Life at Riverside - The Riverside School

MM 4-27-26

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:21:10 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for April 27

5th grader Bryn helped 2nd grader Lila cast yarn onto a needle and knit.

MM 4-13-26

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:21:53 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for April 13

1st graders Gunnar, Tiernan, and Evie made use of our new water bottle filler in the barn hallway. Thank you to the parents who donated and installed it! You saw a need and took the initiative to address it, and we are all so grateful.

MM 4-6-26

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:11:24 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for April 6

Kindergarteners Isla, Claire, and Saoirse observed and documented signs of spring recently.

MM 3-30-26

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:17:31 GMT

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3rd grader Bo and his classmates listened carefully to presentations at the Shores Memorial Museum during a field trip last week, as part of learning local history and preparing to choose Bio Fair topics.

MM 3-16-26

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:32:10 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 16

This crew used the help of their 6th grade friend Ethan to build the tallest snowman they could, and named it "Will!" Pictured are Jamie, 2nd grader Maeve, Torin, Lazlo, Quinn, Lila, and 1st graders Cal and Noah.

MM 3-9-36

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:02:41 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 9, 2026

The 5th grade class celebrated Mabel and Olivia achievements with the Mathy Monday challenge: they completed all 16 tasks over four weeks. Pictured with them are Addie, Bryn, Aurora, Henry, Paul, Landen, Max, Cora, and Violet, with teachers Hanna and Kathleen. Also successful in completing the 16 Mathy Monday challenges were 2nd graders Walter, Cordelia, Deek, Noah and Callum, and 4th graders Freya, Cassius, and Emily.

MM 2-4-26

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:08:12 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 4

3rd grader June, and teachers Karin and Marie helped cheer on the sled racers during Winter Carnival last month.

MM 2-16-26

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:34:55 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for February 16

Lucia Dente works with small groups of students on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. They read a book together and then make an associated craft. Lucia has been working with Riverside for 7 years as a caring and creative support to the Extended Day Program. Since reading with young people is one of her favorite things to do, we're grateful to be able to add her time and talents to Riverside's dynamic program. The students, including 1st graders Deek, Walter, Cordelia, and TaeO pictured here, love to go to Lucia’s cozy corner.

MM 2-9-26

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:36:45 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for February 9

1st graders Zoe, Noah, and Cordelia show off the little snowman they built recently in the cedar circle.

MM 2-2-26

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:03:51 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for February 2

7th graders Sophia and Eula, 8th grader Amos, and 7th graders Ben and JB participated in the New England Middle School Debate invitational over the weekend. Six schools were represented with about 50 kids. Eula and Ben won third place as debate partners, and Ben won 5th place in overall individual best debater.

MM 1-27-16

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 17:57:24 GMT

Read the Tuesday Memo for January 27

Olivia Kaplan '11 is teaching lessons to elementary students on effective handwashing as part of her pursuit of a nursing degree. Last week she helped 3rd graders Marta and Hannah practice at the sink while 3rd and 4th graders Addy, Lucy, Hannah, Freya, Emily, and Vivian practiced the concept on paper.

MM 2-20-26

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 22:05:27 GMT

Read the Tuesday Memo for January 26

3rd grader Lachlann and 2nd grader Torin took on the lower mountain terrain park during free ski time on Friday.

MM 1-12-26

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:19:12 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 12

Kindergartener Charley worked hard on her active stance in her red level ski lesson on Friday.

MM 1-6-25

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:43:53 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 5

1st grader TaeO skated with his 8th grade buddy Oden in December.

MM 12-15-25

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 18:32:41 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for December 15

3rd graders Avery, Willa, Hannah, and Sofia dressed up as characters from the movie Zootopia as part of Spirit Week last week.

MM 12/8/25

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:48:00 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for December 8

1st grade teacher Emily and Math Interventionist Kathleen taught the first graders, including Cordelia, Cal, and Landon, a new game that helps them practice recognizing the patterns in a 100s chart. Once they've learned and practiced the game as a whole group, students can play independently in small groups as part of the math-time routines in the classroom. Family discussion question: How would the patterns on the chart change if it started with a 0 instead of a 1?

MM 12-1-25

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:04:00 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for December 1

Kindergarteners Kyla and Theo did math activities with their grandparents today.

MM 11-17-25

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:12:05 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for November 17

7th graders Ben and Audrey and 8th graders Fiona and Phoenix skated together during free time at the rink on Friday.

MM 11/3/25

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:26:19 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for November 3

8th grader Victor Stahler presented as Jaques Pepin during middle school Biography Fair last week, as Phoenix Newell (as Pope Francis) and Reid Moriarty (as Pelé) look on.

MM 10-27-25

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 18:55:05 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for October 27

Riverside celebrated "Flannel Friday" last week, the culmination of the food drive for NEK Community Action.

MM 10-20-25

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 23:51:29 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for October 20

5th grader Violet and 2nd grader Ruslana worked together last week on a construction challenge after reading a related picture book together.

MM 10-14-25

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 18:42:27 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for October 14

Kindergarteners Mae and Charlie, and Preschoolers Sophia and Sawyer worked together with play dough as they got comfortable in one of their new outdoor learning areas during Pine Pals time.

MM 10-6-25

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 17:56:32 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for October 6

5th grader Olivia, 8th grader Raleigh, and 7th grader Azro were the top finishers in the older-student runner category at Race Back to School last Thursday!

MM 9-29-25

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 17:38:01 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 29

A wonderful crew of Riversiders represented our school in the parade in East Burke this weekend, some of us are pictured here, left to right: Will Royer, Max Royer, Lucy Robinson, Addy Baker, Grace Amidon, June Early, Cal Robinson, Emily Reed, Violet Anderson, Spencer Amidon, Willa Meyer, Cora Rath, Amos Donn, Lauren Harris, Vivian Keller, Anders Daffinrud, Deek Baker, Bo Perreault, Freya Donn, Bodhi Anderson, and Henry Early. Thank you to the staff and parents who walked with them!

MM 9-22-25

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 18:17:58 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 22

8th graders have lunch in elementary classrooms most Mondays as part of building cross-grade relationships and supportive community. Today Lily, Chloe, and Phoenix played Mad Libs with the 4th graders (pictured L-R: Eugene, Olin, Arden, Weldon, Cassius, Lauren, Soso, Freya, Vivian, Hannah, Emily, and Cora)

MM 9-15-25

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:25:08 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 15

5th grader Cora and her buddy Kindergartener Saoirse worked together to construct a fairy house on the Fall Field Trip last week.

MM 9/8/25

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 17:48:56 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 8

6th graders Peregrine, Josiah, and Cedric used microscopes to evaluate water quality by looking for zooplankton and phytoplankto in lake water samples they collected while on the trip to Memphremagog last week.

MM 9/2/25

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 18:44:45 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 2

7th grader Asa assisted Kindergartener Lydia in art class today, where students practiced what's involved in using the tool of the brush to add a blended effect to what they'd decorated in marker.

Monday Memo 8/27/25

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 18:34:49 GMT

Read the Monday Memo

4th graders Olin, Weldon, Hannah, Lauren, and Cassius helped Krystal serve the first round of pizza to elementary students today.

Late Summer Memo

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 21:19:51 GMT

Read the Late Summer Memo: August 2025

Here we are in August, excitedly preparing for Riverside's 45th year! Please read through all the helpful information below to support a smooth start to the year.

Early Summer Memo

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 21:19:49 GMT

Read the Early Summer Memo: June 2025

Our 44th graduation ceremony included all students singing in Latin from the porch of the house, as it always has.

MM 6/2/26

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 17:45:19 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for June 2

4th graders Max, Cora, and Paul performed on their recorders at the Spring Concert last week.

MM 5/27/25

Tue, 27 May 2025 17:40:55 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for May 27

7th graders Anders, Reid, and Oden practiced the graduation song in assembly this morning with Marie and the rest of the middle schoolers.

MM 5/19/25

Mon, 19 May 2025 16:58:53 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for May 19

5th graders Alex and Eli enjoyed a climb in the big pine tree during lunch recess today.

MM 5/12/25

Mon, 12 May 2025 17:12:14 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for May 12

Kindergarteners Gunnar, Landon, and Walter enjoyed morning snack outside in the sun today.

MM 5/5/25

Tue, 06 May 2025 17:21:55 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for May 5

3rd grade friends Emily, Olin, Arden, and Cora waited for their turns in the 4-square game recently.

MM 4/28/25

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 17:49:10 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for April 28

th graders Cedric, Ari, and Peregrine worked together on a song composition during our Festival of Poetry and Prose before the vacation.

MM 4/14/25

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 17:46:27 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for April 14

7th graders Oden and Reid, 6th grader Asa, and 2nd grader Lachlann played 4-Square-in-the-Air during their sunny, warm lunch break today.

MM 4/7/25

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 18:11:32 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for April 7

5th graders Ari, Cedric, and JT were testing Newton's Third Law of Motion as they prepare to design rockets this spring. Do you think anything happened to JT after he threw the ball?

