Riverbend’s traditions and events are intentionally designed to enhance the academic experience of our students, and nurture our distinctive culture and community. We place special emphasis on opportunities for all students to learn and present through our school-wide assemblies. Some enrich our curriculum through outside performers and presenters who bring expertise in areas such as cultural dance, instrumental arrangements, animal behaviors, and more. Others are planned and performed by the students themselves, who demonstrate their understanding of our curriculum and their individual artistic talents through music, dance, poetry, and other offerings.
Back to School Night: This special informational evening invites parents and guardians to visit their child’s classroom community and meet the teacher(s) that will be working with him/her/them throughout the school year. It is designed to give an overview of how the classroom operates, and inform families of how best they can support their child and teachers, and remain engaged in the educational experience.
Middle School White Mountains Trip: Each fall, Middle School students and teachers embark on a four-day trip to New Hampshire for an outdoor team-building experience. Scheduled at the beginning of the school year, it offers students the opportunity to get to know their teachers and each other through physical activities and fun, collaborative challenges.
Riverbend Fall Festival: This all-school event is run in partnership with our teachers, family volunteers, our Middle School and Upper Elementary students, and recent alumni who host members of our community. Community-building events include student-run booths, a bake sale, an alumni student lounge, fun crafts, activities, and entertainment, and more. In addition, families can support the Upper Elementary spring overnight trip to Sargent Center in NH by getting their car washed.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day: Each year we celebrate the grandparents and special friends of our students. Guests are invited to see the children’s work, sing songs, and have refreshments. It is a wonderful opportunity for the students to practice their grace and courtesy skills as they host visitors in their school environment.
Winter Concert: The Winter Show is an opportunity for students to celebrate the holiday season with each other and our community. Taking place in two parts; younger students perform fun holiday tunes and older students perform in various ensembles, which often include alumni.
Grade 6 Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) Trip to NYC: MMUN is an academically intensive experience that begins in September and culminates in a trip to New York City in March. While in NYC, our students caucus with 900 fellow Montessori students from across the US. Students research the countries that they will represent and submit position papers on important global issues as part of the UN committee on which they will serve. Our students always look forward to participating in MMUN — it’s an extremely meaningful experience.
All School Dance Party: The dance floor is calling! Get ready to light up the night at the all-school dance party in the Riverbend gym. From Toddlers through Middle School, all are welcome to join the fun. With glow sticks, light projectors, and playlists curated by teachers, this event is a de-light-ful evening for the whole family!
Children’s House Global Showcase Each year, as spring approaches, Children’s House friends go on an exciting journey of exploration. The children dive deep into the rich tapestry of cultures by selecting a country to focus on. A classroom’s country of study may be selected based on the diversity of the students and any personal ties to a country other than the United States. From geography to music, art to food, and everything in between, students are immersed in learning about every aspect of a different nation.
Lower Elementary International Festival: Toddler through Lower Elementary children study countries from around the world over the course of a month, then celebrate what they’ve learned with their families and other classrooms. Families will be to see the children’s work and learn about the various ways they approached their international studies.
Upper Elementary Hulbert Outdoor Center Trip: Each spring, Upper Elementary students and teachers journey to Vermont for three days to Hulbert Outdoor Center. Located on Lake Morey in Vermont, the Center surrounded by hundreds of acres of woodland. Students participate in hiking and team-building challenges, all with an emphasis on scientific inquiry and critical thinking.
Riverbend GIVES: This event brings families together with a common purpose: to aid vulnerable individuals and animals within our community. At this event, you will find multiple hands-on projects you can partake in. You choose which station(s) to visit and how long you participate. Each station has a Captain to provide instruction and support volunteers. All families are welcome at Riverbend GIVES, though this year’s projects are most well-suited to ages 5+.
Spring Fundraiser: Riverbend hosts a party and fundraiser for families and supporters of the school. Students in every class create beautiful works of art that are sold in the silent auction. Faculty and staff offer unique outings for students. Families and local businesses offer amazing items such as weekend getaways, tickets to sporting events, children’s birthday parties, fine jewelry, and gift certificates for everything from gourmet dinners to fitness classes to luxury facials. There’s something for everyone at the spring fundraiser, so please mark your calendar and join us for a night to remember.
Kindergarten Tea Party: Each spring, our Kindergarteners prepare a play to present at the end of the year. As participants, children are inspired to create musical theatre performances in a supportive, nurturing, and positive environment, where every child is set up to succeed. Families are invited to see the final production and are invited to a formal tea party prepared and served by the students.
Grade 6 Expert Projects: At the beginning of the school year, grade 6 students choose a topic of interest/passion to research throughout the year and become an expert on. With benchmarks put into place to help students achieve the overall goal of presenting their project to their families, peers and staff, students are able to advance their communication, leadership, and public speaking skills.
Art Show & Spring Concert for grades K – 8: The Spring Concert is an extraordinary year-end event for students in grades Kindergarten – Grade 8. Under the direction of our music teacher, the concert showcases many diverse student performances, displaying the talents students have honed throughout the year and including a great variety of instruments. This event is always a highlight for both the students and their musical education!
Middle School trip to Washington, D.C.: Middle School students travel to our nation’s capital to explore issues of social justice.
Field Day K-8th grades: Field Day is a favorite for students and staff alike! Our Upper School Physical Education teacher organizes an afternoon full of team events and games. Each team is made up of students from Kindergarten – grade 8, with Middle School students serving as captains. Students are welcome to show their school spirit by dressing from head to toe in their team color!
Moving Up Ceremony: Held on the last day of school in tandem with 8th Grade Graduation, the Moving Up Ceremony commemorates a year of hard work and coming changes for each students at our school.
8th Grade Graduation: Eighth Grade Graduation is one of the most important events at Riverbend. The community has watched our students grow into thoughtful, responsible young adults, making this a culminating event not-to-be-missed! Each student takes a turn to speak about their educational, artistic, and athletic experiences and accomplishments, and is encouraged to share their thoughts on their upcoming transition to one of the area’s top high schools.
