The Riverwalk Roar
September 2, 2019
Note from Dr. Compton
Pride,
We've had a great start to the school year. I couldn't be more proud of the Riverwalk Academy Staff for all the work they've put in to make sure we had a successful start. It's been great listening to the students over this past week talk about their first-week experiences. I've heard returning students talk about how "this year feels great," and I've listened to new to Riverwalk students say things like, "everyone is so friendly and nice."
One thing I've thoroughly enjoyed observing is how the students are not thinking of themselves as individuals, but are thinking of themselves as a community. For example, when I was watching Ms. Harker and Ms. Greenberg this past week, their first-grade students were working on "group norms" for how each other should act when they are working in their research groups. As we learned during our 3-day PBL Works training that took place before school started, it's crucial to build a culture with collaboration and peer critique.
One of the students in the 1st-grade class wrote, "do the right thing." I was impressed that this 1st grader said that. Only if life was as easy as "doing the right thing." I believe I'm entering my 19th year in education and one thing I've learned over these past 19 years is that we cannot take for granted that everyone knows, and will do, what the right thing is. We have to "model the way."
We have so many staff at Riverwalk Academy who "model the way" for each other and our students. For example, in the afternoons, while monitoring PM dismissal, you'll often catch Mr. Ogburn picking-up trash that he finds out front. I know he does this because "it's the right thing to do," but I also know that he, without thinking about it, is modeling the way for others.
Last week, I watched one of our 5th-grade students come out of the bathroom and wash his hands. As he was throwing his paper towel away, he noticed that there was some trash around the garbage can on the ground. He was doing the right thing and serving as a model for the other students. His teacher made one comment like, "thank you Johhny for picking up the trash you found," which then started a chain reaction where his peers were all looking for trash on the ground.
When I think of someone who "models the way," I think of Mr. Graham. This summer, when there were only five staff members on campus, we witnessed a staff member enter our parking lot to "cutover" into the exit of the parking lot instead of "making the loop." The excuse was, "but no one was there to see me do it, and no one was there but us." This incident led to a great discussion about how this is the exact thing that we need to focus on this year with our students; doing the right thing, all the time, even when others [adults] are not looking. How can we hold a student accountable for doing something minor, "when an adult wasn't looking" when we do the same thing (no one saw me come in the exit of the parking lot)?
My daughters are 9 and 11, and I realize that my driving habits will most likely shape their driving habits. I need to model the way for them by putting down my phone or by obeying the traffic signs. Does your backseat driver ever tell you "you're speeding" even though you're only going 5 miles over the speed limit? Mine does.
We told our staff that our students watch our every move; therefore we need to model the way and we need to have integrity (doing the right thing, even though no one is looking). The same is true at home, your child watches your every move, and your actions are modeling the way for them. The question is, which behaviors do you want your child to copy from your model? Do want them to know that it's okay to speed and enter the exits of parking lots just because you're running behind, or do you want them to copy you letting a car over into your lane (instead of speeding up) or you waving at an upset driver who cut you off, with all five of your fingers, instead of 1?
Pride (staff and families), let's create standards of excellence and then set an example for the rest of our Pride to follow.
Sincerely,
Dr. Compton
Head of School
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.
School Lunch
Don't forget that lunch orders need to be placed by Thursday for the following week.
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 Begins This Week
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.
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.
School Planners
Dismissal Update
Not to worry, our "Friday trial" worked great, thank you!
In case you did not receive the email, here's a copy of it and a copy of the map that was shared.
School Planners
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.
Dismissal Update
Not to worry, our "Friday trial" worked great, thank you!
In case you did not receive the email, here's a copy of it and a copy of the map that was shared.
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.
School Planners
- No School, Labor Day
- Cross Country Practice @ 8:00 am at Winthrop University
Tuesday (9/3)
- Swim Meet @ 5:00 pm at Clover Aquatics Center (v. Rock Hill, Nation Ford, and Cawataba Ridge)
- Cross Country Meet @ 5:30 pm at York High
Wednesday (9/4)
- Swim Practice
- Cross Country Practice
Thursday (9/5)
- Cross Country Practice
- Swim Meet @ 5:30 pm at Clover Aquatics Center (v. Clover)
Friday (9/6)
- No Activities Scheduled
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