Riverdale Review - Winter 2016

Riverdale Review DISTRICT 51J

Winter 2015

The economics of conflict … and peace RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – In a new class, Economics and Conflict, Riverdale High School students are learning to identify and analyze the intersection between economic scarcity and global conflict.

“We began the trimester by examining and discussing the fundamental economic concepts directly connected to the field of conflict management and peacebuilding – such as scarcity, opportunity cost and inflation,” says teacher Laura Keldorf. “Then we transitioned into conflict analysis, and the roles that non-verbal communication, active listening and empathy play in any successful negotiation.”

While the students were familiar with the importance of nonverbal communication and active listening, Ms. Keldorf says they hadn't given much thought to the role empathy plays in negotiations outside U.S. Institute of Peace expert Thomas Leo Scherer virtually joins the of what they engage in discussion during the Economics and Conflict "meeting of the minds." personally.

She adds, “Our quest to define empathy, assess how empathetic we are and how empathy is critical to negotiation and mediation has led to many fruitful, thoughtful and engaging conversations, both inside and outside the classroom.” Continued on page 10.

An exercise in trust at the grade school RIVERDALE GRADE SCHOOL – In addition to leading a parent conversation about helping children strive for accuracy rather than perfection (see article on page 5), psychologist (and Riverdale parent) Donny Wright led a very personalized, touching and realistic discussion with grade school teachers about the emotional and brain development of students, along with strategies to help them holistically. He emphasized the need to focus on the positive to encourage students to feel safe enough to take risks and to build vital relationships between teachers and students.

“Donny defined the anatomy of trust using the acronym BRAVING: boundaries, reliability, accountability, vault, integrity, non-judgment and generosity,” says counselor Lori Peterson.

“The school application for attendees seemed to be taking the small moments – those everyday opportunities – to make connections and build trust even when schedules are busy.”

“One suggestion that really stood out to me is the number of positive interactions we should have with our students versus negative ones,” says teacher Carrington Light. “Donny said that actions as simple as eye contact Riverdale Review

and acknowledging someone's presence are positive interactions. There are numerous and various ways to connect with our kids.”

According to Wright, it is between ages 6-11 that students develop confidence (or not) in their ability to perform academically, with peers and in family situations. They develop specific strategies to be successful. On the other hand, the teenage brain feels emotions more strongly and their “overreacting” behavior (as we see it) is “reasonable” based upon their feelings.

“I think it was a very powerful experience to discuss how, when students are anxious about their work and/or the idea of failure, we can reset – or as Donny called it, reframe – them back to the present task at hand.

This was a very concrete strategy to use with students when they are hesitating during a challenge,” says teacher Vi Tamargo.

Wright also pointed out that reliability, fairness and consistency from school staff are the most important factors for students and their parents – all qualities we strive for on a daily basis and through continued discussions as a school community.

College is in the air

by Jill Hall, college advisor RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – The high school’s College Center is bustling this time of year. Seniors have completed their college applications and already have some exciting early acceptances, including Chapman, University of Denver, Fordham, Grinnell, McGill, University of Michigan Nursing, Northeastern, University of Oregon and Oregon State University, Princeton, University of Rochester Honors, Santa Clara, Tulane, Villanova, Western Washington and more!

Most students will learn of acceptances in March.

Our attention now turns to the juniors: On Thursday, Jan. 14, the junior class ventured for the day to a lecture hall at Lewis and Clark College to begin their college search and application unit, as part of their English 11 curriculum.

This unit will continue through the end of the year, as students learn about aspects of planning their post-high school life.

These range from test prep and essays to financial aid and finding the best college fit. Seniors are on hand to mentor their junior classmates and to celebrate their own final decisions in May. www.riverdaleschool.com

Supporting Our Schools A message from your superintendent: Enjoy a night in Havana An 'A' for safety

In May 2015, Riverdale School District hired NewDawn Security to help implement measurable and proactive risk mitigation methods at both schools without negatively impacting either school’s culture or learning environment.

From when we began the Excellence in Safe School Certification process in May to today, we have increased our overall score by 65 percent – based on a variety of both significant and minor actions, such as a First Responders Appreciation Day and strategy meeting held at our high school in January.

The ability to measure school safety operational levels, and follow a plan to enhance each of the 26 Safe School Operational Standards, brought us to that event, in which each branch of emergency responders toured the school and were provided the school’s after-crisis action plan for review. Although the risk level of a school crisis remains low, the proactive stance of making sure local emergency responders are familiar with the physical layout, and can have input/knowledge of the site’s plan is all part of overall district efforts to make each school as measurably safe as possible.

The event was hosted by the Principal's Advisory Council – a group of students selected to help provide input and guidance for our high school principal.

Visitors included Portland Police, Multnomah County Sheriff, Emergency Medical Technicians and Portland Fire and Rescue. In addition to thorough tours led by council students – taking the guests into every nook of the school – the first responders were greeted by a round of applause from students gathered in the gym.

