Riverdale School District Fall/Winter Newsletter

Riverdale Review DISTRICT 51J

2019-20 Fall/Winter

Continuous Improvement How Riverdale is engaging students and building community

Also in this issue: • Students take on more AP exams

• High school Maverick Club

• Restorative justice practices

• Meet our new teachers

• New grade school PTC grants

• Upcoming events

• Athletics highlights Riverdale Review

... and much more www.riverdaleschool.com

Supporting Our Schools A message from your superintendent

Planning for Riverdale's future

This fall can be characterized as a time that has been heavily focused on negotiating the changing landscape that is state school funding. Below is a brief overview of three key elements that must align to ensure that the district’s mission and vision are kept in focus as we address state school fund requirements that relate to current and new funding to be received in 2020-21.

The first element is a clearly articulated strategic plan for the Riverdale School District. This work was completed during the 2018-19 school year, and we now have the 2024 Strategic Plan that guides all of our educational, operational and financial matters.

Second, we recently completed the Oregon Department of Education required Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP). This is a three-year plan that includes regular monitoring of data associated with defining our desired outcomes in the identified areas. The CIP highlights areas where our data indicates we to need focus our efforts if we are to meet the standards outlined in our strategic plan. The three key elements of the CIP that are tied to our district’s use of state school funds are all supported by community input. The strategic plan development and the Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) work this fall included public and staff input sessions. As a result, our 2024 Strategic Plan and CIP reflect the input received and are aligned and well-positioned to support the additional planned community input conversations that will be scheduled in January 2020.

Third, a new process linked to the added state funding recently passed by the Oregon Legislature will begin in January 2020. This process will determine the best use of the support soon to be available through the Student Success Act. This is a significant amount of support that will be regulated by the state for use on “additive” measures that meet district needs. These funds cannot be used to replace general fund dollars currently budgeted for services and programs. The process for identifying the best use of these added dollars (estimated to be $400,000 to $450,000 for Riverdale) will take place from January through May of 2020.

Making state funding work for Riverdale School District in a manner that meets the unique needs of the Riverdale community requires that we stay focused on our Strategic Plan and Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP).

This focus on our mission and vision will inform our application for funds to be provided through the Student Success Act (SSA).

2

Annual campaign RIVERDALE SCHOOL FOUNDATION – The foundation and district are incredibly thankful for the generosity of all donors to the 2019–2020 Annual Campaign. So far, 68 percent of students' families have joined with many alumni, staff and community members to raise $1.3 million for Riverdale students. This significant number brings us close to our $1.75 million goal, which we will continue working toward in the upcoming months.

The Riverdale community has a long history of supporting its schools, and we are fortunate that so many families make exceptional education a priority. A list of all families who contributed to the Annual Campaign will be published in January, with an updated list distributed in June to account for additional donations received throughout the rest of the year.

For over 26 years, donors to the Annual Campaign have been the bedrock for Riverdale schools by supplementing state school funding in an effort to maintain our tradition of educational excellence.

It’s not too late to give! You can help us reach our goal. The Riverdale School Foundation accepts pledges and donations at RiverdaleFoundation.org year round. Pledges do not need to be fulfilled until April 30, 2020. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated; what is important is that every family participates in some way. Please check if your employer offers corporate matching. Last year, this led to an additional $106,000.

“It was the most gratifying experience working alongside dedicated fellow parents on this campaign,” says the campaign chair, Amber Hillman. "It’s extraordinary to see all these caring families come together to support the unique educational experience that is Riverdale.” She also expressed gratitude to the Riverdale High School student volunteers who called community members this year in support of the campaign. Thank you again to all those families who donated.

This maps out the year-long timeline of steps to receive SIA dollars.

