Principal's Weekly Update #28

Greetings Pirate Families,

As we enter Week 9 of the quarter, we want to encourage all students to stay focused and finish strong. This is an important time for completing assignments, preparing for assessments, and communicating with teachers about any missing work. Families can support students by checking grades regularly in Infinite Campus, encouraging strong attendance, and helping students stay organized as we approach the end of the grading period.

At Riverside, we believe that perseverance and effort make the difference in these final weeks. Let’s continue working together to ensure every Pirate finishes the quarter successfully.

Inspirational Quote of the Week:

"Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out."

With Pirate Pride,

Dr. Gloria Woods-Weeks
Principal

· Student Success Fair – Map to Success
Students are invited to attend the upcoming Student Success Fair: Map to Success on Tuesday, March 17, from 11:15 a.m. – 1:20 p.m. in the Front Lobby. This event will connect students with a variety of career pathways, community resources, and entry-level employment opportunities after high school. Representatives from colleges and universities, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community partners will be available to share information and opportunities. (See flyer for details.)

· Prom Tickets
Prom tickets are now available for purchase online:
https://osp.osmsinc.com/DurhamNC/BVModules/CategoryTemplates/Detailed%20List%20with%20Properties/Category.aspx?categoryid=BG102

· National Honor Society Applications
The application window for Riverside’s National Honor Society opens March 16, 2026. Sophomores and juniors with a minimum 3.0 weighted GPA received an email in their DPS accounts with application instructions. Applications close Sunday, March 29 at 11:59 p.m. Students must also obtain a teacher recommendation. Please see the email or your 2nd period teacher for a paper copy. Contact Mrs. Hardy with any questions.

· Spring Musical – Mary Poppins
A spoonful of sugar and a whole lot of talent! Our students are bringing the magic of Mary Poppins to the stage for this year’s spring musical. Mark your calendars and join us for this practically perfect performance on April 16, 17, and 18 at 7:00 p.m.
DPS employees receive free admission.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14Ag8MXxRKdtDH94KmXX49kH2D_1mcUUV/view?usp=sharing

· April 6 – Teacher Workday

· April 15 – Principals’ Monthly Meeting

· April 29 – Early Release Day

· Congratulations to math teacher Mr. Anik Sen on being recognized as the DPS District Beginning Teacher of the Month for February.

· A special shout-out to Ms. Boliek, Ms. Moore, Mr. Mann, and all of our talented student performers in the RHS Choir, Orchestra, and Band for a wonderful Music in Our Schools concert.

· Congratulations to senior Grace Arrington on signing her NCAA Letter of Intent to play softball and continue her studies at Methodist University.

Beginning this week, seniors who need CPR Certification will have an opportunity to complete this to meet the NC graduation requirement. Certification will take place in the Lower Gym during the Advisory period from 9:15AM-9:35AM. If your student's last name begins with A-C, their scheduled morning is Tuesday, March 17th. For students whose last name begins with D-G, their scheduled morning is Thursday, March 19th. Students must be IN THE GYM by 9:15 to receive the full instruction for the certification. If your student cannot make their scheduled date, they must contact their counselor as soon as possible.

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.

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

Congratulations to several Riverside teams for an outstanding week of competition. The Men’s Tennis team earned a strong victory over Hillside High School, sweeping the Hornets 8-0.

Men's Golf had a solid season opener last week, shooting a team score of 339.

The Women’s Soccer team finished this week, tying two schools, Cary and First Flight Academy.

Men's Volleyball also took down Hillside High School, sweeping the Hornets 3-0

This Week in Athletics at Riverside

March 16

Men's V Tennis vs East Chapel Hill – 4:30 PM JV Tennis @ East Chapel Hill 5pm

• Baseball vs Heritage High JV 5pm V 7PM

March 17

• Men's Lacrosse @ Orange 7pm

March 18

• Men's Tennis vs Chapel Hill V 4:30 PM JV @ Chapel Hill 5 PM
• Softball @ Person High 6pm

March 19

• Women's Soccer: @ Sanderson – 5:00 PM / 6:45 PM
• Track and Field @ Northern Durham 5PM
• Baseball Varsity Only @ Durham Academy 4:30 PM

March 20

• Men's JV Tennis vs DSA 4:30 PM
• Women's Soccer @ Voyager 7pm
• Men's Lacrosse Kirkley Cup 5pm
• Men's Lacrosse Kirkley Cup 7pm

March 21

Men's lacrosse Kirkley Cup 10 AM Game

• Kirley Cup 12 PM Championship Game
• Softball @ New Bern 2:30 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!

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