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Weekly News & Updates

December 04, 2022

Administration


Dr. Robert Compton

Head of School


Ms. Erica McCray

Elementary Principal


Dr. Christina Dempsey

Secondary Principal

6 - 9


Mr. Richard Ball

Secondary Principal

10 - 12


Ms. Dwana Tillman

Assistant Principal

K - 9


Other Contacts


Ms. Kathryn Carr

School Counselor

K - 6


Ms. Caroline Menges

School Counselor

7 - 12


Ms. Christine Born

Program Coordinator/ College & Career Counselor

10 - 12


Mr. Chris Carroll

Dean of Students


Ms. Shenelle Mabey

Student Information


Ms. Katie Robinson

Front Office


Nurse Donna

School Nurse


Ms. Kelly Burns

Food Services

K - 9

Riverwalk Academy App



Download our Riverwalk Academy app to see updates, announcements, and other resource:



Pride,


I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. It was a busy weekend at my house. I'm one of the team leaders for ChristmasVille, so much of the past four days have been spent hanging out on Main Street in Rock Hill. My famliy and I are big believers in "making a difference" by volunteering our time to different causes, like this weekend's community event.


For ChristmasVille, I'm the team lead for mascots, which means making sure that Freddy, the Coke Polar Bear, and Grant, the Gnome are available to make appearances at the different events. It's a lot of fun and I get to work with Beta Club students from the different schools around York County. But what I love most about it is seeing the impact from the work. I saw thousands of adults and children all weekend, and I even ran into quite a few Riverwalk Academy students (some pictured above and many not pictured). Look at the smiles on their faces . . . it's awesome.


This is not meant to be a "pro" ChristmasVille post, but a pro "making a difference" post. Making a difference sometimes means giving time (i.e. the Riverwalk Academy PTO who spent Saturday transforming our school into a winter wonderland - I can't wait for the students and staff to see this Monday morning).


Sometimes making a difference means throwing you pocket change into the donation bin.


And sometimes making a difference means simply doing or saying something nice to or for someone else.


What if everyone could adopt a "making a difference" philosophy? What if instead of going on social media and calling out the car that cut you off and didn't use their blinker, you make a positive post about the students who are making a difference by standing out in the cold and opening the car doors for our students?


Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” What are your thoughts about this?


Have a great week!


In Strength and Blessings,


~Dr. Compton

Photo of the Week


Our RiverTech Students are getting into the Holiday Spirit by making ornaments during their lunch break!

A Note from PTO


We are collecting $5 gift cards to give to each of the Riverwalk Staff for the holidays.  Between now and and December 14th, please consider sending in a $5 gift card (or two) to the front office. There will be a collection box on Ms. Robinson's desk for them to be dropped off.

Thank you for helping us, help our outstanding staff!

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!

Sign Up Here

The New Student Lottery Application for 2023-2024 is now available on our website. This in for NEW students that are not currently enrolled at Riverwalk. Information regarding the Intent to Return Form that you will need to complete for your student that is currently attending Riverwalk will be sent out in January.

Sign Up or Learn More

Attention Parents: Important Attendance Info


Parents: please be reminded that our school day starts at 8am. Any student arriving at school after 8am must have an adult sign them in tardy at the kiosk in the front office. There may be some occasions where you may see faculty still linger around outside or even walk in with your student, however your student must be signed in to be counted present for the school day.


This also applies if you are returning a student back to school after an appointment. It is imperative that we have accurate attendance throughout the day, every day.


If you have any questions regarding attendance and or tardies, please contact Ms. Robinson.


School Lunches (K - 9th Grade)


The new menu for December has been uploaded to our website. 

Lunch Menu
ImageForNews_721710_16599712842538987 image

COVID

Pride, we adjusted our COVID-related protocols to be more inline with the latest DHEC recommendations (which were updated on 8/15/22).  The latest DHEC guidance can be found here. 


If your child tests positive for COVID, please use this form to communicate this to Nurse Donna. If you have any COVDI-related questions, please contact Nurse Donna

A Note from Ms. Carr

Greetings,


I hope everyone had a fabulous week back after a wonderful break. It was a good week for me. I got back in the classroom and saw some students individually. I had productive meetings and my last two days with the Girls on the Run group. It was a busy week but it a rewarding busy. 


In the classroom, we talked about the Rivers’ Way “Be Respectful”. I had originally planned something slightly different, but found a wonderful set of activities to use with the book Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein. It is a fun story with a little red chicken that continually interrupts. All of the activities are fun and engaging and remind them of some key elements of the story. I start by having the students define the word respect and move into the book and then they do the activity.

