AUGUST 4TH Orientation Cancelled · ever coached,” says girl’s basketball coach Leigh Hudson. “Her competitive nature, strength, and power will be great assets at the college

Inside Riverwood is published by the RHS PTSA, with financial support from the Athletic Booster Club, for the stakeholders of

Riverwood High School, Fulton County, Georgia.

Inside

Riverwood International Charter School 5900 Heards Road

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Inside Celebrating 30+Years!

August/September 2009 Riverwood PTSA Vol. 12 Issue 1

Riverwood International Charter School

Para Información en Español

ver la pagina 4

RIVERWOOD RANKED #5 IN STATE Fourth year in a row Newsweek names us in Top 10 Georgia Schools

For the fourth year in a row, Riverwood International Charter School appears in the list of the top ten public high schools in the state of Georgia. Riverwood is the Number One high school in Fulton County, Number Five in the state of Georgia, and, in the national rankings of the top 1,500 schools, Riverwood is Number 223. The rankings, determined by a ratio created by Newsweek, are compiled by measuring the number of AP and/or IB tests taken by all Riverwood students and dividing this number by the number of graduating seniors. Read the complete article from the June 8th issue at http://www.newsweek.com/id/201160/?s=georgia&q=2009/rank/1

AUGUST 4TH Orientation Cancelled

Due to a mandated three-day teacher furlough by the State of Georgia, the Orientation Sessions scheduled for Tuesday, August 4th are cancelled. Students will receive schedules, lockers, and take care of other paperwork during Advisement the first day of school -- Monday, August 10th. Faculty and Staff will be in the hallways directing students to their homerooms. Students will report directly to their Advisement upon arriving the first day. Parents will be able to take care of all paperwork and join all of the parent organizations during the Evening Class Parent Meetings (see below), and during the Back to School Open House on Wednesday evening, September 9th.

9th Grade Orientation will take place from 9-11am on Friday, August 7th. Check on the Riverwood website for newest details on orientation meetings. 9th Grade Parent Meeting -- Tuesday, August 11th @ 7pm in the Auditorium 10th Grade Parent Meeting -- Thursday, August 13th @ 7pm in the Auditorium 11th Grade Parent Meeting -- Tuesday, August 18th @ 7pm in the Auditorium 12th Grade Parent Meeting -- Thursday, August 20th @ 7pm in the Auditorium

Back to School Open House for all Parents: Wednesday, September 9 @ 6:30pm; Tournament Gym

View this issue - complete schedules - and a whole lot more - www.riverwoodhs.org

News when it happens … Riverwood e-news

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PTSA President’s Note

Welcome back to school! It is a pleasure to be serving as co presidents of the Riverwood International Charter School PTSA; we look forward to making this a thriving year for the students, parents, teachers, faculty, and all who make up our Riverwood family. We hope you have enjoyed a wonderful summer. Your PTSA has been busy organizing for the 2009-2010 school year. We believe that member involvement is a key element to the success of Riverwood. We welcome and encourage all parents as members and volunteers. Remember, under the charter, it is required for all families to join PTSA. Riverwood continues to rank among the top schools in the state and in the nation, Congratulations to our wonderful teachers, staff, volunteers, and students who worked hard to make this achievement possible. The PTSA is committed to providing support keeping Riverwood ranked high. The summer packets are in the mail, some have already received them. The packet includes all membership, volunteer, and fundraising flyers. Your PTSA membership entitles you to valuable discounts and services. If you have not turned in forms, please bring them to any Parent Meeting or send them to the school office. We appreciate your support of our PTSA and the many booster organizations designed to support and enhance your family’s high school experience. Remember school begins August 10, 2009; we look forward to meeting you at our Parent Meetings beginning August 11. Best regards to you and your family,

Rosie & Annie Rosie Singer and Annie Tourial

PTSA Co-Presidents

Riverwood International Charter School Inside

Principal’s Coffees

Tuesday, September 8th - 9:00 AM Tuesday, October 13th - 9:00 AM

In the auditorium lobby

Darn Right We’re Proud! …

Riverwood Raiders Capture 2 State Runner Up Titles; 4 Individual State Championships and 5 AAA Region Championships in 2008-2009!

Congratulations to all the Coaches, Athletes and Raiders Fans. Riverwood in line to place in the Top 10 in the Di-rectors Cup Standing.

