Due to ACT WorkKeys testing, there will be no late start on Wednesday, March 2nd. All high schools will follow the regular bell schedule with 1st period beginning at 8:40 am.Monday, February 29, 2016
No Late Start This Wednesday
Due to ACT WorkKeys testing, there will be no late start on Wednesday, March 2nd. All high schools will follow the regular bell schedule with 1st period beginning at 8:40 am.
ACTIVITIES: Prom Tickets on Sale
This years' prom theme is Paradise Awaits. Currently, prom tickets are $55 and will increase in price each month by $10. Please buy your tickets as soon as possible. We are selling tickets during lunch in the main hall every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. If you want to find out more information about the prom, please feel free to check out our prom website at meganmreardon.wix.com/prom2016 or contact Wendi Wimmer at wwimmer@richland2.org.
ACTIVITIES: Relay for Life
The RVHS Wellness Council would like to pass along information about the 2016 Relay for Life, which will take place on the S.C. State Fair Grounds beginning at 7 pm on Friday, April 8th and will finish at 7 am Saturday, April 9th. This is a great opportunity to be involved with the community, raise money for a worth cause and to get some exercise. Everyone who knows someone who has or who has had cancer, can make a personal connection to this event. Click on the image to go the Relay for Life of Greater Columbia website. If your RVHS Club, Sport or organization plans on participating in this event, please notify Mrs. Strickland.
ATHLETICS: Hough Signing on Victory Sports Network
Click on the image to read coverage of Blazer senior Naja Hough's signing a National Letter of Intent to play Softball with Columbia College on the Victory Sports Network.
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Richland Two Schools Earn Palmetto Gold/Silver Awards
This past week, the South Carolina Department of Education released the winners of the Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards for 2014-2015. Teh Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards program recognizes schools for attaining high levels of general performance and for making substantial progress in closing the achievement gap between disaggregated groups. Overall, 15 Richland Two Schools/Centers earned a total of twenty Palmetto Gold or Silver Awards.
Five Richland Two schools received Palmetto Gold or Silver awards for both General Performance and Closing the Achievement Gap. Lake Carolina Elementary and Ridge View High received Palmetto Gold Awards and Pontiac Elementary received Palmetto Silver Awards in both categories. Ridge View High School was the only high school from the eight counties in the Midlands area to receive Gold Awards for both General Performance and Closing the Achievement Gap. Catawba Trail Elementary and Polo Road Elementary received Palmetto Gold Awards for General Performance and Palmetto Silver Awards for Closing the Achievement Gap.
Ten Richland Two schools and centers received Palmetto Gold Awards for General Performance: Bethel-Hanberry Elementary, Blythewood High, Blythewood Middle, Bookman Road Elementary, Center for Knowledge, Center for Inquiry, North Springs Elementary, Round Top Elementary, and Spring Valley High. Windsor Elementary earned a Palmetto Silver Award for General Performance.
"In Richland Two, we prepare all students for success through our emphasis on our Four Squares - Learning, Character, Community and Joy. These awards reflect that focus and the hard work of our teachers, students, parents and administrators. We are always excited to see gains in student achievement but we know we still have work to do. Through a comprehensive review of data, we are identifying action steps for improving achievement for all students as they develop essential life and career knowledge and skills," said Superintendent Debbie Hamm.
ACADEMICS: CAT Students Visit Pure Power
Our Carolina Alliance for Technology (CAT) students recently visited Pure Power Technologies in Blythewood for a facility tour and presentations made by STEM Premier. Pure Power is a world leader in diesel fuel injectors. The engineering students were able to see how they are manufactured, tested and shipped. Their tour guide was a Pure Power engineer and a recent graduate from USC, who started his career at Pure Power as an intern. The students also saw the benefits of creating a profile on Stem Premier, a social media site connecting students, colleges, and companies looking for the best in all levels of STEM talent.
This Week at The View
Here is what is going on at The View:
Monday, February 29th
- A representative from UNC-Charlotte will meet with students in D-95 at 1:30 pm. Please get a pass from D-95 in the morning to attend this presentation.
