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Weekly News & Updates

March 12, 2023

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:



Happy Sunday, Pride!


This past Friday, I had about 2 hours to "hang" around and think about ways we, as adults, can help share our love for reading with our students.


We want our children to love reading because it makes such a huge difference in their development and achievement. From K - 2nd Grade, kids learn to read and then for the rest of their lives, they read to learn. How can we share a love for reading with our children? 


Take time to read with them. 

When parents read to their child twenty minutes a day, research indicates the child will perform better than 90% of other students on standardized tests. More importantly, reading with your child helps you connect with him. You have the chance to talk with and listen to her. It provides a common time for you to shift out of your world into theirs. 


Make sure they have books to read. 

When children have books available, it removes one more barrier to reading. Whether they are borrowed or bought or online, we want to be sure appropriate books are accessible for our students. Did you know we have a Little Free Library in our parking lot. Online resources are available, too, but be sure to know what they are reading on their devices. Giving books as gifts for birthdays and special occasions is another way to tell them that books are special. Your child's teacher can help you know their reading levels and interests if you need help. 


Talk about it. 

Some of our best conversations with our own two children revolved around what they were reading. Ask questions like: "What are you reading?" "Tell me about what you are reading." "What authors/topics/interests do you like (or not like) right now in your reading?" "Do you like more fiction or non-fiction?" Be sure you can answer those questions for your own reading as well. The best conversations happen when both you and your child read the same books. 


Be creative and persistent. 

Some children enjoy reading more than others. (That was definitely true for our Campbell and Maggie.) It is a more difficult process for some to learn to read. Remember that all literature counts. Whether it is magazines or books or instruction manuals, it is all reading. Yes, a comic book is reading. A sports column is reading. A recipe is reading. An email is reading. The back of the cereal box is reading. A book read aloud is reading. Lyrics to a song is reading. Sometimes we think that reading only works with a book in a child's hands. For some of our little ones, we have to think more broadly and widely to help them connect to the purpose and value of reading.


As always, our children will best "catch" the value of reading when they see us doing it. I hope you will reflect on what works best with your child so you can share the love of reading with them.


In Strength and Blessings,

~Dr. Compton

Photo of the Week


On March 9, the SCPCSD Board voted to renew Riverwalk Academy’s charter for an additional ten years!

Senior Spotlight

A Note from Ms. Mabey


Each year, the South Carolina Department of Education gathers parent and student feedback in order to ensure families have a voice in their children’s education and to comply with accountability mandates. Parent Climate Survey results inform decision making at the school, district, and state level and are included in the school’s annual report card.


The Parent and Student Climate Survey is for students in grade 3-12 and is anonymous and confidential and will take about 10-15 minutes to complete. It can be found in the Parent Portal under the Forms tab on the left hand side. If you do not have a Parent Portal account, please email Mrs. Mabey at smabey@riverwalkacademy.com.


Your time and effort in completing this survey is greatly appreciated and will help Riverwalk Academy continuously improve your and your child’s experience in our district.


Instructions for Families


Instructions for Students

Do you have a sweet tooth?


Do you need some chocolate to fill that sweet tooth? Riverwalk BPA is selling the Worlds Finest Chocolate for $1. You can purchase a chocolate bar from a BPA member or at the front desk of the Riverwalk Campus.

Ages 13 and Up!


Rad Lab is SCBio's free mobile and Chromebook-based game that connects students to life sciences careers and pathways in South Carolina. This 'Who Wants To Be a Skillionaire Contest' is awarding students across the state over $2,500 in gift cards, with additional opportunities for juniors and seniors to be entered to win one of several $1,000 scholarships upon earning the Life Science Skillionaire Badge.

This short video show's what's inside the game, from 100+ life science and STEM terms, jobs, salaries, post-secondary programs, and even DEI-supported avatars. Download the game today and start earning some $$$!!! Students can win prizes and scholarships through May 1, 2023!

School Lunches (K - 9th Grade)


Please remember if you are ordering your child’s lunch all orders need to be in by 10:00 pm the night before ( for instance if you want your child to have lunch on Tuesday you will need to order Monday by 10:00 pm.)

No orders will be counted for the same day.

This is to make sure our caterer is getting the correct count.


Thank you for your assistance,

Kelly Burns

Foodservice Coordinator 

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

No School This Friday

Wear Green on Thursday

A Note from Ms. Carr & Ms. Teague

Greetings,


Hats off to our Lions who won the Random Acts of Kindness drawing for February! Each of these students will receive a certificate and an Amazon gift card!


