Principal's Weekly Update #9
Week of October 19- 23, 2026
Entering Week 9 of the Semester
Greetings Pirate Families,
Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent Town Hall on Thursday. We appreciate your time, thoughtful questions, feedback, and continued support of Riverside High School. Your partnership is essential as we work together to ensure a safe, supportive, and successful learning environment for every student.
We value the opportunity to listen, share information, and strengthen the connection between our school, families, and community. We remain committed to open communication, student safety, and continuous improvement. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to move Riverside forward. Together, we are stronger!
As we begin week nine of the semester, we encourage families to stay connected, support students in finishing the quarter strong, and take advantage of the many academic, college-readiness, cultural, and athletic opportunities available to our Pirates.
Thank you for being an important part of the Riverside family. Your support, engagement, and partnership make a difference in the lives of our students every day. Let's continue to work together, keep the main thing the main thing, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Every Classroom. Every Student. Everyday.
With Pirate Pride,
Dr. Gloria Woods-Weeks
Pirate Shout-Outs!
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- Thank you, Riverside families and friends! More than 60 items have been purchased from our RHS Amazon Wish List! Biology teacher and February 2025 Pirate Hero, Alvin De Leon, is pictured with a delivery that included laptop chargers, surge protectors, tissues, wipes, and other classroom essentials. More than 20 items remain. Let's clear the list! Visit the RHS PTA Amazon Wish List to help support our teachers and students. The RHS Teacher Wish List,
- Thank you to our school counselors for helping host the Infinite Scholars Free College Scholarship Fair for students across the district.
- Shout-out to Ms. Moore, our parent volunteers, and our band and orchestra students who attended the North Carolina Symphony's performance of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.
- Congratulations to our senior soccer players! Our Pirates celebrated Senior Night with their families and then defeated Hillside 8–0. Way to finish strong!
- History made by our women's tennis team! Congratulations to our Lady Pirates for defeating Cleveland High School in the second round of the NCHSAA state championships and advancing to the third round for the first time in school history. Best wishes to Cynthia Combs as she competes at Cardinal Gibbons this week!
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Coming to school regularly helps students feel connected and confident.
Our school attendance last week: 82.39.%
Goal for next week: 95%
Reminder: Every day matters! If your student will be out, please let us know.
We can do BETTER!
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Pre-ACT — Tuesday, October 20
All 10th-grade students will take the Pre-ACT on Tuesday, October 20.
Parents and guardians, please ensure that your students arrive on time and with fully charged laptops. Testing room assignments are posted at the A/B intersection. Thank you for helping our students arrive prepared to do their best.
Hispanic Heritage Cultural Night — Thursday, October 22
Join us at 5:45 p.m. in the cafeteria for an evening celebrating Hispanic heritage, culture, and community. We look forward to seeing our Pirate families there!
End of Quarter One — Friday, October 23
Friday, October 23, marks the final day of the first quarter. Please encourage your students to check their grades, complete outstanding assignments, communicate with their teachers, and finish the quarter strong.
Senior Parent Information Night and FAFSA Support — Monday, October 26
Our Senior Parent Night has been rescheduled and will take place in conjunction with FAFSA Night on Monday, October 26.
- 5:30–6:00 p.m. — Senior Parent Information: An overview of senior-year supports, important deadlines, and upcoming key events.
- 6:00–7:30 p.m. — FAFSA Information and Application Support: Information and assistance to help families navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Senior families, please plan to join us as we work together to prepare our students for graduation and their next steps beyond Riverside.
College and Career Promise (CCP): Spring Enrollment Interest Meetings
Juniors and seniors interested in taking college courses tuition-free while still in high school during the spring semester should sign up for a Durham Tech CCP Enrollment Interest Meeting.
Register here: https://visit.durhamtech.edu/event/479555
Students who are already enrolled in CCP do not need to attend another interest meeting. For questions, contact our Durham Tech College Liaison, Mr. Jones:
- Email: jonest@durhamtech.edu
- Call or text: 919-943-1696
October Is National Bullying Prevention Month
October is Bullying Prevention Month. Let us continue to cultivate a school environment where every student feels safe, respected, connected, and supported.
RHS Annual Haunted House — Cast Members Needed!
The Riverside Theatre Haunted House Club is looking for students who want to become scare actors for the annual RHS Haunted House at the end of October!
Do you enjoy being dramatic, creating characters, making people scream, or lurking in a dark corner waiting to surprise unsuspecting visitors? This is your chance to have fun, develop your creativity, and make new friends.
