PRHS Ridge News Issue #16

March 21, 2024-2025

Issue #16

March 27: SAT For ALL 11th grade students

March 27: Gwinnett Writes for 9th & 10th ELA students

March 27: Festival of Nations

March 31: Noche De Padres

April 7-11: Spring Break

April 22: Quarter 4 Midpoint

GCPS Calendar

Student Course Requests for the 25-26 school year can be viewed on StudentVUE. Course requests are tentative and are subject to change. As classes are built and changes are made throughout the coming months, these changes will be reflected live on StudentVUE. If a course becomes unavailable, the student's next choice will be moved in to the Course Request. Course requests will not show teachers, periods, or semesters. Final schedules will be available at the end of July.

Seniors graduating in the spring graduation ceremony must fulfill one of the options below in order to exempt final exams for Quarter 4/Semester 2:

A. An average of 90 or above in a specific subject (in AP courses this would be BEFORE the 10 points added) will exempt the student from that objective final exam only. Applicable performance exams will still be required and will count its full weight.

B. If a student has Honor Graduate status, meaning the student has an overall average GPA of equal to or greater than 90.000 as of the end of Quarter 2, December 2024. The student may exempt all objective final exams, regardless of their average in the class. Applicable performance exams will still be required and will count its full weight.

Students may NOT exempt Georgia Milestones that are required by the state of Georgia and our local school district. Seniors may only exempt the local and district test given on the final exam date.

Senior final exams are May 13 and 14. A form will be available on MyPaymentsPlus for parents complete for any senior exempting an exam. The form will give permission for the student to leave campus early. More information will be available as we draw closer to the end of the school year.

If a student is eligible to exempt an exam, he/she must turn in or pay for lost textbooks, Chromebook and charger to the Media Center on May 14th. Seniors must have cleared all outstanding school-related fines from the Media Center, parking office, cafeteria, sports/clubs, etc. by May 20th.

If a student is eligible to exempt an exam, he/she may still choose to take the exam. If the student decides to take the exam, it will count the same as the final exam for all other students in the class

The SPIRE program is excited to announce our annual Science Fair results. These achievements highlight the success of our OneRidge model, as many of these students have been competing since elementary school. We are incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work our students have shown throughout their scientific journeys. Their innovative projects continue to inspire our community and set a high standard for future participants.

Three were selected to compete in Colombus, Ohio, at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May. Of the six available spots to advance, Peachtree Ridge is so proud to have claimed three! This is a truly spectacular achievement, and the GCPS foundation will cover their expenses.

• Joyce Lee - her project aims at creating soluble compounds that cross the blood-brain barrier and modify proteins in the brain to increase the effectiveness of anti-seizure medication

• Aditya Arorya - his project aims at centralizing electric-vehicle charging stations using cell phone towers and a streamlined user experience

• Julia Lee - her project aims at disrupting bacterial communication networks to make traditional antibiotic therapies more potent

The following projects received recognition at the regional level:

*These five projects have advanced to compete at the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair

• Joyce Lee*

• Aditya Arora*

• Eun Jae (Julia) Lee*

• Daniel Ta, Dennis Ta, and Vishal Vijay *

• Eric Shu and Alex Han*

• Kedus Fssehaie and Sahil Quazi

• Brandon Poole, Daniel Horak, and Russell Ruff

• Krishna Bhagat, Ayan Kabir, and Ethan Varughese

• Claire Hwang, Oluwademilayo Akinmade, and Jamila Bangura

• Nichole Chen and Kyna Verma

• Chloe Nguyen and Joanna Lee

• Namarata Das and Olivia Yoon

• Shakthi Manickam and Ayesha Rahman

• Aidan Wang, Kentaro Hirata, and Justin Nguyen

• Harsh Patel, Lauren Im, Leona Jeong

• Justine Kim

• Haran Kothari and Tristian Andrews

• Marco Gray

• Alice Oh and Tony Oh

• Kya Morris and Shengbo Huang
  

All three bands had a wonderful Large Group Performance Evaluation:

• Our Concert Band received all superior ratings (highest rating you can get!) and one excellent rating! (second highest)

• Our Symphonic Band received all superior ratings!

• Our Wind Ensemble received all superior ratings!

  
  

Not only did the students perform well, but every director and school that was here at our facility was HIGHLY complementary of our students saying they were so helpful, respectful and kind.

Come listen to the band at "Night of Jazz" in Downtown Duluth, April 4 (Friday) at 6pm. It is free! Parsons Alley!

Our chapter of the Technology Student Association (TSA) competed in about 40 events last week at the State Leadership Conference in Athens. It was another great year with a 9th place overall finish in the state! The National competition is this summer and we’ll be looking to win some more accolades in June.

