Riverdale High School - Newsletter - December 2017

Riverdale High School

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Volume 6, Issue 2 December 1, 2017

Inside This Issue Raider News Raider Country RHS Athletics All The Details

RHS Administration Principal Scott Cook Assistant Principals Tony Allen Jill Johnson Julie Powell John Roszell School Website http://rdh.leeschools.net/

Greetings Raider Nation!

As the end of first half of the school year draws closer, our school has accomplished so much already. Along with being on our way to another successful year with student achievement, our student athletes have also accomplished great things outside of the classroom. We had several students advance to states: Emma Sekula for diving, Gabby Shepherd for swimming, and Chelsea Oliver for Cross Country. Both our Boys and Girls Bowling Teams advanced to the state competition. And to finish the football season strong, our Varsity Football team closed in stellar fashion by winning the “Battle of the Bell,” thus returning the famous bell back home to RHS. We are looking forward to continuing this momentum into the upcoming semester and sports seasons.

Also, just a reminder that SAT and ACT testing will be coming soon. Students, if you have not already signed up and need assistance, please see your guidance counselor. This is also the time of year that seniors need to pay close attention to graduation updates. Again, make sure to see your guidance counselor for any assistance. It is important that you stay informed of these deadlines so no opportunities are missed.

It has been a very successful school year so far and I can’t wait to see where we go next.

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Riverdale Choice Open House January 10th 6:30 – 8 Tell friends and family!

YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW!

BELIEF STATEMENT :PUBLIC EDUCATION IS IMPERATIVE TO SUPPORT AND SUSTAIN A DIVERSE DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY. TO THIS END, WE BELIEVE, STUDENT LEARNING IS THE CHIEF PRIORITY FOR OUR SCHOOL. CHALLENGING EXPECTATIONS INCREASE STUDENT PERFORMANCE. STUDENTS LEARN IN DIFFERENT WAYS AND SHOULD BE PROVIDED WITH A VARIETY OF INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACHES TO SUPPORT THEIR LEARNING. THE HOME, SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY MUST SERVE AND SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER. TEACHING AND LEARNING REQUIRE A HEALTHY, SAFE AND ORDERLY ENVIRONMENT. RESOURCES AND SERVICES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTION. ALL STAFF MUST CONTINUE TO LEARN AND ALL SCHOOLS MUST CONTINUE TO IMPROVE.

Raider News

Riverdale High School

Guidance Newsletter for December Knowing who to call for help can put students on the path to success quickly! The following information will let you know who your student’s counselor is. If you have questions concerning your child’s academic progress, please contact us so we can help.

COUNSELORS MRS. CAROL HAUGER carolah@leeschools.net

A - FRAN ALL GRADE LEVELS IA,/IS, LIFE SKILLS STUDENTS, TEACHER ACADEMY, DEPARTMENT HEAD

EXT. 217

MS. LORRI MERCER lorriam@leeschools.net

FRAO - PAZ ALL GRADE LEVELS

EXT. 222

MR. OTTO HAMPEL ottofh@leeschools.net

PB - ZZ DUAL ENROLLMENT STUDENTS

EXT. 385

MRS. ASHLEY SEXTON ashleys@leeschools.net

All current and former IB students, student aides

EXT. 220

MS. GINGER RIBINSKI Gingerlr@leeschoools.net

TESTING COORDINATOR AND SCHOLARSHIPS

UPCOMING TEST DATES AND DEADLINES TEST

TEST DATE

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

WEBSITE

ACT

February 10, 2018

January 12, 2018

www.act.org

SAT

March 10, 2018

February 9, 2018

www.collegeboard.org

GOOLGLE CLASSROOM CODES FRESHMAN CLASS OF 2021

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SOPHOMORE CLASS OF 2020

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JUNIOR CLASS OF 2019

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SENIOR CLASS OF 2018

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SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS

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How to Request High School Transcripts Transcript forms are located at the front counter in the Guidance office.

Fill out one form for each college or university to where you are applying.

If you are under 18 years of age, a parent signature is required for the Guidance Office to release your transcripts.

