Your Source for All Things Riverwalk

May 22, 2022

Happy Sunday, Pride!

Welcome to the final week of school. That's right, we made it! While the year didn't start off like we were hoping, thanks to the late summer '21 surge of COVID, it sure ended on high note. As much as we want to "close out" this year, and start a new on in August, remember, a year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us. So as you reflect on the 21 - 22 school year, instead of focusing on what didn't go as planned, (i.e. "I didn't get that A in science," "I'm still upset that my group members bailed on me right before our project was due and left me to finish it," or "I'm still mad that she called me a name on the playground") focus on what you gained by the experience. What wisdom did you gain from it? How are you better off from having gone through it? There's much to be gained from each of our experiences and collectively, these experiences help shape our future.

Even though this is the last "weekly" newsletter, we will communicate updates via a few editions of the Summer Riverwalk Roar. We have a few summer events planned, so please be on the lookout via these newsletters and on our Facebook page for these exciting announcements. We'll transition back to our weekly newsletters beginning on July 24th.

On behalf of the staff, thank you for making the choice to have Riverwalk Academy be part of your child's life, have a great summer, and we'll see you in August.

~Dr. Compton

Photo of the Week

This week's photo is of our 3rd grade students who are creating flower beds to plant bushes and future trees/shrubs for the 3rd grade designed outdoor space.

Early Release Wednesday: 11:05 am / 11:30 am

Board Elections

Here are the candidates who are running for one of the four elected vacancies.

The elections will take place (via email) on May 24th through the 26th (4:00 pm). By 9am on the 24th, each family and staff member will receive an emailed ballot. Each ballot will have a unique pin number to ensure confidentiality and integrity of the process.

If you have any questions about the process, please reach out to the Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina.

Elementary Guidance with Mrs. Carr

Greetings,

This is my last article of this school year. As hot as it has been getting outside lately, how can I still say I am surprised it is the end and summer is here? I’m ready for a break, but I will miss all the students. Interacting with them each day is such a joy.

Over summer break, I will rest and go on vacation with my family, but I also use the time to read and grow our guidance program. Next school year we will continue the Energy Bus but I am going to add more mindfulness lessons and start a word of the month. This word will connect the mindfulness, Energy Bus and Rivers Way. My goal is to expand each student's toolbox of coping skills so they can be as positive as possible and learn even better. In my weekly letters, I will continue to include what we are doing in the classroom, what you can do at home and resources. Please remember to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

I will continue to be here for you over the summer, so don’t think just because the school year is over, you can’t contact me if you need anything at all.

I found some fun short activities the students can do over the summer. An example is below. If you wish for any of these, please email me at kcarr@riverwalkacademy.com.

Enjoy your break and I look forward to another fantastic year next year :)

Hugs,

Ms. Carr

Middle/High Guidance with Mrs. Menges

Happy Sunday!

We’ve finally made it everyone. It is the last week of school. Wow, what a year it has been. I’m so glad that I have had the opportunity to serve this school as the middle/high counselor this year and truly look forward to doing the same next year! Thank you to everyone for all the welcoming faces, support, and kindness throughout this year. Riverwalk has become like home in just one school year and I’m grateful to be apart of it. I know summer brings a lot of excitement, but also some bittersweet feelings for people. I hope each and every one of you are able to get rest and find joy in the things that you do this summer! Remember to enjoy these final moments this year— the pod parties, the promotion ceremonies, and for seniors, the last moments before graduation. Students, I am so incredibly proud of you, thank you for bringing me in with open arms and for letting me watch you grow and learn at this school! Here are some things to remember for this week…

Things to know:

-Seniors, I cannot wait to see you guys at the senior breakfast and for GRADUATION this week!

-11th and 12th graders, if you ordered a yearbook— please come to the school to get it from me. A good time to grab it would be at the Senior Breakfast this week!

See you tomorrow!

Mrs. Menges

Volleyball Interest Meeting

Any rising 7th - 12th grader girl who is interested in playing volleyball for the Lions in the Fall should consider attending this interest meeting.

Please contact Coach Tillman if you have any questions.

Attention Seniors

Senior Graduation Reminders:

Plan to spend Tuesday, May 24^th with us for your Senior Breakfast, Senior Walk, and Graduation Practice. We will see you at Riverwalk Academy Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM!!! Please bring your cap and gown!
Our Graduation Ceremony is on Thursday, May 26^th at 6:30 PM:

Graduates must arrive by 5:45 PM
Families and friends may arrive starting at 6:00 PM
Graduate Dress Code:
Khaki pants (no shorts), solid button-up shirt, solid tie or bow tie, dark or neutral shoes (no flip flops, please)
Black or white dress, dark or neutral shoes (no flip flops, please)

Junior Marshals

You must attend Graduation practice on Tuesday, May 24^th at 12:00 PM at Rock Hill Event Center.

On Thursday, May 26th:

Arrive at Rock Hill Event Center at 5:30 PM
Dress Code:
Option A:
White dress and dress shoes
Heels are permitted, however, please note that you will be walking in front of a crowd, so make sure you are comfortable moving in your shoe choice.
Flip flops are not considered formal shoes
Option B:
White button-up dress shirt with khaki pants, brown dress shoes, and dark socks
Gentlemen are asked to wear a solid-colored tie