2nd - Debating Technical Issues

Shakthi Manikham, Ashwika Soundar

2nd - Future Technology Teacher

Jennah Elhaj*

3rd - Data Science & Analytics:

Mamati Iyer, Sahil Quazi

3rd - Electrical Applications

Aditya Arora

Other Finalist include:

• Architectural Design 7th: Caroline Kwon*, Jessica Lee, Alexander Shinn, Peyton Stough
• Audio Podcasting 4th: Jace Lee* and Aaron Vigil
• Biotechnology 5th: Alex Han, Hannah Chun, Iris Huang, Shakthi Manikham, Sarim Ahmed, Jennice Yoo
• Chapter Team 10th: Shiloh Han, Gabrielle Doan, Nafisa Husain, Ashwika Soundar, Jamila Bangura, Leona Jeong
• Children's Stories 10th: Ayesha Rahman, Jennice Yoo, Katie Kim
• CAD Engineering 8th: Elliot Nguyen
• Electrical Applications 8th: Shiloh Han
• Engineering Design 9th: Aditya Arora, Elliot Nguyen, Katie Won, Jaden Ly, Aaron Vigil
• Fashion Design & Technology 4th: Meredith Luchtan, Alayna Worley, Lauren Im, Katie Kim
• Photographic Technology 8th: Sarim Ahmad
• Prepared Presentation 9th: Katie Won
• Robotics 6th: Sahil Quazi, Alex Han, Hannah Chun, Adam Hamdan, Adrienne Mgonella, Aditya Arora, Jaden Ly, Zayd Ishaque
• Technology Problem Solving 10th: Jace Lee* and Esther Lee*
• Video Game Design 4th: Alex Huang, Adam Hamdan, Neelabh Das, Ayan Kabir, Jennice Yoo

* ‎Seniors

Save the Date! PRHS will host our annual Festival of Nations on Thursday, March 27th from 5-9pm. We are currently seeking culture booth sign-ups. If you would like to participate or find out more information, please visit tinyurl.com/FON2025. Tickets for entrance to the theater for the Cultural Showcase will be $5. March 24th the price will increase to $7. Cultural Showcase tickets can be purchased on GoFan.

SAT School Day

All Juniors will participate in the SAT Exam during the school day. The test is FREE so bring your Chromebook (fully charged) and charger.

Gwinnett Writes Exam

Freshman and Sophomores who are currently in an English Language Arts Course will participate. Testers will need to bring your Chromebook (fully charged) and charger. See your Language Arts teacher for more information.

From now until April 4, Prom tickets will be $90 on GoFan.

The details:

• Prom 2025 will be on Saturday, April 26 at Gas South Ballroom
• Juniors and Seniors are eligible to purchase Prom tickets
• Two tickets can be purchased under one PRHS student ID number

• PRHS Student ID number is the ACCESS CODE to purchase tickets

• Guests must be between 14-20 years old

• Tickets are limited, so purchase soon!

If you have any questions, please email Elaine Vernon at elaine.vernon@gcpsk12.org

Yearbooks can be ordered at yearbookordercenter.com #25659. Order by April 27th to be guaranteed a copy.

www.scholasticimages.com

Please visit the Scholastic Images website for your custom Class Rings, Letter Jackets, Senior Packages, and Personalized Announcement orders!

Scholastic Images will be on campus throughout the year during lunches. The next date is Tuesday, April 15th. Cap and Gown will be distributed during all lunches to seniors who have paid senior dues as of April 13th.

Be sure to check out the PRHS Counseling Office eCLASS page. It is students' 24/7/365 resource for all things academic, career, and social/emotional related!

Use the link above to see the full list of college and military visits.

GCPS has named Renee Lake, Peachtree Ridge Cluster social worker, its 2025 School Social Worker of the Year!

The award honors the individual who personifies the highest level of school social work professional standards and demonstrates creative leadership and service within the professional and broader community.

Learn more here:https://bit.ly/gcps_SSWOTY25

Sports tickets can only be purchased via GoFan with a credit or debit card to home sporting events. To purchase a home ticket for games please click on PRHS GOFAN. Many other schools are also going touch-less for tickets as well. If they are using GoFan, those tickets will also be available under Peachtree Ridge.

February

Halle Broxton- Tennis

Luke Clanahan- Baseball

Coach Alderdice- Lacrosse

The time has come for our annual Physical Day held here at PRHS! Physical Day will be held on 4/14/25 (Monday night after Spring Break) beginning at 5:30pm in the Main Gym. Physicals are conducted by our physician partners at Northside Hospital. The cost is $20 per person. Tickets can be purchased on GoFan. Athletes must buy a ticket ahead of time as we must have an accurate count to properly staff this event. Athletes should come with their history portion of their physical form completed in order to ensure a quick and smooth process. Athletes can print a blank physical form out ahead of time, or use the link below to print one. Mrs. Postma in her office to obtain a blank physical if they are unable to print one. Please let us know if you have any questions!

Blank physical form link

GoFan ticket purchase link

The Bass Fishing team lead by Hunter and Hayden Kane, qualified for the state tournament last weekend at Clarks Hill Lake. They fought 30mph winds to place 27th out of 233 teams. The state tournament is on Lake Lanier on May 3rd.

Come watch the winterguard teams perform in the Friends and Family show before they head to Championships next weekend in Chattanooga.

Schedule: May 13th and 14th

Rising 10-12th graders: 2:30pm-5:00pm

Rising 9th graders: 5:00pm-7:00pm

Must have COMPLETED Rank One Account

Please see the links below to keep up to date on all important senior dates, events, and announcements. There will be a monthly Senior Newsletter as well as the senior website and the senior google classroom.