Your first transcript is free. Additional requests are $1.00 each.

At the end of your senior year, you will need to request a final transcript to be sent to the college or university you will be attending in the fall. Final transcripts are proof of graduation and final standing in the class.

Riverdale High School

Raider Country

RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL 25TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY GIVING TREE It is hard to believe that we are getting ready to celebrate our SILVER ANNIVERSARY of the Riverdale Holiday Giving Tree. Yes, it has been 25 years since the inception of the holiday tree and Riverdale is gearing up for this momentous occasion once again. This is an annual school and community-wide event that helps to provide needy Riverdale students and their families with some great holiday memories.

A holiday tree is set up in the Guidance office and anyone is welcome to take an angel from our tree and buy the gift item written on the angel. All the gift items printed on the angels come from the “wish list” that was provided to us by our chosen Giving Tree families. The gift item is wrapped and the angel lightly taped to your present and returned back to the Guidance office.

We also collect monetary donations, food, gift certificates, etc from our private contributors, school staff and students and deliver these items personally to the student’s homes before the winter break.

It is always a heart-warming experience that many of us have enjoyed being a part of and we are hoping for you to join us this year. We always need contributions and if you would like to make a donation to the 2017 Holiday Giving Tree, please contact Mrs. Jill Snyder in the Guidance office at 239-694-4141, Ext. 213 or e-mail JillAS@LeeSchools.net. If you would like to make a monetary contribution, please make your check payable to Riverdale High School and mark on the memo line 2017 Riverdale Giving Tree.

Thanks!

Mrs. Jill Snyder Coordinator 2017 Holiday Giving Tree IB

IB Pinning The Riverdale IB Class of 2018 had their IB Pinning Ceremony on November 13 th in the Riverdale Auditorium. The IB Pinning is a celebration of the Seniors’ success thus far. Each member of the Senior class was pinned by a member of the IB Faculty. The ceremony also included a representative for each of the IB Learner Profiles. The IB Learner Profiles are ten attributes that all IB students should strive to achieve. The following students were selected by the IB Faculty to represent one of the ten profiles: Inquirer Fernando Oropeza Knowledgeable Mi'osotis Arbelo Thinker Kerlentz Dorcely Communicator Jared DeLeon Principled Sarah Shaw Open-Minded Julia DaSilveira Caring Diana Diaz Risk-Taker Tristen Lee Balanced Casey Drovdlic

Riverdale High School

Raider Country

IB

River Crossing 2017 We had our first class competition of the year, the River Crossing, on November 21 st. Each class came up with a theme, and selected a team of river crossers and wizards.

The winners of the 2017 River Crossing are the Class of 2018

AP Human Geography – Mrs. Gralinski – IB Freshman The Pre-IB Freshman in Mrs. Gralinski’s AP Human Geography class did an activity on map projection. They blew up a balloon and then drew a globe on the balloon to make a 3 dimensional model of Earth. Then they deflated the balloon and tried to turn it into a 2 dimensional map by cutting it open and flattening it onto paper. The point is to show that when geographers turn a 3 dimensional model of Earth into a 2 dimensional map it causes distortion whereas some of the shapes, sizes and distances of landmasses will change.

Extended Essay (EE) The EE, 4,000 word research-based essay, is the most famous assignment known to IB students around the world. Our Seniors are turning in their final drafts and scheduling their final advisory meeting with their supervisors. The Seniors will formally present their research, their Viva Voces, on February 6th at our annual dinner and auction fundraiser. The Juniors are just starting their EE process, selecting the subject and topic of their EE. TOK Presentations The IB Seniors have completed their Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Presentations. A TOK Presentation is a fifteen minute presentation that requires students to identify and explore a knowledge question raised by a practical real-life situation that is of interest to them.

Information Night for 8th Graders Riverdale High School is having their IB Information Night on Thursday, December 14th at 6:30pm in the Riverdale Auditorium. Come find out about all the exciting opportunities Riverdale IB has to offer. All students and parents that are interested are welcome to attend.

