The Riverwalk Roar
September 8, 2019
Note from Dr. Compton
Pride,
I wanted to take a few minutes to let you know about something that's been going on behind the scenes. For the past year, the PTO and I have been reflecting on relationship and impact. I know each of you shares my opinion about last year's PTO: they rocked. I could spend the next 5,000 words singing their praises and discussing the positive impact that they had on our school.
However, we've always felt that the structure of the PTO was not quite a perfect fit for our school. Like I've previously shared, the current structure didn't include our students and I believe our students should have a voice (and choice) when we're talking about strengthing our relationships.
Another area that I felt was missed was parent and teacher representation from the different grade levels. Our bylaws allowed for one teacher representative from all of Riverwalk Academy. While our teacher representatives in the past did a great job with representing the whole school, we felt that having one representative from the different "schools" (elementary, middle, and high), would make more sense.
The same thought about our parent representatives came up, too. What if the only four people who were interested in running for an office were all from our high school parents (or middle school, or elementary school)? While everyone has done a great job in the past focusing efforts on all of the school, we felt that actual representatives would make more sense.
I believe what we have come up with is going to help all of our families, students, and teachers feel more represented. It's also going to spread the workload to more people, so everything doesn't rest on just a few.
Here is the updated group: Riverwalk Academy's Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO).
Representatives for 19/20:
- Ms. Amber Signore, Elementary Parent
- Ms. Bowman, Elementary Teacher
- To Be Named, 5th Grade Student
- Ms. Mandy Krashner, Middle School Parent
- Ms. Manigault, Middle School Teacher
- To Be Named, 8th Grade Student
- Ms. Jill Ray, High School Parent
- Mr. Loyst, High School Teacher
- To Be Named, 10th Grade Student
We also have a few parents who are serving as the point of contact for things like "box tops." We'll be sharing these with everyone in the upcoming week.
Pride, please know that this IS NOT an exclusive group. We all are members of this group and we will be calling on each for assistance.
This group's first project will be a Riverwalk Academy Fun Run. Due to the costs associated with Boosterthon, we have made the decision to host our own fun run and our tentative date is Friday, October 25th. We'll have a planning meeting for this event on Monday, September 23rd at 7:00 pm. We'll need a lot of assistance to make this happen, so please consider stopping by on the 25th to learn more about how you can help make a difference.
We will be sharing more information over the next few weeks. In the meantime, please go ahead and save these dates:
- Spirit Night - September 19th (will announce on Monday)
- Fun Run Planning Meeting - September 23rd at 7:00 pm
- Elementary Fun Run - October 25th
- Middle and High School Color Run - October 25th
Sincerely,
Dr. Compton
Head of School
This Week's Newsletter Photo
Picture Day
Parents, we have a new photo and yearbook provider. Moving forward, we will be using Strawbridge. Our picture day is September 19th. More information will be forthcoming.
Hurricane Dorian Relief
Ms. Robinson, front office, has family members who live in Freeport, Grand Bahamas and they were directly affected by Hurricane Dorian. Ms. Robinson is gathering donations to send down to the Bahamas. If you'd like to help, please consider donating items to our donation bin, which is located in the front lobby.
Help Earn Cash for Riverwalk Academy
Thank you for your support!
Reading to our Cubs
Make sure you check out our new weekly series, Reading to our Cubs, where one of our staff members read a book out our Pride. We release these videos each Sunday at 7:00 pm. Our latest video can be found here.
MAP Testing: Week 2
MAP assessments don't have any impact on grades, but because the results can be a valuable tool for parents and educators, it's important to ensure that students are adequately prepared. Here's how you can make sure that your kids are ready to do their best on the test:
- Know the testing schedule. Pay attention to communications from your child's school and be aware of when the assessments will take place. If you can, avoid scheduling appointments at these times, so your child won't have to take make-up tests upon returning to class.
- Prioritize bedtime. Five to twelve-year-olds need 10-11 hours of sleep per day, while 12-18-year-olds need at least 8 ½. Ensure that your kids are well-rested on testing day by making sure they head to bed early the night before. It's also a good idea to eliminate screen time before bed, as this can stimulate young brains and make it harder for kids to fall asleep.
- Eat a nutritious breakfast. A piece of fruit and a granola bar or some hearty oatmeal are some great examples.
- Maintain a positive attitude. Students, especially those who struggle with learning disabilities or test-taking anxiety, need to recognize that MAP assessments are only a small snapshot of their overall progress in school. Since most children take their cues from their parents, one of the best things we can do for them is to model a calm, upbeat attitude about the entire process. Remind your kids that, while it's important to perform to the best of their ability, it's even more important to realize that this singular assessment does not define who they are.
Boy Scouts Visit on Wednesday
Attention 5th Grade Students
A message from Mr. Johnston:
This notice is primarily for 5th or 6th-grade students interested in learning traditional “horn” style band instruments. Since we do not have the time or space during the school day, I would gladly meet with a group one or two afternoons a week to teach a beginner band class. Please contact me with your student information if you are interested. I will schedule a time to introduce different instruments to interested students to see what they may want to play.
