Riverdale Review

DISTRICT 51J 2019-20 Winter/Spring

Care, Connection and

Continuity of Learning
Providing connection and creativity during these trying times

Also in this issue:

• Distance Learning for All • Digital District Arts Night • Athletics Highlights
• PTC Auction Recap • Class of 2020 College Fit • Events and Activities
• RHS Students Making a Difference • RHS Senior Exhibition ... and much more

Riverdale Review www.riverdaleschool.com

Supporting Our Schools
A Message From Your
Superintendent
Riverdale is more than a school district. It is a
community. One united by its dedication to its children
and its desire to put education first. Our community
shares in our triumphs, sees us through our challenges,
and shapes what our schools and our students become.
That statement from our 2024 Strategic Plan
highlights what makes the Riverdale School District
and the Riverdale Community unique. The COVID-19
pandemic brings to mind the importance of a
community that works together to support the many
students who attend our schools. What started off as
an exceptionally strong year for Riverdale School District,
quickly turned what we intended to be an incredible
finish, into a final stretch filled with new obstacles and
unknowns.
The spring of 2020 has led to the need for
instructional innovation. Distance learning was a
necessary innovation that was embraced by district
staff. Much has been learned and utilized in a successful
implementation during the required school closure.
There are many highlights shared from the 2019-
20 school year that illustrate the unique and amazing
education that is experienced by our students and
delivered in creative and effective ways by our staff. I hope
that you can catch a glimpse of the many outstanding
activities that are a part of our daily experiences in our
schools.
What the district is able to accomplish is made
possible by the contributions of many who build on
the state school funding to make Riverdale exceptional.
We are thankful to the Riverdale Foundation for their
continued support of our schools. We are also grateful to
our area tax-payers for their continued support through
the Local Option Levy. The Local Option Levy is entering
the final year of providing needed support for our schools.
A renewal of the Local Option will be on the November
2020 ballot. More information on that measure will be
communicated in the late summer and fall.
As we wrap up an unusual but productive year, we
are well-positioned to address the challenges ahead.
With some uncertainty related to the Oregon economy,
we will be leaning into our shared interest in providing
the best possible education for the
community’s children.
The district is committed
to continuing to align with our
mission of developing inquisitive,
imaginative and eager learners.
Sincerely, Jim Schlachter
2 Riverdale Review
Thank You From the
Foundation
RIVERDALE SCHOOL FOUNDATION – Greetings
Riverdale alumni, community and friends. At this
moment, with the future being so uncertain, we are
incredibly grateful to every family who made it a priority
to support our wonderful Riverdale schools.
Our greatest thanks go out to those who are
working to address our health, safety and basic
needs during this pandemic. The Riverdale School
Foundation is 100 percent supportive of the teachers,
administration, and support staff during these
unprecedented times.
Our teachers have been hard at work preparing
distance learning and doing their best to support our
students remotely.
Thank you to everyone who donated this year. Our
Annual Campaign helped to raise over $1.42 million
toward the educational programming for Riverdale
students.
Have you considered naming the Riverdale
School Foundation in your will or living trust?
National statistics show that more Americans are
using this time to create and update their estate plans.
If you include charitable giving in your estate plan,
hopefully to include the Riverdale School Foundation,
the assets you use can make a tremendous difference to
your heirs.
Thanking the Board
Riverdale School District extends its gratitude and thanks
