Principal's Weekly Update #26

Good afternoon, Pirate Families,

We are now in the seventh week of the quarter, and spring is just around the corner. As we move closer to Spring Break later this month, we remain focused on strong instruction, consistent attendance, and meaningful engagement for every student.

Spring reminds us that growth takes time, care, and intention. Let’s continue nurturing the growth we want to see in our students, academically, socially, and emotionally.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. As we approach Spring Break, let’s remain focused on attendance, timely assignment completion, and maintaining strong communication between home and school.

Together, we will continue to ensure that Riverside remains a place where every student can grow, achieve, and thrive.

Inspirational Quote of the Week:

“No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.” — Proverb

With Pirate Pride,
Dr. Gloria Woods-Weeks
Principal

As news is shared regarding measles outbreaks throughout North Carolina and the country, please know that there is no confirmed case in Durham Public Schools, and that we are continuously working with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Durham County Department of Public Health to remain proactive.

If we do not have a record of your student’s measles vaccination or documented exemption, please submit it to the school as soon as possible. If your child has not received the measles vaccination, please contact your health provider as soon as possible. The Durham County Department of Public Health can also provide vaccinations. They may be reached at (919) 560-7645. Should you have any questions about this respiratory virus, please consult your physician or the district’s Lead Nurse Regina Blackmon at regina_blackmon@dpsnc.net.

· Immunization Data Collection Letter for Parents (English)

· Immunization Data Collection Letter for Parents (Spanish)

Spring registration for the 2026–2027 school year will begin the week of March 9 and will be facilitated through Homeroom.

It is extremely important that students attend Homeroom during this time. This is when counselors will share course offerings, graduation requirements, and guide students through selecting their classes for next school year.

Please note:

· If a student does not attend Homeroom, courses will be selected for them.

· If a student wants the opportunity to choose their own classes, they must attend Homeroom.

Homeroom is not optional during registration season or any other time.

No School – Tuesday, March 3

African American Heritage Program
Wednesday, March 4 at 1:45 p.m.

ACT for All 11th Graders
Thursday, March 5 at 9:15 a.m.
Additional details are available on our school website.

Panorama Social Emotional Survey
The survey is now open to all students. We strongly encourage participation so student voices and experiences can be heard. The link is available on our website. Students will use their Student ID as the access code.

We are proud of our Pirates for their outstanding accomplishments!

• Congratulations to seniors Darryn Johnson and Robert McDonald for being named to the Tobacco Road All-Conference Team; senior Eli Taylor for earning Honorable Mention All-Conference; and Talib Harrell for receiving the Conference Sportsmanship Award.
• Congratulations to AuNeehstii Hagens-Williams, Saniya Thurman, and Lalia Braimah on their Tobacco Road All-Conference and Sportsmanship recognitions.
• Shout-out to Ms. Boliek and Ms. Duncan and all our talented student singers and dancers who performed at Durham Public Schools’ Evening of Entertainment at the Durham Performing Arts Center this week.
• Congratulations to Dr. Gold and our Battle of the Books Team for finishing third place in this year’s district competition.
• Shout out to Ms. Brooks and our CTE students for representing Riverside at the Microsoft NEXTGEN STEAM Conference hosted on the campus of North Carolina Central University.

We are incredibly proud of the many ways our students continue to shine both in and outside the classroom.

Graduates of the Class of 2026 must order their cap and gown no later than March 13, 2026 to ensure delivery to the school on April 28, 2026.

Cap and gowns will be distributed following the senior meeting on April 28. Orders placed after March 13 will not arrive until early June. Please do not delay in placing your order.

Attention rising Juniors: If you are interested in learning more about enrolling in the Barbering or Cosmetology Program during your Junior and Senior years please click on this link or scan the QR code below to register for the information session; Wednesday, March 18th at 9:45 a.m. In the Media Center.

Attention Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors:

Are you interested in taking college courses tuition-free while in high school during the Summer/Fall 2026 semester?

If so, sign up for a CCP Enrollment Interest Meeting (held virtually via Zoom). Attendance at one session is mandatory to participate in CCP. During the meeting, you will learn about:

• Available pathways
• Admission requirements
• Application process
• Important deadlines

If you are currently enrolled in CCP, you do not need to attend another session.

For questions, please contact:
Mr. Jones, Durham Tech Liaison
jonest@durhamtech.edu
919-943-1696

Congratulations to Shannon Allen for winning a $25 gift card for attending the Senior Parent Night.

March 4 10-11 AM - App State for admitted students and those who have applied ONLY. (Room 245)

March 5 Lunch A, B, & C Application Completion Office Hours (Ms. K Office)

FAFSA Priority Deadline for many colleges is March 1, 2026.

· FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This allows you to qualify for financial aid. You will NOT receive money to help pay for college if you do not complete this form.

· Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

o STUDENT: Create an FSA ID, which is a username and password.

§ https://studentaid.gov/

§ You will fill out the 2026-2027 form using 2024 tax return information

o PARENT: Create your own FSA ID (username and password)

§ Your student will invite you to complete the rest of their form once they have completed their section

§ You will fill out the 2026-2027 form using 2024 tax return information

o Both you and your parents will need a username and password.

§ Don't know who would be considered your parent for the form. Check out this helpful tool: https://studentaid.gov/fafsa-apply/parents

Upcoming Opportunity Fair

Friday, April 10, 2026

Location: Emily K Center

Link: https://www.emilyk.org/opportunity-fair

The Opportunity Fair is a free college and career fair, highlighting pathways through community college, trade school, military, and employment. This event will feature short-term certificates and credential programs that students can earn after high school, as well as entry-level opportunities with local employers. Flyer Attached

Schedule:

DPS seniors: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

9th-11th grade and non-DPS students: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

College Acceptances and Scholarships

Have your student submit their college acceptances and scholarships here to be featured.

FAFSA February Raffle!

Have you completed FAFSA? Have your student fill out this form to be entered into a raffle to win Beats headphones, Apple AirPods, or an iPad!!!!

Check out my newsletter for upcoming events, scholarships, deadlines, and important information.

My newsletter has a bunch of local scholarships!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1skBzvx-KMGqiLjElJRODLcNw1_N8j7wCF47njoPv9Vs/edit?usp=sharing

More scholarships: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cakZ7HmEDPJDLx70_xz0G7EyelkIff1mUYksZnBPs_4/edit?usp=sharing

WANT TO ATTEND A FIELD TRIP!

Riverside High School will be going to NC Central University on March 24th. This is for current juniors and seniors. Link to sign up: https://forms.office.com/r/TU6tRuSeDf

This Week in Athletics

Monday – 3/2

• Softball vs. Wake Prep – 6:00 PM

Tuesday – 3/3

• Women’s Soccer vs. Williams High School – 6:00 PM

Wednesday – 3/4

• Women’s Lacrosse vs. Sanderson – 5:00 PM
• Men’s Volleyball vs. Lexington High – 6:15 PM

Thursday – 3/5

• Women’s Soccer vs. Garner – 6:00 PM

Friday – 3/6

• Baseball vs. Cardinal Gibbons – 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM
• Lacrosse vs. Cary
• Women – 5:00 PM
• Men – 7:00 PM
• Men’s Volleyball vs. Enloe – 6:15 PM

Volunteer: Our athletics programs depend heavily on volunteers to help with game day entry, concessions, etc., during all home game day events for all sports. Please consider taking the time to VOLUNTEER HERE!

Keep our Kids in the Game Donation: Help us keep our students competing on 30 Varsity & Junior Varsity teams at Riverside by donating during this special fundraiser. Your gift of $203 provides the equivalent of the expense for one student to participate in one season this year. Did you know that Durham Public Schools only provides 14% ($15,000) of the funding needed to run our Athletics program at Riverside? The other 86% of the funding comes from ticket sales, sponsorships and fundraisers. That means the Athletics Department and the Booster Club need to produce over $89,000 in revenue this year to support our students. 100% of donations through this effort will go directly to the Booster Club to help our kids. ALL gifts make a difference. DONATE HERE!

Corporate Sponsorships: Do you or someone you know have connections to a local business? A number of sponsorship packages are available and we would love to proudly display your logo all over Riverside High School! Please see the attachment and contact the Booster Club for more information!

Science teacher Stephanie Ball is organizing an incredible trip with EF Explore America, and I would love for your student to be a part of it. Please be sure to register for our parent info session being held virtually on Thursday, March 12th at 6:00 PM to be considered for this opportunity: https://rsvp.efexploreamerica.com/v8bws3g

When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world around them, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow, and I would love to have your student join us on this adventure.

In this info session, you will hear about:

* How this opportunity will benefit your student

* What we'll see and do on our trip

* Everything that's included in this experience

* How your child can earn academic credit

* How we're keeping this safe and affordable

* How to enroll on this trip (before it fills up!) during EF's risk-free enrollment period

There are limited spots on this trip, so I encourage you to attend this meeting to learn more.

Stay Connected

Follow Riverside High School on social media for updates, celebrations, and reminders!
📸 Instagram: @riversidepirates | 💻 Website: www.dpsnc.net/riverside

Make it a great week, Pirates! Roll Pirates Roll!

--Dr. Woods-Weeks, Principal