This year, Rio Norte received lots of new 7th graders and welcomed back 8th graders for quarter one of the 2023-2024 school year. Quarter one was filled with many events and activities for riverhawks to enjoy. So, now that it’s October, here’s a recap of everything that has happened during the first term of the school year.
One of the first big events to happen during the term was the Luau dance. The dance was on August 25 and was from 6-8 pm. The dance had great music and multiple fun activities, such as the most popular activity, mini golf. At the Luau there was also a photo booth and an arcade that had games projected on a screen. The dance also included snacks like cotton candy, which ended up being so popular that it ran out.
Another event earlier in the term was the book fair, which lasted from August 24 to September 1st. At the book fair students could purchase a wide variety of books, posters, and more. There was also Club Day, on September 1st. During Club Day, students could learn information about, and possibly join, all the different clubs at Rio Norte. Though it wasn’t mandatory to join a club, it was highly recommended so that students could acquire new skills in areas they’re interested in. 
We also had a #ICanHelp assembly. #ICanHelp is an organization that came to our school to inform us about how to be safe online. They gave students helpful tips on what to do, and what not to do online.
Anyone interested in sports could play in the dodgeball tournament. The dodgeball tournament allowed students to put together teams with their friends to compete to be proclaimed the best. The prize was a shirt with your team’s name on it. The team that turned out victorious was Ice Spice Elite, and after they won, they played a dodgeball game against the teachers which they also won.
When asked how her quarter one went, 7th grader Zoey Manalo-Quan responded, “At the beginning of the quarter I felt terrified, but then things started to get better as it went on. I joined both the Art Club and the Crochet Club to improve my artistic abilities. In the next quarter, I look forward to improving my grades and unlocking my full potential. I really enjoyed the Luau and Club Day. So far, I like Rio a lot, except for the runs. Overall, I had a pretty good first quarter.”
Quarter one had many opportunities for new students to get to know Rio Norte. Though there are many fun activities provided for students at Rio, at the end of the day each quarter is what you make of it. Whatever happens during the next quarter each student gets to choose how to spend it.