Just my own take on Riverhead

Relating to other posts, I just have to say I want to cry when I read people's posts bashing Riverhead. Most likely my kids will go to Riverhead because, plain fact, we can't afford the "nicer" towns around here.
I hate that my kids will be judged the minute they say they are from Riverhead. I can only hope that my kids grow to be something other than a labeled kid from a school district. I can only hope that I can raise my kids to be the best they can be no matter where we live. I can only hope that the love I show my kids at home will steer them clear of trouble down the line.
I hope my kids will be on the winning end of a sports team. I will support them the best I can in whatever they want to do. I will make my family come first and not worry about the name of the town we live in.

Message edited 2/22/2010 3:08:26 PM.

Re: Just my own take on Riverhead

Sometimes people just assume things about parts of Long Island. Are there maybe "better" parts, sure. But like you said I think it depends on the kids and parents who raise them. I am always defending our school district too (Longwood) but ya know what... I love my home and I will raise my kids the best I can. The rest is up to the way the cards fall.

Re: Just my own take on Riverhead

Don't worry about it. Really.

This may sound crazy.. but I kind of think that if the parents are truly involved and work with their kids then it won't matter WHAT district they are in. The advantage of the 'better' school districts is sometimes that when a parent takes a hands off approach to education, the district can step in. I don't know if that makes sense the way I am saying it.

I think you will find dedicated teachers and quality programs at most schools on Long Island. I think if you keep involved with your children's education and work to partner with their educators.. they will have a worthwhile experience - wherever they go.

FWIW - I went to Bay Shore - which is another constantly abused SD. I had a fantastic experience. We happened to have a killer Honors program, a lot of community support and fantastic teachers - but you'll still hear people say that it's a terrible district and they'd never send their kid there. I think they don't know what they are missing!

Re: Just my own take on Riverhead

Posted by rojerono

Don't worry about it. Really.

This may sound crazy.. but I kind of think that if the parents are truly involved and work with their kids then it won't matter WHAT district they are in. The advantage of the 'better' school districts is sometimes that when a parent takes a hands off approach to education, the district can step in. I don't know if that makes sense the way I am saying it.

I think you will find dedicated teachers and quality programs at most schools on Long Island. I think if you keep involved with your children's education and work to partner with their educators.. they will have a worthwhile experience - wherever they go.

FWIW - I went to Bay Shore - which is another constantly abused SD. I had a fantastic experience. We happened to have a killer Honors program, a lot of community support and fantastic teachers - but you'll still hear people say that it's a terrible district and they'd never send their kid there. I think they don't know what they are missing!

Re: Just my own take on Riverhead

Personally, I think Riverhead is a GREAT school district....

so does DW, and my sister, who is a great teacher, and my bro who is studying to be a dentist, after attending Harvard for his BS, and Standford for his Masters.... and BILs who are in the medical field as well...

Re: Just my own take on Riverhead

I grew up in Riverhead/Aquebogue and had a great experience there...this was about 15 yrs ago so I know things have changed (some things are probably worse, some may be better), but I got so much out of the RHS honors program (graduated high school with 15 college credits), the sports teams (played all 3 seasons), music / language / art programs, and awareness groups like SADD - it was all available and I took full advantage. Riverhead prepared me for college and life in general - it's diverse, yet rural, and I think it was a great place to grow up! :)

Re: Just my own take on Riverhead

I totally agree with you CouponMom, people make assumptions & areas get labeled. School districts are NOT the key to success. I personally think your children will have a huge advantage going to school in a more diverse district. Most LI kids grow up living in a racial and/or cultural bubble and I think they are ill prepared for the big world outside of Long Island.
I raised my son in Oakdale which is a very desirable area, yet he is a 22 year old drug addict.
Now I live in Ridge, which is not viewed as desirable, but I often wonder if my son's life would have turned out different if we lived out here when he was little.
There are no guarantees, all we can do is the best we personally can for our kids. Do what's good for your family, don't worry what people "think"

Message edited 2/22/2010 6:20:14 PM.

Re: Just my own take on Riverhead

Re: Just my own take on Riverhead

as long as you raise your children right, stay involved with their life and support them, your children will turn out great.

And hey, they will probaly turn out better because they will get such a sense of diversity, that most long island schools lack these days.

I went to Amityville for part of my life, and had a very bad experience, but prior to having that bad experience, I don't think my school life was bad.

I actually have the best memories living there. I had friends that took me on their awesome boats, and played at the beach, and my then I played in the trailer park with my BFF and her friends and family. I probably had the best time, riding bikes and playing with the kids that had less. they played so much better then the kids that had everything! when she moved to FL with her family and I didn't have anyone to play with there anymore, I remember I was so sad. Today I laugh that I can't believe I am even saying that, but its the truth. its all what you make of it.

Re: Just my own take on Riverhead

For what it's worth, Katie, my parents live in Riverhead and when I tell people that, I get the appalled, shocked look and the reality is that it's a gorgeous, gorgeous place to live and the schools are so much better than people make them out to be. In fact, my parents have plenty of money to spend on a house, and chose to live there anyway.
And I get the same reaction when I tell people I live in Patchogue. And guess what? I live in a gorgeous neighborhood in a gorgeous house with great parks, restaurants and beaches. The culture, shopping, volunteer opportunities and dining in Riverhead are fantastic, as well. I always tell my mom that if it wasn't so far from work for me and JT we would have bought a house there, too.

Re: Just my own take on Riverhead

As someone who was born and raised in Shirley and went to William Floyd High School I can completely relate.

I hate when people make me feel like I should be ashamed of where I'm from.

From my standpoint, I didn't turn out so bad...some might say I actually turned out pretty well. Even though I don't live there anymore my family still does and they all turned out pretty well too.

Try not to let it bother you

Re: Just my own take on Riverhead

Don't worry!

You don't hear about Glen Cove "projects' but they are there. Rich people just don't want most people to know. It's bad for business!

People label towns on rumors, things than happened 20 years ago when they were kids, etc...

Re: Just my own take on Riverhead

I agree with all of you. I am from Valley Stream and when I mention this people have negative things to say also. Their impressions have nothing to do with what the actual schools are like - just based on what they "see" unfortunately.

Your parental influence is much more important that anything your children will experience.

Re: Just my own take on Riverhead

Thanks everyone!!!

I appreciate that you agree with me regarding other towns too. It's terrible that people speak negatively on things they don't know much about.

Re: Just my own take on Riverhead

The problem with this board is that you will ask an opinion on a certain area and out of the 25-30 who respond,only 5 actually KNOW the area. The rest go based upon what they have "heard".. it really bothers me.

As long as you are involved in your children's education you will have no problems.

Re: Just my own take on Riverhead

Message edited 2/23/2010 9:38:30 PM.

Re: Just my own take on Riverhead

my friends & i were discussing this whole "good school" thing awhile back...we all came from a "good district"...had a classmate in jail for shaking his baby to death...and 2 dead from overdoses..some others spent time in jail as well. I think it's what you teach your children and how you raise them as a parent..not your zipcode that will determine their success in life.