ACADEMICS: January Students of the Month

Our January Students of the Month were presented certificates on Thursday by Dr. Maynes on behalf of the Administration. The group was also treated to a pizza party in recognition of their accomplishments. The following students were recognized: Kathleen Arevalo (Social Studies), Oluwatobi Ariyo (Scholars Academy), Leah Atkinson (CAT), Chris Bilski (Physical Education), Sauadia Brownlee (Science), Shelby Carmichael (CATE), Christian Cooper (Science), Emily Davidson (Allied Health Magnet), Ilia Dia (Fine Arts), Josetta Guider (Blazer Academy), Logan Humphries (Bio-Health Magnet), Grace Justice (World Languages), Denise Harris (Social Studies), Victoria Jackson (School for the Arts), Idalis Laureano (English), Michael Lindberg (English), Juana Martinez (World Languages), Chelsea Mayne (Math), Christian McKune (JROTC), Michael Mitchell (AVID), Andrea Queen (Health), Shaunta Saab (Math), Grace Seufer (Fine Arts),  Sydney Swann (CATE), and DeJuan Warren (JROTC). Congratulations Blazers!

REMINDER: Domino's BOGO Cards

The RV Chorus is selling Domino's BOGO cards! You can't beat this...when you buy a large pizza, you get one FREE using this card. You can use it as many times as you want, for as many pizzas as you want until December 2015. Having a party? Use this BOGO car to buy 10 pizzas and get 10 FREE! Each card is only $10. Orders will be taken from Tuesday, January 20th until February 3rd. Cards will be delivered within two weeks of placing the final order. Please see a chorus student or Ms. Phillips in the Chorus room to order a card.

It's Not Too Late To Participate

If you haven't already downloaded the SHOPAROO App and began shopping, snapping, and earning for Ridge View, then start the New Year helping us make a difference.  But to make it more enticing, the RVHS PTSO is sponsoring 3 contests this school year - one for students, a second for faculty/staff, and a third for RVHS clubs, organizations, and booster clubs.  

With the student contest, the grade level with the most points by May 15th will receive a Pizza Party.  The faculty or staff member who has the most points by May 1st will receive a great prize during Teacher Appreciation week.  Finally any RVHS club, organization, or booster club that collects the most points by May 15th will receive an Ice Cream Social .  So start today.  For downloading information, click on the image.

REMINDER: Spaghetti Dinner at Open House

Our Open House will be on Tuesday, February 3rd. The RVHS Band Booster Club will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser that evening. Please click on the image to go to the on-line pre-order form if you would like to eat at the View that evening.

SC Governor's Committee Scholarship Due Today

The South Carolina Governor's Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities is now accepting entries for the 2015 Journalism Contest.  This year's theme is "Expect. Employ. Empower." To be eligible to enter, students must:

• be a South Carolinian 16-19 years old
• have not entered a post-secondary school before March 1, 2015;
• be a high school junior or senior, or otherwise qualified to begin post-secondary education no later than the 2016-17 school year.

Students do not have to have a disability to enter; however they are seeking to encourage more students with disabilities to enter.  The winner of the 2015 Journalism Contest receives a 4-year scholarship to the South Carolina state-supported institution of his/her choice provided, of course, that the winner is otherwise qualified and is in financial need.  Entries must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2015.  Click on the image to view the application and complete details regarding the contest.

ACTIVITIES: Today's Pep Rally Bell Schedule

Due to a Pep Rally at the end of the day, the following is the bell schedule for today. Students will go to the PEP Rally with their 7th period class.