MM 3/31/25

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:40:15 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 31

2nd graders Lucy, Bo, and June made observations about different kinds of maps with Carrie today.

MM 3/24/25

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:35:51 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 24

(L-R) Maya and Louisa help Phoenix celebrate her victory at the Vermont State Spelling Bee yesterday. It was Phoenix's second consecutive victory! Phoenix was joined in Burlington by Eula (6) and Arlie (3), Riverside's other representatives at the bee.

MM 3/17/25

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 19:01:58 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 17

3rd Graders Weldon, Cassius, and Eugene helped brainstorm ideas in a science class discussion about a final project.

MM 3/5/25

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 18:03:13 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 5

Terra House worked together to count up the colored ice cubes they found in a snowy field during Winter Carnival. 8th grader Maya and 6th grader Antonia helped 4th grader Aurora, 2nd grader Addy, 1st grader Lila, 2nd graders Willa and Gertrude, and kindergartener Tiernan.

MM 2/17/25

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 20:12:05 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for February 17

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MM 2/10/25

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:40:20 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for February 10

5th graders Devin and Kai presented their invention prototypes for "Baseball Padding" and "The Cleat Sheet" to 2nd graders Hannah, Gertrude, and Bodhi last week. Read on for how the 5th graders did at the Vermont Invention Fair on Saturday.

MM 2/3/25

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:47:07 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for February 3

6th graders Emmett and Spencer talked over their ideas for creating the world of Into the Woods in the set building elective last week.

MM 1/21/25

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:19:31 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 21

3rd graders Emily and Vivian took a break from skiing and snowboarding together at Burke Mountain.

MM 1/13/25

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 19:00:37 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 13

Under bright blue skies, our cross-country skiers, including 4th grader Olivia, 2nd grader Gertrude, 5th graders Peregrine and Josiah, and Mr. G, enjoyed the Dashney Trails on Friday.

MM 1/6/25

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 18:01:04 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 6

7th graders Raya, Lily, and Zoe dressed up and presented as Aphrodite, Gaia, and Flora on Mythology Day.

MM 12/16/24

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 18:52:27 GMT

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3rd graders Hannah, Soso, Freya, and Lauren played together at recess recently. Photo credit to grandparent Herb Swanson.

MM 12/9/24

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 18:34:18 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for December 9

On Grandparents Day last week, the K-5th graders, including 2nd graders Bodhi, Avery, Hannah and Grace, sang "We are the World" at our welcome reception. Thank you to grandparent Herb Swanson for this wonderful photo. Many more photos are available in this album if you want to see what it was like or look for pictures of your loved ones.

MM 12/2/24

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 18:57:36 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for December 2

On Community Service Day, 7th grader Victor and 6th grader Azro worked together preparing pans for 48 loaves of pumpkin bread baked to go in care packages to neighbors along Red Village Road who were impacted by the summer's floods. We're grateful to the Lyndon Bible Church for sharing their kitchen facility!

MM 11/18/24

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 18:22:45 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for November 18

7th graders Chloe (as Judge Judy Sheindlin), Fiona (as Ruth Handler) and Jasper (as Elvis Presley) were among the many engaging presenters at Bio Fair!

MM 11-4-24

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 18:24:22 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for November 4

The Speech & Debate Team traveled to Champlain Valley Union High School for their first JV scrimmage. 6th graders JB, Ben, and Sophia, 8th grader Conall, and 7th grader Amos competed in impromptu, prepared oratory, and a debate about artificial intelligence. Students had to compete in three rounds and with all that practice, everyone learned and improved on the spot. Thanks to parent volunteer Sara Stinson for helping to drive and judge at the scrimmage.

MM 10/28/24

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 17:29:06 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for October 28

Kindergarten and 1st graders Tae-O, Cordelia, Cal, Evie, Noah, Quinn, Raegan, Deek, Lazlo, and Torin discussed the similarities and difference of local fall fruits (pumpkins and apples) last week.

MM 10/21/24

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 13:05:20 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for October 21

Preschoolers Saoirse, Will, Iris, and Aibhne browsed their new books from the Cobleigh bookmobile.

MM 10/15/24

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 19:33:34 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for October 15

Kindergarteners Deek and Cal showed off their school pride while practicing number formation last week.

MM 10-7-24

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 18:06:42 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for October 7

7th graders Raleigh and Julian, and 6th grader Azro participated in the Race Back to School last week on Kingdom Trails!

MM 9-30-24

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 17:22:48 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 30

Riverside's 5-8th grade team won the Aim High Soccer Tournament on Saturday! Read on below (under "Soccer") for all the spectacular details!

MM 9-23-24

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 19:15:53 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 23

The Cedar Circle Spa is open for business! Last week kindergartener Zoe got a massage from 1st grader Maeve, and 2nd grader Grace got her hair styled by her classmate Sofia.

MM 9-1624

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 18:08:09 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 16

7th graders Julian and Phoenix worked with others from Caelum house, including 6th graders Audrey and Alice and 5th grader Peregrine, to move a ball into a bucket as part of a team building activity during the Fall Field Trip.

MM 9//9/24

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 20:00:48 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 9

7th graders talked about trust with a trust-fall activity in advisory last week.

MM 9/3/24

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 17:22:26 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 3

8th graders Conall, Cora, Noelle, and Lucy listened attentively in science class while also caring for Mr. G's new Riverside puppy, "Rain." She's a sleepy, cuddly friend who is learning the routines of school, just like the rest of us!

MM 8-28-24

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 20:10:28 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for August 28

4th grade is off to a great start in Renee's classroom! Around the circle, and discussing mathematical concepts in a photo of apples in a pattern, are: Mabel, Henry, Addie, Cora, Bryn, Max, Landen, Paul, Olivia, Aurora, and Violet.

Late Summer Memo

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 20:08:25 GMT

Late Summer Memo

Cum patientia omnia possunt confici. With patience all things are possible.

Early Summer Memo

Sat, 22 Jun 2024 15:50:17 GMT

Read the Early Summer Memo

Thank you to parent Evan Robinson (rising kindergartener Cal and rising 2nd grader Lucy) for capturing this celebration of our year together.

MM 5/20/24

Mon, 20 May 2024 17:51:03 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for May 20

Some preschoolers got together for a picture after art class in the cedar circle today: Deek, Tiernan, Evie, Noah, Isla, Lydia, Gunnar, Isla, and Mae .

MM 5/13/24

Mon, 13 May 2024 18:30:19 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for May 13

5th graders JB, Ben, and Azro used restaurant menus and math skills to budget their dinner meal out on Thursday night while in Quebec City.

MM 5/6//24

Mon, 06 May 2024 17:51:23 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for May 6

Thanks to Sawyer's excellent idea and careful planning, we all (including 8th graders Quinn and Gabe) enjoyed tacos for lunch last Friday!

MM 4/29/24

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 20:57:21 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for April 29

1st graders Grace, Lachlann, and Avery investigated bubbles during science earlier this month.

MM 4/15/24

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 22:21:46 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for April 15

Last month kindergarteners Maeve and Quinn practiced whittling with vegetable peelers as part of learning how spiles were traditionally made for sugaring season out of softwood twigs. Students played out the entire process of making maple syrup.

MM 4/8/24

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 16:24:46 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for April 8

4th and 5th graders Devin, JB, and Emmett played volleyball with a giant beach ball in the sun during PE class today.

MM 4/1/24

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 17:11:19 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for April 4

4th graders Eli, Peregrine, and JT baked with 8th grader Beatrice as part of her work for her 8th grade presentation on The Social-Emotional Side of Baking. Look at the schedule below of upcoming presentation topics so you can join the audience!

MM 3/25/24

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 18:56:35 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 25

2nd and 3rd graders Olivia, Mabel, Emily, Soso, Henry, Bryn, and Landen worked together on building their sledding track in PE class this afternoon.

MM 3/18/24

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:40:22 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 18

7th grader Conall (as Lefou) and 8th grader Ignacio (as Gaston) provided the comic relief in our production of Beauty and the Beast .

MM 3/11/24

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 17:35:19 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 11

The "cross country ski" group enjoyed a sunny, wet hike along the CCC road at Burke Mountain last Friday.

MM 3/6/24

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 12:34:16 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 6

The preschool class joined the Winter Carnival ice cube hunt, and then sorted their collection by color and practiced counting their piles of cubes.

MM 2/19/24

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 15:33:16 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for February 19

During a scene rehearsal period recently, Will helped 6th graders Phoenix (Babette) and Jasper (Lumiere) and 7th grader Russell (Cogsworth) talk through the fight scene as they staged and rehearsed it for the first time.

MM 2/12/24

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 15:30:08 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for February 12

Any Riverside Head of School recognizes their job is much more than administrator; recently Roy has become trombone instructor to 6th graders Julian and Raleigh!

MM 2/5/24

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 19:34:38 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for February 5

Preschoolers Deek and Walter enjoyed some hammock time in the class's Story Shed recently. Thank you to parents Natalie and Kyle Dalpe (and their business Breezy Hill Transport) for donating the materials needed to finish the shed project.

