ATHLETICS: Fall Sports Tryout/Practice Information

Please click on the image to be directed to RidgeViewSports.com for more information about Fall Sports Tryouts and Practice Information. All participants must have all four sheets of the Physical Packet (downloadable under the Blazer HQ section of the RidgeViewSports.com) on file with our Athletic Trainers in order to be able to participate. Also, the $50 District Athletics Participation Fee must be paid before participating in the first scrimmage/contest. This can be done on Parent Portal. Starting August 3rd, this fee can be paid in the Main Office at Ridge View.

New Faculty Spotlight: Charlene Sales-McMillan

At The View would like to welcome Ms. Charlene Sales-McMillan to our faculty as an English teacher. Ms. Sales-McMillan is a native of Queens, New York. She began her teaching career over eighteen years ago in Brevard County, Florida. She is the mother of two sons and the youngest of five siblings. Her hobbies include volunteering, adventuring, and playing video games (but NOT Pokemon Go...lol). A unique quality that she possesses is her compassion and passion to have a positive impact on those that she comes into contact with. Welcome to The View!

ACADEMICS: Algebra Camp Begins Tomorrow

Calling All Freshmen

Ridge View Blazers

Algebra 1 & Algebra 2 Camp

August 1 - 4, 2016

9 AM – 12:00 PM

(extended day on the 4th for a college trip - TBA)

Cost:  $25

For more Information Contact:  

Michelle Bishop, RVHS GEAR UP Coordinator

mbishop@richland2.org

803.699.2999 ext. 84379

Get Your Rest, SC Virtual Exams Start Tomorrow

Are you enrolled in a SC Virtual course this summer?  If so, your exam will be given at Ridge View High School on the dates and times as follows:

Last Name Begins with A-L

Monday, August 1st 

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Rooms C-64, C-65, and C-67

Last Name Begins with M-Z

Tuesday, August 2nd 

1:00 - 4:00 PM

Rooms C-64, C-65, and C-67

Please make note of your exam date.  There are over 100 students who need to take an exam, so the rooms will fill quickly.  You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time of the exam.

If you have any questions, please contact your school counselor.

DISTRICT: Hamm to Retire, Davis Superintendent Elect

Richland Two Superintendent Dr. Debbie Hamm recently announced her retirement effective at the end of the 2016-2017 school year. At a Special Called Board Meeting on July 25th, the Richland Two Board of Trustees also named Dr. Baron R. Davis as superintendent elect for this school year, and will succeed Dr. Hamm as superintendent on July 1, 2017. Ridge View High School would like to thank Dr. Hamm for her dedication and many years of service to Richland Two as well as congratulate Dr. Davis! For more information about this story, please click on the image.

ATHLETICS: Athletic Participation Fee

Please be advised that each student-athlete at Ridge View High School must pay a $50 District Athletic Fee before being allowed to compete in games/contests. This one time fee is good for the entire year no matter how many teams a student tries out for and participates with for the year.  This fee can be paid online through Parent Portal at anytime or in the front office at Ridge View after August 3rd. Student-athletes will be held out of competition until this fee is paid. Click on the image for further information about Ridge View Athletics.

New Faculty Spotlight: Sherilyn Phillips

At The View would like to welcome Ms. Sherilyn Phillips of Walterboro, South Carolina to Ridge View. Ms. Phillips attended the University of South Carolina where she majored in history and criminal justice. She has recently earned her Masters in Teaching in Secondary Social Studies. She joins our faculty as a first year Social Studies teacher. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crafting, thrift shopping and traveling. Welcome to The View!

Annual Student Information Update

If you have not already done so, please login to Parent Portal to complete the annual student information update. It is important to complete this process as soon as possible to prevent delays in your student's registration for the 2016-2017 school year. This process includes providing proof of residence, verifying student information and reviewing and completing parent or guardian agreements. If your student's information has not changed from the previous school year, you still need to log into the system, confirm your information and review agreements that must be completed each year as required by policy or law. If you need help with this process, click on the image for a detailed "how to." If you have any questions about the annual student information update process visit Richland Two's Frequently Asked Questions page on the district website or contact Ridge View's registrar, Tonda Goines at tgoines@richland2.org.