Riverdale Review

Supporting Our Schools Maverick Club

We've got school spirit

Six new PTC grants

RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – Thanks to PTC support, there's a new club in town for high school leaders in student activities, school spirit and yearbook. With nearly 30 enthusiastic students meeting Wednesdays before school, the Maverick Club is doing its part to build community, spirit and pride through the following activities and events: • School Spirit Instagram @riverdalemavsspirit • Spirit Week, Pep Assemblies and Dances • Bulletin Boards, Banners and Posters • Student Spotlights and other fun displays • “Maverick Moo” kudos program • Finals Week Food Trucks • Advisory Activities • Fundraisers for Rose Haven charity • Riverdale HS Yearbook

Thank you Hillmans

Making a difference at RHS

RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – During the summer, the computer lab was upgraded. Desks now allow students to see each other, rather than be blocked by a monitor, allowing them to discuss more effectively while at their computers. Thanks to the Hillmans' generous donation, our technology teacher, Adam McLain, is able to teach programming lessons on a higher resolution touch-screen display, which makes reading computer languages easier. The new desks and computers are able to fold away so that students aren't distracted, and students get the choice of sitting or standing at these new adjustable desks.

Riverdale Review

Making a difference at RGS

RIVERDALE GRADE SCHOOL – Grade school teachers went through the process of writing and applying for PTC grants this fall. All six grants were unanimously approved by the PTC board, allowing $11,000 of the $14,000 in grant money to be used to directly benefit students.

• Four teachers will be attending a science conference to bring back curriculum information to share with the other teachers.

• Twenty new Hokki stools will be added to various classrooms. These special stools wobble, meeting students’ needs for movement while they are learning.

• Emphasizing a revival for all students to get excited about Falcon Feathers, this third grant will provide more funds for Falcon Feather swag.

• A grant was approved for the 7th and 8th grade students to experience an activity focused on social-emotional health.

• Two new sensory experiences will be added to the upstairs and downstairs hallways, allowing students to walk along labyrinths on the floor.

• Second graders are planning to go on a new field trip to Tryon Creek where they'll receive a field guide and navigate through the forest, exploring new science curriculum.

Teachers still have $3,000 to utilize this year. Thank you to the PTC and parents who make this all possible.

The grant will provide more access to these Hokki stools.

Riverdale School District is now on social media!

@RiverdaleSchoolDistrictK12

3

Academics and More Circling forward

Utilizing restorative justice practices

RIVERDALE GRADE SCHOOL – Offering students and staff an equitable voice and opportunity to contribute and share, Circle Forward practices were implemented into grade school classrooms last winter. Expanding upon the grade school’s restorative justice practices, this process allows a restorative community to be built.

What is Circle Forward?

“Circle Forward is a resource guide designed to help teachers, administrators,

students and parents incorporate the practice of circles into the everyday life of the school community” (Carolyn Boyes-Watson and Kay Pranis).

All teachers have been trained in Restorative Practices and the use of Circle Forward in their classrooms, with many using the practice weekly.

At the same time every Thursday, 4th grade teacher Rylie Laskowski gathers her students into a circle to discuss new topics. The discussion is student led,

offering them the chance to express how they may be feeling.

A Restorative Justice Circle in a 1st grade class. conflict and solutions,” says What’s the impact?

Mrs. Laskowski. For some During “class meetings” students, sharing aloud students openly share how may seem daunting, so they feel, communicating Mrs. Laskowski offers an well and respectfully. anonymous comment box “Learning at a very as another outlet for student young age how to have expression. “In a circle, no a successful discussion one is more important or and how to communicate has more rights than anyone their needs will set them else. Even if students choose up to take ownership of

As we strengthened our work in this area, we reviewed an article outlining the unintended harm of zero-tolerance policies, emphasizing the importance of our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and also the need to continue to develop our restorative justice framework, says Principal Joanna Tobin not to speak, no one is invisible” (Carolyn BoyesWatson and Kay Pranis).

Why use Circle Forward?

This practice is also used by 5th and 6th grade teachers about once a week when students need to discuss

their actions, such as leaving trash in the hallway. This helps students direct the conversation to learn from their actions and feel empowered to collaboratively arrive at solutions. Additionally, conversations about

restoring and “fixing” problems occur as needed with guidance and support to solve conflict and repair.

Research concludes that systems with restorative practices lead to stronger communities. Examples of restorative practices include a variety of

Circles (Community Building Circles, Welcome Back Circles, Problems Solving Circles, Responsibility Circles), Restorative Dialogue and Restorative Inquiry: all with the same goal of strengthening relationships and community.

Growing the RGS garden

Mrs. Laskowski's 4th grade class discussing feelings and behaviors during their class meeting.