The Haunted House Club meets Wednesdays and Fridays from 4:30–5:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Interested students are encouraged to attend a meeting and join the fun! Let's make this year's Haunted House a frightfully fantastic Riverside tradition!
COLLEGE ADVISORS CORNER
College Application Opportunities: CFNC Free Application Week
October 19–25 is CFNC Free Application Week!
Students can apply for FREE to participate in colleges and universities that are waiving application fees during this special week. Click here to view participating institutions.
Ms. Holmes and Ms. Bias will offer college application and essay support in the library. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities.
Monday, October 19
- 9:40 a.m. — A representative from North Carolina A&T State University will be in the library to meet with interested students.
- 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. — Ms. Holmes and Ms. Bias will assist students with CFNC applications.
Tuesday, October 20
- 9:40–11:05 a.m. — North Carolina Central University students will participate in a panel discussion about college life, admissions, and the NCCU experience. They will also help students with college applications.
Wednesday, October 21
- 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. — Essay review and revision assistance with Ms. Holmes and Ms. Bias.
Friday, October 23
- 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. — Essay review and revision assistance with Ms. Holmes and Ms. Bias.
A special incentive! Students who attend a workshop or event during Free Application Week and successfully complete a college application or receive essay revisions will be entered into a raffle. Two lucky winners will receive Halloween/college-themed boo baskets!
Seniors, this is an excellent opportunity to get support, complete applications, and take another step toward your future. Don't miss out!
Riverside Athletics: Pirate Pride in Action! 2026 Riverside Athletics Hall of Fame
The Riverside Athletic Booster Club is excited to begin preparations for the 2026 Riverside Athletics Hall of Fame! This special event will celebrate the outstanding athletes, coaches, and contributors who have helped shape the history and tradition of Riverside Athletics.
Local businesses and community partners are invited to sponsor event tables and support this celebration of Pirate excellence.
Whether you attend, sponsor a table, or share the information with others, your support will help make this year's celebration special. Let's come together to celebrate the tradition, excellence, and Pirate pride that make Riverside Athletics so special!
Winter Sports Tryouts
Winter sports tryouts are scheduled for the week of October 27. Please contact the appropriate head coach for specific dates, times, and requirements.
- Men's Basketball: Christopher Mayshack — Christopher_Mayshack@dpsnc.net
- Women's Basketball: Keith Jacquier — Keith_Jacquier@dpsnc.net
- Wrestling: Sean Nickson — Sean_Nickson@dpsnc.net
- Swimming and Diving: sball77@gmail.com
- Indoor Track and Field: Jason_Smoots@gmail.com
Winter Sports: Ticket to Play Is Now Open
Ticket to Play is available for Indoor Track and Field, Basketball Cheer, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Wrestling, and Swimming and Diving.
To complete the process:
- Complete your student's DragonFly profile to 100%.
- Upload all required documents, including a current physical.
- Submit the Ticket to Play Google Form once the DragonFly profile is complete.
- The Athletic Department will review the submission and contact you through the email listed in DragonFly if anything is incomplete. Please make corrections and resubmit promptly.
Please complete all requirements before your student participates in tryouts.
Games and Athletic Events This Week
Monday, October 19
- Flag Football vs. Southern Durham at Hillside — 6:00 p.m.
- Women's Tennis — Third Round of NCHSAA Playoffs vs. Cardinal Gibbons.
Tuesday, October 20
- Women's Volleyball vs. Chapel Hill — JV at 5:00 p.m.; Varsity at 6:15 p.m.
- Men's Soccer at Southern Durham — JV at 5:00 p.m.; Varsity at 6:45 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21
- Flag Football vs. Cary — 6:00 p.m. (Senior Night).
- Cross Country Conference Meet.
Thursday, October 22
- Soccer at East Chapel Hill — JV at 5:00 p.m.; Varsity at 6:45 p.m.
Friday, October 23
- Football at East Chapel Hill — 7:00 p.m.
Volunteer Opportunities: We need your help at our games and athletic contests! Please share this opportunity with parent groups and consider volunteering. Click here to sign up.
Women's Tennis: Making Pirate History
The Riverside women's tennis team has continued to raise the bar this season, winning a home playoff contest and advancing to the later rounds of the state championship tournament. Cynthia Combs will lead the Pirates' charge as she competes at Cardinal Gibbons in the third round of the NCHSAA playoffs this week.
We are proud of our student-athletes and coaches for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. Go Pirates!
Thank you for being an important part of the Riverside family.Your support, engagement, and partnership make a difference in the lives of our students every day. Let's continue to work together, keep the main thing the main thing, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Every Classroom. Every Student. Everyday.
With Pirate Pride,
Dr. Gloria Woods-Weeks