Posts Tagged ‘international’

IB Presentation Evening

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

It was wonderful to see so many existing and new parents at the IB information evening on Tuesday April 8. Kate Saldin, Riverstone’s IB Coordinator and an IB graduate herself, gave a clear explanation of how the IB diploma works and how it prepares students for college after graduation. Kate was ably assisted by two current students; Charlie Utting and Kylie Reagan.

One exciting piece of news from the evening was that Riverstone will be teaming up with the Idaho Shakespeare Festival to offer a new IB Theater Arts program. Renee Knappenberger, Idaho Shakespeare Festival’s Director of Education will teach the two year course which also allows students to take part in summer apprentice programs and workshops.

 

For more information about the IB Diploma at Riverstone and a copy of her presentation, contact Kate Saldin at ksaldin@riverstoneschool.org 

 

Andrew Derry

The New Elementary School On April 7, 2009Wehadtoexca

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

We had to excavate deeper than expected to find dryer and more solid earth to build on. 

The excavation work continues, but we are still on track!

Andrew Derry

At Machu Pichu

Friday, March 27th, 2009

 

The group is one the way home! Just one last message from Tarrah and Matt, as they head off to the airport to begin the venture back home.

 

 

At Machu Pichu

At Machu Pichu

Well-  how quickly 9 days can go.  We have just arrived at Lima airport from Cusco, and are playing the airport waiting game until our 10:30 departure.  We have all had a wonderful time, but are also ready to be home.  I am sure there will be some specific requests for dinner!  The traditional Peruvian food has been delicious, however, I know some students feel like they are liquifying into a soup.  I am excited for all of you to hear the many stories your students have to tell.  There should not be a lack of conversation at the dinner table for quite some time.

 We are excited to see you all tomorrow evening at 5:39 -  to be exact! 

Tarrah

Peru group arrives safely!

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Tarrah Elam reports that the groups has arrived safely in Lima. Here is the latest update from Tarrah and Matt

Hello All_
We have arrived in humid Lima, and are beginning to move out of our groggy states.  We are all are doing well and are energized to move on with our day.  We had all your positive thoughts with us during our travels, as we were just able to make each connecting flight with the glitches that happen in that industry.  We plan to visit the beach this afternoon as well as some markets.  There are not many photos to attach at this point, but I plan to send another email this evening that should include a photo or two of your children.  Thank you for giving them this incredible opportunity to learn of life outside the boundaries of our country.  It will be an education of a lifetime!
Until next time,
Tarrah – Matt and all 13 of you kids! 

Middle School Peru Venture gets underway!

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

 

The Middle School Peru venture gets underway. The group of 13 students met with their leaders, Tarrah and Matt Elam early this morning at Boise airport. The group will fly through San Francisco and Miami before landing in Lima early on Friday morning. Watch this space for updates of the trip!

 

Tarrah taking charge at the airport

Tarrah taking charge at the airport

 

 

 

 

 

The group looking good, despite the early departure

The group looking good, despite the early departure

Building update March 13

Friday, March 13th, 2009

The new Elementary school building as of Friday March 13, 2009 

“Be not afraid of greatness; some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them”

Tuesday, March 10th, 2009

Grade 2 should not be afraid of greatness: Their rendition of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night was breathtaking in its brilliance. Complete with all the trimmings of mistaken identities and cross-dressing this performance demonstrated an understanding of Shakespeare’s masterpiece well beyond the usual grade 2 student. 

We are all indebted to all the Grade 2 parents for helping the children learn their lines, Stephanie DeMordaunt for the set designs and especially the Grade two teachers, Tina Morgan and Trevor Lindsay for their direction.

“Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them”

 

Andrew Derry

Two countries separated by the same language

Friday, March 6th, 2009

At the beginning of this academic year, I wrote a small letter in the blog about the difference in language between the UK and the USA. I was reminded of this twice yesterday. 

Firstly, going through security at Boise airport, I saw a sign that warned “persons” about removing all metal items before walking through the detector. The second was on the highway in to Seattle where a sign warned that this was a car lane for vehicles with two or more “persons”.

I do not know whether this is a language difference or just poor grammar. I would certainly welcome your comments.

For me, the plural of person is people and always will be. It even takes less letters to write “people” instead of “persons”.

I think I will go and prepare a lesson about persons, childs, sheeps and gooses!

Andrew Derry

Ground Breaking

Wednesday, March 4th, 2009

Its finally arrived! Today, Wednesday March 4, 2009 is ground breaking day for the new Elementary School building. It also marks the start of the end for the Middle School modular buildings. 

Please come and join us, our students, teachers, families, leadership donors, honored guests and friends along with Mayor Dave Bieter  as we mark this special event in the history of the school.

Wednesday March 4, 2009 at 3pm.  Warm Springs Campus

See the article in the Idaho Business Review  http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2009/03/03/Sustainable-elementary-school-breaks-ground 

or the Boise Good News blog  http://boisegoodnews.wordpress.com

for more information about the school and the ground breaking.

Andrew Derry

Annual Fund, first 100% class!

Friday, February 20th, 2009

The Annual Fund 2009 is off the a great start and we have our first class to achieve 100% participation.

Ms. Rose’s Grade 1 class became the first this year to win a Pizza and ice cream party. Not far behind are Mrs. Boazman’s and Mrs. Pierie’s classes. 

Please remember that all classes can win a pizza party as soon as they get to 100% participation.

The Annual Fund is vital to the success of the school for two reasons:

1. It helps close the gap between the revenue received from tuition and the actual cost to run the school.

2. 100% participation at Annual Fund allows the school to apply for significant grants from several foundations. 

 

If you have not already done so, please send your Annual Fund contribution to Boni Peters. Your participation is vital!

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed this year
Andrew Derry