Superintendent's Message

Hello Riverdale Community,

Welcome to December! I hope you all enjoyed a restful fall break and are easing into this busy time of year. As we reflect on the last month, I want to highlight some exciting achievements in our district:

• Oregon’s Kid Governor Winner: Congratulations to RGS’ Rosie L. who was elected as Oregon’s 2025 Kid Governor! 
• RHS National Merit Recognition: Congratulations to Brendan V. and Joshua N. who were named National Merit semifinalists and Caitlin M., Kiran S., and Connor M. who were recognized as Commended Scholars!
• Catering Excellence: Flower Catering PNW, the team behind our food services, won 2nd place in the "Best of Rose City" catering awards!

Looking ahead, I want to invite you to help shape Riverdale’s future by completing our 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Survey. This is an opportunity to share ideas about priorities like campus safety, curriculum, and community engagement. We want to gather input from families, students, and the Riverdale community to help guide the vision of the district.

This survey is just the beginning! In the spring, we’ll host focus groups to discuss these ideas further and ensure we hear from everyone invested in Riverdale’s future.

As always, thank you for your support and partnership. Wishing you all a peaceful December!

Warm regards,
Chris Russo
Riverdale School District Superintendent

November 29, 2024

ODE Report Cards Highlight Riverdale’s Excellence

Dear Riverdale Community,

I hope everyone has had an excellent fall break!

I’m excited to share that last week the Oregon Department of Education released its 2023-24 State Report Cards—these report cards provide a comprehensive look at student performance, attendance, graduation rates, and much more. They offer a valuable opportunity to reflect on our progress and celebrate our accomplishments.

Riverdale’s 2023-24 report cards highlight the exceptional education we provide and the continued growth we’ve achieved together. Here are a few key achievements from the past year:

• Graduation Rates: Riverdale High School achieved a 96% on-time graduation rate—15% above the state average.

• Academic Success: 86% of Riverdale Grade School students met or exceeded English Language Arts standards— double the Oregon average of 43%.

• Top-Tier Attendance: 83% of our students were regular attenders, outpacing the state average of 66%.

86% of RGS students met or exceeded ELA standards

• Small Class Sizes: Riverdale High School’s average class size of 12 provides a personalized learning environment (the state average is 22.5).

95% of RHS freshman were on-track to graduate 

• On-Track to Graduate: 95% of Riverdale High School’s 9th graders were on-track to graduate (earning 1/4th of their graduation credits)— a 12% improvement from last year.

• Advanced Learning Opportunities: Riverdale High School continues to offer robust programs like Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment, while making progress in our journey towards IB®.

These achievements reflect the dedication of our students, staff, and families in creating a supportive and inspiring learning community. You can view all of our report cards on our website.

View Riverdale's Report Cards

Thank you for your ongoing partnership as we continue to strive for excellence!

Warm regards,

Chris Russo,

Riverdale School District Superintendent

Hello Riverdale Community,

It’s wonderful to see our hallways and playground filled with students once again!

This summer, we were busy maintaining our buildings, upgrading our kitchens, doing some gardening, and tackling some unplanned events. Our staff worked diligently to ensure everything was ready and presentable for the first day.

A special thank you to our teachers for their hard work and dedication as they prepared their classrooms and engaged in professional development. Over at the high school our teachers have been busy training and taking our next steps toward the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

We also are excited to welcome some new team members: Bryan Sager (4th grade), Alisha Schwartz (Special Education), Jennifer Bankston, Kim Brown (instructional assistants), and Carlos Medrano and Pedro Espinosa (custodial staff).

Derek Duman and Dave Warren have also taken on new roles—Derek has added assistant principal responsibilities to his Athletic Director role, and Dave is now the district facilities manager. They are all wonderful additions and we are lucky to have the talent and dedication we do amongst our hires!

This year, we’re excited to partner with our new food service provider, Pennie Babie from Flower Catering PNW. Using the new kitchen equipment funded by last year’s paddle raise, they’ll be serving fresh, nutritious meals. They’ve already impressed us with their offerings at last month’s school board meeting and Falcon Day!

