Content Area 1
 Adult Volunteers Needed for SAIL (Seniors Achieving in Life)
The Counseling Center, in conjunction with the Sandy Springs Education Force, presents SAIL (Seniors Achieving in Life) for the third year. SAIL matches volunteers with seniors to shepherd them with college applications and financial aid. The volunteer time commitment is about 30 minutes once or twice a week over the next few weeks. Contact Ann Wilson
(WilsonA@fultonschools.org) or Roxie Garber (Garber@fultonschools.org) to volunteer, or for more information.
Police Safety Sweep Friday, January 30
Dr. Shaw sent a letter to parent email addresses Friday, January 30 regarding a routine police safety sweep with the K-9 unit and regarding a possible weapon on school grounds.
 Dr. Shaw's Letter of January 30, 2015 re: Police Safety Visit
Current 9th-11th Grade Students Begin 2015-16 Course Selection in FebruaryThe 2015-16 Academic Catalogue is ready and a helpful scheduling overview video can guide students and parents through the selection process. Students begin course selections during the school day February 11-12. learn more
UPCOMING EVENTS, NEWS, HONORS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Raider Chess Tournament Friday, February 6
 Cafeteria, 4-6pm. Hosted by the Raider Chess Club. Free. Open to students, faculty, and staff. The sign up sheet is outside Ms. Urban's room (Rm 704). A chess expert will be on hand. The winner will receive a $25.00 giftcard to Target, as well as their name on the Chess Club trophy. The top three players will receive medals. Refreshments & DJ
JapanCon Tuesday afternoon, February 10, 2015
Cafeteria,
4-5:30pm, FREE. The Japanese National Honor Society will host JapanCon
Tuesday, February 20, 2015. Experience Japanese culture: food,
history, origami, games, storytelling, chopsticks challenge, martial
arts & more. The Japanese National Honor Society induction will follow at 6pm in the Auditorium.
AVID Applications for the Class of 2019 due February 13, 2015
 AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a program for students in the "academic middle" to learn the skills necessary to succeed in rigorous high school classes while preparing for college. The Counseling Center is recruiting current 8th grade students (Class of 2019) to apply for AVID for the 2015-16 school year. Visit the AVID section of the school website for an application and to learn more. Application deadline February 13, 2015. Any questions? Contact Counselor Melissa Perlmutter (Perlmutter@fultonschools.org).
Principal's Town Hall Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Auditorium Lobby, 4pm. Dr. Shaw's open meetings provide an opportunity to hear the latest school news and ask questions about issues of concern. Town Hall Schedule Flyer
College Financial Aid Program Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Auditorium, 7pm
Sponsored by the Counseling Center for parents of seniors. Learn about Financial Aid options for college. Presented by The Princeton Review. Any questions? Contact Head Counselor Sally Page (PageS@fultonschools.org)
Chinese New Year Celebration, Thursday, February 19, 2015
 Cafeteria, 4:10-5:20pm. Students and parents invited. Tickets $2. Tickets available before school in Room 406 now through February 13, or through Faculty Sponsor Ms. Zou (ZouX@fultonschools.org).
Experience food, culture, games and more. Students considering taking
Chinese as their world language will be interested to learn that Chinese
language class offerings are expanding to the IB level for the 2015-16
school year. Explore Ms. Zou's blog for an introduction to Chinese
Princeton Review ACT Prep Class (for April 2015 ACT) Begins February 21
 The Princeton Review, in partnership with Fulton County Schools, is accepting registration now for a spring 2015 ACT prep program which begins Saturday, February 21, 2015. A special discounted price of $125 includes classroom instruction, two in-class proctored practice exams, access to online drills, and a booklet of additional practice tests. Visit www.princetonreview.com to register; use promo code ATLFCSPSHIP to receive the discount. Visit the Counseling Center to learn more and to inquire about scholarships.
