Students of the Month for November 2014

Student - (Teacher that nominated student)
Toni Frank - (Shauna Mitchell)
Andrew Cuthbert - (Celeste Giron)
Trentan Pecorelli - (Kathy Bye)
Kallie Taylor - (Joseph Edman)
Brooke Wolverton (Jim Groethe)
Caitlin Stock - (Camille Hicks)
Cassidy Kartchner - (David Johnson)
Lacie Bernardo - (Melissa Usher)
Jodi Haslam - (Trudy Pecorelli)
Olivia Andrus - (Brent Hawkins)
Katja Akiyama - (Brynn Perkins)

January 2015

Tuesday, January 6th 2015


Faculty/Staff Highlights

 

 

My name is David Petersen and I am the new computer tech for Riverton High School. I have worked in the computer industry for 20 years. I am married with two children. I love technology and try to keep up to date with it as much as possible. I like to do anything outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, etc. I love to play board games and videos games with my family and I love music. I have been in the Utah National Guard for 24 years and have been deployed two times, once to Bosnia in 2002 for 10 months and once to Afghanistan in 2008 for 15 months. I have also had the opportunity to complete military missions in over 12 other countries. I am excited to be here at Riverton High and look forward to contributing to this great school.

 

 

I graduated from the U of U in Physical Education and Health in 1977.  I went back and got my Masters in Educational Psychology in 1994.  

I taught Essentials of College Study (Master Student), Careers and Self Image as an adjunct instructor for SLCC for eight years.   I worked at South Hills Middle School for 15 years;  8 years as the head counselor.   I started at RHS this year in the counseling center and love working with the great counselors here and meeting with high school students has been fun.  It is also fun to re-connect with many students who went to South Hills.  

Whether I am helping students with scheduling problems or personal issues I feel my job is to give students the tools they will need to be successful in life.

 

I love most sports, spending time with my family, swimming and reading.

 

 

 

From JATC

Apply 

NOW for 2015-16 Tech Center Programs

Online application available at  http://jatc-wj.org/

 

Application process differs for each program as shown below:

 

APPLICATION ONLY

·         Automotive Collision Repair

·         Barbering New

·         Computer Programming New

·         Digital Media

·         Heavy Duty

·         Mechanics/Diesel

·         Landscape Management New

·         Nail Technician New

·         Web/Mobile Application Development

·          Any 2nd Year Program

 

ONLINE APPLICATION + ADMISSIONS ESSAY*

·         Biotechnology

·         Commercial Aircraft Pilot

·         Dental Assistant

·         Emergency Medical Technician

·          Engineering

·          Fire Science

·         Occupational Therapy

·         Pharmacy Technician

·         Physical Therapy

·         Teacher Education

·         Veterinary Science

 

ONLINE APPLICATION + ADMISSIONS ESSAY *+ TESTING SESSION

·         Medical Assistant

·         Nurse Assistant (CNA)

·         Surgical Technician

 

Application & essay for these 3 programs MUST be complete before testing which begins February 2.  TESTING INFO

 

For more details and information on all programs go to   www.jatc‐wj.org    - “Program Guide”

 

Come visit us at the JATC

Open House

 Thursday, January 29, 2015   

4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Tour facility, meet with teachers & current students

Questtions contact gayle.whitefield@jordandistrict.org

 

 

 

 

Drama News

 

 

Come to the Riverton High School Music, Dance, Theatre Broadway Revue on January 9th and Monday January12th at 7:00pm.  This revue will feature 24 new and familiar songs from the world of Musical Theatre.  Tickets are only $7.00 and the show is accompanied by the amazing Mr. Kelly DeHaan.  Come see these future Broadway stars!

 

 

 

 

DRIVER EDUCATION RANGES

Thank you for not parking in the maroon parking stalls in the north parking lot between 2:30 & 7:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and Saturday mornings. We would rather not tow or ticket your vehicles!!!  Park in a yellow stall and you will be safe! Thanks for your cooperation.

3rd & 4th Quarter DRIVER EDUCATION students (& parents)

It is time for you to get your Learner Permit if you have not already done so. It is to your advantage to get your permit from the Utah Driver License Division BEFORE the quarter begins (driverlicense.utah.gov). You must score a minimum of 80% on the Utah Driver Handbook examination to apply for a Utah learner permit. Coach Galley has Utah Driver Handbooks available free of charge in his classroom and he also offers the test free of charge in Room 2626 before school (Mon-Thur) at 7:00 a.m. You may also go directly to the D.L. D. to take the test. If you do not plan on getting a learner permit, please see your counselor to transfer out of 3rd or 4th quarter Dr. Ed. Thanks!

