September Newsletter

As we settle into a new school year, we’re getting back into the swing of things and finding our rhythm. The start of the year is a great time to set positive habits and make a commitment to showing up, being prepared, and making the most of each day.

Be Here. Be Prepared. Attendance Matters.

Building Our Community Together

Every day matters, and every student matters! Regular attendance is an important part of student success not only academically, but also in building strong relationships, creating connections, and being an active part of our school community. When students are here, they learn, grow, connect, and contribute.

At Red River, we believe in RIDE: Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Engagement. Showing up each day and being prepared to learn are meaningful ways our students put these values into action.

Let’s continue to support one another, encourage our students, and make every day count. #TogetherWeRide

September 7th: NO SCHOOL, Labor Day

September 9th: Caulfield Picture Day (Grades 9-11)

September 10th: Flu Shot Clinic 8:00am-10:00am

September 16th: Early Release (Day ends at 1:00pm)

September 28th-October 3rd: Homecoming Week

September 30th: Early Release (Day ends at 1:00pm)

October 8th: Parent-Teacher Conferences (4pm-7pm)

October 13th: Parent-Teacher Conferences (4pm-7pm)

October 21st: Early Release (Day ends at 1:00pm)

October 22nd-23rd: NO SCHOOL (PD & Admin Convention day)

October 30th: End of Quarter 1

November 4th:Early Release (Day ends at 1:00pm)

November 6th: Quarter 1 Report Cards Emailed to Families

November 11th: NO SCHOOL, Veterans Day

November 18th:Early Release (Day ends at 1:00pm)

November 26th-27th: NO SCHOOL, Thanksgiving Break

The start of a new school year is always exciting at Red River High School! There is a renewed energy in the building, new opportunities around every corner, and countless ways to make this year meaningful. As you start the school year at RRHS, I encourage you to get involved, try something new, and take advantage of the opportunities that are available to you. Find something you are passionate about and be willing to step outside your comfort zone. Your high school experience is about so much more than what happens in the classroom. Whether you are a participant in an activity, athlete, club member, or a spectator cheering on your classmates, make the most of your time here at RRHS. Get involved, support one another, and take pride in being a Roughrider. The memories you make and the relationships you build during these years will last far beyond graduation. Have a great year, Riders!

Tyler Nelson
Athletic Director
Red River High School

Are you looking for a fun way to stay active and be part of a team? Come join the girls' swim and dive team! We welcome all students, whether you're a first-timer or an experienced swimmer or diver. Being on the swim and dive team is a great way to stay active, build friendships, and represent our school.

For more information, talk to Ms Smithson in room 311 or Mrs Walls in room 206.

Passes will ONLY be sold through GoFan

One app. Every game. Every team. Beginning with the 2026-2027 athletic season, Red River High School, along with schools throughout the EDC and State, will be using Arbiter Live as the official scheduling platform. Download the Arbiter Live app to access the most up-to-date game schedules, locations, directions, and any schedule changes throughout the year. Stay connected and never miss a moment of Roughrider athletics!

https://arbiterlive.com/Teams?entityId=18963

Students taking German this school year:

Are you interested in hosting a 10th-grade student from Germany in October 2026? The students from Germany will be in Grand Forks Friday, October 9 until Thursday, October 29. The GAPP profiles are currently in the German classrooms at Red River and Central. Information will be available during open house and there will be informational meetings held this fall to learn more about hosting and possible travel during Summer 2027. Students are able to host during any year of high school and are able to travel after their 10th, 11th, or 12th grade years. If you would like more information now, please visit grandforksgapp.org or email Frau Feole, efeole170@mygfschools.org.

Please note that the Administrators' Conference is on Thursday, October 22, and Friday, October 23, and there is no school on those days.

GAPP (German American Partnership Program) with the Lise-Meitner-Gymnasium in Remseck am Neckar in Baden-Württemberg, was established in 1990 and has had yearly, reciprocal exchanges with the students from Germany visiting Red River and Grand Forks Central high schools in the fall and students from Grand Forks returning to their partners the following summer. Students stay with families and attend school for about three weeks in each community.

Interested in participating in this fall's comedy, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow?

Come to an informational meeting on Monday, August 31 at 3:00 PM in the small theatre. We are looking for actors, tech crew, and stagehands—no experience necessary!

Auditions: Tuesday, September 1 at 3:45 PM

Questions? Contact Mr. McFarlane at rmcfarlane140@mygfschools.org

Arrival

• Door 1 (facing Cushman) opens at 7:30 am daily- for those students eating breakfast
• Door 11 (facing 17th Ave S) opens at 7:50 am daily and is clocked at 8:00am
• Students must stay in the Commons area until the 7:55am bell to go to class. There will be no congregating allowed in other areas of the building.
• After the tardy bell at 8:00 am, only Door 1 will be open for student entry.

Departure

• School day ends at 3:00pm. Students waiting for rides should be seated in the Commons Area until their rides arrive.
• We ask that all students are picked up by 4:00pm at the very latest.
• Students involved in after school activities should remain with those groups until the end of their meeting time and then be picked up within 15 minutes.

As a reminder, the ongoing construction project from 17th Ave to S 20th street may cause delays to arrival and departure of Red River High School. Please plan ahead! The entire project is expected to be completed by mid-October, weather permitting.

Imortant Notes:

• Please make sure to allow extra time for travel when driving in this area. Tardiness due to the construction WILL NOT BE EXCUSED.
• Access to Red River High School and the surrounding athletic facilities will still be available from 20th Ave. S. during the reconstruction project.
• Access to student parking lots will be available by Rider Road to 25th St (by the softball fields).
• Students can still use Door 11 for drop off until 8:00am and Door 1 for entry at all times.

ATTENDANCE LINES

Last Names A-K: 701-746-2409

Last Names L-Z : 701-746-2410

When excusing your student:

1. Call the attendance line and leave a message.

2. Please note student name (first and last), reason for absence, and length of leave.

*All students, regardless of their age, must have a parental/guardian call to leave during the school day.

When excusing your student DURING a class period

1.Call the attendance line and leave a message.

2. Advise student of the time of the dismissal.

3. Have student inform teacher at the beginning of the class, what time they need to leave.

4. Have Student sign out in the office.

*Please note: We DO NOT call into the classrooms to remove the student unless an emergency situation arises. It is the students' responsibility to communicate with their classroom teachers. We are trying to limit the interruption of calls or notes into the classroom. We appreciate your cooperation.

When excusing your student for EXTENDED (3 plus days) time

1.Call the attendance line and leave a message.

2. Advise student to stop into the office prior to absence and pick up a "Pre-Arranged Absence" form.

3. Student will take their form to each teacher for approval.

4. Student will return completed form to the main office.

Infinite Campus Changes

Our new SIS will have the capability for parents to email attendance through the Parent Portal. More information on this to come!

Red River will utilize different bell schedules for Rider Time (RTI) Tuesdays/ Thursdays, Early Release Wednesdays, Pep Rallies, and semester testing. Please take a moment to review the different schedules at the button below.

All families who qualify for free and reduced meals, MUST fill out a new application EACH year. Applications are available electronically and in paper form. Please click the links below for the method in which you prefer to apply.