Youth Leadership Sandy Springs Applications Due March 4, 2015
Open
to current Freshmen (Class of 2018) and Sophomores (Class of 2017)
interested in participating in community leadership opportunities.
Applications due March 4, 2015 www.leadershipsandysprings.org/ylss
Marching Band Information Night Wednesday, March 25
 For all interested and returning marching band members and parents. Meet with Band Director Carlos Rodriguez (RodriguezC@fultonschools.org). Learn about marching band, drumline, and color guard auditions, tryouts, mandatory summer camp dates, etc. Also on the agenda will be the December 2015 trip to the Russell Athletic Bowl in Orlando.
Georgia Department of Education Parent Survey Ends March 27, 2015
 The
Georgia Parent Survey is a 24-question online survey used to help
measure the quality of and perception of every school across the state.
The survey is anonymous; the number of participants as well as the
results feed into the school's Climate Star Rating, which is part of the
College and Career Readiness Performance Indicator (CCRPI) Scorecard.
Access the link using a computer, tablet, or any smart device: http://apps.gadoe.org/schoolclimate/parents.nsf/Survey.xsp
Model UN Wins Outstanding Delegation Award
 The Raider Model United Nations team was very successful at the Model Arab League Conference held at the Marist School January 22-23, 2015. Representing Saudi Arabia, the Raiders finished in the top three out of 23 high schools. Additionally, the Raiders were one of only three teams to win an Outstanding Delegation award. The death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, which occurred during the two-day conference, presented the team a unique challenge to respond quickly to political change.
Learn more in the News & Media Gallery
FBLA Shines at 2015 Region Leadership Conference
 The Raider Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter participated in the January 2015 Region Leadership Conference. Congratulations to the following FBLA students for advancing to the State Leadership Conference March 20th-21st: Chandler Arney, Thaddeus Caldwell, Jordan Coleman, Liam Collins, Alexis Fuller, Max Goldstein, Ryan Graffagnino, Matt Gruenig, Sarah Hamer, Jeffrey Hooks, Katie Horn, Bayne Jarvis, Alex Koenig, Kendall Laws, Harrison Lipsky, Asher Newman, Nicole Nichols, Matthew Oliver, Marcelo Paiz, Cameron Sheele, Kian Smith, Daniel Steinberg, Brittany Thomas, Collins Vice, Kyle Weil, and Kara Wise. Learn more in the News & Media Gallery
 Class of 2015 POSSE scholars
Congratulations to Taylor Hall (Boston University) and Jazondre Gibbs (Bard College) for receiving full four-year college scholarships from the Posse Foundation. Since 1989, the Posse Foundation has identified, recruited, and trained more than 4,000 public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential. These students—many of whom might have been overlooked by traditional college selection processes—receive full-tuition leadership scholarships. Of note, Posse Scholars graduate at a rate of 90 percent and make a visible difference on campus and throughout their professional careers.
Science Fair
 Congratulations to the first place Science Fair winners who advance to the 2015 Fulton County competition: Yareen Alawneh, Yoel Alperin, Hill Belfi, Lily Blumenthal, Kenzie Fisher, Elizabeth Graves, Kendall Laws, and Sydney Laws. Congratulations also to Honorable Mention winners Lindsey Cohen and Amanda Krause.
UGA Chooses Seven Raider Musicians for 2015 JanFest
 The University of Georgia January High School Band Festival (“JanFest”) is a four-day event for high school band musicians. Congratulations to Yoel Alperin (Horn), Shelby Arrigo (Horn), Christopher Budden (Trumpet), Domenic Manson (Euphonium), Cole Markland (Alto Saxophone), Arthur Miltner (Trombone), and Benjamin Shaw (Trumpet) for being chosen to participate. This is the second year for Alperin, Budden, and Manson. These musicians will join 1000 attendees, representing 130 schools from across the state, in Athens January 22-25 for the 65th annual JanFest.
