Ridge News

September 29 & 30: Underclassman Pictures (1st Block)

October 5 & 6: Quarter 1 Final Exams (Early Release Days)

October 7: Academic Letter Night

October 12-16: Fall Break (No School)

Because we are on the block system, Peachtree Ridge has final exams four times a year: October 5 & 6, December 17 & 18, March 11 & 12 and May 25 & 26. Final exams are half days due to the importance of the assessments and to provide students with ample studying time. Students will arrive at school during regular hours, but they will leave at 11:25. The buses will take them home at this time. Also, we do not serve lunch on these days. Final Exams cannot be given early. Please remind your students that they need to bring their Chromebook fully charged for final exams.

Monday 10/5

1st Block Exams: 7:10 - 9:10

2nd Block Exams: 9:25 - 11:25

Tuesday 10/6

3rd Block Exams: 7:10 - 9:10

4th Block Exams: 9:25 - 11:25

GCPS Fall Final Exam Exemption Pilot

Parents and students will receive an email on October 1 with their exemption status for Quarter 1 final exams.

Students may qualify to exempt the final exam by meeting all of the following criteria by the end of the term:

• Academic Performance: Maintain a weighted grade average of 90% or higher in the course. Advanced Placement courses with an unweighted grade average of 80% or higher do apply to the academic performance criteria.

• Attendance: Accumulate no more than 3 total absences (excused or unexcused) for this period in a quarter, or no more than 7 total absences across the semester. School-sponsored activities (ACT) do not count against this total.

• Conduct: Have no academic integrity infractions on record (specifically Rule 11F: Cheating or Rule 11H: Plagiarism).

• Students who meet the eligibility requirements may choose to exempt a final exam or take the exam if they wish without negative impact to their overall grade.

• Seniors may exempt their second semester finals with only the academic performance criteria of the final exam exemption policy. First semester exemptions must follow all criteria, attendance, conduct

AP Students registration for the AP exams opens September 25- November 2. Register and pay on MyPaymentsPlus. See your email for directions and more information.

* Fall Portraits will be taken on Tuesday, September 29 and Wednesday, September 30 during 1st Block for 9-11 graders.

*Preorder at Magicmomentphotography.com using code 25659

*These portraits will be used for student IDs, yearbook, and administrative purposes.

*Please note the light gray background to be used (see example picture below).

*Underclass Makeups are October 8 in the Commons during all lunches.

Peachtree Ridge is opening up 40 parking spots for Sophomores. This is first come first serve on MyPaymentsPlus. See Ms. Kim Hunsaker (Kim.Hunsaker@gcpsk12.org) in the front office if you have any questions.

Student Eligibility:

You must have a valid Driver's License LEARNERS PERMITS ARE NOT ACCEPTED!

Parking Fee:

$70 for the School Year- Register and Pay on MyPaymentsPlus under Events & Activities.

Permits are Non-Transferable and Non-Refundable!

Documents Required: DIGITAL COPIES ARE NOT ACCEPTED!

Copy of Driver's License Card/Temporary Paper DL

Copy of Current Automobile Insurance Card

Copy of MyPaymentsPlus Payment Receipt

Mark your calendars! Peachtree Ridge High School is gearing up for our annual Trunk or Treat event! Hosted by our Student Council Outreach, this fun community tradition brings our Ridge Cluster families, local businesses, and schools together for an unforgettable night of costume fun, games, food, candy, and books.

Come join us for one of our most fun and memorable evenings of the year!

Event Details

• When: Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Where: Peachtree Ridge High School Parking Lot

• Who: Peachtree Ridge Cluster Families, Students, Local Businesses, and Community Members

• Admission Fee: An item to support the CARE Closet

• Attractions & Food:

• Special Attractions: GCPS Book Mobile, Local Fire Truck, and the Haunted Hallway ($5)

• Food & Snacks: Orchestra, PTSA, and other groups will be selling food and dinner options on site.

• Parking & Shuttles: Shuttle buses will run to and from nearby overflow parking locations. Specific shuttle sites will be posted on the PRHS Trunk or Treat Info Page.

Host a Trunk & Get Involved!

Sponsoring a trunk is an excellent opportunity to connect with local families, promote your group, and support our students in a safe, fun environment!

• Who Can Host: PRHS Clubs, Sports Teams, Honor Societies, Community Partners, Neighborhoods, Churches, and Local Businesses.

• Why Host?

• Clubs & Teams: Earn volunteer service hours, showcase your club, and compete in our Best Decorated Trunk Contest!

