RHS Weekly Update #6

Greetings Pirate Families,

As we enter the seventh week of school, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping our students stay focused, engaged, and committed to excellence.

The end of the first quarter is fast approaching, but there’s still time for every student to finish strong. Let’s continue to keep the main thing the main thing—teaching, learning, and student success!

Please take a moment to review this week’s important updates and reminders below.

EOC Benchmarks

October 6 – 10
It is imperative that students are present and on time each day. Benchmark data helps us better support student learning.

Early Release Day

Wednesday, October 8
Please review the the Early Release Schedule and plan accordingly.

Panorama Student Survey

The survey window closes October 17. Students—your voice matters! Take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help us improve our school climate and culture. Our goal for participation is 95 %. Students govern yourselves accordingly.

PTA Meeting

Tuesday, October 7 at 6:30 PM – RHS Media Center
All families are welcome to attend! Come get involved and stay connected.

PTA Dine-Out Fundraiser at Panera Bread

Thursday, October 9 | 4:00–8:00 PM
3800 Roxboro Rd, Durham
Support Riverside by dining in or ordering online at this location—proceeds go toward RHS PTA programs.
See the digital flyer, available on the RHS website and PTA social media: Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter).

Homecoming 2025

Homecoming is almost here!

• Dance tickets are on sale now through October 17 for $20.
• Homecoming Court nominations are open through Wednesday, October 8.
• See flyers in the hallway to cast your vote.
• Include both first and last names—duplicate entries count only once.

The Office of Public Affairs is planning a webinar for parents to assist in signing up for Rooms, the district’s new two-way communications tool. The webinar will show families how to download the district app, how to sign up for Rooms, how to turn on notifications, and how to troubleshoot issues. The webinar will be offered four times:

• Oct. 2nd at 12:00 p.m.
• Oct. 2nd at 6:00 p.m.
• Oct. 23rd at 12:00 p.m.
• Oct. 23rd at 6:00 p.m.

Live translation will be provided. Follow-up support will also be offered for those who continue to need assistance. More details will be provided on social media and in the Weekly SPARK newsletter, including a link for the webinar once it is confirmed.

Senior Parent & Student Information Night
RHS Student Services will host a Senior Parent and Student Information Night on October 13 at 6:00 p.m. in the Media Center.

Come get important information to help your student successfully navigate their senior year! Topics will include: graduation requirements, post-secondary options, Durham Tech offerings, FAFSA details, and more.

Sophomore/Junior Parent & Student Information Night
RHS Student Services will also host a Sophomore/Junior Parent and Student Information Night on November 17 at 6:00 p.m. in the Media Center.

Please mark your calendars—we look forward to seeing you there!

Click link below t access calendar of events:

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

This Week’s Football Theme: USA Night

Wear your red, white, and blue and show your Pirate pride as we support Riverside High School!

Jersey Day

This week, student-athletes will take pictures with a teacher or staff member who has positively impacted their school year—a wonderful celebration of connection and gratitude.

Interested in Winter Sports?

Contact the coaches below for preseason workout information:

• Indoor Track & Field: Jason_Smoots@dpsnc.net
• Men's Basketball: Christopher_Mayshack@dpsnc.net
• Women's Basketball: Barry_Garrett@dpsnc.net
• Swim & Dive: Stephanie_Ball@dpsnc.net
• Wrestling: Grabiel.Soto11@gmail.com

Ticket to Play for Winter Sports

A new digital process is now in place!
Scan the QR code on the Sports Medicine Room door to request your digital ticket.
Please remember: all prospective athletes must have a completed Dragonfly profile to participate.

This Week in Athletics

• Women’s Volleyball: No home contests this week
• Women’s Tennis: October 7 – Play-in Tournament (host site)
• Cross Country: October 8 – City County Championship @ Durham Academy
• Field Hockey:
• October 8 – vs. East Chapel Hill | 6:00 PM
• October 9 – vs. Chapel Hill | 7:00 PM @ Riverside
• Football:
• October 9 – JV @ Southern Durham | 6:30 PM
• October 10 – Varsity vs. Southern Durham | 7:00 PM @ Riverside
• Women’s Flag Football:
• October 6 – @ Hillside | 6:00 PM
• October 8 – vs. Southern | 5:00 PM @ Northern Durham
• Gymnastics: No scheduled meets this week

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

Do you or someone you know have a local business?
We’d love to showcase your logo throughout Riverside High School!

The RHS Athletic Booster Club offers several sponsorship packages.
See the attached flyer for details, or contact the Booster Club for more information.

Stay Connected

The Athletics Department has a brand-new mobile app!
Click the link from your mobile device to download from Apple App Store or Google Play and stay up to date on all things Pirate Athletics.

To continue ensuring health assessment and immunization compliance, it is important that we follow state policy and requirements. Our school nurse is working closely with our Data Manager to confirm that all students are up to date with immunizations and health assessments.

The second round of compliance checks has been completed, and 30-Day Letters will be sent home for students who are not yet in compliance. Please note, state law allows only 30 days before non-compliant students are subject to school exclusion, which will result in absences and suspension from school until requirements are met.

We appreciate your cooperation in this important effort to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for all students. If you have questions, please contact our school nurse or Data Manager for assistance.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

Thank you for your continued support of Riverside High School. Together, we are anchored in excellence and guided by our core values of Pride, Integrity, Relationships, Accountability, Teaching & Learning, and Empowerment.

With Pirate Pride, Roll Pirates Roll!

Dr. Gloria Woods-Weeks
Principal