State Championships: Girls Cross Country State Runner Up Girls Tennis State Runner Up Individual State Champions: Darius King - High Jump (School Record) Bret McDaniel - Girls Cross Country Bret McDaniel - 1600 Meter Run (School Record) Bret McDaniel - 3200 Meter Run Region Champions: Baseball Girls Cross Country Traditional Wrestling Duals Wrestling One-Act Play Region Runner Up: Boys Golf Girls Golf Softball Girls Track Field Girls Tennis Volleyball Region 3rd or 4th Place (State Qualifiers): Boys Cross Country - 4th Place Boys Soccer - 4th Place Girls Soccer - 4th Place State Standings: Baseball - Sweet 16 Boys Cross Country - 18th Place Boys Golf - 14th Place Girls Golf - 16th Place Softball - Top 32 Boys Soccer - Top 32 Girls Soccer - Sweet 16 Boys Swimming - 24th Place Girls Swimming - 30th Place Boys Tennis - Sweet 16 Boys Track - 18th Place Dual Wrestling - Elite 8 Traditional Wrestling - 24th Place Volleyball - Sweet 16


Help Support the Local Businesses that Support Riverwood International Charter School

Jeff Holloway Named 5-AAA Athletic Director of the Year

This Spring, Riverwood Athletic Director Jeff Holloway was named Region 5-AAA Athletic Director of the Year (2008-09) by the Georgia Athletics

Directors Association at the Athletics Directors conference in Savannah. He attributed the award to his staff going the extra mile, hosting numerous regional and sectional tourneys, and offering good Southern hospitality. “We try to treat referees and everyone right, taking care of whatever they need and being hospitable. I couldn’t have done this without the good group of coaches we have, doing what they’re supposed to do,” said Holloway, Riverwood AD since early 2008.

Riverwood’s Shannel Wright Signs to Play Basketball at Christian Brothers University in Memphis

Riverwood’s Shannel Wright has signed to play basketball for the Christian Brothers University Buccaneers in Memphis. Shannel will leave Riverwood as the 2nd leading scorer in the history of Riverwood (1,459 points and 936 rebounds), averaging 17.3 points and almost 12 rebounds a game this year. She consistently scored double figures game in and game out even after being double and triple teamed.

“Shannel is one of the most athletic basketball players I have ever coached,” says girl’s basketball coach Leigh Hudson. “Her competitive nature, strength, and power will be great assets at the college level. Her passion for the game of basketball can take her as far as she wants to go.”

Riverwood International Charter School Inside 3

Seated: Shannel Wright and mother Karen Wright Standing (l to right): Riverwood principal Eddie Echols, Simone Wright (sister) , Rochelle Pitts (friend), Asst. Coach Karen Bove, Head Coach Leigh Hudson, Jeff Holloway, Riverwood AD.

Riverwood 2009 Scholar-Athletes of the Year, Long Time Schoolmates

Blais Hickey and Chris Nault were recently named female and male Scholar-Athletes of the Year at Riverwood International Charter School in Sandy Springs, for their excellence in the classroom and in athletics. Interestingly, Blais and Chris have attended school together for 18 years, starting with St. John's Day Care, and continuing at St. James Preschool, High Point Elementary, Ridgeview Middle and Riverwood. Blais is a three sport varsity athlete, an IB Diploma Candidate, and will attend the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. Chris, dedicated to baseball, will play for Washington and Lee University where he will attend this fall. Blais is the daughter of Robin and Duffy Hickey, and Chris is the son of Sharon and Lloyd Nault, all of Sandy Springs.

US Lacrosse Chooses Five Academic All-Americans from Riverwood

US Lacrosse has recognized five Riverwood International Charter School lacrosse players as Academic All Americans. Jack Boger was one of five boys selected for the state of Georgia. Four Riverwood lacrosse players from the girls team were selected: Hannah Miller, Jasmine Burton, Olivia Boger, and Olivia Buckner.

The High School Coaches' Council of US Lacrosse selects as Academic All-Americans players who exhibit exemplary lacrosse skills and excellent sportsmanship on the field while also representing high standards of academic achievement in the classroom. Additionally, a US Lacrosse Academic All-American has made significant contributions of service to the school or community.


