Riverside Review 2021-2022

Riverside Review

Our Mission

Educate the mind, nurture the spirit, and foster the development of the whole child.

Message from the Head of School

As I reflect on the past school year, I remain grateful for the moments of resilience and grace displayed by our School community. Inspired by this year’s school-wide theme, connection, the RPDS community showed its very best by living the Riverside Way, collectively focused on helping RPDS live out its mission and providing our students with an outstanding educational experience.

This school year our campus was once again buzzing with energy and activity and our students and faculty were enthusiastically engaged in the fulfilling work of deep learning and personal growth. As we were able to fully return to the events and traditions that make the RPDS experience uniquely special, we joyfully embraced the opportunities to connect with one another in community, which has always been and continues to be an essential component of the RPDS experience.

The pages of this year’s Riverside Review highlight the achievements of our students, faculty, and alumni and reflect the advantages and value of an RPDS education. The stories and pictures capture the many ways we were able to fulfill our mission by guiding our students on their educational journey, focusing on academic excellence, the arts, leadership, spiritual growth, and personal development. We give thanks to our outstanding faculty and staff who all helped to make this successful year possible and memorable for all.

Ben Ketchum Head of School

As RPDS looks to the future there is so much to be excited about. This year we officially launched the Cornerstone Campaign, focused on endowments, an enhanced Rice Sports Zone, and the construction of a Family Life Center, which will contain a gymnasium, youth center, and gathering spaces for the Riverside community. Together with our robust academic program, the new building, spaces, and endowments will ensure RPDS remains an exemplar of an innovative whole child-focused educational experience. I am grateful to the Board of Trustees, the Capital Campaign Committee, and those who have participated in these critical early stages for their generosity and vision. The months ahead will provide much excitement as we launch the public phase of our Cornerstone Campaign.

In keeping with the theme of connection and in preparation of our School’s upcoming 75th anniversary, the RPDS Alumni Council did tremendous work over the last school year to foster deeper connections and provide meaningful reunions for legacy families and alumni of all ages. We look forward to more moments of connection with our alumni in the upcoming year, as we continue to celebrate the people who have so richly contributed to our school’s history and legacy of excellence.

Thank you for your continued investment and engagement in RPDS and for making a positive difference in the life of our school and the lives of our students. I am truly grateful for your support as we continue to joyfully and passionately shape the hearts and minds of our students to live lives of purpose and service to others.

Ben Ketchum Head of School

Year in Review Board of Trustees

As the parent of a 2020 RPDS graduate, I have a unique perspective on our school’s mission to educate the mind, nurture the spirit, and foster the development of the whole child. Over the years at RPDS, I watched my daughter build the foundation of skills that will allow her to be a lifelong learner, rooted in Christian faith. Today, those skills serve her well as she embraces the opportunities and challenges in the next phase of her life and her education. We feel blessed that RPDS was a critical part of helping to build that framework.

As President of the RPDS Board of Trustees, I also have a unique perspective on our school’s mission. We have an extremely engaged Board, comprised of both church members and parents in the school community, who are focused on long-term strategy and sustainability. The real work of our Board typically happens at the committee level and creates focus to meet the objectives laid out in our Five-Year Strategic Plan.

The Board’s Committees are:

S. Harrell President, Board of Trustees

1. Advancement Committee – Supports fundraising campaigns that help offset the entire cost of tuition and provide enhancement to our educational offerings.

2. Campus Development Committee – A joint committee with Riverside Presbyterian Church, focused on improving campus facilities and security.

3. Diversity Committee – Broadening our efforts to attract students and faculty with diverse perspectives and from underrepresented communities.

4. Finance Committee – Developing the tools and metrics that ensure the long-term financial viability of the school.

5. Riverside Cornerstone Campaign - A fundraising initiative to build a Family Life Center, ensure a secure campus, and fund future endowments for building operations and student scholarships.

6. Trustees Committee – Focusing on the development of future Board of Trustees members and leaders.

For decades, our dedicated faculty has shown up every day to bring their talents to educate, nurture and develop our children. They instill a love of learning in their students and inspire them to be curious and contributing members of their community. Throughout a difficult two years and day-to-day challenges, our faculty has continued to evolve, pivot, and apply their spirits to doing the incredible work they do. The relationships the RPDS faculty foster with our children will continue for years to come. They are the glue that holds the foundation together.

Reflecting on the 2021-2022 school year, the RPDS community can be proud of the year’s many successes and accomplishments and look to the future with enthusiasm for the opportunities that await our children.

S. Harrell, President

William Trice, Vice President

Colleen Haley, Secretary & Treasurer

Jan Andrews

Brad Arrowsmith

Joseph L. Barrow

Marcela S. Beard

Paula P. Brice

Jenny Brumback

Penny Cunningham

Jed Davis

Tommy Dudley, Jr.

Katie Fackler

Stephanie Harden Virginia Hunt

William H. Klima, Jr.

Titus

Brooke

John

Shannal L. Thomas

Annika Wallace

Sincerely, Martin Harrell Board of Trustees President

Martin

Martin

Alicia Buckley

Benjamin A. Campen

Mary Elizabeth Lott

Elizabeth G. Meux

J. Pittman

Rice

Sapora

New Faces at Riverside

New to the Administrative Team

Laura Bayer, Assistant Head of School

Laura joins RPDS with 27 years of educational experience and 6 years of experience as a school head at St. Nicholas School in Santana De Parnaiba, Brazil. Prior to her role as Head of School, Laura served at St. Nicholas School in several capacities. She began her career as a PreK 3 - PreK 4 teacher and later served as the Department Head. In 2004, Laura’s role was expanded, and she led the school’s Infant/Primary School (Ages 2 - 1st Grade) before taking on her most recent role as the Head of School.

Laura Bayer Assistant Head of School

An experienced Primary Years Program workshop leader, site visitor for the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), and a school evaluator for the Latin American Heads Conference, Laura comes to RPDS as a respected school leader with strong pedagogical knowledge and a proven track record of success in leadership. Laura has presented at various schools and conferences in the areas of assessment, inquiry-based learning, learner agency, lesson design, mathematics, reading, and phonics. A great listener and a strong communicator, Laura is described by colleagues as knowledgeable, empathetic, collaborative, innovative, supportive, and wise.

Laura received her Master of Science in Educational Administration from the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Kansas University and her BA in History from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. Laura also received her K-8 Elementary Education certification through Ottawa University.

When asked about what attracted her to RPDS, Laura shared, “I was drawn to RPDS because it is a school that values community and a place where faculty are dedicated to teaching children to be curious, love learning, understand different perspectives, and serve others. It is a place that values both academic excellence and becoming a well-rounded person, with the self-awareness to know and use their talents to become their best selves and be of service to others.”

Laura is excited to now be a part of the Riverside community and is enjoying her transition to Jacksonville with her family. We are fortunate to welcome Laura to RPDS to build on our outstanding program and rich traditions. Laura officially began her role as the Assistant Head of School on July 1st.

Tavia Mullen, Director of Admissions

This summer, RPDS welcomed Mrs.Tavia Mullen as Riverside Presbyterian Day School’s new Director of Admissions. A well-versed, passionate admissions professional, Tavia was selected for her inspiring leadership, ability to make meaningful connections, genuine warmth, strategic acumen, and broad range of experience in education and admissions. Her creativity, knowledge, and charisma are qualities that make her an outstanding choice for this role.

Before coming to RPDS, Tavia served as the Associate Director of Admissions Operations at Westminster in Atlanta, Georgia. In her role at Westminster, Tavia served as the primary manager for all admissions events and activities, evaluations and assessments, and was the liaison for all marketing and communications strategies and efforts related to admissions. Before rising to her former position, Tavia served as Westminster’s Associate Director of Admissions for the Lower School. Her success in her previous roles was defined by her natural ability to effectively manage the admission process, creatively articulate the value of the curriculum, culture and programs, and genuinely cultivate strong relationships with parents, faculty, and prospective families.