New Faculty Spotlight: Caver Mudzonga

At The View would like to welcome Mr. Caver Mudzonga to Ridge View. Mr. Mudzonga is from Zimbabwe and will be teaching French at Ridge View. For the past seven years, he has been teaching in an International Baccalaureate School in Botswana. He loves sports, and has played club and collegiate rugby. He also enjoys playing squash and watching motor sports. Mr. Muzonga has a basic knowledge of musical instruments and enjoys learning about other cultures. He will be coming to the U.S.A. for the first time to join our Blazer family. Welcome to The View!

ACADEMICS: SC Virtual Exams Coming Soon

Are you enrolled in a SC Virtual course this summer?  If so, your exam will be given at Ridge View High School on the dates and times as follows:

Last Name Begins with A-L

Monday, August 1st 

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Rooms C-64, C-65, and C-67

Last Name Begins with M-Z

Tuesday, August 2nd 

1:00 - 4:00 PM

Rooms C-64, C-65, and C-67

Please make note of your exam date.  There are over 100 students who need to take an exam, so the rooms will fill quickly.  You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time of the exam.

If you have any questions, please contact your school counselor.

COMMUNITY: 811 5K Run

The South Carolina 811 5K Rune will take place on August 13, 2016 at 8:11 am in the Rosewood area of Columbia. The pre-registration cost is 8.11, which includes a tech shirt. Proceeds will go to charity. For more information, click on the image.

Submitted Your Proof of Residency?

This is an important reminder concerning proof of residence in Richland School District Two.  With Orientation in less than two week, it is imperative that parents and guardians of Ridge View students complete Richland Two's annual verification of home addresses.  Acceptable proofs of residence include one of the following - electric bill, water bill, rental lease (complete copy, listing all occupants), landline phone bill, or cable/satellite television bill.  

All proofs must be original, current, and must list the service or occupancy address.  You or your student may bring the required proof of residence to the School Counseling office at Ridge View High School.  Failure to turn in proof of residency may cause delays in your child completing the orientation process on August 8 or 9.

Should you have any questions, please contact our School Counseling Registrar, Ms. Goines (tgoines@richland2.org or 803.699.2999 ext. 84213) or the Director of School Counseling, Ms. Walker (jwalker@richland2.org or ext. 84215).

New Faculty Spotlight: Dustin King

At The View would like to welcome Mr. Dustin King to the Ridge View faculty. Mr. King is taking over for the retired Vince Clayton as the new Director of Bands. Before coming to Ridge View, he was the Director of Bands at Batesburg-Leesville High School, where the band was a top 4 finalist at the S.C. State Championships and performed in the 2015 London New Year's Day Parade. He will begin his fifth year of teaching this year. When not leading the band, he enjoys spending time with his wife and 1-year old child. Welcome to The View!

Ridge View Alumni Plays In PGA Tour

Ridge View Alumni, Adam Hart, got a chance to play in the PGA Tour at the Barbasol Championship in Alabama last Thursday, July 14th.  In the one-day, 18-hole qualifier, Hart and another golfer placed in the top four of tournament.  To read about his amazing experience, click on the image.

ACADEMICS: 9th Grade English & Math Supply Lists

Welcome Class of 2020! As you prepare for the start of your freshman year, we would like to share with you the supply list for your English and Math classes. For your English classes, you will need the following materials:

●     3-ring Binder(2-inches)/notebook

●     Loose-leaf notebook paper

●     Pencils

●     Composition book (no spiral)

●     Blue or black ink pens

●     Highlighters

●     Post-it notes

●     Chromebook (daily)

●     Kleenex (1 box)

For your math classes, you will need the following:

●     Loose Leaf Paper

●     Graph Paper

●     Dividers (5 - 8 tabs)

●     Pencils

●     Pencil Pouch

●     Colored pencils

●     Kleenex (1 box)

