The Riverwalk Roar

The Riverwalk Roar: April 14, 2024
Happy Sunday, Pride!
As some of you know, we have an exchange student, 10th grade, who is living with us. Her name is MarÃa and she’s from Madrid. She arrived in July and she’ll return to Madrid in June. This weekend, I took MarÃa to Carowinds to meet up with another exchange student, Silvia, from Madrid, who is attending Catawba Ridge. We were talking about me chaperoning a field trip for my daughter’s school a few weeks ago, and both girls were surprised that students take field trips in America.
Our children are fortunate to have opportunities to learn inside and outside of Riverwalk Academy. With that in mind, why are field studies so important for our kids?
1. They reinforce our content standards. For the upcoming 3rd grade field trip, which supports our science curriculum on habitats and adaptations, students will engage in a focused class on these topics. They will learn to explain how different physical structures aid animal survival and distinguish between behaviors that are innate and those that are learned. Utilizing their senses, students will explore various habitats firsthand. Additionally, they will participate in activities specifically designed to demonstrate how adaptations help organisms thrive. These practical, hands-on experiences are designed to deepen students' understanding of these scientific concepts.
2. Field studies stretch our children's thinking. I often hear kids ask me, "Dr. Compton, did you know ______________?" after they return from a field trip. They can read it in a book or watch a video but when they see "the real thing," our children have a clearer and an expanded perspective about a subject. These experiences give them a wider background that they can apply to other learning situations. It is good to know about something. It is so much better to experience that same concept at a field trip.
3. They get to know others in a new environment. Field studies not only provide the opportunity to learn content in a different way, but our kids also get to see other students and teachers in a new light. Shared experiences have a way of creating bonds with others as we talk about what we're learning or doing. The conversations on the bus or at lunch or during an activity help our children get to know each other better. Field studies help our children grow as learners and as friends.
Looking ahead, our 3rd graders will soon be visiting Camp Cherokee, and our upperclassmen will have the opportunity to explore Bank of America Stadium with Charlotte FC. Planning is also underway for a trip for our rising 8th graders next year—more details on this will follow.
As we approach the summer break, I encourage you to consider opportunities that might broaden your child’s horizons. Whether nearby or a bit farther away, these experiences don't have to be extravagant or expensive to be impactful.
Thank you for your continued support in fostering an enriching learning environment for our students. Your involvement is key to their growth and success.
In Strength and Blessings,
~Dr. Compton
The Photo of the Week
Mrs. Stovall and some of her students dressed to impress for the Spring Formal.
Senior Spotlight . . . Miss Jazmine Sepulveda
Spirit Night, This Tuesday at Empire Pizza (in Newport)
Looking for Small Business Owners . . . .
BBQ Fundraiser
Blue Envelopes . . . A Riverwalk Academy Tradition
Looking Ahead
Monday: 4/15/24
- Spring MAP Testing (K - 9th)
- Lions Legacy Club, 3:15 pm
Tuesday: 4/16/24
- Spring MAP Testing (K - 9th)
- Dungeons & Dragons Club (9th Grade), 3:15 pm
- Golf at Great Falls High School
- Spirit Night @ Empire Pizza in Newport
- Board Meeting 6:30 pm
Wednesday: 4/17/24
- Spring MAP Testing (K - 9th)
- Dungeons & Dragons Club (9th Grade), 3:15 pm
- Art Club Meeting (10th - 12th Grade)
- Track @ Catawba Ridge High School
Thursday: 4/18/24
- Spring MAP Testing (K - 9th)
- 3rd Grade Field Trip
- 4H Explorers (Carr)
- Golf vs Northwestern High School
- Track @ Battle of the Rock
Friday: 4/19/24
- Special Olympics Area 11 Spring Games
- Track @ Battle of the Rock
Saturday: 4/20/24
- BPA Pop-up Business / Athletics BBQ/Bake Sale @ Main Campus
Links to Additional Weekly Newsletters
- Elementary News (K - 5)
- Middle School News (6 - 9)
- High School News (10 - 12)
- School Counselors
- Athletics