Tuesday, March 1
- Alive@ 25 from 4-8:30 pm in Room A-02
Wednesday, March 2
- There will be no late start on this day.
- College Shirt Day: Wear your favorite college shirt and stop by D-95 to get your picture taken!
- ACT WorkKeys Testing for all 3rd year students on B-Hall
Thursday, March 3
- Chorus All-State @ Winthrop University
- Realtor Appreciation Breakfast at 9 pm in the Library Commons
- JROTC Booster Club Meetings from 6-8 pm in B-35 and B-36
- Pre-Festival Orchestra Concert from 6-8 pm in the Auditorium
- Boys Varsity Soccer @ Crestwood at 7:30 pm
Friday, March 4
- Chorus All-State @ Winthrop University
- Band All-State Jazz Clinic @ Newberry College
- Student Council Elections
- A representative from USC-Aiken will meet with interested students at 10 am. Please stop by D-95 to get a college pass to attend this presentation.
- Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Sumter High School at 7 pm at RVHS
Saturday, March 5
- SAT Testing at 7 am on A-Hall
- Chorus All-State @ Winthrop University
- Band All-State Jazz Clinic @ Newberry College
- TEDxYouth
Saturday, February 27, 2016
REMINDER: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Scholarships
The Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is offering $1,500 college scholarships for graduating seniors. Scholarships are being offered in the following areas:- High school senior in the Greater Columbia Area planning to attend a college or university.
- High school senior in the Greater Columbia Area planning to attend a historically black college or university.
- Artistically talented high school senior in the Greater Columbia Area planning to major in the arts - visual arts, music, dance, creative writing or drama.
How Can You Prepare for WorkKeys?
Career Ready 101 is a self-paced, self-directed computer software program that helps you assess your skill level before you take WorkKeys assessments and will help you to prepare for your future career. It was created as a tool to teach the concepts and build the skills needed to improve your score on your WorkKeys assessments. Career 101 begins with administering pretests that are given to measure the current skill level of each student in order to prescribe lessons that will assist each student on improving their scores on the WorkKeys assessments. All RVHS students have already taken these pretests. Students can work on these prescribed lessons on their own. The lessons will also assist students in creating career goals, increase their financial awareness, and develop soft skills such as working with a team, workplace discipline, and customer service.
Career 101 allows you to experience concepts, sample questions, and practice assessments at your own pace before you are in a timed assessment environment. It is an excellent practice tool that helps you become familiar with the material so you are better prepared to earn the score you want. By the time students finish the Career Ready 101 program, they will have created a Career portfolio that will include Interest Inventory reports, electronic versions of their resume, business letters including cover letters, thank you letters, and follow-up letters that can be used in a job search, as well as job interview tips and strategies.
Friday, February 26, 2016
Gabbiee Swainson Memorial Scholarship
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| Gabbiee Swainson |
The Ridge View High School Gabrielle “Gabbiee” Swainson Memorial Scholarship is established to honor former student, Gabbiee Swainson. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to two worthy students to pursue their dreams of earning a college degree. The $500 scholarships will be awarded annually to students at Ridge View High School. Applications will be accepted through May 6, 2016. Deadline extensions will not be granted, and incomplete applications will not be considered or reviewed. Click on the image for more information.
What Does a WorkKeys Score Mean?
On each of the three assessments, a student receives a score of Level 3 through Level 7, with Level 7 being the highest possible score. Higher scores on the WorkKeys assessments mean that you are capable of performing a greater range of employee positions. Depending upon the minimum score received on all three assessments, the student may earn one of four National Career Readiness Certificates - Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum - that certifies that you are Work Ready to various employers looking to hire you. Here are the explanations of the four certificates that you can earn:- Bronze: You must score at least a "3" on all three assessments to earn this certificate, which certifies that you possess the skills needed for 16% of all jobs including professions such as, but not limited to, construction equipment operator, veterinary assistant, welder, etc.
- Silver: You must score at least a "4" on all three assessments to earn this certificate, which certifies that you possess the skills needed for 67% of all jobs including professions, but not limited to, human resources manager, head cook, medical assistant, aircraft mechanic, radiologist technician, etc.
