Riverdale Review - Winter 2016

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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


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