Riverdale High School

RHS RHSAthletics Country

The JROTC cadets of Riverdale High School participated in thanking the Veterans for our annual Veterans Day ceremony. The battalion staff read poems dedicated to the wars, saluted the flag during melodies and taps, and said thank you in numerous ways. We worked as a team to give a good performance to the veterans that served and sacrificed so much for our Country.

Special Announcements Our drill competition will be on February 24th.

Marksmanship is starting soon! Be sure to be prepared to go against other cadets for a spot on the team.

Class A and B pictures will be on December 12th and 13th!!

Sea Perch is heading our way! Beginning of the build will be on January 9th. We will see the amazing work of the cadets building underwater robots.

Raider Country

Riverdale High School

Raider Team This year’s Raider Team did a great job at their first competition! It was hosted at Mariner High School on October 28 th. They went through 5 vigorous events including a 5k run, tire flip, litter carry, Rope Bridge, and a difficult obstacle course. The JV team ended up placing 3rd in tire flip and Mixed Varsity got 6th all around!

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RHS Athletics

Riverdale High School

Our Coach: Coach Athan Laskaris, a native of Marion, Ohio, is entering his second year as the Varsity Head Coach at Riverdale High School.

Coach Laskaris is a graduate of Marion Harding High School where he played two years of varsity basketball. After high school, he went on to the University of Tennessee and graduated with a degree in Sport Management and Business. While at the University of Tennessee, Coach Laskaris worked as an intern in the Lady Vols Basketball program under Coach Pat Summit. There he learned the steps necessary to build a program while respecting the work and abilities of its players.

After graduation Coach Laskaris entered the business world and was successful at Chase Bank. Eventually the call to teach and coach brought Coach Laskaris to Riverdale High School where he has spent the last 3 years teaching algebra and geometry. He has also coached varsity tennis, varsity golf and JV basketball.

Coach Laskaris and his wife Jessica recently added a son, Niko, to their family. Both Jessica and Niko can be seen at most Riverdale basketball games supporting their team and Coach Laskaris’ vision of his program: Creating a culture of excellence on and off the court, and in the community.

Kyla Gill is a senior at Riverdale High School, and has been an important part of the girls’ soccer team her junior and senior years. Kyla is in the IB program at Riverdale High School and has found a way to juggle a very challenging academic program with playing soccer for Riverdale. This year she is leading the team in goals and points and is one of the team captains. Athletically she has great speed, moving quickly on the field, plus she is very knowledgeable of the game. Determined to succeed with her goals after high school, Kyla would like to continue her education in college and play soccer at the college level. She demonstrates her great leadership skills by assisting others members of the team and always encouraging them to do their very their best

Jacob Stanbro enters his senior season at 220 lbs. And returns as a state qualifier after losing in the placing round in a nailbiter at last years state tournament. Stanbro, who is a team captain looks to help lead his team to their 14th consecutive LCAC and district title. Stanbro started the season 14 and 2 with a 2nd place finish in both the Capitol-City Classic and Barbara P. Mill tournament. Stanbro has set a goal to reach the top of the podium in march and looks to be headed on the right track.

K Hayward

Riverdale High School

RHS Athletics

Those who made it out to Karl Engle field Friday night witnessed a tremendous“Those team Who effortStay that led to a significant upset over a very talented Lehigh team. The “Battle of the Bell” was exactly that as our football team finished the game and the season victorious with a score of 27-26. That victory was such a special way to honor our band, cheerleading and football seniors who were recognized alongside of their families pregame. I want to thank those who have been so supportive throughout this football season Also, my coaches have gone and continue to go above and beyond to serve the needs of our student athletes all while coaching them mentally and physically. The men who invest in these kids alongside of me are truly building men. I am forever grateful for them.

I know our players have an immense amount of pride after bring the bell back to Riverdale. May we never tire from hearing that sweet bell ring! Please join me in congratulating them as you see them.

Each year, area coaches come together to nominate student athletes for All Star games and recognitions.

Congratulations to the following seniors who have been selected and recognized by Lee County and our surrounding counties in the last couple of weeks.