Parking/Safety Notice: Driveway Access Behind the School is Off Limits
 Do not use the access road behind the school for any reason, even after school or on weekends. The road is for emergency vehicles ONLY. Parents, please pick up students in front of the school – either in the front circle by the globe, or after school hours in front of the tournament gym once bus lanes are clear. Students, do not move cars closer to the gym or track after school.
Governor's Honors Semi-finalists
 Congratulations to the ten Raiders chosen as semi-finalists for the Governor’s Honors Program (GHP). The next round of interviews will be in early 2015, and the finalists will be announced in March. GHP is a four week, all expenses paid residential academic program which brings together Georgia’s top students to study a variety of disciplines. Congratulations to Abby Gibson (Voice), Shaina Goldfein (Visual Arts), Mariah Hinton (Social Studies), Gabby Jackson (Voice), Kendall Laws (Technology), Ellen Murray (Theatre), Jaclyn Nichols (Visual Arts), Daniel Steinberg (Physics), Joshua Vayle (Chemistry), and Kyle Weil (Technology).
All-State Chorus News
 Congratulations to the seven Raiders who passed the first, and most difficult, round of auditions for the 2015 All-State chorus: Matthew Boatwright, Gabby Jackson, Ellen Murray, Callaway Powlus, Jasmine Smith, Tim Stewart, and Carolyn Wright. Additionally, for the second year in a row, Callaway Powlus passed the GMEA Reading Chorus audition.
 Raiders Advance to State PTSA Reflections
Congratulations to the six district winners who advanced to the state level Reflections competition. They interpreted the theme “The World Would be a Better Place If...” through original works of literature, visual art, music composition, and photography.
Nicole Nichols: “Wishing” (Visual Art)
Sarah Kern: “What are You Looking at?” (Photography)
Lilly Blumenthal: “The Dog Park” (Photography)
Anton Hsu: “Lost in Nature” (Photography)
Elise Flanagan: “Flowing Emotions” (Musical Composition)
Alexander Hamer: “The Incomplete Answer” (Literature)
Raiders Make Commitments on National Signing Day
 Four Raider athletes made official college commitments on National Signing Day in November. Congratulations to Lila Claire Best (Swimming, U.S. Naval Academy), Jalen Miller (Baseball, Clemson University), David Peljovich (Baseball, Wake Forest University) and Davis Vainer (Baseball, University of Alabama).
Foundation Sponsors Business Partners Breakfast
 The Foundation brought representatives from Governor Deal's office, the Sandy Springs Society, the Sandy Springs Education Force, and many local business partners to the school on Tuesday morning, November 18. While enjoying a spectacular breakfast catered by Culinary Arts Students, the visitors celebrated the accomplishments of the past year and learned about plans to expand Computer Science and Accounting course offerings. A highlight of the morning was honoring longtime Raider business supporter Dr. Paul DeLargy of Georgia REAL Enterprises.