EB: 7:35-8:30

1st: 8:40-9:38

2nd: 9:44-10:34

3rd: 10:30-11:10

4th: 11:16-11:56

Lunch: 11:56-12:32

5th: 12:38-1:18

6th: 1:24-2:04

7th: 2:10-2:50

ARTS: Blazer Band Members Selected for Honor Bands

This past weekend marked the final round of auditions for this year's Honor Bands. Several Blazer Band members were selected for various regional and state bands. Band Director Vince Clayton is "very proud of each of these wonderful musicians." At The View would also like to congratulate the following students:

• USC Band Clinic (February 13-15): Hunter Antwine, Kathleen Arevalo, Jacobi Boyd, Matthew Carter, Emily Davidson, Thomas Drummond, Khalil Gray, Nicholas Guditis, Johnathan Guzman, Morgan Leggette, Terricka Leverett, Andrew Marino, Alexis McAllister, Maggie Mozdzierz, Brooke Redmond, Clarissa Scott, William Sumter, Donoven Tribble, and Amanda Williams
• All-Region Band (February 20-21): Hunter Antwine, Kathleen Arevalo, Matthew Carter, Spencer Creech, Micaela Dixon, Diamond Gaston, Nicholas Guditis, Jonathan Guzman, Kiara Hayes, Terricka Leverett, Andrew Marino, Alexis McAllister, Maggie Mozdzierz,, Tianna Myers, Kevin Seabrook, Jae'la Simmons, Donoven Tribble, Devin Via, Deon Wallace, DeAsia Witherspoon, and Adjoray Yed
• All-State Jazz Band (March 5-7): Thomas Drummond
• All-State Concert Band (March 13-15): Thomas Drummond and Khalil Gray

Open House Scheduled For Tuesday Night

Ridge View's Open House will be held on Tuesday, February 3rd from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. This is a time for teachers to meet and greet parents, as well as time to share instructional goals, expectations, etc. with parents.  If parents want to discuss grades and student behavior with a teacher, they can stop by the guidance office this evening and schedule a parent-teacher conference. We look forward to meeting with you.

New College Information Specialist

Ridge View is proud to introduce Mrs. Dana Aldighieri as our new College Information Specialist.  Ms. Aldighieri originally hails from New England. She transitioned into education through the PACE program 6 years ago with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She began her education career as a Theater Teacher in Kershaw County during which time she earned a Master of Education Degree in Administration with the desire to transition out of the classroom into another educational role. Mrs. Aldighieri is "excited to continue the tradition of excellence [at Ridge View] where students are offered challenging academic course offerings in preparation to attend college and universities."

Mother & Daughter Tea Recap

On Saturday, January 24, 2015, the Young Ladies of Elegance (YLE) Girls Mentoring Group at Ridge View sponsored the 1st Annual Mother and Daughter Tea. The theme of the event was "Keeping the Bond Strong." The mothers and daughters participated in some fun activities, were entertained by the RVHS Chorus, the RVHS Gospel Choir, the singing group Righteous Pearls, and listened to a poem by Brianna Robinson. The keynote speaker was Richland School District Two School Board Member Dr. Monica Elkins-Johnson. She shared with the girls the importance of focusing on their books and for them to always keep an open line of communication between them and their mothers. They were encouraged to never settle for less, but to go after their dreams and never be afraid to be DIFFERENT!

ATHLETICS: New Head Boy's Track Coach

Ridge View is proud to announce the hiring of Warren Eure as the new Head Boy's Track & Field Coach. Eure is a 2001 graduate of Spring Valley High School. During his senior year, Eure was named to the All-State team in the 200 Meter Dash (21.81) and 400 Meter Dash (48.38). Eure later went on to compete in Track & Field at the collegiate level for Clemson University. Welcome to The View Coach Eure! 

ACTIVITIES: Teachers Again Show Blazer Pride

Left: Mrs. Ellen Harrison & Mr. Jeffrey McMicken dress up as each other;
Right: Mr. Upchurch poses with Mr. (or Ms?) Mark Overcash

Here are some RVHS teachers showing their Blazer Pride by taking part in Gender Bender Day as part of Cominghome Week on Wednesday! We also thank the many other faculty, staff and students who participated in this dress up day.

