RHS Weekly Update 26-27

Dear Families,

As we approach the conclusion of the first semester, we want to emphasize how critical this final stretch is for our students' academic growth and successful transition into the second semester. Current grades reflect your child's progress throughout the term, making this the ideal time to review assignments, encourage consistent study routines, and connect with teachers regarding any needed support. Finishing this semester on a strong note creates a solid foundation for second-semester coursework and ensures students remain on track to meet their academic goals.

Hand in hand with academic achievement is regular attendance, which directly impacts student learning and classroom engagement. For the month of September, our school's average daily attendance rate was 88.12%, and our schoolwide goal is to reach and maintain an average daily attendance of 90% or higher. Every school day counts, and we deeply appreciate your partnership in prioritizing attendance as we work together to help every student succeed.

Sincerely,

Mr. Cano

• Daily school attendance is one of the most powerful predictors of academic achievement, personal growth, and long-term student success.
  
• When students attend class every day, they participate in interactive learning, build strong habits, and deepen their connections with teachers and peers.
  
• Even missing just one or two days a month can lead to cumulative learning gaps, making it harder for students to keep pace with daily instruction.
  
• By working together to make daily attendance a top priority, we ensure every student receives the consistent support needed to reach their full potential.
  

Appointments During the School Day Parents/Guardians must call the attendance line in advance if their student needs to leave during the school day for an appointment. Written notes will not be accepted. In order for the absence to be excused the student must provide medical documentation or other information to document the appointment. The attendance line is available 24 hours a day with voice mail in English and at 402-763-4100 and for Spanish call 402-898-3557,

Please be sure that any person that is picking up a student must either be listed RKids under contacts or be given permission by the parent or guardian by calling the attendance line.

Dear Families,

As part of our upcoming Spirit Week, students are invited to wear Halloween costumes to school on Friday, October 30! To ensure a safe, respectful, and focused environment for everyone, all costumes must be school-appropriate and align with our standard school dress code. Please note that masks, face paint, and costumes involving cultural appropriation are strictly prohibited. Any student whose costume violates these guidelines will be asked to change into standard attire, and those who refuse to change will be sent home for the day. Thank you for your partnership in helping us keep Spirit Week fun, inclusive, and safe for all students!

The Medical Academy will host their first blood drive of the year on Friday, October 30 from 8 am to 2 pm in the HS gym. Partnering with the American Red Cross, students work to recruit donors and meet a goal number of units set by the Red Cross. Meeting or exceeding that goal earns scholarship money that will be given to our senior Medical Academy students. Our goal this time is 90 donors!

Link to register: Ralston Medical Academy Blood Drive

Legacy Plaza Brick Project - Generations of Ram Pride, Etched in Stone!

Bricks will form a welcome wall at the entrance to D.E. Speck Nelson Stadium, with proceeds supporting future athletic projects at Ralston High School. Bricks can honor alumni, families, individual classes, and local businesses. The 2026 campaign will run September 4th through October 31, 2026.

Leave your legacy today! All purchases are tax-deductible through the Ralston Schools Foundation.

https://www.fundraisingbrick.com/online-orders/rps/

Please help us in celebrating this week's outstanding students. These students are being recognized for their commitment to RHS inside and outside of the classroom.

We are thrilled to celebrate our newest Ram High School Staff Members of the Month, for their exceptional commitment to our students and school community. Whether going above and beyond in the classroom or offering invaluable support behind the scenes, these honorees embody the dedication and positive spirit that make RHS so special. Please join us in congratulating them and thanking them for the incredible impact they make on our campus every day!

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening! On Friday, November 6th, join us for our annual Distinguished Alumni Celebration at the Steppe Center.

We are thrilled to celebrate our four amazing Distinguished Alumni and honor two exceptional Ralston High School seniors with the Distinguished Senior Award. Huge congratulations to RHS seniors AJ McCormack and Sophie Bowyer!

Don't miss out on this incredible community tradition. Reserve your tickets today and celebrate excellence with us! Ticket Link - https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E340566&id=51

Repping the Ram Awards in the 24-13 homecoming victory over Plattsmouth:

Front- L to R: Tool Box: Landon Graham, Hammer: Cade Stix, Ram Skull: Landen Jenkins, Turnover Chain: Tommy Geldes, Shield: Sam Christy

Back L to R: Vazzano #30: Tyler Chamberlain, Blue JV Flag: Rico Robledo, Black Line Flag: Milo Espinoza, US Flag: Brody Jenkins.

