The Riverwalk Roar

Happy Sunday, Pride!

Congratulations! We’ve officially made it through the first two days of school, and I have to say—they went even smoother than expected. Sure, there are still a few minor kinks to work out, but overall, I couldn’t be happier. It’s truly been a joy to welcome your students back. Thank you for your patience, support, and partnership as we launch into the 2025–2026 school year.

As we head into our first full week, I wanted to share a few helpful tips and words of encouragement to help your child, and your family, settle into a strong school routine. Regardless of age, whether you're a kindergarten student or a 40-something (okay, closer to 50) Head of School, we all thrive with a well-established routine.

Five Tips for a Successful Week Ahead:

Stick to a Consistent Bedtime. A good night’s rest sets the tone for a productive school day.
Prep the Night Before. Laying out clothes, packing lunches, and reviewing schedules can make mornings far less hectic.
Talk About the Day. Ask your child open-ended questions like, “What was something funny that happened today?” or “What’s something new you learned?” These types of questions usually get more than a one-word answer—unlike the classic “How was your day?” (which typically gets a “good.”)
Build a Homework Routine. Create a quiet, consistent space and time for schoolwork—even if there’s none assigned yet. At Riverwalk Academy, we’re mindful about how we use homework. We believe it should serve as a tool for practice and reinforcement—not as a high-stakes factor in a student’s grade.
Celebrate the Small Wins. Whether it’s remembering a schedule, making a new friend, completing a reading log, or—for some—just walking through the door without a tear, every step forward is worth celebrating.

It’s okay if everything isn’t perfect yet, new routines take time to build, and progress is made one step at a time. As you get to know me, you’ll learn that I’m a big believer in bravery over perfection. Together, let’s continue to encourage our students to show up, stay curious, and keep trying.

Before I sign off, I wanted to point out a few things; both as reminders for returning families and helpful info for our new ones.

Each Sunday, this newsletter follows a familiar format:

It begins with a welcome message, usually from me.
Next is the Pic of the Week, a photo highlight from around campus.
Following that are a few graphics or announcements relevant to all students; things like spirit nights, lunch menus, or (as in this week’s case) reminders about arrival and dismissal.
Then comes the “Week Ahead” calendar, which includes key dates for all three schools (elementary, middle, and high).

And finally, perhaps most importantly, you’ll find links to the specific weekly newsletters for elementary, middle, high school, school counselors and athletics. These sections contain the most up-to-date and relevant info for your child’s specific school experience. Our staff work hard to keep those newsletters current and helpful, so please make sure to scroll all the way down and check them out each week.

Thank you again for being part of our Pride—we’re looking forward to a fantastic week ahead!

In Pride and Purpose,

~Dr. Compton

This week’s featured photo captures our incredible Riverwalk Academy staff proudly wearing their staff shirts just before Meet the Teacher night. With energy, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to our students, we are ready to kick off an amazing school year together!

We’re excited to welcome our Lions back and look forward to a year filled with growth, learning, and community.