Robens Beauplan - FACA ALL-DISTRICT ALL-STAR, LEE COUNTY ALL-STAR (WILL PLAY IN THE ROTARY SOUTH ALL-STAR GAME) Jaquory Dickerson - FACA ALL-DISTRICT ALL-STAR, LEE COUNTY ALL-STAR (WILL PLAY IN THE ROTARY SOUTH ALL-STAR GAME) Connor Johnston - LEE COUNTY ALL-STAR (WILL PLAY IN THE ROTARY SOUTH ALL-STAR GAME) Zachary Sanders - LEE COUNTY ALL-STAR (WILL PLAY IN THE ROTARY SOUTH ALL-STAR GAME)

Riverdale High School

RHS Athletics

The Raider Volleyball team finished the season as District Runner Up (14-8) in a shortened season due to Hurricane Irma. The Raiders lost in the Regional Quarterfinal to eventual State Champion Venice High. The Raiders were led this season on the court by the following players: Heather Demarest (kills, 176), Emilee Iwinski (aces, 38), Jaydn Geren (blocks, 22), Tina Taylor (digs, 171) and Emilee Iwinski (assists, 270).

The Riverdale Boys and Girls Bowling Team were District Runner-Ups in their respective categories for 2017, which means they earned a spot in the FHSAA Bowling State Championships. Lee County sent 2 girls teams and 2 boys teams from three schools total. Riverdale was actually one out of four high schools in Florida who sent both their Girls and Boys teams to States. While they did not advance to the final rounds of the championship, all of the bowlers showed great sportsmanship and school spirit and learned so much about the sport and its post-high school opportunities. Congratulations, Raider Bowling Teams!

Riverdale High School

Don’t forget to order your 2018 Riverdale Yearbooks before they are all gone! $75

RHS Athletics

The Raider Baseball is working hard in the weight room during their off season workouts. Tryouts will be held January 29th from 2:00 – 4:30 on the baseball field. Anyone trying out must have all athletic paperwork in to Mrs. Berry. Any questions see Coach Pringle.

Riverdale High School

All The Details . . .

The Luis Muñoz Rivera Chapter of the Spanish Honor Society at Riverdale High School spent a fun Saturday at the collection of Salvador Dalí artwork in St. Pete Beach on Saturday, November 10. The 36 students and 8 chaperones boarded a school bus early Saturday morning to head to the museum and enjoy the art. Not only do these students study Hispanic artists like Salvador Dalí in their Spanish and art courses, but the Spanish Honor Society also has a mission of bringing cultural awareness and understanding as one of its main goals. Events like this are common for Riverdale’s Spanish Honor Society and include watching Hispanic films, preparing and sampling Hispanic foods, participating in foreign language competitions, and more. The Dalí works are part of the permanent collection but in the second exhibition, the students also go to explore some of the fashion designs of the famous Haute-Couture designer Elsa Schiaparelli.

Theatre Wing News The Drama department at Riverdale HS is continuing to expand. Although Hurricane Irma tried to sabotage us, we are continuing to meet and learn new things. Our troupe 0416 participated for the first time in a national thespian event, Trick or Treat so Kids Can Eat. It allowed us to collect over 100 pounds of food goods to help out families in need from our own school and get recognition for our troupe.

We have added workshops to our calendar periodically. Anne and Scott Hester came to facilitate a workshop in stage combat.

Just before Thanksgiving break, we got together to create mustaches and facial hair for the upcoming production.

We had a total of 19 students participate in this year’s District 6 Thespian Festival. Our One Act presentation earned an excellent rating. We had students compete in Monologue, Duet Scene, Ensemble Scene, Playwriting, Costume Design, and Musical Solo. It was a tremendous learning experience for our group. We are all excited to plan for bigger and better things next year.

“Night at the Wax Museum” had to be reschedules and will be presented at the Riverdale auditorium at 7pm January 19 th and at 2pm & 7pm January 20th. It is a fun-filled evening with a group of high school students who start out in detention, but experience history, up close and personal. Join us at the Cultully Wax Museum where history comes to life!

