Grade School PTC Programs

book FAIR

Each year, Riverdale Grade School partners with Scholastic Books to host a book fair where students can come and shop for high quality books and a limited number of toys. Typically held within the RGS Library, students have a chance to shop before, during, and after school, thanks to our volunteers.

Drama

Riverdale and the surrounding Dunthorpe community has a strong tradition supporting drama productions going back to the early 1900s. This tradition continues today with productions done in partnership with professional theater organizations and strong parent involvement. Recent productions have included: Alice in Wonderland, Seussical Jr, The Lion King Jr, Willy Wonka Jr., and Frozen Jr. The annual spring musical usually gets under way in February, so look for more information in our weekly email newsletter and on social media.

Garden

With seven garden beds, a circular seating area, two picnic tables, a garden shed, composters, irrigation and white boards, RGS's Outdoor Classroom and Garden (located next to the District Office, behind the covered play area) is a bountiful outdoor education area used by the whole school for studies in a variety of core subjects. Students come to plant, explore, learn and touch in myriad lessons taking place throughout the garden cycles. The PTC is proud to support this space through volunteer work days and grants for tools and other needs. 

NEWSLETTER

Each week, the RGS PTC Committee publishes an electronic newsletter with information about upcoming events and activities. Current families and district residents can create an account on the PTC website, in order to sign up to receive the newsletter by email and gain access to it online.

Oregon Battle of the Books

Calling all RGS 3rd through 8th graders! Get a team of 4-5 students together and find a parent coach who will motivate you to read, and help prepare you for the school battle. One team from each grade division (3rd-5th and 6th-8th grade) will be chosen to represent Riverdale at the Regional tournaments in March. OBOB requires self-motivation and a commitment to read the chosen books– 16 in total, but easily divided among teammates.

The Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) is a statewide voluntary reading motivation and comprehension program. Students in 3rd – 12th grade, regardless of ability, are exposed to quality literature representing a variety of literary styles and viewpoints. OBOB’s mission is to encourage and recognize students who enjoy reading, to broaden reading interests, to increase reading comprehension, promote academic excellence, and to promote cooperative learning and teamwork among students.

7th/8th grade activities

Each year, the PTC celebrates our oldest RGS students by supporting parent volunteers in the planning of activities devoted to the 7th and 8th grade classes, including a Winter Formal dinner/dance, a Field Day dance (usually, in collaboration with the leadership class), and year-end promotion activities for 8th graders. Volunteers also work with the 8th grade to select and fundraise for a class gift. Communications about these activities are handled by the activities chairs and room parents.  (The popular Friday Evening Dancing Classes are an independently-run, long-standing Portland area tradition and not a PTC activity.)