RHS Weekly Update #11

Greetings Pirate Families,

We are now in the second week of the second quarter, and I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to ensure every student’s success. The start of a new quarter is a wonderful opportunity for reflection and renewal—an opportunity to set new goals, strengthen good habits, and finish the semester strong.

As we move forward, let’s continue to demonstrate Pirate Pride in all that we do—showing Integrity, Accountability, and a Commitment to Teaching and Learning, and Empowerment each and every day. Together, we are building a culture of excellence and empowerment where every student can thrive.

Let’s make this a productive, positive, and purpose-driven week at Riverside!

With Pirate Pride,
Dr. Gloria Woods-Weeks, Principal

We’re proud of our incredible Pirates who continue to make Riverside shine:

• Congratulations to Milo Graber and Nico Jordan for their outstanding work addressing affordable housing issues in Durham. Their advocacy contributed to the City Council’s decision to halt rent collection from tenants living in unsafe housing conditions. We are proud of your leadership and civic engagement!
• Shout out to Mr. Holley and the RHS Theatre Arts Department students for an incredible Haunted House experience!
• Congratulations to the RHS Football Team for winning the Battle of the North, defeating Northern High 43–6 in their final game of the year!
• Kudos to Isabela Belin and Zoe Robinson for earning All-Conference Honors in tennis.
• Thank you to Ms. Leslie-Johnson, Mr. Powell, and Ms. Hill-Loutin for sharing the rich history and culture of Jamaica with our students.
• Appreciation to the Duke Chapter of the American Association for Men in Nursing for inspiring our students with presentations on nursing careers.
• Congratulations to the senior soccer players honored on Senior Night — the team closed their season with a 6–1 win over Northern.
• Thank you to Ms. Dark for coordinating the Smile Mobile Dentistry team’s visit, providing essential services to our students.
• Thank you to Ms. Dark, Ms. Brooks, and Ms. Jacobs for coordinating the Pop up Halloween Festivities for the faculty staff. And thank you to all the teachers who participated in the costume competition. The winner will be announced Monday.

Quarter 1 Report Cards will be distributed on Monday, November 3.

Please review grades with your student and encourage goal-setting for the second quarter. If you have any questions or concerns or need to schedule a parent teacher conference, the classroom teacher is the first point of contact.

• November 3: Quarter One Report Cards Distributed
• November 3 (6 PM): FAFSA Virtual Session with Ms. K
• November 4: No School (Election Day)
• November 5 (9:40–10:30 AM): Durham Tech Info Session – Room 245 ( Register here )
• November 6 (10–11 AM): UNC Chapel Hill Writing Workshop – Room 245 (Register here)
• November 7 (7 PM): Fall Band Concert – Auditorium
• November 13: Final Photo Day for Class of 2026
• November 20: Make-up Photos for Underclassmen
• November 17 - Sophomore / Junior Parent Information Night at 6:00 PM in the Media Center.
• Students Interested in Governor’s School: Click here for Governor’s School Applications & Information

Click link below t access calendar of events:

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

• Football: Finished the season strong with a 43–6 victory over Northern High!
• Tennis: Congratulations again to our All-Conference athletes!
• Winter Sports: “Ticket to Play” process is now digital.
• Athletes can scan the QR code posted outside the Sports Medicine Room to request their ticket.
• A completed DragonFly profile is still required to participate.

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.

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.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier

Let’s continue to show PIRATE PRIDE as we enter the second quarter, demonstrating Pride, Integrity, Relationships, Accountability, Teaching & Learning, and Empowerment in all we do!

Have an amazing week, Pirates! Roll Pirates Roll!

--Dr. Woods-Weeks, Principal