Riverdale High School

All The Details. . .

The Riverdale Art Department is having a great year so far with many students’ work being displayed throughout the community. Having excellent responses from the public, some students have been offered money for their art. Come and see the art hanging in the First Bank at the Verandah and of course around the Riverdale campus. We are fortunate to have many very talented students!

Anyone needing information about the Art Program at Riverdale H.S. may contact Mr. Greenblatt, Ms. Addeo, Ms. Favia or Ms. Marshman at 239-694-4141 ext. 251.

Following our award winning Christmas tree displayed last year at the Edison House, this year the Art Club has been involved again with the Festival of Lights. Celebrating a patriotic theme, The Star Spangled Holiday, the Art Club created patriotic snow globes using recycled materials to decorate the RHS tree. The display is open to the public, now through January 1, from 9 am to 9 pm daily. The Edison Festival of Lights, at the Edison House is located at 2350 McGregor Blvd in Fort Myers. Please come and enjoy the lights and vote for the RHS Tree.

The ceramics students are also celebrating at RHS; we are ecstatic to have added a new computerized kiln! Our potters have been very hard at work hand building, sculpting and glazing 3-demensional pieces, both functional and/or decorative with glossy and bright glazes.

Of course, drawing, painting, and creative photography are also parts of our curriculum. Many of the best RHS art students are preparing to enter upcoming photography contests, portfolio reviews and the Fort Myers Art Festival, which takes place the first weekend in February.

The art department is in need of items which will increase learning and creativity for the students that are currently in art classes. Anything that you could contribute; art supplies, paper, frames, money, newspapers, etc. would be greatly appreciated by us and the students at RHS. Thank you to all whom have contributed to our students’ success! Also, if you are a current practicing photographer or artist, or may have something to share with our students, please contact us. Thank you in advance for your help!

WE WISH YOU AND YOURS A COLORFUL HOLIDAY!!

The Riverdale High School Culinary Club has been up to something good this fall.

As a result of the great student participation, we have gotten involved in numerous school wide activities.

We have planned our first Culinary Club outing, created a RELAY for LIFE team that will be circling the track in early May, collected nonperishable food items to benefit the local community and planned our first school ProStart Regional event in late October.

We are getting ready to begin our fall fundraiser called Fun Pasta, and will be taking a group of students to participate in a culinary lab experience and tour at Tarpon Springs High School very soon.

The students that will be traveling to Tarpon Springs High School will be trained by premier chefs from Johnson and Wales as well as plan, prepare, and serve an entire meal for service. Participants will be given chef coats of their own and definitely look the part of a professional if only for a day! The event is sponsored by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Educational Foundation and will definitely be something to talk about.J If we sound a bit busy, hold on. We are just getting started. Please follow upcoming articles to find out how you can join in on the fun. How can you help? Thanks for asking! Join Culinary Club! No, it’s not too late. Contribute your time, talent, and skills to the community around us.

Join our RELAY FOR LIFE team and save a life or give someone another birthday to celebrate. Donate a homemade baked good or make a donation to support our next COMMUNITY OUTREACH EVENT. Encourage your son or daughter to get involved.

See you at the next CULINARY CLUB CARES event; the club that has the “heart” beat that rocks the RAIDERS! For more details or to get involved, please email or call Mrs. Spinosa, beverlylsp@leeschools.net or 239-694-4141 x 308. If you would like to support our Fun Pasta Brochure fundraiser, you may simply stop in or call and ask for our online ordering link. This fundraiser helps to pay for many of our endeavors throughout the year. We appreciate your continued support! Your Riverdale High School Culinary Arts Department.

FGCU

Riverdale High School

All The Details. . .

All The Details . . .

Riverdale High School

Box Tops for Education & Labels for Education A school fund-raiser that won’t cost you anything!