- Gold: You must score at least a "5" on all three assessments to earn this certificate, which certifies that you possess the skills needed for 93% of all jobs including professions such as, but not limited to, speech pathologist, accountant, ship captain, climate change analyst, school counselor, etc.
- Platinum: You must score at least a "6" on all three assessments to earn this certificate, which certifies that you possess the skills needed for 99% of all jobs including professions such as, but not limited to, airline pilot, fuel cell engineer, mechanical engineers, physicist, etc.
Win a Free 2016-2017 Student Parking Space
The WorkKeys assessment will be given to all 3rd year RVHS students on Wednesday, March 2nd. Any student who earns a platinum certificate by earning at least a "6" on all three assessments will win a free 2016-2017 student parking space. Students will still be required to take the Alive@25 class for the privilege to park on campus. Good luck with WorkKeys!
Thursday, February 25, 2016
ACADEMICS: RV Receives Palmetto Gold Award
No Late Start on March 2nd
Due to ACT WorkKeys testing, there will be no late start on Wednesday, March 2nd. All high schools will follow the regular bell schedule with 1st period beginning at 8:40 am.
Why Should You Take WorkKeys?
Whereas anyone can take WorkKeys, the state of South Carolina began requiring all third-year high school students to take WorkKeys in 2015. Taking the WorkKeys assessments demonstrates for employers that you have the basic math and reading skills to be productive employees. Because of this, more and more employers in South Carolina are recognizing and/or using WorkKeys as part of their hiring process. Additionally, the results will help our 3rd-year students plan for their senior year and beyond by considering the following:- Do the scores show that the student is college and career ready?
- Are there courses that the student needs to take next year to improve chances of going to college or entering a career?
- Are there internships or jobs available where the student can use the WorkKeys certificate to gain job experience?
The WorkKeys assessment will be given to all 3rd year students at RVHS on Wednesday, March 2nd. Due to this test, there will be no late start on March 2nd.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
ARTS: Clayton Named to Band Director's Hall of Fame
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| Vince Clayton with his Blazer Band marching in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2013. |
RVHS Band Director Vince Clayton was recently inducted into the South Carolina Band Director's Hall of Fame at the South Carolina Music Educator's Association Convention. Mr. Clayton has served in Richland School District Two for the majority of his career and has guided the Blazer Bands to a level above that of most of the state. Mr. Clayton is the first and only Band Director in RVHS history. According to James Barnes, Director of Bands at Blythewood High, "Mr. Clayton has been a great colleague and mentor of mine and to so many others. Numerous people go to him for advice; whether it be music selections, recording comments, and overall advice on how to run a successful band program. He's also someone to call anytime you need a laugh. Any band program in the country would be lucky to have him at the helm. We are certainly lucky to have him here in Richland Two!" Congratulations Mr. Clayton on this most deserved honor. The View is very proud of you!
Over 300 S.C. Employers Use WorkKeys
Did you know that over 300 South Carolina Employers use WorkKeys? Click on the image to see a list of some South Carolina employers using WorkKeys. This list was compiled from various internet sources and is not meant to be a complete list of employers using WorkKeys.
What is WorkKeys?
WorkKeys is an employment skills assessment system measuring "real world" skills that employers believe are critical to job success. Employers use WorkKeys to measure workplace skills of employees and job applicants. Schools and colleges also use WorkKeys to prepare students for the workplace. There are three parts to this assessment:
- Applied Mathematics: Measures skills people use when they apply mathematical reasoning, critical thinking and problem-solving techniques to work-related problems. Students set up and solve the types of problems and do the types of calculations that actually occur in the workplace.
- Reading for Information: Measures skills people use when reading workplace documents that may include detailed and complicated memos, letters, legal documents, directions, signs, notices, bulletins, policies and regulations.
- Locating Information: Measures skills people use when they work with workplace graphics. Students are asked to find or insert information in a graphic, and compare, summarize and analyze information found in related graphics.
The WorkKeys assessment will be given to all third year students at RVHS on Wednesday, March 2nd.
