Principal's Weekly Update #8

Greetings Pirate Families,

As we begin another week at Riverside High School, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the concerns, questions, and frustrations many of you have experienced following our recent lockdowns. I understand that repeated safety alerts can be unsettling for students, families, and staff. As a parent, I recognize how important it is to know that your children are safe, and as your principal, I take that responsibility very seriously.

Please know that the safety and security of our students and staff remain our number one priority. Our school follows established safety protocols and procedures, and we work closely with our School Resource Officers, law enforcement partners, and district leadership in responding to safety concerns. When a potential concern is reported, it must be taken seriously and addressed according to the appropriate procedures. Although these situations can be disruptive and understandably create anxiety, our responsibility is to prioritize safety while ensuring that concerns are handled appropriately.

I also recognize that families want timely, accurate information. We are committed to communicating information as it becomes available and can be shared appropriately. While we may not always be able to provide every detail during an active situation, please do not interpret limited information as a lack of action. Our procedures are designed to help us respond responsibly and protect our school community. We will continue working to strengthen communication while maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of safety-related matters.

I encourage every Pirate family to remain calm, stay informed through official school and district communications, and partner with us as we navigate these concerns together. Our students need to see the adults around them working together with confidence, care, and a shared commitment to their well-being.

As we move forward, we must also remain focused on our students' academic growth. This week, our students will participate in benchmark assessments that will help teachers identify strengths, address learning gaps, and determine the instructional support students need to succeed. Safety and learning are not competing priorities; both are essential to the success of every Pirate.

We recognize the importance of providing opportunities for families to ask questions, share concerns, and receive information. Please plan to participate in the upcoming town hall meeting regarding school safety and the recent lockdowns.

The town hall will provide an opportunity for our school community to engage in constructive dialogue, hear information, and discuss questions about our safety procedures and communication. We understand that trust is built through listening, transparency, and consistent action, and we welcome the opportunity to continue that work together.

Town Hall Details

• Date: Thursday, October 15
• Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Riverside High School Media Center

Please watch for official communications with additional details. We appreciate your continued partnership and your commitment to the safety and well-being of all Riverside Pirates.

As we face challenges, let us remember that a strong school community is built on partnership, patience, communication, and a shared commitment to our children. We cannot always control the circumstances that arise, but we can control how we respond—with care, professionalism, and a determination to move forward together.

As Helen Keller reminds us:

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Pirate families, thank you for your patience, your questions, your advocacy, and your continued trust in Riverside High School. We understand that trust must be earned through our actions, and we remain committed to doing the work necessary to keep our students and staff safe while providing the high-quality education every student deserves.

Let us continue to support one another, encourage our students to stay focused, and keep the main thing the main thing: the safety, well-being, and success of every Pirate.

With appreciation and Pirate Pride,

Dr. Gloria Woods-Weeks
Every Classroom. Every Student. Everyday.

• Senior Night Celebrations: Shout-out to our Field Hockey, Cheerleading, Football, and Marching Band teams for celebrating their seniors this week! Thank you to the coaches, directors, and families who continue to support our students and make these milestones special.
• RHS Orchestra: Congratulations to Ms. Moore and the entire RHS Orchestra for a wonderful, fun-filled Pops Concert in the lobby! Thank you for sharing your talent and bringing music and joy to our school community.
• School Improvement Team (SIT): Shout-out to our SIT members for their thoughtful collaboration with the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) as we unpacked our Abbreviated Needs Assessment (ANA). Your commitment to continuous improvement are appreciated.

Thank you for the many ways you contribute to the Riverside experience. Every classroom. Every student. Everyday.

This week, we are placing a strong emphasis on benchmark assessments. These assessments provide valuable information about what students have learned, the standards they have mastered, and the areas where additional instruction or practice may be needed.

Our teachers will use the results to adjust instruction, provide targeted support, and help students prepare for upcoming end-of-course assessments and other academic milestones. Benchmarks are not simply tests; they are tools that help us make informed decisions about teaching and learning.

How families can support students this week:

• Prioritize attendance. Please ensure your student arrives at school on time and is present for scheduled assessments.
• Encourage preparation. Review class notes, assignments, study guides, and teacher-provided resources.
• Promote healthy routines. Adequate rest, a nutritious breakfast, and arriving on time can help students feel prepared and confident.
• Encourage perseverance. Remind students to read directions carefully, manage their time, and do their best.
• Ask questions. Talk with your student about what they are learning and where they may need additional support.

Our goal is not simply to measure performance. It is to use the information we gather to improve instruction, strengthen student learning, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to grow. We ask our families to reinforce the importance of doing their best while reminding students that assessments also help identify the support they need to move forward.

• Our school attendance last week: 83.%

• Goal for next week: 95%

• Reminder: Every day matters! If your student will be out, please let us know.

Our Goal: 95% Daily Attendance

EOC Benchmark Testing Begins Monday, October 12

Benchmark testing for classes begins Monday, October 12.

