January Newsletter

Jan. 19th: Martin Luther King Day (No School)

Jan. 28th: PD & Parent/Teacher Conferences (No school for students)

Jan. 31st: Rhea County Rumble Football Fundraiser (at RMS gymnasium)

Feb. 16th: President's Day (No School)

Mar. 16th-20th: Spring Break

Mar. 26th & 27th Alice in Wonderland

Nominated by Matt Graham

Senior Emree Harris recently visited the Tennessee State Capitol to participate in a special meeting with members of the Tennessee Senate. During the visit, she had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, Riley Gaines Barker, and several other influential leaders. The event brought together high school students from across the state, providing a valuable opportunity for civic engagement, leadership development, and firsthand exposure to the legislative process.

RCHS Band Director Gabriel Lajas, RMS Band Director Sam Riddle, and Former RMS Band Director Bryan Massengale were selected to march in the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade with the Band Directors Marching Band. This band consisted of 360 members ranging in age from 19-82. They marched 5.5 miles through an excited crowd in Pasadena, California. We are all so proud! Thank you for representing Rhea County so well!

Left to Right: Sam Riddle, Gabriel Lajas, and Bryan Massengale

Band Directors from the great state of Tennessee

RCHS Basketball hosted their first homecoming week and competition during the month of December. Students and faculty dressed festively and voted for the first Homecoming King. This honor was awarded to Paxton Dunn escorted by his Honors English IV teacher, Mrs. McPherson.

Rhea County High School students participated in the Dayton Christmas Parade. It's always nice to see the school's academic areas and clubs out in the community!

Tickets are officially on sale for the Rhea County High School Football sponsored Rhea County Rumble! You are able to Venmo @rheacountyfootballtd with your name and number of tickets.

The Dayton Chamber of Commerce hosted a Christmas Open House. To celebrate the season, the Junior Ambassadors along with other community members enjoyed wonderful food and company: hors d'oeuvres by Odalys Leal and soups by Alan Garrison and the Corner Spot.

Lady Eagles Flag Football is preparing for their upcoming season. Check out the schedule and try to catch a game to support these athletes.

Even though softball season is still a couple of month's away, RCHS Lady Eagles have been busy serving the community. These ladies delivered warm blankets to residents of the Spring City Life Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Basketball season has been busy, and both teams are in the middle of their schedule. There are plenty of games coming up! Try to come support our basketball players, cheerleaders, and band.

Game nights wouldn’t be the same without our cheerleaders. Their positivity, commitment, and school spirit help create an exciting atmosphere for athletes, students, and fans alike.

Congratulations to Scarlett Bishop on her qualification for the TSSAA Individual State Tournament!

Lady Eagles Soccer had three ladies who were awarded First Team All Region. They were Emerson White (Jr), Jetta Sharp (Jr), and Kloe Reeves (Sr). Congratulations to you all!

Congratulations to Austun Fugate for making All State. Austun had the following stats for 2025:

• Defensive Player of the Year in Region 3-5A
• 68 total tackles - 8 PBU - 7 INT - 1 DEF TD
• Tied for 3rd in TN for INT

School attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic success and graduation. These students were recognized for their excellent attendance, specifically zero unexcused absences.

Rhea County High School Economics students decided to give back in a big way! They partnered with Mr. Ken Buckles, long-time Vets and Kids member, and Mr. Pendergrass, Culinary Arts Teacher, to host a special fundraiser breakfast for the program. The students welcomed guests, served food, and raised support for a worthy organization. Vets and Kids provides scholarships for RCHS students and carries out many meaningful projects throughout the community.

Mr. Carder's and Mrs.Thompson's classes used AI, collaboration, and algorithmic and computational thinking to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces. They could only use a box and a few supplies.

Mr. Carder's Classes

Mrs. Thompson's Classes

Mrs. McPherson's English IV students participated in a unique discussion strategy called a fishbowl. After reading and annotating, students were given question prompts to consider and answer. These were used for deep discussions and debate over the text. Students rotated in and out of the fishbowl to participate. Students on the outside listened, took notes, and prepared to enter the fishbowl to present their views.

Former RCHS student Aaliyah-Kate McPherson visited Mrs. McPherson's class right before Christmas to take her students step-by-step through the process of making a watercolor Christmas card. They were encouraged to use the card to write a note to a family member.

RCHS Special Programs Eagle Perk Cafe stays busy baking and selling sweet treats for the students and staff. Teachers and students may order from the cafe anytime from 2nd period-6th period. They are closed during 1st lunch.

Mrs. Candi Harris is a RCHS graduate and now works as a State Farm agent in Dayton, TN. She took time from her schedule and graciously shared her wealth of knowledge about insurance with CTE classes. We are thankful for her and other community leaders who willingly pour into the students of RCHS.

Students in Mrs. Shaver's Small Animal Science Classes completed a unit on dog breeds by creating 2D artistic representations of their chosen breed. After identifying and procuring the necessary materials, the students brought their designs to life. While the entire class demonstrated excellent craftsmanship, Angel Lyke earned 'Best in Show' recognition for her exceptional smooth-coated chihuahua.

Angel Lyke with her smooth-coated chihuahua

Mr. Pendergrass and his Culinary Arts students play a big part in various banquets and events around Rhea County. During the month of December, they cooked and served for the RMS Football Banquet.

RCHS Best Buddies member Keylin Reece headed up the "Adopt a Grandparent" initiative for the club. Those who participated visited the residents at the Spring City Care and Rehabilitation Center spreading love and cheer to the patients. Best Buddies filled stockings to give to the residents at the Center.

Best Buddies had a very merry Christmas party! The Special Programs crew was there to lend a hand in all of the festivities. Sweet treats were provided by Rusty Ray and Allie Kirkman, and Santa was invited by Alicia Shaver. Best Buddies always has an amazing time at their events, and so many people help make each event special.