Riley Recap - VOLUME 5 ISSUE 11
James Whitcomb Riley's Newsletter

RILEY RECAP - VOLUME 5 ISSUE 11
January 30, 2026
From the Desk of Principal Henderson
Dear Riley Parents, Guardians, and Scholars,
Welcome back, Wildcats!
Despite the challenges of inclement weather over the past few days, our Wildcats showed resilience, patience, and an unwavering commitment to learning. Thank you for your flexibility and dedication to the process. Please continue to encourage your scholars to stay engaged, work hard, and push forward as we keep learning and growing together!
I can promise you the best of myself for your students each and every day. Please do not hesitate to contact me at shenderson2@sbcsc.k12.in.us if you have any questions or concerns during the year.
Our Goals:
1) Educate the Whole Student
2) Building Meaningful Relationships
3) A 95% attendance rate
4) A 90% graduation rate
We greatly appreciate the value that each and every one of our scholars and families brings to Riley. WE ARE THE PRIDE OF THE SOUTHSIDE! WE ARE #RILEYSTRONG!
Sincerely,
Shawn Henderson
#proudprincipal
Vision and Mission Statement
Riley High School Vision Statement
Riley High School is a student-driven organization fostering ownership and excellence in education. Our team is committed to our students and our community.
Riley High School Mission Statement
Riley High School, in partnership with our families and community, provides all students with a rigorous and equitable education, celebrates each student’s background and identity, and engages the whole student to be a lifelong learner and a responsible, active citizen of the community.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Click the Red Tap below to open the links!
Riley HS Thespian Troupe is headed to State!
Science Olympiad Team placed 3rd at the Fighting Irish invitational
2nd place medal recipients:
Bryce Mink & Elijah Leonard for Designer Genes
Jude Swanson & Elijah Leonard for Engineering CAD
3rd place medal recipients:
Rhiley Ramsey & Jude Swanson for Materials Science
Samara Kiwale & Hunter Strong for Helicopter
Samara Kiwale for Hovercraft
Hunter Strong for Electric Vehicle
GreatNews.Life Student Voices:
Riley High School Celebrates Legacy, Leadership, and School Spirit
By Meghan Freitag
SBCSC Employee Spotlight
Riley High School amazing Engineering Teacher, Mr. Seth Ponder
Congratulations Boys Wrestling & Girls Basketball Class of 2026
SENIOR NIGHT CELEBRATIONS
Wildcats Made History
1st Riley Gymnastics Team & 1st Competition
Riley High School Class of 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees
Mr. John Berta (Former Athletic Director)
Mr.Mike Plfugner (Football)
Joshua Glenn (Baseball) 1977 - 2023
Ka'Ron Kirkland (Boys Tennis Coach)
Matt Nowak (Wrestling)
Ralph Pieniazkiewicz Sr. (Baseball Coach) 1938 - 2022
Marcus Wilson (Basketball)
Suntana (Granderson) Anderson (Girls Basketball)
Ronald (Ron) Doaks (Boys Basketball)
MidWinter Dance
Date: February, Jan 15th
Cost $15
Time: 8-11pm
Location: RHS cafeteria
Attire: Semi-formal
2026 Winter Homecoming
New dates due to the inclement weather
February 20 - February 26, 2026
9th Hour (Credit Recovery)
Pathway 2 Success Tutoring
This is an opportunity for scholars in need of additional support!
Monday - Thursday
RHS Information Night & Engineering Innovation Fair
SAVE THE DATE!!!
April 23, 2026
Upcoming Events
1/30 - 2/14/2026
Job Opportunties
South Bend Cubs
Positions Needed: (Must be 16 years old)
Dates of upcoming Job Fairs:
- February 17 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at The Aloft South Bend Hotel
- February 24 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Howard Park in South Bend
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