Tavia Mullen Director of Admissions

Tavia comes to RPDS with nine years of experience working in independent schools. She received her B.S. in Special Education from Baylor University and started her career in education teaching Special Education at her high school alma mater. Tavia gained additional classroom experience as she spent time as a PreK and 1st Grade teacher. Before moving to Westminster, Tavia served as the Assistant Director of Admission and Financial Aid at Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School in Washington, DC.

Throughout the search process, those who met with Tavia were drawn in by her warm, friendly, and personable demeanor, along with her impressive accomplishments as a leader and admissions professional. Equally admirable was her understanding and affinity for RPDS’s culture, traditions, commitment to excellence, and focus on the all-important years of childhood. Tavia’s experience, passion, and collaborative spirit will provide the necessary leadership in this role to lead us into the future.

After initially visiting the campus, Tavia shared her appreciation for the quality of teaching, the strong student engagement, devoted parents, and overall uniqueness of the RPDS community. Reflecting on her experience, Tavia added, “Educating the mind, nurturing the spirit, and fostering the development of the whole child are hallmarks of Riverside’s mission that resonate with me. Visiting the campus surpassed my expectations; I saw and felt the celebration of childhood and the warmth of the entire community.”

RPDS is excited for the future as Tavia begins her new role as the Director of Admissions, and we joyfully welcome the Mullen family to Jacksonville and the RPDS community.

Peggy Campbell Rush, Director of Curriculum

Peggy Campbell-Rush will serve as RPDS’s Interim Director of Curriculum and Learning for the 2022-2023 school year. With years of experience as an administrator and consultant, Peggy will work closely with RPDS faculty to enrich the strong existing teaching practices and enhance the long standing robust curriculum.

Campbell-Rush Director of Curriculum

Peggy is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in the field of education. She has 46 years of combined experience as a primary teacher and administrator both in the United States and England. Peggy’s most recent administrative role was with The Bolles School (Ponte Vedra Beach Campus) as the Head of Lower School. Peggy is a U.S. Fulbright Educational Specialist with the U.S. Bureau of Education and currently serves as a Professional Development Specialist with the Bureau of Educational Research. As a presenter and consultant, Peggy delivers keynotes and workshops at conferences and schools across the country. She enjoys working with leaders and teachers in independent schools and finds great joy in presenting to parents and school communities on a range of topics related to education, parenting, and social and emotional growth.

We are thrilled to have Peggy as a member of our community and look forward to having her support our great work and advance our mission.

Cheryl Tight, Content & Donor Stewardship Manager

We are thrilled to welcome Cheryl Tight to RPDS’s advancement team as the new Donor Stewardship Coordinator. In this exciting role, Cheryl is responsible for planning and executing donor stewardship programs while strengthening relationships with the school’s philanthropic community. Cheryl comes to RPDS with a strong background and years of experience with event planning, promotions, and communications. During her career, Cheryl has enjoyed working with Seventeen and Sunset Magazine, Macy’s, and the Denver Art Museum. Cheryl’s understanding and appreciation of independent schools came to her in her most recent role as the Communications Manager at Park Maitland School, Maitland, FL.

Peggy

Cheryl Tight

Content & Donor Stewardship Manager

New Faculty for 2022-2023

Barnes Kindergarten Assistant Teacher Amanda Barkley 1st Grade Teacher

Morena 6th Grade Social Studies Kindergarten Assistant Teacher

Expanding Social-Emotional Learning Responsive Classroom

With nurturing students’ hearts, hands and minds at the core of its mission, RPDS faculty are continuously investigating seminal and emerging research related to social-emotional skill development in preschool and elementary-aged students. Teaching students the five core SEL skills (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making skills) not only improves overall academic outcomes; it is also positively correlated with future life satisfaction rates in adulthood (visit casel.org for a plethora of research on this matter).

Three years ago, a small cohort of RPDS teachers traveled north to be trained in a well-established SEL approach called “Responsive Classroom,” which comes from the Center for Responsive Schools. That group of teachers returned to RPDS excited about what they had learned and eager to put those ideas into practice. Before long, teachers across the campus were buzzing about this powerful approach to classroom management, teaching, and learning. By the end of that year, the entire faculty made the landmark decision to become a Responsive Classroom school.

During the 2020-21 school year, despite the many challenges of the pandemic, more than 35 faculty members earned their beginner level certification as Responsive Classroom teachers. This past year, that same cohort earned advanced certification, while the remaining faculty members earned their beginner level certification.

At this point, every single faculty member of RPDS campus is a certified Responsive Classroom teacher. Now, whether students are in their homerooms, visiting a resource class, walking down a hallway, or outside at lunch or recess, there is continuity in terms of what is expected of students and in terms of how RPDS’s adults interact with students. RPDS is committed to meeting the social and emotional needs of its students so that they can grow into the fullness of their great potential.

One area you can see Responsive Classroom at work is during students’ morning Care & Connect time. In March, Mrs. Milne’s 1st Grade class joined Mrs. Green’s PreK 3 class for a joint Care & Connect session during which students were able to advance their social awareness and continue to sharpen their relationship skills particularly when interacting with students of different ages.

STEAM Instructor

Maggie Young

Taylor Horne

Catherine

Emily

Faculty & Staff

Milestone Years of Service

5 Years

Gayle Adams Assistant Kindergarten Teacher

Sarah Conners Upper School Math Specialist Lindsay Lynn 3rd Grade Teacher

10 Years

15 Years

4th

25 Years

Honoring 25 Years of Service

Prudence Baldwin

Patient, empathetic, and kind, Prudence Baldwin touches the lives of each student who walks through the doors of RPDS. Her infectious smile and joyful disposition are welcoming and immediately put those who encounter her at ease. Her calm, poised demeanor is reflected in her teaching, providing our students with a sense of peace and a positive mindset.

Dedicated to sharing God‘s love, Prudence brings a servant’s heart to all she does. It is why the community looks up to Prudence as an incredibly grounded person with a strong moral compass. In her role as Bible teacher, Prudence embodies the fruits of the spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Because of this, she is a true collaborator, a leader, a friend, and a role model to all her students.

At the end of the day, everyone can count on Prudence to go the extra mile to get things done. Her impact is felt by all, and she does so much for the school, such as accompanying fifth graders to Pathfinders, coaching Girls On The Run, leading Chapel services, teaching ethics, supporting Project Leads, teaching Bible, heading student fundraisers, delivering devotionals at Chapel, leading the efforts around Caring Tree, mentoring 6th grade Chapel readers and flag bearers, coaching students through Flying Chapel, organizing the Flag Ceremony, and serving as the 5th grade team leader. These are just a few of the many ways Prudence brings joy and life to the RPDS experience. We are forever grateful to Prudence for helping to make RPDS such a special place for all.

JJ Howell

Grade Teacher Susan Watson Administrative Assistant

Annie Goldfield 1st Grade Teacher Samantha Stokes 1st - 3rd Grade Science Teacher

Prudence Baldwin Bible Teacher

Lynn Johnson Media Specialist Assistant Stephanie Milne Academic Resource Specialist

Stephanie Milne

For 25 years Stephanie Milne has honed her craft and earned the distinction as a master teacher. Stephanie is kind and loving and makes any student who enters her teaching space feel unique and special. This is a true gift, as her natural ability to make students feel loved provides them with the space to freely learn and grow.

Stephanie is a teacher of students but is also a mentor and leader among her colleagues. In this role, she engages in discussions about literacy and continuous improvement, inspiring other teachers to think reflectively about improving student learning and implementing effective instructional practices in order to best reach students and their diverse learning styles and needs.