MM 1/29/24

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 18:57:40 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 29

We believe that purposeful and targeted homework allows students to practice both academic skills and life skills, like time management and accountability. Because afternoons can be busy, we also believe study hall is an important part of the middle school day. Here 8th grader Kellan works on keeping anthropological field notes while reading for World Issues class, and Beatrice is composing answers to comprehension questions on a Spanish story.

MM 1/22/24

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 18:17:02 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 22

T 1st graders (like Willa Meyer and Marta Linehan) came together with kindergarteners (like Torin Bias) to read and discuss a story about a group of animal friends working and problem solving together in the woods, much like those classes do together during weekly.

MM 1/8/24

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 19:25:54 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 8

6th grader Zoe, 7th grader Louisa, 4th grader Josiah, and 8th grader Maya worked together on a puzzle showing an illustration from the store of Cupid and Psyche on Mythology Day.

MM 1/3/24

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 18:51:19 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 3

4th graders Cedric (Hades), Ari (Zeus), JT, and Peregrine (part of the Greek chorus) acted out the story of Demeter and Persephone as part of our Mythology Day celebrations.

MM 12/18/23

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 19:41:05 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for December 18

Retired teacher and Riverside grandparent Allee kept up her tradition of knitting mittens for younger students, and presented each of the 1st and 2nd graders with a new, custom pair. Pictured in the back row are: Weldon, Lauren, Cassius, Arden; and front row: Olin, Hannah, Cora, Vivian, and Riley. Thank you Allee!

MM 12/12/23

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 19:10:38 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for December 12

1st grader Bodhi practiced his read-aloud skills with his sister 3rd grader Violet. The whole 1st grade enjoyed this activity in the 3rd grade classroom, coincidentally with many of their own siblings and cousins who happen to be in that class.

MM 12/5/23

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 19:58:45 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for December 5

8th graders Savannah and Sitota and 7th grader Cora encourage kindergartener Lazlo on the ice at Fenton Chester, while Roy looks on.

MM 11/28/23

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 18:31:48 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for November 28

5th grader Sophia, 6th graders Liam and Anders, 7th graders Lucy and Cora, and 8th graders Julian, Ignacio, and Celia all joined Caroline in delivering 50 decorated bags, 48 loaves of freshly baked pumpkin bread, and many pounds of non-perishable groceries to the Lyndon Area Food Shelf in preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you to everyone who supported this effort!

MM 11/13/23

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 19:49:47 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for November 13

5th grader Audrey DesJardins read her personal narrative aloud to an audience of classmates, 3rd graders, and parents last week.

MM 11/6/23

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 19:26:42 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for November 6

6th grader Fiona is one of many middle schoolers who spends two elective periods a week as a helper in an elementary classroom with students like preschoolers Tiernan, Cal, and Evie.

MM 10/30/23

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 17:20:39 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for October 30

Sean huddled a team of 2nd and 3rd graders together, including Landen, Paul, Max, Aurora, Olivia, and Riley, during their flag football game. 6th grader Zoe was on the team as part of her elective work as an "elementary partner" twice a week with the class.

MM 10/23/23

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 16:29:41 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for October 23

6th graders Anders Daffinrud and Oden McMullen worked together in their game against Barnet last week, which resulted in a 5-1 score.

MM 10/16/23

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 19:23:13 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for October 16

7th graders Carter, Yiannaki, and Maya worked together on the Window Pane Problem, an application of multiplying and dividing fractions, in math class today.

MM 10/10/23

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 20:22:48 GMT

Read the Monday Memo October 10, 2023

1st grader Bo and 2nd grader Arden show off the natural mandala they made during their classes' Birch Buddies time.

MM 10/2/23

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 17:19:00 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for October 2

5th grader Eula, 3rd graders Henry and Landen, and 5th grader Asa showed off their jumping skills after swim lessons on Friday.

MM 9/25/23

roy.starling@theriversideschool.org (Roy Starling) — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 11:04:55 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 25

1st graders Addy and Lucy were inspired to make some signs to help protect our more fragile cedar trees.

MM 9/18/23

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 17:15:28 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 18

4th grader Ellie, 6th grader Willa, and 7th grader Noelle showed off the antique bottles they found and washed in the stream while doing a major clean up effort in service to Siskin Coutts at the end of our Fall Field Trip experience.

MM 9/11/23

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 17:20:28 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 11

5th graders Alice and Antonia worked with egg cartons to create prefix and suffix sorting boxes.

MM 9/5/23

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 19:12:19 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 5

1st graders Hannah, Lucy, June, and Wyett worked on self portraits last week as part of introducing themselves to be part of the classroom community.

Monday Memo 8/30/23

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 17:26:36 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for August 30

As part of their leadership training on 8th Grade Day, Henry and Celia considered the "tools" they might need on the assembly "job site."

Late Summer Memo

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 18:03:02 GMT

Read the Late Summer Memo

The Gilberts hosted a potluck for teachers and their families to welcome Carrie and Will Albritton not only to Riverside, but to the NEK of Vermont. The Albrittons and their two sons have just arrived from Florida. We are so glad they've joined our team!

Early Summer Memo

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:59:51 GMT

Read the Early Summer Memo

Thank you to parent Evan Robinson (preschooler Cal and rising 1st grader Lucy) for capturing this celebration on our last day of school. To see a full video of the effort, click here .

MM 6/5/23

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 17:24:52 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for June 5

Caroline presented 6th grader Russell with one of the Boswell Math & Science Awards at our well-attended Spring Concert in the Teachers Pavilion last week.

MM 5/30/23

Tue, 30 May 2023 14:27:20 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for May 30

4th graders Eula, Antonia, and Audrey and 5th grader Lily are dressed in costume to assist Ecology School staff in presenting the weather data they collected while on their field trip last week.

MM 5/22/23

Mon, 22 May 2023 17:32:28 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for May 22

Yiannaki, Gabe, Carter, Quinn, and Kingston visited Franklin family's grave at the Granary Burying Ground while walking the Freedom Trail with Peter.

MM 5/15/23

Mon, 15 May 2023 17:45:12 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for May 15, 2023

3-5th graders hosted a fabulous “wax museum” of historical figures at their biography fair on Friday. Here 3rd Grade Ellie Cavanaugh presents alumna Molly Moore, and 5th grader Lily Patoine presents Grace Hopper.

MM 5/8/23

Mon, 08 May 2023 19:48:14 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for May 8

3rd graders Ari and Alex helped to remove a section of old fencing from the area they like to play when they came to help with ��Riverside Clean Up Day on Saturday.

MM 5/1/23

Mon, 01 May 2023 19:14:01 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for May 1

Kindergarteners Sofia and Bodhi enjoyed celebrating classmate Hannah's birthday today.

MM 4/10/23

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 17:58:32 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for April 10

5th grader Victor Stahler won the 1st place in the Grade 4-6 category in the Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest for Vermont, with this painting of a Chain Pickerel. The contest is sponsored by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

MM 4/3/23

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 15:39:59 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for April 3

1st graders Vivian, Emily, Hannah, Riley, and Eugene practiced their sight words in a game with Monica last week.

MM 3/27/23

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 17:49:21 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 27

2nd graders Mabel, Max, and Bryn accessed different texts at their individual levels today during reading time, including using dictionaries to look up unknown words.

Monday Memo 3/20/23

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 17:44:12 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 20

Th 8th graders Esme (as Zazu) and Moxie (as Rafiki), 7th grader Ignacio (as older Simba), and 8th grader Brooklynn (as older Nala) played their parts on and around pride rock in The Lion King this weekend.

MM 3/13/23

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 22:50:37 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 13

3rd graders Josiah, Alex, Cedric, and Peregrine watched a video in class to learn about the humidity component of the incubator they'll be using to hatch chickens in their class this spring.

MM 3/8/23

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 17:56:08 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 8

8th graders Brooklynn and Sylvan used papier maché to create pride rock in the Sets elective for their production of The Lion King.

MM 2/20/23

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 18:56:32 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for February 20

7th grader Julian and 6th graders Louisa and Zora work to attract and welcome an audience to The Lion King in the middle school Publicity Elective.

MM 2/13/23

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 19:32:06 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for February 13

1st grader Eugene and 5th grader Raleigh teamed up as brothers for some reading buddies time last week.

MM 2/6/23

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 19:11:56 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for February 6

8th grader Lyric and 6th grader Conall paused between classes to work on a puzzle of Africa in the kitchen, commenting on what they noticed about the shapes and (some pre-colonial) names of the countries.

MM 1/30/22

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 19:10:52 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 30

Preschoolers Tiernan and James worked with the rest of the class to make orange carrot muffins in their outdoor kitchen.

MM 1/23/23

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 22:30:39 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 23

Kindergarteners Avery and Wyett and 2nd grader Grace had fun out on the slopes of Burke Mountain our first week skiing.