Atlee Dellinger – K – 2nd grade winner

Irene Soto – 3rd – 5th grade winner

Harley Hartman – 6th – 9th grade winner


We are proud of all our students who demonstrated (and continue to show) acts of kindness.  


How might we be more inclusive of others?

This week, we began our unit on diversity and inclusivity. We realize that children often form tighter relationships with some people but not others; therefore, we’re working to create a friendly environment where everyone can belong. Talk with your student about the importance of having a diverse friend group and welcoming others. As a family, discuss how you show inclusiveness toward others. 


This week, we invite our families to have (at least) one conversation about a tradition, culture, or viewpoint that is different from your own. Use language that is open, non-judgmental, and compassionate. Being inclusive does not mean that you compromise your own beliefs or ideas; rather, it leaves space for diversity of belief and thought. Consider how you feel when you talk and think about things without judgement.


((HUGS))),

Mrs. Carr and Ms. Teague

We need VOLUNTEERS!


Field Day will be May 4, 2023! Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. You will need to complete a background check to be able to volunteer: 

https://securevolunteer.com/riverwalk-academy/home

Sign Up Now

Calling All Boys 3rd - 5th Grade

Let Me Run is a nonprofit wellness program that inspires boys to be themselves, be active, and belong. With a comprehensive curriculum that applies the power of running, the program encourages boys to develop their psychological, emotional and social health, in addition to their physical health. Twice a week for seven weeks, two trained volunteer coaches lead an elementary or middle school team through practice. Designed to amplify confidence, self-expression, and respect for others, each practice includes a lesson from the Let Me Run curriculum that incorporates running, games and activities. Each fall and spring season culminates in a 5k race festival that celebrates the boys’ personal growth.


Registration at Riverwalk Academy is now open for grades 3 - 5! Spring season starts on March 28th, meets Tuesdays and Thursdays for an hour and fifteen minutes, and ends with a 5k race on May 20th. Visit LetMeRun.org to learn more and register. Space is limited. Questions? Email: mchannell@riverwalkacademy.com

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

No School This Friday

Wear Green on Thursday

A Note from Dr. Dempsey

Hello PRIDE!!


Thank you for another amazing week. Our students’ behavior has been great and students are working hard to close out the third nine weeks. 


This week our middle school teachers took the AMLE (Association for Middle Level Education) This I Believe pledge. This pledge is based on AMLE’s This We Believe evidence and research based book that supports the development of excellent middle schools.


Additionally, This We Believe supports and advocates for a model of middle school (serving students ages 10-15 years old) that challenges teachers and staff to provide and education that is:

  • Responsive and respects the growth of the adolescent as a whole
  • Challenging and encourages students to rise to high expectations and meets students where they are individually 
  • Empowering by encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning and take responsibility for learning how to better the world around them 
  • Equitable by providing a socially  just education for all students
  • Engaging by providing student led opportunities to learn and be motivated to achieve their highest potential. 


March is Middle Level Education Month. We will be hosting some additional activities to promote these ideals and to celebrate our Middle School students and staff. Check our Facebook page and the weekly newsletter for more information. 

As we are closing in on the last few weeks of the third quarter, please make sure your students are keeping up in class and getting assignments done and turned in. We know they are tired and looking forward to Spring Break, but we always want them to persevere and finish strong! 


Beta Club will meet on March 20, 2023 at 3:15 in Mr. Huggin’s room. If your student is a member, please make sure they attend. I will be sending out a reminder email next week. 


As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Warmly,

Dr. Christy Dempsey

A Note from Ms. Menges

Hello Everyone!


I had so much fun this weekend seeing some of you at the Checkers game. I always love getting to spend time with my lion family outside of school and seeing you all support these kinds of events. This coming weekend I am really looking forward to our 5K at the school! My husband and I will be running and cannot wait to do it alongside you all. If you have not signed up yet, do it! Whether you walk, run, or have to crawl (haha) across the finish line, we will do it together!

Here's what we have going on this week... 


Things to note: 

-This coming week is a busy week for 8th and 9th grade IGP meetings. In regards to phone calls or emails, please be patient as I will be spending the majority of the day meeting with students, and will get back to you as soon as possible. 


Quote of the Week:

“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.”

-Oprah Winfrey


Sincerely,

Ms. Menges

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)

Wear Green on Friday

A Note from Mr. Ball

Hello PRIDE,


I hope you are having a great weekend. Several of our clubs are conducting fundraisers and preparing for upcoming events.


