The Riverwalk Roar

The Riverwalk Roar: August, 18 2024

Happy Sunday, Pride!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. To our 10th to 12th-grade students, I’d like to officially welcome you to the start of your school year.

I want to take a moment to remind all the adults—both parents and educators—of the profound impact we have on our children. Our actions and attitudes play a critical role in their growth and development. Last week, I observed a few interactions that highlighted the importance of being strong role models for our students.

In one instance, our School Resource Officer asked a student who arrived after 8:00 a.m. to have their parent come inside to sign them in. The parent simply responded, ‘Of course, I didn’t know that I needed to do that.” In another case, a staff member, while crossing the car line with their young child, chose to do so 50 feet away from the crosswalk. When asked about it using the crosswalk next time, the teacher said, ‘Of course, I didn’t realize how close we were to the curve in the parking lot.” In both cases, it took an extra minute out of their day, but both were serving as great role models for their children.

These incidents served as powerful reminders that children are always watching. They observe how we handle both challenges and successes and take cues from our behavior. As parents and educators, we have a unique opportunity to shape their character by modeling the values and behaviors we wish to see in them.

Leading with Integrity: Our actions speak louder than words. By demonstrating honesty, accountability, and ethical behavior, we teach our children the importance of doing what’s right, even when no one is watching. This helps them develop a strong moral compass that will guide them throughout their lives.
Modeling Resilience: Life is full of ups and downs. How we navigate difficult situations—whether it's a rough day at work or an unexpected change in plans—teaches our children how to handle their own challenges. By staying calm, focused, and solution-oriented, we demonstrate that obstacles can be overcome with perseverance and a positive mindset.
Promoting Kindness and Empathy: Children learn to interact with others by observing us. By showing kindness, empathy, and respect in our daily interactions, we encourage them to do the same. Simple acts like helping someone in need or offering a kind word can profoundly influence how our students engage with their peers and community.
Encouraging a Growth Mindset: At Riverwalk Academy, we believe learning is a lifelong journey. When our children see us embracing challenges, learning from mistakes, and persisting through difficulties, they understand that growth comes from effort and dedication. Modeling a growth mindset helps them see setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement.
Prioritizing Wellness and Balance: In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the need for balance. By prioritizing our own physical, emotional, and mental well-being, we show our children the importance of self-care and balance. This not only helps us manage stress but also fosters a healthier, more positive outlook on life.

At Riverwalk Academy, we are committed to working with our families to create a nurturing environment for our students. As we continue this journey together, let’s remember the significant influence we have through our actions, words, and attitudes. Thank you for being an integral part of our Pride and for helping us guide our students.

Lions, have a great week!

In Pride and Purpose,

~Dr. Compton

Photo of the Week

Seventh Grade student, Brandon Massey, is ready to take on the day in the Mods!

6th - 9th Grade Open House

Looking Ahead

Monday: 8/19/24

First day for 10th-12th students at York Tech (8:30-3:00)

Fall Sports Pictures 3:45-4:30 in the MPR

Tuesday: 8/20/24

Cross Country Scrimmage (Chester) 5:00
Swim vs. Northwestern (Rock Hill Aquatics Center) 6:00
Board Meeting 6:30

Wednesday: 8/21/24

Swim Practice 3:30-4:15
Cross Country Practice 3:30-5:00 (at Westminister Park)

Thursday: 8/22/24

Swim Practice 3:30-4:15
Cross Country Scrimmage (Lancaster) 5:00

Friday: 8/23/24

No events scheduled

The Riverwalk Roar