Behind the scenes, we (Ms. Menges and I) are working on a counseling plan for the school. It is really important for us to make sure you all understand what we do and the why behind it. It will be available in the next few months and will give you some insight into what we do with our time. It will also have resources you can hopefully use if necessary. Remember, we are both here for you and your students. 


I hope you all have a productive positive week!


Hugs,

Ms. Carr

Map Testing

We will have Middle of the Year (MOY) ELA and Math MAP testing the week December 12, 2022 - December 16, 2022. Your child's teacher will send more information on the specific days their class will be testing.


On the day of testing, please encourage your child to do their best. It is normal for your child to not know all the answers and this is not a pass or fail test. It will not affect their grade. The results from this test will help the teacher know what your child is ready to learn and what areas they may need more support in.

Elementary Yearbooks


Just wanted you to know that you can go ahead and purchase the yearbook for this school year if you want to get a head start.




Order Now

A Note from Dr. Dempsey

Hello Pride!!


We have had a great week coming back from Thanksgiving break. I hope you all had a restful and relaxing holiday and were able to recharge your batteries as we head into the holiday season.


We have two full weeks remaining in the nine weeks, please work with your students to make sure they have completed all work. Please encourage them to finish the nine weeks strong and with their best foot forward.


Since we have come back from the break, we are seeing an increase in students with hoodies and hats, while we understand in the cooler weather students need more layers, please remind students that hats and hoods must be removed in the building. Please also insure that students leave blankets at home, these are creating a distraction in the classroom and can be a safety hazard.


We will be MAPS testing December 12 and 13th. We will have spirit days the last five days prior to the break and more information will be coming soon!


I would like to remind you about the Caregiver 101 session Tuesday, December 6 at 6:00 pm at Eastview Baptist Church. We will have NAMI presenting on mental health and we hope to see many of you there. There will be a link in this newsletter and a link on Facebook to RSVP. There will be refreshments provided and the information presented will be informative and helpful.


As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. We truly are honored that you trust us with your students.


Warmly,

Christy Dempsey

Map Testing

We will have Middle of the Year (MOY) ELA and Math MAP testing the week December 12, 2022 - December 16, 2022. Your child's teacher will send more information on the specific days their class will be testing.


On the day of testing, please encourage your child to do their best. It is normal for your child to not know all the answers and this is not a pass or fail test. It will not affect their grade. The results from this test will help the teacher know what your child is ready to learn and what areas they may need more support in.

A Note from Ms. Menges

Hello Lions!


What a nice time I had relaxing over break and spending time with loved ones. I did lots of eating, some running, shopping, and got to rest a good bit too! But it sure was good to be back with everyone this week. I hope each and every one of you have people in your life that you can consider as “your people.” The ones you love to spend your days with. The ones who support you and always have your back. I sure am grateful to have “my people.” If you feel like you don’t have “your people,” I hope you feel like your lion's family is a group you can turn to. We are always here for support. Let’s have a great couple of weeks before the new year!

Here's what we have going on in the coming week... 


Things to note: 

-Those who took the PSAT on October 12th, you can expect to receive scores back on December 6th, 2022. You will need to have an account with College Board to receive those scores. Please reach out if you have any questions. 


-11th and 12th graders, don't forget to check out our biweekly newsletter called "The Upperclassmen Tribune." This will give you great resources regarding college, scholarships, and careers. 


-9th graders, IGP (individualized graduation plan) meetings are going to start up in January. Parents be on the lookout for an email where you will be able to sign up for a time slot to meet about your student.  


-10th thru 12th graders, if you are taking any Virtual SC courses, please reach out to me at cmenges@riverwalkacademy.com to schedule a time to take your exams. These must be taken between 12/06 and 12/08.


Quote of the Week:

“Some people think they are in community, but they are only in proximity. True community requires commitment and openness. It is a willingness to extend yourself to encounter and know the other.” –David Spangler


Sincerely,

Ms. Menges

Dear Riverwalk Academy families,


The End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP) is a statewide assessment program of end-of-course tests for gateway courses awarded units of credit in English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. The EOCEP encourages instruction in the specific standards for the courses, encourages student achievement, and documents the level of students’ mastery of the academic standards.....


Read More Here

Middle/High Yearbook


Just wanted you to know that you can go ahead and purchase the yearbook for this school year if you want to get a head start.

Order Now

RiverTech Students

(a catchy-name for our 10th-12th grade students)

A Note from Mr. Ball

Hello PRIDE,

It’s hard to believe we are at the end of the first semester. Students will finish up EOCs in Biology on Monday. Teacher made exams will be Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday students will take their 1st and 3rd period exams and Wednesday students will take their 2nd and 4th period exams. Exams do count 20% of the students overall grade.