We’re also working with a parent advisory committee to ensure our community’s lunch needs are met. We’ll be inviting your feedback through surveys and other opportunities as well.

We’re also thrilled about the reopening of the Riverdale Grade School Playground. It was fantastic to see students back on our refreshed playground this week, and enjoying the start of the the school year.

Our district office entrance has also been refreshed with new landscaping, adding some vibrant touches for fall.

Here’s to a great year ahead!

Warm regards,

Chris Russo
Superintendent, Riverdale School District

Dear Riverdale Community,

As the school year comes to a close, it has passed as a blur of transformative action and fulfilling change. May was packed with events, from our District Arts Night to Riverdale Grade School's Field Day, along with numerous field trips. Our district is returning to its pre-pandemic norm.

One of the standout events of May was the Senior Exhibition at Riverdale High School. On May 20th, our seniors presented their well-researched and thought-provoking projects to their peers, staff, and community members. Topics included "AI in Oncology," "Reframing and Reforming the Voluntourism Industry," "Space Tourism: Is It a Valuable Investment?," as well as many others. I personally sat through a few which left me reflecting throughout the evening. We are incredibly proud of the dedication our seniors showed in preparing for this important milestone and the depth of their research and presentations. Their work was exceptional.

Speaking of our seniors, Tuesday night was Riverdale High School’s graduation at Lewis & Clark. The evening was filled with student speeches and musical performances while students were surrounded by many loved ones who joined to celebrate this momentous occasion. I had the honor of speaking to our graduates as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.

The Class of 2024's college acceptances, recently highlighted in a letter from the Riverdale School Board, showcase their hard work and achievements. We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished here at Riverdale and are excited to see you flourish in your future endeavors.

As we head into summer, I wish everyone in the Riverdale community a season full of rest, adventure, and quality time with loved ones. Keep an eye on your inboxes- we'll continue to send ENews once a month to keep you informed of any important updates and events.

Have a wonderful summer!

Warm regards,

Chris Russo
Superintendent, Riverdale School District

Dear Riverdale Community,

As we reflect on the recent budget meetings, I want to express my gratitude for the thoughtful input and engagement from all our stakeholders. Your participation ensures that our budget reflects our collective priorities and values, and I am confident that we will continue to provide exceptional educational opportunities for our students.

As we approach “Teacher Appreciation Week” next week, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of Riverdale’s teachers— Your dedication, skill, and care for our students are truly admirable, and we are grateful for the positive impact you have on their lives each day. Your commitment to excellence is what makes Riverdale such a special place to learn and grow.

I am also pleased to share that Riverdale grade school recently hosted a heartwarming "Special Friends Day" on April 26th, where grandparents and other special individuals in our students' lives were invited to visit and share in our students' experiences.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the upcoming Riverdale District Arts Night, Wednesday May 8th, from 6-8pm at Riverdale High School. This event will showcase the incredible artistic talents of our K-12 students, featuring drama performances, music, art displays, and more. We look forward to celebrating the arts with the Riverdale community!

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our district. Together, we make Riverdale a place where every student can thrive.

Warm regards,

Chris Russo

Superintendent, Riverdale School District

Dear Riverdale Community,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of last month’s Parent Teacher Club (PTC) Auction night on Saturday, March 9th. Your support and generosity truly make a difference in the lives of our students and the vitality of our school community. 

A special thank you to the fundraising efforts behind this year’s “Paddle Raise,”aimed toward raising funds to upgrade both the grade school and high school kitchens. These upgrades, which include new equipment and infrastructure improvements, will significantly enhance food preparation and serving processes across the district. With your invaluable support, we can address critical needs such as plumbing and electrical fixes, chilled and hot serving stations, dish racks, and more. 

The PTC's goal is to raise $43,000, and thanks to your generosity, we are incredibly close to reaching that target! Every donation brings us one step closer to achieving these essential kitchen upgrades that will benefit our entire school community.

Thank you once again for your support and dedication to the success of our students!

Warm regards,

Chris Russo

Riverdale Superintendent

Donate to this year's Paddle Raise

Dear Riverdale Community,

It is officially March! Our schools have been buzzing with exciting events and activities the last few weeks.