to our school board members – Joe Prats, Carrie Banks,
Michelle Janke, John Bogaty, Carrie Spurlock – for another
year of exceptional guidance, leadership and support.
 Supporting Our Schools
Distance Learning For All PTC Auction Paddle Raise Recap
Providing care, connection and Both schools will update libraries
continuity of learning RIVERDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT – The PTC Auction
Paddle Raise at the end of February resulted in more than
RIVERDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT – The modern day school
$60,000 raised for the high school and grade school
system has never experienced anything as extreme as a state-
libraries. These funds will improve the functionality of the
wide school closure resulting in empty classrooms for the rest
heavily-used, high school library space by purchasing new
of the academic year. Riverdale staff diligently worked and
flexible seating, redesigning the lab space and upgrading
trained the two days after Spring Break (with many preparing
technology. The grade school will replace thousands of
during the break as well). This preparation, willingness of staff
outdated books with new books that are more exciting and
and students to be flexible, and Riverdale’s robust technology
relevant to the students.
infrastructure, allowed Distance Learning to begin on April
“School libraries matter because they support
1—twelve days before the required start date from the
every member of the school community to gain new
governor. Despite having minimal time to alter, and in some
knowledge, skills, and dispositions for learning and personal
cases, completely reinvent lesson plans, Riverdale teachers
development that they will use throughout their lives.
have continued to adapt and connect with their students.
Thanks to your generosity, Riverdale students will have
While it seemed state requirements about how schools
greater opportunities to explore their passions, learn and
would function were constantly changing, Riverdale staff,
work collaboratively, and build community. Thank you
students and parents were incredibly patient, flexible
for supporting our library program!” says Librarian/Media
and understanding of the constant pivoting. The state
Specialist, Sarah Hansen.
released guidance first for seniors, followed by the remaining
Thank you to all the sponsors, donors, bidders,
high school, middle school and elementary students. New
winners, volunteers and planners who helped with this
guidelines also require the third trimester grading system to
amazing event, which generates funds for PTC programming
be pass/incomplete.
at both schools.
G Suite infrastructure allows students and teachers to
continue to collaborate on projects and lessons. Instead
of instructing at the front of the class, teachers are now
behind the screen sharing Google Docs, creating Google
Classrooms and using Google Meets for virtual discussions.
From a technology standpoint, Riverdale students and
staff are well-positioned to make this transition thanks to
our Tech Coordinator, Jeff Bjorn. Riverdale uses a blend of
synchronous and asynchronous experiences, coupled with
online and offline opportunities to facilitate learning while
supporting the families of students and staff. Depending on Students go to the RHS library to collaborate, relax,
the class and age of students, many teachers use live class get creative, research, work and get help.
meetings, study halls, office hours and more to connect with
their students.
K-8 remains focused on emotional and social connections
Though it has been difficult not seeing students every day Follow Riverdale
in person, staff are finding ways
to make meaningful connections School District on
during these trying times. Jennifer
McDonald, behavior specialist/ social media!
restorative justice coach, and
Erika Andrews, counselor,
continue to team up to create
small learning groups to enhance
social-emotional connections.
Continued on page 4 @RiverdaleSchoolDistrictK12
Art teacher Liz Randall recreated
"Two Boys with a Bladder" for the
Getty Museum Challenge.