• Community & Businesses: Engage with local families and showcase your Ridge Pride.

• Host Requirements & Fees:

• Trunk Fee: $25 per trunk (in support of Student Council hosted events).

• Decorations: Pick a fun, family-friendly theme (spooky, sports, movies, games, etc.).

• Treats: Provide individually wrapped candy, non-food treats, or small prizes.

• Arrival Time: Arrive 60–90 minutes prior to event start (4:30 PM – 5:00 PM) for set-up and safety checks.

Sign-Up & Contact Info

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot early!

• Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 21, 2026

• Sign-Up Form: Complete the PRHS Trunk Host Registration Form to reserve your space.

• Questions? Contact the Student Council Event Coordinators:

• Michelle Fowler: Michelle.Fowler@gcpsk12.org

• Megan Rainwater: Megan.Rainwater@gcpsk12.org

• Student Council Outreach: PRHSOutreach@gmail.com

Let’s make PRHS Trunk or Treat 2026 the best one yet—see you there!

Soccer Pecan Fundraiser by Mascot Pecans. Great holiday gifts, or delicious snacks for home and the office.

Proceeds help support the PRHS Soccer Booster program to provide resources for the players throughout the season. Players will turn in order forms by October 8th. Pecan bags will be delivered to players in November for them to distribute back to those that participated in fundraiser. Cash, money orders, or checks (made payable to PRHS Soccer Booster Club).

Pecans are $12 a bag. Flavors are: Mammoth Pecan Halves, Cinnamon Glazed Pecans (Fan Favorite), Chocolate Covered Pecans, Pecan Caramel Clusters, Jumbo Roasted & Salted Cashews, Roasted & Salted Pecan Halves

See Coach Cory.Benson@gcpsk12.org for more information.

August

Siena Asztalos- Softball

RJ Parks- Football

Coach Watson- Football

Congratulations to Peachtree Ridge’s own Joselyn Hernandez on being named the 2027 Maxwell High School of Technology Student of the Year! Joselyn completed both Graphic Design (Maxwell) and Marketing Management (Peachtree Ridge) pathways, works as a work-based learning student, and led her SkillsUSA team to 1st place in Georgia and 4th place nationally. In addition to her academic and career achievements, she leads an international volunteer outreach program and serves as an inspiring leader across our PRHS community.

Peachtree Ridge High School Softball recently partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that every child has a safe and comfortable place to sleep. Through the efforts of players, families, and supporters, the team collected more than 60 donations of bedding items to help local children served by Sleep in Heavenly Peace. For more information read the Gwinnett Daily Post article here.

The girls cross country team took 1st place at the Soaring Eagle Invitational at East Jackson on 9/19 lead by senior Erika Wilson. The boys finished 2nd Place lead by senior Micah Smith.

Click the button below to see which colleges and military admissions is coming to Peachtree Ridge. Colleges are constantly adding visits, so be sure to click the link to see the most up-to-date list. See the counseling office for more information.

Georgia Gwinnett College and Gwinnett Tech are hosting open houses. Click on the links below to learn more.

Georgia Gwinnett College

Saturday, November 14 at 9 AM

ggc.edu/previewday

Gwinnett Technical College

Tuesday, September 29 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM

Preview Night

October 27

6:30pm

PRHS Theater

Class of 2027 and their parents, WELCOME to your senior year. To stay up-to-date on all the senior activities and information:

• Check the Senior Website page (button above).
• Read the Monthly Senior Newsletter. Senior Newsletters are sent the first Friday of the Month.
• Join and check the Class of 2027 Google Classroom (Seniors only)

Senior Newsletters:

• August 2026
• September 2026

Peachtree Ridge High School’s Ridge Recovery program provides multiple options for students to earn back lost course credits. Sessions are offered multiple times throughout the year. School Plus is an after-school online supplementary class for all grade levels (9–12) to recover academic courses needed for graduation, and registration opens soon!

Designed exclusively for SENIORS who need to make up credit from a previously failed course. This after-school online program allows students to recover credit in just one month, helping them stay on track for graduation. Look for Session 3 Signup in late October.

Peachtree Ridge High School’s PTSA is excited to announce that we have transitioned to PTSO (Parent Teacher Student Organization)! This change will help us build an even more inclusive and connected organization, bringing together parents, teachers, and students to support and strengthen our school community.

Join PTSO Today!

Please join PTSO through MyPaymentsPlus and become part of our growing school community.

📧 New PTSO Email: Peachtreeridgepto@gmail.com

Do you have a Question about:

Driver's Education?

