The Riverwalk Roar

Happy Sunday, Pride

I hope everyone had a wonderful and restful weekend and that you and your child(ren) are ready for this final week before Winter Break. We have a busy week ahead of us. In addition to the “final week activities” like class parties for younger students and exams for older students, we’re also working hard to ensure our new building is ready for students in January.

I know there are a lot of questions, especially from our sixth- to ninth-grade families. I have many questions myself! To address these, I’d like to provide a new building update and conclude with an assurance from me.

New Building Update

Construction is nearly complete, and it’s exciting to see the heavy equipment and materials being removed. The interior is about 95% finished, with the final flooring in progress for the multi-purpose room. This room currently houses equipment and materials, but once cleared, it will receive its final coat of paint over the break.

On Wednesday, the Office of School Facilities (OSF) and the State Fire Marshal will conduct their inspection. While we anticipate a smooth review, the inspection results will determine our timeline. If approved, we’ll receive a “stocking permit,” allowing us to move materials like textbooks into the building. Furniture is set to arrive and be assembled on December 30th.

We anticipate receiving a temporary certificate of occupancy in early January. Although the elevator installation will not be completed until the end of January, OSF has assured us that this will not delay our ability to open the building. Once the elevator is installed, we’ll receive our full certificate of occupancy.

Our current plan is to start in the new building on Tuesday, January 7th. This timeline is dependent on the results of Wednesday’s inspection, but we remain optimistic about a successful transition.

Assurance

With the new building and roads, we will implement updated arrival and dismissal processes, along with a few other procedural changes. These plans are already developed, and once Wednesday’s inspection results are in, we will begin sharing all necessary details with families. My assurance to you is this: you will have ample information to prepare you and your child(ren) for a smooth start in the new building on January 7th.

Looking Ahead

Lions, I cannot express how excited I am for our students, staff, and families as we approach this monumental milestone. Our community deserves this building, and it’s something the Riverwalk Board and I have been working toward for eight years. We’ve faced challenges beyond our control, untangling complications and navigating delays, including the impact of COVID-19. Fast forward to today, and we’re finally on the brink of seeing our vision become a reality.

Stay tuned for updates later this week as we continue preparations. I’m hopeful that by Thursday, I’ll have exciting news to share with you as we close out 2024 and step into 2025 on the right foot.

Thank you for your patience, support, and commitment to Riverwalk Academy. I hope you all have a wonderful week and a joyful Winter Break.

In Pride and Purpose,

~Dr. Compton