ACTIVITIES: Black History Month Assembly Performers Needed

ACADEMICS: AVID Middle School Students Visit The View

Counselor Jamie Patterson addressing the students

On January 26th, 8th grade AVID students from Kelly Mill Middle School visited Ridge View High School to learn more about all of the programs that our school offers. Principal Dr. Mack-Foxworth welcomed the students with very heartfelt words of wisdom and advice for them as 8th graders, and let them know just how passionate and supportive she is as the principal. Presentations were made highlighting the following RVHS programs: AVID, Blazer Academy, Carolina Alliance for Technology (CAT), Career and Technology Education (CATE), The Institutes for Bio & Allied Health Science, The Scholars Academy, andSchool for the arts. In addition, students also hear from our student council members, Athletic Director David Gordon, school counselors and students from various teams and programs. Their teacher, Mrs. Day, said that the students thoroughly enjoyed their experience at RVHS. We look forward to seeing these students again as they arrive as the Class of 2019.

COMMUNITY: College Art Day 2015

ACADEMICS: National Technical Honor Society Officers

L-R: Andrew Marino, Kierra Jackson, Denise
Daquillanea, & T'Keyah Martin-Jones

The Ridge View Chapter of the National Technical Honor Society is proud to introduce its newly elected officers: President Kierra Jackson, Vice-President Denise Daquillanea, Secretary T'Keyah Martin-Jones, and Treasurer Andrew Marino. Congratulations Blazers!

ACTIVITIES: Blazer Teachers Showing Their Blazer Pride

Here are some RVHS teachers showing their Blazer Pride by taking part in Twin Day as part of Cominghome Week on Tuesday!

Top Left: Mrs. Harrison & Mr. McMicken;
Top Right: Mrs. Porter-Nichols, Mr. Hylton, Mr. Dahl, Mrs. Edouard;
 Bottom Left: Sgt. Cannon & Mr. Overcash;
and Bottom Right: Mrs. Phillips & Ms. Foster.

ACADEMICS: Nutritional Health Class Cooks Healthy Breakfast

Students in Mrs. Strickland's Nutritional Health class concluded the semester by preparing a healthy breakfast. Students participated in every step of the process. They planned the menu, created a shopping list, went to Food Lion to purchase the items, prepared the meal, and enjoyed eating the meal with many of Ridge View's administrators. The menu included wholegrain waffles, fruit salad, eggs and grits.

ACTIVITIES: Yearbook Editor Needed

The RVHS Vanguard staff has an immediate opening for the position of Yearbook Editor. For more information, please see Mrs. High-Washington in room D-85 or C-63. 

RVHS Facilities Upgrade Update

RVHS Game Field

One of the highlights from the January 13th School Board Meeting was an update on facilities at Ridge View. Executive Director of Operations Jack Carter presented an update to the board on the status of ongoing facilities upgrades at Ridge View High School. The update included information about artificial turn on the school's game field, field lighting, design work for Ridge View's auditorium, media center and the school's lockers. Click on the image to view Mr. Carter's presentation, which includes more photographs of the work on the school's game field.

REMINDER: ACE the ACT

Do you want to ACE the ACT? If so, an ACT Workshop will be held on Thursday, January 29th from 8:30-3:30 pm in the Media Center. Students must sign up in D-95. The cost is $35.

Spaghetti Dinner Available at Open House

Our Open House will be on Tuesday, February 3rd. The RVHS Band Booster Club will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser that evening. Please click on the image to go to the on-line pre-order form if you would like to eat at the View that evening.

ACADEMICS: Teacher Cadets Accepting Applications

The Teacher Cadet Program would like to thank Blazer students Winston Hughes, Brianna Baldwin and Alexis Ganoe for painting a Teacher Cadet Mural in the Main Hallway. Teacher Cadets is now accepting applications from any current Sophomore or Junior. It is a Dual Credit college class. Upon successful completion of the class, students will earn 3 hours of credit from our college partner, Newberry College. Anyone interested in becoming a teacher or wanting to learn more about the teaching profession is strongly encouraged to apply. If you have any questions, please see Mr. Tinneny in room B-33. Click on the image for a copy of the Teacher Cadet application.