●     Clorox wipes

●     Composition graph book

●     Texas Instruments 84 Plus or N-Spire Graphing Calculator (Highly  Recommended)

●     1 pack of “AAA” Batteries

ATHLETICS: Blazer Cheer Excels At Camp

Ridge View High School Varsity Cheer attended UCA Camp at Francis Marion University this month.  The girls displayed Blazer Pride daily; and they promoted wonderful character and sportsmanship.  Some highlights of the camp include: 

• Overall Jump Champion: Jayla Page
• All-American Cheerleaders: Laura Montgomery & Brooke Isern
• Banana Spirit Champions: RV Varsity Squad
• 2nd Place (Superior) overall rating
• Leadership Award recipient

To receive the Leadership Award, all cheer participants vote for the squad they would want to be a part of.  To have the girls bring home the Leadership Award means they are succeeding at building the character and camaraderie Ridge View would like to see on a consistent basis.  Congratulations Blazer cheer team and coaches.  We appreciate you showing off your Blazer Pride.

New Faculty Spotlight: Lotoya Gordon

At the View would like to welcome Lotoya Gordon to Ridge View as a math teacher. Ms. Gordon is from Jamaica, and has over six years of experience teaching grades 7-12. She has a true passion for teaching and loves working with children. In addition, she is always open to learning new skills to improve her pedagogy, so that she can better serve her students. She also enjoys cosmetology as a hobby. Welcome to The View!

ACADEMICS: Mrs. Cordelia Glover Relocates to Blazer Academy

Starting this school year, Mrs. Glover will be the freshmen school counselor.  She is now located in the Blazer Academy Office and is very excited to work with freshmen and assist them with their transition into high school.  To the Class of  2020, we promise that you are going to love her and your fist year at Ridge View High School  

To her students from last year, don't worry.  You are in excellent hands.  The new student counselor caseloads are as follows:

Mr. J. Patterson: A - Daley

Ms. J. Walker, Director:  H - I, Daniels - Dry

Mrs. A. Burley: J - Mn, Dubard - Fordham

Ms. T Mack: Mo - Sl, Fortune - Gilyard

Mrs. J. Vargas-Riordan: Sm - Z, Gladden - Guymon

New To Ridge View Meeting Next Week

Hello New to Ridge View students and parents.  We welcome you to a great school and would like to invite you to an important upcoming event.  On Tuesday, August 2nd from 6-7 pm in the Auditorium, we are hosting an Information Session for all parents and students who are new to our school.  This meeting will be held in the Auditorium.  We also have a special session for our military-connected parents and students in the Orchestra room, near the Auditorium from 5:00 - 5:45 PM on the same evening.

Please enter the campus on the gate near our marquee.  The Auditorium will be the building on the left as you enter the gate.  Signs and escorts will direct you to the appropriate parking area and meeting.  We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, August 2nd.   And welcome to the Home of the Blazers!

New Faculty Spotlight: Alfonso Gonzalez

At the View would like to welcome Senor Alfonso Gonzalez from Canaries, Spain as a Spanish teacher. Mr. Gonzalez has worked as a teacher in Madrid, Spain for 11 years. He enjoys playing padel, which is a sport similar to tennis, as well as biking. He also enjoys the challenge of learning a new language, and travelling to learn about other cultures. Welcome to The View!

ACADEMICS: SC Virtual Exams Scheduled Next Week

Are you enrolled in a SC Virtual course this summer?  If so, your exam will be given at Ridge View High School on the dates and times as follows:

Last Name Begins with A-L

Monday, August 1st 

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Rooms C-64, C-65, and C-67

Last Name Begins with M-Z

Tuesday, August 2nd 

1:00 - 4:00 PM

Rooms C-64, C-65, and C-67

Please make note of your exam date.  There are over 100 students who need to take an exam, so the rooms will fill quickly.  You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time of the exam.

If you have any questions, please contact your school counselor.

