SIC Finishes as Finalist in Riley Award

Our School Improvement Council was named one of five finalists for the Riley Award for SIC Excellence for their accomplishments in parent and civic engagement. On Saturday, March 22nd, our SIC attended the SC-SIC Annual Meeting. The SIC did not win the Riley Award, but they did get the opportunity to present and let everyone across the state know about the wonderful students and programs at The View. We would like to thank our parents, especially Amelia McKie, Angie Poore, Cheryl Worrell, and Sonja Hawkins, for their time, hard work, and dedication to Ridge View.

Pictured (L-R): James Manning (Vice Chairman, RSD2 Board), Amelia McKie,
Brenda Mack-Foxworth, Sonja Merriwether-Hawkins, Cheryl Worrell, & Angela Poore

WISTV Story About Eliza & Sanfilippo Syndrome

Eliza O'Neill

Want to learn more about Eliza and Sanfilippo Syndrome? Check out the WISTV story Film crew documents family's journey to find a cure for their daughter with rare disorder by clicking the image on the right.

Don't forget about "Rebel Against...Sanfilippo" Dance Party to benefit San Filippo research. It will be held in the our gym on April 4th from 6 pm to 12 am.  Please click the image on the right for more information concerning this service project.

ARTS Focus: Chorus Earns Superior Rating

Congratulations to the Advanced Chorus for earning a Superior rating for their performance on March 27th at the South Carolina big 16 Choral Festival at River Bluff High School. The students have worked very hard in preparing for this event. Way to go Blazers!

ACADEMICS Spotlight: Magnet 10th Graders Present Research

Nicholas Creticos (left) & Gabriel Christian present
their results.

BioHealth and Allied Health Sciences Magnet sophomores just finished a research project in their Human Body Systems class in which they investigated how various phenomena affect reaction time. The students had to research reaction time, design and carry out their experiment, and communicate their results verbally and in writing. The students did a phenomenal job with designing effective methodologies, reducing error, and drawing and analyzing conclusions based on raw data. Congratulations to these magnet students on successfully completing this project.

HSAP Approaching!!!

The High School Assessment Program (HSAP), also known as the "Exit Exam", will be administered April 1st through 3rd.  Students must pass all parts of HSAP in order to qualify for a South Carolina high school diploma.  The test will be given to all 2nd year high school students, and to any 3rd and 4th year student who is new to the state and has not taken it before, or has previously been unsuccessful on any portion of the test.  If your student is testing, it is important that he or she be here.  Parents, please try to avoid scheduling any appoimtments during this time as this is a very important test; and we would like for your student to do his/her best.  Students who need to test were informed of the fact, and were given their testing locations, on Friday, March 28th.  Also, because of HSAP testing, we will not have Late Start on Wednesday April 2nd.  

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Marlon Thomas (mthomas@richland2.org) or Melissa Myers (mmyers@richland2.org) at 803.699.2999 ext. 625.

ACTIVITIES Bulletin: Need a Tuxedo for Prom

Guys, have you ordered your tuxedo yet for the prom? If not please take note that we are offering an AMAZING opportunity for you to order your tux right here at school! Craig Reagin Clothiers will be here from 10 am to 2 pm  on Thursday, April 3rd and Friday, April 4th to take your tuxedo order. You will need at least a $50 non-refundable deposit to hold your order (cash, credit, debit or check). The company will return on Wednesday, April 23 to receive the remaining balance on your order as well as to deliver your tuxedo. They will come back to school on Monday, April 28th to pick up all the tuxes!

ATHLETICS Highlight: Cheerleading Tryouts Set

Are you interested in becoming a Blazer Cheerleader. If so, tryouts are scheduled for April 21-24. There will be a mandatory parent meeting on April 9th at 6:30 pm in the Big Gym. Click image on the left for more information and the documents necessary to tryout.

COMMUNITY: Summer Work Program for Graduating Seniors

WIA Youth Programs presents Summer Work and Beyond for graduating seniors. The program offers 6 weeks of summer employment with one week of work readiness training. Students will be paid $7.25 an hour for up to 30 hours of work per week. Representatives will be at Ridge View on April 2nd at 10 am to share information and give out applications for the program. Seniors who are interested should see Ms. Barnes in the College and Career Center to sign up. Click the image above for more information.

