The VIEW News

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Riverview Gardens High School Students Prepare for Academic Trip to Costa Rica

Five students have been selected from Riverview Gardens High School to participate in the inaugural partnership with EducationFirst Tours (EF) for the Costa Rica: A Touch of the Tropics 9-day educational tour. The Show Me Costa Rica Project is a year-long commitment for students and families during which they will identify, compare, and reflect upon Costa Rican culture in addition to conducting field research on Costa Rican ecology, sustainability, and economics.

Students, families and advisors continue to prepare for the upcoming March 16^th - March 24th, 2015trip by participating in pre-departure activities and securing funds and necessary documents for students. To raise funds, students have participated in a variety of school activities, sold items, attended private fundraising dinners and have contributed hard earned money accumulated through after school employment opportunities, though they are still short of their goal.

For more information on the Show Me Costa Rica Project, biographies of the students selected or to learn more on how you may help secure much needed funds to ensure student participation, please visit the Parent/Student tab on the front page of the Riverview Gardens website or email Ms. Natasha Dupee at ndupee@rgsd.k12.mo.us.

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Carlissa Hinton, 8th grade student at Central Middle School, was recently named one of the middle school winners of the 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Contest sponsored by North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice (NCCU). The finalists presented their oratories before a panel of seven judges and a timer on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 13200 New Halls Ferry Road, Florissant.

As one of five winners in four categories, Carlissa presented her oratory at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration, St. Louis Community College- Florissant Valley, Terry M. Fischer Theatre on January 18, 2015 before a very large crowd of community members, educators, and supporters.

Each of the winners received a $100 check for their accomplishments.

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Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, visits Riverview Gardens High School

Riverview Gardens High School hosted Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, Jim Shelton, Deputy Secretary of Education, Congressman William Lacy Clay, Jr. and others, during a recent visit to the area.  Students spoke with the Secretary about ways to improve relations between law enforcement officials and community as well as ways to move the region forward academically, socially and racially.  Read more in the St. Louis Post Dispatch article.

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