RHS Weekly Update 26-27

Dear Ram Families,

As we approach our upcoming All-School Test Day on Wednesday, October 14, we want to strongly emphasize the critical importance of full student attendance. This dedicated day provides our educators with vital assessment data for students in 9th, 10th, and 11th grades, allowing us to track academic progress, identify key growth areas, and tailor instruction to meet each student's needs. In particular, our 11th-grade students will be taking a full-length, retired ACT exam. This comprehensive practice test will give juniors an authentic testing experience and provide valuable baseline insights to help gauge their readiness for the official ACT in the spring.

While our underclassmen are testing, October 14 offers a fantastic, dedicated opportunity for our 12th graders to step out into the community. We encourage all seniors to utilize this day to participate in local volunteer projects and earn the community service hours required for graduation. Whether assisting at local non-profits, schools, or community organizations, this is a meaningful way for our senior class to make a positive impact while checking off a crucial milestone toward their diploma. Thank you for your partnership and support in prioritizing attendance and participation to ensure a successful day for all of our students.

Warm Regards,

Mr. Cano

October 14th is All School Test Day. This is a very important day for all students. 9th-10th graders will take the PreACT, the 11th graders take the practice ACT. 12th graders do not have school on the 14th. This is a perfect time for them to focus on completing their community service hours. This is a mandatory day of school for 9th-11th graders. It is a half day. Students will be dismissed between 12-12:15. Some 9th and 10th graders may have accommodations for their test and may not be dismissed until later in the day. There are no accommodations for the practice ACT for 11th graders. 9th and 10th graders need to bring their charged laptops for the test. Buses will not be at school until 3:15. Please plan accordingly. We look forward to a great day with our students at RHS!

Dear Families,

As part of our upcoming Spirit Week (more information to follow), students are invited to wear Halloween costumes to school on Friday, October 30! To ensure a safe, respectful, and focused environment for everyone, all costumes must be school-appropriate and align with our standard school dress code. Please note that masks, face paint, and costumes involving cultural appropriation are strictly prohibited. Any student whose costume violates these guidelines will be asked to change into standard attire, and those who refuse to change will be sent home for the day. Thank you for your partnership in helping us keep Spirit Week fun, inclusive, and safe for all students!

Legacy Plaza Brick Project - Generations of Ram Pride, Etched in Stone!

Bricks will form a welcome wall at the entrance to D.E. Speck Nelson Stadium, with proceeds supporting future athletic projects at Ralston High School. Bricks can honor alumni, families, individual classes, and local businesses. The 2026 campaign will run September 4th through October 31, 2026.

Leave your legacy today! All purchases are tax-deductible through the Ralston Schools Foundation.

https://www.fundraisingbrick.com/online-orders/rps/

Appointments During the School Day Parents/Guardians must call the attendance line in advance if their student needs to leave during the school day for an appointment. Written notes will not be accepted. In order for the absence to be excused the student must provide medical documentation or other information to document the appointment. The attendance line is available 24 hours a day with voice mail in English and at 402-763-4100 and for Spanish call 402-898-3557,

Please be sure that any person that is picking up a student must either be listed RKids under contacts or be given permission by the parent or guardian by calling the attendance line.

Please help us in celebrating this week's outstanding students. These students are being recognized for their commitment to RHS inside and outside of the classroom.

We are thrilled to celebrate our newest Ram High School Staff Members of the Month, for their exceptional commitment to our students and school community. Whether going above and beyond in the classroom or offering invaluable support behind the scenes, these honorees embody the dedication and positive spirit that make RHS so special. Please join us in congratulating them and thanking them for the incredible impact they make on our campus every day!

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening! On Friday, November 6th, join us for our annual Distinguished Alumni Celebration at the Steppe Center.

We are thrilled to celebrate our four amazing Distinguished Alumni and honor two exceptional Ralston High School seniors with the Distinguished Senior Award. Huge congratulations to RHS seniors AJ McCormack and Sophie Bowyer!

Don't miss out on this incredible community tradition. Reserve your tickets today and celebrate excellence with us! Ticket Link - https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E340566&id=51

Hands-On Learning in Health Sciences: Exploring Occupational Therapy Students in our Introduction to Health Science classes recently got a firsthand look at the world of Occupational Therapy! A visiting Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) shared insights into her daily role, the educational path to entering the field, and the vital ways OTAs help patients regain independence.

To bring the profession to life, students stepped into the shoes of patients facing real-world challenges. Through interactive simulations, they experienced how conditions like arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and strokes affect everyday tasks, trying their hand at putting on socks with restricted joints, eating cereal while managing tremors, and buttoning a shirt while wearing gloves. It was a powerful lesson in both clinical skill and patient empathy!