ACTIVITIES Bulletin: R2TV Features Rebel Against...Sanfilippo

Beta Club Advisors, Ms. Paige Fennell and Ms. Agnes Knox, were interviewed by R2TV to discuss Rebel Against...Sanfilippo, and Eliza's fight against Sanfilippo. View the interview by clicking the image on the righ and join the cause TODAY!

Blazer Dyneise Conner-Johnson Acts in Film

Blazer Senior Dyneise Conner-Johnson was featured in an inspirational stage play, Yesterday is Still Gone...Or Is It? written and directed by Tangie Beaty and Donna Johnson of Columbia. Dyneise played the role of Tasha, who is trying to find out one of the biggest secrets of the play. It was recently picked up by a national distribution company, Maverick Engertainment, and is now avalable for purchase online at Amazon (click the image below) and at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and other stores. Congratulations Dyneise!

Richland Two Accepted Into League of Innovative Schools

Digital Promise, a national, independent nonprofit organization authorized by Congress to accelerate innovation in education, announced Richland School District Two as one of nine new members accepted into the League of Innovative Schools, a national coalition of school districts and educational agencies that both a professional learning network and an incubator for innovative educational practices. The League brings together educators, researchers, and entrepreneurs to demonstrate, evaluate, and replicate promising ideas, with the goal of improving student achievement. For more information, click the image on the left to read the full news release.

JROTC Cadets Assist Youth on Walk to School Day

On March 12th, the JROTC cadets of the Blazer Battalion joined the young children from the Center for Inquiry in celebrating the S.C. Spring Walk to School Day on March 12th. Cadets provided leadership and safety for the young children as they began their day in the dark preparing to cross the very busy Summit Parkway during morning rush hour. Cadets ensured all the children were able to safely get to school on a cool and rainy day.

L-R: Joseph Rivers, Marcel Boatwright, Breanna Brock,
Jasmine Roberts, Jordan Moton, and Kayla Anstey

REMINDER: No Late Start on Wednesday, April 2nd

Due to HSAP testing on April 1-3, there will be no late start on Wednesday, April 2nd. Students will report to first period, or to their scheduled testing location, at 8:40 am on April 2nd.

REMINDER: Rebel Against...Sanfilippo Dance Party

Have you signed up for the "Rebel Against...Sanfilippo" Dance Party to be held on April 4th from 6 pm to 12 am in a carnival like atmosphere. The goal is to raise $5,000 to fund research to cure this disease. All donations will benefit the CURE Sanfilippo Foundation, as part of Team Eliza. Beta Club is challenging each club, organization, athletic team, and department to form at least one team of four to help raise funds. Registration is only $20 per team and includes admission into the dance party. You can also purchase individual tickets for $5. If you cannot attend, we are more than happy to accept donations to support Eliza and her family. Please click the image to the right for more information concerning this service project.

ACTIVITIES Bulletin: Eat Wings Raise Funds on Friday

Come on out to Buffalo Wild Wings on Two Notch Road any time on Friday, March 28th as the Sophomore Class is hosting Eat Wings Raise Funds, where 10% of the food sales we bring in will be donated to the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation and Team Eliza! We appreciate your support for this worthwhile cause.

ARTS Focus: Winter Guard Wins State Title

The Ridge View High School Winter Guard received Gold Medals and were named State Champions in the Class "Scholastic A" in the South Carolina Band Directors Association's State Championships last weekend. The group's final competition will be on March 29th as they compete with groups from North Carolina and South Carolina in the Carolina Winter Ensemble Association's Championships. Congratulations on your state title Blazers and good luck this weekend.

REMINDER: Snow Makeup Day Tomorrow

This is a reminder that school will be in session tomorrow, Friday, March 28th, as one of our snow makeup days. Classes will begin at the normally scheduled times.

ATHLETICS Highlight: Simpson Signing Covered on SCRunners

John Olsen of SCRunners published an interview with Ridge View's Taylor Simpson regarding his signing a letter of intent to run Cross Country and Track & Field at South Carolina State. You can read the transcript from the interview by clicking HERE.

ATHLETICS Highlight: Simpson Signs With S.C. State

Congratulations to Taylor Simpson, who signed a letter of intent to attend S.C. State University on a Cross Country and Track & Field Scholarship. On hand for the signing was his mother, Merelen Simpson, Principal Brenda Mack-Foxworth, A.D. David Gordon, and Coach Brian Rosefield. Taylor's father, Jason Simpson, could not be present because he is currently deployed with the military, but he was able to see Taylor sign via Skype. Congratulations Taylor!