Stephanie Milne has deep roots in the community, and her legacy is worthy of our praise. From alumna to first and third grade teacher to Barton Reading expert, Stephanie has done it all. In fact, she is always willing to lend a hand, whether at dismissal, assessing a student, or covering a colleagues class.

Stephanie is honest, open, and truly lives the Riverside Way by leading fellow faculty and helping students thrive. We are grateful to Stephanie for knowing and for loving each child who comes her way. The RPDS experience is all the more memorable and meaningful because of her work over the last 25 years.

Lynn Johnson

Lynn Johnson truly believes in the power of books and their ability to unlock our children’s imaginations. Her passion for reading, combined with her love for learning, make her the perfect fit for her all-important assistant media specialist role.

As any librarian would do, Lynn quietly goes about her work, introducing amazing literature to our children and making sure they are being exposed to a wide range of literary works and genres, an important calling, one that makes us each better and more well-rounded. All who know Lynn know she seamlessly does this work with enthusiasm, patience, and grace. Her kind, generous spirit makes us all feel welcome when we come into the library. Lynn’s dedication and commitment has an immense impact on our students and their learning, for it is Lynn who helps to ensure that there is a consistent flow of books moving in and out of the library and that the book you are looking for is exactly where it should be. Lynn also supports faculty in many ways, allowing our school as a whole to run smoothly.

During her tenure, Lynn has served in various roles from Teaching Assistant to Art Aid. It is clear Lynn has touched the lives of so many students, faculty, and parents, and for this we are forever grateful. Lynn has for 25 years done so much for our school, and it is an honor to recognize her for this amazing accomplishment. We are thankful for Lynn and for her willingness to always go above and beyond to make the RPDS experience special for our students and faculty.

Celebrating Retirement

Norma Farnell, PreK 4 Teacher

Norma Farnell retired from RPDS after an amazing and fulfilling 28-year career. Touching the lives of so many RPDS students over the years with her calm, steadfast approach, Norma has had a significant impact on her students and the life of the school. Mrs. Farnell’s ability to foster the development of the whole child is truly a gift that will define her legacy. With a tenderness and grace unique to Norma, she has always tended to her students, their parents, and her colleagues with wisdom and compassion. And because of her joyful approach, her students have truly relished their time with her; they love school, learning, and the experience of being in her warm, nurturing classroom environment. We are thrilled for Norma as she enters this next exciting chapter of her life and joyfully wish her the very best.

Adrienne Kent, PreK 4 Assistant Teacher

Adrienne has graciously served as a PreK 4 Assistant Teacher, assistant to Norma Farnell for the past eight years. From the moment she set foot in the classroom, Mrs. Kent approached her role with love, patience, and compassion. Those who know Adrienne will attest that she fully lives the Riverside Way and models the same positive virtues she instills in each child. We will miss Adrienne’s joyful presence and wish her all the best in retirement.

Darrel Moench, Security Specialist

For six years, Darrell has made sure our students, faculty, staff, and families remain safe as they come and go during the afternoons and RITA. All who know and encounter Darrell know him for his kind and friendly demeanor and polite, earnest disposition. Committed to his role and the school, Darrell could always be counted on to put the needs of others first. His small acts of kindness, without question, reflect his big heart and the love he has for Riverside and each of its members. We remain grateful to Darrell for all he has done for our school, and we wish him all the best as he sets his sights on new adventures and enjoys retirement.

Donette Snyder, Academic Resource Specialist

Donette is completing her 31st year at RPDS and is credited with helping the school provide academic support and enrichment to RPDS students, contributing to the strong Academic Support Team, and advancing the school’s efforts related to diversity and equity. As we said about Donette when she received the 2019 “Bo” Cotton award, “Donette makes it a point to know, understand, and love each of her students. She respects the uniqueness of each as an individual, and they, in turn, have the utmost respect and admiration for her.” RPDS greatly appreciates Donette for positively impacting the lives of so many RPDS students.

Ruthie Simmons, Director of Admissions

All who know Ruthie will attest to her grace, strong character, and friendly demeanor. Her magnetic personality, in combination with the personal touch she extends to each student, colleague, parent, and guest, reflects her loving heart and joyful spirit. A true professional in every sense of the word, Ruthie has welcomed and forged lasting relationships with hundreds of RPDS families for nearly a decade.

Ruthie Simmons began her RPDS experience when her two boys entered the 1st and 5th grades in the fall of 2000. Soon afterwards, she embraced two different teaching roles during her RPDS career, first as a 2nd grade teacher and later as a 1st grade teacher. In 2013, Ruthie transitioned to the role of Admissions Director, a role she has fully embraced and carried forth with distinction and grace. RPDS will forever cherish Ruthie’s tenure as an administrator and beloved colleague. We joyfully celebrate her career and look forward to her ongoing connection with the school community as a RPDS grandparent and forever friend of our School.

Ruthie will be greatly missed as a leader and administrator and leaves a legacy we can all celebrate with pride and joy.

Alumni Spotlight: A Special Return to RPDS Mark Cotton

Mark Cotton is a proud alumnus of the RPDS Class of 1984, who has lived in Alpharetta, GA since marrying his wife Heather in 2004.

Following graduation from St. John’s Country Day School in 1990, Mark attended The University of Alabama, graduating in 1994. He started his career in Engineering Consulting, while residing in Birmingham, AL. Today, Mark serves in the American Manufacturing Industry, where he has enjoyed a rewarding career for the last 25 years.

Mark and Heather regularly visit family in Jacksonville, and while there, spend time with their “first friends,” their RPDS classmates. Mark recently returned home to honor his late father Dr. H.D. “Bo” Cotton and celebrate the outstanding faculty at RPDS during the traditional Bo Cotton Chapel in May. For Mark, maintaining this bond with Riverside is important because it recognizes the passion and commitment for educational excellence in his father’s spirit. Mark shared,

“

A recent highlight for me was the opportunity to be the Chapel leader on May 5th to share with the students how important connections are throughout life. Following Chapel, Ben Ketchum provided Heather and me an inspiring tour of RPDS, a testament to the commitment to education.

Away from work, Mark and Heather have sought warm, tropical breezes for their SCUBA dive trips. He also plays golf and she plays tennis, but both look forward to learning to play Pickleball together this year. In the Fall, you can find them both rooting on The Crimson Tide!

Pictured left to right: Ben Ketchum, Martin Harrell, Ann Cranford, Mark Cotton

2022 Bo Cotton Award Recipient Ann Cranford

This year, RPDS was thrilled to recognize the achievements of Ann Cranford as the 2021-2022 Bo Cotton Award recipient. An outstanding educator and a compassionate teacher, Ann Cranford approaches her craft with passion and grace. A natural leader in the classroom, Ann ensures her students are given the foundational skills and dispositions to become inquisitive lifelong learners, who seek to serve others and strive to become their best selves.

Stepping into Ann’s classroom, you quickly understand and appreciate that you are in the presence of a master teacher, a true professional who brilliantly utilizes the most current pedagogy and innovative practices to bring out the best in each of her students. An astute educator, Ann is known for her wit, wisdom, and intellectual acumen. In tune with her students’ needs, Ann enjoys creating learning opportunities that challenge her students to realize their potential as they reach the various milestones of childhood. Known for her gentle, steady approach, Ann elevates her students throughout their first grade experience, so they grow in knowledge and become conscientious students with confidence and character.

Ann’s greatest gift is her ability to make each child she teaches feel known and loved. It is clear from her natural, warm, calm demeanor and her pensive, focused disposition that she views the child in front of her as the most important person in the world. It is this attention to the individual that defines Ann’s legacy; it is why she is always remembered by her students and why she is truly beloved by all.

With an open and loving heart, Ann consistently plays an essential role in each child’s journey through Riverside. Her unwavering investment of time and talent is greatly appreciated, and her contributions to the RPDS community are worthy of our praise and admiration.

Ann Cranford with her family following the Bo Cotton Chapel service.

Attending the Bo Cotton Chapel service this year were Bo Cotton Award recipients spanning back to 1991.

The RPDS Rams basketball teams, volleyball teams, and flag football teams all had successful seasons, with an RPDS team winning the North Florida Independent Schools Athletic Conference (NFISAC) championship in each sport.

We commend the determination, discipline, and teamwork these student athletes displayed this year. Go Rams!

Athletics

Performing Arts

Lights, camera, action! This year our students dazzled student, parent, and faculty spectators with their vibrant stage productions.

• 2nd Grade musical, Tweet

• 3rd Grade musical, Nice, Nice Christmas

• 6th Grade play, Alice in Wonderland

• Over 80 RPDS students collaborated to present Annie Jr. School Musical

RPDS Students Excel in Writing

Tomorrow’s Leaders Essay Contest

Each year our 5th and 6th grade students have the option of entering the City of Jacksonville’s Tomorrow’s Leaders contest by writing an essay based on a statement made by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Tomorrow’s Leaders contest recognizes youth in our community who exemplify the philosophies of Dr. King through leadership, community volunteerism and civic responsibility. The essay topic this year was from Dr. King’s quote: “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”

This year three RPDS students were selected as winners from all of the submissions across the city. Congratulations to Lenord Simmons, who won 2nd place in the elementary school division. He was nominated by Mrs. Wulbern.

Congratulations also to Kinley Nelson, for winning 1st place in the middle school division, and Candler Lott for winning 2nd place. Kinley and Candler were nominated by Mrs. Byerly.

2021 Author-In-Residence

Carmen Agra Deedy

On September 20th, RPDS welcomed acclaimed author Carmen Agra Deedy to campus as our 2021 author-in-residence. Ms. Deedy is the author of 12 books for children, including The Library Dragon, The Cheshire Cheese Cat, Martina the Beautiful Cockroach, and 14 Cows for America, a New York Times Bestseller. Her book The Rooster Who Would Not be Quiet! was a Florida Sunshine State Young Reader Award nominee. Her personal stories first appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered. Funny and insightful, Ms. Deedy’s narratives are culled from her childhood as a Cuban refugee living in Decatur, Georgia. She is host of the four-time Emmy-winning children’s program Love That Book!

During her visit, Ms. Deedy spent time with students in Kindergarten through 6th grade, sharing vibrant and animated stories, as well as inspiring our students to create their own stories.

At RPDS, we celebrate and inspire reading and creativity through our unique Author-in-Residence program. Working with high-caliber publishers such as Little, Brown and Company, Scholastic, and Peachtree Publishers, we have invited authors and illustrators whose works have received such honors as the Newbery Honor Medal, Caldecott Honor Medal, Coretta Scott King Award and National Book Award Finalist. The program began in 2017, with multiple medal-winning author/illustrator Brian Collier, and has continued each school year, even with a virtual visit from Peter Brown last year. Each year, our chosen Author-in-Residence delivers a lively presentation to the children, which both excites them to read and encourages them to write and illustrate their own stories. In addition, our authors share cultural experiences, expanding the world-view of our students, helping them develop empathy toward others with different perspectives.

RPDS Launches a Summer Early Learning Program 2022 Summer Camp

During RPDS’s spring parent conferences, PreK 3 and PreK 4 teachers found a consistent theme in their conversations with parents, who expressed concern with the lack of quality childcare available during the summer months, as many summer camps do not start accepting children until Kindergarten or 1st Grade. Following these conferences, the PreK 3 and PreK 4 team, and administrative teams surveyed parents to gauge interest and learn more about what families would like to see in a summer program. The survey showed parents were in favor of an RPDS summer program and hoped it would truly feel like an extension of the school year for their young learners. With that in mind, veteran RPDS teachers Deana Green and Isabelle Milne helped develop a summer program that included fun, weekly themes, while incorporating many of the elements used during the academic portion of the school day. Throughout the summer, rising PreK 4 and Kindergarten students continued to build their social and emotional skills through morning Care & Connect, reading rich literature, engaging in play time with friends, and expressing their creative side with arts and crafts. The afternoon portion of the day included plenty of summer fun on the playground, water play, and free play, too.

RPDS’s summer camp allowed some of our new students to begin meeting new friends and become comfortable with the school environment in a smaller setting before the start of the school year. The summer program also provided these young learners with consistency and continuity of routines that they often forget over the summer months. Mrs. Green and Mrs. Milne shared, “Seeing the children’s excitement as they arrived on campus each morning over the summer was quite rewarding. It was clear the children felt safe and loved in a familiar environment.”

RPDS looks forward to continuing the camp next summer!

Fostering Innovation & Collaboration Set-Design Crew

RPDS is proud to showcase our students’ musical and dramatic talents in grade level productions each year. And while we marvel each year at our students who are front and center on stage as they sing, dance, and showcase their wonderful acting abilities, equally noteworthy is the talented crew working diligently behind the scenes. The set design and stage crew spend months working to make beautiful backdrops and dynamic props that truly draw the audience deeper into our school performances. Early Learning Center STEAM teacher, Jennifer Sherlock and her father Ed Mayfield lead the set design Afternoon Academy that meets after school. Mrs. Sherlock explains, “From the first meeting, these students realize they have a mission and a goal to make sure the production is a success.”

A primary lesson students learn while working on set design is how to be resourceful and how to repurpose things to build something entirely new. Mrs. Sherlock shares, “One of the first things they do when we start set design for a production is go into the auditorium and completely dismantle the last production to see what pieces they have for the next one. They break it down and reimagine everything. So if you see a door in one play, that door will not be a door in the next play.” Mr. Mayfield adds, “The students get to see everything from painting to fabrication to assembly. It is fun watching them take pieces and turn them into finished products.”

The set design crew gives students a taste of what it is like to have a job. At the start of the academy, Mrs. Sherlock and Mr. Mayfield assign three of the older students to act as “chiefs,” charged with helping the younger students through the various steps of the project and keeping things on schedule. The older students learn how to give direction, redirect, and manage moving people and parts. All of the students, regardless of age, take a lot of pride and ownership in making the production just right, whether they are overseeing tech, lighting, or scenery. Art teacher Ashlee Collins joined the set design efforts this year with an idea for a mural backdrop. The cityscape mural backdrop used for Annie Jr. The Musical was 10 feet wide and 8 feet high, so it took a great deal of ingenuity to determine how the mural would be able to go up and be easily moved by our student stage crew, as well as how to even create a mural of that size. Mrs. Sherlock and Mrs. Collins enjoy collaborating and finding ways to make every creative piece student-led. Mrs. Sherlock explained, “Mrs. Collins and the students working on the mural engaged in grid drawing. They scaled a grid to work for the size of the mural, and then students have worked on drawing and painting the entire mural. It was been incredible to watch.”

Throughout the experience working in set design, Mr. Mayfield and Mrs. Sherlock say they really want to teach their students that if there is a need or want, they can build it and make it happen. Mr. Mayfield adds, “ The only limits those kids have are the ones we as adults can sometimes put on them. They are capable of so much and just have to learn to take every project piece by piece.”

Mr. Mayfield, who retired after serving 33 years in the Air Force, says one of the greatest blessings of working alongside his daughter for the last five years at RPDS is getting to make up for lost time. Mr. Mayfield shares, “I was pretty over-committed when Jennifer was growing up, and so now getting to spend this time with her and watch her in her element and seeing the way she lights up as she works with and inspires students is incredibly special.” Jennifer echoes the joy of partnering with her father in directing the set design crew and says a lot of the lessons and practices they teach in set design is a reflection of what she learned from her father. Mrs. Sherlock explains, “Ultimately we both hope that the students involved with set design and stage crew gain an appreciation for the process, and for aesthetics. We want them to take pride in what they have constructed and in their presentation.”