New Faculty Spotlight: Samantha Gilcher

At The View would like to welcome Mrs. Samantha Gilcher to Ridge View. After serving as a long-term substitute teacher at Ridge View last spring, Mrs. Gilcher will be joining us as a full-time social studies teacher this year. She has nine years of teaching experience after graduating from Coastal Carolina University where she received her Bachelor's degree in History and her Master's of Arts in Teaching degree in Education. Mrs. Gilcher recently earned her AP U.S. History certification from Clemson University. She is originally from California, but spent most of her childhood in Upstate New York. She is married and has a wonderful two-year old daughter. Welcome back to The View!

Freshmen, Algebra Camp Begins Next Week

Calling All Freshmen

Ridge View Blazers

Algebra 1 & Algebra 2 Camp

August 1 - 4, 2016

9 AM – 12:00 PM

(extended day on the 4th for a college trip - TBA)

Cost:  $25

For more Information Contact:  

Michelle Bishop, RVHS GEAR UP Coordinator

mbishop@richland2.org

803.699.2999 ext. 84379

Fiesta Conexiones!

Summer Almost - Orientation Arriving

Orientation to register your child, receive important information, pay fees, pick up textbooks, etc. will be held as follows:

Monday, August 8th

Seniors: 8 - 11 AM

Juniors: 1 - 4 PM

Tuesday, August 9th

Sophomores: 8 - 11 AM

Freshmen: 1 - 4 PM

Proof of residence must be provided before students will be able to participate in Orientation.  Please submit your proof of residence to the Department of School Counseling on or before your Blazer's Orientation date.  If you have any questions, contact Wendi Wimmer.

New Faculty Spotlight: Jonathan Burnett

At The View would like to introduce Mr. Jonathan Burnett.  Mr. Burnett is joining our Blazer family as a Social Studies teacher. He was a collegiate swimmer and soccer athlete. He has been teaching for ten years, and started his career after serving as a long-term sub at his alma mater, Spartanburg High School. He earned his Master's degree from Converse College. Aside from teacher social studies, he enjoys the outdoors, especially water sports. Mr. Burnett's brother lives in New Zealand, and he recently returned from visiting him. Welcome to The View!

2016 Ridge View Grads Earn Sorority Scholarship

Amelia McKie, Faith McKie, Raven Guerra,  Mikala
Bowen, Jhane Thomas, Tianna Myers, DeAsia
Witherspoon and Kaci Merriwether-Hawkins

On June 26, 2016, seven Ridge View High School graduates of the Class of 2016 were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Gamma Nu Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  Each year Gamma No Omega awards scholarships to students who meet criteria determined by the scholarship committee. The mission of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., is to cultivate and encourage high scholastic and ethical standards, to promote unity and friendship among college women, to study and help alleviate problems concerning girls and women in order to improve their social stature, to maintain a progressive interest in college life, and to be of service to all mankind.  

Congratulations Ridge View students and graduates who continue to meet and exceed Ridge View's ever rising standard of excellence!

Summer Reading: It's Not to Late

It is not to late to start your summer reading. There are two components to our summer reading program: school-wide summer reading and an English Department Honors and AP Summer Reading program. Click on the image to read more about our Summer Reading program and to see our book lists.  

New Faculty Spotlight: Ana Rupp

At The View would like to introduce Mrs. Ana Barton Rupp. Mrs. Rupp is joining our Blazer family as a Math teacher. She has taught math at the Middle School level in Kentucky for the past 3 years. After getting married earlier this month, Mrs. Rupp and her husband recently moved to South Carolina. Mrs. Barton's hobbies include rugby, hiking, reading and working out. Welcome to The View!

ATHLETICS: Just Kickin' It Soccer Camp a Success

Last week, the Ridge View Soccer program hosted a very successful soccer camp for students 6-12 years old. We even had a few 3 year-old players who came with their siblings. The campers learned skills such as dribbling, turning and shooting. They had opportunities to make friends and help start a new tradition. "It was our first, but definitely, not our last camp," said Coach Brian Butler. "We will have one every year. It was awesome and kids had lots of fun!"