MM 1/16/23

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 18:48:14 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 16

We began our celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr this morning with small groups of mixed-age students reading and listening to stories with themes of civil rights. Afterwards, students returned to their classrooms/advisories to share what they'd been hearing and thinking in the variety of texts. Pictured are 7th grader Sawyer reading to 3rd grader Eli, 5th grader Anders, and 6th grader Lucy; and 8th grader Pearl reading to 4th grader JB, 2nd grader Aurora, and 6th grader Maya.

Riverside Bids Farewell to Iconic Teacher

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 13:27:48 GMT

After two decades, English and history teacher Peter Sahlin will be moving on to new things.

Riverside middle school English teacher Peter Sahlin leads a discussion about Lord of the Flies with 8th grade students in his unique and historic classroom.

Lyndonville, VT – After twenty years of teaching at Riverside, long-time middle school English teacher Peter Sahlin is moving on to a new chapter in his career. Peter came to Riverside as a substitute teacher and took over the full-time English position in the fall of 2003. That year marked a time of transition for Riverside, and Peter, along with a small group of new teachers helped shepherd Riverside into its current position by focusing on rebuilding Riverside in the image of the school’s long history of passionate teachers and students, academic rigor, and strong sense of community.

Former long-time head of school Laurie Boswell reflected, "I always admired and appreciated Peter's ability to connect with students in various contexts and in a genuine manner. Students valued his advice and respected his admonishments, trusting he cared deeply for their well-being. As eighth-grade advisor, Peter helped students adapt to their role as school leaders, navigate the social-emotional challenges of middle school, and transition to schools far larger than Riverside. The success of Riverside alumni in their ability to speak up, engage with others, and support their peers is in part connected to those indelible conversations around the Harkness table in the granary."

Peter's talents extend well beyond what he does in the classroom; he has overseen the school’s student council, sponsored the G.S.A, organized dances and festival days, and accompanied the middle school chorus on piano. Peter has also directed 16 of the school’s musical productions. Under his leadership, the faculty team at Riverside developed their annual Play Week tradition wherein teachers prioritize student ownership over the process of production, and facilitate the planning, problem-solving, and learning that happens in that effort, recognizing it as valuable as any traditional classroom learning.

As Riverside underwent significant growth in the last decade, Peter helped the school maintain its focus on the supportive community and patient leadership that has long defined the school by helping implement a system of “houses” that help students build strong relationships between grade levels. Much like the famous houses in the Harry Potter stories, each Riversider is assigned to Aqua, Terra, Ignis, or Caelum (Latin words for Water, Earth, Fire, and Air) when they join the school and feel a strong identity with that group throughout their years and even as alumni.

Among other things, Peter is known for his classroom, Riverside’s historic granary building. Once the shop where students built their solar cars, it was renovated to be a classroom by generous donors and volunteers in 2001. Knowing it would best facilitate student discussion of literature, Peter asked that the granary have a large central table, which was built and installed by Lyndon Furniture, and similar tables can now be found at Lyndon Institute and St. Johnsbury Academy. Around that table 6th graders have been known to make sense of Shakespeare, 7th graders discuss civil rights as they combine literature with their study of American history, and 8th graders engage with mature topics from works like Lord of the Flies and Catcher in the Rye before facing them in the real experience of high school. The walls of the granary recognize the work of numerous Riverside alumni, and Peter insists that behind an upper window is a magical attic of unicorns and swimming pools.

Head of School Roy Starling adds, “As generations of Riverside alumni can attest, Peter’s classes are unbelievably engaging, and I don’t know if I have ever met a more passionate advocate for students. With Peter, everything starts and ends with what’s best for the kids, and thanks to him that ethos has pervaded the school for many years. I’ve said many times that I wish I’d had an English teacher of his caliber at any point in my education, and we’ve been lucky to have him here for the last twenty years.”

The school has formed a hiring committee to fill this position and will be posting the job soon. Peter will be Riverside’s commencement speaker at this year’s graduation ceremony.

MM 1/9/23

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 19:10:33 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 9

Kindergarten and 1st graders Lachlann, Bo, Weldon, Emily, Hannah, Grace, Cora, and June practiced reading musical notes and counting time in Recorder Club last week.

MM 1/3/23

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 18:10:03 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 3

The 5th graders showed off an impressive set of costumes at the start of Mythology Day.

MM 12/12/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 19:06:53 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for December 12

1st grader Olin and 2nd graders Landen and Henry worked with their classmates and guest/former teacher Nancy Phillips to collect balsam fir branches and craft gifts together.

MM 12/5/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 14:10:16 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for December 12

4th graders Emmett Bristol and Spencer Amidon teamed up for a challenge to follow a map made by a classmate on birch bark toward a secret destination, with no words or numbers, just like the Wabanaki did.

MM 11/28/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:48:18 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for November 28

Our preschool class tried to give McKenna their attention as they got organized for a walk with their grandparents this morning.

MM 11/14/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 18:59:47 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for November 14

4th graders Alice and Antonia read aloud to each other during book groups last week, they are reading Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac.

MM 10/24/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:51:52 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for October 24

In the fun family soccer game Friday night: 7th grader Celia tried to dribble past parent Cath Kane '85 (in her vintage Riverside soccer jersey), while 7th grader Kellan waits for the pass, and his dad Lucas Bristol and teacher Nathan are ready to help with defense.

MM 10/17/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 19:02:03 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for October 17

Marie and 1st graders Riley, Cora, and Lauren were all smiles after finishing a medium lap at Race Back to School last week.

Monday Memo 10/11/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 17:58:58 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for October 11

5th graders Zoe, Willa, Phoenix, Raya, and Fiona worked on a Sumac and Statistics project that involved collecting data on sumac leaflets, making scientific sketches, and finding statistics on the number of leaflets.

MM 10/3/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 18:23:13 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for October 3, 2022

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MM 9/26/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 17:42:06 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 26

Kindergarteners Avery and Bo practiced forming letters with waxed string on the classroom rug recently.

Monday Memo 9/12/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 18:03:03 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 12

4th graders Emmett, Alice, and Sophia had art class on top of the new yurt mural, designed by art teacher Elly and prepped by her and Marie, and painted by 8th graders Lyric and Molly.

Monday Memo 9/7

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 17:12:04 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for September 7, 2022

As part of their leadership training on 8th Grade Day, Isabel, Patrick, Kingston, Kate, Lila, Moxie, Phoebe, Leo, and Zane explained "what makes Riverside special" to our new teachers.

Monday Memo 5/31

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Tue, 31 May 2022 17:20:42 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for May 31

1st grader Landen Temple read in the cedar trees last week.

Monday Memo 5/23

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 23 May 2022 17:32:16 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for May 23

4th and 5th graders hiked to The Knoll in St. Johnsbury after spending the night at the Fairbanks Museum.

Monday Memo 5/16

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 16 May 2022 17:54:04 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for May 16

5th grader Lila Yerkes presented and displayed all that she'd learned about Joy Adamson at Biography Fair on Friday, to a wonderful audience of classmates, parents, friends, and 8th graders.

Monday Memo 4/25/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 17:14:28 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for April 25

Heidi's Herons (1st graders Violet, Grace, Henry, 2nd graders Ellie, Eli, 1st grader Mabel, 2nd grader J.T. and 1st grader Bryn) finished their study of the solar system by showing off their papier maché planets. Not pictured is 2nd grader Dalton, with Mars.

Monday Memo 4/11/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 15:41:34 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for April 11

McKenna led the preschool and kindergarten students in a yoga session inspired by planting seeds and watching them sprout.

Riverside Students Compete Against High Schoolers in New Hampshire

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 12:01:03 GMT

Riverside Students Compete Against High Schoolers in New Hampshire

Gabe Adams, Kellan Bristol, Ignacio Montague, Conall Keneddy. Back: Sam Keith, Riley Washington, Lydia Reimert, Camryn Reimert, Kate Mackenzie, Lennon Daffinrud. Second picture: Gabe Adams celebrates after winning the gladiator competition against high schoolers.

On Sunday, April 10th, a group of nine students, five parents, and two Latin teachers from The Riverside School made the two-hour drive to St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire to participate in the New Hampshire Junior Classical League conventions. The three concepts the event focused on were philia (friendship), agon (competition), and paideia (learning). Riverside students took advantage of all three by participating in candidate elections, competing in written tests, certamen (classical trivia), chariot races, Roman coin workshops, and even gladiatorial combat. The students’ preparation certainly paid off: their skit won first place, 8th grader Sam Keith won 1st place in the mythology test, Gabe Adams won the overall gladiatorial competition, and the certamen team came in second place. Head of School and Latin Club sponsor Roy Starling said, “I think they were all a little overwhelmed by all the high schoolers at first, but everyone had a great time and it was wonderful to see them take home so many prizes at the end of the day.”

Monday Memo 4/4/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 17:44:59 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for April 4

In assembly this morning we learned about the achievements of Mathcounts members 7th graders Gabi, Esme, and Leo, 6th graders Gabe, Ignacio, Sawyer, and Kellan. Read on about their recent successes below!