When the advisory council students had a chance for a deeper discussion with the police and sheriffs at the conclusion of the event, many thoughtful questions were raised about best practices in the event of a lock-down or other dangerous situations. One of the officers asked the students, “Why do we do lock-downs?” The answer: “So police can do their jobs. If fewer innocent civilians are in the halls, it’s easier to catch the bad guys.” He also assured students that in an emergency situation, every free officer in the city would make their way to the school in a matter of minutes.

After the event, Officer Tommy Stoffel of Portland said, “If every school did what you just did once a year, the amount of incidents would decrease by 50 percent,” and he added that not once in his nine years on the job has any school ever held an appreciation event like this.

In addition to many other efforts behind the scenes at the district and school levels, the idea for events like these is to build bridges with the first responders that will pay off if there is ever an emergency. We will be following up with a similar event at the grade school later this year.

Sincerely, Terry Brandon

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RIVERDALE PARENT TEACHER CLUB – Be transported to the tropics and the onceforbidden city of Havana for a night of fun and fundraising! Riverdale's Parent Teacher Club invites you to its 2016 Fundraising Fiesta – A Night in Havana – at 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 20, at The Evergreen, 618 SE Alder St., Portland.

This festive event will be the most fun you have this February – and the money raised will benefit our students in myriad ways. With your generous support, the PTC provides funding for enrichment programs at both schools.

You'll be serenaded with “Tuba in Cuba” by guayabera-clad musicians from Riverdale Grade School as you stroll through the palm trees along the Malecón. Enjoy tastes of Caribbean cuisine – and a mojito or two! Show off your salsa moves to the music of Melao de Cuba, Portland’s own “100 percent salsa orchestra.”

Tickets at www.riverdaleptc.org.

Foundation, district say thank you!

RIVERDALE SCHOOL FOUNDATION – On behalf of the Riverdale School Foundation and the Riverdale School District, we would like to thank all the parents, grandparents, staff, community members and alumni who donated to the 2015-2016 Annual Campaign.

Big and small, your donations added up, and together you raised $1,011,028 for Riverdale students.

Contributions to the Annual Campaign help close the gap between state funding and what it actually costs to provide an exceptional Riverdale education – a gap that can run as high as $6,000 per student.

Funds raised keep class sizes small and ensure an integrated curriculum that includes art, music, technology, library and PE at the grade school, and a range of electives at the high school. If you have not yet made a donation to the Annual Campaign, you may still do so at www.riverdalefoundation.org.

Riverdale Review

Academic Highlights Consumer Science prepares students for the future

by Annie-Rose Salisbury, class of 2016

RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – Sewing, interviews, budgeting and your future – subjects often pushed to the back of the average teenager’s mind. However, one high school course is correcting that.

Consumer Science showcases a wide variety of inevitable situations and basic skills, teaching seniors about their not-too-distant reality, and replacing their iPhones with résumés and cover letters.

Beginning with an everyday activity, my classmates and I are asked to brainstorm our everyday purchases and explore the companies based on how they present themselves and how they impact the community.

This assignment has us stop to examine what it means to be a consumer on a global and personal level. Am I spending too much money at Chipotle? Absolutely. But through Consumer Science, I know how to budget my money and calculate whether or not I can spend it on that extra guacamole.

Another lesson has us up to our elbows in piles of worn-out clothes and fabric. Our assignment: to stain these linens and then hand-scrub the marks with a variety of household items, such as vinegar and dish soap. It may Senior David Fain practices his sewing skills. sound absurd, but it was unexpectedly practical. My group may have gone a bit overboard with the actual staining – our t-shirt took longer than anyone else’s to clean – but upon final examination it was spotless. Thanks to this class, next time I find myself covered in four cups of ketchup I’ll know exactly what to do.

While some of us are in blissful denial of the futures we’ll spend in college and careers, Consumer Science pops this bubble for our own benefit. We learn how we can blend our current interests into our future jobs and what it takes to reach this level. For most, an interview is unavoidable, so we become proficient in a firm handshake and impeccable eye contact, create polished résumés and cover letters, and participate in mock interviews. This sets us ahead of most of our high school peers in terms of raw experience, which we can only build upon as we grow.

While I probably won’t be sewing a tote bag again any time soon, I know that the small skills I developed throughout the trimester will add up in the big picture of my future. I think courses that teach basic first aid, investing, car maintenance, etc., should be standardized throughout the general high school curriculum, for they prepare students for life on their own.

So, if you ever need your car tire changed, give Mrs. Moehling’s third period Consumer Science class a call.

Riverdale Review

English lessons benefit from circles

RIVERDALE GRADE SCHOOL – Middle school English teacher Carrington Light is excited about circles. No, she hasn’t switched to teaching math lessons. She’s talking about the new Literature Circles she’s implemented in her 7th and 8th grade classes. The power of these circles is that they invite dialogue and sharing more than other reading models.

Literature Circles gather small groups of students to discuss a piece of literature in depth. Conversations are guided by students' responses to what they’ve read – including events or characters, the author’s writing or personal experiences related to the story.

