Ridge News
April 3, 2025-2026 Issue 16

Important Dates
April 6-11: Spring Break
April 15: Quarter 4 Midpoint
April 27-May 2: EOC Exams
May 4-15: AP Exams
May 12&13: Senior Final Exams
May 19&20: Underclassmen Final Exams
May 20: Last Day of School
May 23: Graduation
Curriculum Office
Quarter4 Midpoint
The halfway mark for Q4 is on April 15th. Check on your student's course progress. Please make sure you are checking grades in your parent portal account or your student's portal account.
Student Request for 2026-2027 School Year
Thank you to our students, parents, and stakeholders for your active participation in the registration process. This process began immediately after Winter Break and will conclude on April 3, 2026. Throughout the semester, students were provided multiple opportunities to select and revise course requests for the upcoming school year.
Following the close of registration, the Curriculum Office will begin finalizing course offerings and staffing allocations. No schedule change requests will be accepted after April 3, 2026. Any add/drop requests submitted will be considered based on course availability, as students have already had opportunities to make adjustments.
Please note that course requests will not display assigned teachers, class periods, or semesters. Final student schedules will be available at the end of July.
Students, your last chance to have input closes on April 3.
Spring Senior Final Exam Exemption Policy
Seniors graduating in the spring graduation ceremony must fulfill one of the options below in order to exempt final exams for Quarter 4/Semester 2:
A. An average of 90 or above in a specific subject (in AP courses this would be BEFORE the 10 points added) will exempt the student from that objective final exam only. Applicable performance exams will still be required and will count its full weight.
B. If a student has Honor Graduate status, meaning the student has an overall average GPA of equal to or greater than 90.000 as of the end of Quarter 2, December 2025. The student may exempt all objective final exams, regardless of their average in the class. Applicable performance exams will still be required and will count its full weight.
Students may NOT exempt Georgia Milestones that are required by the state of Georgia and our local school district. Seniors may only exempt the local and district test given on the final exam date.
Senior final exams are May 12 & 13. A form will be available on MyPaymentsPlus for parents complete for any senior exempting an exam. The form will give permission for the student to leave campus early. More information will be available as we draw closer to the end of the school year.
If a student is eligible to exempt an exam, he/she must turn in or pay for lost textbooks, Chromebook and charger to the Media Center on May 15th. Seniors must have cleared all outstanding school-related fines from the Media Center, parking office, cafeteria, sports/clubs, etc. by May 18th.
If a student is eligible to exempt an exam, he/she may still choose to take the exam. If the student decides to take the exam, it will count the same as the final exam for all other students in the class
General Announcements
Celebrate the Class of 2026 with Senior Letters
Peachtree Ridge High School All Pro Dad Chapter – Ridge Dads
Peachtree Ridge High School is proudly hosting its All Pro Dad Chapter, “Ridge Dads,” bringing fathers and father figures together with their teens through a nationally recognized program focused on building stronger relationships. Join a growing community of engaged dads making a difference in their teens’ lives.
Last meeting School Year 2025-26 Wednesday, April 15th at 6:20am Special Guest Speaker Proudly Presenting our Principal Jadd Jarusinski
The program is open to all Peachtree Ridge High School dads, father figures, and their students.
Volleyball Tryouts
Session Times
10th–12th Grade: 3:15 PM – 5:30 PM (May 12 & 13)
Rising 9th Grade: 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM (May 12 & 13)
Invite Only: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM (May 15)
Requirements & Registration
Mandatory: You must have your Rank One documentation completed to participate.
Registration: You can sign up via this Google Form.
Spring Physicals
This year, Northside will be doing free physicals at only two high schools for all GCPS students.
April 18th at Brookwood or Meadowcreek
May 2nd at Mill Creek or Central Gwinnett
Please see the flyer below for more information. Students can pick either of the dates and either of the sites at multiple time points to fit this event in their schedule. The cost is $25 (plus $2.25 for GoFan's processing fee) and all of the money still comes back to us at PRHS. When an athlete signs up on GoFan, they will choose their school so Northside knows who to send the money to. Athletes MUST sign up for a time, there are no walk-ins. They MUST bring their physical form printed out and the history pages (Pages 1 + 2) filled out to their time slot. There are NO refunds if an athlete misses their time slot.
The Ridge Games
Looking for the perfect way to close out the school year? Meet The Ridge Games — a Hunger Games-themed field day competition hosted at Peachtree Ridge Park on Saturday, April 18th. There's something for everyone, and the whole community is invited!