Press Release: Service Work

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 16:07:29 GMT

Press Release: Service Work

Riverside seventh-graders (L-R) Brooklynn Phoebe Donn, Kingston Newell, and Isabel Magnus deliver money and food donations to The Lyndon Food Shelf.

During the third quarter of the academic year, Riverside middle school math teacher Caroline Thompson taught a 7th-grade service class and led a middle school service elective. Students were able to work on different projects based on their own ideas and passions. Two students who were interested in helping the environment worked on an environmental service project by making envelopes with pollinator friendly seeds that you can put right in the ground, some students chose to spread kindness by painting rocks with messages of kindness to be placed around town, other students worked on blankets for the pediatric ICU at Dartmouth Hitchcock. The whole class worked to raise money for the Lyndon Food Shelf by selling hot chocolate to teachers and fellow students during the school day over the last several weeks. The hot chocolate sales were a great success, raising over $200 which they delivered (pictured), along with food donations to the Food Shelf during their final class meeting.

Thompson stated, “I was inspired by this class- each student had a different idea connected to their own passions. Service is very important to me and service learning is a big part of that. Instilling the ethic of service in students at such a young age helps them take ownership of something important that will grow with them for the rest of their lives.” Head of School Roy Starling noted that, “Service is a way of life for Caroline, from her work with kids to her time and energy with Faith’s Closet, she inspires all of us to think about what we can do for the people around us.”

In the service elective this quarter, students worked on an American Cancer Society walk to take place on The Riverside campus. The “Riverside Versus Cancer” walk will be held on Friday, May 13th from 12:00-2:30 in the afternoon in honor of long-term art teacher Suzanne Tanner, anyone who has ever had cancer, and caregivers. There will be student-made stations focusing on importance of physical activity, sun safety, nutritional choices, danger of tobacco use.

Press Release: Shrek Play Week

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 16:02:21 GMT

Shrek Play Week

Riverside student Charleigh Moriarty is choreographing the school’s performance of Shrek, The Musical Jr. Here she teaches the moves she planned to those who play the villagers of Duloc.

The Riverside School is performing “Shrek, The Musical Jr.” on March 25th and 26th at the Lyndon Institute auditorium.

In the show, we meet an ogre named Shrek, played by Jeronimo Deyhle. His home has been taken over by other fairytale creatures and he embarks on a journey to reclaim his swamp.

Shrek and his sidekick Donkey, played by Lydia Reimert are on an adventure to help Lady Farquaad, played by Macy Moore, find Princess Fiona, played by Camryn Reimert. On their journey, the characters find love and friendship, and in the end realize that they can write their own fairytales.

Director and English Teacher Peter Sahlin feels “a fresh wave of excitement about being on stage and working together after not being able to do so since before the pandemic.”

Every year The Riverside School puts on a musical. Middle school students chose the play together. During next week’s “Play Week,” the week before the performance, 6th through 8th graders pause all regular classes and spend all day, everyday working to produce the show.

Students participate in electives to help with the publicity, costuming, building, and painting. Students craft and find the perfect costumes for each character. They create the fairytale world of Duloc by designing and constructing sets and props. A team of Riversiders works in publicity, and advertises their play, including writing this press release.

According to 8th grader Macy Moore, “It will be stressful because it feels last minute. It’s going to all come together at that point. It will be exciting because other shows I’ve been in, I’ve only been on stage, I haven’t gotten to help with things like sets and costumes.”

Performances will be at the Lyndon Institute Auditorium on Friday, March 25 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, March 26 at 2:00 pm. Admission is by donation.

Monday Memo for 3/28

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:04:00 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 28

Let's hear it for the Tech Crew, who created the illusion of the world of Shrek for us all to enjoy: 7th graders Isabel, Phoebe, Jay, and Patrick; 8th grade Co-Stage Manger Izzy, 8th grader Sam, 6th grader Clint, and 7th grader Kingston. Not pictured: 8th grade Co-Stage Manager Adrienne and 7th grader Gabi.

Monday Memo for 3/21

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 18:34:57 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 21

5th graders Louisa Linehan and Cora Adams, 7th grader Kingston Newell, 2nd grader Josiah Galinat, and 7th grader Brooklynn Hibshman (along with many others) expressed joy and frustration after an egg toss throw during Winter Carnival last week.

Monday Memo for 3/14

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 18:48:44 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 14

Kindergartener Olin practiced swimming on his front with SJA Pool Director Miss Sandy, Sean, and Jamie, while his classmates looked on and waited their turns.

Monday Memo 3/7/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 19:47:15 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for March 7

7th graders Sylvan, Lyric, Sofi, and Leo ate snack together this morning, while a few 8th graders helped with a mailing task for Shrek publicity.

Wednesday Memo 3/2/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 14:27:09 GMT

Read the Wednesday Memo for March 2

3rd graders Antonia and Audrey took on a specific challenge together in honor of the 100th Day of School last month.

Monday Memo 2/14/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 18:06:52 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for February 14

5th grader Russell Desjardins is testing the pH of different household liquids by using red cabbage as a universal indicator. This effort helps the 5th graders make sense of their regular testing of the pH level of the water in their trout tank, where they are raising fish to be released in the spring.

Monday Memo 2/7/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 18:55:20 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for February 7

7th graders Esme, Gabi, Sofi, and Brooklynn prepped their "sled dog" team for races in PE class last week. This was the activity Sean planned for all age groups throughout the day, and included both relays on the soccer field and an "iditarod" around the whole campus!

Monday Memo 1/31/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 18:56:58 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 31

4th graders Zoe, Victor, Julian, and Lily stayed warm by the fire while learning about the trout's anatomy and life cycle during Birch Buddies outdoor education time.

COVID Related Information

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 18:12:29 GMT

Our Most Current COVID Information

STAY HOME POLICY

Known Exposure Away from School --> See guidelines below.
Known Exposure at School --> Test To Stay with signed consent form
Potential Exposure Away from School (symptoms in th e house, around a potential case, awaiting contact tracing) --> Please stay home until negative result of the other individual; OR Antigen test daily before coming to school
Symptomatic --> Stay home until a negative test result and improvement of symptoms. If positive, see below.
Positive Test Result With Symptoms --> See guidelines below.
Positive Test Result Without Symptoms --> See guidelines below.

COVID ISOLATION & QUARANTINE GUIDELINES

There have been several changes to the state’s quarantine and isolation guidelines over the last few weeks. In order to make things easier for families (and us) to understand, here are the protocols we will be following until we receive further guidance from the state . Please note that we are generally following VT DOH and CDC guidelines in these situations, except we are asking for additional testing (which we can help provide) at the end of the isolation or quarantine period.

For students (and staff) who have tested positive and have no symptoms :

You may return to school after 5 full days if you have a negative antigen test on days four and five. To calculate the 5-day isolation period, day 0 is the day that the test is administered.

You should continue to wear a well-fitting mask for 5 additional days (day 6 through day 10) after the end of your 5-day isolation period. High-quality, KN95 type masks are suggested for these situations, not cloth masks. If you don't have KN95 masks you should consider double protection with a surgical mask and a cloth mask over it or check in the office to see if we have extra KN95’s.

For students (and staff) who have tested positive and have symptoms of illness:

You may return to school after 5 full days if:

- you are fever-free for 24-hrs without fever-reducing medication;

- your other symptoms have resolved;

- and if you have a negative antigen test on days four and five.

(Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation). To calculate the 5-day isolation period, day 0 is the first day of symptoms.

You should continue to wear a well-fitting mask for 5 additional days (day 6 through day 10) after the end of your 5-day isolation period. High-quality, KN95 type masks are suggested for these situations, not cloth masks. If you don't have KN95, you should consider double protection with a surgical mask and a cloth mask over it or check in the office to see if we have extra KN95’s.
If you continue to have symptoms after 5 days of isolation, you should wait to end your isolation until you are symptom-free for 24 hours (no fever/no meds, no cough, etc.) and you have two negative antigen tests (24 hours apart) administered after symptoms have resolved .
Lastly, you may return to school if 10 days have passed since your symptoms started, you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine, and your symptoms have markedly improved.

For students (and staff) with off-campus exposures to do the following before returning:

Reach out to the Vermont Department of Health Contact Tracing department to establish quarantine/isolation timelines, and also…
Take (at least) two negative antigen tests performed 24 hours apart beginning no earlier than day 4. That means the second test should be no earlier than day 5. Day 0 is the last possible day of exposure. If the exposure is in the household, Day 0 is the last day of the infected individual's isolation period (see guidelines, on or after the first full day in which you were able to completely follow the isolation protocols further down the CDC page here .
The exposed student will need to mask universally through day 10. That includes outdoor time and means they will not eat unmasked around their classmates, but in a separate location. High-quality, KN95 type masks are suggested for these situations, not cloth masks. If you don't have KN95 masks you should consider double protection with a surgical mask and a cloth mask over it or check in the office to see if we have extra KN95’s.

For on-campus exposures, we will continue to utilize the Test To Stay program though there are pending changes to schools’ roles in testing and tracing. We’ll inform the community when we have more information about these pending changes.