These circles provide a way for students to engage in critical thinking and reflection, while encouraging collaboration.

So far, the classes have had an overwhelmingly positive response to this approach.

“Students said they felt more engaged with the reading and could better understand the story after having an opportunity to discuss plot elements with other students,” Ms. Light says.

With Habits of Mind being a focus this year, she thought it was a great idea to find a way to engage students in reading while working on habits such as thinking flexibly and metacognition (thinking about thinking).

Books this year have included “The Thief of Always” by Clive Barker, “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding, “Into the Wild” by journalist Jon Krakauer and a book of poetry by Karen Hesse called, “Out of the Dust.”

Students gather in small groups called Literature Circles to discuss the books they are reading.

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Academic Highlights For juniors, science is a zoo

by Noa Cohen, class of 2017

RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – Winter trimester began don't go quite right.” with the building buzzing about the Zoology Phylum

Art projects are especially enjoyable for the class Project – comprehensive 70 to 140-minute student and the student teacher. A class favorite was Lana presentations on different invertebrate phyla, classes Botney’s creative sculpture project. “I just really enjoy art and even a few orders and I thought it would be a of the animal kingdom. fun way to learn more about Seniors impart their wisdom the anatomy of anemones,” to juniors, helping prepare says Lana, who had students them for the big undertaking, creating colorful anemone while sophomores listen in, sculptures using several colors knowing it will be their turn of modeling clay. next year.

Surprisingly, art plays

Preparation starts a big role in Mrs. LePore’s immediately. The juniors zoology curriculum. When have a week of class time students are not presenting, to dig into the project and viewing or preparing a project, craft their lesson plans – a they are given class time to much-needed five hours and create colorful cards for their 50 minutes, though many kindergarten and 4th grade devote more time. buddies at Riverdale Grade Junior Molly Benson creates a colorful anemone sculpture out of

“I probably spent about modeling clay as part of a lesson led by her classmate.

School.

20 hours on the entire

The juniors enjoy the project,” notes Allison Molinari, who presented first in her correspondence and look forward to spending a whole day class. Requirements include a factual presentation about with the younger students at the zoo, where they will act as an invertebrate, activities ranging from art projects mentors and teachers. For those who attended the grade to laboratory experiments, and homework for the school, this experience is especially sentimental. presenting student to grade.

“I remember going to the zoo with my junior buddy in

“Students have fun preparing for their day in the first grade,” Isabel Pereira says. “My classmates and I really spotlight and are excited to share their findings,” says looked up to our buddies. To us, they seemed like ‘grownteacher Laurie LePore, who adds that the experience ups!’ And now I'm going on the trip as one of the grownis a great lesson in planning and time management in ups.” preparation for Senior Exhibition. “Plus, students certainly

Comparative Zoology has always been about more than appreciate the time and effort it takes a teacher to be ready simply studying the animal kingdom, and for that, it is one for the day and understand the frustration when things of the most revered classes at Riverdale High School.

We have lift off

RIVERDALE GRADE SCHOOL – On a rainy day in December, Riverdale 5th graders launched their handmade rockets into space above the grade school field, while crowds of students cheered them on and counted down.

The concepts of drag and aerodynamics used in this lesson are tied to the Next Generation Science Standards and science engineering requirements. And the excitement of this annual tradition fits right in with Riverdale’s hands-on, interactive approach to learning.

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Riverdale Review

Academic Highlights Striving for accuracy, not perfection

RIVERDALE GRADE SCHOOL – As the grade school continues rolling out the Habits of Mind with a new habit every two weeks, lessons have centered on striving for accuracy, questioning and posing problems, applying past knowledge to new situations, and thinking and communicating with clarity and precision.

Supporting the dialogue with parents, Site Council and the Parent Teacher Club arranged for Riverdale parent and psychologist Donny Wright to speak at the December PTC meeting. Wright guided a lively and engaging discussion about one habit in particular – “striving for accuracy, not perfection.” (Also see "An exercise in trust" on page 1.)

“Donny shared a delightful story about his own parental challenge when faced with his son talking about an assessment in his early primary years,” says Principal Joanna Tobin. “He emphasized, through great use of humor, the importance of supporting a child’s effort rather than the standard of perfection.”

“Never mind what others do; do better than yourself, beat your own record from day to day, and you are a success.”

William J. H. Boetcker

He also shared his belief that families benefit from grounding conversations and redirection to a focus on three core values. An example of a core value may be “we heal, we don’t hurt” or “you do your best.”

Wright suggested the following questions when discussing assessments with children: How did it go for you?

Do you want to do anything differently next time? What would you do differently?

“At school we talk about being safe, respectful and responsible, along with the Habits of Mind. These suggestions surely align with our Habits of Mind work and the language we are using at school!” Principal Tobin says.

Additionally, Wright encouraged the importance of expanding a child’s emotional vocabulary. Rather than rescuing a child from a challenging experience (as perceived by our own belief systems), he encourages helping children identify their feelings and put words to them. For example, being sad may also include being disappointed, hurt and so on.

