Principal's Weekly Update #16

Greetings Pirate Families,

We understand that recent reports of immigration activity in our community may be creating concern and uncertainty. Please know that Riverside High School is committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for every student and every family.

We want to reassure you of the following:

• Riverside and all DPS schools are considered safe spaces for students.
• Our focus each day is on teaching, learning, and the well-being of your child.
• Counselors, social workers, and administrators are available to support any student who may be feeling anxious or afraid.

We strongly encourage all students to attend school daily. School provides stability, structure, meals, relationships, and access to support services that may be even more necessary during uncertain times. If your family needs support or has specific concerns, please contact our Student Services team at: 919-560-3965 ; email: karen_kein@dpsnc.net, portia_jacobs@dpsnc.net or kisha_bardonille@dpsnc.net. We are here for you. Riverside is your school family.

Inspirational Quote: “You belong here, not because you are perfect, but because you are resilient enough to keep showing up.”

With care and commitment,
Dr. Woods-Weeks

Durham Public Schools want to inform you about an upcoming survey that all eleventh graders will be asked to take to tell us how they feel about attending Durham Public Schools. It's called a Climate Survey, and we administer it every year. We want to know what makes them feel good or proud to be DPS students, and if there are things we need to improve so that they can feel good about learning in DPS. We would appreciate your consent using the form that you should receive from our school. It will be administered between Monday, December 15 and Friday, January 16.

Click the link to complete the opt-in form and email the form to your students homeroom teacher.

Please call the school if you have questions or concerns so that we can answer them.

Thank you for your consideration.

• Review of Remote Day attendance/assignments

• Early Release Bell Schedule – December 10 at 2:15 PM

• FAFSA Workshop – December 8, 6:00–8:00 PM in the Media Center (parents are encouraged to attend; (register here).

• Progress Reports were distributed in all classes last Thursday

• Winter Spirit Week (see attached graphic)

The MOY benchmark windows for schools with yearlong courses are coming up soon!

Window:

• TRADITIONAL Traditional Calendar HS = December 11-19

Click link below to access calendar of events:

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

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  • 12/10 Wrestling vs Southern Durham 6PM

    12/11 Basketball vs Southern Alamance JV boys 4:30 V Girls 6pm V Boys 7:30pm

    12/12 Basketball vs Carrboro JV boys 4:30 V Girls 6pm V Boys 7:30pm

    Let’s pack the gym, bring the energy, and show our Pirate Pride from the very start.

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

    
    

    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.

    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.

    
    

“You belong here, not because you are perfect, but because you are resilient enough to keep showing up.”

Stay Connected

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

Have a splendid week, Pirates! Roll Pirates Roll!

--Dr. Woods-Weeks, Principal