SAT/ACT Prep Classes?

Defensive Driving?

ESOL?

Summer PE/Health?

Credit Recovery?

End Zone after-school tutoring?

Facility Rental?

Contact the Community School

Interested in learning what makes a standout college application essay? Diana Ha Select Advisory is offering a complimentary virtual event titled "Inside a Harvard Essay: Where Insight Becomes Your Edge" on Saturday, September 26, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET.

Register here for Link

Is your family in need of food or hygiene items?

The Peachtree Ridge CARE Closet is available to our cluster families in need of shelf-stable food and hygiene items. To request a box or bag, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/TgTXip5zFCLc29qg6.

You may also contact the PRHS Community School to request items or donate to our CARE Closet.

Please reach out via email at prhs.communityschool@gcpsk12.org or by phone at 678-512-6041.

Peachtree Ridge Community School has five different sessions of Driver's Ed schedule for the 26-27 school year. Register on MyPaymentsPlus.com.

When does class meet?

Session 1 - Oct 19 - Nov 4 - Mondays and Wednesdays, 3-8 PM in B206

Session 2 - Jan 19 - Feb 4 - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-8 PM in B206

Session 3 - Mar 15 - 31 - Mondays and Wednesdays, 3-8 PM in B206

Session 4 - June 14 - 17 - Monday-Wednesday, 8AM-4PM, Thursday, 8AM-2PM, in B206

Session 5 - July 12 - 15 - Monday-Wednesday, 8AM-4PM, Thursday, 8AM-2PM, in B206

Do I need to attend every class to earn credit for Driver's Ed?

YES! You must be present at ALL classes to earn credit.

What should I bring to class?

You will need to bring a pencil, water bottle, and dinner or a snack.

What is the deadline to register?

Please see MPP for each session’s deadlines.

When do I get to practice driving?

Students must complete 30-hours of classroom learning, log 20 hours of driving time with a parent, and be comfortable behind the wheel, BEFORE driving time can be scheduled. Driving times are based on instructor and student availability and are scheduled on a first-response basis. We strive to complete driving with students within 120 days from course completion.

What does the class cost?

$450 - in-person class plus 6 hours driving, $385 - 6 hours driving ONLY

Additional driving time may be scheduled for $65/hour.

What if I have additional questions?

Contact Kim Hunsaker at 678-512-6041 or email prhs.communityschool@gcpsk12.org. Visit our page at https://peachtreeridgehs.gcpsk12.org/directory/community-school/drivers-education.

The Georgia Driver’s Education Commission offers the Georgia Driver’s Education Grant Scholarship Program to offer driver’s education to Georgia students.

Scholarship info:

May only be applied toward a standard 30/6 driver’s education course (30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction).

The student’s parent/guardian must agree to complete forty (40) hours of supervised driving with the student.

Scholarships must be awarded before a student begins their driver’s education course

WHO CAN APPLY?

Georgia residents, ages 15-17

Must possess a valid Georgia Instructional Permit or Driver’s License

Students enrolling in a 30/6 Driver’s Education Program.

For more information on the GDEC scholarship AND TO APPLY:

https://www.gahighwaysafety.org/gdec-resources/

Email: gdec@gohs.ga.gov
Phone: 404-656-2769

Join Dr. Alexandra Estrella’s Listening and Learning Tour and be part of the conversation shaping the future of Gwinnett County Public Schools. Dr. Estrella is meeting with students, families, staff, and community members across Gwinnett County to hear what is working well and identify opportunities for growth. Learn More about the Listening and Learning Tour.

Scan the QR code or visit this link to register for an upcoming Listening and Learning Session and join the conversation in person or online.

www.scholasticimages.com

Please visit the Scholastic Images website for your custom Class Rings, Letter Jackets, Senior Packages, and Personalized Announcement orders!

Scholastic Images will be on campus throughout the year during lunches. The next date is Wednesday, October 21.

Celebrate with balloons delivered by the school store!

Shop the Mane Event

Don't miss out on capturing this school year's unforgettable memories! Secure your copy of the Peachtree Ridge High School yearbook early— guarantee your order by purchasing by January 31 before quantities become limited.

Seniors parents, you can also celebrate your graduate with a dedicated Senior Ad! Ads must be created and purchased by October 31.

• How to Order: Visit YearbookOrderCenter.com and enter school code 25659 (or scan the QR code on the flyer).

• Note: Purchasing a senior ad does NOT automatically include a yearbook, so be sure to order both!