Riverwood Students Win Junior Achievement "Best Company Competition" and “Outstanding Young Business Person”

In late May, The JA Fellows, a program of Junior Achievement of Georgia, announced that five Riverwood students received top honors for excelling in this elite business program: (L-R) Blake Engelhard, Benjamin

Greenberg, Kevin Shutzberg, Gia Lomsadze and Nicholas Immerman (not pictured), were key founders and members of a student-led company, MagneticKits, which placed first in the Best Company Competition, and will travel to Boston in July to compete against top companies from the U.S. and Canada. Companies are judged on three criteria: annual report, a display booth and a panel interview of company members.

Kevin Shutzberg also competed in individual events, placing first in the Outstanding Young Business Person competition and third in the Best Sales Pitch competition.

Members of the JA Fellows gain valuable, hands-on business experience by actually starting their own companies. The students’ companies faced and overcame challenges ranging from trying to sell enough stock to obtain their start up capital to issues with their product vendors. They also have the opportunity to interact with Atlanta business leaders and to participate in professional development programs. This real-world experience sets JA Fellows alumni apart from their peers in both the college and job application processes. Additionally, JA Fellows are eligible for numerous scholarships through both Junior Achievement and partners.


La revista de ”Newsweek” ha clasificado a La Escuela Internacional de Riverwood (RICS) como la escuela número 1 en el condado de Fulton, la número 5 en el estado de Georgia y la número 226 en toda la nación. ¡Continuemos adelante para mantener este excelente rango!

Fechas importantes:

Orientación para los nuevos estudiantes y sus padres será el 7 de agosto de las 9:00 AM-11:00 AM. Los maestros cuentan con tiempo limitado ya que han cortado el tiempo de planeación a dos dias.

Primer día de clases: 10 de agosto

Venga y conozca a los maestros de su estudiante en la noche de orientación.

9th grado – 11 de agosto 7:00 PM 10th grado – 13 de agosto 7:00 PM 11th grado – 18 de agosto 7:00 PM 12th grado – 20 de agosto 7:00 PM La Escuela de Riverwood cuenta con una representante bilingüe para las familias Latinas y darles orientación, inter-pretación y guía. Para llevar a cabo esta meta, la Señora Olivia González estará ofreciendo reuniones mensuales con información muy importante. Estas reuniones se llevaran a cabo el primer martes de cada mes a las 6:00 PM en la biblioteca de la escuela. La primera reunión de padres Latinos se llevara a cabo el 1ro de septiembre, favor marque su calendario. Para mas información, favor llamar a Olivia González al 404-847-1980 a la extensión 131 o bien por correo elec-trónico a [email protected]


T he RoboRaiders, Riverwood’s robotics team, won the FRC FIRST (For Inspiration and Rec-

ognition of Science and Technology) World Cham-pionship on April 18, 2009. One hundred teams from the United States and around the world com-peted in the Georgia Dome. “Our robot's perform-ance, the driver’s skills, excellent strategizing and game play won us the Championship,” says River-wood physics teacher and team sponsor Rama Bala-chandran.

We won all six qualifying matches in our division, then we were pitted against the finalists and ended up the Champion! The entire robot design, building and trouble-shooting was done solely by the student team under the leadership of Stanley Vergilis.

The RoboRaiders qualified for world competition by winning the regional Tennessee State Championship at Tennessee Tech University in February. In its sec-ond year as a team, the RoboRaiders won the re-

gional competition for the second time, also won the coveted Inspire Award in Tennessee .“The robots are built to play a game,” says senior team leader Vergi-lis. For the first 30 seconds of competition, your ro-bot moves only with pre-programmed movements, then the next two minutes are wireless control from a program the team has written.”

“I’ve seen the team grow from 3 to 16 students,” says Ms Balachandran. “The club is student run and encourages discussion. It operates like a sports team.”

This Championship not only speaks of the Robo-Raiders engineering skills and team spirit, but also their ability to strategize in the game, perform under extreme pressure and build relationships with other teams. The students have put in a tremendous effort.