4

Flourishing with activity this fall, students have used the garden as a community space to foster experiential outdoor learning, integrating what they’ve learned in the classroom to the outdoor environment. The 7th/8th grade Garden Elective class has worked extremely

hard, helping make a holistic garden-tocafeteria plan come to fruition. Michelle Gressinger, the new PTC-supported garden coordinator, and Erika Andrews, our new GS counselor, are focusing on social-emotional health in their garden teaching.

Riverdale Review

Academics and More How seniors spent their summer

Staying busy with new jobs, volunteering and traveling RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – Seniors need to have completed at least 90 hours of service by the time they graduate. While many seniors spent time volunteering, they also made time to have fun. Service at Riverdale High School links education to service and service to learning.

Evan Glass took SAT prep classes and volunteered doing community service cleanups and summer camps for children.

This volunteer experience helped instill a good work ethic.

Devin Chek volunteered at Blanchet House serving food and working as a greeter. He has volunteered his time there since he was in 5th grade. He also spent a month working part time in a maintenance job role at a local gym.

Mason Koo spent time with friends and helped his family move this summer. He volunteered at the Oregon Food Bank and helped the homeless.

Kalin Emerson started her first job working in a clothing store and traveled to Costa Rica for a two-week Spanish immersion program. Kalin spent time living with a Costa Rican family in Atenas, allowing her to get a sense of locals everyday life.

Annabella Corvelli led young girls through various activities as a junior counselor at the University of Oregon.

It was her fifth year attending the the summer enrichment camp but her first year in a leadership role. On top of this, she took a class that discussed The Common Application, college preparation and how to be a leader.

Emerson Pereira traveled to Cambodia with his family for a week and a half visiting many of the local temples on a bike tour. He got his first job working as a dishwasher. For volunteering, Emerson chose 5p conference that works with genetic diseases affecting children.

Maeve Conte volunteered at Youthline, a suicide hotline, and sat on the jury for the Beaverton Police Department’s youth peer court restorative justice program. Traveling to Vermont, she attended a student advocacy camp, which helped her recognize her passion for helping people and raising awareness for issues affecting teens her age.

Riverdale Review

5

Academics and More

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

A record number of students registered for AP tests this year and showed outstanding accomplishments in service learning and scholarship awards

Grade school students excelled on the 2018-19 Smarter Balanced State Assessments

95 PERCENT

95 PERCENT of RGS 8th graders

29

89 PERCENT

of RHS students who took an AP exam earned a 3 or higher in 2018.

STUDENTS WILL TAKE 52 AP EXAMS THIS YEAR

Ranging from AP psychology and AP music theory to AP calculus, AP biology and more

MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS $7.5 were awarded to the class of 2019

met or exceeded expectations in English Language Arts assessments

of 8th graders met or exceeded expectations in Math

89 PERCENT

of 3rd-8th grade students met English Language Arts expectations

with 212 acceptances to 113 colleges/programs in the US/Canada

13,807 HOURS

84 PERCENT

of service learning were completed by RHS class of 2019

Riverdale does not offer AP classes, but students can opt to take AP tests, with support from teachers to prepare.

6

More information about service learning can be found on the high school website.

of 3rd-8th graders met or exceeded expectations in Math

INDIVIDUAL STUDENT PROGRESS

This information can be found on the ODE report cards page and on our website under About Us > Our Schools.

Riverdale Review

Faces of Riverdale Meet our new grade school and high school teachers

Now in her eighth year of teaching and first year at Riverdale, Cayla Papke shares what makes Riverdale Grade School special. Ms. Papke's students enjoy doing her Weekend News activity where they get to use their incredible writing skills to share about themselves and build community. “I love to see how much 1st graders grow throughout the year, seeing their confidence build as the year goes by," says Ms. Papke.

Ms. Papke enjoys reading books with her students, helping spread her love of reading to them. Collaborating with 1st grade teacher, Jennifer McDonald, Ms. Papke feels supported and well-equiped to be successful at Riverdale.

Ms. Papke reads "It's Mine!" to her 1st grade class, which discusses the importance of sharing.

Meg Buell shares that in her first year teaching at Riverdale High School (and first year as a teacher) that she has seen students who are exceptionally driven to learn, with a record number of them signing up to take the AP biology test this spring. Like Ms. Papke, Ms. Buells feels that she receives an incredible amount of support from the Riverdale community.