Riverdale Review 3
Academics and More
Distance Learning (continued from page 3)
Designed to be responsive to current times and age
appropriate, this voluntary virtual get-together offers
relevant lessons to more than 120 students who have taken
advantage of it. “Through this process I’ve seen how
thoughtful and reflective our children are. They have
demonstrated what a great community we have,” says
Ms. McDonald.
RGS specialist teachers, normally seeing most K-8
students during the week, continue to adapt to each
grade level's needs. Music teacher David Top created a
weekly newsletter, From the Top, describing how students
can improve their music skills at home. He introduced
students to a new notation program, Flat, where they can
create scores ranging from songs in voice, piano, large
bands and orchestral works. The program is also hooked to
their Google Classroom, allowing students to share their
compositions.
Second grade teacher Ashley Hayes sent students
individualized videos with thoughtful messages and
reflective questions. Students responded and some even
included drawings and sweet words about missing their
teacher.
Making Distance Learning work at RHS
With more independence at the high school level,
some students say they like the ability to create their own
schedules. Not only are students enjoying doing their work
at a time best suited for them but also they now have time
to delve into hobbies and pastimes they weren’t able to
pursue during traditional school hours.
Teachers and students thrive off being together in
person. “We miss our students because connecting with
them, witnessing their moments of growth, seeing the
flashes of understanding, and the opportunities to
help—that’s the joy of our craft,” says Adam McLain, HS
technology teacher. As part of humanities teacher Michael
Johnson's History of Portland class, students interpret two
historical images each week, describing what they interpret.
For a free speech project in Librarian/Media Specialist Sarah
Hansen’s Constitutional Rights for Students class, their
projects ranged from a TED Talk and poem, to comics and
magazine spreads.
In Riverdale fashion, there are still ways to go above and
beyond with students’ resilience, creativity, and ingenuity
at the forefront. One particular student who embodies
the Riverdale way is junior Conrad Heyns. Inspired by a
Picasso painting, he found that a small set of watercolors
and cardboard from the recycling bin would do the job in
place of oil pastels and canvas. “My honors students are
filling sketchbooks with comics, how-tos and illustrations
from their new routines. We are making many QuaranZines!
Years from now when the Portland Art Museum puts out
a call-to-artists for “Artifacts from Quarantine” I know
who they need to contact,” says art teacher Nate Orton.
4 Riverdale Review
Pencil and Screen Tutoring
By Ken Goe | The Oregonian
Vittoria Corvelli has seen reports of exhausted workers
in essential-service industries during the coronavirus crisis,
who come home and must summon energy to help their
school-age children with remote learning. The Riverdale High
School sophomore decided to do something about it. Corvelli
figured there are high school and college students isolating
at home who have time and knowledge. Why not have older
students virtually tutor children of essential workers?
Corvelli created the non-profit Pencil and Screen to make
it possible. “Virtual tutoring is a really great way to help
essential workers who are parents who have extra demanding,
stressful jobs,” Corvelli said. “They have to come home be a
parent and be a teacher to their children on top of that.” It took
long hours of trial and error, but the
Pencil and Screen website is up and
running. It has links for people to
sign up as either volunteer tutors
or to request tutoring for students
between the third and 10th grades.
You also can access the service
on Facebook. Excerpt printed with
permission from The Oregonian/
OregonLive.
Printing PPE
RHS student aids frontline workers
RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – With classes no longer
in person, 3D printers at RHS were left idle. Junior Amelia
Jaffe knew she could help healthcare workers by utilizing
this equipment. After reading an article where students in
Washington leveraged available technologies, such as 3D
printers to help their communities, Amelia reached out to RHS
to borrow a printer. Knowing that Oregon healthcare workers
needed face masks, eye shields and face shields to protect
themselves, she pledged to print 100 masks by the end of
May for Legacy Health.
Created on a QIDI Tech X-Pro printer using PETG filament,
the face shields are made up of an elastic band, 3D printed
parts and a plastic face covering. This type of filament is
needed because hospitals
have to sterilize the face
masks. Taking CAD (computer-
aided design) and 3D printing
classes at the high school and
as a member of the Riverdale
Robotics Team, Amelia is no
stranger to a mechanical
challenge.
 Academics and More
Follow the RGS and RHS art Instagrams:
District Arts Night Goes Digital @rgsartroom @riverdaleartstudio
RIVERDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT – With an in-person District Arts Night unable to
take place this April, grade school art teacher Liz Randall and high school art teacher Nate Orton contemplated how they would
completely transform the format of the event. The task was daunting as hundreds of art pieces needed to be photographed,
organized and uploaded to a new site. Their website will be live Friday May 29 at 4 p.m. linked on the district website: www.
riverdaleschool.com/DistrictArtsNight2020. Here is a sneak peek at some of their students' work.