Winning our Pancake Combo Award for pancake blocks in Week #5 - Sr- Daniel Bahena

Thank-you Village Inn on 54th and L for sponsoring the Pancake Combo Weekly Award!

The cross country team competed at the District meet in Beatrice. Barrett Mechaley placed 14th and qualified for the state cross country meet.

I am thrilled to introduce the student leaders who will represent the Class of 2027 this school year. These student-elected individuals serve as the vital link between the student body and school administration.

What do our Senior Class Representatives and Officers do?

• Advocate for Peers: They bring senior-class ideas and feedback directly to the administration to ensure student voices shape our school culture.
• Leave a Legacy: They coordinate senior fundraisers to give back to our school community with a meaningful, student-funded Senior Gift.
• Create Lasting Memories: They design a unique class t-shirt and lead the planning for milestone senior traditions, including:
  • Senior Sunrise
  • Senior Sunset & Family Picnic
  • Graduation Activities

Please join me in congratulating our newly elected leaders:

Senior Class Officers:

• President: McKinley Stehlik
• Vice President: Avery Stephens
• Secretary: Shae Huebner
• Treasurer: Kat Gilmore

Senior Class Representatives:

• Sophie Bowyer

• Marlen Colmenares
• Aubrey Emery-Simmons
• Lillie Gruhlkey
• Horizynne Jackson-Harrrington
• Précieuse Mutoke
• Madison Orsi
• Annabelle Willits

We look forward to partnering with this exceptional group to make this an unforgettable final year for our seniors!

Congratulations to the following students who were selected to be part of the 2026 Homecoming Court. These outstanding students were selected by RHS Staff Members for being excellent leaders in the school and for displaying good character at all times.

Alexis Norman

AJ McCormack

Karlie Stutzka

Henry Fries

Lillie Gruhlkey

Alexis Roji

Mary Bystrom

Brody Jenkins

Sophie Bowyer

Landon Graham

The RHS 2026 Homecoming King & Queen were crowned at the Pep Rally they were, King, Henry Fries and Queen, Sophie Bowyer! Congratulations!!

FFA members participated in District Land judging! Students learned how to calculate land based on what it should be used for. Students learned how to texture soil, calculate slope, and apply land treatments. During the contest, students were able to stand in a pit of soil, feel the soil for texture, and conduct a slope test! These 7 students represented Ralston FFA and Ralston High School in a positive way!.

This season at Ram High School is packed with dynamic opportunities designed to boost student involvement and build a strong school community with our families. Students are encouraged to get involved by joining our student clubs, trying out for fall athletics, or showcasing their talents in the upcoming performing arts productions. At the same time, we warmly invite parents to actively participate by attending our Friday night football games, joining us for Back-to-School Night, and getting involved with the Ram Booster Club and PTSO. By pairing enthusiastic student energy on campus with strong parent attendance in the stands and halls, we can create a vibrant, supportive environment where the entire Ram community thrives together. Please see the flyers and information below for more information on upcoming events and student meetings.

HOSA has begun their annual Butterbraids fundraiser. Proceeds go towards our membership, workshop, and conference fees.

Please contact any HOSA/Medical Academy student or Ms. Hamata for information.

Link to order:

Save the Date! Mark Your Calendars! Get ready to dance in your seats because the Ralston High School theatre is proud to present the smash hit musical, Mamma Mia!

Don't miss this spectacular production! Join us for an unforgettable experience featuring all your favorite songs.

Showtimes:

October 15, 16, & 17 at 7:00 pm

Sunday, October 18 at 2:00 pm

Ticket Information:

Tickets are general admission.

Adults: $12

Students/Senior Citizens: $8

Purchase your tickets by clicking on the following link:

https://raltheatre.booktix.com/dept/RHS/e/MammaMia

Thursday, October 22: Kickoff to College Access Week! Grand Canyon University will be here during WIN time.

Monday, October 26th through Friday, October 30th: College Access Week

Homeroom ALL WEEK will focus on College and Career Choices for all grade levels.

Special Senior College Access Week Activities: Link to activity schedule:

Senior College Access Activities

For a complete list of all activities, visit https://www.gobound.com/ne

• HOSA meets again on Tuesday, October 27th after school in room A224
  

It's a great day to be a Ralston Ram!

Ruben Cano

RHS Principal

Website: https://www.ralstonschools.org/Domain/8
Location: 8969 Park Drive, Ralston, NE, USA
Phone: 402-331-7373
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RalstonHighSchool
Twitter: @RalstonHS