ACADEMICS: Students Excel on National Spanish Exam

Congratulations to the following students on their outstanding performance on the National Spanish Examinations. We are very excited and proud of the national achievements of these students.

• Spanish 3 Exam: Hezekiah Branch (Gold), Gregory Hughes (Silver), Sara Duenas (Silver), Micayla Bowen (Bronze), Erin Walker (Bronze) & Jonathan Guzman (Bronze).
• Spanish 4 Exam: Chandler Bailey (Gold), Kathleen Arevalo (Silver), Tianna Myers (Silver), Carlo Milan (Silver), & Justin Gordon (Bronze).
• Spanish 5 Exam: Michael Halbrook (Silver) & Daniel Murray (Bronze).

ACADEMICS: CAT Visits SCANA

On April 22nd, R2i2 sponsored a field study/STEM day at SCANA. Ridge View's Carolina Alliance for Technology (CAT) students were able to attend, and visited the 24/7 building where we learned about the careers offered by SCANA in fields such as Information Services and Technology (IST) and Engineering. This was a fantastic opportunity and our students were able to tour the Data Center and the Mail Operations departments. SCANA had a Co-op Panel with two current interns discussing their duties and expectations. This proved very informational for our students as they look ahead to the career possibilities and the pathways to attain them. We finished the day with a friendly game of STEM FEUD!

ATHLETICS: Ballou Signs with Winthrop

Congratulations to Kelsey Ballou on signing a National Letter of Intent to run Cross Country at Winthrop University in the fall. Ballou has been the Blazers top runner for the last two years. According to Ridge View Coach Brian Rosefield, "Kelsey has been an amazing example of a top-notch student-athlete, maintaining a high GPA during her time at Ridge View while being an extraordinary runner and leader." Check out Coladaily's coverage of the event for more information by clicking on the image. 

Rising Freshmen Orientation Set for May 19th

On Tuesday, May 19th, rising ninth grade students and their parents/guardians are invited to Ridge View High School for an orientation from 6-7 pm. Important information will be discussed such as registration dates, Summer Reading, school materials, fees, lockers, course information, etc. This will also present an opportunity to meet school counselors, ninth grade teachers, athletic coaches, magnet directors, school within school directors, etc. We look forward to meeting with you.

ACADEMICS: A/B Honor Roll Celebration

On April 21st, the School Counseling and College & Career Center recognized the students who made the A/B Honor Roll. Students were given certificates commemorating their achievement. They were also treated to pizza.

Wellness Wisdom #6: Benefits of Working Out

Did you know that working out is one of the fastest ways to clear cortisol, the stress hormone, out of your system and calm a frantic mind? This Wellness Wisdom tip is brought to you by the Ridge View Wellness Council.

ACTIVITIES: JDRF Fundraiser a Huge Success

Last week's JDRF Fundraiser at Ridge View High School raised over $3,100. Many thanks to the generosity of our student body, faculty and staff. Laura Brandon, the representative from the Palmetto Chapter of JDRF, could only talk about how impressed she was with Ridge View, its programs, and its students. A big thank you to Mr. Mark Overcash, Major Gene England and First Sergeant Melton Cannon on organizing the fundraising efforts at Ridge View.

RVHS Facilities Report

Executive Director of Operations Jack Carter presented an update on Ridge View's renovation project at the April 14th Richland Two School Board Meeting. With the artificial turf now installed, the lighting of a practice field will begin shortly. Work on the renovations to the auditorium and media center should begin in June, and lockers near the main entrance will be removed. The update also included information on additional projects. Click on the image for more information.

REMINDER: No Late Start Tomorrow

This is a reminder that due to ACT WorkKeys Testing there will be no late start tomorrow, Wednesday April 29th. Classes will begin at 8:40 am.

ACADEMICS: Career Prep Field Study

On April 17th, Career Prep students from Ridge View and Blythewood spent the day learning about different careers. They started their morning checking through the security line at the Richland County Judicial Center. The students were able to meet with the Honorable Daniel E. Johnson, the 15th Solicitor elected to serve for the Fifth Judicial Circuit of South Carolina, and his prosecutorial team. They learned about how to become a lawyer and how the work load in the solicitor's office is divided by types of crimes committed. They also had the opportunity to learn about the types of crimes that young people are sometimes involved in. To top off their visit, students were treated to a visit by Judge Casey Manning and were invited to witness a bond hearing. During the afternoon, students arrived at Riverbanks Zoo to participate in a tour describing careers with plants and animals. They learned about the wide variety of employment opportunities at the zoo that are tasked with caring for the people, plants, animals, habitats, and facilities. The students learned about the importance of teamwork in keeping the zoo running. After the tour, the students were able to explore the exhibits that they found most interesting.

