Rivercrest Academy

Thank you to all the parents and family members who participated in our recent parent meeting. It was wonderful to see so many of you at Rivercrest. I sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback, ideas, and encouragement shared throughout the evening. Your partnership and involvement continue to strengthen our school community.

One message I heard loud and clear is that families would appreciate more lead time regarding major school events and activities. In response, our goal is to have next year’s major events scheduled before the end of this school year, including graduation, prom, parent meetings, and other key activities. We hope this will make it easier for families to plan ahead and participate in the life of our school community.

I also appreciate the honest feedback regarding our ongoing challenges related to marijuana use among adolescents. As a recovery high school, maintaining a safe and recovery focused environment remains one of our highest priorities. In response, we have increased supervision in common areas, tightened our expectations and response related to vape pens, continued individual counseling and recovery coaching with students, facilitated group discussions in recovery groups, and worked collaboratively with youth using problem solving and supportive intervention approaches. We know this work requires ongoing partnership between school and home, and we appreciate your continued support as we move forward together.

Finally, a reminder regarding prom expectations: students who wish to bring a guest or date to prom must receive prior approval. Only approved guests will be admitted to the event. If students or families have questions regarding guest approval, please have your youth connect directly with Shaw or Kennedy, who are maintaining the approval list.

Thank you again for your partnership, trust, and continued support of Rivercrest Academy.

This week, we join schools across the country in recognizing Staff Appreciation Week. At Rivercrest, we intentionally celebrate all staff members who contribute to the success and wellbeing of our students, including teachers, recovery staff, educational assistants, office staff, counselors, transportation staff, and everyone else who helps make Rivercrest a safe and supportive community.

Thank you to the many parents, students, and community members who have taken time to recognize and honor the challenging and meaningful work our staff do each day. Supporting adolescents in recovery requires patience, compassion, flexibility, and deep commitment. We are grateful for the partnership and encouragement you continue to show our team.

We will be attending the 2026 Oregon Tradeswomen's Annual Career Fair on Friday 5/15/26. The 2026 event is being held at the Portland Expo Center, Hall E.

Below are two permission slips that each student must have completed in order to attend and participate in the fair. Please return the permission forms to Erin by Friday 5/8/26. Hard copies have also been provided.

A big thank you to those of you who came and participated in Parent Night last Thursday. As promised, here are a few follow up items and answers to your questions.

Several of you asked for a priority list on what we are looking for as we round out the school year. Here is a short list along with some flyers and images you may share to help us spread the word. Lastly, there is a link to the donation Square account from our Rivercrest website!

Priority List for Donations:

1. Gift Cards $5-$20 for Student Store
2. Monetary Donations for Student Field Trips and Events
3. In-Kind Donations for Student Store Items and School Supplies
4. Teacher wishlists

Wish List of Incentives and Donations from Parents

• Dutch Bros
• Adidas
• Ulta
• Oaks Park
• Wonderland
• SuperPlay Arcade

• Blind boxes

• Takis

• Technology speakers (JBL speaker)

• Headphones

• Prom
• Graduate Gifts
• Graduation
• Field Trips

• Culinary Wish List
• Shaw Wish List

We are collecting cans and anything you purchase with a 10 cent bottle return in an effort to raise funds for the school.

You can pick up a blue bag and corresponding QR code to take home to collect and turn in. Make sure you have as many QR code stickers as bags to ensure they go to Rivercrest. Bags and QR codes are in the front entrance of the school.

• Special Shout Out to Ben from Wilder for donating to our Prom Dirty Soda Station!
• Thank you to Debbe Crawford for helping to provide a space and venue for the students to have prom this year!
• Thank you to Nina Horn for helping coordinate donations in the local neighborhood and getting us started with the blue bottle drop, it is much appreciated!
• Thank you to Tracy McGuire for your donations to the student store and supplies!

There is free parking available on campus near the Library & Learning Center, the lot by the Campus Center and plenty of street parking.

To start the enrollment process, please contact Rivercrest Academy Principal Todd Nicholson.

An interview is required for all students prior to admission. The intake interview is to provide an opportunity to determine whether the Rivercrest Academy model is the best fit for students. Your admissions contact will help facilitate this interview process. Further information about Rivercrest Academy as well as the enrollment application can be found on our website: www.rivercrestacademy.org

Email: tnicholso@mesd.k12.or.us
Website: rivercrestacademy.org
Phone: (971) 427-0935