ZERO FATALITIES Parent Nights

Our popular Dr. Ed. Parent Nights are scheduled in the auditorium each quarter for the parent(s) of current Dr. Ed. students. We encourage you to look ahead and save the date for when you will need to attend. Please note that the general public and any other family members or friends are also invited to join us at this powerful presentation. The Zero Fatalities Parent Night is informative and life changing.

R.H.S. Auditorium from 7:00-8:15 p.m.

3rd Quarter  Monday, February 9th   

4th Quarter  Monday, April 13th

Back in ’82…or ’72…or even ’92…

Times sure have changed. Kids who once were begging to get their driver’s licenses are becoming more difficult to find. Now that teens can survive anywhere with a little food, water, and their phone, transportation and face to face human interaction just isn’t that important anymore. So, why drive? It’s dangerous and expensive and they have apps to download and games to play! R.H.S. currently has several hundred students who have passed the classroom phase but have not completed the driving phases (range and/or road, including the road test). Please do not make the mistake that many are making: thinking that they can just go to the D.L.D. and ask for a license without completing the state-mandated requirements. If your son or daughter has dragged his or her feet and would now like to join the millions of other Americans who have a driver license, please send them to Coach Galley in Room 2626. Regardless of the reason(s) or excuse(s) for not completing, he can help the “licenseless”.

 

 

FCCLA

 

FCCLA has some great activities coming up.  The members are preparing their STAR Events for the Region Competition on February 5th  and the State Competition on March 10th.  These conferences will also include guest speakers, service projects, awards, food and fun.

The members are also finishing up the FCCLA at the Table activity where they are encouraged to eat meals with their families and also learn to prepare dinners.  We encourage ALL families to try to eat more meals together and enjoy family members during this time.

Officers have also planned a Families First activity this month.  The next activity will be January 15th. Members will make cards that will be donated to families who have someone who is serving in the military.  It will be fun to make cards that may brighten someones lives.   

February 9-12 will be FCCLA week.  There will be daily activities for the members that will be lots of fun.  

 

 



 

 

 

 

Principal's Message

It has been a successful first quarter and smooth transition into the second quarter! Fall sports wrapped up with some exciting post region matches, especially Volleyball who finished 4^th in a very tough volleyball region and 7^th overall in the state. Football also gave us something else to cheer about with an historic post season run after placing 2^nd in region. RHS Football was beat by just two teams this season, both of which are now playing for the state championship. Additionally, Girls Soccer finished 2nd in region, Cross Country qualified two girls for the state meet, and Boys Golf ended up sending over 6 players to the state tournament. Girls Tennis had a great season as well and will be back with a vengeance next year.

We hope you had a chance to see the school musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie. Students and teachers worked countless hours on tap dances, chorus choreography, wonderful music, and the creation of amazing sets.

FFA had a very successful experience with the Ag Issues team at Nationals in Kentucky, and the National Honor Society held its largest induction ever of over 100 students. We also congratulate the following Riverton High Sterling Scholar Winners: Cole Thorpe (Social Sciences), Shelby Christopherson (Dance), Jacob Wilcox (Business & Marketing), McKay Christensen (Math), Erica Smith (English), Keegan Pitchford (Science), Marina McNeill (World Languages), Nathan Taylor (Computer Technology), Logan Crawford (Skilled & Technical Sciences), Caitlyn Stock (Family & Consumer Sciences), Megan Able (Theater Arts), Porter Bagley (Vocal Performance), Britney Johnson (Visual Arts), Rachyl Davenport (Instrumental Music).

Now that the first quarter is behind us we begin to look ahead toward “the most wonderful time of the year.” Soon Silver Rush will be underway and the whole community will be involved in the spirit of giving. Earlier this school year Riverton High accepted the Champions for Child Abuse Award, which was presented to our Student Body Officers on behalf all Riverton students for their efforts to help end child abuse. Even though Riverton didn’t work directly on that effort last year, they have provided funds to several charities that work directly with abused children in years past.

At the awards ceremony, I had a chance to review the process our student officers go through to select a charity each year. By now Riverton is so well known for their charitable fundraising efforts in December that many charities and initiatives seek us out early in the school year and sometimes in the summer.

