Wednesday, May 10 

Riverdale Grade School News

Hello Falcons,

As the end of the school year is now less than a month away, I want to remind everyone the importance of finishing out the year strong. State testing is wrapping up and teachers continue to share important curriculum and lessons. Incoming 7th and 8th graders received their elective forms for next fall and schedules are being made! Today I spent some time in a kindergarten class and realized how ready for 1st grade they are. Growth is happening all around us this spring.

On Monday, our auction winner Shai R. got a taste of what it’s like to be Principal for the Day. He observed teachers, helped with students, and brought treats for every student in the school. It was fun to watch the students call him principal and ask him questions. 

Last week, I had the pleasure of watching our 3rd and 4th graders perform various songs, read poems and play marimba. Thank you to our music teacher, Mr. Herron, for his dedication and ability to help our students love music. Our younger students also received a tour of the inflatable Space Station models made by Mr. Nebert’s 5th grade science class and had the opportunity to learn about space in an immersive way.   

I look forward to welcoming our community to our APPI Celebration this Friday (more details are below). 

With hope for continued beautiful weather, 

- Jen McDonald, RGS Principal

RGS Mock Trial 

Mr. Robinson's 8th grade social studies class participated in a Mock Trial at the Mark O'Hatfield Federal Courthouse, in front of Magistrate Judge, The Honorable Jeffrey Armistead. This group was reenacting the Dred Scott v Sanford decision of 1857. These amazing students created every word of their opening and closing statements. There was no script for them to follow. Each witness had to become their historic person and know what to say and what not to say. The student justices have the responsibility to understand the legal issues and rule on this case. In the end, the plaintiff's side prevailed and Dred Scott was declared a free man.

A special thank you to Tom Larkin and Jamie Kilberg for helping prepare the students this year and the multitude of other times in the past. Tom is the parent of 8th grader, Emmie and Jamie is a local lawyer. These two donated their time to help the students prepare. Judge Armistead had this to say about our students, "Your students did such a good job, I kept thinking that I made a huge mistake by not sending my kid to Riverdale. I can tell by how great a teacher you are by how well prepared the students were, and the kids were absolutely amazing. Just incredible."

IMPORTANT

Lunch Volunteers NEEDED

The grade school lunch program is in desperate need of more volunteers as we finish out this school year. Even if you can only do one day, please sign up ASAP. 

No experience or cooking skills are required, but a volunteer background check is mandatory.

Please contact lunch service volunteer coordinator Yusra Wise with any questions.

Thanks to all our wonderful regular volunteers! We appreciate you!

REMINDER: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Field Day

Our PE program is excited to be working with the PTC this year in organizing our Field Day event happening during the school day on Friday, May 26. If you would like to volunteer (background check REQUIRED) to run a booth or a game click here to sign up! More information on how get a background check is on our website. This process must be completed every year. 

REMINDER

RGS Book Swap 

Who: Everyone!

What: Book Swap 

Where: RGS Library

When: May 8-12

Why: We want to send children off with armloads of fabulous books for summer reading! Families get a chance to clean out their bookshelves of items they no longer need (Ahh!) and restock for the summer!

How: Families begin bringing in gently used books to our library starting May 1st (please no baby board or preschool books). 

- For every 3 items donated, you earn a ticket for a free book of your choice.

- OR you can buy items: 

• 50 cents for all paperback books
• $1 for every hardback

What will the money be spent on? The money will be also used to buy books and purchase classroom materials. A portion of the money will also be donated to a local organization still to be determined.

What happens to the books and CD’s no one selects? Some will be incorporated into our library and into classroom libraries and the rest will be donated to other schools and organizations. 

Thank You, 

Ms. Becker

May NHS Tutoring

The NHS students will be hosting after-school tutoring on Tuesdays (4:00pm-5:00pm) and Wednesdays (3:00pm-4:30pm) at the High School.

Bus transportation to RHS is available to any student from the GS who would like to participate.

If you have any questions, please email Laura Keldorf at lkeldorf@riverdale.k12.or.us.

REMINDER

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration

The Grade School Equity Team is excited about an upcoming event that we are hosting at Riverdale Grade School to celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The event will be taking place on Friday, May 12th. From 1:30 to 3:15 pm, every classroom will have an opportunity to meet with staff from local museums and nonprofits, read AAPI books, and check out artifacts.

After school ends at 3:20 pm, we welcome community members to join us for a drum and dance performance from the Oregon Chinese Coalition on the playground.

Parking is limited for this event, please consider carpooling and walking to school. If the lot is full, please park along S Breyman Ave.

See more information on our the flier below.

Important Dates

• Friday, May 12 - Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration at 1:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 16 - RGS Beauty & the Beast Performance at Lakewood Theater. Two showings at 5 and 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 17 - New Kinder Welcome from 3-3:30 p.m.
• Monday, May 29 - Memorial Day (no school)

View the 2023-24 School Year Calendar PDF on our website.