Freshman Colin Carmichael.

Soleil S. and Leana L. 8th grade
One-point perspective interior.

Sophomore Simon Starrs.

Lillian F. 1st grade
Mixed media project.

“The week we closed down and went in quarantine is also the week students usually get to start picking which piece will go
into the show. Sadly, that process couldn't happen this year, so I chose a project for each class to highlight. What I noticed in this
process is that so much of the work this year was at such a high level that made choosing difficult,” says Ms. Randall.

Sophomore Taylor Cook.

Pattern project.
Junior Isabelle Dawson.
Portland Historyscape project.
Senior Lillie Banks. Oil
Miriam Z. 7th grade paint on paper.

“Though we can’t stand in front of Riverdale originals, we have created a virtual art gallery to show the amazing artwork from the
first two trimesters as well as remarkable works made by our students during quarantine. The work displayed on the District
Arts Site will serve as an important reminder of the creativity and the resilience of Riverdale students,” says Mr. Orton.

Kade M. 8th grade Geneva W., Blaise S., Chloe M., Celia J., Clarice C. Griffin F. 4th grade Senior Henry Thomas.
7th grade Screen print.

Riverdale Review 5
Academics and More
The Class of 2020 Earned Admission to These Colleges:

6 Riverdale Review
 Academics and More
College: Finding Bates because it was obvious the
students were engaged, cared about
cutting back on their carbon emissions.
I chose my college because I'm very
Your Fit community and were motivated passionate about reversing the impacts
across many disciplines. I also have a of climate change, and I don't have to
RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – In a
soft spot for the Maine environment fly to get there. Seattle is very walkable
typical year, May 1 is College Decision
and community, especially the focus and has a good public transit system, so
Day. RHS students usually gather for
on conservation. I also loved that I won't need to use a car to get around.
cake and to write their college choice
the school is in a small town with The school just fit me."
on a large banner included in the
a large immigrant population–I've McKenna Lee | New York University
group photo. With all of the changes
never lived in an area like this–so I "Originally, I had no idea about what I
and unknowns due to COVID-19, the
wanted to get out of my comfort zone wanted to do for college, except I was
decision deadline was pushed back
and learn. Although there are harsh sure I wanted to be in Los Angeles. I
until June 1, with some universities
winters, I'm so excited to experience applied to many schools, primarily in
extending it even further to September
a heavy snow season, winter sports, Los Angeles, New York and Ireland,
1. Students who have decided what
community engagement and research focusing on colleges with the best
college they’ll be attending in the fall
opportunities!" acting/film programs. Having only
submitted photos of
attended small
their school choice in
schools my entire life,
an effort to recreate
I think I have felt a
this traditional
lack of opportunities
Riverdale Decision
that bigger schools
Day photo. See what
have to offer, which
influenced their
was the biggest factor
decisions and why
in my decision. NYU
these colleges were
gives me the freedom
the right fit:
to work toward my
Jack Bride | California
dream career while
Polytechnic State
being at a large
University/San Luis
university where I
Obispo
can take other non-
"I chose Cal-Poly due to
related classes. Most
my love of engineering
importantly, NYU is
and learning by doing.
located in one of the
Cal-Poly’s motto could
most popular places
not fit better with
in the entertainment
my personality as I
industry, which is
have loved hands-
convenient for me
on learning, from
and makes my agent
Riverdale’s bridge
happy! My best advice
building to robotics.
for anyone applying
Sitting in on classes
to college as a drama
with a family friend
major is look for
showed me the
programs, shows
inviting and engaging
and competitions to
community of Cal-
perform in outside of
Poly. I am excited to
school. Even though
say I was accepted
it is not where I
as a mechanical engineering student
River Smith | Seattle University originally expected myself to end
as you need to declare your major
"I’m excited that I got into the nursing up, being smack in the middle of the
before applying. I am looking forward
program at Seattle U. I'll graduate with entertainment industry is key for me,
to winters with less rain and the new
a BSN in four years and have lots of and NYU is my chance for my dream
opportunities Cal-Poly will offer."
different options for where I want to college experience and my dream
Stella Terry | Bates College
take that. Seattle U is also committed to career all in one."
"I'm attending Bates College, a liberal
being environmentally friendly and is
arts school in Lewiston, Maine. I chose