ACADEMICS Spotlight: H.I.R.E. Donates to Animal Shelter

On March 12th, Ms. Turnipseed and her H.I.R.E. students visited the William Crowe Animal Shelter in Camden. This is a no kill shelter that the H.I.R.E. students have sponsored for over 5 years. They delivered over 110 pounds of dog and cat food, 8 bags of treats, doggy potty pads, warm blankets and towels. These supplies were donated by the class, faculty, staff and students of Ridge View. The class will continue to sponsor the shelter for the rest of the year, and will happily accept additional donations, which can be dropped off in room G8. 

ACTIVITIES Bulletin: Student Council Election Results

Last week, the Ridge View Student Body voted to elect the 2014-2015 Student Council Officers. Click the image on the left to see the full slate of elected Student Council Officers. At The View would like to congratulate all of these students on their successful campaigns.

COMMUNITY: Midlands Tech Senior Day

Friday, March 28th is one of Midlands Tech Senior Days. Spend one of your senior days @ MTC. MTC will waive the application fee, give you a campus tour, provide information on financial aid, placement testing and other services that MTC has to offer. Click the image below to register and for more information.

ACADEMICS Spotlight: Magnet Students Compete at SC HOSA

Pictured above from left to right: Akire Hoots, Marie Arnold, Erin Walker, Bria Dantzler, Savannah Talledo, Sundas Hussain, and Danielle Worrell

On March 12th-14th, BioHealth and Allied Health Magnet students competed at the State Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) competition. Magnet students competed against other South Carolina students in categories of biotechnology, veteranerian medicine, creative problem solving, extemperaneous poster, forensic science, and prepared speaking. Bria Dantzler won 1st place in Biotechnology. Akire Hoots won 2nd in Creative Problem Solving. Danielle Worrell was named by HOSA Advisors as Outstanding HOSA Member for 2013-2014. Danielle Worrell also received the Barbara James Scholarship from State HOSA for $1,000. Savannah Talledo placed in the top five in prepared speaking. Bria Dantzler and Akire Hoots will be competing at the National HOSA Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida in June.

COMMUNITY: Spring For STEM Camp

Are you enrolled in the 7th – 12th grade and interested in designing a product out of recycled goods (milk crates), printing in 3D, developing a business plan, and marketing your product to a panel of judges? Then this camp is for you! 

For more information or to apply visit, click the image on the right.  The Application Deadline is March 28, 2014. 

ARTS Focus: Chorus Students Earn High Marks at Festival

Ridge Views Chorus students performed at the First Annual ACDA Choral Festival at Spring Valley High School on March 14th. The General Chorus received an EXCELLENT rating for their performance while the Advanced Chorus received a SUPERIOR rating. The Advanced Chorus was also the top scoring choir at the festival. The chorus students are instructed by Mrs. Erin Phillips. Congratulations Blazers on a fantastic job!

ACTIVITIES Bulletin: SMOOTH Movement Attends Leadership Institute

Members of Ridge View's SMOOTH Movement club attended the African American Male Leadership Institute at Midlands Technical College - Airport Campus on Friday, May 21st. The theme for this conference was "Growing from the inside out: the return on your investment." The keynote speaker was retired Major General Abraham Turner.

AT THE VIEW: Fall Newsletter Review

For your enjoyment, AT THE VIEW has produced a special edition newsletter which compiles Ridge View's 2013 Fall events and happenings! Please click on the following link to access the newsletter:  AT THE VIEW (Fall 2013) or you may also view it and other news on Ridge View's website. Thank you and happy reading!

ACADEMICS Spotlight: Clemson Visits Chemistry Classes

Dr. Maynes' Honors Chemistry classes enjoyed a semi-annual visit from Dr. Bob Bowen, the Director of Recruitment for the College of Engineering and Science, and the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Clemson University. Dr. Bowen conducted demonstrations in the field of Materials Science such as the making of plasma (or "the sun in a microwave"), the principle behind the disposable diaper, the technology behind resorbable vein and artery matrices, the fiber engineering of dialysis, the design and materials for replaceable body joints, and the manipulation of light with rare earth elements to make cars "smarter" and safer.

Left: Dr. Bowen showing polyester veins & arteries. Right: Dr. Bowen &
Keva Jones make resorbable veins from a solution of seaweed, a
technology that may help to solve the issue of rejection of implanted parts.