REMINDER: Tuesday Night Live Coming Soon

The RVHS Sophomore Class is proud to host "Tuesday Night Live (TNL)" on Tuesday, February 10th from 6-7 pm in the RVHS Auditorium. All are welcome to come enjoy this fun, family-oriented event highlighting the talents and humor of our spirited students, faculty and staff. There is a $3 admission fee and concessions will be available. This event will serve as a fundraiser to reduce the cost of the 2016 prom.

REMINDER: 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.

ATHLETICS: Boys Basketball Attend Basic Training

Click on this image for more pictures.

The boys basketball team participated in various physical and mental challenges administered by Drill Sergeants at Fort Jackson on January 21st. The boys toop part in a 5 event competition beginning at 0530 consisting of push ups, pull ups, sit ups, an 800 meter run and a 40 meter run carrying various implements while stressing the importance of teamwork. Following the competition, breakfast was served in the chow hall, and then it was on to Victory Tower where the team was able to repel down a 15 foot and 40 foot wall, cross two rope bridges, commando crawl down a rope and descend a 40 foot cargo net. The team was encouraged to push through the fear that accompanied many of these tasks. We are proud of all the team members and coaches who completed these tasks, and are thankful for SGT Horton, SGT Kim, Drill Sergeant Miller, Drill Sergeant Berry, and the countless others that were involved in making this day one to remember. Hooah!

ACADEMICS: ASSET Test Registration

The ASSET Test for Dual Credit Courses at RVHS and admission into Midlands Technical College will be administered here at Ridge View on Tuesday, February 10th. Please stop by the College and Career Center to pick up a registration form ASAP.

"Making College Affordable" ETV Special

Students and parents may find the ETV special "Making College Affordable" useful. It will appear on January 28th from 7-8 p.m.  Click on the image for more information.

ACTIVITIES: Cominghome Week Dress Up Days

Today kicks off Cominghome Week and that means dress days! The theme for this week is "Battle of the Sexes" and we would love to have everyone's full participation. Here is what is planned for the week:

• Monday: "Red Light, Green Light Day" - Wear red if you are in a relationship, yellow if it's complicated, and green if you are single.
• Tuesday: "Phil and Lil Day" - also known as twin day.
• Wednesday: "Gender Bender Day" - This will also be hat day. Students can donate $1 in order to wear a hat, but students must display the sticker they receive to wear the hat.
• Thursday: "My Other Half" - Dress like your favorite celebrity couple.
• Friday: "Pink or Blue Day" - We will also have a Pep Rally during 7th period.

ARTS: Musical Looking for Elementary/Middle School Talent

Ridge View High School is proud to present Smokey Joe's Cafe' in the Ridge View High School Auditorium on April 29th, 30th, and May 1st. Director Wendi Wimmer is looking for elementary and middle school students who love to sing and dance to join the production. These rising young stars will get their own chance to shine in the musical number Jailhouse Rock! Ms. Wimmer can be contacted at wwimmer@richland2.org. The first rehearsal is Monday, January 26th from 4-5 p.m. Students will rehearse on Mondays through April 20th. There will be no rehearsal on February 16th or March 30th, which are school holidays. Dress rehearsal dates are Monday, April 27th and Tuesday, April 28th. Come on out and help us put on a show, you know you want to Stand By Me!

