The Riverwalk Roar
January 18, 2021
A Note From Dr. Compton
Pride,
I wanted to start off by saying "thank you" to each of the families who drop off/pick up their children each day. A week ago, we handed out a flier with a few reminders about the car rider line. We also included a link/QR code to a video that we made. Within 12 hours, over 150 of you viewed the video, and the following day, we had one of the most efficient drop-off/pick-ups that we've ever had. Even though our dismissal crew (Ms. Laster, Ms. Wilson, and Ms. Davis) always have a smile on their face, they were even happier on the following day because it was clear that you all took a few minutes to review their video. Thank you!
I also wanted to let you know that the Riverwalk Academy Board met on Tuesday (1/12) and they agreed to extend my contract. Instead of my contract ending on June 30, 2021, they extended it by another 3 years (June 30, 2024). During the February Board meeting, I will be sharing a mid-range update that includes significant milestones/goals (between the next 1 - 5 years). I'm excited about what's forthcoming for Riverwalk Academy and I cannot wait to share this with each of you.
Lastly, I wanted to give an update to our “return to normal” plan. About twice a week, a team of us gather to review all the latest School and County COVID Data. The data sources we review included our own COVID Data Dashboard (which updates at the start of each week), SC DHEC’s Data Dashboard, DHEC’s data for schools, any information shared by York County Emergency Management, and the feedback that you all provide. In addition to these COVID-related data, we also review our academic data (i.e. MAP, and F&P).
Right now, the data appears to support our model. Our COVID-related numbers have been manageable. When we had the one “hot spot” in November we were able to quickly get ahead of it. One reason for this is because of you all. Our Pride has been outstanding partners in being mindful and aware of the impact each of us has on the larger groups. Our staff has also been outstanding. Not only do they pitch-in and support each other, they also are doing a phenomenal job with their sub plans when they have to quarantine. So far, we’ve been able to maintain our classrooms. There were about 5 days in November when we were 1 more adult away (due to staff having to quarantine) from not being able to staff 100% of our classrooms. Luckily, we have not gotten to this point.
As for what’s next, please hear me when I say that it is our goal to return to a more traditional model. Our staff leaves exhausted each day. While we all agree that the best hybrid model for us was the AM/PM model, it leaves our teachers, especially our elementary ones, with only 1 20-minute break a day (for them to each lunch and to reset their classrooms for the PM session. The staff also misses daily interactions with each other. The Riverwalk Academy staff has not all be in the same room at the same time all year.
Right now, our social distancing protocols call for students’ desks to remain 6’ apart. We also do not require students to wear their masks once they are seated (when they remain 6’ apart). Our students do work in small groups, and our teachers do instruct in small groups. However, we try to limit this to less than 15 minutes at a time. By doing so, it lowers the risk of us having to quarantine a group of students should one of our students test positive for COVID. With the exception of the “hot spot” of 6th graders and a few other minor incidences, we have not had to quarantine additional students because they were a close contact with a classmate.
When considering all of the possible scenarios of returning to a full-day program, our families need to understand a few things:
- The chances of us having to quarantine additional students because of a COVID-positive classmate or teacher will increase.
- We will not be able to maintain our desks at 6' apart. In many cases, our desks will be approximately 3’ to 4’ apart.
- Some of our elementary students will have to move to a new class as some of our classrooms will not accommodate us doubling the class size (when AM and PM combine into one).
I share these points with you so you are fully aware of the situation and some of the factors that need to be considered. I believe in full transparency and believe that you all should have the information needed to make an informed decision. Over the past few weeks, as some of the schools have begun making the move to a traditional model (from hybrid to all day), I’ve seen parents learning about changes such as classroom teacher changes or shifts in start/end times after decisions have been made.
No matter if you are an in-person family, or a virtual family, we want to hear from you. Please consider taking just a few minutes to complete this short survey about our hybrid model and about returning to a full-day schedule.
Pride, thank you so much for your shared partnership and for trusting Riverwalk Academy to be your school of choice.
This Week's Photo
This week's photo is of our cheerleaders during last Monday's game when the Lions took on Lewisville High School. The Lions are back in action this Thursday at 5:30 pm at the Rock Hill Events Center when we take on Great Falls High School. The game will be played in the championship court and tickets can be purchased on our website under "school store."
The Week Ahead
Monday - 18th
- No School - Martin Luther King Day
Tuesday - 19th
- Spirit Day - "Hats off" to the Boy Basketball Players
- Middle/High School B-Day
- Cheerleading Practice 3:15 pm - 5:00 pm (Kunde)
- Track Practice 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm (Wilson)
- High School E-Sports (Virtual) at 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm) Valorant (Loyst)
Wednesday - 20th
- Spirit Day - "Expect the Unexpected" (wear tacky clothes)
- Middle/High School A-Day
- High School E-Sports (Virtual) at 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm) COD: CW (Loyst)
Thursday - 21st
- Spirit Day - "Dress Like A Lion" (wear your favorite Riverwalk Gear)
- Middle/High School B-Day
- High School E-Sports (onsite) 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm All Members/Smash Bros. (Loyst)
- Track Practice 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm (Wilson)
- Basketball Game v. Great Falls High School @ Rock Hill Events Center 5:30 pm
Friday - 22nd
- Beginner Band Practice: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
- Advanced Band Practice: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Re-Enrollment
In next week's Riverwalk Roar, we'll include information about the re-enrollment process.
