Another school year is here, and I am looking forward to 2008-2009 being a banner year for Ridgeland High School. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with your students and challenge them to take advantage of this important opportunity in their lives, earning a high school diploma. Not a single family should settle for less for their student(s). As parents, I ask that you support our staff as we work to provide the very best learning environment and educational opportunity possible for your students. As I said last year, I believe the difference in a good school and a great school is the difference made by parents. Studies have demonstrated the overriding importance of parental attitudes in determining a child’s classroom performance. Many researchers now believe that the most reliable predictor of academic success is not economic or social background, but the degree to which a child’s parents value learning. Our staff needs your alliance in seeing that our students commit to the work ethic required to meet higher expectations.

You are asked to review the student handbook and become familiar with our school policies and procedures. The handbooks will be issued to each student during the first week of school. Friday, August 1 is the first day of school. The handbooks will be distributed during the week of August 4, so be on the lookout and make sure you discuss the handbook with your student. Please pay special attention to the policies regarding tardiness, attendance appeals, dress code, and drug testing. The attendance policy has been revised to a graduated penalty for excessive absences without proper documentation. The attendance appeal changes were the result of input from a committee made up of students, parents, and faculty. The major changes in dress code are, as parents were alerted in the spring, no holes permitted in student attire and no “pajama pants”, as have been worn in the past by some of our female students. Therefore, please pay particular attention that students’ pants have no holes and make sure your student meets dress code before leaving for school in the mornings. The drug testing policy is a newly adopted policy by the Walker County School Board and will be administered at both Ridgeland and LaFayette High Schools.

The graduation rate at Ridgeland remains an area that must improve. I am happy to report that the graduating class of 2008 had the highest graduation rate in the history of Ridgeland High School. The rate increased last year from 54% to 57.1%, with summer school still remaining. We feel the rate will go to 58% after summer school is completed. This is certainly a step in the right direction, and the all - time high graduation rate for the school is a milestone to celebrate. We too must realize that our goal should be for EVERY STUDENT to graduate from high school, ready and prepared for the rigors of college or other post-secondary education, or the world of work. This is our students’ one shot at a high school education, and we must guide and support them in making good decisions and to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

I am looking forward to a great year. Our extra – curricular programs should promote tremendous school pride throughout the community. Our sports programs are set to do big things this year, as are the many other groups that represent our school beyond the classroom. I truly believe this will be a great year for Ridgeland High, and I look forward to working with each of you.

Sincerely,
Robert Smith

August 18th, 2008 - Ridgeland High School Open House

Ridgeland will host a Fall Semester Open House on Tuesday, August 26th beginning at 7:00PM. There will be a short meeting in the Auditorium followed by a bell guided tour of classes. Please come and meet your student's teachers.

August 12th, 2008 - Ridgeland High School Academic Pep Rally

Ridgeland High School and community leaders will be recognizing students for academic excellence and exemplary school citizenship at its Renaissance Day program Friday, August 15th, at 9:00 AM. David Carroll of Channel 3 News will be the guest speaker.

August 6th, 2008 - RHS Picture Dates for the Year

9/16/08 (2:30 - 6:00 p.m.) Senior Pictures (formals only)-Large commons
9/18/08 (Begin 7:30 a.m.) Picture day-Large commons
10/2/08 (9:00 a.m.) Senior Group Picture-gym
10/23/08 (Begin 7:00 a.m.) Picture make-up day - Large commons
2/12/09 (Begin 7:30 a.m.) Spring Pictures - Large commons