Calling All Textiles!

We are starting to explore the world of textiles in the art room and are looking for unused textiles to be donated! We’re on the search for:

• Fabric/Cloth
• Thick yarn
• Fiber
• Wool
• Twine
• Lace
• Old Buttons
• Textile tools (like carters, spinners, needle punchers, small looms
• Anything else that you think would be fun! 

You’ll be able to see our textile and multimedia artwork on the walls after break!

THANK YOU!! 

-Anna

Muriel Curtis, a woman of many talents, with Riley children at Station Maine.

A Huge THANK YOU

to MURIEL CURTIS!

A note from Muriel...

There are a few things about Riley School that you can’t miss when you walk on campus. Everybody’s smiling. Even on rainy days. Children and teachers are engaged in learning at so many levels. I came on as a temp, just for a few weeks while Becky searched for another music facilitator to take Kyle’s place. I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed teaching as much. The Riley students were completely and totally unafraid to participate in whatever I asked of them. Songs. We learned dozens. Songs that will, I hope, remain on Riley campus long after I’m gone. Poems, absolutely, chanted in canon with two and three ostinati chanting independently in the background with choreography that the children created themselves. Group dances like contra dances and play parties. Solo dances like Irish Step Dance. Movement to songs and fiddle and drum. Lots of work on beat and rhythm and independence in holding your part. Segues in harmonies, sung beautifully by children who don’t yet know how talented they really are.

If this sounds like a lot of ground to cover in just a few weeks, remember that Riley children have music two hours a week. And that Riley students are ever open to a challenge. Also, we had the privilege of building on the years of Kyle’s sound music instruction. This has been a joyous few weeks. I have no doubt that this joy of music, like the joy of learning, will continue on the Riley campus.

Muriel Curtis

Music Substitute

A big welcome to the newly hatched chicks

in the Juniper room at Wade Acres, too!

Welcome to Joan Mitchell, Riley's Returning Music Teacher!

Joan Mitchell is returning to teach music at the Riley School! Some of you may know or

remember Joan, who was a faculty member here for many years. In addition to her own piano studio where she teaches music privately, she accompanies the Penobscot Bay Singers and plays for Our Lady of Good Hope Church in Camden. Joan has directed and played for various musical theater organizations. She also loves to write and arrange music. Joan says one of her favorite things to do is playing music with children, and she is very excited to share her experiences with Riley students once again. “Riley is the best place to do music with children. Their joy and energy are encouraged and supported, and music becomes part of who they are. It seeps into their souls, as it should.” We are thrilled to welcome Joan back on our campus.

Joan will be working with our Middle and Upper and we will welcome Jared McCannell back to work with Wade and the Lower School.

Call for Auction Donations!

It's that time of year to start preparing for the Annual Riley Auction! Are you an artist, maker, or craftsperson? Do you own or work for a local business that might be interested in donating? Do you have a skill you could use or teach someone to do? Get creative and reach out, all ideas are welcome and no donation is too small.

Contact Caroline Saxe-Cobaugh at caroline.saxe.cobaugh@gmail.com with questions, donations, or if you want to volunteer.

Farewell to Watershed

Friday May 3rd, 5-7 PM

The beloved Watershed School will be closing this year.

In celebration of the life of the Watershed school, Riley alumna , Autumn Hill, invites you to an evening of art at the Steel House gallery in Rockland. We hope to see you there!

MATCHING GRANT OPPORTUNITY

Support the Riley Children's Fund Today!

Calling all advocates of joyful, meaningful education! 

Riley School’s buckets are overflowing… but our coffers are low! 

Intentionally small, our impact is far-reaching..and we must reach out well beyond our community to keep this growing campus thriving. 

We are thrilled to announce a fantastic opportunity to amplify our impact. With $30k already raised towards our $70k target, a donor has pledged to match donations up to $50k total received by April 10. 

Your support will not only help us reach our goal but also contribute to fostering joyful learning environments, supporting families, and empowering our dedicated faculty.

Let's come together and make a lasting difference in the lives of our school community. Join us in keeping everything flowing! Click below to make your donation