In the fall, student officers begin studying the charities, looking for hands on opportunities to serve and perhaps a chance to work directly with those in need. As they begin narrowing their search they make visits to charities, collect and read literature, watch promotional videos, interview employees, and spend time learning about significant community issues and needs. Finally, they compile all the information and small groups make presentations to their student government peers. It is during these presentations that officers pose questions to each other to better understand the charities they studied. At the conclusion of the presentations they cast secret ballots to settle on a charity.

As I watched students’ presentations again this year I considered the authentic learning process these students experience as they prepare for Silver Rush. For years in the district office I promoted content area literacy, which is basically the ability to read, write, and speak about content in areas other than language arts. That’s exactly what these student officers do as they study, listen, interview, read, write about, create, and deliver presentations to each other and their advisors about local and global concerns and the people who are working to alleviate human suffering.

Student government loves keeping the chosen charity a secret until the big reveal which happens at a Silver Rush opening assembly. Even then, these officers prepare a promotional presentation intended to educate, excite, and enlist supporters around a valuable cause. During the three weeks of Silver Rush student leaders continue to educate their peers about the issues surrounding the charity, whether it’s information about child abuse, hearing loss, wheelchair accessibility, poverty, refugees, or children’s health, just to name a few.

Ultimately, the goals of Silver Rush are to raise money for a good cause, build unity as a school community, become better educated about issues many people face around us, and promote citizenship through service. So, while the general public may see Silver Rush as a lot of teenagers shaking bottles and cans and requesting donations, I am grateful for the teachers and administrators who have worked for so many years to establish this event as an opportunity for students to practice authentic learning as they research issues within the community and to come together to foster the life-long skill of selflessness.

Silver Rush Schedule of Events

Dec. 1 Opening Assembly @ 9

Dec. 2 Zupas Night 5-9

Dec. 3 Silver Rush CD Release 7pm in the Auditorium, $5 admission

Dec. 4 Improv Night 6 and 8 PM

Dec. 6 Movie Night in the Main Gym, $2 admission

Dec. 9 Mr. Silver Rush Pageant 7PM in auditorium, $5 admission

Chick-fil-a night 5-7

Dec.10 Buffalo Wild Wings Night

Dec.13 Ugly Sweater Stomp 7PM Admission $5

Dec.15 Buffalo Wild Wings Night

Dec.16 Texas Roadhouse Night

Dec.17 Campout 4-11PM

Dec.18 Multifarious Assembly

Dec. 19 Closing Assembly at 1:30 in Main Gym

2014-2015 Sterling Scholar Winners!

- Cole Thorpe (Social Sciences)

- Shelby Christopherson (Dance)

- Jacob Wilcox (Business & Marketing)

- McKay Christensen (Math)

- Erica Smith (English)

- Keegan Pitcford (Science)

- Marina McNeill (World Languages)

- Nathan Taylor (Computer Technology)

- Logan Crawford (Skilled & Technical Sciences)

- Caitlyn Stock (Family & Consumer Sciences)

- Megan Able (Theater Arts)

- Porter Bagley (Vocal Performance)

- Britney Johnson (Visual Arts)

- Rachyl Davenport (Instrumental Music)

Drama Department

  

Congratulations to the Riverton High School Technical Olympics Team that took 3rd Place at the Utah Shakespeare Competition in Cedar City.  The team consisted of: Megan Abel (Stage Management), Karyssa Black (hair and makeup), Cayson Williams (sound), Mason Francis (rigging), JD Abel (sound), Jeremiah Zolman (props), Daryll McKane (costuming), and Brisko Averett (construction).  Nice work!

The Riverton High School MDT Class is proud to present their winter Broadway revue, I Got You onFriday, Jan. 9th and Monday, Jan. 13th at 7:00pm.  Come see 24 different numbers from 24 different Broadway shows- accompanied by Mr. Kelly DeHaan.  We are also honored to perform this revue at the end of January for the Utah Theatre Conference being held at Brigham Young University.  It's going to be a lot of fun.

Auditions for the school play Leading Ladies will be Monday, Dec. 15th in the RHS Drama room.  You will be reading selections from the play and do not need to have anything prepared.  Set in the 1950s, two English Shakespearean actors, Jack and Leo, find their careers in a rut. They are currently performing "Scenes from Shakespeare" on the Moose Lodge circuit in the Amish country of Pennsylvania. However, when they hear that an old lady in York, PA is about to die and leave her fortune to her two long lost English nephews they resolve to pass themselves off as her beloved relatives and get the cash. Hilarity ensues when it turns out the relatives are actually nieces and not nephews. Things get even more complicated when Leo falls madly in love with the old lady’s vivacious niece, Meg, who’s engaged to the local minister.