ATHLETICS: New Field Turf Guidelines

Over the last few years, Ridge View has been the fortunate recipient of facility upgrades such as our new artificial turf field pictured here. However, in an effort to keep these facilities in excellent condition, we ask that you click on the image and read the Artificial Turf Field and Track Guidelines. Thank you for your assistance in preserving the conditions of our facilities.

ARTS: Smokey Joe's Cafe Opens Tomorrow

ATHLETICS: Mandatory Football Parent Meeting Next Week

It's time to start preparing for the 2015 RVHS football season.  Coach Parks is very excited to begin his first season as Head Football Coach and is eager to begin working on strengthening the Blazer program's foundation.  Our student athletes are working hard in the weight room, as well as doing a great job with open season workouts.

There will be a mandatory parent meeting to help kick off Spring football practice on May 5th at 7:00 PM in the RVHS gymnasium.  All rising 9th grade students (i.e. current 8th graders) who are interested in playing Blazer football are encouraged to attend this meeting.  All players need to have their parents in attendance to discuss the upcoming season, team rules, and booster club opportunities.  Parents will also be given spring ans summer football calendars in this meeting.  If you have any questions about the meeting, please email Coach Parks.  Click on the image to access the May Practice Schedule.

Ridge View PTSO Elections

It's time to elect officers for your Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) for the 2015-2016 school year. You do not have to be a member of PTSO to participate in this process. You just have to be committed to the success of Ridge View., and know the names of dedicated volunteers. Offices that are up for election included President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer and Parliamentarian. For more information, click on the image. Remember to email the name and contact information of your nominee(s) to Angela L. Jones at Treandria@gmail.com and Dr. Mack-Foxworth at bmack@richland2.org by May 1, 2015.

Serious Young Writers Workshops

Columbia College is proud to offer the Second Annual "Serious Young Writers Workshops" to female students in grades 6-12 this summer. The workshop for grades 6-8 wil be July 13-17 and the workshop for grades 9-11 will be July 20-24. This is a great opportunity for young, femaile students who self-identify as writers. Through personalized instruction, these young women will take their talents to the next level. The application deadline is May 4, 2015. For more information and the application, click on the image.

Tomorrow is Marble Slab Creamery Night

Come on out and join us for dessert at Marble Slab Creamery tomorrow, Tuesday, April 28th from 5 - 8 pm. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Ridge View's PTSO.

Early Senior Exam Request Due TODAY

Below is the schedule for Senior Exams.  If you want to take your Senior Exam(s) early, your parent must submit a request to Dr. Ellie Muniz TODAY.

ATHLETICS: Boys Golf Defeats Redhawks

Congratulations to the boys golf team for their victory over Westwood on Friday. The Blazers were led by Sam Drafts who shot a 45. Will Lassiter also helped the Blazers shooting a 46, and Theron Sharper chipped in shooting a season best 49 as the team recorded their best team score of the season. Great job guys. Keep up the good work!

Spring Into Action: Haircuts for the Homeless

The Ridge View Student Council and Barbering/Master Haircare Program are partnering for the school's Spring service project, Spring Into Action with Haircuts for the Homeless. Students must sign up for a $5 hair cut with $3 going to the homeless. Click on the image to sign up. Students will be given an appointment time during 1st through 5th period. The Barbering 2 students will be cutting hair for both males and females. Community members are also invited to stop in for a haircut between 2 pm to 4:30 pm on Friday, May 1st. Donations will also be accepted.

The ACT and ACT WorkKeys Administered This Week

This is a reminder that all 3rd year students will take The ACT and ACT WorkKeys on Tuesday, April 28th and Wednesday, April 29th.  There will also be no late start on Wednesday.  Please bring a calculator, some #2 pencils, and your school ID.

Due to the length of The ACT on Tuesday, all 3rd year students will have a later scheduled lunch at approximately 2 PM until 2:43 PM.  STUDENTS WILL BE UNABLE TO LEAVE CAMPUS DURING LUNCH.  In addition to what the cafeteria is offering, we will sell Bojangles meals for $4.00, which will include a chicken sandwich, chips, and a cookie.  Drinks will be provided by Student Council.  Snacks will also be provided during the test break.

SIC Election Information

Leadership is an important ingredient for all successful organizations and the School Improvement Council (SIC) is no exception. Ridge View High School's award winning SIC is a great place to get involved, and if you have experience in SIC leadership or have previously been involved with SIC and wish to become engaged in a leadership capacity, now is the time to act. The offices of SIC Chairperson, SIC Vice Chairperson and SIC Secretary/Recorder will be voted upon at the May 4th SIC Meeting. If you are interested in being considered for any of the three available leadership offices, please submit your name, a brief bio (including a statement as to why you'd like to be considered), and the office for which you wish to be considered, to the principal, Dr. Brenda Mack-Foxworth at bmack@richland2.org. The deadline for submissions is MAY 1, 2015. For more information, click on the image.