Riverdale Review 7
Academics and More
Keldorf and Light Collaboration
Building community across the grade school and high school
RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL AND economic inequality,
GRADE SCHOOL – During a normal later addressing the
school day, Riverdale High School is history of gentrification,
filled with student chatter and buzzing related policies and what
with activity—when they aren't in can be done to prevent
class of course. But, on January 31, or combat the negative
one class looked a little larger and a effects of gentrification.
little younger. That's because RGS 8th In preparation for
graders and RHS seniors came together this event, the Global
for the first time at the high school to City class watched the
discuss the topic of gentrification. documentary, “Priced
Eighth graders in Ms. Light’s Out” that focused
class experienced what it's like on the history of
to be in Ms. Keldorf’s 12th grade gentrification in Portland
English class. Preparing for weeks and looking out for
to have collaborative and thoughtful future generations. Students gathered in the center of the Maverick Room to share
discussions about gentrification, their They read, “The Color what they have learned about gentrification.
hard work showed. Students effectively of Law” describing associated with gentrification, such as
demonstrated their arguments using how historically, people of color were displacement of long-time residents in
relevant examples from Oregon and excluded from getting bank loans an area e.g., the Albina District.
around the U.S. and faced other barriers, such as red- Senior Zach Rector mentioned
For six years, Ms. Light and Ms. lining, often resulting in the de facto the benefits of new laws, such as the
Keldorf talked about doing an event segregation we see today. Oregon Legislature passing Senate
like this, waiting for the right moment Students in Ms. Light’s English Bill 608 on rent controls because
when their curriculum aligned. The Language Arts class read, “This Side landlords could raise rent to whatever
event finally came to fruition with the of Home” about local businesses they wanted to before. Senior Emerson
addition of the Global City elective at being replaced by chain restaurants. Pereira emphasized that we need
the high school. With this new class, Eighth grader Lucas Y. described how to help existing communities who
both teachers now had the topic of neighborhoods can lose their character already live there instead of creating
gentrification in their class curriculum.through gentrification. opportunities for new people to come
Before the fishbowl discussion, Every student was required to in.
the small groups revised important participate. Once they had presented Students ended the debate talking
question prompts and prepared their their argument, they tapped their about possible solutions and calls
talking points. Students began the fellow group members to take to action to mitigate the negative
discussion by defining gentrification their place. Students discussed impact of gentrification, listing the
as the physical/spatial expression of differentiating gentrification from right to protest and demanding
revitalization, our government implement better
Zoo Trip Tradition which
focuses on
regulations.
RGS and RHS students had
Created almost 20 years ago by 3rd grade teacher Sharon Whitehill and renewal and a thoughtful and engaging
former RHS teacher, Laurie LePore, preservation experience building relationships
this longstanding Riverdale tradi- instead of
tion pairs kindergartners, 3rd
with each other and collaborating
complete in an educational and new learning
graders and 11th graders to change
tour the Oregon Zoo this Febru- exercise. In line with Riverdale’s
and loss of Strategic Plan, these classes embraced
ary. Students exchange letters
history. They a climate of collaboration that united
with their buddies throughout the
year, getting to know them better.
later went on and engaged students, staff and the
Some 11th graders even remem- to talk about extended community to contribute in
ber their zoo field trips from when some of the meaningful ways to our shared success.
they were in 3rd grade at RGS. negatives

