Riverdale

It has been brought to my attention by the Medical Advisor, Taffi Snowden, of the sudden rise of pregnancy amonst the teen population of Riverdale. So I am sending this letter out to all parents of children who attened the high school.

This is a serious concern. I wouldn't call this an epidimic, but we as a growing population never delt with this before. We do have a high volume of teenagers in our community. And with teenagedom comes hormones and curiosity. It's not enough with just talking with our children at home, because in truth we don't know what they do be hind closed doors.

I will be frank. The notion of teen woohoo never crossed my mind. In my generation this wasn't something that the majority of us did. We were to busy with skilling and making platonic friends. And with the entroduction of the Free Time deal, many of us felt, or thought, that our children, our teens, would be focused on their hobbies. Learning and developing as many of them as they could learn, as well as earning scholarships for University. But obviously we were greatly mistaken.

So, there will be a brainstorming session between the medical advisor and myself, and we will be working on and intervention of sorts. Once all the wrinkles have been ironed out, permission slips or a notification form will be sent out to all parents, detailing what will be happening regarding this topic. So look for it soon.  We can't put this subject matter on the back burner. This must be brought out into the light before it's a very large concern.

Kristin Sanchez

Education Advisor

There is a serious issue that is in need of addressing as soon as possible. Not only am I the medical advisor on the hood council, but I am also the head of OBGYN. And as the head of that department I see many women on a daily bases for many things. But what is alarming is the rise of teenage pregnancy.

I know Riverdale isn't as larg as some hoods, and we have a rather small population on teenagers. But with the avrage high school population around 15 - 16 teens at one time, and the rate of teen pregnancy at 1% of that population, you can see my concern.

I had an emergency meeting with Kristin Sanchez in regards to this. Of course the girls that have seen me are completely nameless and faceless due to doctor paitent privlage. But that still hasn't stopped me from metting with the school super on addressing this.

She will me issuing a notice soon to all parents of students enrolled at Riverdale Jr/Sr High School concering this issue, and the hood council's concerns.

Taffi Snowden

Medical Advisor

A new school year is upon us in Riverdale. We will be ushering the 2011-2012 school year and we are very excited. There have been a few changes made as well.

The system that we introduced back in 2009 will stay the same. Students will still attended Riverdale Elementary until the age of 12, then they will attened Riverdale Jr.?Sr. High School until graduation.

The college requierments remain the same as well. What is new are a few promotions that must be mentioned since it effects all of us. And parents as well as students are to be informed of who are running their schools and responsable for providing the highest in education for them!

I, Kristin Sanchez, has been promoted to the level od Superintendent of Schools.

Samantha Ottamas has been promoted to the President of the University of Riverdale.

and Ping T'ang has been promoted to Principal of Riverdale Jr/Sr High School.

We are actively searching for a principal for Riverdale Elementary, and hope to announce the sim soon!

So congratulations to everyone and we hope to start this new school year off with a bang!

If you have further questions or comments please contact me at riverdalehood@gmail.com ATTN: Superintendant of Schools. Thank you!

With the school season of 08/09 finally coming to a close for summer break. The construction on the new school is underway, and is scheduled for complete by the end of August of this year.

With the new school we have decided to combine the middle and high school together. Instead of contructing a new building to house middle schoolers, the new school will be known as Riveralde Junior and Senior High School.

With the addition of a middle school and the adding of real ages to our hood, we must also revamp the requirments for each grade. This had also been done with concerned parents, who voice their worries that our requirements were to strict on the children, leaving them little time to do other things other than study.

We want to provide the children of Riverdale with a excellent education, but we also want to them to enjoy their child hood. We do not wish to bog them down. So with this factored in, here are the new Graduation requirements for each passing grade.

The new school year to begin will be 2009/2010. With the coming school year there will be important changes as well. The most notable will be the combining of the middle schoolers with the high schoolers in one building, producing the Riverdale Junior/Senior High school. With this new combination, it leaves no room for the previous arrangement of all students being housed and educated under one building.

Along with the construction of the new jr./sr. high school, there is construction on a new elementary school. This building will house grades K through 6. And the high school will house grades 7 through 12.

We believe that with this arrangement all children will be more comfortable and be provided with a better education, as well as opening up more job positions in the hood.

The school year will start at the end of August and run until the beginning of June. Like before there will be three grading periods, in which the students will be evaluated on their class room performance. If a students fails two out of the three report periods, they will be retained* and have to repeat that grade.