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Newberry College & USC Upstate Campus Tours
The College Center will be organizing campus tours of Newberry College and USC Upstate on March 15th. The cost is $25 and includes lunch and transportation. Please see Mrs. Aldighieri in Room D-95 to pick up a permission form.
REMINDER: Free Application for Student Aid
All parents with students entering college in the Fall of 2016 will want to view this presentation regarding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Click on the image to view a PowerPoint containing important information information and resources to help you complete the Financial Aid application in a timely manner. You can submit your application beginning January 1, 2016. Please remember that the FAFSA application is FREE and even if you do not think you will receive any federal aid, it is necessary to complete it in order to qualify for many scholarships.
Monday, February 22, 2016
ATHLETICS: Ride the Spirit Bus for Tonight's Game
The Lady Blazers Basketball team will be playing tonight at Rock Hill H.S. at 7 pm. There are 22 spots for students available to ride the Spirit Bus. The cost of the Spirit Bus is $10 and includes a game ticket. Students can purchase these tickets in the Main Office until 4 pm today. The bus will leave at 5 pm on Monday from behind the gym. Let's cheer on our Lady Blazers to victory!
UNC-Charlotte to Visit RVHS
There will be a representative from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte visiting Ridge View on Monday, February 29th. Please stop by D-95 to get a pass to visit with a UNC Charlotte Rep.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
ATHLETICS: Want to Ride Spirit Bus to Girls Playoff Game?
The Lady Blazers Basketball team will be playing tomorrow night at Rock Hill H.S. at 7 pm. There are 22 spots for students available to ride the Spirit Bus. The cost of the Spirit Bus is $10 and includes a game ticket. Students can purchase these tickets in the Main Office until 4 pm on Monday. The bus will be leaving at 5 pm on Monday from behind the gym. Let's cheer on our Lady Blazers to victory!
ATHLETICS: Girls Basketball Advances in State Playoffs
Congratulations to the Varsity Girls Basketball team on their 67-63 win at Greenville High on Friday night. The ladies executed a great comeback win to advance to the 3rd round of the state playoffs on Monday night at Rock Hill H.S. at 7 pm. Check out the Athletic Department Twitter feed @RidgeViewSports for some great footage from the game.
This Week at The View
Here is what is going on this week at The View:
Monday, February 22nd
- TransformSC Site Visit. Click on the image for more info about TransformSC
- Musical Theater Rehearsal in the Auditorium from 3:45 - 5:00 pm
- Lady Blazers Basketball @ Rock Hill at 7 pm for a 3rd round playoff game.
Tuesday, February 23rd
- Faculty Council Deliberation for National Honor Society
Wednesday, February 24th
- College Shirt Day: Wear your favorite college shirt and stop by D-95 to get your picture taken!
- College Lunch Visit: Stop by C-72 and chat with Mrs. Hartin about Columbia College. Bring your lunch!
- Charleston Southern University: Stop by D-95 to get your college pass to meet with a Charleston Southern representative at 10:00 am.
Thursday, February 25th
- National Honor Society Student Notification
- SAT Workshop in the Library Commons from 8 am to 3 pm. Sign up in D-95. The cost is $40.
- Institute for Health Sciences Senior Presentations on M-hall from 5-7 pm
Friday, February 26th
- Black History Month Assembly
ACADEMICS: Scholars Juniors Receive County Resolution
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| Pictured L-R: Mainaiya Myers, Lynnise Brown, Principal Dr. Brenda Mack-Foxworth, Tierra King, Micayla Hayden, and Jesni Same. Not pictured: Chris Kane and Madeline Hahn. |
On February 16th, the Scholars Juniors advocating for teen dating violence education and passage of Sierra's Law received a resolution from the Richland County Council sponsored by Councilwoman Julie Ann Dixon in support of their work and in recognition of February as teen dating violence education month in Richland County. They presented the merits of the law and the dangers teen face to the council and were polished and professional, impressing the council and audience alike.
ACTIVITIES: Prom Tickets on Sale
This years' prom theme is Paradise Awaits. Currently, prom tickets are $45 and will increase in price each month by $10. Please buy your tickets as soon as possible. We are selling tickets during lunch in the main hall every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. If you want to find out more information about the prom, please feel free to check out our prom website at meganmreardon.wix.com/prom2016 or contact Wendi Wimmer at wwimmer@richland2.org.
