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BY LORI LYONS

SPECIAL TO L’OBSERVATEUR

RESERVE – Riverside Academy principal Holly Haase has chosen “Together We Grow” as the theme of the 2022-23 school year. It certainly is appropriate.

  The small private school nestled between the railroad tracks and bordering the Mississippi River in Reserve is experiencing tremendous growth, with its highest enrollment numbers in several years, according to Haase.

  “It’s exciting to see how many people are coming to Riverside to be a part of the changes that are happening,” said Haase, who is embarking on her third year as principal of the school. “I’m very excited.”

  The school will hold its Start Up Day on Thursday, August 3 in the gym. Parents of pre-school and elementary students can drop off school supplies on this day. Middle and high school students can receive their schedules, fill out forms and gather information about the upcoming school year. Students must wear school uniform for school photos. 

  Teachers will begin professional days on Aug. 7. The first day of schools for Pre-K through 12th girls is Aug. 10. The first day of school for Pre-K through 12th boys is Aug. 11. The first day for all Pre-k through 12th students is Aug. 14. 

  Among the changes this year is the addition of assistant principal Dominique Zenon, a longtime educator who has served in administrative positions in New Orleans and East Baton Rouge.

  “Mrs. Zenon will help with curriculum in order to move us to reach higher levels in academics,” Haase said. “I am looking forward to working with her, (elementary supervisor) Kristin Roccaforte and (preschool director) Crystal Millet to push us in growing our academics.”

  By all accounts, Riverside is coming off a successful school year for many of its programs. All of its sports programs reached the post-season playoffs with the softball team winning the Division IV state championship. Several athletes signed to play at the collegiate level. 

  The Marching Pride of Riverside earned several awards at regional and national band showcases. 

 The Rebel Express, a student-run news website, captured several awards at the annual Silver Scribe competition at Loyola University, including Best Publications Website.

 The school continues to make physical improvements and repairs following a hard hit from Hurricane Ida in 2021. This summer saw a refurbishment of the school’s gymnasium and a new intercom system. 

 “I am proud of how far we have come over the last couple of years, but I do believe the best is yet to come.” Haase said.