LEARNING SUPPORT DUE TO COVID

Elementary Students Too Ill to Be at School -->

Communicate absence with Krystal and classroom teacher
Rest, get well, stay in touch

Elementary Students Only Home Because of Our Stay Home Policies (above) -->

Communicate absence with Krystal and classroom teacher
Wait 24 hours for an email from the teacher about learning plans and materials.
Expect email from Emily Dunn for opportunities for extra support.

Middle School Students Too Ill to Be at School -->

Communicate absence with Krystal and classroom teacher
Rest, get well
Email all teachers about missed work when ready.

Middle School Students Only Home Because of Our Stay Home Policies (above) -->

Communicate absence with Krystal and advisor.
Wait for a friend to invite you to Google Meet for the day (sent during the first academic class of the day), call the office if any connection problems.
Check email regularly for communications from teachers; email teachers about any clarification needed.
Expect email from Emily Dunn for opportunities for extra support.

COVID RESPONSE TESTING

We are now able to offer PCR tests on-demand for students who are symptomatic or may have been exposed, even if those symptoms or exposure were contracted off-campus. This is separate from the Test-To-Stay program and the surveillance testing we do on Tuesdays. Please fill out this consent form if you want to have our PCR tests as an option along with the drive-through sites at local hospitals and providers. That consent form will also allow your child to participate in the test to stay program. We can have the tests overnighted to the CIC lab (the same lab we use for surveillance testing) and would anticipate results within 48 hours. These tests would be for students who have symptoms and need a test to return to school. With enough notice, we can make a drive-up test available and ship it the same day.

Monday Memo 1/24/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 19:28:54 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 24

4th grader Raya and 3rd grader Alice practice math skills together during a flexible period called "WIN" (What I Need).

Monday Memo 1/18/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 19:07:18 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 18

Kindergarteners Arden and Cassius did some stretching this afternoon after lunch.

Monday Memo 1/10/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 20:34:56 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 10

4th and 5th graders had a great time out on the hill together on Friday.

Monday Memo 1/3/22

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 18:10:10 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for January 3

8th graders Jeronimo and Adrienne took a break from skating at the arena in December.

Monday Memo 12/13/21

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 19:11:05 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for December 13

6th grader Kellan showed off his ability to break a board with his foot during the performance of the Martial Arts elective in assembly last week.

Monday Memo 12/6/21

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 18:21:46 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for December 6

Kindergartener Vivian, 1st grader Bryn, 3rd graders Alice, Emmett, and Eula, 5th grader Cora, 6th graders Kellan and Gabe, and Eula's brother Lazlo helped decorate our tree in East Burke with Arcelie, Kim, and Roy yesterday afternoon.

Fall Heron News

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 20:12:44 GMT

Vivat Academia, Vivat Professores

I was having a conversation with some board members the other day about our recent field trips. Because of COVID protocols and concerns, we haven’t had a “traditional” field trip since the fall of 2019. The board members- many of whom are also parents- commented on how amazing our alternate trips were last spring and this fall. In both cases, it was the faculty’s creativity, passion for the students, and willingness to go the extra mile that enabled us to come up with plans that met our mission, built relationships, and strengthened our community. I can’t imagine another team pulling off those “trips.”

We often use the word “ Riversidy” to describe an act of kindness by a student, a particularly creative or engaging activity on campus, or the freedom our students have to be themselves in our supportive little community. It’s equally important to point out that the term also applies to an ethos that Riverside teachers share . . . <Read the Full Heron News Here >

Monday Memo 11/29/21

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 20:07:26 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for November 29

On Community Service Day 7th graders Gabi and Lila helped make 48 loaves of pumpkin bread for the Lyndon Area Food Shelf, and kindergarteners Lauren, Addy, Hannah, and Cora painted cardboard trays to hold warm Thanksgiving meals delivered to homes by H.O.P.E. (The 1-2nd graders crafted cards and napkin rings that will accompany those trays.)

Monday Memo 11/15/21

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 20:05:38 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for November 15

8th grader Izzy and 7th graders Jay and Molly helped deliver frozen meals and 1000 paper cranes to Suzanne after school last week. She looked well, was overjoyed to see students, and showed off her art studio to us!

Monday Memo 11/8/21

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 20:02:34 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for November 8

8th grader Macy and 4th grader Phoenix helped kindergartener Hannah practice skating at the rink on Friday.

Monday Memo 11/1/21

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 19:59:55 GMT

Read the Monday Memo for November 1

8th graders in Latin Club (Lydia, Jeremiah, Sam, and Camryn) had great success in their first Certamen event of the school year, finishing in 3rd place against high school students from around the United States.

Monday Memo 10/25/21

nelia.rath@theriversideschool.org (Nelia Rath) — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 19:57:35 GMT

Monday Memo for October 25, 2021

The preschool class makes regular visits out to the garden and the chicken pen in small groups. Recently McKenna took Lila, Lucy, Troy, Griff, Lachlann, Avery, and Bodhi to observe our hen for a few minutes while dumping their classroom compost.

Monday Memo 10/12/21

mel@melreis.com (Mel Reis) — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 18:27:08 GMT

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Monday Memo 10/4/21

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Monday Memo 9/27/21

mel@melreis.com (Mel Reis) — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 11:21:29 GMT

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Monday Memo 9/20/21

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Thank you Rebecca!

mel@melreis.com (Mel Reis) — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 16:29:12 GMT

For your six years of service to the Board of Trustees

Roy Starling, Head of School at The Riverside School (left) is shown presenting a certificate of “diploma” in appreciation of Rebecca Hill-Larsen’s six years of service as board president from 2015 - 2021. A mock graduation reception of gratitude was held by Riverside faculty to recognize her additional years as an active parent volunteer, and she was awarded a personalized cutting board from the Board of Trustees. Rebecca is the parent of two Riverside alumni and lives in Kirby, VT.

Monday Memo 9/13/21

mel@melreis.com (Mel Reis) — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 19:03:15 GMT

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Monday Memo 9/7/21

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Monday Memo 8/31/21

mel@melreis.com (Mel Reis) — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 20:16:25 GMT

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Monday Memo 6/1/2021

takuyashim@gmail.com (Tak Shimamura) — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 22:15:58 GMT

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Monday Memo 5/24/2021

takuyashim@gmail.com (Tak Shimamura) — Tue, 25 May 2021 17:45:14 GMT

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Monday Memo 5/17/2021

jay@northeastkingdomonline.com (jay@northeastkingdomonline.com ) — Tue, 18 May 2021 04:33:43 GMT

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Monday Memo 5/10/2021

takuyashim@gmail.com (Tak Shimamura) — Tue, 11 May 2021 01:46:27 GMT

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Monday Memo 5/3/2021

takuyashim@gmail.com (Tak Shimamura) — Tue, 04 May 2021 02:04:08 GMT

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Monday Memo 4/26/2021

takuyashim@gmail.com (Tak Shimamura) — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 13:16:09 GMT

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Monday Memo 4/12/2021

takuyashim@gmail.com (Tak Shimamura) — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 05:19:30 GMT

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Monday Memo 4/5/2021

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The Riverside School Plans New Pavilion Dedicated to Teachers

mel@melreis.com (Mel Reis) — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 14:56:18 GMT

As part of its year-long celebration to honor the 40 ^th anniversary of the school, plans are underway to construct a new timber frame pavilion to honor current and former Riverside teachers. The structure, with an estimated size of 24 x 36 feet, will be used as a key instructional resource and gathering space for the Growing Riverside Outside (G.R.O.) program.

“Riverside’s teachers want to enhance curriculum through the lenses of outdoor and place-based education, developing students who are more active, engaged, patient, and supportive, and preparing them for the serious environmental and social challenges of their future. While creating connectivity and investigating the natural areas on our campus, we need spaces for students to question, discuss, record, and present what they are learning,” said Head of School, Roy Starling.

Established during the summer of 2020, the Growing Riverside Outside (G.R.O) program brings together faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and community partners to focus on enhancing curriculum through the lenses of outdoor and place-based education. The goals for the G.R.O. program include the re-wilding of campus, a review of professional development and curriculum with faculty, and to establish teaching resources with the new pavilion serving as a key resource for the school and community.

A generous donation to the G.R.O. program has funded classes with Bobby Farlice-Rubio, Science Educator from the Fairbanks museum and the project has received a $4,994 grant from the Northeast Kingdom Fund from the Vermont Community Foundation.

“We have a team of teachers who are passionate about environmental and place-based education, thinking about and seeking the tools they need to do that in the most impactful ways they can,” said Nelia Rath, Assistant Head of School and Chair of the G.R.O. Committee. “In addition to tools and training, we need an outdoor classroom space, and we want that to be our Teachers’ Pavilion. This initiative not only supports the outdoor education initiative, but it helps to improve how we address all aspects of our mission.”

