The Ridge in Review

Fall 2026 Final Exam Dates

Week of December 15-18

The expectation of all students is to take their final exams on the scheduled days. Unless extraordinary circumstances occur, students must take their exams during the scheduled time. Any student requesting permission to take an exam at an alternate time requires approval from Mr. Sanderson. Please understand that family trips and prescheduled vacations are not reasons for early exams. Only major, extraordinary events/circumstances are reasons for early finals.

U.S. Senate Youth Program Application:

The 2027 U.S. Senate Youth Program application window is open from August 10 to September 30. High school juniors or seniors may apply, provided they meet all program qualifications outlined by the U.S. Senate Youth Program. The application, program criteria, and informational brochures are on the Excellence Recognitions U.S. Senate Youth Program webpage. Applications are due by September 30 at 5 p.m.

• Additional Information: U.S. Senate Youth Program Webpage
• Contact: Arlecia Brooks, arlecia.brooks@doe.k12.ga.us
• Deadline: September 30 at 5 p.m.

U.S. Presidential Scholars Application:

The 2027 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program application window is open from September 1 to November 1. High school seniors may apply, provided they meet all program qualifications outlined by the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The application, program criteria, and informational brochures are on the Excellence Recognitions U.S. Presidential Scholars webpage. Applications are due by November 1 at 5 p.m.

• Additional Information: U.S. Presidential Scholar Webpage
• Contact: Arlecia Brooks, arlecia.brooks@doe.k12.ga.us
• Deadline: November 1 at 5 p.m.

GaDOE Student Advisory Council:

Students in grades 10-12 are invited to apply to serve on the 2026-2027 State Superintendent's Student Advisory Council. These students will meet four times a year in person with Superintendent Woods to discuss the impact of state policies in the classroom and other education-related issues. The application includes short essay prompts that allow students to share their ideas for public education. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Sept. 4. Info and application: https://gadoe.org/get-involved/student-advisory-council/

“The River Ridge High School chapter of National Honor Society is proud to be making a difference through the Adopt-A-Road program in Woodstock! Outside of the classroom, they continue to make an impact in our community by offering to help keep our roads clean and well maintained. Keep an eye out for the signs located across from Culver’s and along Washington Road.”

With school buses getting back on the road soon, I want to remind you that the use of stop arm cameras on our school buses will resume with the start of school on August 3. Passing a stopped school bus with signals flashing is dangerous for students, our bus drivers and motor vehicle drivers. Drivers who pass a school bus during active loading and unloading are subject to a $1,000 fine according to OCGA 40-6-163. Fees allocated from fines are eligible for school safety and security investments.

Our goal is simple: to provide an extra layer of protection for our students and bus drivers and help ensure every child arrives at school and back home again safely. We appreciate our School Board ensuring we have the tools and resources needed to keep students and staff safe.

Reminder for Students & Parents: Register early to avoid late fees and secure your preferred testing location. Seats are limited. Mark both the test date and registration deadline on your calendar!

SAT Registration Link: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/

ACT Registration Link: www.act.org

I’m following up on our exciting Switzerland, Italy, France, Spain trip. The informational meeting is just around the corner!

It’s been amazing to see so much excitement about this opportunity. If you haven’t already, please register for our meeting to learn more about this adventure!

👉 Find meeting info and RSVP here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/wjxcwyc

We’ll cover:
- How to save $150 with early enrollment.
- What’s included in the trip.
- Safety, payment plans, and scholarships.

Plus so much more! Only families who attend will get first access to enrollment.

I’m looking forward to seeing you there and sharing all the ways this trip can open doors and broaden horizons for your child. Let’s make this dream a reality together!

Enroll Here:

www.eftours.com/2940381YA

You may also email me @ tracye.bulger@cherokee.k12.net with any questions!

Hey Knights!
I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be leading an EF Educational Tour to London for an unforgettable week of business, branding, and adventure!