RPDS’s production of Annie Jr. The Musical held four performances in the first week of May with a cast and crew of over 80 students ranging from Kindergarten to 6th Grade. We congratulate the cast, crew, and the dedicated group of faculty and parent volunteers for making the production such a memorable experience for our entire school community.

Advancing Perspectives Through Community Resources

6th Grade Studies at the Cummer

6th Grade Language Arts Teacher Suzanne Byerly Taylor utilized the Cummer Museum to pull the curriculum off the pages of textbooks and provide students with a memorable educational experience that fosters new perspectives and creative thinking. Mrs. Byerly Taylor shares about 6th Grade’s work with the Cummer below.

My goal in bringing the students to the Cummer was to help them strengthen their analytical skills and gain appreciation for different perspectives by incorporating more “slow looks” at artwork into our lessons. Piggybacking off of Harvard Project Zero Visible Thinking activities that both the students and I have engaged in with educators in Washington, D.C., I wanted to help the students gain deeper understandings on that which we were reading and serve as jumping off points for the students’ own creative or analytical writing, thus deepening their analytical skills and sense of awareness about the choices an author and/or artist makes.

Of course, we do many visible thinking routines within the four walls of the classroom, and we can certainly take slow looks at artwork through our computer screens. However, seeing artwork in person is much more powerful—the colors more vibrant, the shapes more defined. Sculptures and installation pieces translate much better in person as well. Having the Cummer Museum so close to RPDS that we are able to hold Language Arts class there is wonderful. We are so fortunate to be able to use this resource right in our neighborhood.

The students were always so engaged during our visits to the Cummer this past year. Students enjoyed discussing particular artworks and, even when allowed to look at the various artworks on their own, I could see and hear meaningful conversations about the artwork happening. Their ability to analyze that which is not directly stated in the text or shown in a particular artwork was strengthened by our discussions and the activities that we did in relation to our visits to the museum.

The second time we held class at the Cummer was near the end of our poetry unit. By the end of 6th grade, students have a greater awareness of the impact of a writer’s choices on the mood of the reader. Thus, in asking the students to write a poem inspired by a piece of artwork at the Cummer, I challenged them to consider the mood that the artwork gave them and to create a poem that uses figurative devices, structure, and word choice to communicate this same mood to the reader. Our trip to the Cummer began with a scavenger hunt of sorts to find the artworks that were the liveliest, the saddest, the most thought-provoking, and the most inspiring. After giving the students some time to walk around and find these artworks, we sat in front of a few of them as a class and discussed how the artists communicated these particular moods. Students were then given time to walk around on their own to choose pieces of artwork that they felt conveyed strong moods. In class the next day, students wrote poems about the artwork they were most drawn to and, most importantly, explained in artists’ statements the choices they made and why. An example of this project, including the poem and artist statement can be seen on the next page.

Student Voice

“Independence”

By Emily Day

Do you ever feel alone in the world

Like you’re the wrong flower for the vase. Begging for petals like the others’ that are curled You feel that you don’t belong in this place.

Do you ever feel misjudged by your community For how you look or what you think Like you’re the wrong color truthfully You’re white when others are orange and pink.

Do you ever feel like a disgrace

Well you shouldn’t believe those terrible lies You shouldn’t believe that you were misplaced You are independent now take to the skies.

You shouldn’t believe that you are undesirable

We all feel alone sometimes Show the world that you are special Your talents should shine all the time.

You’re not alone, you fit in just right You’re as bright as the sun breaking through the twilight.

Artist Statement

I chose the alternate rhyme scheme because it shows that in every stanza there is a different rhyme, so it shows that you can be independent, but still be beautiful. The rhymes are different, but create a beautiful poem. My similes show examples from the painting. For example when I say, “like you’re the wrong color truthfully,” it is an example of how the flower that is blooming in the middle of the painting is the only white one, when the others are brighter colors. I chose the word “you’re” to repeat because it connects to the reader and gives them a very personal experience when reading my poem. I want my poem to empower people to not look down on themselves because they are different, and to show that everyone can be independent, and I thought that this repetition would really communicate that to the reader. I also chose to repeat “believe” because I want the reader to believe that they can be independent instead of overlooking it.

Class of 2022 Graduation

On Friday, May 20th, Riverside Presbyterian Day School celebrated Class of 2022. Forty-eight RPDS students received their graduation certificates and Bibles from Head of School, Ben Ketchum; Board President, Martin Harrell; and Rev. Dr. Brian Lays of Riverside Presbyterian Church.

The graduating class performed the “Tree Song” prior to the commnencement address by Mr. Ketchum. Following the ceremony, a reception hosted by Riverside’s 5th Grade class was held in Kissling Hall to honor the graduates and their families.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022!

Class of 2022 Outplacement Congratulations

Houston Abney, Episcopal

Margaret Arrowsmith, Bolles

Phebe Ball, Episcopal Cydney Barker, Episcopal

Samuel Barksdale, Episcopal Mason Batten, Bolles

Mitchell Blanks, Episcopal

Isabella Borghese, Episcopal

Audrey Brice, Episcopal Kate Brice, Episcopal

Sophia Butler, Lakeside Middle School

Ben Clark, Grace Episcopal

Kline Cummings, Bolles

Austin Davis, Bolles

Troy Davis, Bolles Emily Day, Bolles

Caroline Edwards, Bolles

Chase Fallucco, Episcopal Evan Finn, Episcopal Robbie Gillis, Episcopal

John Charles Gonzalez, Bolles Jackson Guthrie, Bolles Chloe Hodges, Episcopal Jimmy Hunt, Bolles

Emmy Jackson, Episcopal Hayden Jones, Bolles

Alyssa Joseph, LaVilla Wells Joseph, Episcopal

Stella Krueger, Episcopal Evelyn Leddy, Episcopal Chad Lee, Episcopal Jackson Lee, Episcopal Daniel Lopez, Grace Episcopal Candler Lott, Bolles

Julanne McCranie, Bolles John McKenzie, Bolles

Tyler Murphy, Episcopal Abigail Naugle, Bolles

Kinley Nelson, Bolles Ellana Parker, Episcopal Chloe Pittman, Bolles

Lucia Pulido, Assumption Liam Roberts, Episcopal Taylor Spencer, Bolles

Ella Springer, Christ Church Academy Weston Taylor, Episcopal Charlotte Verlander, Bolles Ellie Weidlich, Assumption

Educational Excellence

John McKenzie

Barnabas Award for Christian Spirit

In scripture, Barnabas is mentioned as a trusted Christian friend, encourager, mentor, and evangelist. John McKenzie is the recipient of the 2022 Barnabas Award for Christian Spirit. His encouraging spirit is an inspiration to fellow students, faculty, family, and friends.

Stella Krueger

Ellen Millar Award for Excellence in Writing

Long-time RPDS language arts teacher

Ellen Millar, was known and respected by her students and colleagues as a professional who expected the best effort that each had to give. She guided her students through the writing process with care and patience and taught them how to write with clarity and expression. This year’s award was presented to 6th Grade student Stella Krueger whose writing reflects excellence in the elements of written thought and expression.

Sam Barksdale

Andrew L. Clarke Music Performance Award

The Andrew L. Clarke Music Performance Award is given in honor of long-time RPC organist Andrew Clarke, to cultivate an ongoing excitement for and love of individual music performance at RPDS. The 2022 award was given to 6th Grade student Sam Barksdale, who demonstrates an accomplished foundation for studying, appreciating, and performing musical compositions through private study and in music classes at RPDS.