Officer Jerome McNichol from the Omaha Police Department's Traffic Unit visited Mr. Lucero's Auto Maintenance Class to deliver an impactful presentation on the serious risks and dangers of teenage driving. Drawing from his years on patrol, Officer McNichol highlighted critical safety topics, including the hazards of distracted driving, driving under the influence, speeding, and failing to wear seatbelts. He emphasized to the students that knowing how to maintain a vehicle goes hand-in-hand with exercising responsible judgment whenever operating one. Through real-world scenarios and engaging discussion, Officer McNichol left the class with a heightened awareness of their duty to keep themselves and others safe on the road.

This past Saturday Mr. Becklun had students help with a bed build for Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Students along with members of Elks lodge 39 helped build beds for children and young adults in the Omaha Metro area that don’t have a bed.

Outdoor Activities class took a field trip to Gene Leahy Mall and the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. The outing introduced students to some of the fun, free recreational opportunities available throughout our metro area. Students explored public artwork and playgrounds while enjoying time outdoors and discovering places they can visit with family and friends.

Tennis had some individuals perform well recently.

On Friday, October 2nd, Cooper Hatterman and Brody Dolphens got 3rd place at the York Invitational in the #1 Doubles spot.

On Monday, October 5th, we had the following individuals medal in the Trailblazer Conference Tournament:
#1 Doubles: Cooper Hatterman and Brody Dolphens got 2nd place

#1 Singles: Ty Tejral got 2nd place

#2 Singles: Tyler Hand got 1st place

The team finished 3rd in the Trailblazer Conference Tournament.

Lucy Bodnar tied the career home run record with 16 home runs. Congratulations Lucy!

This season at Ram High School is packed with dynamic opportunities designed to boost student involvement and build a strong school community with our families. Students are encouraged to get involved by joining our student clubs, trying out for fall athletics, or showcasing their talents in the upcoming performing arts productions. At the same time, we warmly invite parents to actively participate by attending our Friday night football games, joining us for Back-to-School Night, and getting involved with the Ram Booster Club and PTSO. By pairing enthusiastic student energy on campus with strong parent attendance in the stands and halls, we can create a vibrant, supportive environment where the entire Ram community thrives together. Please see the flyers and information below for more information on upcoming events and student meetings.

Save the Date! Mark Your Calendars! Get ready to dance in your seats because the Ralston High School theatre is proud to present the smash hit musical, Mamma Mia!

Don't miss this spectacular production! Join us for an unforgettable experience featuring all your favorite songs.

Showtimes:

October 15, 16, & 17 at 7:00 pm

Sunday, October 18 at 2:00 pm

Ticket Information:

Tickets are general admission.

Adults: $12

Students/Senior Citizens: $8

Purchase your tickets by clicking on the following link:

https://raltheatre.booktix.com/dept/RHS/e/MammaMia

Ticketing & Entry

• Ticket Purchase Required: All students and spectators must purchase tickets for entry to school events.

• Passes & Identification: Students with activity passes or adults with event/Booster Club passes must be presented at the ticket booth.

Behavior & Code of Conduct

• Student Code of Conduct: All standard school rules and behavioral expectations apply during athletic and extracurricular events, whether hosted on or off school grounds. Backpacks and face coverings are not permitted.

• No Re-Entry: Students that leave the facility during the game/event will not be allowed to re-enter and must leave school grounds.

• Sportsmanship: Positive sportsmanship is expected at all times. Respect players, coaches, officials, and fellow spectators.

• Prohibited Items & Actions: Weapons, illegal substances, tobacco/vaping products, artificial noisemakers, and disruptive behaviors are strictly prohibited.

General Expectations

• Follow Staff Directives: Spectators must follow instructions provided by event staff, administrators, and security personnel. Students must stay in designated student sections and are not allowed to go into visitor sections. Spectators that do not comply with staff directives will be escorted from the facility and may be banned from future events.

• Supervision: Elementary aged students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Current Ralston Middle School students must sit in their designated area and follow expectations of the RMS supervisors. All spectators must stay in the stands and are not permitted to be on the track or the "R" Hill

• RPS Animal Policy 3046: Animals are not allowed in school district buildings or on school district property without the written permission of the superintendent or their designee except as provided in this policy or as otherwise required by law.

• Bikes/Scooters: Bikes/E-Bikes, scooters, skateboards...etc are not allowed in the stadium, softball/baseball complex or tennis courts.

Military Recruiters outside lunchroom: US Army: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays

Army National Guard: 3rd Thursdays

For a complete list of all activities, visit https://www.gobound.com/ne

October 12: No School for students

October 14: All school test day, no school for seniors

It's a great day to be a Ralston Ram!

Ruben Cano

RHS Principal

Website: https://www.ralstonschools.org/Domain/8
Location: 8969 Park Drive, Ralston, NE, USA
Phone: 402-331-7373
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RalstonHighSchool
Twitter: @RalstonHS