We’re holding a one-time informational meeting to share everything you need to know—and spots on this trip are limited: Monday, August 31st @ 6:30pm in 1101 @ River Ridge High School

👉 Find meeting info and RSVP here: https://rsvp.eftours.com/h2tmcst

Trip Details:

📅 When: 2027 – April 3rd – April 10th
📍 Where: London, England

Why you’ll want to be part of this experience:

• ⚽ Chelsea Stadium Tour – Go behind the scenes of the business of football.
• 🏛 Museum of Brands & Bank of England Museum – Discover how brands and finance shape our world.
• 🛍 Retail Strategy Walking Tour – Explore flagship stores and see how business meets creativity.
• 💡 Workshops at LSE Generate – Learn from entrepreneurs, innovators, and global leaders.
• 🎭 Theater Night in London – Soak in England’s rich performing arts culture.
• 🎨 Explore icons like Tate Modern and Tower of London.

This isn’t just sightseeing—it’s a hands-on journey into entrepreneurship, marketing, and global careers while experiencing one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

Reach out to Ms. Barber @ stephanie.barber@cherokeek12.net or enroll here: www.eftours.com/2921590JX

Dear Cherokee County Families,

We have some exciting news to share! Cherokee County School District is offering an incredible educational travel opportunity-a guided journey through Japan in 2028, in partnership with EF Tours.

From the timeless temples of Kyoto to the electric streets of Tokyo, this trip is designed to bring learning to life in ways that go far beyond the classroom. Students will travel by bullet train, explore historic landmarks, discover Japanese cuisine, and return home with a deeper understanding of the world and themselves.

Spots are limited on this trip, and a discount is available for a limited time for families who enroll early.

Japan 2028 is going to be an experience your student will never forget!

The CCSD Japan 2028 Tour Team

Contact Sequoyah’s Educational Travel Coordinator atJapan 2028: Kyoto to Tokyo

deanda.davis@cherokeek12.net with any questions or enroll here

PTSA Website:

Please visit www.rrhsptsa.com for all things PTSA! Links to Sign Up Genius, our calendar, reflections forms, Ambassador info, staff favorites and MORE can be found on our website!

PTSA Membership: To join PTSA, please join through Totem. https://jointotem.com/ga/woodstock/river-ridge-hs-ptsa

All Sports Pass Raffle Winner:

Congratulations to our All Sports Pass Raffle Winner - Kristin Howard

Thank you for supporting PTSA!

River Ridge HS PTSA General Meeting:

Join us for our 1st general meeting of the year on 8/24 at 5:30pm in the Auditorium. We will he approving our budget. Only PTSA members may vote.

• Reminder to order your River Ridge High School spirit wear. Don't see what you want? We are accepting custom orders through the site.
• Home | March & May Design

Lost and found can be located in 1201! Any items left will be donated.

We have a designated attendance email for any attendance notes and early check-out requests: rrhs.attendance@cherokeek12.net. Please use this email instead of emailing Mrs. Mondello or anyone else directly to ensure timely processing of notes. Sending notes through Canvas or Parent Square will delay the process.

Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the RRHS - Tardy Policy.pdf

Especially, if you are a student driver, as parking decals are tied to tardies and attendance.

Did you know – that morning announcements heard by your students in the am are also linked here and can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/@RRHSKnightVision

Link to the RRHS homepage - https://rrhs.cherokeek12.net/

Did you know that you can find out what is going on in our community by checking out the CCSD Bulletin Board. Check out the link below:

https://www.cherokeek12.net/bulletin-board

Birthday Shout-outs Now Available!

Celebrate your student with a birthday message displayed on our indoor kiosk—just $5!

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/10puX2dQpu

See the link below for all your - Academic, College & Career, Personal & Social student counseling needs.

https://rrhs.cherokeek12.net/student-services

New! RRHS sports streaming service featuring football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and track. Check out: https://tinyurl.com/rrhs-sports

Coaches SY26-27

Please find below information about happenings at the Ridge in addition to information on how to follow your favorite River Ridge sports. Please note that events on the athletic calendar may change at the last minute.

Email: Stephanie.Barber@cherokeek12.net
Website: https://www.cherokeek12.net/4/home
Location: 400 Arnold Mill Road, Woodstock, GA 30188, USA
Phone: (770) 721-6500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiverRidgeHSGA