Falcon Flyer

Hello Ridgeline Families—

Knock on wood…our first two days have been outstanding! There is a really good vibe in the air, which we refer to as the “climate” of our organization. At the same time, the people engaged in the work—staff/students, are making noticeable connections and collectively interacting in a very positive manner. Staff to staff, student to student, and student to staff behaviors are what define our “culture”.

While there are always some hiccups in the first few days, I’m very grateful for the effort and attention taken by my counseling team and support staff to get students registered and into clean schedules so quickly! Not everyone will get what you want, but every student will get what they need. It is all going to work out!

Fundamentally, every resource in the school is designed to support students in the classroom. What happens daily and the outcomes from the classroom instruction is how we’re measured. Are our students learning? Are they passing their classes? Are they on track to graduate? The likelihood of this happening consistently increases when you see what I saw the last two days. Teachers hit their stride right away. Time was spent establishing a positive classroom environment and rapport. Expectations and routines for learning and being successful are being taught. Introductory lessons and pre-assessment strategies were also observed. All the “structures” are being established to create high-functioning learning environments.

• Student Pick-up AFTER SCHOOL: A system works best when all parts are doing their job. When one aspect breaks down, it can cause the entire system to fail. How about that dramatic intro?! I’m illustrating the point in reference to what to do, as a parent, if you’re picking up a student after school. Thank you for being patient and supporting these guidelines!
• The Valet line is the ONLY place to pick up students immediately after school.
• Continue to pull forward immediately as cars exit. We encourage you to WAIT to stop and pick up your child until you are as close to the main entrance as possible. As people stop everywhere from the roundabout along the valet entrance, it starts to back up cars quickly.
• The MAP below shows areas where waiting and picking up is prohibited.

• Cell Phones:
• So far, so good!
• We’ve already noticed increased student engagement and interactions with others.
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We had an awesome first day and made a special memory together by gathering in Falcon Stadium first thing. This is a fun tradition and sets the tone for the power of making connections.

Our student body officers (pictured here), along with our amazing band, dance, and cheer team brought the energy and enthusiasm to inspire us all!

To catch much more of that awesome energy, join us here tonight for a fall double-header with Girls Soccer at 4:00, followed by the football game at 7:00! What a great night for sports—you won’t need an extra blanket, I promise!

There is always so MUCH MORE to start off the year. Dates, events, opportunities for your student to get involved. Stay informed, please read the Flyer!

Make it a great weekend! --Mr. Hardt

Apple Cup Application Program!

Yes, it is only the end of August, but the college application season is, once again, upon us! If you have a senior with a 3.0 GPA or higher who intends to apply to Washington State University, encourage your senior to consider participating in this in-building, instant admission program on Wednesday, September 11th, during 2nd period! Interested seniors must register before the event to receive a guaranteed decision at the event and will also need to come prepared to pay the $70 application fee. It will also be helpful for participating seniors to come equipped with their Social Security Numbers (SSN) and parent information (i.e. Email, phone, education level attained).

2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Opening Date Announced!

Everyone who works in higher education financial aid and admission offices hope the 2025-26 FAFSA is free of the bugs that plagued last year's FAFSA roll-out! A potentially good sign is this week's announcement that the form will be open December 1, 2024. If you and your student plan to complete the form, you can get yourselves prepared by creating your FSAIDs ahead of the December 1, date (assuming you do not already have an FSAID from a previous filing).

Yes, we are rounding our way into fall, and that means it's time for colleges and universities to start visiting high school campuses! University of Washington admission counselor, Ben Siegel, will be at RHS in the Counseling and Student Services Center just one day after WSU, on Thursday, September 12, during 5th period (12:30-1:20). To attend the visit, juniors and seniors are invited to complete the registration Mr. Spraggins sent out via Google Classroom. Registration and signed passes will be required to attend. Please direct any questions you and/or your student may have to Mr. Spraggins (bspraggins@cvsd.org).

It’s that time of year again!!! We are kicking off the new season with our first home game on Friday 9/6. Come join us from 4:15-6:00 for our tailgate party. Kona Ice and Aguila Y Sol food truck will be there along with some fun yard/tailgating games. 7:00pm kick off time against G-prep. Come support our boys!! Go Ridgeline. Talons Up!!!!

Varsity Girls Soccer vs West Valley at home @4pm

Come out and support your Falcons!

Looking for an activity or sport for this fall? Consider playing Unified!

What is Unified Soccer? We take students with and without intellectual/physical disabilities to practice and compete in a variety of sports. Everyone gets the opportunity to play unified. This fall we are beginning with soccer, and we will get the chance to compete against other GSL schools. This is an inclusive, welcoming, and uplifting group.

Practices are Tuesdays from 2:30-4:00 beginning September 17th. Students who are getting a ride home will need to be picked up at 4:00. Students cannot stay later or stay without supervision. Our season will run late September to early November. The game schedule has not been released yet.

You can begin registering Monday August 26th. Registration is through our final form registration process. Here are the links to the directions and registration. Students do need a sports physical completed that is not older than 2 years. Everything must be submitted and cleared by September 13th.

We highly suggest bringing a snack to eat before practice and a water bottle. Athletes will need tennis shoes and shin guards, but cleats are not required.

Coaching this year are Miranda Lasz (mlasz@cvsd.org) and Danae Unland (dunland@cvsd.org). If you have any questions, please reach out to them.

Ridgeline Theatre is incredibly excited for our fall production, the hilarious murder-mystery “The Plot, Like Gravy, Thickens”. Auditions are Tuesday, September 10. Don’t miss your chance to apply to audition or to apply for tech crew! Applications are due NO LATER than Monday, September 9. You must also complete Final Forms before auditions. Information packets are available in the office, and QR codes are posted around the building.

Check out our Ridgeline Regiment at one of the upcoming performances!

Please join us for our first Robotics Kickoff event on Saturday, September 7th at 9am at the Ridgeline commons! All are welcome!

Our Cross Country online store is now open!

Hurry and get your gear today!

Store closes on September 10th 🤍

School photo day will be September 10th. School code: FAL225297

Every driver must complete the parking pass form and have a pass displayed on their vehicle.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C48ABAA2AABF49-50958591-fall#/

The Boosters need your help with Fall Sports Concessions! Sign up today!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we approach the start of the new school year, we want to thank you for your continuous support. We are looking forward to the 24-25 school year with renewed focus. One key area we are focusing on is the responsible use of technology, particularly cell phones and personal devices. In alignment with the CVSD Cell Phone Policy, Ridgeline High School has established guidelines to ensure that students can maximize their learning potential while minimizing distractions during instructional time.

Our school-wide cell phone and personal device policy aims to create an environment conducive to learning by restricting the use of these devices during instructional periods. This includes all class periods, advisory, and formal assemblies. Cell phones and personal devices must be turned off or set to silent and stored out of sight during all instructional periods unless specifically approved by the teacher. However, students may use their cell phones and devices before and after school, during passing periods, and at lunch. Usage should not disrupt the school environment or cause tardiness.

Students who do not comply with these guidelines may face consequences such as verbal warnings, device confiscation for the rest of the period or day, lunch detention, and, in repeated cases, parents/guardians may need to retrieve the device from the school. We believe that by adhering to these guidelines, we can foster a learning environment that enhances student engagement and success. Your support in reinforcing these policies at home will be invaluable in helping us achieve these goals.

Thank you once again for your partnership. We look forward to a productive and positive school year ahead.

Sincerely,

RHS Administration

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this message finds you well. As educators, we continually strive to ensure the success and well-being of every student in our care. One crucial aspect that greatly contributes to your child's academic progress is consistent school attendance.

We've noticed a concerning trend recently regarding the increase in EXCUSED absences among many of our students. While we understand that there are legitimate reasons for occasional absences, it's important to emphasize the negative impact frequent or prolonged absences can have on your child's education and the classroom environment. Regular attendance is not just about physical presence; it's about active participation, engagement, and continuity of learning.

Data shows a strong link between school attendance and academic success. Students who miss more than 10% of school days are at risk of lower grades and higher chances of dropping out. Each missed day can create gaps in learning, making it challenging for students to keep up with their peers. Furthermore, consistent attendance fosters a sense of responsibility, discipline, and commitment in students—essential qualities for success later in life.

To further address punctuality and minimize disruptions, we are implementing a new Ridgeline High School tardy policy:

Purpose: To encourage punctuality and minimize disruptions to learning.

Key Points:

• Expectations: Students should be in class and ready when the bell rings.

• Procedure: Students arriving late must get a tardy slip from the Attendance Desk.

• Consequences for Unexcused Tardies:

• 1st Tardy: Verbal warning and policy review by classroom teacher.

• 2nd Tardy: Parent/guardian notified by classroom teacher.

• 3rd Tardy: Office referral; possible lunch detention. Administration will contact parents and students.

• 4th+ Tardy: Additional consequences, including automatic lunch detention.

• Communication: This will be reviewed in the beginning of the year with all students.

As parents and guardians, your support in prioritizing school attendance and minimizing unnecessary absences is crucial. Encouraging your child to attend school regularly sets a positive example and reinforces the importance of education in their lives.

If there are any challenges or concerns affecting your child's attendance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you and work together to ensure your child's academic success and well-being.

Sincerely,

RHS Administrative Team

RHS Falcon Mini Cheer Camp (K-8th)

Please join the Ridgeline Falcon Cheerleaders for our Fall Falcons Mini Cheer Camp!

Mini campers will learn cheers, a band chant and stunts to perform at a Varsity Football game!

Who: Kids ages K-8th grade

When: Sept 25th and 27th—clinic and game performance!

Clinic: Weds Sept 25th, 6-8 pm, RHS gym (Doors open at 5:30) Performance: Fri Sept 27th, half-time of the varsity Football game vs. Shadle Park (game starts at 7pm; optional cheer warm-up in the gym at 6pm)

Cost: $50.00 per camper *Campers get a pink cheer T-shirt, pink ribbon and green poms! **Special thanks to DaBell & Paventy Orthodontics for their continued support ***

One adult per camper receives free entry to the football game!

Registration is live and open until we reach 100 campers

💻https://gofan.co/event/1654063?schoolId=WA87837

Attention Seniors!

🤍Class of 2025 🤍

Senior Photos must be submitted by Monday, October 28th.

Link for Senior Portraits: https://www.hjeshare.com/eShare/?code=25falcons

Link for Senior Tribute ads: https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/job/21919

Have extra-curricular photos, family, special pictures or additional portraits of your senior you'd like to share? Use the attached link to purchase a senior tribute ad for our yearbook.

Tributes vary in size and price. Parents and guardians get to choose the layout, photos and write a special message.

Please be advised that yearbook staff members will not edit spelling or crop pictures, and the administration does reserve the right to refuse tributes due to inappropriateness.

Please click link below for more information!

RHS 2025 Senior Parents!! Our time is here to start planning a Grad Night they will remember for years to come!! Help be a part of the planning committee — many hands make light work!! Not sure what Grad Night is all about?? Come join us for a parent meeting to discuss all things Grad Night 2025 and let’s make this the best night ever for our Seniors!! Go Falcons!!! 💚🩶

You're invited to our Back to School Night on September 26th from 5:30-7:00pm. Come and see all that Ridgeline has to offer 💚🤍

Come see five local marching bands debut their 2024 shows in exhibition on September 28th: Central Valley High School, Cheney High School, Mead High School, University High School, and Ridgeline High School. You may purchase tickets at the door or skip the line for ticket and food purchases by ordering online at https://ridgeline-band-boosters.square.site/spectacle-of-sound-2024 Doors open at 5:30-See you there!

Save the date for our Homecoming dance on October 5th from 7-10pm. Tickets will be on sale soon in the Business Office for $10! Guest dance forms are available in the front office!

Hey Falcons! Do you need a job? Check out our Jobs Board! It's updated regularly and there are some amazing opportunities!

There are flyers in the office to scan the QR code, too!

If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Demarest in E202 or email: kdemarest@cvsd.org

Business Office Open Hours:

7:15- 2:30pm

(Closed 12:30-1:30pm daily)