ACADEMICS: SC Virtual Exam Approaching

Are you enrolled in a SC Virtual course this summer?  If so, your exam will be given at Ridge View High School on the dates and times as follows:

Last Name Begins with A-L

Monday, August 1st 

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Rooms C-64, C-65, and C-67

Last Name Begins with M-Z

Tuesday, August 2nd 

1:00 - 4:00 PM

Rooms C-64, C-65, and C-67

Please make note of your exam date.  There are over 100 students who need to take an exam, so the rooms will fill quickly.  You should arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time of the exam.

If you have any questions, please contact your school counselor.

REMINDER: New to Ridge View Meeting

Hello New to Ridge View students and parents.  We welcome you to a great school and would like to invite you to an important upcoming event.  On Tuesday, August 2nd from 6-7 pm in the Auditorium, we are hosting an Information Session for all parents and students who are new to our school.  This meeting will be held in the Auditorium.  We also have a special session for our military-connected parents and students in the Orchestra room, near the Auditorium from 5:00 - 5:45 PM on the same evening.

Please enter the campus on the gate near our marquee.  The Auditorium will be the building on the left as you enter the gate.  Signs and escorts will direct you to the appropriate parking area and meeting.  We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, August 2nd.   And welcome to the Home of the Blazers!

ATHLETICS: 2016-2017 Ticket Prices

Ticket prices for Richland Two High School athletic events for the 2016-2017 school year will be as follows:

• Varsity Football Games $7
• Varsity Basketball Games $6
• All Other Games $5

ACADEMICS: JROTC Program

The Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) is a program offered at Ridge View High School and other high schools that teach students character education, student achievement, wellness, leadership, and diversity. It is a cooperative effort between the Army and the high schools to produce successful students and citizens, while fostering in each school a more constructive and disciplined learning environment. To learn more about this program, click on the image.

REMINDER: Male Achievement Conference

ACADEMICS: Blazers Earn 55 AP Scholar Awards

The College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) Program enables students to pursue college-level studies while in high school with the opportunity to earn college credit by passing an AP exam. RVHS currently offers twenty AP courses, but also allows for testing in additional courses. 

Based on test scores from this spring, Ridge View students have earned 55 awards from the College Board. Awards conferred were 41 AP Scholars, 3 AP Scholars with Honor, 9 AP Scholars with Distinction and 2 National AP Scholars. Please click on the image for the complete press release including the names of our individual award recipients and an explanation for these awards.

Principal Dr. Brenda Mack-Foxworth and the entire Ridge View administrative team would like to congratulate all of these exceptional students for their hard work and accomplishments, as well as their teachers. Congratulations AP Scholars!

Voter Registration Drive Next Month

The Blazer Career Center is hosting a voter registration drive on August 19th from 9 am to 2 pm in the RVHS Library Commons. Student who are 17 years old can register to vote as long as they will turn 18 before November 8th. Registrants must have one of the following forms of identification in order to register: driver's license or permit, military I.D. or passport. Come on out to make sure you can exercise your right to vote in the upcoming presidential election.

Harrison Learning a New Trade

Just because school is out does not mean learning is taking a vacation. Take Blazer Dance Teacher Ellen Harrison for instance. She has been spending part of her summer to obtain a Class B Commercial Drivers License so she can drive buses. When contacted by At The View, Mrs. Harrison had this to say about her recent endeavor, "Never stop learning! Bus Drivers are AWESOME! 

New to Ridge View Parent Meeting

If you are new to Ridge View, a parent and student meeting will be held on August 2nd from 6-7 pm in the Auditorium. Military parents are asked to arrive for a special session from 5-5:45 pm in the Orchestra Room. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to Ridge View!

COMMUNITY: 811 5K Run

The South Carolina 811 5K Rune will take place on August 13, 2016 at 8:11 am in the Rosewood area of Columbia. The pre-registration cost is 8.11, which includes a tech shirt. Proceeds will go to charity. For more information, click on the image.

Ten Reasons to Read

We value reading here at Ridge View. Do you? Click on the image to read Kelly Gallagher's ten reasons to read. Summer is a great time to read, so pick up a book today!

