The Riverwalk Roar

Happy Sunday, Pride!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and enjoyed today’s sunshine.

As you know, we are lucky to have two incredible Chief Smiles Officers, Ms. Robinson and Ms. Vernerier. They’re often the first and last people we see each day, and they truly set the tone for our staff, students, and families at Riverwalk Academy.

Before I left on Friday, Ms. Robinson asked me about my weekend plans. I told her I needed to rush home to cut the grass. She smiled and said, “Thanks for the warning about that.”

Why the warning? Well, she knows me too well. I usually return on Mondays saying something like, “I was cutting the grass this weekend and I was thinking…” which almost always leads to some new idea I’d like us to try, create, or improve.

Sure enough, while mowing this weekend, I started thinking about where all of our students live. Looking back at our enrollment data from when Riverwalk first opened through 2024, I noticed something interesting. In our early years, more than 65% of our students lived in Rock Hill. Today, that number is closer to 52%. At first glance, that might seem concerning, but there’s more to the story.

When Riverwalk began, we primarily served students from just two areas: Rock Hill and York. Today, we’ve grown to include students from Chester, Lancaster, Rock Hill, and York, with each of those areas now home to at least 10 or more of our students. Our reach has expanded, and with it, so has our Pride.

To help visualize this growth, I put together the heat map that’s included in the newsletter. I love a good visual, especially if it involves data.

As you can see, our Pride truly extends across multiple communities.

So yes, mowing the grass tends to be my “wondering” time. What about you? Where do you find yourself reflecting, wondering, and dreaming the most?

Lions, I hope you all have a wonderful week!

In Pride and Purpose,

~Dr. Compton

PS: We have some exciting things happening:

Monday:

• PTO Meeting (zoom) @ 6:30 pm
• Spirit Night @ Whits Frozen Custard (until 9:00 pm)

Wednesday:

• Cross Country Scrimmage at Clover High School

Thursday:

• Kona Ice (K-5) and Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck (6th-12th)
• 1st Swim Meet of the Season against Fort Mill at the Fort Mill Aquatics Center

Our 6th grade artists put their creativity into motion this week!

They explored how lines and shapes can bring energy and movement to their work by designing their very own comic strips. From action-packed scenes to expressive characters, these young illustrators are learning how to make their art come alive — one panel at a time!

Click the button above to be taken directly to our Back to School Information page on our website!

We are excited to announce elementary grade-level shirts for this school year! Each grade will have its own coordinating color, making it easy to show school spirit and celebrate your student’s place in the school.
These fun and colorful shirts will be worn during field trips, school events, and special activities throughout the year—so your child will have plenty of chances to wear them proudly!
👕 Shirts are just $12 and available now in the school store.
🛍️ Parents can order too—so feel free to grab one and match with your student!
Important: When placing your order, please be sure to select your student’s grade level to receive the correct shirt color.
Let’s make this year vibrant, spirited, and full of pride—one grade-level shirt at a time!

Monday: 8/18/2025

• XC Practice 3:30-5:00
• Spirit Night at Whits Frozen Custard (until 9:00pm)
• PTO Meeting (Zoom) 6:30 pm

• Cheer Practice 3:30-5:30 (MS/HS MPR)
• Board Meeting 6:30 (Elementary MPR)

• XC Scrimmage at Clover High School 5:00pm

• Kona Ice (K-5) and Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck (6th-12th)
• Cheer Practice 3:30-5:30 (MS/HS MPR)
• XC Practice 3:30-5:00
• Swim Meet at Fort Mill 6:00pm

Friday: 8/22/2025

• No Events Scheduled

• Elementary News (K - 5)
• Middle School News (6 - 8)
• High School News (9 - 12)
• School Counselors
• Athletics