This Week in the College and Career Center

REMINDER: Ethics & Leadership Seminar Deadline Tomorrow

On Saturday, February 7, 2015, Rick Miller of the West Point Society of Columbia, and Captain (R) Mike Kehoe of the United States Naval Academy Alumni - Midlands, will sponsor an Ethics and Leadership Seminar at Potts Fellowship Hall at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church. Registration begins at 8:30 am, with the seminar running from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. The goal of the seminar is to advance the development of leaders of character who will serve all facets of our community. The seminar objectives are to equip high school students (primarily juniors, but also any other interested students) with the tools to develop as leaders of character, and to provide an atmosphere of collaboration and peer mentorship among the students and the host facilitators. Snacks and lunch will be provided. If interested, please contact First Sergeant Cannon in room B-36 for an application. The deadline is January 26th.

ACADEMICS: National Honor Society Applications Due

"The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students." Ridge View students who are eligible to apply for the NHS have recently been contacted, and those who have attended the informational meeting were given access to the application. Completed applications must be submitted to Mrs. Kailey Collins by Friday, February 6th at 3:35 p.m. If you have any questions about NHS or the application process, please contact Mrs. Collins at kcollins@richland2.org. Best of luck applicants!

ACTIVITIES: Prom Ticket Prices to Increase Next Week

Prom tickets are currently on sale for $35, but will increase to $45 in February, $55 in March, and $65 in April. Buy now to save. Tickets will be sold in the hall outside of the book room on Tuesday's and Thursday's during lunch, and will only be sold to juniors and seniors with a current Ridge View I.D.  If you would like to invite a guest that does NOT attend Ridge View, then you must complete the prom date request form available at the ticket sales table, from Ms. Wimmer (C-76), outside of Student Activities (M-141), or by clicking on the image. Your date must be aged 20 or under at the time of the prom in order to attend. If you have any questions, see Ms. Wimmer (C-76) or Ms. Goings (M-141). The deadline to purchase tickets is April 8, 2015. Tickets needed to be purchased after this date will cost $100 per ticket with no exceptions.

ARTS: Musical looking for Elementary/Middle School Talent

Ridge View High School is proud to present Smokey Joe's Cafe' in the Ridge View High School Auditorium on April 29th, 30th, and May 1st. Director Wendi Wimmer is looking for elementary and middle school students who love to sing and dance to join the production. These rising young stars will get their own chance to shine in the musical number Jailhouse Rock! Ms. Wimmer can be contacted at wwimmer@richland2.org. The first rehearsal is Monday, January 26th from 4-5 p.m. Students will rehearse on Mondays through April 20th. There will be no rehearsal on February 16th or March 30th, which are school holidays. Dress rehearsal dates are Monday, April 27th and Tuesday, April 28th. Come on out and help us put on a show, you know you want to Stand By Me!

ATHLETICS: Wrestling Team Improves to 14-12

The Blazers wrestling team defeated both Heathwood Hall and Orangeburg Prep in wrestling action on Wednesday night to improve their overall record to 14-12 on the season. Congratulations grapplers!

ACADEMICS: Introducing USC Student Interns

Ridge View High School would like to introduce our 2015 Student Interns from the University of South Carolina. Pictured from left to right are William Parr (English), Chris Fieldhouse (Math), Marilyn Maeger (Social Studies), Allyson Ours (Social Studies), Rachel Foster (Chorus), Kinsey Mannion (Music), and Coretta Johnson (Math).

SFA, AVID, & CAT Applications Now Available

If you are a rising 9th or 10th grader and interested in applying to School for the Arts (SFA), AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, CAT (Carolina Alliance for Technology) program, or a combination of any two of these programs, please click on the image to access the Application Process page.  You will find the application and any other forms you will need to apply for one or two of these programs.  The application process will close at midnight on February 10th.

Class of 2015 Hoodie & Sweatpants

Senior beanies are currently on sale, but there are only a few left! They are $15 and can be purchased in B-41. Senior hoodies and sweatpants are on pre-order through February 18th in room B-41. The cost is $25 for each item, or you can buy both for $45.

ATHLETICS: Wrestling Results from Highlanders Duals

The Ridge View Blazers wrestling team competed this past weekend in the Highlanders FCA Duals at Heathwood Hall. The Blazers went 2-3 at the tournament to bring their overall record to 12-12 on the year.