Our BPA chapter is preparing for state and national competitions. They have been selling the World’s Finest Chocolate. They are also accepting donations to help with their travel expenses. If you or a business would like to give a donation, you can do so at our school store.


The National Honor Society and Beta Clubs are preparing or our Junior-Senior Prom in April. To help raise money to cover the cost of renting the venue, music, food, and decorations they are selling Krispy Kreme Digital Doughnut cards. These can also be purchased at the Riverwalk Store. The Beta Club will be helping at the 5K on Saturday, March 18. They will be selling hot dog plates at the 5K.


Just a reminder the 4-H program is offering leadership opportunities this summer for students entering 10th - 12th grade. Here are links about the programs:



Here are links about the programs:


As always, thank you for your continued support.

Richard

803-981-7061

Shuttle Information

The Business Professionals of America Riverwalk Chapter has a state conference at The Palmetto Learning Center in Chesterfield on Thursday, March 16. They will need to use the shuttle that day to transport students to the conference. The shuttle will not transport students to or from the York Tech campus this day. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

11th Grade Students: Save the Date

11th graders, SAVE THE DATE. Wednesday, March 29th for the South Carolina Career Ready Test which all 11th graders MUST take. This will take place at 8:30 on York Tech's campus. Those taking dual enrollment courses will need to prepare to make arrangements with their professors for this test. Reach out if you have any questions.

Senior Announcements

Seniors! It's getting close to time to celebrate all your hard work. The state of South Carolina wants to celebrate with you. Check out this flyer for more information about the SC College & Career Decision Day celebration on May 2, 2023. Reach out to Mrs. Born if you're planning to attend!

Seniors! Don't forget to complete your Graduation Exit Forms and return them to either Mrs. Mabey on main campus, or office D19 at York Tech. Forms must be returned NO LATER than March 20, 2023!

Exit Form

Sophomore and Junior Announcement

Sophomores and Juniors who are interested in taking dual enrollment classes next year will receive an email from me toward the end of March regarding a meeting to choose classes.

Dual Enrollment Students

I hope your first week in your new classes went well! I am excited to chat with each of you this coming week in our weekly check-in meetings. If you haven't done so already, please check your email and choose a day/time that works for you.Please note that the deadline has passed to add or drop a course for these 8 weeks. Dropping a course from here on out may have an effect on your transcript.Dual Enrollment students who have/will be completing a degree or certificate with York Tech by the end of this 8-week session:

  • The March 1 deadline to apply to walk at the graduation ceremony on May 9th has passed, however, if you are not intending to walk at the graduation, you still have time to complete the graduation form. This can be found in Navigate under Resources.
  • ALL students who are eligible to graduate with a degree or certificate with YT in May are invited to the Grad Fair on Tuesday, March 21st! Check out this flyer for more details.

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

Upcoming Events:

  • Monday, March 13 - Golf at Great Falls 3:45
  • Tuesday, March 14 - Golf vs Northwestern (Waterford GCC) 4:00
  • Tuesday, March 14 - Track at Northwestern 4:00
  • Thursday, March 16 - Track at York 4:00
  • Saturday, March 18 - St. Patricks Day 5K/Fun Run - 10:00


St. Patrick’s Day 5K

The athletic department is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, March 18. You can still register on the day of the event in person. Registration is $35.


We are going to add an additional award to the 5K. Some teams have expressed an interest in running in costume (example wearing green tutu’s). We really want this to be a fun experience for all so we will give an award to the best team or individual costume.



Below is a link to register for the 5K and Fun Run:



With your help we will make this event a huge success.


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: 03/13/23

  • Golf @ Great Falls - 3:45 pm


Tuesday: 03/14/23

  • Golf v Northwestern @ Waterford GCC - 4:00 pm
  • Track @ Northwestern - 4:00 pm


Wednesday: 03/15/23

  • 4-H Club Meeting - 3:30 pm


Thursday: 03/16/23

  • Spirit Day - Wear Green (K - 9)
  • Kindergarten POL - 12:30 pm
  • Track @ York - 4:00 pm


Friday: 03/17/23

  • No School - Teacher Workday (K-9th)
  • Spirt Day - Wear Green (10 - 12)


Saturday: 03/11/23

  • St. Patrick's Day 5K/ Fun Run - 10:00

Pride Believe. Pride Achieve. 

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