Our schoolwide goal is 95% student participation. Please plan accordingly and help us ensure that every student participates. These assessments provide valuable information to guide instruction and support student achievement.

Riverside PTA will hold its next monthly meeting this Tuesday, October 13 at 6:30 p.m, in the Media Center. The PTA is also looking for a member to fill the role of PTA secretary. If interested, please come to our meeting on Tuesday or send an email to RIVERSIDEPTAINFO@GMAIL.COM

Infinite Scholars College and Scholarship Fair — October 14

The Infinite Scholars College and Scholarship Fair will take place at Riverside on Wednesday, October 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is an exciting opportunity for students to explore college options and scholarship opportunities. Please encourage eligible students to take advantage of this event.

Safety & Security Town Hall — Thursday, October 15

Riverside will host a Safety & Security Town Hall on Thursday, October 15, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. in the Media Center. The purpose of this meeting is to provide an opportunity for open dialogue about the recent lockdown drills at Riverside, address community concerns, and strengthen communication and understanding around school safety.

CFNC College Application Week — October 19–25

College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) College Application Week takes place October 19–25. Please encourage our seniors to take advantage of this opportunity to complete college applications and take the next step toward their postsecondary goals.

Family FAFSA Night — Monday, October 26

Seniors and senior families are invited to Family FAFSA Night on Monday, October 26, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Families will learn more about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and receive one-on-one assistance completing the form. Light refreshments will be provided!

College and Career Promise (CCP): Spring Enrollment Interest Meetings

Juniors and seniors interested in taking college courses tuition-free while still in high school during the spring semester should sign up for a Durham Tech CCP Enrollment Interest Meeting.

Register here: https://visit.durhamtech.edu/event/479555

Students who are already enrolled in CCP do not need to attend another interest meeting. For questions, contact our Durham Tech College Liaison, Mr. Jones:

• Email: jonest@durhamtech.edu
• Call or text: 919-943-1696

October Is National Bullying Prevention Month

October is Bullying Prevention Month. Let us continue to cultivate a school environment where every student feels safe, respected, connected, and supported.

RHS Annual Haunted House — Cast Members Needed!

The Riverside Theatre Haunted House Club is looking for students who want to become scare actors for the annual RHS Haunted House at the end of October!

Do you enjoy being dramatic, creating characters, making people scream, or lurking in a dark corner waiting to surprise unsuspecting visitors? This is your chance to have fun, develop your creativity, and make new friends.

The Haunted House Club meets Wednesdays and Fridays from 4:30–5:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Interested students are encouraged to attend a meeting and join the fun!

Let's make this year's Haunted House a frightfully fantastic Riverside tradition!

Try outs for winter sports are scheduled for the week of 10/27. Please contact the head coaches for details and times.

Mens Basketball- Christopher_Mayshack@dpsnc.net

Women's Basketball Keith_Jacquier@dpsnc.net

Wrestling- Sean_Nickson@dpsnc.net

Swimming and Dive sball77@gmail.com

Indoor Track and Field Jason_Smoots@gmail.com

Ticket to Play winter Sports is now live: Indoor Track and Field, Basketball Cheer, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Wrestling, Swim and Dive

1. 1. Complete your student’s DragonFly profile 100%.

1. Upload all required documents, including current physical.
2. Submit the Ticket to Play Google Form once your DragonFly profile is complete.
3. The Athletic Department will review your submission and contact you through the email listed in DragonFly if anything is incomplete. Make corrections and resubmit promptly.

DragonFly: https://max.dragonflyathletics.com/maxweb/max-cover/landing?orgId=5e2e5261eb8fa480a8b4ad92

Ticket to Play: https://forms.gle/J4xzSNZ2Pw5mCREn7

Volunteer Sign-Ups: We need your help at all games and contests. Please share this information with your parent groups as we have multiple opportunities available. CLICK HERE TO SIGN-UP

Games This Week

Monday 10/12

· Field Hockey vs Cardinal Gibbons 6

· Women's Volleyball @ Hillside JV 5 V 6:15

· Women's Tennis 1st Round NCHSAA Playoff vs South Garner 4:00

Tuesday 10/13

· Women's Volleyball Vs Chapel Hill JV 5 V 6:15

· Men's Soccer @ Northern JV 5 V 6:45

Wednesday 10/14

· Men's Soccer vs Hillside 6pm (Senior Night)

· Cross Country Durham County Meet 4:00

Thursday October 10/15

· Women's Flag TBD

Friday October 10/16

· Football @ Southern Durham 7pm

Women's Tennis

The Riverside Women’s Tennis team will host South Garner on Monday in the first round of the state playoffs! This is another historic moment for our senior-heavy team, whose hard work, dedication, and leadership have helped make this season special.

Good luck to our seniors and the entire Women’s Tennis team! We’re proud of you and can’t wait to see you compete. Let’s keep making history!

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students and school. Your involvement matters, and together we can ensure that every Riverside Pirate has the support, opportunities, and encouragement needed to succeed.

Let's make Week 8 another great week at Riverside!

Every Classroom. Every Student. Everyday.

Go Pirates!