Wright suggested a valuable resource for parents and educators – “The Confident Child” by Terri Apter.

“I’ll be adding this to my winter reading list,” Principal Tobin says, noting that she appreciated the discussion with families and looks forward to many more conversations in the future.

Riverdale Review

Look familiar? Riverdale High School is being transformed into a new 3D stealth video game, designed by students. Here, the computer lab comes to life on screen.

Bringing a game to life

RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – When designing a video game as a high schooler, what better setting could you imagine than your very own school? That’s why Riverdale High School is serving as the set for a new 3D stealth game being created by Adam McLain’s Game Design students using the Unity 3D game engine and Cinema 4D modeling software.

“It gives you an immediately available world from which to work, with all the images and textures and shapes needed,” Mr. McLain says.

Students are modeling a map of the upper floor, creating an 'enemy' (computerized characters the players will need to avoid in order to accomplish the goal) and developing an alert system.

“If the camera spots the player, the 'enemy' comes running, so you have to hide,” Mr. McLain says. “If you walk through the laser alarm grid, same thing. Just this week, they made it so if you get caught, the enemy carries the player back to the starting place and leaves them there.”

Other efforts are focused on integration and environment details – making switches to turn laser grids off, doors that open and close for the player or the enemy and other effects to make the game seem realistic.

Mr. McLain says that when it comes to game design, the little details take some time to learn, adjust and perfect. “The goal of this class is to give students the experience of working in a development team to bring a vision to life. We hope to have a game we can share with others by the time we are done. One of the best parts of game design is seeing others entertained by your creation.”

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Academic Highlights Board games offer strategic learning

Carrington Light posts 7th and 8th grade assignments in Google Classroom.

Integrating Google Classroom

RIVERDALE GRADE SCHOOL – As students become more techsavvy, so too do the educational applications available to them. In addition to tapping into Google Apps for Education – including Gmail, Google Drive and programs mimicking Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc. – our middle school students have begun using Google Classroom this year in language arts, social studies and Spanish.

Google Classroom provides a web-based class environment in which assignments can be distributed, completed, submitted and reviewed – from anywhere the student or teacher happens to be.

They simply log in and see all Google Classroom assignments in a user-friendly stream.

The simple, paperless assignment workflow automatically files class materials into folders, and teachers can create assignments, send announcements and start class discussions instantly. Teachers can ask quick questions to gauge students’ grasp of lessons in progress, or ask for lengthier summaries later on.

Carrington Light, 7th-8th grade language arts teacher, uses Google Classroom almost every day in her classes. “Students like how much easier and organized everything is this year. Instead of cluttering up our email inboxes with shared documents, I can now give students access to a document, place a copy into their Google Drive or have Google Classroom automatically create individual, editable copies for each student, which become part of both of our Google Drives.”

The dog can no longer eat this virtual homework. Teachers can quickly see who has or hasn't completed the work (as shown in the image above), and provide direct, real-time feedback right in Google Classroom at any stage of the assignment.

“I can type comments directly in the document where the feedback is needed,” says 5th-6th grade language arts teacher Brian Black. “This allows students to re-work any part of an assignment to improve their learning and performance. It creates a dialogue that was missing when I hand-wrote comments on paper assignments to be handed back after we had moved on.”

Comments can go both ways. Spanish teacher Sara Marruffo encourages students to pose questions to her in their documents because it keeps assignment instructions, student work and questions all in one place.

Google Classroom is also great for storing links and important documents students may need throughout a unit or year. “If I ask questions about a reading assignment, I put a copy of the story or article alongside the assignment,” Mr. Black says.

While parents cannot access Google Classroom, teachers can share a particular assignment with them, if necessary. The calendar can also be shared so parents see assignments and due dates.

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RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – With so many online gamers these days, it’s nice to know that there is still a focus on board games and the strategy behind them – at Riverdale High School, at least.

In addition to a video game design class (see article on page 5), Riverdale offers Board Game Strategy and Design, in which students play and analyze board, card and dice games from a variety of genres.

“Mr. Thompson's class enriches students' experience in the board gaming industry and enables them to put new skills to use by designing expansions for games,” says senior Karl Gieben. “Students are challenged to find patterns, solve puzzles and navigate strategy.”

The class first assessed the merit of abstracts such as “Blokus,” “Hive,” “DVONN” and “Hey, That’s My Fish!” and their ability to provide depth, clarity, decisiveness and drama. After a short unit on simultaneous puzzle games including “Ubongo” and “Ricochet Robots,” David Thompson had the class turn its attention to dice games ranging from what he calls “push-yourluck affairs” such as “Can’t Stop” to the nuanced “Yspahan.”

“Students will explore deck-building and trick-taking card games as well as some gateway Eurogames such as ‘Ticket to Ride’ and ‘Settlers of Catan’ before applying their skills and knowledge to developing game expansions,” Mr. Thompson says.