All measures will be taken to prevent that option. Letters will be sent home, meets with the students parents will also be called to resolve the issues keeping the students from reaching their full potential.

The Grades

A - A+ = Superior quality of work

B - B+ = Good quality of work

C - C+ = Satisfactory quality of work

D - D+ = Below average quality of work

E = Unsatisfactory

F = Failed

*If the student fails all three report periods then he/she will be held back to repeat that grade the following school year. But all efforts will be made by both teacher and parents in improving the child's grades and helping him pass on to the next grade.

Graduation Requirements

(Taken and modified from Apple Valley Department of Education)

Primary Education

(Children between the ages of 5 to 12)

Passing skills exam with at least two bars in logic, cleaning and, mechanical

At least one bar in all other skills

Secondary Education Phase I

(Teens between the ages 13 to 14)

Passing skills exam with at least two* bars in logic, cleaning and mechanical.

At least one bar in all other skills

*Upon graduating from Secondary phase I to Secondary phase II, children should have a combined total of 4 bars in the three skills mentioned above.

Secondary Education Phase II

(Teens between the ages of 15 to 18)

Passing skills exam with one* bar in all skills.

*Upon graduating from high school the cleaning, mechanical and, cleaning will be at level 5.

College Requirements

The requirements for college has been changed

Cleaning with a level of six bars

Logic with a level of six bars

Mechanical with a level of six bars

If they do not complete these tasks within three days (the forth day they will leave for college no later than 5 pm.) they will not be able to attend college.

Teens wishing to enter a trade school must have at least a C+ or higher upon graduating High School.

Advancing from Primary to Secondary

Children who do not meet the one bar in all skills requirement at the end of the school year will be enrolled in summer school. This is not an option, it is mandatory. They must attend to advance. The location of the summer school will be announced the day before the end of the school year.

They will have three days of summer vacation to attend summer school and gain the skills that they are lacking. Upon completion they will be advanced to the Secondary level.

If a child transitions from a child into a teen in the middle of their Primary education and their skills are not met (ie one bar per skill) then they are required to study at home, with a three day limit. Parents must observe and make sure that their teen is doing the mandatory skilling.

-Kristin Sanchez

Educational Advisor/Spokes Sim

Riverdale has decided to indroduce a new tracking and aging rotation. The Sim Days will still be the same, and they will be featured in journal updates, sim day paper, and on the main site letting vistors know what day Riverdale is on. But the cycles will no longer be listed as just Spring, Summer, Winter and, Fall. But there will be a year attached to it as well.

The rotation will span for a two year cycle. Each new year will begin in the Srping and end in December with the ushering in of the New Year. Also along with the new bi-yearly tracking the school year will begin in August and finish in June. This will provide Riverdale teens with a prom as well as a set date for graduation and to attend college.

For more information on the new rotation please visit Lakeside Heights. Riverdale has adapted their aging/rotation to fit our hood.

Historical Advisor

Zac Burrego

This is my last entry. I have decided to step down as the athletic advisor since I no longer work in that field anymore. I have decided to follow my dream and become a doctor. A new director will be appointed soon. I thank you all for your support that you have shown me duringmy time serving you. Thank you and good bye!

Jodie Burrego

Weekly Schedule

Primary Education

(Daily Assignment = D.A.)

Secondary Education

As you can see from the schedules that the secondary one there is no free time listed. This is because more focus is placed upon building skills for teen students since they will be graduating soon. The free time give for the primary grades will be put to good use as well. If a child is lacking in an area this is the time that he/she will use to build in that skill. If the child has all of the skills required but is lacking in all around grade due to daily assignments, then this time will be used for make-up work. If a child is caught up in everything, then this time will be used for play, or they can build extra skills if they want.

Kristin Sanchez

Education Advisor

Spooks Sim

This is my first entry. I wish I had gotten around to it sooner but I have been busy in personal life as well as with Hood business.

Things are moving smoothly for Riverdale but a few things have been brought to my attetnion. Well, I should say, a few things that I've seen with my own eyes. Now that many of us have settled into our lives and grown acustom to Riverdale, we are etching out a nitch for ourselves, getting settled in. And with that settling in, and working, comes money, and with money comes better food. Or should I say in some cases un healthy food, but on the other hand healthy foods but not in moderation. And because of this many sims are starting to back on the extra pounds. Weight had jumped on my back as well, and I was very surprised since I follow a daily rutine.

