December's Birthday Celebration

This month we celebrated our birthday by distributing purple and white candy canes to all RVHS Blazers.  Following Santa and Blazer Reindeer, Dr. Brenda Mack-Foxworth, our principal, rode in a sleigh pulled by Blazer.  She wished all Blazers a wonderful Winter Holiday.  Ms. Ellen Harrison, with the assistance of Ms. Wendi Wimmer, Mrs. Melissa Myers, and Mr. Bryan Ashley, distributed the candy canes to each teacher with a 7th period class.  More photos can be found on our Flickr website by clicking on the image.  

It may be the end of 2014, but we have not finished celebrating our birthday.  Stay tuned for more monthly celebrations that we will also post on our 20th Anniversary Facebook page.  Please like and share this page with our RVHS Blazers family and friends.  And don't forget to SAVE THE DATE: the 20th Anniversary Grand Finale is May 22, 2015.

AT THE VIEW Looking For Stories

AT THE VIEW is always looking for new stories to report to the Ridge View Community. We are looking for anything related to Ridge View's 4 A's - Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Activities. Be sure to tell us the who, what, where, when and why of your story. Please submit at least one photo with your article to rvh-info@richland2.org. Be sure to include in your e-mail your name, and association with Ridge View High School.

RVHS 20th Anniversary Yearbook on Sale

Do not miss the opportunity to order the Ridge View 20th Anniversary School Yearbook for $45! The price includes a hard bound color yearbook and a DVD video highlight. The deadline to place an order is Friday, February 6th. Place an order now. You may extend your payment by making a deposit as you place the order. The full payment is due by Friday, May 1, 2015. To purchase a 2014-2015 yearbook, you may:

1. Order online at http://ybpay.lifetouch.com. The RVHS yearbook code is 10274115.
2. Complete the yearbook form located on the RVHS website at http://goo.gl/Y0f2dY.

You may contact Leslie High-Washington at (803) 699-2999, ext. 385 or 363, or by e-mail at lhigh@richland2.org.

Apply for Sparkleberry Country Fair Scholarships

Calling all high school seniors! It's time to apply for the Sparkleberry Country Fair Scholarship.  Please see your Guidance Counselor or our Career Specialists, Ms. Barnes or Mr. Butler for an application.  You can also download the application by clicking on the image.  The deadline to apply is Friday, February 20, 2015.  Last year, 20 seniors were awarded $1,000 college scholarships. Money for the scholarships comes from the proceeds from the Sparkleberry Fair.

ACADEMICS: What is the Institute for Health Sciences?

Students working on Body Systems Maniken

The Institute for Health Sciences is an RVHS magnet program designed to provide learning opportunities and real world experiences in health science-related fields through a rigorous academic program enriched with interactive experiences based on the nationally recognized Project Lead The Way. The Institute is divided into two programs. The BioHealth Sciences for highly achieving honor students preparing to become medical professionals while the Allied Health Sciences program is geared toward motivated college preparatory and honor students interested in the health sciences community. Both programs offer students an opportunity to earn dual credit for seminar classes through Clemson University. For more information, contact Mrs. Jennifer McLeod, Magnet Director, at jmcleod@richland2.org or visit their webpage.

ACADEMICS: Dual Credit Classes at The View

Did you know that Midlands Tech teaches dual credit courses here at The View. Students taking these dual credit courses earn one high school credit and three hours of college credit. Student must receive a qualifying score on the ASSET test prior to registering for these classes. These courses are free with the exception of purchasing a textbook and are taught by a Midlands Tech professor here at Ridge View during 6th and 7th periods two days per week. Students must be juniors or seniors to take these courses. Courses offered include:

• ENG 101 - English Composition
• ENG 102 - English Composition 2
• HIS 201 - American History to 1877
• HIS 202 - Americna History From 1877 to Present
• PSC 201 - American Government
• SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology
• PSY 101 - General Psychology
• CRJ 101 - Introduction to Criminal Justice

REMINDER: End of Course Exams

End of Course (EOC) testing for semester-long Biology and English 1 classes will take place on January 6th and 8th after we return from the holiday break. These tests will count as the students final exam, and will count as 20% of their final grade. Students taking these exams have been given review work to complete over the winter break. Students will need to bring their chromebooks and chargers for their test.