With the integration of the board gaming community website “Board Game Geek,” the class gains a framework for posting blog entries that others can read, and a system for instantly recording board game plays. “Not only is this class a fun opportunity to play board games, it offers a great learning experience, providing students credit in the thriving board game industry,” Karl says.

Games may be fun, but they are also a learning opportunity for seniors Jasper Soll and Zion Smith, seen here playing "Airships."

Riverdale Review

Academic Highlights Striking a deal, the Lewis and Clark way

RIVERDALE GRADE SCHOOL – Riverdale 4th graders learn many valuable lessons during their Lewis and Clark history unit – including how to strike a good deal.

To help her students understand the aspects contributing to successful trade interactions between Lewis and Clark and the Chinook Indians, Sharon Whitehill led a barter activity in her classroom. Students were asked to bring something that they would not mind giving up, yet others would want. During each of three rounds of trading, students had to speak to at least three classmates before making a trade, and record their activity. At the end, they could keep the item in their possession – including candy and donuts, stuffed animals, candles, vases and other odds and ends.

The students learned that people trade both to get what they want and what they need. Mrs. Whitehill explained that the Native Americans traded for relationship-building, and may not have always had a use for what they received. However, Lewis and Clark traded out of necessity, and did not have that luxury. Many of the students first approached their friends, as the Chinook tribe did.

Yet, when faced with ending up with an item they didn’t need or want, they had to broaden their circle and talk with anyone, as was the case with the explorers.

Next in the Lewis and Clark lessons was a favorite annual tradition… game day! Students created board games based on the expedition and invited their families in to play along.

Above: During a classroom barter activity, 4th graders learn the art of deal-making and try to convince each other to trade their items.

Left: Lewis and Clark, the board game.

Riverdale Review

Kindergarten students enjoy a collaborative and interactive lesson using a new Mimio board.

New tool creates shared kindergarten experiences

RIVERDALE GRADE SCHOOL – Kindergarteners have each been handed a number and are asked to put themselves in order. After a successful line forms, the little bodies – still wriggling from recess – gather on the center mat for a virtual lesson along the same lines. This time, new technology is helping complement and accelerate student learning.

Thanks to a new MimioTeach™, the classroom’s existing whiteboard becomes an interactive tool, complete with classroom software designed to foster student collaboration and engagement.

First, the students see a bunny and a plate of numbered fruits and vegetables. One by one, they step up to the board and, using an oversized stylus, point and drag the food in numerical order – “What comes next?” “The banana!” (Oddly, as one student points out, there is no carrot on the plate!)

Next up is a pile of snowballs, for which numbers aren’t revealed until a student drags one out of the pile. Students can also roll virtual dice, spell out words and record the daily temperature.

“The kids really enjoy going up to participate and add their piece of information to our equation,” says teacher Jennifer Schulz, who explains the new technology lets her engage all of her students in learning one lesson at a time. “They can see what is happening all at once, interact with each other as we share ideas and add on to each other's thoughts.”

And, unlike personal screen time, having such a large image creates a shared experience for the class, in which teachers can observe and assess how well the students understand what the class is doing.

Plus, Mrs. Schulz adds, “Working with the Mimio board is novel to them, so I see more excitement for the learning taking place!”

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Academic Highlights Crafting a mock trial

RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – This year’s Mock Trial class has taught junior Noa Cohen some very valuable lessons, including: “every person, despite what one says, has an agenda.”

The imaginary case the class is preparing to enact during competition stresses the consequences of drugs and assault among high school students. In it, Borrough High School senior Bobby Dousa (portrayed by Riverdale junior Gabe Abdellatif ) allegedly drugged Hamilton High School basketball star Addie Anderson (portrayed by senior Sarah Millender) in order to draw his basketball team’s logo on her unconscious face and post it on social media.

“Although evidence points at Dousa, there is more to the case than meets the eye,” Noa says.

“Every witness’ story contradicts the other. All witnesses have an agenda, and it is my job as an attorney to subdue it or to bring it to light.”

In addition to intense research and preparation, this effort takes “a combination of acting, costuming and craftiness.”

Noa, who has also acted in school plays, says Mock Trial is, in several respects, a performing art. “The questions I ask must have a flow, my walk must have purpose and I must exude confidence. It is not enough to craft a wellsupported case. I must create a persona for myself and for my witness.”

The regional competition, organized by the non-profit Classroom Law Project, takes place in late February with more than 70 teams competing. Last year, a Riverdale team went on to place third at the state finals.

Riverdale 8th graders also try their hand at a Mock Trial in April – arguing the historic Dred Scott case at the federal courthouse downtown with help from local lawyers and a judge.

Riverdale alumnus and local attorney James Babcock, left, coaches Mock Trial students Sarah Gordon and Gabe Abdellatif as they prepare for cross-examination.

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Electives offer new experiences

RIVERDALE GRADE SCHOOL – Our 7th and 8th graders relish the opportunity to self-select elective courses that pique their interest. From designing the yearbook and organizing school-wide activities to developing technology projects and exploring Russian culture, our upper middle schoolers have been busy this trimester.