Through the generous support of members of the Riverside community, 50% of the resources required for the project have been raised with the focus on fundraising now targeting the general public. The school has also introduced a new website to serve as a central communications resource and to highlight the plans for the 40 ^th anniversary and pavilion. The new website was funded by a $3,000 Restart Vermont Technical Assistance Program grant (ReVTA) through the Northeastern Vermont Development Association. The design for the website was provided by Northeast Kingdom Online located in Lyndonville, VT.

In-kind donations have been offered by area architects, contractors, and site-work specialists. Timbers are being donated and milled and solar panels have been donated for electricity. The school is working with the town of Lyndonville and area engineers for final plans and permits.

“The energy and commitment for this project from our Riverside community is exciting and I am very pleased with the support we have obtained to date,” said Starling. “The pandemic has exposed the importance of teaching outdoors and I know all of us at Riverside feel fortunate to teach in this beautiful part of the country. We remain grateful for the confidence in our school that is being expressed by our Riverside family and the surrounding community.”

Monday Memo 3/29/2021

takuyashim@gmail.com (Tak Shimamura) — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 13:21:20 GMT

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Monday Memo 3/22/2021

mel@melreis.com (Mel Reis) — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 19:30:23 GMT

Riverside School Competes in Scholar's Bowl

mel@melreis.com (Mel Reis) — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 20:12:06 GMT

The Riverside School middle school Scholars Bowl team prepared for and hosted a meet in early February. Because there is not a middle school Scholars Bowl league in northern Vermont or New Hampshire, coaches Roy Starling, Caroline Thompson, and Nathan Gair reached out to schools in the region and put together a virtual meet.

Riverside’s teams practiced several times a week over the few months preceding the meet. Most competitions in Scholars Bowl focus on general academic knowledge, but since this was an introductory meet for middle schoolers, most of the questions came from pre-determined study areas. Teammates split their efforts into study areas such as U.S. Presidents, geography, geometry and graphing, earth science, and current world leaders. Both Riverside teams did very well: the “Green” team went 3-1 and the “Blue” team went 1-2, with all three combined Riverside losses coming at the hands of the undefeated Frances Richmond MS team (from Hanover, NH).

“I want to congratulate our team members who are all 7th-graders: Camryn and Lydia Reimert, Riley Washington, Lennon Daffinrud, Sam Keith, Jeremiah Watson, Seda Boles, and Bryn Waring. We appreciate their hard work and, more importantly, the kindness and support they showed to our guests Wednesday evening,” said coach and head of school Roy Starling.”

Lamoille coach and Humanities teacher Chris Bologna added, "We appreciate the flexibility and efforts of everyone involved in putting an online Scholars Bowl together. We had a great time!"

Going forward, the school may host another Scholars Bowl event later in the spring, but for now, most of the teammates are turning their attention to Latin Club, which will host an academic event for students from Vermont and New Hampshire on April 1st and is also busily preparing for next year’s Yale Invitational Certamen.

Riverside Awarded Grant to Expand Outdoor Education

mel@melreis.com (Mel Reis) — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 20:15:58 GMT

The Riverside School has received a $4,994 grant from the Vermont Community Foundation’s Northeast Kingdom Fund. The grant will help further Riverside’s mission of active learning by expanding resources and safety through outdoor education.

The grant supports an initiative entitled “G.R.O. – Growing Riverside Outside” which was started this past summer in celebration of the school’s 40 ^th anniversary. The G.R.O. committee, comprised of faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and community partners is focusing on enhancing curriculum through the lenses of outdoor and place-based education. Students and faculty will restore and create connectivity in natural areas on campus through increased habitat and biodiversity.

“This effort encourages possibilities for new learning in a variety of curricular areas,” said Roy Starling, Head of School. “It encourages interaction with the natural world, creating a “land lab” with countless possibilities for learning. Outdoor, place-based education practices directly connect to our value of active learning.”

The Northeast Kingdom Fund is a permanent philanthropic resource dedicated to supporting the people and communities of Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans Counties. Its grants are decided by a committee of local residents, providing philanthropy for the Kingdom, by the Kingdom.

“We have three goals to achieve in order to bring this philosophy into best practice: the re-wilding of campus, curriculum review and professional development, and establishing teaching resources like tools and signage plus the construction of a timber-framed pavilion dedicated to Riverside’s faculty, past and present,” said Nelia Dwyer, Assistant Head of School and Chair of the G.R.O Committee.

The Riverside School is a dynamic independent day school for grades Pre-K through 8 ^th grade in Lyndonville, VT. For more information, visit www.theriversideschool.org.

Fall Field Trip

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 19:16:00 GMT

Here are a few images from our alternate and COVID-safe Fall Field Trip days this week. Pods of Riversiders hiked Mt. Pisgah, paddled on Lake Salem and Lake Willoughby, explored the East Branch of the Passumpsic, built fires and shelters in Willoughby State Forest, tie-dyed shirts, problem solved in groups, painted rocks to decorate the heron sculpture in the cedar circle, considered community trivia, and raced in silly relays. #PatientLeadership . Here's to another great year!

https://theriversideschool.smugmug.com/.../Fall-Field-Trip-/

The Riverside School Begins New School Year-Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 01:51:00 GMT

Lyndonville, VT – The Riverside School began its 40th year of operation on September 8th by welcoming 106 students in Pre-K – 8th grade from 14 towns and villages including: Barnet, Burke, Danville, East Haven, Glover, Kirby, Guildhall, Lyndon, McIndoe Falls, Newark, Ryegate, St. Johnsbury, Peacham, and Westmore. “The challenges we are facing from the pandemic are introducing new opportunities for us as a school,” said Head of School, Roy Starling. “Many of us are invigorated by the chance to grow our outdoor education program with additional room in our new block schedule for daily electives like mindfulness, STEM, and coding. Because of our small class sizes, we’ve also been able to create multi-grade pods that encourage co-teaching and student leadership.”

Communications to parents continued throughout the summer as the leadership team worked to develop plans to meet the state guidelines. Modifications due to the pandemic include increased outdoor teaching space, installation of handwashing and hand sanitizing stations, upgrades to the air handling system, writing a schedule that accommodates pod groupings, and re-envisioning how spaces are used. In addition, Starling worked with Riverside’s Board of Trustees to host a pop-up COVID testing site on campus, purchased a set of rapid-result COVID tests should they be needed during the year, purchased tents, and hired additional staff to ensure a safe and comprehensive program for the year.“I presented the plan for the opening of school to faculty and staff during in- service and they all responded by rolling up their sleeves and making this a truly collaborative effort to support our students and families,” said Starling.

Assistant Head of School Nelia Rath sees the connection to one of Riverside’s core values. “We are both celebrating and depending on our supportive community this year. We are grateful to the families who volunteered to help with campus improvements and understand the need to be flexible as we begin the year under these new parameters. We are also relying heavily on each other to follow state guidelines even away from school, to communicate openly, and to respect the policies we must implement this year.”Two faculty members of Riverside have accepted new opportunities for the new school year. After building Riverside’s Pre-K program to the highest rating by the State of Vermont, Heidi Andrews will be teaching 1st grade. She has been an early childhood (Pre-K-3rd grade) educator for 18 years. She taught Pre-K for 14 years and led her own preschool business in Danville for 7 years. In 2015, she moved her Pre-K program to Riverside and started The Riverside School Pre-K Program.

Carmenza Montague, Riverside’s current K-5 Spanish teacher, will take over Spanish instruction to middle school students as well. Montague has been at Riverside for three years and was recently honored as a National Geographic Educator for her project with students to track the journey of Hispanic immigrants to the State of Vermont.The school is also pleased to welcome three new members to their faculty. Kristen Langlais will serve as the new Elementary Music Teacher. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Biology and a concentration in Conservation Biology. She also received a MS in Natural Resources from the University of New Hampshire. She has taught elementary through high school science and math in several local schools including Riverside (2001-2003), Burke Mountain Academy, Thaddeus Stevens, St. Johnsbury Academy, and Lyndon Town. In addition, she is a licensed Kindermusik® teacher. She is a co-founder of East Burke School and Farm, Field, and Forest, a non-profit nature education organization based in East Burke, where she currently leads nature programs and summer camps.Jamie Robinson is the new Preschool Director. She has taught kindergarten and 1st grade for nine years at the St. Johnsbury School, St. Albans City School, and Barton Academy and Graded School. She holds a BS in Liberal Studies and Early Childhood Education from NVU-Lyndon and a M.Ed. from Southern New Hampshire University.Caroline Thompson will join as a middle school Math Teacher. As an educator for over 15 years, she has been active in regional STEM programs, led her own middle school team in writing and implementing interdisciplinary units, and served as an advisor for the White Mountains Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. She was a finalist for the New Hampshire Teacher of the Year in 2012 and the recipient of the Amelia B. Morse Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2015. She has a BA from Johnson State College and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Franklin Pierce University. Plans are underway to host several 40th Anniversary celebrations throughout the school year. For more information on The Riverside School, visit www.theriversideschool.org

The Riverside School Celebrates Graduation for the Class of 2020

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 17:34:00 GMT

LYNDONVILLE, VT - The Riverside School was pleased to welcome students and parents on Saturday, June 6th for the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020. The ceremony, for eleven graduates, was held outside at the Riverside School with social distancing and each student was called individually to receive their diploma. The members of the Class of 2020 are Charlie Balcom, Maaike Dam, Teagan Desrochers, Henry Griffin, CJ Hunt, Eliza Noel, Lacey Patoine, Donovan Randall, Josie Rowell, Ethan Spence, and Gus Yerkes.

