Dear Columbia River Community,
As we enter the final stretch after returning from last week’s spring break, I hope everyone had the chance to recharge and rest before we “lock in” for the 4th quarter. As you know, April through June we plan carefully to conclude this year and simultaneously build the schedule for the 2025-2026 school year. It takes everyone’s focus and input to keep our school running so smoothly.
With that, I would like to recognize the outstanding work of our River administrative team, both past and present, as we celebrate Associate Principal’s Week with the Association of Washington School Principals.
I have been incredibly fortunate over the past 14 years at River to serve alongside amazing, caring, dynamic, and thoughtful leaders. I want to specifically acknowledge and thank my distinguished colleagues who have served in this role here at River: Esteban Delgadillo, Donna Jeffries, Tony Liberatore, Rob Duncan, Marjie Ruzicka, Dr. Nick Davies, Ken Roberts, Elizabeth Vaughn, Anna Ricks and Abby Davis. Their unwavering service and dedication over the years in the Associate Principal role has been the difference in shaping River as the premier high school in the Pacific Northwest. Please join me in thanking them for their contributions to our community.
As we move forward this spring, students will be completing local, state, and international assessments. This marks the beginning of our assessment season, which will impact our daily routines and schedules. A special thanks to Dr. Morgan Parker, Kris Walther, and Julie Nygaard for coordinating the SBA and IB exams in April and May. The exam schedules are linked in this week’s newsletter, and students should routinely check their emails and notifications for room assignments, dates, and other essential information.
Finally, I encourage everyone to visit our website and check out the Senior calendar. With a recent surge of “Senioritis,” it is vital to stay informed about key information regarding special events, recognitions, and celebrations as we countdown to commencement. Note that Prom tickets went on sale today. And as I write this we have 8 weeks, five days and four hours to our celebration at the Clark County Amphitheater (but who’s counting, right!?)
As always, I thank you for the honor to serve River as Principal. Have a great weekend!
Alex Otoupal
Principal/Head of School