ACADEMICS Spotlight: Quarter 3 Report Cards Delay

Due to HSAP Testing, Report Cards delivery will be delayed until Friday, April 4th during 3rd period. To serve as a reminder, Quarter 3 ends on March 25th. If you have any questions, please call 803-699-2999. 

AT THE VIEW 2013 Fall Recap

For your enjoyment, AT THE VIEW has produced a special edition newsletter which complies Ridge View's 2013 Fall events and happenings. Please click on the following link to access the newsletter: AT THE VIEW Fall 2013 Recap or you may also view it an other news on the Ridge View Website.

On behalf of all Ridge View students, faculty, staff and administration, we would like to thank you all for your outstanding support during the Fall of 2013.

ACADEMICS Spotlight: March Students of the Month

March Students of the Month

On March 20th, the March Students of the Month students were honored at a Pizza Luncheon for their outstanding academic performance by the various department. "We are so very proud of you all and your commitment to your education," Dr. Maynes said. Dr. Thomas was present on behalf of the Administration and all Ridge View Departments. For a list of the March Students of the Month, please click here. 

Barber/Master Hair Care Informational Meeting Tomorrow

Is your child interested in becoming a Barber or a Master Hair Care Specialist? Ridge View High School has a program that may interest you.  The Barber/Master Hair Care Specialist Program is designed to prepare students to become registered barbers or master hair care specialists.  A parent information meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 25th at 6:30 PM in the Media Center. Mr. Terex Smalls, Master Hair Care Instructor, will present the Master Hair Care Program requirements and curriculum.  A tour of the master hair care lab will be available immediately after the presentation.  If you would like to know more about the parent information meeting and get a copy of the application, please click image above. 

District News: Two Winter Weather Days Forgiven

Richland Two will have school on March 28 and April 21 to make up days missed in January and February. March 28 and April 21 were already designated as make-up days on the district calendar.

Richland Two School Board members voted to forgive the two remaining days missed. The South Carolina state legislature passed a bill allowing school districts to forgive days missed after using any remaining make-up days.

If you have any questions regarding the make-up days, please visit the district website, www.richland2.org, for more information.

ACTIVITIES Bulletin: HOPE Malawi Shirts Pre-order

Shirts for HOPE: Malawi, our spring school wide service project, are now available for pre-order. These short sleeve shirts cost $10. The money is due in Student Activities by Wednesday, April 2. If you are interested in ordering a shirt, please complete the ordering form by clicking the image below.

ACADEMICS Spotlight: HOSA Members Qualify for Nationals

Top Right: Bria Dantzler;  Bottom Right: 
Danielle Worrell; Bottom Left: Courtney Lee, 
Quinton Bankhead, & Akire Hoots; Bottom 
Middle: Jada Williams & Elizabeth Bravo

Ridge View had another successful year at the 2014 South Carolina HOSA Conference and Competition. Twenty-three students attended the conference. The following members qualified for the National HOSA Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida on June 25-29th: Bria Dantzler (1st in Biotechnology); the team of Quinton Bankhead, Akire Hoots and Courtney Lee (2nd in Creative Problem Solving); Elizabeth Bravo (3rd in Medical Assisting); and Jada Williams (3rd in Physical Therapy). Danielle Worrell was named Outstanding HOSA Member for her leadership by the local chapters in South Carolina.  She also received a $1,000 scholarship from State HOSA for her outstanding scholarship and community service. Click the image on the right to see a complete list of the students who competed and their results. Congratulations on a great year HOSA!

ACTIVITIES Bulletin: Distracted Driving Essay Contest Winners

Pictured L-R: Bryan Parnell, Jazmin Goodwin & Ketyra Hopkins

Congratulations to Bryan Parnell (1st Place), Jazmin Goodwin (2nd Place), and Ketyra Hopkins (3rd Place) for their successful submissions to our Distracted Driving Essay Contest sponsored by AAA, who provided cash prices of $150, $100 and $50 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Congratulations Blazers!

ATHLETICS Highlight: Blazer Track Defeats Irmo

The Blazer track teams competed against Dutch Fork and Irmo on Wednesday, March 19th. Both the boys and girls defeated Irmo, but lost to Dutch Fork. For scores and individual winners, click the image on the right.