High school students can register to compete in teams of 6 across six color districts in a classic elimination-style tournament. The games are fun and nostalgic — think sack races, relays, musical chairs, and a final championship game of Capture the Flag to crown the winning district. Athletes and non-athletes alike are welcome — this one is for everyone.
Not competing? No problem. The Spectator Zone is packed with its own activities — tug-of-war, Red Light Green Light (Squid Game style), Ro Sham Bo relay, bounce houses, food trucks, and more. Perfect for siblings, parents, and anyone who just wants to show up and have a great time.
And to top it all off, Main Event is sponsoring the afterparty — the winning district gets FREE VIP tickets and exclusive prizes. Everyone is invited and gets special Ridge Games pricing on activities.
Seniors, this one's for you. Come compete, come cheer, and make one of the best memories as you close out your high school career.
Registration is $20 per competitor at theridgegames.com | IG - @the_ridge_games
Spring Advisory Council Meeting for Counseling Department
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | 11am – 12pm, Room E110
Students and parents are encouraged to attend.
Snacks provided
Note: Students must get a pass from the Counseling Office before 3rd block on 4/22.
Good News to Celebrate
Athletics Lions of the Month
February
Natalia Amescua - Swimming
Brady Holt - Baseball
Coach Jones - Tennis
TSA 9th in State Competition
Technology Student Association chapter came away with a repeat 9th in the state after the competition in Athens, GA. These students researched, planned, built, interviewed, presented, and competed against the top schools in the state and did amazing. The following students placed in their events:
1st Place: Biotechnology Design: Alex Han, Claire Kim, Zayd Ishaque, Juan Ortiz-Perez, Shakthi Manickam, Iris Huang
1st Place: Electrical Applications: Aditya Arora
3rd Place: Board Game Design: Claire Choi, Alison Lopez, Tiffany Kim
3rd Place: System Control Technology: Zayd Ishaque, Zain Elhaj, Jaden Ly
42nd Street Shuler Awards Finalists
42nd Street is a finalist for the Overall Musical Theater Award in the Georgia High School Musical Theater Awards (Shuler Awards). They will be performing a snippet of 42nd Street at the Shuler Awards Ceremony on April 16 at 8:00 PM. The ceremony will be live aired on GPB Television. To watch use the link found on this page.
Model UN
Matthew Young and Katie Yu in earning Diplomatic Commendations at Model UN Emory (ENMUNC VI). This award recognizes delegates who demonstrate exceptional skill in negotiation and adherence to their country's foreign policy while maintaining the "spirit of the UN."
County Swim & Dive Awards
At the 2025-2026 Gwinnett Swim & Dive Banquet the following were honored:
All American Consideration: Natalia Amescua (100 back and 200 IM)
All State First Team: Natalia Amescua
County All Stars: Zac Budihardjo, Ethan Manurung, Ryan Qi, Victoria Saputera, Isaac Widjaja
Outstanding Senior: Lily Okeson, Toby Froerer
Boys Coaching Staff of the Year: Coaches Taylor Warren & Jon Zopf
Counseling Office
Upcoming College Visits
Click the button below to see which colleges and military admissions is coming to Peachtree Ridge. See the counseling office for more information.
SAT Prep for HS Students
Gemini now offers free, full-length SAT practice tests in partnership with The Princeton Review,
providing students with instant feedback and custom study plans. Students can see what this
looks like on the AI page of the Student 1:1 Support site, bookmarked on their Chromebook
Summer School
Peachtree Ridge students have several options for summer school this summer. Peachtree Ridge offers school plus and credit recovery over the summer. Gwinnett County offers summer school online through Gwinnett Online Campus or Face to Face at Parkview and Dacula High Schools. See the flyers below for more information.
Class of 2026
Senior Information
Class of 2026 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 Newsletter are sent the first Friday of the Month.
- Join the Class of 2026 Google Classroom (Seniors only)
Senior Newsletters:
PTSA
PTSA Area 2 Scholarship: Shaped by Experience, Driven by Purpose
The Area 2 Gwinnett Council of PTAs is proud to offer a $750 Senior Scholarship to one graduating senior at each of our Area 2 high schools. This scholarship supports students pursuing any post-secondary pathway, including college, trade programs, certifications, apprenticeships, or workforce training.
This year’s theme, Shaped by Experience, Driven by Purpose, invites students to reflect on a meaningful experience and how it will shape their future goals and impact.
There is no minimum GPA requirement, and we strongly encourage all eligible seniors to apply.
