Dear Parents and Guardians,

Please read the following as we enter the Thanksgiving Break.

We can't stress enough the importance of taking precautions and making good decisions over the holiday week. In addition to some well-deserved time off and rest, we know Thanksgiving is typically a time of getting together with friends and family. This year will be different and new choices must be made for you and your family to remain as safe as possible.

Travel
The CDC just issued an advisory against travel over Thanksgiving. If you are traveling out of state or to an area with high COVID infections, or most importantly, if you have direct, prolonged contact with members outside your household, please stay home for 14 days prior to returning to school. Please also report any travel plans to jzumbado@riordanhs.org or roliva-gomez@riordanhs.org.

Week After Thanksgiving
November 30 will also be the start to a new routine as we welcome all grade levels back to campus. This is exciting, but we need a commitment from students and parents to make this a success. Here is what you can do:

  • PowerSchool: Fill in PowerSchool screening by 7:30 am each day. This is required and greatly expedites our check in procedures in the morning.

  • Drop Off: Continue to drop off your student in the City College Parking Lot. We know it is more convenient to do so in front of school, but please do not.

  • Class Schedules: Make sure your student has a copy of their schedule for quick reference (a great way to do this is snapping an image from PowerSchool on his/her phone). We know there are new students walking our halls and it takes time to find classes (and bathrooms). Don't hesitate to ask if you need help finding something.

  • Safety Protocols: Students need to wear a mask at all times. You can review a refresher on these protocols on our reopening page.



Sincerely,

ARHS Administration
A Virtual Retreat Success

Virtual Fall Kairos #101 is in the books! One of the 19 seniors who attended the retreat said it was “The most amazing experience I ever had.”

Riordan Campus Ministry continues to blaze a trail for virtual retreats and will share knowledge with other Marianist High Schools across the US. Please consider having your son or daughter attend an upcoming divisional retreat (see upcoming dates below). If you are a new or returning member of our community, reach out to adatoc@riordanhs.org with any questions. Students will be given ample time to make up missed work upon return.
Schedule

Friday, November 20
Mentor Group online at 10:00 am

Monday, November 23 and 24
No classes; teachers will assign work to be done at home

Thanksgiving Break, November 25-29

Monday, November 30
Purple ALL GRADES in person


Tuesday, December 1
Gold ALL GRADES in person

Wednesday, December 2
Purple ALL GRADES in person

Thursday, December 3
Gold ALL GRADES in person

Friday, December 4
Mentor Group online at 10:00 am
Our Town Premiering November 28
The Drama Department is in post-production, preparing for the online screening of Our Town on November 28 at 7:00 pm. Free virtual admittance! The link will be posted on the school website, and will be sent in a separate email on Friday, November 27. Congratulations to our cast and crew.
Crusader Weekly Live Tonight
Athletic Directors Bob Greene and Jay'Sen Morris talk about school reopening and athletic workouts Session III.

Tonight at 6:00 pm on Instagram Live, @riordan_sports
Essay Contest for Students

The YMI Grand Council is hosting its annual essay contest, where students can take home a top prize of $1,500. See this flyer with details about how to submit a 500-word essay on this year's topic, which is about the COVID-19 pandemic.  
Lifetouch Picture Update

The ordering process has closed. You will receive an individual access code and proofs in early December. Once you have this access code you will be able to order pictures if you have not done so already. Thank you for your patience. 
Register for Text Message Alerts for Parents

Pre-register in order to receive texts from the school; they will not be sent to you automatically.

To register, send a text message with the letter Y or YES to the number 67587

  • Your cell phone number must be on file in PowerSchool.
  • If you registered in previous years you do not need to re-register.
  • Check your status using the same method above (text Y to 67587).
  • Our program is called School Messenger.
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Wellness Corner

Get into a routine that helps you focus

From student responses to our Mentor Group survey last week, we know that one of the top issues students struggle with is how to increase focus and concentration. Each student is unique, but there are some common areas where a small change can make a big difference. 

Questions for students to ask themselves: 
  • How neat and calm is my workspace?
  • Is there a structure or plan for my day and for my study time?
  • Is there a new habit I can create to help myself, such as starting work earlier?
  • And--this is key--how am I spending my free time? Is it fun, interesting or relaxing?

Every day, every moment, brings a chance to reset our emotional state and unload some of our mental burden. The most popular habits for combatting stress that came from our Crusaders were: exercise, meditation, reading a book, and listening to music. Are there any you can add to your healthy routine?

Wishing all our students and families a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!

-Ms. Heuser and the Counseling Team


From Campus Ministry
Retreat Season!
Retreats are one of Riordan's unique traditions that provide opportunities to build community, develop personally, and grow in faith. Students make new friends and strengthen their relationship with God and with their family.

  • Sophomore Retreat: December 3-4. Led by Mr. Michael O’Brien, Mr. Leo Magnaye and Mrs. Raquel Oliva-Gomez.


Junior Retreat: December 7-8
  • Deadline to sign up is December 3. This retreat is lead by Mr. Christopher Fern, Ms. Colleen O’Rourke and Mrs. Raquel Oliva-Gomez. 


 
Reflections
  • Fr. Faller talks about "The Dentist and Confession" in this week's video reflection available here.

All Souls Day
For the month of November, we will remember our ARHS community's deceased family members and friends in our weekly Masses and prayers. Please enter the names of your departed relatives and friends below. These names will be placed at the altar in our Chapel. All Souls link

Used Ink/Toner Cartridges
If you have any old ink or toner cartridges and want them recycled, please drop them off with your son/daughter in Campus Ministry and we will have them recycled for you. Please drop off by Thursday, December 3. Thank you.
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