Once again, we congratulate the following team members on their wonderful accomplishments:

Stanley Vergilis (captain), Eric Corwin and Brad-ley Goldstein (drivers), Josh Williams (programmer), Liya Lomsadze (enginering note-book), Nir Levy (analyst, website), Colby Watts (chief analyst); and Don Armento, Sam Miller, Gia Lomsadze, Michael McGrael, Aaron Bhole, Sanjay Sridharan, Leo Rossignac-milon, AJ Shirey, Anne Carlin all of whom were analysts, scouts, part of the design and build team, and Leah Mock, Cathy Solmson & MaryAnn Meyers, the Robogirls who assisted in managerial duties and our very own cheerleading team!

Many thanks to all of our supporters - Mr.Echols, the Riverwood Foundation, the PTSA and teachers for their understanding and support.

Stanley Vergilis (captain) Eric Corwin and Bradley Goldstein (drivers) and Josh Williams (programmer) with the World Championship trophy.

Riverwood’s RoboRaiders are the World’s Champions!!


PARKING PERMITS

Due to limited space, only 11th and 12th grade students may apply for parking permits. Parking for the 2009-2010 school year is $80.00. Checks or money orders only, no cash or credit cards. Appllications are avail-able online at www.riverwoodics.org Students must attach a copy of their drivers license, the vehicle insur-ance card, and the vehicle tag/registration receipt to the application form. Students must also attend a parking

permit orientation session. Permits will be available during orientation for those who meet requirements as noted in application, including the orientation session. Those who held permits last school year do not need to repeat the orientation session unless they have atten-dance and/or discipline issues. Applications received during orientation or later will be processed in the or-der received and permits issued based on all materials being completed, fees paid and orientation attended.



Riverwood Future Business Leaders Shine at State Conference

Riverwood students excelled at the FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) 2009 State Conference held this Spring at the Hyatt Regency, Atlanta, bringing home awards in entrepreneurship, business plan performance, community service and global business. “We are very proud of our students’ success,” says Sheri Smith, chapter advisor at Riverwood.

The group took home several awards: Brad Saxe, Adam Goldfarb, and Micah Brochin placed 3rd in Entrepreneurship; Brad Saxe also placed 4th in the State in the Business Plan Performance Event; Jasmine Bennett, Stephanie Moore, and Rochell Pitts placed 7th in Community Service Project and 6th in Global Business with Rochelle Pitts placing as a high scorer. Rochelle will represent the State of Georgia as a member of the Global Business Team at Nationals this June.

Also, Jenine McCoy was elected as a Region 10 Officer for FBLA and we look forward to her serving both Riverwood High School and the State of Georgia. Georgia FBLA is a nonprofit student organization committed to preparing students for success in business leadership. Georgia is the largest FBLA chapter in the nation with over 20,000 members: www.georgiafbla.org

(L-R): Jamine Bennett, Stephanie Moore, Brad Saxe, Micah Brochin, Adam Goldfarb, Rochelle Pitts, and Jenine McCoy

Riverwood FBLA Student Places First at National Conference

Congratulations to Rochelle Pitts (right) and Jenine McKoy (left) for their participation at the 2009 FBLA National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California June 24-29. We are excited to announce that for the first time Riverwood International Charter School has placed 1st in an event at the National level. Rochelle Pitts, along with her teammates from Northview High School, placed 1st in the Global Business Performance Event and received a $1,000 scholarship from the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Rochelle, a 2009 Riverwood graduate will be attending Samford University this fall, majoring in pre-law. Rising senior Jenine McKoy, competed in Help Desk at the National level, and will be serving as a Region 10 officer for FBLA. Out of the nearly 60 events, only three Georgia teams placed first.

National French Contest Awards

In late Spring, Riverwood French students participated in the National French Contest, administered through the American Association of Teachers of French. 3500 students in the state of Georgia participated this year. Students are ranked at both state and national levels.

The following students received ranks of distinction:

NATIONAL LEVEL Léo Rossignac-Milon, 6th place, level 4, division* C Mallory Hope, 10th place French level 3, division A

Alexandra Bondar, 9th place French level 2, division A Emeline Dickson, 9th place French level 2, division A Athina Aguirre, 10th place French level 2, division A

STATE LEVEL Kyra Stephenson-Alley, 10th place French 1 division A*

A number of students also ranked in the top 20 at the state level. All these students received awards from the Ameri-can Association of Teachers of French.

”Division” indicates the student’s linguistic background. Students compete for ranking only with students in the same division.