Saturday, February 20, 2016
SACAC Extend the dream Student Scholarship
The 2016 Southern Association for College Admissions Counseling (SACAC) Extend the Dream Student Scholarship application is now live! Mailed and online applications will be accepted. Students only need to submit one application. Seniors are encouraged to apply for one of ten $1,000 scholarships. The application deadline is May 6th. For more information and to access the application, please click on the image. If you have any questions, please e-mail Donnamarie Hehn or Bartley Sides at scholarship@sacac.org.
ACADEMICS: Scholars Juniors Host Representative McLeod
On February 12th, members of the Scholars Academy Junior class met with Representative Mia McLeod to discuss how they could support advancement of the Sierra's Law bill currently in the house judiciary committee. The bill would provide students with the ability to file for an order of protection against abusive partners, as well as provide funds for education about the signs of dating violence, as well as what to do if you are in an abusive relationship. McLeod, a longtime activist in domestic violence plans to partner with the group to spotlight this issue in the community. For more information on teen dating violence and what you can do, please click on the image.
ATHLETICS: Alumni Soccer Game
Did you play soccer for Ridge View High? Do you miss kicking it around with your old, old teammates? All soccer alumni men and women from all graduating years are invited to suit up and play in the 2016 Alumni Soccer Game. If you don't dare to play, come and watch the Annual Alumni Soccer Game and cheer the teams on. This will be a co-ed game, which will be played at 2 pm on Saturday, February 27th at Ridge View High School. Contact Coach Butler at bbutler@richland2.org ASAP if you are interested. Blazers on 3!
Friday, February 19, 2016
ACADEMICS: CAT Students to Take WorkKeys
On Tuesday, February 23rd, the CAT computer science sophomores will be taking the WorkKeys assessment, and the CAT engineering sophomores will take it on Thursday, February 25th. On these days, students should report directly to the Multipurpose Room with a charged chromebook.
Scholars "Love is Respect" Week a Success
The Scholars Academy Juniors would like to thank students, faculty and staff for participating in Love is Respect week, which was from February 8th through the 12th. Lunch time activities included a pledge against violence, personal definitions of love, and resources to learn more about dating violence.
ALUMNI: Goodwin Awarded White House Scholarship
2014 Scholars Academy Magnet graduate Jazmin Goodwin has been awarded the prestigious White House correspondents scholarship for 2016. Goodwin, currently studying journalism at Howard University, will receive the scholarship at the annual White House correspondents dinner in April as a guest of Present and Mrs. Obama. We are so proud of Jazmin and wish her good luck!
Electronic Course Registration Process
Parents and students will need to register for courses for the 2016-2017 school year on Parent Portal. Directions on how Please view the VoiceThread directions to complete this electronic course registration process by clicking on the image. Parents and students will have access via Parent Portal to complete this process now through February 29th.
ACADEMICS: CAT Students Selected for R2i2 Think Tank
Carolina Alliance for Technology (CAT) students, Trinity Yates, Aaron Walker, Nasjha Henson, Jalen Simmons and Janey Smith were selected to participate in the R2i2 Think Tank. On March 1st, they will meet with representatives from the other Richland Two High Schools and will be presented with specific needs that still exist in our District and the community resulting from the October flood now that FEMA is gone. They will develop an action plan and timeline for implementation and be responsible for making it happen.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
ATHLETICS: Student Spirit Bus for Friday's Game
A Student Spirit Bus is to take students to the Varsity Girls Basketball playoff game at Greenville H.S. is being planned for Friday night. There are 22 spots available for Ridge View students. The cost is $10 which covers the cost of the bus and a ticket to the game. Interested students can purchase a ticket from Mrs. Kasavicha between the hours of 8:30 am to 4:00 pm today and tomorrow. The bus will be leaving at 4:15 pm on Friday from behind the gymnasium. Game time is 7:00 pm. Students traveling on the Student Spirit Bus should bring extra money for food at the concession stand.
