River Tech School of Performing Arts & Technology
Where Creativity and Innovation Converge
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Focused Personal Attention: At River Tech, our 1:12 student-teacher ratio is more than a number; it's our approach to fostering deep connections and understanding every child's unique aspirations.
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Rooted in Deep-seated Values: Our foundation in Christian and conservative teachings ensures that, while we look to the future, we remain grounded in enduring principles that guide life's path.
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Empowering Tech Pioneers: In today’s fast-paced digital age, we don't just introduce technology – we prepare our students to be the tech innovators and leaders of tomorrow.
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A Haven for Artistic Souls: Whether it's capturing a scene, crafting a melody, or expressing through dance, River Tech nurtures every artistic spirit, turning passions into profound expressions.
Welcome to River Tech: Introduction and Mission
Our Commitment to Excellence
Welcome to River Tech K-12, where we challenge the norms of education with our small class sizes, state-of-the-art technology, and dynamic arts curriculum. Our school is celebrated for its ability to foster both academic excellence and creative talents, providing a foundation where every student thrives.
The Art of Holistic Education
River Tech K-12 embodies the fusion of personalized learning with the latest in technology and the arts, setting us apart as Post Falls' leading educational institution. Our holistic approach ensures that each child's academic and creative aspirations are nurtured, making River Tech the top choice for K-12 education.
Every Student's Unique Journey
At River Tech, personalized learning isn't just a promise; it's our practice. Our student-teacher ratio is approximately 1 teacher per 10 students, allowing our teachers to spend more time with each student, ensuring every child's journey is tailored to their unique potential.
Core Educational Pillars Approach
Personalized Learning in Small Classes
In every River Tech classroom, our commitment to small class sizes transforms education into a personal journey for each student. With an unparalleled teacher-student ratio of 1:10, we foster a deeper connection between teachers and students, enabling tailored instruction that meets individual needs and learning styles. It's in these small classes that each student's potential is nurtured and their unique talents are allowed to flourish.
Competency-Based Learning Model
Our innovative approach to learning allows students to progress based on mastery, not age or grade levels. This competency-based model encourages self-paced learning, empowering students to take control of their education. By focusing on mastery, we ensure that every student achieves a thorough understanding and application of each subject, laying a solid foundation for lifelong learning.
Our Student-Teacher Interaction
With a focus on maintaining an optimal student-teacher ratio, River Tech ensures that every student receives the attention they deserve. This close interaction fosters a supportive learning environment where students feel valued and understood. It's not just about academic support; it's about building relationships that inspire and motivate students to reach their highest potential.
Academic Programs and Curriculum
Overview of Academic Tracks and Specializations
With a curriculum that includes core subjects such as Math, Language Arts, Social Sciences, and Science, we ensure a strong educational foundation. Beyond these, we delve into specialized tracks in Technology, Performing Arts, and Life Skills allowing students to explore and excel in their areas of interest, from coding and robotics to music, dance, and theater. Our approach ensures a well-rounded education, preparing students for the multifaceted challenges of the future.
Innovations and Unique Offerings
Our Technology track, spearheaded by our Tech Director with a degree in Game Development, encompasses a wide range of subjects from coding and robotics to digital arts and filmmaking, ensuring students are adept in the STEAM fields. Similarly, our Performing Arts track, led by a professional vocal coach and music director with an extensive background in music and performance, offers comprehensive training in music, theater, dance and voice, nurturing the next generation of artists and performers.
Curriculum Maps, Standards, and Assessment Strategies
Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to align with rigorous standards and is continually evaluated to incorporate the latest educational research and methodologies. Curriculum maps guide our instruction, ensuring a coherent and comprehensive educational journey for every student. Assessment strategies at River Tech are varied and tailored to measure not just academic proficiency but also the application of knowledge in real-world contexts. Through a blend of traditional assessments, project-based learning, and performance assessments, we ensure that our students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Faculty and Leadership
History, Qualifications, and Credentials
At River Tech, our faculty bring together a diverse tapestry of qualifications and experiences. Principal Dan Hegelund, with a B.S. and M.S. in Political Science, has an extensive background in music education and production. Mary Hegelund, leading our elementary program, applies her B.S. and M.S. in Education to fuse innovative teaching methods with foundational learning principles. Jordan Ezell, heading our Tech Department, utilizes his B.S. in Game Development to push the boundaries of our technology curriculum. Luke Hegelund contributes his expertise in both technology and music, enriching our media and arts programs. As River Tech looks ahead to the 2024-25 school year, we are excited to expand our team with two additional qualified teachers to support our growing community. This expansion reflects our commitment to providing the best educational experience and invites interested candidates to explore opportunities on our careers page.