Phebe Ball

Elizabeth Martinson Poetry Award

The Elizabeth Martinson Poetry Award fosters an ongoing love of poetry at RPDS and annually honors a student who has demonstrated an excitement for learning, appreciating, and interpretating poetry during their years at RPDS. This year, the award was presented to 6th Grade student Phebe Ball.

Highest Academic Distinction

High Academic Distinction

Academic Distinction

Kinley Nelson & Phebe Ball

Evelyn Leddy, Stella Krueger, & Audrey Brice

Kate Brice, Sam Barksdale, & Emily Day

Academic Honors

5th Grade High Academic Honor Roll

Ryan Correia Claire Crum

Evelyn Dunton Zoe Gibson Charlotte Herford Quinn Indelicato

Jage Jennings Lila Jimerson Mary June Jones Finley Michal Dilan Patel Kate Skinner Tyler Tippett

5th Grade

Academic Honor Roll

Cristina Angiolillo Abi Britton Kylin Fillingham

U.S. PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE

6th Grade

Margaret Arrowsmith Phebe Ball

Sam Barksdale

Audrey Brice Kate Brice Kline Cummings Austin Davis

Emily Day Caroline Edwards Chase Fallucco Evan Finn

Robbie Gillis

John Charles Gonzalez

Jackson Guthrie

Chloe Hodges Jimmy Hunt Emmy Jackson Stella Krueger Evelyn Leddy Chad Lee

AJ Franklin

Gage Gerisch

Willow Grau

Julia Kleyla Duncan McArthur Margot Pedrick Blair Ross

Jackson Starks

John Stewart Robertson Todd Jack Wallace Hudson Westerman

6th Grade High Academic Honor Roll

Margaret Arrowsmith Phebe Ball

Sam Barksdale Audrey Brice Kate Brice Kline Cummings Austin Davis

Emily Day Caroline Edwards

Chase Fallucco Jackson Guthrie

Chloe Hodges Emmy Jackson Hayden Jones Wells Joseph Stella Krueger Evelyn Leddy Chad Lee Candler Lott Tyler Murphy Abigail Naugle Kinley Nelson Chloe Pittman Lucia Pulido Ella Springer Charlotte Verlander Ellie Weidlich

6th Grade Academic Honor Roll

Houston Abney Cydney Barker Mitchell Blanks Isabella Borghese Sophia Butler Troy Davis Evan Finn Robbie Gillis John Charles Gonzalez Jimmy Hunt Jackson Lee Daniel Lopez Julanne McCranie John McKenzie Ellana Parker Taylor Spencer Weston Taylor

John McKenzie Tyler Murphy Kinley Nelson Chloe Pittman Ella Springer Charlotte Verlander

2021-22 SPELLING BEE CHAMPION

6th Grade Kate Brice

ART

6th Grade

Houston Abney Phebe Ball

Sophia Butler Chase Fallucco Hayden Jones Alyssa Joseph Evelyn Leddy Candler Lott Julanne McCranie Kinley Nelson Ellana Parker Liam Roberts

CHINESE

5th Grade

Claire Crum

Lila Jimerson Finley Michal Dilan Patel Jack Wallace 6th Grade Phebe Ball

Alyssa Joseph Wells Joseph Ellana Parker Taylor Spencer

DRAMA

6th Grade Sophia Butler Mason Batten Austin Davis Emily Day Emmy Jackson Hayden Jones Candler Lott John McKenzie Abigail Naugle Ellana Parker Lucia Pulido Liam Roberts Ella Springer Weston Taylor Charlotte Verlander

LANGUAGE ARTS

5th Grade

Claire Crum

Lila Jimerson

MATH

5th Grade

Evelyn Dunton Blair Ross

6th Grade

Robbie Gillis

POETRY SLAM

6th Grade

Phebe Ball

Sam Barksdale

Austin Davis Troy Davis

Chloe Hodges

MUSIC

5th Grade

Cristina Angiolillo

Abi Britton Claire Crum Evelyn Dunton Gage Gerisch Willow Grau Charlotte Herford Lila Jimerson Mary June Jones

Julia Kleyla Finley Michal Blair Ross Kate Skinner John Stewart 6th Grade

Houston Abney Margaret Arrowsmith Phebe Ball Isabella Borghese Audrey Brice Ben Clark Caroline Edwards Chloe Hodges Stella Krueger Daniel Lopez Kinley Nelson

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

5th Grade

Ryan Correia Zoe Gibson Quinn Indelicato Hudson Westerman

6th Grade

Houston Abney Margaret Arrowsmith Sam Barksdale Jimmy Hunt Hayden Jones Stella Krueger Jackson Lee Charlotte Verlander

Emmy Jackson Hayden Jones Stella Krueger Chad Lee Tyler Murphy Kinley Nelson Charlotte Verlander

SCIENCE

6th Grade Chloe Pittman

SPANISH

5th Grade Ryan Correia Evelyn Dunton Charlotte Herford Mary June Jones Kate Skinner Tyler Tippett 6th Grade Kate Brice Caroline Edwards Chloe Hodges Emmy Jackson Stella Krueger Kinley Nelson

ALUMNI

It was an eventful inaugural year for the Alumni Council. In an effort to raise awareness of our alumni community, the Alumni Council took this year to focus on reuniting with our alumni constituents. Great progress was made finding alumni, but we have a long way to go! The Alumni Council also hosted a Legacy Chapel in October to gather our current families who have parents or grandparents that are alumni. In April, a Young Alumni event for our middle and high school alumni was held on campus, in which over 80 students were greeted by their favorite teachers and coaches, followed by games and pizza. Both events were a tremendous success! Thanks to the Class of 1984 for hosting its own get together last summer and to the parents of Class of 2016 for hosting a reunion for our most recent high school graduates. We are grateful our first friends made at RPDS are long-lasting friendships!

Please stay tuned for upcoming Alumni Council events to be hosted in 2023!

If you haven’t filled out the Stay In Touch form, please do so by visiting our website at www.rpds.com/alumni.

Riverside Presbyterian Day School

Class of 2016

May the road rise to meet you...

Emma Sophie Althuis, Rollins College

Francesca Borghese, Wofford College

Caroline Cavendish, Dickinson College

Keegan Charles, Florida Atlantic University

Jacob Christy, Auburn University

Maria Conners, Purdue University

Will Crowe, University of Southern California

Carter Cummings, University of Florida

Will Dannheim, United Through Sports internship in South Africa

Daniel DeLong

Amy Donovan, Georgia State University

Ava Freel, Florida State University

Scott Froats, Southern Methodist University

Katherine Gabriel, University of Virginia

Grady Gillam, Georgia Tech

Evan Gilman, Military Service

Patrick Green, University of South Carolina

Audrey Gunnlaugsson, College of William & Mary

Jane Grey Hager, Palm Beach State College

Dutch Heavener, Undecided

Hayden Johns, University of South Florida

Miller Lockwood, University of South Florida

Adam Lynch

Calvin Mauldin, University of Texas

Charlie Medure, Wabash College

Abby Mencner, University of Florida

Graham Moore, Villanova University

Will Moore, Wake Forest University

Lilly Moore, Wake Forest University

Jacob Myers, Santa Fe College

Michael Officer, University of Florida

Ellis Pajcic, University of Mississippi

Clayton Philpot, Santa Fe College

Alex Ravis, University of San Francisco

Alex Roes, Florida State University

Lyman Starmer, Gap Year

Mary Verlander, Florida State University

Ali Vetsch, Florida State College of Jacksonville

Sophia Viggiano, New York University in Shanghai, China

Elizabeth Walker, Jacksonville University

Mac Walters, Texas Christian University

Jackson Whitchurch, Southern Methodist University

Ian Wilkinson

Alumni Class Notes

1981 1990

Meredith Gabel Harris, ’81, is currently an artist in Davidson, North Carolina. She graduated from Davidson College with a BA in Psychology and from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with an MA in Counseling. She draws inspiration from growing up in Florida: camping at the natural springs, visiting the Everglades, enjoying the beach, participating in shell shows, and boating on the St. John’s River and the Intracoastal Waterway. She is also inspired by family time spent at the beach and on the marsh in South Carolina each summer, as well as travels abroad. Her acrylic paintings focus on landscapes, the peaceful intracoastal waterways, the Lowcountry, and her love of travel. Please visit her websitehttps://www.meredithgabelharris.com!