The Life Skills class at Riverdale High School is collecting “Box Tops for Education” and “Labels for Education” from food products you may already be purchasing. All you have to do is CUT, CLIP, SAVE and send them to RHS, Mrs. M&M Room 8-03. You will recognize the sponsors for “Labels for Education”: Glad, Dannon, Campbell’s, Goldfish, Pepperidge Farms, Bic, Prego and V8 just to name a few. “Box Tops for Education” sponsors including Betty Crocker, Bisquick, Nestle, Pillsbury, Yoplait, Old El Paso, Ziplock, Hanes, Kleenex, Scott, Hefty, and Chex Mix to name a few. CUT, CLIP, SAVE and send the labels in. The labels are counted, submitted and recorded for points and cash.

The students will be able to track, graph, monitor, bundle and mail the labels as a yearly math-vocational project. The labels are transferred into points, rewards and cash that can be applied to purchase school supplies or classroom items. So, don’t throw those box packages away without first checking for these labels!!!

Your support will be greatly appreciated.

Any additional questions, call: Mrs. M&M 6944141x307 or Ms. Furbay 694-4141x341

Riverdale HS Life Skills class has a mini-enterprise business.

They have a Gourmet Dog Biscuit business; they make, bake, and market their product. The students sell 13 (a Bakers Dozen) gourmet “medium” dog biscuits for only $2.50 or 19 gourmet “small” biscuits. The biscuits are made from all natural ingredients and are medium in size (est. 3” x 1 ½ “). All of the ingredients are listed on the packaging.

If you would like to place an order, submit an order form and payment to Mrs. M&M. Room 8-03. We will only fill orders about once a month unless you request a special order. These are great treats!

RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL DOG BISCUIT ORDER FORM

NUMBER OF MEDIUM bags _________ TOTAL @ $2.50 a bag ________ NUMBER OF SMALL bags

_________ TOTAL @ $2.50 a bag ________

CUSTOMER NAME: ____________________________________________ CUSTOMER TELEPHONE NUMBER: ________________________________ Please enclose cash or check (made out to Riverdale HS) with your order Orders will be filled ONCE A MONTH unless you ask for a special order.

QUESTIONS call Mrs. M&M (Myers-Madoian) at 239-694-4141 x 307

CUT – CLIP —SAVE

A school fund-raiser that won’t cost you a penny!

The Life Skills class at Riverdale High School is collecting SODA POP TABS. We are recycling them into jewelry AND/OR donating them to the Ronald McDonald House.

Just save and send them to RHS c/o of Mrs. M&M Room 8-03 or Ms. Fox Room 103.

The students are learning about recycling at the same time!

Your support will be greatly appreciated.

Any additional questions, call: Mrs. M&M or Ms. FURBAY 694-4141x307 x341

Riverdale High School

All The Details...

OUT-OF-FIELD TEACHERS Florida State Statute 1012.2 recognizes that teachers at times must be assigned duties in a class outside the field in which the teacher is certified. The following teachers at Riverdale High School are certified, but are engaged in training to add English of Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Subject Areas to their certificates:

Riverdale High School Out of Field Teachers William Burke Brittany Hilton Katherine Jones Dona Kocher Cody Lawrence Shayne Morin Courtney Opsatnick Robert Taylor April Tierney Jennifer Wallace Joshua Carpenter

ESOL ESOL ESOL ESOL ESOL ESOL ESOL ESOL ESOL ESOL Elem. Ed

YEARBOOKS ARE ON SALE NOW!!!!

Don’t forget to order before they are all gone!! $75 Check, cash, or order online at www.jostens.com Order form is on the school website, or front

The School Board of Lee County, Florida

Gregory K. Adkins, Ed.D. - Superintendent Mary Fischer, District 1 (Chairman) Jane E. Kuckel, PhD, District 6 (Vice Chairman) Melisa W. Giovannelli, District 2 Chris N. Patricca, District 3 Steven K. Teuber, District 4 Pamela H. LaRiviere, District 5 Cathleen O'Daniel Morgan, District 7 www.leeschools.net The School Board of Lee County, Florida, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, marital status, religion or sexual orientation.

Riverdale High School

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Thank you to all of our sponsors! If you are interested in advertising in the newsletter or yearbook, please email Katie Jones for more information Katherinewj@leeschools.net