Principal's Weekly Update #18

Good afternoon, Pirate Families,

Welcome Back, Riverside Families!

We hope you and your family enjoyed a restful and joyful holiday break. As we welcome our students back to campus, we are excited to begin the next chapter of learning together. This week marks a fresh start, renewed focus, and continued commitment to excellence at Riverside High School.

As we reestablish routines, we encourage students to arrive on time, stay engaged in their classes, and finish the quarter strong. Our staff is ready to support every learner as we build momentum toward academic success and personal growth.

Below you will find important highlights, reminders, and upcoming events for the week ahead. Thank you, as always, for your partnership and continued support of our Pirates.

Let’s make it a great week back!

Warm regards,
Dr. Gloria Woods-Weeks

· January 5 – School resumes at the regular time

· January 5–9 – Exam Review Week

· January 5 – Showcase of Schools Tour, 5:30 PM

· January 6 – Showcase of Schools Tour, 10:00 AM

· January 10 – Showcase of Schools at Northern 10:00-2:00 PM

· January 12–16 – Final Exams

· January 16 – End of the Semester

· January 19 – MLK Holiday (No School)

· January 20 – Teacher Workday (No School for Students)

· January 21 – Second Semester Begins

· January 21 – Winter Graduation, 6:00–7:00 PM, Northern High School

This is a reminder about the DPS Student Climate Survey, which we are requesting all 11th-grade students complete. The survey provides valuable feedback that helps us better understand students’ experiences and improve how we support your child’s academic and social-emotional needs.

The survey will remain open through January 16, 2026. You may click here to review the survey questions in advance.

To allow your student to participate, please complete and return the opt-in form to your child’s school. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school directly.

Thank you for your time, cooperation, and continued partnership in supporting our students.

Click link below to access calendar of events:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1skBzvx-KMGqiLjElJRODLcNw1_N8j7wCF47njoPv9Vs/edit?usp=sharing

We’re excited to kick off Winter Sports Spirit Week! Let’s show up, show out, and celebrate our Pirate athletes all week long with school spirit and pride.

Winter Sports Spirit Week Themes

(Please see the graphic/poster for daily themes and dress-up days.)

This Week at Riverside

Tuesday, 1/6
Basketball vs. Hillside

• JV Boys – 5:00 PM
• Varsity Girls – 6:30 PM
• Varsity Boys – 8:00 PM

Tuesday, 1/7
Swim & Dive – Tobacco Road Athletic Conference Championship

• 10:00 AM | Orange County Sportsplex

Thursday, 1/8
Wrestling vs. Chapel Hill

• 5:00 PM

Let’s pack the gym, bring the energy, and show our Pirate Pride!

Interested in Playing a Spring Sport?

Ticket to Play is now fully digital!

Here’s what athletes need to know:

• Scan the QR code posted on the Sports Medicine Room door to access the Google Form
• The form will open for Spring Sports in January
• This is a rolling process, meaning all steps must be completed:
• Google Form via QR code
• DragonFly Profile Completion

Physical Requirement

• A valid physical must be on file and remain current through at least tryouts
• The oldest physical accepted is dated 01/20/2024

Volunteer Opportunities

We are always grateful for volunteers who support our athletes and game-day operations. Your time and enthusiasm truly make a difference!

Volunteer Sign-Up Link:
https://www.riversideathleticzone.com/page/d2d602e4-3219-4f9b-b4eb-16257f1d27e8

Stay Connected

Follow Riverside High School on social media for updates, celebrations, and reminders!
📸 Instagram: @riversidepirates | 💻 Website: www.dpsnc.net/riverside

Make it a fantastic week, Pirates! Roll Pirates Roll!

--Dr. Woods-Weeks, Principal