Riverdale Academy is welcoming Danny Rester as their new Principal beginning July first.  The Journal met with Rester at the school this week to get his views on the coming school year.

Rester is already on the job, getting his office set up, meeting with members of the faculty, and planning for the year.  Rester said, “My philosophy is that it is all about what is best for the students.  That is what all schools should be about.”  He said the teaching staff will not be forgotten.  “We will offer lots of professional development for our teachers from Pre-K through 12^th grade,” said Rester, “I’m excited and they’re excited about coming improvements.”

This summer Rester said they are making improvements in the Riverdale facility including a beautification program.  The day the Journal visited those huge trees shaded the front entrance and a cool breeze provided relief from a hot sun.  Rester said, “We are reallocating classroom space.  The Junior High and the High School classrooms will be grouped together.” 

There are more improvements coming to the classroom.  Rester said, “We are exploring different curriculum options for Junior High and High School students.  We’ll give more choices.”

He referred to Riverdale’s rich sports history that has produced outstanding athletic teams throughout the years.  In recent years several teams have reached deep into the playoffs and several Riverdale Basketball won their state championships.  “We’re changing to a modified A-B Block system.  We will offer core academic classes in the morning with elective and PE periods in the afternoons.  This will especially benefit athletes who have to travel long distances to compete.”

Other improvements coming to Riverdale is a new math curriculum for K through 8^th grades.  And our Junior High students will be offered new elective course choices. 

Rester said, “All of this has me excited.  And the teachers I have met with are also excited about improvements.  There are things everyone is getting excited about.”