Students Speak:

Class of 2011

Hi, I’m Sarah. I’ve been at RDS for ten years, since JK. My experience at RDS has been really fun. I like the people and teachers. The teacher that stands out for me is Ms. Ammenti. She showed me how to work hard and also to love myself and to be me.  

In seventh grade, I was in the Rock Band and the Student Exchange Program, Pep Squad, and served as a student representative for student council (this year, I'm Vice President). It was my second year in one of the rock bands. It’s really fun. We’re all people who didn’t know how to play instruments or are beginners, and we play for fun. Roger is our teacher; he’s really talented, and he chooses songs that aren’t too easy, but they are really interesting and they show a message that not everyone thinks of when people think of music. The songs aren’t only about hanging out - they challenge you instrumentally.

In fifth grade, we went to Walker Creek for Outdoor Education. That was the first year that we were going to be with another school and live with them for a week. It was kind of scary because I didn’t know the people I would share a cabin with, but after a few days I became really, really good friends with them and we had a lot of fun.  

Everyone here is very friendly. They try to help you as best as they can. The teachers are good teachers, and they teach in different ways that interest you. There are lots of extra-curricular activities: we have activities period on Fridays, plus classes and sports after school.

In Advisory, you have a small group that you stay with for three years, and you get to know them better and know their lives. You learn more than just their name and age, but what they do and like, what their goals are. You get to communicate and become friends with people you wouldn’t normally think of being friends with.

I remember when I was in JK, and I would look up to the older kids and want to be a leader. Now, I’m in the middle of basketball season this year and looking forward to being a leader next year in the school and to going to high school.