8 Riverdale Review

Behind the Screens:
A look at remote Senior Exhibitions
RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – If the high school senior
capstone isn't challenging enough, RHS Seniors are now
tasked with completing all of the steps for this capstone
project remotely. The Senior Exhibition experience guides
students through a scaffolded research paper writing
process, which includes crafting their own essential research
questions, developing an argument/position using peer-
reviewed sources, offering counter evidence, and proposing a
viable solution to the problem they have identified.
Eleisah Wright researched recovery high schools. With
her father being a teen counselor and learning about recovery
schools, Eleisah wanted to know more. “The most challenging
part was finding a lot of evidence to support the schools'
feasibility because they're so unknown to the general public,
but I have been able to find some great studies with the help
of my outside experts,” says Eleisah. “In a brief sense, I've
learned that these schools are effective in achieving long-
term sobriety for students and need to be more widespread.”
Although she says it's a bummer they no longer present their
projects in school to the larger community, Eleisah is glad they
still were able to complete their senior exhibitions.
Cameron Broberg often listens to the news, finding
out about new places where the U.S. is involved militarily,
which led to him wanting to know more about his topic: The
2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force. Passed
immediately after 9/11 and still in effect today, Cameron
examined whether or not it should be repealed. Feeling much
more up-to-date with current events, he also watched several
hearings before Senate and House committees, and read some
Supreme Court rulings to better understand his topic. He has
taken advantage of building his own schedule to focus on this
project when it works best for him.
Abby Chong’s topic is personal, sharing her experiences
with America’s healthcare system, so we asked her a few more
in-depth questions.
What is your topic?
My research topic is the insurance authorization process,
or more specifically prior authorization (PA). PA is a
money-saving strategy that requires approval from insurance
companies in order to move forward with a treatment or
procedure necessary for recovery.
Why did you choose this topic?
During my sophomore year, I struggled with Lyme disease
for nearly 12 months. I missed the majority of my school year
and grew isolated from my friends. I quit competitive dance,
slept 18 hours a day, and basic everyday tasks became a
challenge. In addition to this, I traveled around the country
visiting specialists only for them to tell me my symptoms
were in my head. I had to travel to Maine to get my life-saving
medications after I had been denied several times. After my
Riverdale Review
Academics and More
experience in the healthcare system, I grew passionate about
drawing attention to this issue.
Does your project relate to another Riverdale class?
I owe so much of my passion for this topic to Ms. LePore,
former RHS teacher. I was experiencing my health anomalies
while in her microbiology class and her Careers in Health and
Wellness class. Ms. LePore was fascinated by my experiences,
and exceptionally supportive during that difficult point in my
life. Upon my recovery, she allowed me to give a presentation
to her microbiology class talking about my life with Lyme, and
I discussed the importance of patient advocacy and treatment
plans. That presentation inspired much of my senior exhibition.
What sources did you use?
I was fortunate to interview Dr. Alyce S. Adams via email.
Dr. Adams is a researcher in Los Angeles for Kaiser Permanente.
She offered me descriptions of how PA is handled within her
hospital, and gave me ideas for my proposal. In addition to
this, I watched the documentary “Sicko” in Life 101 with Ms.
Moehling. I used information from that documentary to help
my understanding of healthcare systems in other countries as
well as the processes inside insurance agencies.
What have you gained from doing this project?
I have gained a thorough understanding of the healthcare
system in our country. I believe in choices, and patient
advocacy, because ultimately that is what saved my life, and
what I believe will save many other lives as well. The benefits
of senior exhibition, as a whole, extend far beyond anything
we, as seniors, understand right now. The practice of finding
reliable sources, forming an argument, and being able to
communicate that argument is something that is unique to
Riverdale. I just wanted to thank Ms. Keldorf for upholding the
tradition of senior exhibition, and being a helpful and reliable
person in our lives during this trying time.
Celebrating Our Seniors
Riverdale High School’s Maverick Club partnered with the
district to create and provide personalized yard signs for
each member of the Class of 2020. On Wednesday, April 22,
seniors descended
on the high school
campus for a
drive-through
pick-up event,
where they were
safely greeted
by Principal
Robinson,
Custodians Dave
Warren & Carlos Portillo, and classmate Annabella Corvelli.
9
Academics and More
International Speaker
Comes to RGS
Wyjuana Montgomery sits in a circle to discuss her book with
8th graders.
Riverdale is known for bringing authors to talk with
students. Wyjuana Montgomery, author of “Bold,
Brave and Courageous”, visited RGS 4th-8th grade
classes in February, to discuss her book. Students
were excited to meet her to not only ask her questions
about her book but also about her life. They wanted to
know more about her NBA work as well.
Her book describes her trials and tribulations
through school and life that are relatable and pertinent
for students in these grades. In anticipation of her ar-
rival, students prepared thoughtful questions for her.
Their questions varied by grade, with 8th grader Reese
G. asking “Why did you decide to write the book?”
Ms. Montgomery responded that she’s always been
good at writing but never thought she wanted to be a
writer. After she became more serious about her speak-
ing business, she realized writing a book would help
her put her message out all around the world.
As an award-winning author, international speaker
and mentor, Ms. Montgomery seemed to have endless
encouraging stories and uplifting advice for students.
She emphasized that students can become great writ-
ers if they work hard and practice, expanding her ad-
vice on writing to life as well. “Don’t give up on some-
thing that is a goal of yours just because you're not
the best at first, get back out there and do it again.
Even if you're not the best at sports and you're not
the absolute best, keep doing it; it’s fun.”
10
High School Highlights
Bridge Building
Riverdale won the regional bridge building competition as a
school for the 16th consecutive year. Sophomore Matt Reamy
qualified for the international competition with his efficiency
of 2,880.9. Though the international competition is delayed until
June, Matt has constructed his bridge to submit by mail and his
bridge is expected to do well.
Mock Trial
After facing strong competition at the regional level,
Riverdale’s White Team won the Multnomah County Regional
Competition, qualifying them for state. Students prepared for
this trial during their second-trimester mock trial elective class.
On Feb. 22, two weeks prior to the state competition, the team
received the mock trial case: acting as the defense and prosecu-
tion, students made their cases for and against a musician who
is accused of second-degree disorderly conduct and involuntary
manslaughter.
Model UN
Although Oregon’s spring Model United Nations conference
was canceled, RHS MUN continues to participate virtually.
Students reviewed their drafted resolutions and voted on their
favorites to send to the virtual conference. Resolutions tackle a
wide range of international issues including the political divide
in Venezuela, nuclear weaponry, black market medication and
coral bleaching. They must carefully consider how best to rep-
resent the interests of their assigned countries while building
consensus with the global community.
The crisis simulation is always a highlight of the confer-
ence, and this year Oregon MUN pulled its crisis directly from
the headlines. Each committee drafted a new resolution to
solve a COVID-19 related problem. RHS MUN students worked
together to research, create, and communicate a plan of
action on how to get medical relief to Yemeni refugees past
a Saudi Arabian blockade. Winning schools get first choice of
countries for next year’s MUN conference, and our students are
already discussing which countries they would like based on the
political and social effects of the current global pandemic.
Students in Model UN meet to discuss their resolutions.
Riverdale Review