Yearbook and Graphic Design: A group of self-motivated students have taken on the task of creating this year’s yearbook. Led by art teacher Liz Randall, these students have designed the cover, determined the page Yearbook cover design. flow and are taking and placing pictures.

While snapping photos of classmates is their favorite part, the team really “enjoys the responsibility and being part of making something for the school.”

Leadership and Community Service: These active leaders have been creating, organizing and implementing a variety of school-wide activities and events, in addition to learning to improve their communication and leadership skills. So far, the students have planned and started an Outdoor Classroom enhancement project, hosted school dances and held clothing Leadership students harvest arugula seeds. drives and fundraisers.

Technology Investigations: This popular class allows students to develop technology skills and explore individual interests through the creation of a project proposal and learning plan tied to the International Society for Technology in Education Standards. Along the way, the students are sharing their projects – including coding, photo editing, stopgap animation and website design – and progress with classmates to practice articulating their thought process and learn from each other.

Traditional Russian Culture: The class is exploring 19th century Russian village life, including the social and economic significance Students work on individual of traditional costumes, the history projects in the technology elective. and uses of the Cyrillic alphabet and understanding kindness through folk and literary texts. After reading a Russian folktale and a Leo Tolstoy short story, students analyzed how small acts of kindness contribute to both the giver and receiver.

Next on the agenda are traditional homes and foods.

Riverdale Review

Academic Highlights Native legends retold

William Russell, sitting, and Ben Mahler monitor the stock market.

Investing in their future

RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – Passion fuels learning.

That’s certainly true for the duo behind this year’s financial markets-focused independent study. Junior William Russell and senior Ben Mahler first followed their passion for trading by starting a club at Riverdale last year, part of a nationwide competition in mock investing.

From there, they focused their efforts on pulling together the most interested students for a more demanding twotrimester long independent study.

As the students explain, it requires a massive amount of work to become competent in trading. The team, which also includes junior Ian Collier and senior George Van Hoomissen, meets daily for an entire class period to dive headfirst into market movement and trends – analyzing news, developing trading strategies and compiling daily and weekly reports.

“I hope to increase my knowledge of different markets, gain real experience trading in those markets and build professional relationships with the people who have helped us along our way,” says Ben, referring to several neighborhood residents with industry experience who have come in to speak with the group.

Says William, “This has broadened the experience from being about understanding the price action of markets to things like decision making, commodities markets and trading, and knowledge of economic release data.”

William came to the trading world naturally – his father is a mortgage bond trader. Ben comes from a long line of private bankers, but he’d prefer to become an institutional investor. Both were encouraged by family and the high school to pursue their interests, and they are now certain that this is the career path for them.

Ben even had the chance to visit the equities trading floor at Citigroup in New York. “If there were any doubts in my mind as to the choice of finance as my career, that visit erased them,” he says.

Riverdale Review

RIVERDALE GRADE SCHOOL – Our 1st and 2nd graders are immersed in Native American history.

First, a Washington County Historical Museum presentation taught students about the Chinook tribe and how the land influenced their culture. “The children played games, traded artifacts, learned parts of the Chinook language and handled cultural artifacts, before assembling their notes into a research guide,” says teacher Debbie Gorenstein.

Next, the classes took part in a Riverdale art class tradition of making Native American masks – which included a fun, slimy and messy first step of covering the kids’ faces in plaster! In addition to parent volunteers, some 7th and 8th grade students lent a hand applying the masks.

“It was great hearing stories of how the older students remembered making and decorating their masks so many years before,” says art teacher Liz Randall.

Finally, as the students studied original Native American legends from the geographical areas they were exploring, the teachers asked to bring a master storyteller into the classrooms for a three-week period – and a PTC grant helped them do just that.

Will Hornyak, hailed as “one of region's finest storytellers and teacher of storytelling” by Using expressions and voices Marylhurst University’s library helps bring a story to life. director, taught the eager students valuable storytelling skills to help them recount their legends to an audience.

During one classroom visit, Hornyak spun the tale of Medio Pollito, the mysterious, one-eyed, one-winged, one-legged chicken. He made the story come alive by having students embody the characters and recite dialogue. “I encourage them to put their own voice and spin on it by leaving room for improvisation,” Hornyak says.

“Everyone has a unique voice for telling a story, but until we start telling stories, we don’t know what it is.”

Storyteller Will Hornyak involves his young audience in his stories.

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Faces of Riverdale A student's perspective

RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – Each year the Lake Oswego Review selects students from local schools to serve as student columnists, offering a window into their high school experience and providing a student perspective on local and national events.

This year, two Riverdale students were selected – seniors Skye Hurlin and Brian Gentry. A third senior, Xander Skye Hurlin, class of 2016.

Klas, is participating in a Student Writers Advisory group, which meets monthly and teams up on stories about local happenings and issues.

We asked Skye Hurlin to share with us her experience:

Why did you apply for the columnist position? I've always really enjoyed writing …

I thought that it would be a great way to expand my horizons when it comes to writing style, and I would be able to write about some of the things that I really care about. I'm looking to push myself with my writing, and I figured this would sufficiently challenge me in that way. There's also something really exciting about seeing your name in a paper!