Middle School Beta Club
We'd like to remind everyone that the first Beta Club of the year will be on Monday, at 3:00 pm in Ms. Wilson's Room. Last week, eligible students were given an application. These applications, for all new and returning members, are due on Monday at 3:00 pm to Ms. Slifer or Ms. Wilson.
Any Beta Club student interested in running for office will need to come to Monday's meeting with a short speech prepared.
Question: Ms. Wilson or Ms. Slifer
Riverwalk Academy's Business Professionals of America Chapter (7th and 8th grade students)
Last year, Riverwalk Academy's Business Professionals of America Chapter set the bar high by winning at State and doing extremely well at the national competition at Anaheim, CA.
As a student, you have many options to consider during the school year; you weigh the extracurricular activities that are available and determine what opportunities will offer you the growth and experiences you will need for your future.
- Are you interested in gaining leadership experience?
- Do you want to begin building for your future?
- Are you interested in having fun and making friends?
Business Professionals of America members are exposed to opportunities that offer real value to the community while simultaneously providing a vehicle to develop and improve academic knowledge, 21st-century skills, and a broader sense of social conscience and community awareness.
As we continue to move forward in this new school year, I am beyond excited to announce our informational meeting for students that may be interested in the Riverwalk Academy Business Professionals of America team.
This year we are opening up the team to 7th and 8th-grade students, and our high school students. We will look to build upon the success of our inaugural team.
This meeting will take place on Thursday, September 12th at 3:30 in Mr. Belle's classroom. If you have any questions, please contact me (Mr. Belle). I look forward to seeing your students there.
Attention 6th Grade Students
A message from Mr. Johnston:
This notice is primarily for 5th or 6th-grade students interested in learning traditional “horn” style band instruments. Since we do not have the time or space during the school day, I would gladly meet with a group one or two afternoons a week to teach a beginner band class. Please contact me with your student information if you are interested. I will schedule a time to introduce different instruments to interested students to see what they may want to play.
High School Beta Club
We'd like to remind everyone that the first Beta Club of the year will be on Monday, at 3:00 pm in Ms. Wilson's Room. Last week, eligible students were given an application. These applications, for all new and returning members, are due on Monday at 3:00 pm to Ms. Slifer or Ms. Wilson.
Any Beta Club student interested in running for office will need to come to Monday's meeting with a short speech prepared.
Question: Ms. Wilson or Ms. Slifer
Student Drivers
10th grade students may be eligible to drive/park at Riverwalk Academy. Click here to view the student parking requirements. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Graham.
Riverwalk Academy's Business Professionals of America Chapter
Last year, Riverwalk Academy's Business Professionals of America Chapter set the bar high by winning at State and doing extremely well at the national competition at Anaheim, CA.
As a student, you have many options to consider during the school year; you weigh the extracurricular activities that are available and determine what opportunities will offer you the growth and experiences you will need for your future.
- Are you interested in gaining leadership experience?
- Do you want to begin building for your future?
- Are you interested in having fun and making friends?
Business Professionals of America members are exposed to opportunities that offer real value to the community while simultaneously providing a vehicle to develop and improve academic knowledge, 21st-century skills, and a broader sense of social conscience and community awareness.
As we continue to move forward in this new school year, I am beyond excited to announce our informational meeting for students that may be interested in the Riverwalk Academy Business Professionals of America team.
This year we are opening up the team to 7th and 8th-grade students, and our high school students. We will look to build upon the success of our inaugural team.
This meeting will take place on Thursday, September 12th at 3:30 in Mr. Belle's classroom. If you have any questions, please contact me (Mr. Belle). I look forward to seeing your students there.
- MAP Testing (Math)
- Middle and High School Beta Club @ 3:05 pm in Ms. Wilson's room
- Cross Country Practice @ 3:15 pm
- Swim Practice @ 3:30 pm
Tuesday (9/10)
- MAP Testing (Math)
- Swim Practice @ 3:30 pm
- Cross Country Meet @ 5:30 pm at Lancaster High School
Wednesday (9/11)
- MAP Make-up (Math)
- Cross Country Practice @ 3:15 pm
- Swim Practice @ 3:30 pm
Thursday (9/12)
- MAP Testing (Math)
- Business Professionals of America Club Meeting @ 3:05 pm in Mr. Belle's Room
- Cross Country Practice @ 3:15 pm
- Swim Meet @ 5:30 pm at Clover Aquatics Center
- Boy Scouts Info Night (K - 5 boys and girls) @ 7:00 pm
Friday (9/13)
- MAP Testing (Math)
Saturday (9/14)
- Cross Country Meet: 9:00 am, Spartanburg Eye Opener
About Us
Email: info@riverwalkacademy.com
Website: www.riverwalkacademy.com
Location: 5750 Mt Gallant Rd, Rock Hill, SC, USA
Phone: 8033278400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riverwalkacademy
Twitter: @RiverwalkLions