful community.

Towards both of those goals, PTC has created a website rich with information and commerce, hosted numerous new parent and Back-To-School events, created the Directory, and run Carnival. PTC also serves thousands of lunches with 75 volunteers, runs Extended Care and Community School, and communicates via the website and Parent Pack about the many fun and interesting activities in our community.

Most of all, we spend the money you are so generous to help us raise. So far this year, PTC has given tens of thousands of dollars to RGS to train/support our teachers and provide needed equipment. We are poised to spend more.

OurSchoolBoardhiredawonderfulSuperintendentwithanoutstanding track record. Terry Brandon, in turn, hired the same: An outstanding Principal, brimming with knowledge and excited to support our teachers and students to become curious, competent and thoughtful learners. Joanna Tobin and Mr. Brandon bring a solid combination of energy and experience to the table at the perfect time for Riverdale.

TwothingsarehappeninginOregonandnationwide:The rolling out of Common Core and the explosion of technology use in the classroom. Mr. Brandon and Ms. Tobin understand that technology is wonderful and exciting when in the hands of trained teachers using tools that have a nexus to increased learning, Strategic Visioning goals, individualized and differentiated instruction and student engagement.

Mr. Brandon and Ms. Tobin are skillfully managing the changes this brings. They also honor some hallowed traditions that parents want to remain in our curriculum: EverythingfromtheKindergartensalmonfieldtripandthe2ndgradeNativeAmericanmaskstomiddleschoolfieldstudies and outdoor school. And RGS is proud to be able to offer a balanced curriculum that includes Music, Art and Physical Education.

PTC wants to support Mr. Brandon and Ms. Tobin’s implementation of the Strategic Visioning Plan that our entire community had a hand in creating. Accordingly, this year, RGS PTC is ready to spend up to $130,000 in teacher grants to support RGS. $75,000 of this is in the technology budget line item (which includes training). PTC is the steward of RGS community’s money and agrees with Mr. Brandon and Ms. Tobin that this money will be

spent only if: 1. There is solid administration and teacher support (including training); 2. It ties into the Common Core curriculum, Coalition of Essential Schools, and Strategic Visioning; and 3. There is a maintenance and long term plan for any technology purchased.

RGS PTC supports a winning and progressive team and we want to be in a position to support Riverdale for years. PTC also wants to preserve the wonderful sense of community among our children and among our parents. Accordingly, we invite you to spend an evening with us on Saturday, February 22 to share in the past success of Riverdale and pave the way for continued success. Share a smile with your kids’ friends and show your support for our new administration that is diligently working to implement the Strategic Vision, transition to Common Core and harness new technology.

The money raised at Auction (which includes our incredibly popular Party Packs) is the primary source of funds for the grants we give our teachers. Please donate goods, services and experiences for our live and silent Auction. But most of all, please buy a ticket and join us on February 22. Let’s all be role models to our children of playing well with others!

Best, Chrys Hutchings (RGS PTC President)

A basic role of the PTC is to lend support during high school events. Thank you to the Freshman class parents for providing a delicious dinner to nourish our staff during conferences, and thank you to Allison Sherman and Erin FarrarforasteadysupplyofcookiesduringtheOpenHouse!

Save the date: our annual auction is Saturday, February 22nd.Pleasejoinusforafun-filledeveningtosupportenrichment at our schools!

The Parent Teacher Club supports the high school in many ways, and one of the most important is in our integration of new students and parents into our community. It is also one our volunteers enjoy themost,sincewegettobethefirsttomeetnewfamilies! In August, there were several service learning opportunities for freshmen and other new students at the Neighborhood House’s Food Bank and Tryon Creek Park. The last week of the summer, the PTC welcomed our new families at an evening potluck. It was wonderful to see friendships developing and to know the students started the year with many familiar faces. Thank you to Kathleen Tully for coordinating our new family activities!

The PTC also does outreach throughout the year to futurestudentsthroughourBoosterClub.Ourgradeschool and high school athletics teams have participated in activities together throughout the fall, building links between our two programs. We had a great turnout district-wide for the homecoming soccer game with very enthusiastic attendance by our grade-schoolers. The entire homecoming week was full of energy, as our leadership class--in coordination with the RHS PTC Booster Club--organized an amazing Spirit Week Campaign, Pep Assembly and Homecoming. From dress-up days to mystery smoothies to pie-eating contests, Spirit Week culminated in a fantastic soccer victory, and the shaving of Sam Ziff's beard. Thank you to Michelle Pine for guiding the leadership class, and Shelby Quintos for running all of our Booster Club activities! Thanks also to our PTC boardforstaffingconcessionsatourhomecomingandplayoff soccer games.

Ourstudentsshoweduptothe“Decades”themedhomecoming dance in everything from togas to go-go boots and enjoyed an evening at the grade school dancing, watching a Batman movie, and evacuating the building when the smoke alarm was activated by the fog machine. It was, at least, an evening to remember. Thank you to the Bridges to India group for organizing the dance and to Jennie Huff, Laurie LePore, Kate Loggan, Cyndy Moehling, and Paula Robinson for chaperoning!

riverdaleP A R E N T T E A C H E R C L U B

Show your school spirit by purchasing Riverdale Spirit Wear for the whole family.

Place your order by Nov. 30 and your order will be readyforpick-upintheoffice*(RGSorRHS)onDec.16 after noon.

Check out the Falcon Store and the Maverick Store online!

After the holidays, all online orders will be placed at the end of each month and delivered within two to three weeks. For questions, including special orders and to view sample items, contact Heather Burton at heather.burton@ymail.com or Booster Chair, Shelby Quintos at quintos2@comcast.net.

Riverdale Spirit Wear On Sale Now!

Riverdale Review