Congratulations to EVERYONE that helped with the school musical Thoroughly Modern Millie.  It was a huge success!

Student Spotlight

Jena Johanson, a senior, is always ready for a challenge or to try something new. Academically, Jena has taken honors and AP classes. She has a 3.9 grade point average and a 30 on the ACT. Jena is interested in a career in political science and journalism. She has been accepted to both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona’s Honors College. Jena has been offered the New University of America scholarship. She is waiting to see if she has been accepted at the University of Pennsylvania, where they have a strong political science program. Jena has gotten involved in the recent elections including walking the streets with House of Representatives candidate, Colleen Bliss. Jena enjoys volunteering at Courage Reigns where she helps with riding lessons for children with physical or developmental challenges.  Jena also enjoys running in 5Ks, and she is on the Riverton lacrosse team.

Hailey Skolmoski, a senior at Riverton High School, is not only a high achiever with her grades, but in all aspects of her life.  She has played soccer since she was 5 years old and has been recruited by colleges from the time she was 14 years old.  She has played all over the country as well as on the national team in Costa Rica.  She gives 100% on the field whether in practice or a game.  She was offered scholarships from several Division 1 schools, and was committed to play at the University of Utah at the age of 16. (on her 16th birthday)

Not only is she amazing on the soccer field, but she is a committed student.  She received Academic All State for soccer with a 4.0 GPA.  With her perfect grades and high ACT score, Hailey plans to go into Education at the University of Utah.  One of Hailey's greatest attributes is that she does not give up, no matter how discouraged she gets. When something gets hard, she just works harder. In addition, Hailey is a girl who cares deeply and loves with her whole heart.  If you are her friend, you know what that means.  She loves serving others, loves to spend time with her family, and strives daily to be a good person.  Her achievements thus far in her 17 years are admirable.  She has many more great years ahead as a UTE and a future teacher.  

Driver Education Information

DRIVER EDUCATION RANGES

Thank you for not parking in the maroon parking stalls in the north parking lot between 2:30 & 7:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and Saturday mornings. We would rather not tow or ticket your vehicles!!!  Park in a yellow stall and you will be safe! Thanks for your cooperation.

3^rd Quarter DRIVER EDUCATION students (& parents)

It is time for you to get your Learner Permit if you have not already done so. It is to your advantage to get your permit from the Utah Driver License Division BEFORE the quarter begins (driverlicense.utah.gov). You must score a minimum of 80% on the Utah Driver Handbook examination to apply for a Utah learner permit. Coach Galley has Utah Driver Handbooks available free of charge in his classroom and he also offers the test free of charge in Room 2626 before school (Mon-Thur) at 7:00 a.m. You may also go directly to the D.L. D. to take the test. If you do not plan on getting a learner permit, please see your counselor to transfer out of 3^rd  quarter Dr. Ed. Thanks!

ZERO FATALITIES Parent Nights

Our popular Dr. Ed. Parent Nights are scheduled in the auditorium each quarter for the parent(s) of current Dr. Ed. students. We encourage you to look ahead and save the date for when you will need to attend. Please note that the general public and any other family members or friends are also invited to join us at this powerful presentation. The Zero Fatalities Parent Night is informative and life changing.

R.H.S. Auditorium from 7:00-8:15 p.m.

2^nd Quarter  Monday, November 24^th 

3^rd Quarter  Monday, February 9^th  

4^th Quarter  Monday, April 13^th

Back in ’82…or ’72…or even ’92…

Times sure have changed. Kids who once were begging to get their driver’s licenses are becoming difficult to find. Now that teens can survive anywhere with a little food, water, and their phone, transportation and face to face human interaction just isn’t that important anymore. So, why drive? It’s dangerous and expensive and they have apps to download! R.H.S. currently has several hundred students who have passed the classroom phase but have not completed the driving phases (range and/or road, including the road test). Please do not make the mistake that many are making: thinking that they can just go to the D.L.D. and ask for a license without completing the state-mandated requirements. If your student has dragged his or her feet and would now like to join the millions of other Americans who have a driver license, please send them to Coach Galley in Room 2626. Regardless of the reason(s) or excuse(s) for not completing, he can help the “licenseless”.