Striving to vary the format of classes, she does information download days, which involves students interacting with the material in different ways rather than her just giving direct instruction - this allows her to see if they require more support. Her students collaborated with Holly Finnerty’s English class this fall. They researched infectious diseases in Ms. Buell’s class then synthesized their findings into a pathogen research paper for Ms. Finnerty’s class.

Athletics Fall athletics highlights

RIVERDALE ATHLETICS – Thank you to everyone who participated in the fundraiser to supplement the Riverdale Athletics budget this year. We continue to reap the rewards from our community’s generosity at the Second Annual Riverdale Golf Tournament this summer.

The Maverick girls cross country team took fourth place at districts, and the boys team took third with senior Zach Rector finishing in first place. The boys capped off their season with another fifth place finish at the OSAA State Championship, qualifying for the championships for the seventh year in a row.

No stranger to the state playoffs, the Maverick boys soccer team has qualified for the event every year but one since 2005. Holding true to form, the Mavericks went into the first round of playoffs as the fifth seed and eventually fell in the state quarterfinals to Taft.

Continuing to grow, Maverick volleyball welcomed many young players this fall, along with the return of former coach Reed Goldsmith. The team qualified for their first ever league playoff match this season.

Maverick girls soccer gained strong numbers despite a rebuilding year. The team fell short of making the playoffs this season but are looking to bounce back in 2020.

Returning to the MCL championship game, Falcon girls soccer fought a tough game, but ultimately lost to OES. It is the fourth straight year the Falcons have reached the championship game.

Falcon boys soccer and volleyball qualified for the MCL playoffs this past year marking the first time in several years that all sports teams qualified for league playoffs.

With a large team of 18 runners this year, Falcon girls cross country placed third overall at districts, Zoe R finished first, and the boys team finished sixth.

Congratulations to all our fall athletes on a tremendous season!

Ms. Buell shows her biology students how to use their microscopes to view yogurt cultures.

Riverdale Review

7

Riverdale Review 2019-20

DISTRICT 51J

Riverdale School District 11733 SW Breyman Ave. Portland, OR 97219

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID LAKE OSWEGO, OR PERMIT NO. 79

Inside this issue: • Supporting Our Schools • Academics and More • Faces of Riverdale • Alumni and Athletics • Events and Activities

P. 2-3 P. 4-9 P. 8 P. 9 P. 10

Find this newsletter electronically and learn more at RiverdaleSchool.com

Events and Activities

PTC Auction: The Roaring Twenties

RIVERDALE PARENT TEACHER CLUB – Each year, the Riverdale PTC hosts a fabulous fundraiser to support events, activities, programming and "extras" that help make our schools and community exceptional. From the fall carnival to art literacy in classrooms, teacher grants to extracurricular community school classes, robotics to high school musicals, and field trips to field day — the PTC makes these and many other programs possible with volunteers and financial support.

This year’s theme, The Roaring Twenties, will take place Saturday, Feb. 29 at The Redd on Salmon Street.

There will be a live auction, online bidding, party pack sign-ups, a paddle raise for school requests, dinner, wine wall and casino gaming! Stay tuned for ticket info, and check for updates in the PTC Parent Pack newsletter and at RiverdalePTC.org/category/auction.

In the meantime, you can help with corporate sponsorships, signup to volunteer and donate muchneeded auction items.

8

For prospective families

RIVERDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT – We'll be opening a limited number of spaces in kindergarten and 9th and 10th grade for the 2020–21 school year. All non-resident enrollment requests are due by Feb. 14.

Learn more about our grade school during the Kindergarten Coffee Q&A on Friday, Jan. 24 — for both outof-district families seeking enrollment through our lottery and residents planning to start their children at Riverdale next year.

Please help us spread the word to your friends and family.

High school shadow days continue through February.

Register for either event at RiverdaleSchool.com/Visit.

Mark your calendar Dec. 27 RHS Holiday Basketball Challenge Feb. 14 Non-Resident Enrollment Requests due Feb. 18-19 RHS Winter Play Feb. 20 RGS 5-8 Winter Band Concert Feb. 27 RHS Winter Concert April 22 District Arts Night May 17 RGS Spring Musical For more events, visit our online district and school calendars.

Riverdale Review