ACADEMICS: the Sophomore 12-2-2

The Sophomore 12 - 2 - 2 is what it takes for sophomores to advance to their junior year. Sophomores need to earn a total of 12 credits with two credits in English and two credits in Math for them to advance to junior status. Whereas we hope that you pass all of your classes, the 12 - 2 - 2 is the minimum requirement. Sophomores, are you doing all that you can to successfully advance to your junior year? Remember, exams are right around the corner.

ATHLETICS: Athletic Department Website

Are you looking for more information about Ridge View High athletics? Please check out our Athletics Department website by clicking the image.

REMINDER: First Semester Exam Schedule

First semester exams will be administered from Monday, January 12th through Thursday, January 15th. There will be NO LATE START on Wednesday, January 14th. Please click on the image to see the full exam schedule. 

ACADEMICS: The Freshman 5-1-1

The Freshmen 5 - 1 - 1 is what it takes for freshmen to advance to their sophomore year. Freshmen need to earn a total of 5 credits with one credit in English and one credit in Math for them to advance to sophomore status. Whereas we hope that you pass all of your classes, the 5 - 1 - 1 is the minimum requirement. Freshmen, are you doing all that you can to successfully advance to your sophomore year? Remember, exams are right around the corner.

ACADEMICS: What is the Scholars Academy?

The Scholars Academy is a humanities based magnet program at RVHS. Students are encouraged to pursue advanced courses in all disciplines in order to be competitive for admissions into highly selective colleges and universities. Scholars students complete their course of study with an average of 7-10 advanced placement courses, which can result in earning college credit. For more information, contact Mrs. Nicole Walker at nwalker@richland2.org or visit the Scholars Academy Magnet website by clicking HERE. You can also follow the Scholars Academy on Twitter @RVHSScholars.

Credit Requirements for a High School Diploma

Are you aware of the credit requirements for earning a South Carolina High School Diploma? A student must earn a total of twenty-four units of credit. The unit requirements are as follows:

• Computer Science (including Keyboarding) - 1 Credit
• Economics - 1/2 a Credit
• Electives - 7 Credits
• English Language Arts - 4 Credits
• Foreign Language or Career and Technology Education - 1 Credit
• Mathematics - 4 Credits
• Physical Education or Junior ROTC - 1 Credit
• Science - 3 credits
• Social Studies Elective - 1 Credit
• U.S. Government - 1/2 a Credit
• U.S. History and the Constitution - 1 Credit

ACTIVITIES: Canned Goods Sculpture Contest Winners

As part of the Winter Wishes service project, student groups at The View took part in the Canned Goods Sculpture Contest in support of Harvest Hope Food Bank on November 13th. Groups were tasked with donating at least 100 cans, and using those cans to create a sculpture that must connect Ridge View to the Winter Wishes project, or its theme of Disney's Frozen. First place was awarded to the Scholars Academy, second place to the German Club, and 3rd place to the BioHealth/Allied Health Magnets. Thank you to everyone who participated. Come on by the Main Hallway to see all of the sculptures on exhibit.

ACTIVITIES: Mother & Daughter Tea

ACTIVITIES: What is Student Activities?

Student Activities provides opportunities for students to demonstrate excellence in leadership, promotes the desire to serve others, and fosters a sense of community within the school. Student Activities is responsible for Student Council, Clubs, Homecoming, PEP Rallies, and many special events. The next big event is Cominghome Week, which will take place from January 26th through the 3oth. More specific information on the events of Cominghome will be provided in the future. Ms. Michelle Goings is our Student Activities Director and may be contacted at (803) 699-2999 ext. 538 or at mgoings@richland2.org. You can also follow what is going on in Student Activities through these social media sites:

• Facebook: like Ridge View StuCo
• Twitter: follow @RidgeViewStuCo
• Instagram: ridgeviewstuco
• Vine: rv stuco
• Website: Click image above

ARTS: Harrison & Elves Spreading Holiday Cheer

On the last day of school before our holiday break, Mrs. Harrison and her elves were out and about spreading their holiday cheer. Ridge View hopes everyone is enjoying their holiday break.

COMMUNITY: Thanks to Those Who Helped Blazers in Need

The Ridge View's Social Work Office would like to thank everyone who has helped those in need this holiday season. Below is a break-down of Ridge View students and families that have received help this year.