2003

Sarah Slater, ‘03, and Cory Hendrickson were married on December 4, 2021 in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Sarah recently graduated with a dual MBA and MPA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and the Harvard Kennedy School. She and Cory reside in Boston.

Elizabeth Carr Lovelace, ‘03, and her husband Trey welcomed Eve Elizabeth on October 15, 2021. Eve joins her brothers Will and Grant to keep them on their toes! Elizabeth is currently a PreK 3 teacher at RPDS.

Tony Agolini, ’90, brought his wife and daughter back to his old stomping grounds in March. Tony is currently an account manager at Fortegra in Jacksonville. He, his wife Mary, and daughter Kate reside in Julington Creek.

2004

Bolling Cranford, ’04, married Blair Burke on March 19, 2022. They reside in Jacksonville. Bolling works for Hatch I.T., and Blair is employed by Marriott International.

Jared McNeil, ’04, is engaged to marry Robin Hancock on October 29, 2022. Jerry Edwards, ’04, graduated from the University of South Carolina and the University of Florida Levin College of Law. He was a law clerk for several years and assistant solicitor general for the state of Kansas. He is currently an attorney for the ACLU and resides in Longwood, Florida.

2006

Jennie Edwards, ’06, graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University and the University of Florida Levin College of Law. She is an assistant state attorney in Jacksonville. She is engaged to James Tyler and will be married October1, 2022 in Colorado Springs.

2007 2008

Elizabeth Daw McMullen, ’07, earned her Masters degree in Clinical Social Work from FSU. She is currently working as an Early Childhood Court Program Coordinator for Leon, Gadsden, and Wakulla counties in Tallahassee, Florida.

2012

Alexandria Acree, ’08, and Eric Apple were married on April 30th, 2022, by former RPC pastor Steve Goyer outside on the croquet course at the Florida Yacht Club. They just returned from their honeymoon in Greece/ the Greek Islands and now live in their home in Jacksonville Beach.

Anna Catherine McCrary, ’08, married Peter Whitehouse during Covid at a wonderful, small family wedding. This summer they will celebrate their two-year anniversary at a celebration of their wedding at Davidson College, where they both received their undergraduate degrees.

2009

Emily Bradford, ’09, graduated on May 14, 2022 from Vanderbilt University with a Master’s in Human Development Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Emily currently works as a counselor at Nashville Collaborative Counseling Center.

Leah McNeil, ’09, is in her final year of graduate school at George Washington University. Residing in Arlington, VA, she is studying to be a mental health counselor.

Gracie Surface, ’12, graduated from the University of Georgia in May of 2022. She is currently traveling in Europe and will return to Atlanta to begin her Master’s Program at Emory University. After this 15-month program, she will earn her Master’s in Nursing.

2013

Lane Montgomery, ’13, graduated from Auburn University, Summa Cum Laude, with a degree in Psychology in December of 2021. During her time at Auburn, Lane performed research in various fields, earning the distinction of Honors Research Scholar through the Auburn Honors College. This Fall, she will return to Auburn University to pursue her PhD in Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, researching canines through Auburn’s Comparative Cognition Lab.

Mikal Bradford Schmidt, ’12, married Jake Schmidt on July 31, 2021. Mikal currently lives in Jacksonville and works as a Project Engineer for Danis Construction.

Recent Alumni Highlights

Top of the Class

RPDS Alumni Excel at Bolles

Congratulations to Palmer Edwards, ’21, Emily Stevenson, ’20, and Thomas Green, ’20, who were honored for their academic achievements and being top 10% in their classes.

Emily Stevenson, along with Lane Morales, ’20, received the McKenzie Noelle Wilson Award, as well. The award goes to deserving 8th graders who, “above all else, are living their lives with the characteristics of a loving and thoughtful heart, and have consistently demonstrated such through their friendly and exuberant nature, their abundant school spirit, and in their concern for, and support of, others, especially their fellow students.”

Thomas Green also was honored with the James M. McKinley Award and the Middle School Head Award. The McKinley Award is given to a student who has “demonstrated outstanding academic and athletic achievement.” The Middle School Head Award is given to a student who has“exemplified the school’s value statement during their entire time on the Bartram Campus.”

We congratulate these alumni on their hard work and dedication and their continued efforts to live in the Riverside Way in their middle school years.

National Honor Society Induction

at ESJ

Congratulations to the RPDS alumni who just completed their 8th and 9th grade years at Episcopal School of Jacksonville for their induction into the National Junior Honor Society. We congratulate these members of the RPDS Class of 2019 and the RPDS Class of 2020 for this tremendous academic achievement. We look forward to watching their continued growth and success as they move through their high school careers.

Class of 2016 Taking on College Athletics Next Year

Caroline Cavendish, ’16, graduated from Episcopal School of Jacksonville in May. She will be attending Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on a lacrosse scholarship.

Graham Moore, ’16, graduated from The Bolles School in May. In high school he played football, basketball and baseball, concentrating the last two years on baseball. Graham will be a freshman at Villanova University and will be a member of the Baseball Team.

Left to Right: William Beard, Harrison Cavendish, Caroline Harrell, Peyton Harvey, Stella Herford, Ainsley Pruden, Agnes Hughes, Peyton Grace Chupp, Reed Krueger and Christian Lee

Left to Right: Palmer Edwards, Emily Stevenson, Thomas Green

Alumni Athletes

2005

Austin Slater, ’05, currently plays Right Fielder for the San Francisco Giants. He played for The Bolles School and Stanford before joining the major leagues. He is engaged to be married as well. Look for #13 as you cheer on the Giants!

2007

Jay Bolt, ’07, is entering his first season as Program Director and Head Varsity Soccer Coach at Episcopal School of Jacksonville. Jay played at UNF, where he earned NSCAA Southeast All-Region honors for a school-record three times. His senior year, he was the captain and earned NSCAA All-Region first team, as well as ASUN Defensive Player of the Year. Jay signed a professional contract in December 2017 to play for the Charleston Battery in the USL Championship. Jay played for three years in Charleston, and after his rookie season, he was named the Betsy McAdams Newcomer of the Year.

2011

Riley Coonan, ’11, is currently an Audit Associate for KPMG in Greenville, SC. Before beginning her career, she double-majored in Accounting and Finance and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Wofford College. Riley also played volleyball and was the first Wofford volleyball player to earn AVCA All-Region Honorable Mention honors and named to First Team All-Southern Conference as well as SoCon All-Tournament Team. She led the team in kills and points for the 2020-2021 season as well as in blocks for the 2019 season.

2015

Winnie Pajcic, ’15, began her lacrosse career at Sewanee, University of the South with its opening game February 19. She was awarded the Southern Athletic Association Conference Defensive Player of the Week in late February. She plays defender and is ready to conquer the field. Winnie played for Episcopal School of Jacksonville before signing with Sewanee. Go Winnie, and Go Tigers!

We want to cheer you on!

RPDS has many alumni athletes excelling on and off the field and court. We want to cheer you on and share your news with the rest of the Riverside community. Contact Alumni Council Chair, Sally Smith, alumni@rpds.com with your alumni news and stay connected by following the RPDS alumni pages on social media: @iloverpdsalumni on Facebook and Instagram.