ARTS Focus: Blazers Excel State Concert Band Festival

On Wednesday, March 19th, our Symphonic and Concert Bands performed at the State Concert Band Festival, which serves as the state level assessment. Bands can enter Class I (easiest) through Class VI (most difficult). After three prepared works, each band had 6 minutes to prepare for one sight-reading piece. Judges then awarded the bands a rating of poor, fair, good, excellent or superior. Both of our bands entered the Class IV competition. Our Concert Band, which is our second band, received an excellent rating, while our top band, the Symphonic Band, earned a superior rating. Band Director, Vince Clayton, said, "I am so proud of these kids. They gave up time after school to make up for lost rehearsal time due to snow without complaint. They have been dedicated to a commitment of excellence, which we talk about transferring to academics and everything else in life." Way to go Blazers!

ATHLETICS Highlight: Football Receives Grant From Panthers

Members of the football team displaying the pants.

The Blazer Football Program was awarded the Carolina Panthers Uniform Grant courtesy of the Carolina Panthers Community Relations Department. The Panthers have sent Ridge View 150 silver pants that will serve as practice pants for our program.

ATHLETICS Highlight: Drafts Lead Blazers to Golf Victories

Sam Drafts

Congratulations to the boy's golf team on their victory over Lower Richland and Palmetto Athletic Club on Tuesday, March 18th. Sam Drafts led the Blazers to victory against both teams shooting a 43. The team is now 3-0 for the season. Great job Blazers!

ACTIVITIES Bulletin: Yearbook Theme and Cover Contest

Would you like an opportunity to win a free 2014-2015 yearbook by developing a themes and designing the cover for next year's yearbook? The contest is open to all students and faculty/staff members of Ridge View High School. Click HERE for more information.

Joye Law Firm Scholarship

The Joye Law Firm 2014 Scholarship is now open to all 12th grade students in South Carolina that will be attending a four year university. Details of the scholarship contest can be seen by clicking HERE. The deadline for this year is April 1st.

ARTS Focus: Roberts Named Percussion All-Star

Congratulations to Brooke Roberts for being selected to perform in a high school All-Star Percussion Ensemble on the USC Percussion Ensemble concert on Sunday, March 30th as part of Dr. Blake Tyson's guest artist performance with the USC Percussion Ensemble.

No Late Start on Wednesday, April 2nd

Due to HSAP testing on April 1-3, there will be no late start on Wednesday, April 2nd. Students will report to first period, or to their scheduled testing location, at 8:40 am on April 2nd.

COMMUNITY: STEPS Program for the Physically Disable

The S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Evaluation Center is offering a Summer Transition Evaluation Program for Students (S.T.E.P.S), which is a two week program in the summer designed to assess students in a variety of areas and to provide recommendations that will enable them to make a successful transition from school to work and/or post secondary training. This program is for students with physical disabilities or students requiring assistive devices. For more information click HERE.

ACADEMICS Spotlight: Third Quarter Ends March 25th

The end of the third nine weeks grading period is on Tuesday, March 25th. Due to HSAP testing the following week, report cards will be given to students during third period on April 4th.

REMINDER: Rebel Against...Sanfilippo Dance Party

Have you signed up for the "Rebel Against...Sanfilippo" Dance Party to be held on April 4th from 6 pm to 12 am in a carnival like atmosphere. The goal is to raise $5,000 to fund research to cure this disease. All donations will benefit the CURE Sanfilippo Foundation, as part of Team Eliza. Beta Club is challenging each club, organization, athletic team, and department to form at least one team of four to help raise funds. Registration is only $20 per team and includes admission into the dance party. You can also purchase individual tickets for $5 and pre-order a t-shirt for $12. Please click HERE for more information concerning this service project.

REMINDER: Tonight is Parent + Community Art Night

The Parent and Community Art Night will be held tonight, Thursday, March 20th in Art Room 1. It is a drop-in style workshop from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, and is open to the public. There will be ten art making stations set up for gelatin printmaking, an easy and fun medium. We hope to see you there.

ACADEMICS Spotlight: Solicitor Speaks to English IV Class

Assistant Solicitor for Lexington County and former Marine Corps Captain, Micah Caskey, spoke to Mrs. Liggett's English IV Honors class regarding professionalism, resume writing, and interview preparation as an introduction to their career unit. Mr. Caskey gave some excellent tips, which provided a strong foundation for this unit of study. The students thoroughly enjoyed this presentation as witnessed by Senior Mallory Mihelich, who said, "What I found most useful was what of of questions to expect during a potential job interview and also how a resume isn't the same for everyone. It's all about content and how you can make yourself stand out."