• Christmas gifts to 5 families including 6 adults & 21 students.
• Christmas gifts to 5 unaccompanied youths by Living Springs Lutheran Church (see picture).
• Christmas gifts to 8 foster students.
• Christmas dinner for 9 families including 10 adults & 36 students.
• Banana boxes of canned foods to 10 families including 10 adults & 42 students.
• Two weeks of groceries for 2 families including 2 adults & 12 students.

Blazer Brings the Joy of Reading to Children

While Athletic Trainer Mike Crook's wife, one of our business partners, was busy speaking to one of our Media Specialists, Senior Dalvon Watson saw one of their children walking around with a book, so he stopped to read the book to their children. This picture captures how wonderful our students are here at Ridge View. The editors of At The View wanted to share it with you on this special day. To Dalvon Watson and all of our wonderful students, enjoy your holiday break and we look forward to your return.

ATHLETICS: Spring Sports

The following spring sports will be offered at Ridge View: Baseball, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Track & Field, Boys Golf and Boys Tennis. Please visit our athletics web page by clicking the image for practice starting dates and more information. All athletic participants need a physical dated after April 1, 2014, a concussion form, parent consent and an information sheet. These forms need to be completed and on file with our Athletic Trainer, Mr. Crook (jcrook@richland2.org). You will also need a copy of your birth certificate on file with our Athletic Director, David Gordon (dgordon@richland2.org). There is a one-time fee of $25 per year for each student-athlete, payable once final selections for each team have been made. If a student-athlete paid this fee in the fall or winter, you will not have to pay this again to participate in a spring sport.

COMMUNITY: Girl Talk and Boy Talk

Group members at various 
functions over the last year.

Girl Talk and Boy Talk are free after school programs for teens operated by Christ Teens, but held at Ridge View High School on Tuesday's from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm in room B-34. Come on by for free food, lots of fun and fellowship. 

Facilities Upgrade Update

At the December 9th School Board Meeting, Jack Carter, Richland School District Two's Executive Director of Operations, presented an update to the board on the status of ongoing facilities upgrades at Ridge View. Contractors should begin installing artificial turf on the game field soon, and work is scheduled to be completed at the end of February. Design work  for lighting the field is complete, and installation is scheduled to start once the turf installation is complete. Design work on the renovations to the auditorium and media center continues. The district anticipates bidding that job in late March and starting work in June.

Help PTSO Raise Funds To Accomplish Goals

This year the PTSO is excited to announce our new hassle-free fundraiser, SHOPAROO! Nationwide over 10,000 schools are already earning thousands of dollars through Shoparoo; and it is a great opportunity for us to really make a difference.

Shoparoo is fundraising made easy.  Everyone shops; and most people have smartphones. Pictures of your shopping receipts become cash donations for our school with the free Shoparoo app.  The great thing is all shopping receipts count.  Yes, it is that simple.  SHOP! SNAP!  EARN!  For downloading information, click on the image.

RVHS Social Media Outlets

Aside from AT THE VIEW Daily, Ridge View High utilizes other social media outlets such as Facebook, Flickr, Google+, Twitter, YouTube, Our Feed, and the RVHS Website. Click on the icons below to view our other social media sites.

      

ACADEMICS: Scholars Director Published

Scholars Academy Director Nicole Walker recently published "Beyond the Sticky Note and Venn Diagram: Comprehension Strategies for the 21st Century" in the December 2014 issue of Voices in the Middle, a National Council of Teachers of English publication. This article introduces, illustrates, and considers a variety of free or inexpensive online resources which can be used to deepen student comprehension of literature and to facilitate comprehension-oriented cognitive reading strategies.

ACADEMICS: End of Course Exams

End of Course (EOC) testing for semester-long Biology and English 1 classes will take place on January 6th and 8th after we return from the holiday break. These tests will count as the students final exam, and will count as 20% of their final grade. Students taking these exams have been given review work to complete over the winter break. Students will need to bring their chromebooks and chargers for their test.

School Board Approves 2015-2016 Calendar

At the December 9th School Board Meeting, the board voted to approve the proposed calendar for the 2015-2016 school year. Potential dates for half-days at elementary and middle schools will be presented to the board in February or March 2015. Click on the image to access the approved calendar.

ACADEMICS: Human Body Systems Class Builds Brains

Left: Deon Wallace and Angelo Luna; Right: Sydney Swann

As part of the Human Body Systems class, BioHealth and Allied Health sophomores have built a representation of the brain and central nervous systems on their manikens using clay. Students study the different regions of the brain and then mapped out the different functions of these regions.