Gabrielle "Gabbiee" Swainson Memorial Scholarship

Gabbiee Swainson

Ridge View High School is instituting a memorial scholarship to honor Gabrielle "Gabbiee" Swainson. This scholarship will provide financial assistance to two deserving students to pursue their dreams of earning a college degree. The $300 scholarships will be awarded annually to seniors at Ridge View. Applications will be accepted through May 15th. Deadline extensions will not be granted, and incomplete applications will not be considered or reviewed. For further information, please click on the image.

This Week in the Blazer College Center

ATHLETICS: Mandatory Football Parent Meeting Next Week

It's time to start preparing for the 2015 RVHS football season.  Coach Parks is very excited to begin his first season as Head Football Coach and is eager to begin working on strengthening the Blazer program's foundation.  Our student athletes are working hard in the weight room, as well as doing a great job with open season workouts.

There will be a mandatory parent meeting to help kick off Spring football practice on May 5th at 7:00 PM in the RVHS gymnasium.  All rising 9th grade students (i.e. current 8th graders) who are interested in playing Blazer football are encouraged to attend this meeting.  All players need to have their parents in attendance to discuss the upcoming season, team rules, and booster club opportunities.  Parents will also be given spring ans summer football calendars in this meeting.  If you have any questions about the meeting, please email Coach Parks.  Click on the image to access the May Practice Schedule.

ATHLETICS: Boys Soccer Participates in Big Day Out

Left: Geraldo Bracette (blue shirt);
Right: Nick Goff (yellow shirt)

On April 18th, members of the Ridge View Boys Varsity Soccer team participated in the 2015 Fort Jackson "Big Day Out." They were helping the Army Public Health Nurses encourage kids to have an active lifestyle through the use of sports like soccer. In the 2.5 hours that they were there, more than 40 children came to play.

ARTS: Final Choral Concert of the Year

ARTS: Spring Musical Opens in 4 Days

ATHLETICS: Athletes Participate in Readers Become Leaders

Members of the Ridge View Cross Country and Track & Field teams traveled to Killian Elementary last Friday to participate in their Readers Become Leaders Day. They read to several classes and represented Ridge View well!

ACTIVITIES: Blaze Defined Places 2nd

Congratulations to Blaze Defined, Ridge View's Step Team, for placing 2nd in their division at a competition in North Charleston this past weekend. Their performance was one of the best of the year and truly inspiring. Shania Barksdale sprained her knee on the first step but continued stepping for the remaining nine and half minutes of the show! We are truly proud of their performance.

REMINDER: Sock Drive

Spring Into Action is our school-wide Spring service project to help alleviate homelessness and hunger awareness. One way that we hope to accomplish this is through a sock drive in which we will be collecting socks of all sizes to donate to the Oliver Gospel Mission until May 6th. Community members can drop off donations to the front desk. Students can turn them in to Student Activities.

Early Underclassmen Exam Request Due Next Week

Below is the Exam Schedule for all underclassmen.  Note:  There will be NO Late Start or Exams on Wednesday, June 3rd.  Also, if you need to take one or more of your final exams early, your parents must submit a request to Dr. Ellie Muniz by Friday, May 1st.

Graduation Parking Information

Graduation will take place this year on Wednesday, June 3rd at 8 am at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia. Please click on the image for more information regarding parking for this event.

Richardson Receives Helping Hand Award

L-R: Mr. Stolis, VolunTeen
Station Manager; Ta'von
Richardson; & Mrs. Tonya
Robins, Station Chairman

Blazer Ta'von Richardson received the Helping Hand Award from Fort Jackson's Commanding General on April 21st. Ta'von has volunteered with a group called the American Red Cross, Fort Jackson VolunTeens. This group goes out into the community and volunteers for various events such as visiting patients at the Veterans Administration, St. Patrick's Day Parade, Columbia International Festival, and the Ft. Jackson Tree Lighting. Ta'von was recognized for his volunteer efforts with the Helping Hand Award after totaling the second highest volunteer hours out of 30 VolunTeen members.

Our 20th Anniversary Grand Finale Next Month

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.

Freshmen Focus Day Reminder

Attention Freshmen: If you want to participate in Freshmen Focus Day this Friday, April 24th, you must have all your hours cleared by today. Hours can still be served today from 3:45 to 5:45 pm. See Mrs. Peterson in Blazer Academy if you have any questions.