Were you excited when you were selected?

Definitely. I was on a plane and about to take off when I got the call about an interview … it was a pleasant surprise. My sample article (that was later published) was a bit on the controversial side, so I wasn't sure if I would be taken into consideration. At the interview, it was a bit of a shock to realize that my writings were considered good enough to publish. It still kind of is.

What type of stories are you thinking of sharing during the year? I'm planning on tackling certain social issues that I'm particularly interested in within school- and city-wide communities. It's been a gradual learning experience for me to expose myself to different types of people and their stories, and I think it's worth knowing. I'm sure that some of them will lean to the controversial side, but that tends to happen when these problems are discussed. I plan to write both from my own experiences and from others' that I've read or heard about.

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Sarah Gordon receives a scholarship check from Nordstrom representatives, while her family, teacher and principal join the classroom celebration.

Student awarded $10k scholarship

RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – Senior Sarah Gordon is one of 80 recipients (out of 6,000 applicants) of a $10,000 Nordstrom College Scholarship Program award. Nordstrom’s "Prize Patrol" surprised her in December, on her first day back at school after a trimester abroad studying in China. Congratulations, Sarah!

Economics of conflict (continued from page 1)

Senior Brian Gentry recently wrote a column for the Lake Oswego Review on the importance of empathy. In it he clarifies an important distinction: “Empathy is not sympathy. Empathy is an understanding of the rationale behind an action; sympathy is a belief that the action is morally correct.” While he says the two do not always go hand in hand, he asks readers to “imagine how leaders could resolve conflicts with other nations by understanding, through empathy, the other side’s point of view.”

“Our next goal is to mitigate the conflict with ISIS/L at our midterm ‘meeting of the minds,’ which is no small feat,” Ms. Keldorf says. Yet, by using the negotiating tools they’ve gathered and emphasizing the importance of transparency, she says the group can achieve its two objectives – stop the conflict and build sustainable peace in the region.

Thirteen countries were represented at the negotiations, and an expert from the United States Institute of Peace joined the discussion via Skype to hear what the students have accomplished and offer his insights.

“While this may seem daunting to the average adult, irrespective of profession or interest, my students are up to the challenge and eager to begin the process,” says Ms. Keldorf, who last spring was tapped for a cohort of teachers tasked with developing curriculum for the USIP’s educational arm, the Global Peacebuilding Center. “One of the aspects of my job that I treasure most is the autonomy I have to select content and develop curriculum that inspires and compels me to share what I have learned with my students.”

To read both Brian's and Ms. Keldorf's articles about empathy and the class' studies, visit www.riverdaleschool.com/extras.

Riverdale Review

Athletics Winter sports in progress

The Riverdale Snowboard Team took the podium for the first time in four years when freshman Nina Mahler won the girls’ Banked Slalom on Jan. 23, beating out 22 other girls from bigger schools.

RIVERDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT – Due to the fast pace of sports and the time constraints of a printed newsletter, what you are about to read is not the most up-to-date sports news.

Please be sure to visit www.riverdaleschool.com/sportsnews for the latest recaps or OSAA.org for team standings.

RIVERDALE GRADE SCHOOL

RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL

Photo by Shelby Quintos

Photo by Shayna Pauleen

The Boys’ Varsity Basketball Program is in the midst of a tough Lewis and Clark League playoff battle. Seven teams are fighting for six state playoff spots, and the Mavericks look to qualify for playoffs for the fourth straight year under Coach Paul Henderson. The team has found itself in many tight skirmishes this season, as five of its games have been decided by three points or less. The most impressive win came over the No. 5 ranked De La Salle Knights, when the Mavericks claimed a 67-66 victory at home. Currently, the Mavericks are holding onto fifth place in the league, but less than a game separates Riverdale, Rainier, OES and Clatskanie. League playoffs begin the week of Feb. 15.

The Girls’ Varsity Basketball Program continues to have a tremendous season under first-year head coach Mark Scarlett. After taking over a program that had only four wins in the season prior to his arrival, Coach Scarlett has led the Lady Mavericks to double-digit wins this season, including winning the Vernonia Pre-Season Tournament, and taking second place in the Riverdale Holiday Tournament. The girls remain in a tough battle for the league playoffs, as seven teams look to claim six spots in the final two weeks of the season.

Currently, the Mavericks are tied for sixth place and look to hold on to the final spot and reach the playoffs for the first time since moving back to the 3A level. League playoffs begin the week of Feb. 15.

The Maverick Swimming Program continues to build momentum under second-year head coach Sarah Baggs. With her help, the swimmers have increased their practice time in the pool and successfully hosted several meets over the past two seasons – including two at the Lewis and Clark pool in January – a first for the program. Maverick swimmers have been preparing for their upcoming districtqualifying meet and will travel across the state to La Grande in mid-February to qualify for the state meet. Good luck, swimmers!

