Principal's Weekly Update #20

Good afternoon, Pirate Families,

This is Dr. Woods-Weeks with your weekly update as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and prepare for a strong start to the second semester.

“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Celebrating Our Success

Thank you for your partnership and support during EOC testing. Because of our collective effort, we exceeded our participation goal of 95%, finishing at an impressive 98.38% participation rate. Kudos to our students, families, and staff for this achievement!

Warm regards,
Dr. Gloria Woods-Weeks

· Monday – MLK Holiday (No School)

· Tuesday – Teacher Workday (No School for Students)

· Wednesday, January 22 – First day of the second semester; school resumes at the regular time

· Report Cards will be distributed on January 27

Please also join me in welcoming our newest members of the Pirate family in PLTW:

· Mr. Drew Shapiro

· Ms. Emily Quadrio

Exam Retake & Expectations (English EOC)

• Retakes of EOC exams - Beginning this school year, students who do not score proficient on the initial EOC exam will be allowed a retake of the EOC exam. Students must return a signed permission form back to their classroom teacher to be able to retake the EOC.
• January Graduation​ Information
  - Location - Hillside High School​
  - Rehearsal - Tuesday, 1/20/26 @ 5PM​
  - Graduation - Wednesday, 1/21/26 @ 6PM

Important Dates

· January 19 – MLK Holiday (No School)

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

· January 21 – Second Semester Begins ; School Improvement Team Meeting at 5:00 PM

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

• PTA Gift Card Recipients

  Congratulations to our lucky winners who received PTA gift cards at our most recent faculty meeting: Mr. Dibble, Ms. Prater, Dr. Ericson, Major Bond, Coach Hopps, and Ms. Pierce. Your commitment and dedication are a true testament to Pirate pride and tradition.

  Core Values Recognition

  Congratulations and kudos to this month’s teachers who exemplify our Core Values: Mr. Holley, Ms. Perez, Ms. Heape, and Mr. Christopher. Thank you for consistently modeling excellence and leadership for our students and school community.

Jan 21st ACT prep with the Emily K Center at Riverside High School

· Lunch A, B, and C in the Media Center

Jan 22nd, Western Carolina University Rep visit to Riverside High School.

· 9:40-10:30 in Room 245

Bull City in Black HBCU Showcase

February 7, 2026

12-3 PM

Location: Emily K Center

Link: https://www.emilyk.org/hbcu

Don't miss out on the opportunity to speak to HBCU admission representatives and alumni, learn about navigating college as a first-generation student, and afford an HBCU education.

Flyer attached

The following HBCUs were present last year:

Bennett College, Fayetteville State University, Hampton University, Livingstone College, Morehouse College, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Paine College, Shaw University, Spelman College, Virginia State University, Voorhees College, Wilberforce University

Winter Viking Showcase Bus Trip to Elizabeth City State University

· Saturday February 7th

· Cost: $25 for students, $35 for parents

· Open to high school students, grades 9-12

· Trip Includes: round-trip transportation, campus tour, lunch, admissions to basketball game, admissions, and student life information

· Pick up location: Tower Shopping Center (Raleigh, NC)

· Departure time: 5:30 AM

· Flyer attached: https://www.rdw-ecsu.org/bus-trip-application

Upcoming Opportunity Fair

Friday, April 10, 2026

Location: Emily K Center

Link: https://www.emilyk.org/opportunity-fair

The Opportunity Fair is a free college and career fair, highlighting pathways through community college, trade school, military, and employment. This event will feature short-term certificate and credential programs that students can earn after high school, as well as entry-level opportunities with local employers. Flyer Attached

Schedule:

DPS seniors: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

9th-11th grade and non-DPS students: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Mark Your Calendar and govern yourselves accordingly!

Senior Parent Night - February 23 at 5:30 in the Media Center

Congratulations to following athletes who placed at the Walter Tolarchyk Invitational that was hosted by Riverside.

Stephanie Diaz placed 1st

Trinity Dennison placed 3rd

Thomas Crowley placed

Thank you to all of the RHS staff and volunteers who volunteered.

This week in Athletics

1/20 women's basketball will host Enloe at 6pm.

1/23 JV boys at 5pm variety girls at 630 and varsity Boys will host Chapel Hill high.

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

Volunteer Opportunities

We have several volunteer opportunities available for anyone who would like to support our athletes and game-day operations. Your time and enthusiasm make a huge difference.

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

Interested in Playing a Spring Sport?

Ticket to Play is now fully remote. Here’s what that means:

• Athletes will scan a QR code that directs them to a Google Form
  (QR code is posted on the Sports Medicine Room door)
• The form will open for Spring Sports in January
• This is a rolling process—athletes must complete all required steps through the QR code and DragonFly

Physical Requirement

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

f you have questions, please see the Sports Medicine staff or your head coach. Let’s get ready for a great spring season!

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.

Stay Connected

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

Make it a week that matters, Pirates! Roll Pirates Roll!

--Dr. Woods-Weeks, Principal