ATHLETICS: Physicals for $20

Medcare is offering $20 athletic physicals this summer. No appointment is necessary. Click on the image to visit their website and find the closest location near you. 

Save the Date: Marcus Lattimore Leadership Academy

The Marcus Lattimore Foundation Leadership Academy has announced an upcoming career day event in the Fall of 2016! This expo-style event will cater to the needs of the student-athlete providing each participant a road map from the recruiting process to their first job! It will be held in Columbia on October 5th at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The target audience will include rising 9th and 10th grade male and female student-athletes along with athletic directors, school counselors and career specialists. Click on the image for more information.

Senior Portraits - July 12 - 14! Don't Miss Out!!

Senior Portraits begin today.  If you haven't received a  Ridge View Senior Portrait Appointment card like the one shown above, please click here to see if you have an appointment scheduled.  If you do not see an appointment, click the image to read more about Senior Portraits and get contact information for Strawbridge Studios.

ACADEMICS: Ridge View Reads Summer Reading Program

The purpose of our summer reading program is to motivate non-readers to read and encourage readers to read more! On average, students lose three months of information retention over the summer, but reading just 15 minutes a day can prevent this loss. Summer reading can also serve as an exciting opportunity for students to read for pleasure while building background knowledge and comprehension skills. There are two components to our summer reading program: school-wide summer reading and an English Department Honors and AP Summer Reading program. Click on the image to read more about our Summer Reading program and to see our book lists.  

Senior Portrait Sessions Begin This Tuesday

Strawbridge Studios will take Senior portraits July 12, 13, and 14 in the Ridge View High School Cafeteria Rotunda.   The studios will provide the attire for the formal picture -- tux for male students & a drape for female students. The formal picture will also serve as the picture for the Ridge View 2016-2017 senior ID card and will be the only picture in the senior section of the 2016-17 yearbook. It is also mandatory that every senior take a picture to participate in senior privileges. There is no cost to take the formal picture.  Each senior should receive a postcard with his/her appointment date and time. Conflicts with times can be resolved by calling Strawbridge Studios at (866) 624-6229.  Click on the image for more information about specific dates, times, and costs for casual portraits.  Click here, if you don't remember your appointment time.

ACADEMICS: AVID Meet & Greet Tomorrow Evening

Mr. Jeffrey McMicken

Mr. Jeffrey McMicken, Ridge View's new AVID Site Coordinator and Elective teacher will be hosting a meet and greet for AVID students and family members tomorrow, Monday, July 11th from 6 - 6:30 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room. Mr. McMicken will go over a brief presentation about his expectations and vision for the program, summer assignments and answer any questions that you may have. Light refreshments will be served. Mr. McMicken can also be contacted at jmcmicken@richland2.org.

Richland Two's Summer Food Program

Our summer meals program has already begun. Students up to age 18 can enjoy a variety of healthy breakfasts and lunches that meet and exceed nutritional standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture and the National School Lunch Program. Meals must be consumed on site. Meals will be served Monday through Friday, except where noted, at the following locations and times. You can find the locations and times by clicking on the image. Please contact site locations for more details.

ATHLETICS: Just Kickin' It Soccer Camp on Monday

ColaDaily's Free Community Calendar

Looking for something to do? Local Cola is a free community calendar at ColaDaily.com. Things to see and do all over Columbia and beyond. You can even post your own event - Festivals, fundraisers & community happenings! Submit your event listing on Local Cola, a free online calendar at ColaDaily.com.

ALUMNI: Clarkson is in the Army

Devon Clarkson
(Source: The State)

Recent Blazer graduate Devon Clarkson is in the army now. Click on the image to read more in The State about Devon and others going through basic training at Fort Jackson.

Have You Received Your Senior Portrait Appointment?

Have your received the card above?  This is your Ridge View Senior Portrait Appointment card you should have received in the mail from Strawbridge Studios.  If you have not received one, please image above to read more about Senior portraits and how to contact Strawbridge Studios to schedule your appointment.  Also click here, if you don't remember your appointment time.