While small, Riverdale’s Ski Team has been making big strides.

Sophomore Tom Davies earned two second place finishes and one third place in freestyle ski "slopestyle" events, qualifying for the National competition. While racing with the Three Rivers League, junior Isabelle Whitlock and freshman Norris Meigs have had personal best times each race, getting better and faster each weekend.

Riverdale Review

Falcon Boys’ 7/8 Basketball: Bob Norell and Matt Schilling have entered their second season together as the boys’ basketball coaches after leading the team to the Metro Christian League playoffs last season. This year, the boys have just finished their preseason schedule and are in early Metro Christian League games. The top four teams from the league will qualify for the league playoffs. Currently the Falcons are off to a 2-2 start with key games still remaining on the schedule. The Falcons look to return to the playoffs again this year.

Falcon Girls’ 7/8 Basketball: Coach Nancy Fowler and Assistant Coach Kevin McPherson are also coming off a season in which their team qualified for the Metro Christian League playoffs. With an almost entirely new roster this season, the girls look to regain a spot in this year's post-season play. The Falcons hold a record of 1-4 in this early season with three of their games being decided by five points or less. The girls strive to improve their mark on the year with several key games still to come on the schedule.

Regular season play for 7/8 teams concludes Feb. 24 and playoffs begin the following week for qualifying teams.

Both the Falcon Boys’ and Girls’ 5/6 Basketball Programs have just begun practices. The boys’ have three teams, with Coaches Bob Norell and Matt Schilling once again joined by former Riverdale High School standout Nathan Hensleigh. Coach Keli Hall leads the girls’ program in her second season with the Falcons. Coach Hall's team only lost one contest last year, and she is excited to be back. All teams will begin games the week of Feb. 15 and their season runs through March 17. Look for game schedules and come support the Falcons at an upcoming game in the grade school gym.

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Riverdale Review Winter 2015

DISTRICT 51J

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

Inside this issue: • Latest News • Supporting Our Schools • Academic Highlights • Faces of Riverdale • Athletics • Events and Activities

P. 1 P. 2 P. 3-9 P. 10 P. 11 P. 12

Events and Activities

RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – According to Clara Hillier, co-director and choreographer of the high school’s winter musical, “The Pajama Game,” the cast is making great progress on the complex score and is ready for the challenge.

“At this point we are still focusing on lyrics and rhythm,” she says, adding that choreography could pose the biggest challenge for the cast. "Bob Fosse created the original choreography for the show, so I'm greatly influenced by his styling."

“As a cast, I feel as if we all have faced some challenges starting out: learning the music and singing it in the style of our characters, with passion,” says junior Ben Richmond, who plays Pop. “But our directors and fellow castmates with more musical experience have been very helpful to me, and all of us, to perfect the music.”

Hillier says the other challenge is adopting the mindset, physicality and social rules of a small town in the 1950s.

Junior Isabel Pereira, who plays Babe Williams, one of the female leads, has enjoyed the discussions the cast has had about gender roles, job security, labor unions and what the world looked like post-World War II. “It’s mostly just thinking about the lines the character says and how that motivates them to move from place to place. We sat down and talked with our directors beforehand about why our characters make the decisions that they do.”

Bailey Grayson, a senior playing Gladys Hotchkiss, another lead role, says, “A challenge that I face is becoming a character entirely. Sometimes I notice that instead of me being present in the moment as a character I am, in fact, being and acting as myself. It is something I work very hard at, thinking about what my character would do rather than how I feel I would react or respond in a situation. I've gotten better at it over the years, but I think it will always be something I need to work at.”

The large cast includes 26 actors and a crew of around eight students.

"One thing that I really think is going to stand out in this musical will be the dynamics and quality of the music,”

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Photo by Natasha Pereira

Staging 'The Pajama Game'

Isabel Pereira and Zion Smith rehearse a scene for the musical.

Bailey says. “Our music director, Rob Fishel, is making a huge effort to make every note and phrase perfect.”

Fishel, a musician and conductor in Portland’s professional theater scene, was also involved with Riverdale’s production of “Urinetown” in 2014. Heath Koerschgen is once again co-directing with Hillier.

Even with all the extra time working on music and choreography, senior Zion Smith, who plays male lead Sid Sorokin, says the end results will be worth it.

Isabel says, “I think the audience will really enjoy the characters – they are really fun and lively and there are a lot of jokes.”

“I know many students are unfamiliar with this musical,” Bailey says, “so I am looking forward to showing them the humor, beautiful songs and choreography.”

Performances will be at 7 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 25-27, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28, at the World Trade Center Theater, 121 SW Salmon St., downtown Portland. Tickets will be available at the door.

Mark your calendar Feb. 20 PTC Fundraising Fiesta Feb. 25-28 "The Pajama Game" (HS Drama production) Feb. 25 5th-8th Grade Winter Concert Mar. 3 High School Winter Concert Mar. 11 Enrollment Notifications Mar. 21-25 Spring Break See more at www.riverdaleschool.com/calendar.

Riverdale Review