We are going to finish the semester with a post-exam celebration for the students. Please consider donating any store bought foods such as chips, candy, cookies, canned drinks, paper products, etc. These items can be sent to Mr. Ball at the York Tech Campus. If you are unable to get to the store but want to help, we will accept cash and go make purchases for the students as well.


I have enjoyed getting to know you and your students this semester and look forward to a great second semester. I want to wish each of you a safe and happy holiday season.


As always, reach out if you have any questions.


Thank you for your continued support,

Richard

803-981-7061

Rivertech Information

Dear Riverwalk Academy families,


The End-of-Course Examination Program (EOCEP) is a statewide assessment program of end-of-course tests for gateway courses awarded units of credit in English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. The EOCEP encourages instruction in the specific standards for the courses, encourages student achievement, and documents the level of students’ mastery of the academic standards.....


Read More Here

Dual Enrollment Students

Congratulations, YTC students! You are in the final three days of your current classes. Take a deep breath and enjoy the month-long break coming your way! You have more than earned it.


I have 3 "to-dos" for you this week:

  1. Please take a minute to check your Navigate platform for your Spring classes and make sure that you see the classes you're supposed to have. If you don't see them, let me know.
  2. If you haven't yet, make sure you turn in your MOA form to Office D 19 before classes are finished on Wednesday. If you need me to send that form digitally, please let me know.
  3. Take a real break over the holidays. Put your backpack away, spend time with your family, and give your brain time to relax. Seniors, you're getting ready to start the final semester of your high school career! I hope you all come back rested and rejuvenated in January.



York Tech classes begin on January 9th- make sure you're familiar with your schedule and know where/when you need to be in class. Don't hesitate to reach out to me if you need anything. I will periodically check my email over break, just in case. I hope you all have a great holiday- I'm proud of you!

Senior Announcements

Seniors! Please save the date for our next Senior Meeting!

Sophomore Announcements

Sophomores- Save the date for your first class ring meeting!

Make-Up School Information

(Grades 10-12)

  • There is a charge of $20 per session payable in advance at the Riverwalk Academy Store..
  • This must be paid in advance.
  • Students must be on time.
  • Students will not be admitted to make up school sessions late.
  • Make up school is held in room D-20.
  • Students must bring lunch with them when they enter the D-20 classroom. No deliveries will be allowed by family, friends, etc - NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • Students must be working on assignments or reading while in the make-up session. Students that are being disruptive, not on task, or not following directions will be asked to leave. They will not receive a refund nor credit for any missed time.

Summer Opportunities for High School Students


High school students! I know summer break seems far away, but it’s never too early to start thinking about your future. Click on the links below to learn about some fun summer opportunities through LeHigh University and the University of Pittsburgh. I encourage you to attend the interest sessions if you're curious to learn more. 



Iacocca Global Entrepreneurship Intensive


University of Pittsburgh Health Career Scholars Academy

Interest Session

PadLet 

Don't forget to check the Riverwalk Academy Padlet daily for updates on scholarships. Opportunities are uploaded frequently, so don't miss your chance to earn some cash for college!

Padlet

Middle/ High Yearbook


Just wanted you to know that you can go ahead and purchase the yearbook for this school year if you want to get a head start.




Order Now

Fall Sports for all 7th - 12th Grade Students


If you have any questions about playing sports for Riverwalk, please contact the coach or contact our Athletic Director, Coach Ball.


Basketball season starts this week. Our home games will be played at the Rock Hill Events and Sports Center. Our players and coaches have been working hard to prepare for the season and would love to have you come support the teams.


Tickets for home games are $5.00 and should be purchased online


Upcoming schedule:



If you have any questions regarding athletics at Riverwalk Academy please contact Mr. Ball at rball@riverwalkacademy.com or 803-981-7061.


Follow us on:

Monday: 12/05/22

  • EOC Biology I Small Groups
  • Basketball vs Midlands STEM - 5:00 pm


Tuesday: 12/06/22

  • Basketball vs Governors School - 5:00 pm JV, 6:30 pm Varsity
  • Caregiver 101 - 6:00 pm


Wednesday: 12/07/22

  • No Scheduled Events


Thursday: 12/08/22

  • Spring Track and Golf Interest Meeting for 7th-12th graders in Coach Wilson's Room - 3:30 pm


Friday: 12/09/22

  • Terrific Kid Ceremony 8:30 am


Saturday: 12/10/22

  • Let Me Run 5K

Pride Believe. Pride Achieve. 

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