Rivendell Community News
Superintendent News
Dear Rivendell Community,
As we continue the school configuration process that began earlier this year, I want to take a moment to share an update on the work of the Steering Committee and School Board.
Over the past several months, the Steering Committee has been exploring possible options for the future configuration of our schools. Currently, three options are under consideration, in addition to maintaining our existing school structure:
- Tuition Students in Grades 9-12
- Operating One PreK-5 School
- Shared Services or Merger
To better understand each possibility, three subgroups of the Steering Committee have been gathering information and examining the potential opportunities and challenges associated with each option. This work is an important part of ensuring that future discussions and decisions are thoughtful, informed, and centered on the needs of our students and communities.
We invite you to join us for a Community Information Forum on Tuesday, October 27, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at the Rivendell Academy Café. We will share information about the options being explored, provide an update on the work completed to date, and discuss next steps in the process.
Community involvement is an important part of this work, and we encourage families, staff, and community members to attend, learn more, and stay engaged as we consider the future of our schools.
Thank you for your continued interest and support of the Rivendell Interstate School District.
Around Our Schools
There are so many wonderful things happening across the Rivendell Interstate School District! Our schools continue to demonstrate the importance of community, connection, and meaningful learning experiences. I encourage you to take a few moments to explore our principals' newsletters for a closer look at the exciting work taking place in our classrooms and schools.
Rivendell Academy — Raptor News
Rivendell Academy continues to celebrate learning both inside and outside the classroom. Recently, Academy faculty spent a professional development day exploring the four communities that make up our district, strengthening their connections to the places and families we serve.
Students are also enjoying opportunities that extend beyond traditional classroom learning, from athletics and performing arts to the American Exchange Project, which connects students with communities across the country. These experiences reflect the many ways Rivendell supports student growth, exploration, and connection.
Read Rivendell Academy's Raptor News
Westshire Elementary School — The Talon Times
At Westshire, building a strong school community remains a priority. Students and staff recently gathered for their first community meeting of the year, celebrating student accomplishments, classroom learning, and school traditions.
Westshire teachers also joined their Samuel Morey colleagues for a professional development day focused on literacy instruction and collaboration. Students in grades 3–5 are participating in the Art Start program at Dartmouth's Hood Museum, providing exciting opportunities to connect art, creativity, and learning.
Samuel Morey Elementary School — The Talon Times
At Samuel Morey, literacy and building connections are at the forefront of this year's work. The school has introduced Community Meetings and Buddy Classrooms to strengthen relationships across grade levels while creating opportunities for students to learn from one another.
The school is also placing a strong emphasis on evidence-based reading instruction and supporting every student's growth as a reader. A recent Open House brought together 219 students, family members, and community participants for a celebration of learning and literacy.
Read Samuel Morey's Talon Times
One District, Many Opportunities
Whether it's strengthening literacy skills, exploring our communities, celebrating student achievements, or creating new learning experiences, these highlights represent just a small part of the great work happening throughout Rivendell.
Thank you to our dedicated staff, engaged families, and supportive communities for making these opportunities possible. I encourage everyone to visit the newsletters above to see more of what makes our schools special.
—Randy
Superintendent Meet & Greet
I would like to invite families, staff, and community members to join me for one of my upcoming Meet & Greet opportunities. These informal gatherings are a chance for us to connect, get to know one another, share ideas, and have conversations about our schools and the Rivendell community.
Whether you have a question, a suggestion, or simply want to stop by and say hello, I welcome the opportunity to hear from you.
Upcoming Meet & Greet Opportunities at Sunnyside Coffee Company, Fairlee, VT:
Friday, October 23 - 2:00-3:00 PM
Thursday, October 29 - 9:00-10:00 AM
Thursday, November 5 - 9:00-10:00 AM
Friday, November 13 - 2:00-3:00 PM
I hope you'll find a time to stop by. I look forward to meeting more of our community members and continuing the conversations that will help shape Rivendell's future.