Winter Athletics
RIVERDALE ATHLETICS – Maverick Boys Basketball:
For the first time since moving up to the 3A classification,
the boys basketball team qualified for the OSAA Basketball
Championships. They also won the Les Schwab 3A Team
of the Month award. The Mavericks finished with an 18-6
overall regular season record, 8-4 in the Lewis and Clark
League and earning an at-large bid into the field of 16 teams
at this year's OSAA state tournament. The Riverdale boys
basketball team put together one of the most amazing
seasons in our school history and has set a new threshold
of excellence in our program.
Maverick Swimming: Junior J. Belden broke the
school record in the 100 meter freestyle. Congrats to our
swimmers on a great season!
Falcon Basketball: The RGS girls and boys basketball
teams advanced to the Metro Christian League
Championship game after their semi-final wins over OES and
Horizon Christian. The girls team finished the season as
NCL league champions.
Senior Isaac Abrams received Honorable Mention in
3A boys all-state selections for the 2019-20 Oregon
high school basketball season.
Riverdale Review
Athletics
Honoring Graduating Spring
Sports Athletes
RIVERDALE ATHLETICS – Despite the fact that
coaches could no longer coach their athletes in person,
they continued to provide workouts, support and
encouragement online for those who were interested.
Congratulations to the following students on your
commitment and hard work invested during your time
at Riverdale High School.
Katie Andersen Track and Field 4 Years
J. Belden Track and Field 1 Year
Noah Chanti Tennis 4 Years
Annabella Corvelli Tennis 4 Years
Ethan Hill Golf 4 Years
McKenna Lee Track 4 Years
Jake Nordstrom Tennis/Track 4/1 Years
Jordan Pridemore Track/Tennis 1/3 Years
Zach Rector Track 4 Years
Wyatt Schmidt Tennis 3 Years
River Smith Track/Tennis 2/2 Years
Henry Tolls Tennis 4 Years
Olivia Tresidder Tennis 4 Years
Hayden Turner Tennis 4 Years
Luke Walker Track 4 Years
Aidan Wendle Track 3 Years
Fall Sports Registration
RIVERDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT – Having secured a
camera for the high school gym, Athletic Director Rob
Pridemore is thrilled that RHS can begin streaming
sports this coming fall. Although changes to fall sports
have yet to be made, Riverdale will be well-positioned to
stream volleyball and hopes to expand to Lewis and Clark
for soccer games. For now, these are the intended first
practice dates:
• Monday, Aug. 17 – High school
• Monday, Aug. 31 – Grade school
Online registration opens July 20, and must be
completed prior to the first day of practice, including
payment of all sports fees ($350 for high school and $300
for grade school*) and completion of sports physicals.
Visit the athletics website, RiverdaleSports.com for links
to register and pay fees. (Families of children who have
not yet started school will need to pay by check at the
Athletics Department office, located at Riverdale High
School, which reopens in August.)
*Financial aid is available for sports fees. There is a link to the form on
the athletics website.
#WeWillPlayAgain
11
Riverdale Review
DISTRICT 51J 2019-20 Winter/Spring
Inside this issue:
• Supporting Our Schools P. 2-3
• Academics and More P. 4-10
• Athletics P. 11
• Events and Activities P. 12
Find this newsletter electronically and learn
more at RiverdaleSchool.com
Events and Activities
The Show Must Go On
By the Riverdale directing team (Kristin Heller, Shannon
Jung, Laila Murphy and Micah Nicolas)
RIVERDALE GRADE SCHOOL – Within the last few
months, theater has taken a huge hit because of COVID-19.
Shows have been canceled or postponed and artists are
out of work.
However, going virtual with Riverdale Grade School
for Annie Jr. was an easy decision, but difficult to pull off.
Countless hours were put into planning, meeting, and
learning new software so the show could go on! Theater
is a very personal art, and we have created our own
little online family with Annie Jr., culminating with two
virtual performances on May 17.
Meeting three times a week with our performers, we
somehow managed to block, teach music, choreograph
and edit an entire hybrid show. Thank you to the parents
of performers for not only balancing virtual learning but
also stepping up to be videographers. We couldn't have
done this without their help. In times that are constantly
changing, we are so proud to say that we have risen to the
occasion and have done everything we can to make this a
positive experience for everyone involved. Limited spots
were available for the live performance of Annie Jr., but
recorded videos are on the RSD Facebook page.
12
Riverdale School District
11733 S Breyman Ave.
NON PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Portland, OR 97219 LAKE OSWEGO, OR
PERMIT NO. 79
Acting as if Things Are Normal
RIVERDALE HIGH SCHOOL – Riverdale Drama students
will put on a spring Festival of One-Acts show in a new way.
One-Acts are an opportunity to learn how to reframe the
narrative in the performing arts and figure out how we can
still create together even when physically separated.
You will see scripts written by Riverdale students, some
Shakespeare, and some Carol Burnett sketches (a favorite
with the Riverdale Drama Club).
Students are rehearsing from home via Google Meets,
then each scene will be filmed from a final online meeting
and shared with you, our supportive community.
"It has been very inspiring to see the students pivot and
adjust to what we have to work with—some have written
new scripts in a matter of two weeks. Senior Emerson
Pereira is demonstrating great flexibility and patience by
transforming his script that he dreamed to see onstage
for the screen," says Clara Hillier, RHS drama coach.
Mark your calendar
June 11 Last day of school
Aug. 17 HS fall sports practice begins
Aug. 28 First day: 9th graders + new HS students
Aug. 31 First day: Grades 1-8, 10-12
Aug. 31 GS fall sports practice begins
Sept. 8 First day for kindergarten
For more events, visit our online district and school calendars.
Riverdale Review