SAVE THE DATE: 20th Anniversary Grand Finale

Ridge View is inviting all alumni (students, faculty, and staff) to celebrate with us.  We are having our Grand Finale: Carousel of Excellence on May 22, 2015.  This event will not only showcase our milestones and accolades during our 20 years, but will also be a time for you to fellowship with your fellow Ridge View Blazers.  We would love to see you, so please place on your calendars.  

We are also celebrating each month and showcasing our monthly celebrations on our 20th Anniversary Facebook page.  Please click on the image, like our page, and share with other RVHS Blazers so that we can spread the news to all Blazers.

ACADEMICS: Returning Textbooks for Completed Classes

Students who had a semester long class that is now finished, need to make sure that they turn in their books to Mrs. Peterson in the Book Room. Students taking the same classes for the second semester need your books. We appreciate your assistance in turning in your books in a timely fashion.

REMINDER: Mother & Daughter Tea Payments Due Today

If anyone is planning to attend the Mother/Daughter Tea this weekend at Ridge View, payment is due today, Wednesday, January 20th. No payments will be accepted at the door because we have to make sure than everyone has something to eat. Tickets are $10 for an individual and $15 for a mother and daughter together. 

ATHLETICS: Off-season Strength and Conditioning

Off season Strength and Conditioning for all 2015 Football Prospects and any RVHS athletes who are not involved in any in-season sport began on December 2nd and will continue to meet after school throughout the school year. All off season athletes are encouraged to attend off season strength and conditioning. After school strength and conditioning meets on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 3:50 pm to 5:15 pm.

Coastal Carolina Field Trip

This is a reminder that if any students are interested in visiting Coastal Carolina University on Friday, January 23rd that you must get a permission form from room D-95. The cost of the trip is $25 and includes lunch. Students will meet at school at 7:15 am on January 23rd and will return to school by 3:30 pm.

Jackson Receives Dream Keeper Scholarship

Blazer Kierra Jackson received the Dream Keeper Scholarship in the amount of $500 for Community Service and Academic Achievement yesterday at the City of Columbia Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration. Congratulations Kierra!

REMINDER: Ethics and Leadership Seminar

On Saturday, February 7, 2015, Rick Miller of the West Point Society of Columbia, and Captain (R) Mike Kehoe of the United States Naval Academy Alumni - Midlands, will sponsor an Ethics and Leadership Seminar at Potts Fellowship Hall at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church. Registration begins at 8:30 am, with the seminar running from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. The goal of the seminar is to advance the development of leaders of character who will serve all facets of our community. The seminar objectives are to equip high school students (primarily juniors, but also any other interested students) with the tools to develop as leaders of character, and to provide an atmosphere of collaboration and peer mentorship among the students and the host facilitators. Snacks and lunch will be provided. If interested, please contact First Sergeant Cannon in room B-36 for an application. The deadline is January 26th.

ACTIVITIES: Tuesday Night Live Set for Feb. 10th

The RVHS Sophomore Class is proud to host "Tuesday Night Live (TNL)" on Tuesday, February 10th from 6-7 pm in the RVHS Auditorium. All are welcome to come enjoy this fun, family-oriented event highlighting the talents and humor of our spirited students, faculty and staff. There is a $3 admission fee and concessions will be available. This event will serve as a fundraiser to reduce the cost of the 2016 prom.

ACADEMICS: Chromebook Commandments

College and Career Center News Reminder

Here is what is happening in the College and Career Center:

• January 23rd: Coastal Carolina Field Trip fro 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. The cost is $25. Sign up in D-95.
• January 29th: ACT Workshop from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm in the Media Center. The cost is $35. Sign up in D-95.
• January 29th: This will be our FINAL "How to Pay for College Night" at 6:30 pm in the Media Center. No sign up necessary, just show up!
• Students are also reminded to complete your FAFSA ASAP at www.FAFSA.ed.gov