On Thursday, February 7th, we hosted 5th-8th grade Riverdale families at the Lewis and Clark Council Chambers for an International Baccalaureate® (IB) Information Night. 

Our Parent Teacher Club (PTC) graciously provided hor d'oeuvres and refreshments for this event. Parents heard from Riverdale leadership and a representative from the International Baccalaureate® about Riverdale’s journey toward becoming an IB World School. We had roughly 50 parents in attendance!

Missed this event or want to learn more?

Check out this IB Presentation. 

On Monday, February 12th, our grade school celebrated the Lunar New Year; the day included specialty food, crafts, cultural demonstrations, and (pictured above) an assembly with the talented White Lotus Lion Dancers. Click here to see more photos from this celebration. 

As we prepare for our upcoming Parent Teacher Club (PTC) Auction Night on Saturday, March 9th, I am excited to share details about this year’s "Paddle Raise" initiative.

Unlike other funds raised at the auction, donations made during the paddle raise are dedicated to funding specific district requests. This year, we are raising money to upgrade both the grade school and high school kitchens. These upgrades, including new equipment and infrastructure improvements, will ensure smoother serving and food prep, benefiting the entire district. With your support, we can provide much-needed upgrades like plumbing and electrical fixes, chilled and hot serving stations, dish racks, and more. 

It's time to raise those paddles and invest in the future of Riverdale school kitchens! Find out more and get your tickets on the PTC Auction website.

Warm regards,

Chris Russo

Riverdale Superintendent

Dear Riverdale Community,

Next week, Wednesday, February 7, 6-8pm, 5th-8th grade Riverdale Families are invited to an exciting event! In collaboration with the PTC, the District has planned a high school information night for Riverdale Grade School parents. We have invited a representative from the International Baccalaureate (IB) program to speak about IB, and answer questions parents might have.

In addition to information about IB, parents will hear from me, RHS's principal Bart Hawkins, and see other presentations that highlight RHS’s offerings like our Senior X Experience and diverse lineup of STEM offerings. We’ll also take a look at the successes and impact of Riverdale’s college counseling department (a list of past Riverdale college acceptances is up on our website!). In addition to hearing from Riverdale faculty and staff, students, both past and current, will speak briefly about their Riverdale experiences.

This evening event will be held February 7th, 6-8pm at Lewis and Clark Council Chambers.

The PTC is graciously providing hor d'oeuvres and refreshments.

Want to learn more about IB and Riverdale? Check out this page on our website.

On February 22nd Riverdale High School will host its 2nd Open House! This evening event will highlight all the offerings and experiences that make RHS the amazing place that it is. This event is open to the entire community with a special invite to our new applicants for the 2024-25’ school year! Click to invite prospective families you know!

In service,

Chris Russo

Riverdale School District Superintendent

Dear Riverdale Community,

I am delighted to announce a significant milestone for Riverdale High School– we are officially a candidate school* for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme! This achievement reflects our commitment to offering high-quality education for Riverdale students with a global perspective. The IB Programme, renowned for its emphasis on challenging and comprehensive learning, aligns fittingly with Riverdale’s mission. 

This next step signifies not just a credential but a commitment to fostering well-rounded, internationally minded individuals. The IB philosophy encourages critical thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of the world. If you would like to learn more about it, I encourage you to check out the IB resources linked below.

The IB program is designed to empower students by fostering a sense of ownership in their learning journey, equipping students with skills to thrive and make a meaningful impact in an ever-evolving world. As we embark on this exciting venture, we look forward to creating a foundation for an ever stronger educational future at Riverdale.

Another exciting development is our upcoming Open House at Riverdale High School, Thursday, February 22nd, 6-8pm.

5th-8th grade Riverdale families are warmly invited to attend this event and learn what student life at RHS is like  If you haven’t already, 8th graders are encouraged to sign-up for a “Shadow Day” where they can shadow a current HS student. 

January is “School Board Recognition Month.” I’d like to extend my gratitude to the dedicated members of Riverdale’s School Board. Thank you for your invaluable contributions, and your unwavering commitment to the success and well-being of our students and community!

In service,

Chris Russo

Riverdale School District Superintendent