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2009 Valedictorian and Salutatorian Leah Dodell, Liya Lomsadze

Riverwood’s Leah Dodell (left) is the Valedictorian of the Riverwood International Charter School Class of 2009, and Liya Lomsadze (right) is Salutatorian. Leah will attend Emory to study international relations and creative writing and is a candidate for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, with favorite subjects history and English. She is a National Merit Scholar and winner of the Phi Beta Kappa Award. Leah is active in the theater and a member of the Thespian Society. She is a serious dancer of many different styles: ballet, jazz, hip-hop, pointe and lyrical. Salutatorian Liya Lomsadze is bound for Yale University this fall to study biology. Liya is a National Merit Scholar, is active in Mock Trial, swam for the Riverwood swim team, played violin in the Chamber Orchestra, and represented Riverwood at the Governor’s Honors Program in chemistry. She was recently awarded the Rensselaer Medal for excellence in science and math.

Riverwood Sends Nine Students to Governor’s Honors Program

Riverwood High School sent nine sophomore and juniors to the prestigious Georgia Governor’s Honors Program this summer at Valdosta State University. With four students representing Riverwood in the area of Visual Arts, and three in Theatre, the strength of Riverwood’s fine arts program is evident.

Ryan Laukhuf, Samantha Morton, Molly Spetalnick and Aubrey Warnick will study Visual Arts; Florence Heller, Zach Solomon and Maya Washington will study and perform in Theatre; Blake Engelhard in Executive Management, and Georgiy Lomsadze in Social Studies.

The Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) is a six-week summer instructional program designed to provide enriching and challenging educational opportunities for intellectually gifted and artistically talented high school students. Those attending GHP are nominated by teachers, and then must pass two rigorous interviews and/or auditions. Less than 1% of Georgia’s high school students qualify for this honor.

(L-R front): Maya Washington, Florence Heller, Aubrey Warnick, Samantha Morton, Molly Spetalnick and (L-R rear): Georgiy Lomsadze, Blake Engelhard, Zach Solomon and Ryan Laukhuf.

Riverwood senior Liya Lomsadze (right) was recognized as a STAR student by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators based on receiving the highest SAT score at the school, as well as academic excellence, extracurricular activities and community service.

For her STAR teacher Liya has selected her French teacher, Ann Willeford.“I have Dr. Willeford for my Higher Level IB French class, and have had her for all four years. She is an amazing teacher and has helped me develop confidence with language.”

Riverwood’s STAR Student Liya Lomsadze & Dr. Ann Willeford STAR Teacher

Riverwood International Charter School Inside

Congratulations, Graduating Class of 2009!

A Huge THANKS to Local Supporters!

Let’s give our local businesses a round of applause for their kind and generous donations that helped to make this year’s Senior Picnic, held on Friday May 22, the best ever!!! The following people and companies were so supportive of Riverwood International Charter School and the Senior Picnic: Sandy Springs Kroger; Jeff Howe (Riverwood parent) for donating hotdogs and buns from Mike’s Chicago Hot Dogs located in Sandy Springs; Memories in a Moment, instant photographic party favors; Donna Staton (Riverwood parent) for donating Crystal Springs Water and Bruce Piefke (Riverwood parent) for donating snow cones through his company Movies Under the Stars!

Let’s remember them as we shop around Sandy Springs and support them like they did us! Thanks again to these


School Year 2009-2010

First Semester

August 10: First Day of School September 7: Labor Day Holiday September 16: Early Release Day (students dismissed early) October 9: Teacher Workday (students off) October 14: Early Release Day (students dismissed early) November 18: Early Release Day (students dismissed early) November 25 - 27: Thanksgiving Holidays December 18: End of First Semester December 21 - January 1: Winter Holidays January 4: Teacher Workday (students off)

Second Semester

January 5: First Day of Second Semester January 18: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday February 12: Student/Teacher Holiday (schools closed) February 15: Presidents Day Holiday (schools closed) February 24: Early Release Day (students dismissed early) March 12: Teacher Workday (students off) March 24: Early Release Day (students dismissed early) April 5 - 9: Spring Break May 21: Last Day of School

AUGUST 4TH Orientation Cancelled

For up-to-date information Check the Riverwood website:

http://www.riverwoodics.org

Documents

AUGUST 4TH Orientation Cancelled · ever coached,” says girl’s basketball coach Leigh Hudson. “Her competitive nature, strength, and power will be great assets at the college