The March Senior newsletter includes information about the 10 graduation tickets seniors will receive.

• March 2025
• February 2025
• January 2025
• December 2024
• November 2024
• October 2024
• September 2024
• August 2024
• July 2024

The PRHS PTSA and the 2025 Senior Class Chairs cordially invite Seniors and their families to a Baccalaureate Celebration

Saturday, May 17

11am-12pm

12Stone Church

2050 Sugarloaf Circle, Duluth

Seniors are to wear their gown, stoles and cords!

Dessert Reception Following Program

An event celebrating culture, identity, and talent of the Class of 2025.
Click the QR code or this link to RSVP (this is a free event).

Click this link if interested in performing and displaying your talent the the Baccalaureate.

Understanding AI

It is important for students to develop an understanding of how AI tools are developed and why they create the results that they do. Students should be critical users of AI, evaluating if and how AI should be used in different settings. Students follow the GCPS Acceptable Use Policy for Students and should follow their teachers’ guidance on the use of AI tools and ask for clarity before using if they are unsure.

What Students Need to Know

• Evaluating AI Tools: Students should use AI tools with the guidance of trusted adults. Students should evaluate the purpose, safety, and trustworthiness of AI tools before use. Not all AI tools are approved or appropriate for all ages, so be sure to check with your teacher or parent first.
• AI for Academic Purposes: Prior to use, refer to teacher guidance on the appropriate use of AI tools in academic settings. Guidance may change based on assignments and learning goals. Be sure to cite your use of AI.
• AI Output Review: Always review and critically assess outputs from AI tools before submission or dissemination. Students should never rely solely on AI-generated content without review.
• Bias and Misinformation: Be aware that AI-generated content may possess biases or inaccuracies. Always verify AI-produced results using trusted sources before considering them in academic work.
• Safety and Respect: Users must not use AI tools to create or propagate harmful, misleading, or inappropriate content.

Learn more about GCPS AI Position

Follow the GCPS Student Tech Tips Playlist for Tech Tips for more information about student Chromebooks.

Go to PTSA Store to purchase a membership for $10. This is a new PTSA webstore.

Parents, students, and teachers aren't the only ones that can join the PTSA. Did you know grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even business owners can join the PTSA as well. There is no limit to how many family members, friends, or business owners can join. Active involvement in the PTSA allows you to stay informed about the school polices and initiatives, ensuring your voice is heard. Please consider joining today.

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855.CommunitySchool@gcpsk12.org

Driver's Education?

SAT/ACT Prep Classes?

Defensive Driving?

ESOL?

Summer PE/Health?

Credit Recovery?

End Zone after-school tutoring?

Facility Rental?

Contact the Community School

ONLINE summer course taught by PRHS instructors. Space is limited!

SIGN UP NOW!

Cost: $500 Dates: June 2-25 No class on June 19

Sign up on MyPaymentsPlus today!

For more info, email: nina.hidalgo@gcpsk12.org

Peachtree Ridge Community School has five different sessions of Driver's Ed schedule for the 24-25 school year.

When does class meet?

Session 4 - June 2-5- Monday-Wednesday, 8AM-4PM, Thursday, 8AM-2PM, in B206

Session 5 - July 14-17 Monday-Wednesday, 8AM-4PM, Thursday, 8AM-2PM, in B206

Do I need to attend every class to earn credit for Driver's Ed?

YES! You must be present at ALL classes to earn credit.

What should I bring to class?

You will need to bring a pencil, water bottle, and dinner or a snack.

What is the deadline to register?

Please see MPP for each session’s deadlines.

When do I get to practice driving?

Students must complete 30-hours of classroom learning, log 20 hours of driving time with a parent, and be comfortable behind the wheel, BEFORE driving time can be scheduled. Driving times are based on instructor and student availability and are scheduled on a first-response basis. We strive to complete driving with students within 120 days from course completion.

What does the class cost?

$450 - in-person class plus 6 hours driving, $385 - 6 hours driving ONLY Additional driving time may be scheduled for $65/hour.

What if I have additional questions?

Contact nina.hidalgo@gcpsk12.org or visit www.gcpsk12.org/Page/26555.

We have a variety of shelf-stable pantry items and some hygiene products available for families in need.

Families are welcome to come shop our CARE closet, or we can prepare bags for them. Our office is happy to have these ready for pick-up or drop-off at a family's residence or a discrete location.

Click here to request food or hygiene items.

If you would like to learn more about the CARE Closet that was started by a former PRHS family, please visit their website: https://carecloset.org/

The End Zone offers after school study space and peer tutoring. You can learn more about the End Zone on the PRHS website. The End Zone will be open Monday-Thursday, 2:30-4:30pm. We also have our End Zone Weightlifting program in the Lions' Den.

Need tutoring? Use this link to sign up for tutoring in the End Zone.

Check out the homepage of the Peachtree Ridge Website for more information from the front office at www.PeachtreeRidge.org about certificates of enrollment, drivers license documents, and transcript requests.