Last Day to Donate For Hashtag Care Packs is Tomorrow

ACTIVITIES: Dress Day Reminders

Just a reminder about our Spring Fling Spirit Week dress days. Today is "Beach Bum Wednesday" Pajama Day. Thursday is "Hippie Thursday." Please wear Hippie themed clothes. Friday is "Beach Party Friday." Wear your bathing suits over your clothes or wear beach themes clothes. This will also be hat and sunglasses day. You may purchase hat stickers for $1 and stickers for sunglasses for $1.

SENIORS Gradfest Final Payment Due Friday

This Friday, April 24th, is the deadline for members of the Senior Class of 2015 to pay in full for GradFest at Carowinds! The cost is $45, which includes admittance into the park and transportation. You may also purchase a "bottomless soda" wristband for $6. This wristband will NOT be sold on site. Please see Ms. Clary by Friday with your final payment.

Spring Into Action: Sock Drive

Spring Into Action is our school-wide Spring service project to help alleviate homelessness and hunger awareness. One way that we hope to accomplish this is through a sock drive in which we will be collecting socks of all sizes to donate to the Oliver Gospel Mission until May 6th. Community members can drop off donations to the front desk. Students can turn them in to Student Activities.

Freshmen Focus Day Reminder

Attention Freshmen: If you want to participate in Freshmen Focus Day this Friday, April 24th, you must have all your hours cleared by Thursday, April 23rd. Hours can be served on today and Thursday from 3:45 to 5:45 pm, or through tutoring. See Mrs. Peterson in Blazer Academy if you have any questions.

REMINDER: Awareness Walk on Thursday

As part of our Spring Into Action community service project to help bring awareness to homelessness and hunger and help those in need, Ridge View will be hosting an Awareness Walk on Thursday, April 23rd from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. We will walk from Ridge View to the Village of Sandhills via The Summit. Registration will begin at 5:00 pm in the bus lot and the cost to walk is $5. If you donate two pairs of socks, the cost to walk drops to $3! We will end registration at 5:25 pm, and begin the walk at 5:30 pm. This is a FUN walk and a great community experience. This walk is for everyone, so please bring your family, friends, church members, etc. You may pre-register for this walk and forms can be found outside of Student Activities (M-141).

REMINDER: Hashtag Care Packs

Freshmen Focus Day Reminder

Attention Freshmen: If you want to participate in Freshmen Focus Day this Friday, April 24th, you must have all your hours cleared by Thursday, April 23rd. Hours can be served today, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:45 to 5:45 pm, or through tutoring. See Mrs. Peterson in Blazer Academy if you have any questions.

ACTIVITIES: Student Council Awards

At the South Carolina Association of Student Councils, the Blazer student council was awarded the Honor Council Gold Award, the AAA/AAAA Outstanding Project Award for their Video Project submission, and Schyler Horton was inducted as a member of the Terry A. McCoy Leadership Hall of Fame. These are all fantastic awards and honors and our council did an amazing job of representing Ridge View High School. Congratulations council members!

Tonight Is Sonic NIght

Ridge View will have a Sonic Night tonight from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. A portion of all sales will come back to our Spring Into Action community service project as well as any tips that may be donated that night. Come on out for dinner and help support Spring Into Action.

Gabrielle "Gabbiee" Swainson Memorial Scholarship

Gabbiee Swainson

Ridge View High School is instituting a memorial scholarship to honor Gabrielle "Gabbiee" Swainson. This scholarship will provide financial assistance to two deserving students to pursue their dreams of earning a college degree. The $300 scholarships will be awarded annually to seniors at Ridge View. Applications will be accepted through May 15th. Deadline extensions will not be granted, and incomplete applications will not be considered or reviewed. For further information, please click on the image.

Freshmen Focus Day Participation

Attention Freshmen: If you want to participate in Freshmen Focus Day this Friday, April 24th, you must have all your hours cleared by Thursday, April 23rd. Hours can be served on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:45 to 5:45 pm, or through tutoring. See Mrs. Peterson in Blazer Academy if you have any questions.

This Week in the Blazer College Center

Spring Into Action: Sonic Night Tomorrow

Ridge View will have a Sonic Night from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21st. A portion of all sales will come back to our Spring Into Action community service project as well as any tips that may be donated that night. Come on out for dinner and help support Spring Into Action.

ATHLETICS: Boys Soccer Senior Night Tomorrow

The boys Soccer team will celebrate the dedication and accomplishments of their Senior players with a special presentation prior to the the Lugoff-Elgin game tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21st. Without the contributions of these guys, we would not have experienced the success that we have had this year. Please come out and show your support and cheer these guys on to hopefully, another victory and a possible chance to represent Ridge View in the playoffs this year.

Senior Exam Schedule

Below is the schedule for Senior Exams.  If you want to take your Senior Exam(s) early, your parent must submit a request to Dr. Ellie Muniz by Monday, April 27, 2015.