ASSET Testing Today
The ASSET Test will be given today beginning at 8:30 am. If you are scheduled to take the test, please report to the following locations:- Sophomores: Auditorium
- Juniors: D-78
- Seniors: D-79
Also, please bring a pencil and a basic calculator. Scientific calculators such as a TI-83 are not allowed. This test will serve as an entrance exam for students who want to attend Midlands Technical College or want to take dual credit classes at Ridge View.
Blazerville School Store
Please come by the Blazerville Store on C-Hall. We have a new shipment of long-sleeve tees and sweatshirts. As always, the school store is a good place to relax during lunch while enjoying a hot cup of coffee, tea or bottled water. We also have the following in stock: protein bars, earbuds, and school supplies such as paper, pencils and folders.
ATHLETICS: Sandhills Classic Soccer Tournament
The Sandhills Classic Soccer Tournament will be held at Ridge View and Blythewood High Schools this Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $5 per game or $12 for a weekend pass. Click on the image to view a copy of the game schedule. Contact bbutler@richland2.org with questions.
ARTS: Chamber Singers Perform at Lander
On February 12th, the RV Chamber Singers traveled to Greenwood, South Carolina to participate in the 29th Annual Lander University Choral Festival. It is my pleasure to announce that the Chamber Singers received 3rd place overall with a Superior performance rating. The group also received Best Alto Section for the day as well as the Best Small Ensemble Performance.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
SAVE THE DATE: Feast for Fathers March 16th
Feast for Fathers
Who: Ridge View Fathers, Grandfathers, and Father Figures
When: Wednesday, March 16th
Time: 7:30 - 9:00 AM
Where: RVHS Multipurpose Room
Please plan to join us as we honor you for your hard work, dedication, and time you have committed to your Ridge View student and to Ridge View. Come enjoy all the delicious breakfast items, coffee, and other surprises we are providing for you.
We look forward to seeing you on March 16th.
ARTS: 32 Scholastic Arts & Writing Winners
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| Top Left: Some of the RVHS winners; Top Right: Lacey Ward's art submission; Bottom Left: Jason Pressley's art submission; and Bottom Right: Art submission by Sophie Angela |
Ridge View art students won 32 awards through the Scholastic Art and Writing Southeast Region Competition. Recipients included Kristian Aiken, Sophie Angela, Ivette Arieta, Allison Bickham, Larenzo Edwards, Jazlyn Hagins, Madeline Hahn, Peter Harrison, Eric Hicks, Lydia Hinson, Kameron Miller, Jason Pressley, Jazsmin Smith, Madison Stone, Mikayla Thomas, Mackenzie Thompson, Spencer Vasquez, Ahmad Walker, Lacey Ward, and Sidney Young. Allison Bickham and Mikayla Thomas each received a Gold Key. These Gold Key entries will complete at the national level with notification of winners comming out on March 15th. To view all of the winning submissions, click on the image.
ATHLETICS: Hough Signs with Columbia College
Since she was 9 years old, Naja Hough has been playing softball, a game she believes is a "natural fit." With her family by her side, Hough recently committed to play softball with Columbia College. Her plans are to major in Mass Communications, obtain an internship, and eventually work for ESPN. According to Hough, softball taught her "the strategy of setting up events early and how the smallest steps can place you in a position for great things." Her softball coach, Brooke Bedenbaugh, stated "Because Naja brings so many attributes to the Koalas program, continued success will be undeniable. She is motivated, intelligent, conscientious, friendly and determined. These qualities combined with her competitive nature and athleticism can be a recipe for excellence."
Alum's Baby Defying the Odds
Click on the image to read and view the WLTX story of Blazer alumni Doug Cunningham's baby who has survived some very challenging odds.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. College Scholarship
The Columbia (SC) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is offering $1,500 college scholarships for graduating seniors. Scholarships are being offered in the following areas:- High school senior in the Greater Columbia Area planning to attend a college or university.
- High school senior in the Greater Columbia Area planning to attend a historically black college or university.
- Artistically talented high school senior in the Greater Columbia Area planning to major in the arts - visual arts, music, dance, creative writing or drama.
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