Back to School

Dear RICA Families and Students,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! We are excited to begin another year of learning, growth, connection, and opportunity with our RICA community.

As we prepare for the first week of school, I want to share an important reminder regarding our opening schedule.

Transition Day is tomorrow, Monday, August 24, 2026, and is only for students who are new to RICA. This day is intentionally designed to provide our newest students with additional time and support as they become familiar with the school, meet staff, learn routines and expectations, and begin their transition into the RICA community.

The first day of school for all returning students will be Tuesday, August 25, 2026. We look forward to welcoming all of our students back to campus and beginning the new school year together.

I also want to take a moment to share a personal message with our RICA families and students. It has been an incredible privilege to serve this community and, most importantly, to advocate for and alongside our students.

RICA is a very special place because of the resilience and potential of the young people we serve. I am deeply grateful to our families for trusting us with your children and for partnering with us throughout this past year. I am equally grateful to our students for allowing me to be a part of their journeys. Whether celebrating a graduation, working through a difficult day, recognizing academic growth, or simply sharing a conversation in the hallway, each interaction has reinforced why this work matters so deeply.

While transitions can bring change, I am confident that the important work at RICA will continue. Beginning Tuesday, August 25, Ms. Khadijah Mitchell will serve as Acting Principal of RICA. Ms. Mitchell has already been an important part of our leadership team and brings a strong commitment to our students, staff, and families. I know she will continue to lead with care, consistency, and a focus on ensuring that every student receives the support they need to be successful.

To our students: continue to believe in yourselves, advocate for what you need, give yourselves grace when things are difficult, and never allow one challenging chapter to define your entire story. There is so much ahead of you.

We wish our new students a wonderful Transition Day tomorrow and look forward to welcoming all RICA students on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 for the official start of the school year.

With sincere gratitude and best wishes,

Dr. Belinda Penn

Please review the updated Bell Schedule for 26-27.

Join Us for Back to School Night!

RICA students and families are invited to join us for Back to School Night on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Come meet our staff, learn more about your student’s classes and supports, and connect with the RICA community as we begin a successful school year together.

We look forward to seeing you!

We value the voices, perspectives, and partnership of our RICA families. We invite parents and caregivers to join our upcoming Parent Sessions to share ideas, provide feedback, and help strengthen our school community.

If you are interested in partnering with us, please complete the Google Form. Additionally, if you are interested in taking a leadership role as our NAACP Parent Representative or PTA Lead, please indicate your interest on the form.

We look forward to working together to support our students and the RICA community! We have 2 parent submission so far and would love to have more. Please join the team!

Remind your child that if something doesn’t feel right, they should tell a trusted adult. Learn more about MCPS hate/bias protocols.

This school year all Montgomery County Public Schools will be restricting the use of cell phones during school hours. These restrictions are in alignment with the Maryland Phone-Free School Act (HB 525). Effective the first day of school, August 24, 2026, all students are not permitted to utilize personal mobile devices (cell phones, tablets, e-readers, personal laptops, smart watches, smart glasses, and anything with a microphone, camera, speaker, or headphones/earbuds (including AirPods) during the instructional day. This includes during lunch and in the hallways as students transition to class.

We believe that by restricting personal mobile devices it will reduce distractions to your child’s learning, support their social development through increased engagement in discussions with their peers and teachers, and promote a safer school environment. For more information, including how you can support your child, please visit the MCPS Family FAQ - Personal Mobile Devices.

Grading and Reporting Information Website
Purpose: To provide updated information about the revisions to Regulation IKA-RA.

Website Resources:

• Grading and Reporting FAQs

• Grading and Reporting Revisions Quick Reference Guide

• Revised Middle School Report Card Mock-Up

• Revised High School Report Card Mock-Up

The website also includes links to centrally created community messages and the Board of Education Presentation on June 4, 2026.

Back to School Night: September 10th - 5:00-8:00pm

School Pictures: November 5th, 2026

• Retakes: December 12th, 2026

Prom: May 14th, 2027

Graduation: June 9th, 2027 at 6:00pm

8th grade promotion: (TBD)