2021-2022 Special Events

Community is at the heart of RPDS. After a couple of years during which our community could not experience some of our cherished traditions and events, we were thrilled in the 2021-2022 school year to be able to come together and celebrate as a community once again. These shared experiences allow our students, parents, grandparents, alumni, and members of the greater community to form deeper, more meaningful connections and create lasting memories for all.

Daily’s Riverside Kids Duathlon

On Saturday, March 26th, RPDS hosted over 250 participants in Daily’s Riverside Kids Duathlon & Fun Run. New to the event this year was the one-mile fun run for all ages. In between the different heats, families enjoyed a Health & Wellness Fair on the Rice Sports Zone, visiting over a dozen different booths with various vendors sharing health tips, tricks, and products. It was a beautiful morning to celebrate health and wellness in our community. Proceeds from the event went to support both RPDS and our friends at Sanctuary on 8th Street. Thank you to all who came out to compete and to the incredible group of volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible! Special thanks to Duathlon Co-Chairs Annie Erstling and Stephanie Harden and the Duathlon Committee for their outstanding work and dedication with this special event.

Parents, alumni, and friends of RPDS gathered together to celebrate the 34th Annual Capers Gala on Friday, April 22nd at Intuition Ale Works. Led by Co-Chairs Anne England and Stephanie Verlander, the event featured live and silent auctions, food and beverages catered by The Kitchen and live music by Who Rescued Who. With over 200 attendees, it was a successful event supporting Riverside’s mission and students. A heart-felt thanks to the Capers chairs and their incredible committee for lending their time and talents to creating an unforgettable evening.

Capers 34th Annual Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day

On Friday, April 8th, RPDS was elated to host our annual Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day. It was a special morning, hosting over 300 grandparents and special friends with special performances in Chapel, classroom tours, and fellowship with our extended school community. Special thanks to Chair Amanda Soltau for her tremendous work in coordinating this special event. We look forward to our next Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day on Thursday, October 13, 2022.

Riverside Parents Association

Through the Riverside Parents Association (RPA), RPDS encourages parents and grandparents to discover the joy of participating in the daily educational life of their children and grandchildren. Providing opportunities for our families to engage on campus fosters community, strengthens our partnership and demonstrates our commitment to educating the whole child. From joining together in fellowship, to serving as a homeroom parent or Connector for new parents to chairing a committee, there are a variety of ways for our community to get involved.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities for the 2022-23 school year, please visit www.rpds.com/rpa.

RPDS is grateful for our parents’ gifts of time and talent, strong leadership and generous support. We look forward to working with you to continue building the relationships that are so important to our School.

Thank You for Serving

RPDS would like to thank our 2022-2023 leadership team for their service and meaningful contributions to our school community throughout the year.

Special Events

Fall Festival, Co-Chairs Sondra Fetner & Chrissy Norvell

Community Outreach

New Parent Connectors, Chair Leslie Angiolillo Caring Tree, Chair Kym Horstmanshof

Fellowship

Parents in Prayer, Co-Chairs Hayley Abney and Taylor Day G3, Chair Suzanne Taylor

Campus Volunteer Opportunities

Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day, Chair Amanda Soltau Library Aides, Co-Chairs Roshni Patel & Abby Stewart

Faculty & Staff Appreciation, Chair Nichole Mobley End of Year Party, Chair Jen Roberts

Graduation, Chair Simmons Skinner

End of Year Party May 24, 2023

RPA Vice President

Amanda Jackson

RPA President

Simmons Skinner

RPA Vice President

Annual Giving Programs

For most independent schools, a robust annual giving program is the foundation of all fund development opportunities, having the greatest impact for advancing the school’s mission and vision. At RPDS, these opportunities are offered through the annual RPDS Fund campaign and the evening dinner and auction event, Capers. These annual giving activities are important revenue sources.

Through the RPDS Fund, the School is able to pay its bills and address any pressing needs. Gifts to the RPDS Fund offset the School’s operating budget, and this income, along with endowment and miscellaneous revenue, help bridge the difference between tuition revenue and the full cost of educating each student. This important fundraising campaign accepts unrestricted gifts, and each year these gifts provide approximately $300,000 for RPDS to use wherever it is needed most.

Doug Walker Director of Advancement

Without a healthy RPDS Fund campaign, the School would need to depend upon tuition income as the predominant funding source to sustain its daily operations, which would require steeper annual increases and fewer resources for supporting programs in academics, athletics, arts, and spiritual development. RPDS’ Board of Trustees, faculty and staff lead the way each year in contributing generous and early gifts to this campaign, and it is expected that parents of all current students contribute during the year. We ask alumni and friends to contribute each year, as well, to help continue the strong legacy of educational excellence that keeps RPDS at the forefront.

Our annual Capers dinner and auction, held typically in late winter, is an opportunity to enjoy our community fellowship and to raise additional annual support for RPDS. Planned and executed by parent volunteers, this event is open to all members of the RPDS community and is a fun-filled night of excellent food, beverage, and entertainment. The income that is generated from this special event is designated to one or more programs, activities, and/or facilities that benefit our students above and beyond the gift income from the RPDS Fund. Earlier this year, Capers was held at Intuition Ale House with a virtual silent auction and a live auction, collecting over $40,000 to help support faculty and staff professional development programs and several physical plant improvements. Our next Capers event will be held on February 11, 2023.

Riverside Presbyterian Church and Day School have a strong tradition of philanthropy, which has encouraged these communities to expand their collective mission throughout the past 73 years. As we begin planning for RPDS’s 75th anniversary, we look forward to celebrating this tradition with greater goals for a renewed vision of educational excellence grounded in our Christian faith.

Thank you for your role in strengthening RPDS through your generous financial resources and your volunteer service. With your active participation in advancing RPDS, you are building up a new generation of leaders and doers, marked with endless possibilities of positive influence throughout Jacksonville and beyond.

During important milestones in RPDS’s history, there have been capital campaigns that provided valuable financial resources to increase and/or enhance the School’s facilities and endowment. These campaigns have occurred at unique moments, when there were urgent needs for significant gift support. In 2019, Riverside Presbyterian Church and School leadership discerned an urgent need for improved campus facilities and increased endowment and engaged fundraising counsel to conduct a capital campaign readiness assessment. Through this assessment, leadership subsequently approved the planning and launch of the Riverside Cornerstone Campaign (in November 2021). This capital campaign addresses critically important church and school needs of increased campus safety, a new facility for community activities and athletics, and endowment enhancements for student scholarships, campus facilities and maintenance, and church outreach missions.

With a initial goal of raising $6 million, the Riverside Cornerstone Campaign leadership team, led by chairs Jed Davis and Karla Newton, has been actively pursuing early and strong support from church members, school friends and current parents, closing in on the campaign goal during the early months of 2022. With this strong success, the campaign leadership team decided to raise the goal and will launch the community solicitation phase this fall.

The excitement continues to build for the Riverside Cornerstone Campaign and its subsequent achievements. Imagine an improved Rice Sports Zone, a new parking lot on Oak Street, a Family Life Center with a gymnasium and a church youth space, a new school entrance gate and campus walkway, and improved campus security. With successful fundraising, all of these will be accomplished, including strong support for church and school endowments, which will ensure accessibility and campus improvements for generations of RPC and RPDS families.

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830 Oak Street Jacksonville, FL 32204 www.rpds.com

Celebrating All 9 at Riverside

RPDS celebrates the members of the Class of 2022 who started their RPDS journeys in PreK 3.

Row: Kinley Nelson, Charlotte Verlander, Chloe Hodges, Isabella Borghese

Row: Lucia Pulido, Mitchell Blanks, Chase Fallucco, Jackson Guthrie, Sam Barksdale, Ella Springer

Row: Evelyn Leddy, Phebe Ball, Stella Krueger, Julanne McCranie, Ellana Parker, Chloe Pittman