A committee of faculty members planned a special version of Riverside’s graduation that met health guidelines while honoring Riverside’s traditions. At 10:00 a.m. the school released a video that included photos, music, speeches, awards, and recognition of the 8th graders on an online platform. At 1:00 p.m. faculty, 8th graders, and their families met at Riverside for a physically-distant conferring of diplomas around the cedars, which was broadcast live on an online video platform.Nancy Phillips served as the graduation speaker and spoke to graduates via an online platform. She served as a teacher at The Riverside School for ten years from 2005-2015. Phillips started her career at Riverside as a part-time 5th grade language arts teacher. She moved to full-time in 2006 as the combined 4th-5th grade teacher, instructing in the library and then the carriage house. From 2011 to 2015, she was the combined K-1st grade teacher. Phillips was the K-1st grade teacher when the Riverside’s kindergarten program started, and those students are now representing the Class of 2020. Head of School Michelle Ralston, who will be retiring this year, shared words of gratitude with the Riverside faculty, students, and the Riverside community. She presented flower arrangements to teachers who are retiring or leaving Riverside and wished all a happy and healthy summer. Graduation was preceded with a parade during the late morning of Friday, June 5th where 8th graders and staff stood around the cedar circle on campus while friends and families of PreK-7th grade drove around the loop to share best wishes for a happy future.

2020 Awards

Academic Improvement - Isla Boles ‘25, Jeronimo Deyhle ‘22, Zoë Glentz Brush ‘21, Simon Miller ‘21

Arts - Molly Aeberhard ‘23, Pearl Aeberhard ‘23, Annie Alexander ‘22, Charlie Balcom ‘20, Isla Boles ‘25, Micah Killam ‘25, Maceo Kramar ‘22, Macy Moore ‘22, Phoenix Newell ‘26, Lacey Patoine ‘20. Donovan Randall ‘20, Chris Watson ‘21.

Athletics - Gabe Adams ‘24, Carter Amidon ‘26, Zoe Bunnell ‘26, Alice Keller ‘27, Paul Patoine ‘28, Trixie Shackleton ‘21, Gabi Young ‘23

Citizenship - Kellan Bristol ‘24, Zoe Bunnell ‘26, Adrienne Desrochers ‘22, Teagan Desrochers ‘22, Louisa Linehan ‘25, Harper Smyth ‘21

Boswell Math and Science Award - Cora Adams ‘25, Annie Alexander ‘22, Sylvan Balcom ‘23, Emily Counter ‘21, Ben Holder ‘27, CJ Hunt ‘20, Eli Michalski ‘28, Kingston Newell, 23, Trixie Shackleton ‘21, Ethan Spence ‘20, Julia Spence ‘23

Lindbergh-Newell Humanities Award - Annie Alexander ‘22, Josie Rowell ‘20, Harper Smyth ‘21

Koehne World Language Award - Peregrine Bongaarts Weiss ‘28, Kellan Bristol ‘24, Esme Cobb ‘23, Maaike Dam ‘20, Anika Giese ‘21, Sam Keith ‘22, Conall Kennedy ‘25, Phoenix Newell ‘26, Eliza Noel ‘21

Young Heron Award - Esme Cobb ‘23, Sawyer Daffinrud ‘24

Janus Award - Ethan Lussier ‘21

8th Grade Awards

Founders Cup of the Arts - Maaike Dam, Eliza Noel

Thompson Award for Athletics - Teagan Desrochers, Henry Griffin, Gus Yerkes

Mary Williams Academic Excellence - Maaike Dam

Heron Award - Henry Griffin, Josie Rowell

Founders Bowl - Maaike Dam, CJ Hunt

A Different Kind of Graduation

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:51:00 GMT

Distancing guidelines in Vermont compelled a non-traditional ceremony for the class of 2020. This time honored tradition had certain consistencies: the cedar trees, “Gaudeamus Igitur,” and meaningful words about our students from their teachers. Those goals were accomplished through prerecorded audio and video presentations and a live video of 8th graders walking alone through empty cedar trees to pick up their diplomas from a table in front of the house. Our school community logged-on and tuned-in to watch together, sharing in the celebration through comment feeds.

Part 1 of Graduation: pre-recorded video of photos, speeches, and awards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DB5JFyQeIg

Descriptions of award recipients by their teachers: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p_pAucyFsQhQ-gKa0Q7769Yrw20GI037J9H5J78L5Ok/edit

Part 2 of Graduation: live video of 8th graders getting diplomas at Riverside: https://www.facebook.com/theriversideschoolinVermont/videos/261092281771659/

Riverside School Welcomes Graduation Speaker for the Class of 2020

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 18:57:00 GMT

Lyndonville, VT - The Riverside School, an independent school for grades Pre-K through 8th grade, is pleased to announce that Nancy Phillips will be the Graduation Speaker for the Class of 2020. She served as a teacher at The Riverside School for 10 years, from 2005-2015.

Phillips started her career at Riverside as a part-time 5th grade language arts teacher. She moved to full-time in 2006 as the combined 4th-5th grade teacher, instructing in the library and then the carriage house. From 2011 – 2015, she was the combined K-1st grade teacher. Phillips was the K-1st grade teacher when the Riverside’s kindergarten program started, and those students are now representing the Class of 2020.

Phillips is also a respected herbalist and farmer, hosting retreats on her farm. She is a published author of The Herbalist’s Way and a certified yoga teacher. Her husband Michael is a professional apple farmer and author. She also leads the Heartsong Wellness Center in northern New Hampshire. The Center is dedicated to cultivating peace, joy, and radiant health for individuals, the land, and the planet through Holistic Health Coaching, Wellness Workshops, Yoga, Women’s Retreats, and Organic Orchard and Garden Intensives. For information, visit heartsongfarmwellness.com.

Phillips holds a degree in Social Work and received Advanced Herbal Training with Rosemary Gladstar, world-renowned herbalist from Sage Mountain. She is a certified Holistic Health Coach via the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and a certified Yoga Instructor via the Heart Space Yoga Center. She is the co-author, with her husband, of The Herbalists Way: The Art and Practice of Healing With Plant Medicines.

“Throughout her teaching career, Nancy has incorporated environmental sustainability and gardening into her curriculum,” said Michelle Ralston, Head of School. “Our students were so fortunate to experience Nancy’s passion for farming and learning to appreciate the value of a holistic lifestyle in life every day.”

Nancy and Michael Phillips are parents to Riverside alumna Grace Phillips ’09. Grace recently graduated from Mount Holyoke College and assists her parents with classes and retreats at the farm.

Graduation ceremonies for Riverside will take place on Saturday, June 6th with a private ceremony for students and families.

Riverside Staff Delivers Learning Materials Directly to Student Homes

Mon, 04 May 2020 14:27:00 GMT

Lyndonville, VT - The COVID-19 outbreak has forced unprecedented changes to education and like other schools throughout the country, systems are being updated to respond to an environment of “learning from home.”

“We are starting to see opportunities to improve systems to keep our students and parents engaged during this time of stay safe and stay home,” said Michelle Ralston, Head of School. “School cannot be all remote learning. We are defining this period at Riverside as “home-based learning” where we work on standards and content that encourages the entire family’s involvement in their child’s learning.”

When the lockdown first started, parents where coming to campus to pick up materials to bring home. As the state increased the number of mandates for stay safe/stay home, parents became more apprehensive to drive to campus.

During the school week, Riverside faculty prepare individual student folders with learning materials for the following week. The folders are placed on the front porch of the school every Friday. On Saturday afternoons, Michelle Ralston, Sarah Broome, Assistant Teacher in Pre-K, and Sean Fortier, Health and Wellness Teacher for Grades PreK- 8 and the Director of the Extended Day Program load the folders into large family resource bags and deliver them to the homes of Riverside families. They also pickup completed student work to take back to Riverside to distribute back to faculty. Resource bags are delivered to families of students in grades Pre-K – 3, sometimes for families of grades 4 and 5 (they have a mix of hands-on and digital), and grades 6-8 are all digital. 44 families are being served within a 40-mile radius from the school. The entire process takes the drivers three hours to complete.

Students are still encouraged to interact with each other every day, but online instead of in-person. “Our elementary grades start the day with Morning Meeting, just like a typical school day. Our educational bags include hands-on materials such as worksheets, magnetic letters, manipulatives, and puzzles. These are supplemented with digital resources, like videos and online games. We are also working with parents to incorporate hobbies and passions of family members into daily learning,” said Ralston.

“This world event has become an experience where we all are managing change on a daily, if not hourly, basis. I am proud of our faculty, staff, and parents who are working together to ensure that this period in history is a safe, healthy, and positive learning experience for their children.”