The Riverwalk Roar
November 2, 2025
A Note from Dr. Compton
Happy Sunday, Pride!
I hope everyone is doing well and had a safe, well-rested weekend (with that extra hour of sleep!). As most of you know, I’m back from Peru. It was an incredible experience, and I tried to take advantage of every opportunity to embrace the culture, the people, and, of course, the food. Between the swimming prelims and finals, I even found a few free minutes to visit a K–12 school called Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Their staff and student culture reminded me so much of Riverwalk Academy. You could feel that it was a place where everyone, students, staff, and families, were proud to belong. It was another reminder that great schools share a common thread: a sense of connection, purpose, and joy in learning together.
At Riverwalk, that same sense of connection shows up both in our numbers and in our daily routines. Over 95% of our parents say Riverwalk is a safe and welcoming place, and more than 90% of our students and 95% of our teachers return each year, a clear sign that they love where they learn, work, and belong, and that they believe in what we’re building together.
Tomorrow, the State Report Cards are publicly released. Being a K–12 school, we receive an elementary, middle school, and high school report card. For the past month, these reports have been embargoed, but we’ve had access to the data. The public release was delayed slightly while the SC Department of Education corrected some statewide data errors.
Even without sharing specific numbers just yet, I can tell you this: there’s a lot to be proud of. Our results reflect years of growth, stability, and teamwork, from our youngest readers to our graduating seniors. More importantly, they show that Riverwalk is becoming exactly what we’ve always envisioned: a place where students thrive, teachers grow, and families feel at home.
When the report cards are released, I hope you’ll take a moment to celebrate with us. And then, as we always do, we’ll get right back to work, because we know even greater things are ahead for our Pride.
“Pride in Every Step” isn’t just something we say, it’s how we grow. Each year, we learn a little more, stretch a little farther, and celebrate a little louder. I couldn’t be prouder of where we are, but I’m even more excited about where we’re going. The best chapters of Riverwalk’s story are still being written, together.
Thank you for being part of our story.
In Pride and Purpose,
~ Dr. Compton
Photo of the Week
On Friday our elementary students were treated with a Halloween themed concert from our middle-high school band. They were able to hear pieces ranging from traditional arrangements to more up beat songs from some familiar shows and movies like Scooby Doo, and Phantom of the Opera and even got to participate in a song.
Middle School Math Night
Our GT and Student Council clubs will be collecting items in both buildings beginning this week! If you have any questions reach out to Ms. Long (K-5) or Ms. Benderson (6-12th)!
Rivers Pantry Ongoing Food Drive!
Business Professionals of America
Are you interested in leadership, business, technology, or design? Then Business Professionals of America (BPA) is the perfect place for you! BPA gives students the opportunity to develop real-world skills, compete in state and national events, and connect with other future professionals.
Whether you’re passionate about finance, digital design, marketing, or management, BPA has a place for you.
📍 Who can join: High School Students
📅 Meetings: Friday’s after school in Coach Dawson's room
📈 Opportunities: Leadership roles, competitions, community service, and scholarships
Come be part of something that prepares you for success beyond the classroom!
Friendly Reminder:
We love celebrating birthdays and special occasions at Riverwalk Academy! If you plan to send in treats for your child’s class, please remember:
All treats must be store-bought (no homemade items). This helps us ensure we can check ingredient labels and keep all our students — especially those with food allergies — safe.
Thank you for helping us create a fun and safe environment for everyone!
Need to Order Hot Lunch? Click Below!
Staff Member of the Month Nomination
Is there a staff member that you would like to nominate as staff member of the month? Click the link below and let us know!
Looking Ahead
Monday: 11/3/2025
- 11th Grade: South Carolina Career Ready Test: Reading Assessment
- Middle School Boys Basketball Practices Start
- Middle School Girls Basketball Practices Start
- Varsity Boys Basketball Practices Start
- Middle School Student Council Meeting: 7:15 am (room 126)
- 11th Grade: South Carolina Career Ready Test: Data Assessment
- MS Youth Commission International (YCI) 7:30 am (HS Collab Room)
- HS Youth Commission International (YCI) 8:00 am (HS Collab Room)
- Hornets Book Bus Visits Riverwalk Academy (3rd and 4th grade)
- Theater 1 Class Performance: Rawlinson Road Baptist Church (doors open at 5:45 pm/6:00 pm start)
Friday: 11/7/2025
- XC State Qualifier @ Newberry College 9:00am
- Elementary Veteran's Day Program 8:30 am (elem MPR)
Links to Additional Newsletters
- Elementary News (K - 5)
- Middle School News (6 - 8)
- High School News (9 - 12)
- School Counselors
- Athletics