Faculty Profiles and Teaching Philosophy
Our teaching philosophy is anchored in a Conservative and Christian worldview. We emphasize the development of life skills alongside academic knowledge, ensuring our students are well-prepared for life post-graduation. Our commitment to small class sizes is intentional, fostering a personalized learning environment reminiscent of tutoring, where each student receives focused attention and support. The integration of robust technology and arts programs is designed to stimulate both the analytical and creative sides of the brain, advocating for a balanced approach to education that values innovation as much as creativity. This holistic educational philosophy ensures our students are not only academically proficient but also well-rounded individuals ready to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
Indoor & Outdoor Spaces
Indoor Spaces: Nurturing Minds and Creativity
Within the walls of River Tech, each room tells a story of innovation and focused learning. From the robotics labs buzzing with creativity to the music rooms echoing with melodies, our spaces are tailored for immersive education. The stage and rehearsal rooms stand ready for theatrical expressions, while high school labs invite inquiry and experimentation. Classrooms, each with its own library, are sanctuaries of knowledge, designed to inspire and challenge young minds.
Outdoor Spaces: Expanding Horizons Beyond Classrooms
At River Tech, recess isn't just for elementary students; it's for all ages, including middle and high schoolers. We value fresh air, sunlight, movement, and social interaction for every student's well-being. Our outdoor spaces offer dynamic settings where students thrive through play and exploration. From the sprawling open field to the playground with swings, students enjoy physical activity and imaginative pursuits, including traditional games like tag and sports like soccer, volleyball, and baseball.
What sets us apart is the active involvement of our teachers, fostering bonds and a supportive community spirit. We believe in the transformative power of outdoor play, nurturing students socially, physically, and academically. Join us at River Tech, where outdoor play fosters growth, friendship, and a deeper connection to nature.
What We Are About
Community
River Tech is more than a school; it's a community where your child's passions, be they artistic or technological, are recognized, celebrated, and honed. Discover with us a holistic approach to education, blending timeless values with modern skills, preparing students not just for exams, but for life.
TEACHERS AT RIVER TECH
Dan & Mary Hegelund
Dan Hegelund, principal at River Tech, holds a B.S. and M.S in Political Science. Dan is a professional vocal coach, choir director, music director, etc. He has thirty years of experience teaching and producing music and heads the River Tech Arts department. Expect concerts, musicals, studio recordings, music videos, choir trips, talent shows, music festivals, etc.
Mary Hegelund holds a B.S. and M.S. in Education and leads River Tech Elementary. She has worked at a preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school and as a homeschooler of three children. Mary loves teaching children team building, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Jordan Ezell
Jordan Ezell holds a B.S. in Game Development and a degree from Master's Commission in Biblical Studies. He loves creating board games and video games, and can't wait to teach our students how to create their own games. Jordan is heading the Tech Department at River Tech. Expect your kids to learn programming, robotics, 3D animation, videography, sound engineering, game development, etc. River Tech has an outstanding tech program.
Luke Hegelund
Luke Hegelund is the media director at River Tech and the music director at Sun City Church. In addition to these roles, Luke is a proficient multi-instrumentalist and offers private piano lessons outside of his work at River Tech. Additionally, he is a professional videographer, having produced wedding films, short films, and commercials. While working at River Tech, Luke is simultaneously pursuing a degree in theology. Students can look forward to learning filmmaking, music, and 3D design from Luke.
Caitlin Relvas
Caitlin Relvas has a B.A. in English and Classical Civilizations. She has a minor in Dance and has been studying and teaching dance for most of her life. Caitlin loves to teach K-1 students problem-solving skills and responsibility and teach middle and high school English students the art of writing and an appreciation for story.
Paul Pemberton
Since acquiring his BA with a focus on Performing Arts, Paul has worked both as an actor and within the IT sector, most recently at Oracle Corporation while living in Austin TX. In 2020 Paul become a missionary evangelist after graduating from the first ever Christ for all Nations (CfaN) Evangelism Bootcamp, led by evangelist Daniel Kolenda. While ministering he has traveled to nations that include the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, the Cayman Islands, Tanzania, Nigeria, and recently a 9-month stay in Peru that included preaching the Gospel in crusade-style evangelism. Paul will be aiding in classes such as Debate and Critical Thought, alongside core subjects Math and English.
Guest Teachers
River Tech invites successful guest teachers to give a master workshop on a relevant topic. This could be a successful entrepreneur in how to start your own business, a professional musician in how to make it in the music industry, or a missionary to a third-world country about the importance of compassion and charity.
