Principal's Weekly Update #34

Greetings, Pirate Families,

We are entering the fourth week of the final quarter, and the finish line is in sight. At RHS, we remain grounded in our core values, Pride, Integrity, Relationships, Accountability, Teaching and Learning, and Empowerment, as we continue pushing forward together.

Inspirational Thought for the Week:
“When we lead with pride, act with integrity, value relationships, hold ourselves accountable, commit to learning, and empower one another, there is no limit to what we can achieve.”

This is the time to stay focused, stay committed, and support one another in finishing strong.

Attendance matters—every day counts as we work toward a successful close to the school year. Let’s keep the main thing the main thing and finish strong.

Also, please note that Friday, May 1 is an Optional Teacher Workday. There will be no school for students.

Thank you for your continued support!

Have a week that matters,

Dr. Gloria Woods-Weeks
Principal

• Congratulations to our outstanding student leader Jennifer Serrano, recognized as Durham Public Schools’ Student of the Month for April! We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments. Please take a moment to read her profile: https://www.dpsnc.net/article/2840936
• Congratulations to the 2026 National Honor Society inductees, and a heartfelt thank you to our NHS advisers and officers for hosting a meaningful and well-organized induction ceremony.
• Shout-out to our seniors recognized during Tennis and Volleyball Senior Night this week, we celebrate your dedication and contributions to RHS athletics.
• Thank you to our PTA for sponsoring this week’s field trip to Palace Pointe for Mr. Lea, Ms. Owens, and Mr. Crutchfield’s classes.
• We encourage you to read the Spectacular Magazine feature on sophomore Jairus Mathieu and his experience in the Aviation Flight Simulator Program at the Durham Teen Center.
• Shout-out to Coach Cade, Mr. Boumeridja, and our women’s soccer program for their strong community engagement, supporting feeder middle schools and hosting a special night for Durham Girls Soccer League athletes and families.
• Special thanks to Ms. Chestnut for organizing RHS Earth Day 2026, and to all students and staff who contributed to campus clean-up efforts.

• April 27 – Pirate Push Assembly for 10th Grade (10:40 AM, Auditorium)
• April 27 – Pirate Push Family Interest Meeting (Virtual, 6:00 PM)
  Learn about our dual enrollment partnership with Durham Tech (PowerPoint will be shared)
• April 28 – Senior Graduation Meeting (1:20 PM, Auditorium)
• April 28 – National Technical Honor Society Event
• April 29 – Early Release (2:15 PM)
• April 30 – Senior Decision Day (Registration Required)
• May 1 – No School for Students (Optional Teacher Workday)
• May 2 – Prom
• May 4 – AP Testing Begins (see website for details)

• June 4-10 - Final exams - Traditional Calendar High Schools w/ semester courses and CDM

All seniors and accelerated juniors should attend the next Graduation Meeting on Tuesday, April 28 at 1:20 PM (Auditorium).

For students who still need required certification, two opportunities will be available that day:

• Advisory (9:15–9:35 AM) – Lower Gym
• Beginning of Lunch C (12:40 PM) – Upper Gym

Students may attend either session. Certification is a graduation requirement, so please plan accordingly.

Senior Decision Day – Volunteer Opportunity (April 30):
We are seeking parent volunteers to assist with setup, support during the event, and breakdown.
Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0448AAAE28AAFBC16-62900126-decision

Decision Day Registration (Students):
All seniors must register—even if not attending—to indicate post-graduation plans:
https://forms.gle/B2j3FxQW27LjCzHN9

FAFSA Reminder:
Families of seniors planning to attend college, trade school, or university should complete FAFSA at studentaid.gov. This is required for financial aid consideration.
Questions? Contact Ms. K at osk3@duke.edu

Underclassmen & Junior Families:
Get a head start on college planning with this presentation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xHdbXVRjokTg971vPguamRNCgGnR-TJK/view

Junior checklist:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Oj2ERdaNXFKbmlzQo2SvLwlayjYfCNxE3SPI41n5VqM/editScholarships & updates:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1skBzvx-KMGqiLjElJRODLcNw1_N8j7wCF47njoPv9Vs/edit

Students should submit their updates to be recognized. Have your student submit their college acceptances and scholarships here to be featured.

We are excited to share another outstanding week for Pirate Athletics, highlighted by strong team performances, key individual contributions, and continued success across multiple programs.

Our Women’s Soccer team continues to dominate, winning their last four matches while not allowing a single goal. Senior Stephanie Diaz-Mendoza has anchored the defense in goal, and the Pirates showcased a balanced offensive attack in their victory over Cedar Ridge, with goals from Emery Feickert, Emily Heffernan, and Ruby Davis.

Men’s Volleyball celebrated Senior Night in impressive fashion, sweeping Hillside High School 3–0.

In Men’s Tennis, the Pirates earned a convincing 7–2 victory over Burlington Williams High School. Saul Gonzales, Zach Robinson, and Caleb Portenier led the way in singles play, each securing key a key individual win to propel Riverside forward.

Our Track and Field team competed in two meets last week and is building momentum heading into the Conference Championship meet, where they are poised for strong performances.

On the diamond, Baseball saw senior Ryan Dippolito hit a home run in a matchup against Chapel Hill High School for the second home run from a pirate this season.

Softball continues to lead the conference with just two games remaining. Juleah Somers and Grace Arrington made significant contributions across the field. Somers pitched one inning without allowing an earned run or hit, while Arrington delivered two scoreless innings against Southern Durham.

Athletic Department Booster Club Scholarship is now open!!!

The Riverside Athletic Booster Club will award one graduating (senior) female and male student athlete a $500 scholarship to support educational expenses.

This scholarship recognizes the recipient's all-around stand-out qualities as an athlete, leader, student, and citizen. Coaches, teachers, parents, and teammates are encouraged to nominate a student athlete who excels on and off the playing field. Nomination deadline: May 8, 2026.

Link to nominate: bit.ly/boosterclubscholarship

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 meaningfull week, Pirates!

Roll Pirates Roll!

--Dr. Woods-Weeks, Principal