REMINDER: First Semester Exam Schedule

First semester exams will be administered from Monday, January 12th through Thursday, January 15th. There will be NO LATE START on Wednesday, January 14th. Please click on the image to see the full exam schedule. 

ACADEMICS: Eisenstein Mentors Scholars Research 1 Class

The Scholars Academy Research 1 class was fortunate enough to visit with Dr. Ann Eisenstein of the University of South Carolina's psychology department. Eisenstein, a noted YA author and practicing psychologist, spoke with the students about issues related to their advocacy project called Untie the Knot, an examination of factors that affect students' mental health state. She has agreed to serve as a mentor for the duration of their project. We are incredibly grateful for this partnership! 

ACTIVITIES: Blaze Defined Video

Ridge View's award winning step team, Blaze Defined, performed at the recent Bojangles' Bash Basketball Showcase at RVHS. If you were unable to attend, click on the image to view some footage of their show. 

ACADEMICS: Stinney Ruling Vacated

The Scholars Academy Junior Class has been working over the last year on an advocacy project involving the George Stinney case. The judge in the case vacated the ruling in the Stinney case this past Wednesday. Congratulations to our Scholars students on helping the Stinney family bring awareness to this case. Click on the image to read the story posted on WISTV.

ATHLETICS: Blazer Rangers Rifle Team Wins Big

File Photo (L-R): Joseph Guider, Zacori Ross, Justin
Turrentine, Nichelle Rodriguez & Tatiana LeGrand

On Saturday, November 22nd, the Blazer Rangers Rifle Team completed the  Greater Midlands Drill and Rifle Team League season with a stunning victory in the Championship event held at Blythewood High School.  The following Cadets brought home trophies in the following competitions: Top Individual Prone - 1st: Tatiana LeGrand, 2nd: Zacori Ross & 3rd: Justin Turrentine; Top Individual Standing - 1st: Zacori Ross & 2nd: Tatiana LeGrand; Top Individual Kneeling - 1st: Zacori Ross, 3rd: Nichelle Rodriguez & 4th: Tatiana LeGrand; and Overall Individual Position - 1st: Zacori Ross, 2nd: Tatiana LeGrand & 3rd: Justin Turrentine. As a team, the Blazer Rangers placed first in the following areas: Top Team Prone, Top Team Standing, Top Team Kneeling, & Top Team Overall. Congratulations Blazer Rangers!

ATHLETICS: Daley Visits Children at Shriners Hospital

Senior Dennis Daley has been practicing for the Shrine Bowl in Spartanburg, SC this week in preparation for Saturday's game pitting North Carolina's All-stars versus South Carolina's. However, the players took a break from practice to visit with children at the Shriners Hospital. Click on the image to see some pictures of Dennis. He is in pictures 8-10 and 21-22. 

Happy Holidays and Vacation Dates

As we embark on our holiday break, we would like to wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday break. We would also like to thank everyone for a great 2014, and we look forward to your return in 2015. Ridge View will be closed for the holidays from December 20th to January 4th. Our doors will re-open with warm hearts on Monday, January 5, 2015.

ATHLETICS: JV Wrestlers Place at Sting Tournament

L-R: Zachary Reed, DeJuan Wallace
& Hillary Onyango

Congratulations to the following wrestlers for placing at the Irmo JV/MS Sting Wrestling tournament over the weekend: DeJuan Wallace (1st Place at 220 lbs.), Zachary Reed (2nd Place at 80 lbs.), and Hillary Onyango (3rd Place at 106 lbs.).

ACADEMICS: December Students of the Month

On December 15th, we celebrated the achievements of our December Students of the Month with a pizza lunch and distributed certificates of achievement. Congratulations to the following students: Desiree Alford (AVID), Ashlyn Anderson (Math), Matthew Bigg (BioHealth Magnet), Jessica Cousar (English), Grant Eastman (JROTC), Mariana Frederick (JROTC), Dana Fulmore (Science), Devin Holder (CATE), Tori Huey (Social Studies), Joann Huynh (World Languages), Shantell Johnson (Math), Arica Lunnon (English), LaNaya Martin (Allied Health Magnet), Kayla McVay (CATE), Nate Meadows (Fine Arts), Natalia Navarro (Science), Nichelle Rodriguez (Fine Arts), Martin Scott (Physical Education), Patrick D. Smith (Blazer Academy), Courtney Squirewell (Social Studies), Madison Stone (Health), Kiana Sweatt (Scholars Academy), Aaron Walker (CAT), Lanaysia Wilds (School for the Arts), and Adjoray Yed (World Languages).

