I want to inform our parents and community of more good academic news regarding Ridgeland High School. Ridgeland has received from State Superintendent Kathy Cox, the SUPERINTENDENT’S DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD for improvement in Algebra I End-of-Course Test scores. Superintendent Cox writes, “These awards are designed to honor schools that have scored at the highest level or made the greatest improvement in performance on our state curriculum exams.” There are two categories of awards:
- Achievement: The 10 schools in the state with the highest percentage of students in the “exceeds score” level
- Improvement: The 10 schools in the state with the greatest gains in the percentage of students in the “meets and exceeds” scoring levels
As noted, Ridgeland was recognized for the Improvement category. RHS actually had the 5th highest gain in Algebra I in the state. I am proud, as I know the community will be, of the Algebra I students and their teachers who achieved these gains on last year’s exams.
Although our Graduation Rate is nowhere near what we want it to be, our focus needs to be on improvement. The final 2008 Graduation Rate for Ridgeland, after summer school, is 57.5%. This is the highest Graduation Rate in the history of Ridgeland High, yet very far from what is acceptable. Let’s recognize the progress made and understand the need for the hard work ahead. We are moving forward.
Another area for recognition in academic achievement at Ridgeland is with our Students with Disabilities. The graduation rate for Students with Disabilities who received a Regular Education Diploma increased to 47% for 2008. This is an increase from 18.5% in 2007 and 8.8% in 2005. This is an incredible increase and the students and teachers have a lot of which to be proud for these gains.
Our next Renaissance recognition program will be January 29th at 7:00. PM in the school gymnasium. This will be a big night for our students and is scheduled in the evening so parents and guests can attend and see their student recognized. There are 4 categories of recognition with various incentives at each level:
- Gold card – students with straight As
- Silver card – students with no grade below a B
- Bronze card (new this semester) - students who have brought their GPA up by at least .5 points from the last semester grade card
- Panther card – students with perfect attendance, no more than 3 tardies, and zero behavior referrals for the semester
This gives every student the opportunity for recognition. For example, all students have the potential to earn the Bronze card for improvement, no matter what their grade is currently. By improving ½ point on their Grade Point Average, the student will be rewarded and recognized for their improvement. Ridgeland High, first and foremost, prioritizes student recognition for their academic accomplishments and good school citizenship. This is the heart of Ridgeland Renaissance. Please encourage your student to focus on his/her four classes, one semester at a time, and aim for a Renaissance card.
SPECIAL THANKS TO FAZOLI’S IN FORT OGLETHORPE FOR SPONSORING OUR RENAISSANCE AWARD SHIRTS!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Robert Smith
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