The first semester has concluded, and grades are established for the first semester at Ridgeland High. I hope your student’s grade card is reflective of your expectations. A high school diploma for every student should be the common goal for every family. Students must meet two requirements to get their diploma. First, they must pass the required classes and earn the required credits. Secondly, they must pass all five Georgia High School Graduation Tests (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Writing). For most of our students, this will require a focused effort including some time after school. High school diplomas are hard earned and something to be proud of achieving. They are a necessity in today’s world. I think we would all agree that competition for jobs, especially good jobs, is as tough as ever. To compete for a good job without a high school diploma would be a very dismal plight.
Occasionally, when school personnel speak with a parent or guardian about a disciplinary issue, we hear, “you care about discipline more than you do about academics." It is important to know that each classroom has to have discipline or even the best instruction will be ineffective. Good discipline is prerequisite to a good academic program. One or two disruptive, disrespectful students in a class can take away the learning opportunity of the other students. Allowing students to disrupt is not the way successful schools work. It is not how successful people behave in the real world. On behalf of our teachers and administrators, I want to thank those of you who support our efforts to have high expectations, including good, acceptable behavior. We must have a quality environment where teachers can teach and students can learn. The majority of our students come to school to get a good education in their quest to “make something of themselves."
Ridgeland High continues to excel, and I point out these recent recognitions in an effort to make our parents and community aware of the accomplishments of our students and teachers. I will list some items to substantiate the continued progress of Ridgeland’s programs:
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RHS received, for the second year in a row, the State Superintendent’s Distinguished Achievement Award. This year the award was for the most improved History End of Course Exam scores. Last year RHS won this same award for the most improved Algebra I End of Course Exam scores. Both years, RHS was the only school in the Walker County School District to win this prestigious honor.
To have a student and teacher both selected from the same school district is a huge compliment, but from the same school speaks volumes for Ridgeland High School.
Sincerely,
Robert Smith
Ridgeland High School Teacher of the Week 2/22/10 - 2/26/10
The RHS Teacher of the Week this week is Amanda Jones. Ms. Jones teaches Environmental Science in the Science Department @ Ridgeland. Her students commented, "One day I was hungry and my stomach was upset. She kindly gave me some of her own food." "Ms. Jones has truly inspired my life and the lives of my fellow students by encouraging us to follow our dreams." "She works with enthusiasm." "She is caring, loves her job, is very kind, and is also very wise in her Environmental Science class." "She is a good listener and gives great advice. She helps me remember it is only a temporary situation." Congrats Ms. Jones!
Ridgeland High School Teacher of the Week 2/15/10 - 2/19/10
The RHS Teacher of the Week this week is Nancy Edwards. Mrs. Edwards teaches French in the Foreign Language Department @ Ridgeland. "She has been a welcomed addition to our foreign language department and an asset to our faculty. Students nominated her for her consistently positive attitude and willingness to help at any time. Several students report they would not have made it through the semester if it had not been for her help and support. Even her advisement kids feel she is amazing! She has a knack for making class fun and is never boring. They acknowledge her great efforts and want to thank her for all she does." Congrats Mrs. Edwards!
Ridgeland High School Teacher of the Week 2/8/10 - 2/12/10
The RHS Teacher of the Week this week is Eric Edwards. Coach Edwards teaches PE in the Physical Education @ Ridgeland. "Students selected him because they feel he is an excellent instructor. He is very motivational and pushes students to excel every day. They report he helps them find their full potential or ultimate limit. He helps them when needed and is available to talk. Kids say he is cool and just an all round good guy." Congrats Coach Edwards!
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