RVHS 20th Anniversary Yearbook on Sale

Do not miss the opportunity to order the Ridge View 20th Anniversary School Yearbook for $45! The price includes a hard bound color yearbook and a DVD video highlight. The deadline to place an order is Friday, February 6th. Place an order now. You may extend your payment by making a deposit as you place the order. The full payment is due by Friday, May 1, 2015. To purchase a 2014-2015 yearbook, you may:

1. Order online at http://ybpay.lifetouch.com. The RVHS yearbook code is 10274115.
2. Complete the yearbook form located on the RVHS website at http://goo.gl/Y0f2dY.

You may contact Leslie High-Washington at (803) 699-2999, ext. 385 or 363, or by e-mail at lhigh@richland2.org.

New Products for Sale in Blazerville

There are two new items for sale in the Blazerville school store that would be perfect gifts for the holidays. We have a purple Haynes light weight sweatshirts for only %15 (sizes S to 2XL), and a purple Haynes hooded sweatshirt for $25 (sizes S to 2XL). The store is open everyday during lunch. 

College & Career Center News

Join us in room B-58 today for a lunch chat with Ms. Fennell about the University of South Carolina. Here are a couple of important reminders:

• The deadline for signing up for the January 24th SAT is December 29th.
• The deadline to sign up for the February 7th ACT is January 9th. 

ACADEMICS: Magent Biometrics Project

L-R: Mindy Behney, Kimberly Bell & Miriam Tisdale

The use of biometrics for fingerprint scanning, voice recognition, DNA analysis, etc. is becoming more and more commonplace. Biometrics are now used everyday from thumb scanners on cell phones to thumb scanners for entry into Disney World. BioHealth and Allied Health sophomores recently designed and presented security plans for hypothetical customers based on biometrics. 

ATHLETICS: Blazer Rangers Excel in Postal Match

L-R: Joseph Guider, ZaCori Ross, Justin Turrentine,
Nichelle Rodriguez & Tatiana LeGrand

Congratulations to the Blazer Rangers on their spectacular performance in the JROTC Postal Competition consisting of 6,931 individual competitors. This is an annual competition open to all JROTC units worldwide in which rifle teams shoot at their own schools and then mail the results in to be scored. Our Blazers placed 1st in the Team Overall Sporter Class 4th Brigade JROTC division out of 55 teams, and 3rd Place Overall in the Army Sporter Class out of 228 teams. Additionally, the following cadets placed in the top 1% of JROTC competitors in the world:  ZaCori Ross (19th), Tatiana LeGrand (50th), and Justin Turrentine (69th). Also, Nichelle Rodgriguez placed in the top 5% of all competitors. Congratulations Blazer Rangers!

ACADEMICS: First Semester Exam Schedule

First semester exams will be administered from Monday, January 12th through Thursday, January 15th. There will be NO LATE START on Wednesday, January 14th. Please click on the image to see the full exam schedule. 

PTSO Fundraiser - Shoparoo

This year the PTSO is excited to announce our new hassle-free fundraiser, SHOPAROO! Nationwide over 10,000 schools are already earning thousands of dollars through Shoparoo; and it is a great opportunity for us to really make a difference.

Shoparoo is fundraising made easy.  Everyone shops; and most people have smartphones. Pictures of your shopping receipts become cash donations for our school with the free Shoparoo app.  The great thing is all shopping receipts count.  Yes, it is that simple.  SHOP! SNAP!  EARN!  For downloading information, click on the image.

ATHLETICS: Wrestling to take on Cardinal Newman

On Thursday, December 11th, the RVHS Wrestling team went 1-1 on the night against Augusta Christian and Hammond. The Blazers record is now 5-5. Come on out and support your Blazers as they take on Cardinal Newman on the road tonight.

Senior Superlatives Deadline Friday

The deadline to make nominations for senior superlatives for the yearbook is Friday, December 19th. Go to http://goo.gl/OMrzPj to submit your nominations.