Deadline: April 20, 2026
Important Eligibility Requirements:
• Graduating senior (Class of 2026)
• Student and parent/guardian must be PTA/PTSA members
• Planning to pursue post-secondary education or training or workforce
How to Apply: Students must submit their completed application, essay, and all required documents in one email to: area2documents@gmail.com
Application Link: https://tinyurl.com/5n8m8xjt
*Students are not able to access the application using their GCPS student email. Please note that you will have to use your personal Gmail email to access the student scholarship.*
PRHS Community School News
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
CARE CLOSET
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.
End Zone
Need tutoring? Use this link to sign up for tutoring in the End Zone.
Want to be an End Zone Tutor? Apply using this link.
Ongoing Items
Online Summer Health and PE
Registration is now open on MyPaymentsPlus for our Online Summer Health and PE courses at PRHS. Space is limited, so please sign up ASAP! As a reminder, rising 9th Graders will need to take both Summer Health and PE simultaneously.
The cost is $500. Courses are Monday-Friday, June 1-24 with no classes on June 19. Courses are taught completely online and asynchronously by PRHS instructors. Instructors will communicate with parents and students 1-2 weeks before the course starts to share syllabus, pacing guides, and office hours.
Summer Health & PE FAQs
Q: IS THERE AN IN-PERSON REQUIREMENT?
A: These courses are fully online with no in-person requirements, but certified Peachtree Ridge High School instructors are available for virtual support.
Q: WHAT IS THE COST FOR THESE COURSES?
A: The cost is $250 for each course, for a total of $500.
Q: HOW CAN I REGISTER FOR THIS COURSE?
A: You may register and pay on MyPaymentsPlus.
Q: HOW CAN THE STUDENT CONTACT THEIR TEACHER?
A: Instructors are available for virtual support and will share their office hours before the course starts.
Q: WHEN ARE THE COURSES OFFERED?
A: Courses are offered asynchronously from June 1-June 24, with no classes on June 19.
Q: IS IT REQUIRED TO TAKE HEALTH AND PE ONLINE?
A: Rising 9th Graders need to take both Health and PE courses. Taking them online is optional.
Q: HOW IS THIS COURSE DIFFERENT FROM IN-PERSON?
A: Both courses cover the same content as in-person PRHS courses, but these ones are taught fully online in 17 days.
Suwanee Youth Leaders Program
The application is open and will close March 31st. CURRENT 9th and 10th grade students who attend Peachtree Ridge HS are eligible to apply and participate. This is a nine month leadership program. Check out their website for details and an application: https://www.suwanee.com/engage/suwanee-youth-leaders
Scholastic Images
Please visit the Scholastic Images website for your custom Class Rings, Letter Jackets, Senior Packages, and Personalized Announcement orders! Click this link for more information.
Scholastic Images will be on campus throughout the year during lunches. The next date is Monday, May 4th.
Order your Yearbook Now
Yearbooks can be ordered at yearbookordercenter.com #25659.
Order by January 31 to be guaranteed a copy. After January 31, the final bulk order is placed and books are sold either until we sell out or May 15. Senior yearbooks will be distributed at the Senior Picnic and Underclass books May 4-5 in the Commons during all lunches. Email Natalie Bahun(A112) with questions.
Peachtree Ridge High School Launches All Pro Dad Chapter (Ridge Dads) – 30 with Dad Series
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our All Pro Dad Chapter (Ridge Dads) at Peachtree Ridge High School! All Pro Dad is a fun and meaningful program designed to bring dads (or father figures) and their teens together. Through this initiative, families will have opportunities to connect, grow, and build lasting memories. Click the link to learn more and sign up.
Mane Event: Balloons and Online Store
Celebrate with balloons delivered by the school store!
PRHS Driver's Education
Peachtree Ridge Community School has five different sessions of Driver's Ed schedule for the 25-26 school year. Register on MyPaymentsPlus.com.
GDEC Driver's Education Grant Flyer
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
Driver's Education FAQ
When does class meet?
Session 1 - Oct 15-Nov 3 - Mondays and Wednesdays, 3-8 PM in B206
10/15, 10/20, 10/22, 10/27, 10/29, 11/3
Session 2 - Jan 20-Feb 5 - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-8 PM in B206
1/20, 1/22, 1/27, 1/29, 2/3, 2/5
Session 3 - Mar 11-Apr 1 - Mondays and Wednesdays, 3-8 PM in B206
3/11, 3/16, 3/18, 3/23, 3/30, 4/1
Session 4 - June 1-4- Monday-Wednesday, 8AM-4PM, Thursday, 8AM-2PM, in B206
Session 5 - July 13-16 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.