But the recent mass weight gain has me concerened. We really need a gym here in Riverdale. We need one built as soon as possible. Our lives depend upon it. And ot only us, but as adult sims we are setting an example for our children. And if they see us stuffng our faces and not worrying about gaining unhealthy weight, how do you think they are going to feel when/if they start to pack on the pounds?

So I prepose that we set aside $30,000 to build a gym. Nothing fancy all we need are a few weight benches, bikes, and tread mills. And possibly another $5,000 - $10,000 for a nature park with hiking trails.

Jodi Burrego

Athletic Advisor

 There seems to be a few concerns in regards to the new requirements for both Primary and Secondary education. I would like to put any parent/guardian's fears to rest. Since I do not what you feeling that your child will suffer because of the new standers set forth. We will need all parents full cooperation and support before this school year begins. If your child is in the Primary group of students and does not have at least one bar in each skill, please use the summer vacation and bring them up to par. This goes for parents of Secondary students as well. We would like for them to have at least two bars in each skill.

The reason behind this whole revamp of the curriculum is based on the previous graduates from our educational system. They were completely unprepared for higher learning. My son for example, while away at university he spent the majority of his time building up his skill bars. Why? Because he was not trained properly in school. Yes, his grades were excellent, but the skills, at most were three in certain skill areas. This is way it's imperative that we stick to this new outline.

We cannot afford to spend extra days in school devoting time to skill building. I know this is sumer vacation and the children are enjoying their down time, but this is still ample time for learning and education. And I can't stress this enough, parents cooperation is greatly needed for all the children in both public and private school to succeed.

In my last entry I outlined the requirements for students to progress to the next level of their education (e children entering into High School, and teens enter College.)

Since teen students will graduate four days before they transition into adults these means they are left with free time on their hands. Hopefully this time will be spent wisely, with them deciding to attend college, a trade school, or to just enter the work force.

If a teen desires to go off to university they must meet the requirements listed below.

College Requirements

• Cleaning with a level of seven bars

• Logic with a level of seven bars

• Mechanical with a level of seven bars

If they do not complete these tasks within three days (the forth day they will leave for college no later than 5 pm.) they will not be able to attend college.

Teens wishing to enter a trade school must have at least a C+ or higher upon graduating High School.

Advancing from Primary to Secondary

Children who do not meet the one bar I all skills requirement at the end of the school year will be enrolled in summer school. This is not an option, it is mandatory. They must attend to advance. The location of the summer school will be announced the day before the end of the school year.

They will have three days of summer vacation to attend summer school and gain the skills that they are lacking. Upon completion they will be advanced to the Secondary level.

If a child transitions from a child into a teen in the middle of their Primary education and their skills are not met (ie one bar per skill) then they are required to study at home, with a three day limit. Parents must observe and make sure that their teen is doing the mandatory skilling.

In my next post the school schedules shall be outline.

Kristin Sanchez

Education Director

Spokes Sim

As promised here is the outline for this coming school years curriculum standards. There's regulations will be followed to the T with no deviations. The lesson plans and schedules will be created and maintained by the teachers of each individual class. Once their planners are submitted to me for review and finalization it will be posted here in my notes for all to read.

An average school years lasts three seasons (ie Fall, Winter and, Spring). The school year begins on the last day of Summer with one day off during the Spring.

Since the school year runs three seasons, there is also three grading periods. Each grading period will entail a report card being sent home to parents to let them know how their child has advanced through their learning process, this is in addition to any notices that would have been sent home during the grading period informing the parents on issues pertaining to their child, if they were failing a class or if their grades improved.

The Grades

• A ? A+ = Superior quality of work

• B ? B+ = Good quality of work

• C ? C+ = Satisfactory quality of work

• D ? D+ = Below average quality of work

• E = Unsatisfactory

• F = Failed

If the student fails all three report periods then he/she will be held back to repeat that grade the following school year. But all efforts will be made by both teacher and parents in improving the child's grades and helping him pass on to the next grade.

Graduation Requirements

(Taken and modified from Apple Valley Department of Education)

Primary Education

(Children)

• Passing skills exam with at least one bar in all skills

Secondary Education

(Teens 12 ? 4 days until they become adults)

• Must pass skills exam with at least five bars in all skills

-Kristin Sanchez

Educational Advisor/Spokes Sim