Riverwalk Academy Mobile App
Make sure you stay up to date with all things Riverwalk Academy by downloading our mobile app (which is available in the App Store and Google Play).
Questions About Your Child's Symptoms
COVID Dashboard
Our current numbers are:
- Students in Quarantine: 17
- Students Positive for COVID: 0
- Staff in Quarantine: 1
- Staff Positive for COVID: 0
Riverwalk Academy Basketball Spirit Shirt
Show your Riverwalk Academy Pride by wearing one of these basketball shirts . . . only $10. Click here to purchase your shirts. Shirts ordered by 2:00 pm are delivered the next day to students.
Spirit Week
Don’t forget to order your yearbook before it is too late! This book will be a celebration of this memorable school year. ORDER TODAY!
Artsonia
Artwork at Riverwalk Academy
We have an awesome resource for you! Artsonia is an amazing online student art gallery where you can see all of your student's artwork. Students can go back and view their work from years ago as well as their friends! All you have to do is click the link below, enter our school name and scroll down to view. Enjoy!!
Visit www.artsonia.com and type Riverwalk Academy in the search bar and enjoy years of Riverwalk artwork!
January's PE Challenge
Linked here is January's PE Challenge. Make sure you snap photos and share them with Ms. Laster so we can showcase some photos in our newsletter.
Art Challenge
Check out this week's art challenge, titled "Polar Bears." Here's a video to view also. Make sure you send in your artwork to Ms. Griffith and you just might be featured as our artist of the week.
Artists of the Week
Don’t forget to order your yearbook before it is too late! This book will be a celebration of this memorable school year. ORDER TODAY! http://jostensyearbooks.com?ref=A02183960
PAYMENT PLAN. Pay in three separate installments with Jostens payment plan option. Choose J-Pay™ to easily and affordably spread the cost of your purchase over three payments. No interest. No fees. No stress. http://jostensyearbooks.com?ref=A02183960
PSAT-NMSQT
For our families who have signed up for the PSAT-NMSQT:
- Testing will begin at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, January 26th. Students must be on time in order to test, late students will not be permitted to enter the test session.
- Students who attend the morning cohort will come to school at 8:00 AM and will be sent to their testing location at 8:30 AM.
- Students who attend the afternoon cohort, the virtual cohort, or the York Tech campus should arrive at Riverwalk Academy by 8:15 AM to check-in at the front office. A staff member will direct students to their testing location.
- The exam will take around three and a half hours to take. Students can be picked up after testing has concluded in the car rider loop. We are asking families to pick their students up from testing at 12:15 in order to avoid confusion with the regular midday dismissal and arrival.
- Students who attend the PM cohort for classes are permitted to go home after the PSAT is over instead of going to class but will be responsible for any work they miss during class.
- Students may bring their own graphing calculator to use on the portion of the test that permits calculator use. Please click on this link for more information on the calculators that are permitted on the PSAT-NMSQT (https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/taking-the-tests/test-day-checklist/approved-calculators). We will have some school calculators available for use, but students are not permitted to share calculators during the test.
- Cell phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices are not permitted in the testing room. If students bring any of these items they will be stored securely by our staff until testing has concluded.
- To maintain a safe testing environment staff will ensure that proper face mask and cleaning guidelines are followed. Students who are not feeling well, showing symptoms of COVID, or have tested positive for COVID should not attend the test session. Please refer to our COVID Symptom Check document attached to this email if you have any questions about COVID symptoms and school guidelines.
Here are some resources for preparing for the test that we have previously shared:
- https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice
- https://www.kaptest.com/study/psat/psat-free-practice-quizzes/
- https://www.khanacademy.org/sat
- https://www.princetonreview.com/college/free-psat-practice-test#!practice
If you or your child have any questions or concerns regarding testing please contact Mrs. Davis via email (sdavis@riverwalkacademy.com). We look forward to an excellent testing day! Thank you for your support.
Sick Children
Parents, we've had a few situations over the past two weeks where a child called/texted home from the bathroom saying they are not feeling well and asking them to come to pick them up from school. When the parent arrived, we checked in with the nurse who had no knowledge of this.
Parents, if your child calls/text you to come to pick them up, please have them go check-in with the nurse. Parents, it's okay for you to check-in with the nurse too. In two of the cases, it was a high school student who "wasn't feeling good" because they were trying to avoid a test.
Student Parking
10th graders interested in driving to campus, please see the linked guidelines. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Graham.
6th - 11th Grade Yearbook
11th Graders, don't worry, next year we'll have a dedicated high school yearbook. Until then, please consider ordering our 6th - 11th-grade yearbook by clicking here.
PAYMENT PLAN. Pay in three separate installments with Jostens payment plan option. Choose J-Pay™ to easily and affordably spread the cost of your purchase over three payments. No interest. No fees. No stress.
Yearbooks
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