Asher Berman Nominated for National Competition
 Congratulations to Senior Asher Berman for advancing in the 2015 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) competiton. Berman, an officer in the Student Government Association, went through an extensive application and interview process to become the Fulton County School System’s nominee. Besting every candidate from all Fulton County high schools, Berman now competes for one of two spots to represent the State of Georgia at the National Senate Youth Program in Washington, D.C. He will take the USSYP Qualifying Exam, which consists of five sections of questions on politics and government and one essay section, and should know the state results before the end of the fall semester. learn more in the News & Media Gallery Graduation Rate Jumps More than 13%
Congratulations to the Raider students and faculty for the double-digit increase in the graduation rate from the Class of 2013 (67.8%) to the Class of 2014 (81.3%). This is the fourth year using the Georgia Department of Education’s new graduation rate formula. Fulton County High Schools Class of 2014 Graduation Rates
Junior Pascal Acree Takes Science Fair Project to International Conference
 Last year, Pascal Acree’s Honors Chemistry Science Fair project examined the effect of environmental conditions on radon levels in homes. In September 2014, Acree exhibited his findings at the 28th Annual International Radon Symposium. The American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) hosted this year’s international symposium in Charleston, South Carolina. The AARST is a nonprofit, professional organization dedicated to the highest standard of excellence and ethical performance of radon measurement, radon mitigation and transfer of radon information. learn more in the News & Media Gallery
Spring 2014 Honor Roll and Principal’s List Announced
Honor Roll students achieved a cumulative average between 90-94.9 and will be recognized during the school day on Wednesday, October 22. Principal’s List students earned a cumulative grade point average of 95 or higher; they will be recognized during the school day on Thursday, October 24. Congratulations to these outstanding scholars for a successful semester and for their demonstrated commitment to academic excellence. Any questions? Contact Assistant Principal Thomas Garrett (GarrettT1@fultonschools.org)
2014 Spring Honor Roll and Principal's List Audio, Video, Technology & Film Program Receives State Certification;
Dr. Futrell Honored at School Board Meeting
 Fulton County Schools honored Raider Career Tech faculty member Dr. J.C. Futrell at the September 2014 School Board Meeting for his work earning Industry Certification for the Riverwood Audio, Video, Technology and Film (AVTF) program. Industry certification is a stamp of excellence, which represents the apex of program quality. Riverwood is the first high school in the Fulton County School System to receive certification, and is one of only 15 high schools across the state to successfully pass the rigorous business and industry certification review process. (Pictured L-R: Raider Career Tech Department Chair Sherri Smith, Principal Dr. Robert Shaw, Dr. J.C. Futrell, Fulton County School Board Member Gail Dean, and Mrs. Futrell)
 Art Teacher Nominated for National Art Educator of the Year
Congratulations to faculty member Dana Munson for being nominated
for the National Art Education Association, National Art Educator of
the Year. She will find out if she is selected late fall semester. Ms. Munson is the current
Southeast Region Art Educator of the Year.
Five National Merit Semifinalists & Two National Achievement Semifinalists
 Congratulations to the following Seniors who, based on their outstanding scores on the PSAT taken during their Junior year, now find themselves in the running for prestigious National Merit college scholarships: Jeffrey Hooks, Ethan Mann, Luka Marinkovic, Carolyn Stanek and Albert Xiong are National Merit Semifinalists; Corinn Gist-Stevenson and Kara Wise are National Achievement Semifinalists learn more in the News & Media Gallery
 Caution: Section of Stadium Seating Off Limits
Please respect the safety banners and barricades in Hoskyn Stadium and do not enter the roped off sections. Plenty of seats will be available for the football game this weekend.
Read Dr. Shaw's October 2, 2014 letter about the repairs
Dr. Shaw's October 2, 2014 letter -- Spanish
Class of 2015 Top Ten Announced
Congratulations to the members of the Senior class with the highest GPA's (pictured L to R): Madeleine Sibert, Ethan Mann, Asher Berman, Carolyn Stanek, Caroline Albright, Tyler Diamond, Albert Xiong, Jeff Hooks, Julia Clendenin, and Christine Tye.
Foundation Receives $10,000 Sandy Springs Society Grant
 The
Sandy Springs Society awarded the Riverwood Foundation a $10,000 grant
in May 2014 to help establish AVID (Advancement Via Individual
Determination), a college readiness educational program. The Society
supports non-profit programs that improve the
quality of life for all the residents of Sandy Springs by promoting the
arts, heritage, education, the environment, and social services. The
Riverwood Foundation is committed to raise $25,000 to implement the
program in the fall.
Learn more about AVID and contribute to the Foundation
Raiders Earn Top Ten Georgia High School Ranking According to The Washington Post,
Riverwood is one of the hardest high schools in the state, ranked
second among all Fulton County high schools and tenth overall in
Georgia. The challenge index score is the number of college-level
tests given in 2013 divided by the number of last year's graduates.
In a further affirmation of scholastic achievement, US News, in a similar evaluation, ranks Riverwood 15th in the State. Congratulations to the students and teachers for their hard work.
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