The Tiger Times

This is Noel Keener, the proud principal of Ragsdale High, with this week's updates.

Our hearts go out to all of those impacted by Helene this weekend. We hope that all in our Ragsdale Community are safe. If you know of anyone in need, please let us know.

All seniors must have an MCV Booster or documented exemption; per state law, seniors who do not have this booster will be excluded from school. Seniors missing this immunization were notified last week. If you are not sure if your child needs the MCV Immunization Booster, please reach out to the school. There is a clinic Monday at Page High and Eastern Guilford High, and one October 2 at Grimsley High. You can also go to your doctor or GC Dept of Public Health. Documentation must be sent to the school.

On October 1st, all 10th and 11th graders will take the PSAT. The PSAT is a National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and provides information about AP potential and what courses might be a good fit. During the exam, interested 9th graders will participate in service learning off-campus or enrichment activities on-campus. 12th graders will be off campus all day to engage in post-secondary preparation activities such as working on college applications, meeting with recruiters, applying for jobs, visiting colleges or programs, and completing service learning hours. More information about the 9th grade and 12th grade activities was provided this week and information is posted to the students' "Class of" Canvas pages.

Also on October 1st we are hosting a parent night for all seniors. Dinner will be provided at 5:30 and we will begin our meeting at 6:00. Information about senior year and post-graduate opportunities will be provided. Please RSVP!

We look forward to seeing you Monday at 8:55!

Thank you , have a great week, and, as always, TIGER PRIDE!

Tiger Times Week of 9/29/24: https://secure.smore.com/n/6kpq7

• Congratulations Ethan Lam, Ragsdale Athlete of the Week!
• Shout out to our Student Government, who has been busily planning Homecoming Week! We are excited about all the activities!

Our very own social worker, Cliff Jackson, was selected as Guilford County School's Social Worker of the Year at the Celebration of Excellence on Wednesday night. We are thrilled he is being honored for all his work, and that everyone else can know what a wonderful job that he does!

• Engineering Tech made a USEFUL TOOL to keep phones and drinks AWAY.
• Love from Ragsdale- Ms. Oxendine and her team made weekend bags for our students and gave out over 135 Thursday due to school closing Friday.
• Mrs. Murphy's students learning about our our nations founding documents in the hall!

• Chess Club meets Monday after school in A113! You should join us!
• Want to go on a trip of a lifetime to Costa Rica summer 2025? Attend the interest meeting scheduled for next Thursday September 26th at 6pm in the media center. Scan the QR code on the posters around school to register. See Ms. Mckie in room A210 for more information.
• Our next CIEE Study Abroad interest meeting will be a virtual webinar on October 1 from 7-8pm. Join us using the link on the Class Pages on Canvas. See you there!

Find a club that aligns with your interest and join! See the list below for club offerings and sponsors.

Chess Club - Ms. Haynes

Drama Club- Mr. Reynolds

Book Club - Ms. Wilson

Latin Club - Ms. Rogers

FCA - Mr. Glasgow

Campus Life - Mr. Aaron Brewer

Disc Golf - Mr. Oldham

Audio and Visual - Mr. Oldham and Mr. Reynolds

Culinary - Mr. Oldham

Coloring - Ms. Sullivan

NHS - Ms. Adair & Ms. K. Johnson

Hope Club- Mr. Medlin

Student Council - Ms. Howard

Key Club - Ms. Rector

Gaming Club - Mr. Medlin

Senior Buddies - Ms. Bagnell

Debate - Mr. Horne and Ms. Murphy

Inter Club Council- Mr. Reynolds

On October 1st, all 10th and 11th graders will take the PSAT. The PSAT is a National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test and provides information about AP potential and what courses might be a good fit.

During the exam, 9th graders will participate in service learning off-campus or enrichment activities on-campus. 12th graders will be off campus all day to engage in post-secondary preparation activities such as working on college applications, meeting with recruiters, applying for jobs, and completing service learning hours. More information about the 9th grade and 12th grade activities was provided this week and are posted to the students' "Class of" Canvas pages.

Ragsdale PTSA is looking for active members! PTSA Meetings are the first Monday of each month at 5:45 in the media center, right before our Athletic Booster Club Meeting.

What do we need from our PTSA Members? to be THOUGHT PARTNERS! We want to provide teacher and student support but first we have to decide on HOW. Come on out and help us make decisions!

Want to support just by doing your regular shopping? Click the links below and connect Ragsdale to your Harris Teeter or Lowes Card!

• Cart 2 Class | Together We Can Feed Hungry Minds | Lowes Foods Grocery Stores
• Together In Education - Harris Teeter

Want to donate? Click on GIVEBACKS.

• Givebacks

Dinner will be provided at 5:30 and we will begin our meeting at 6:00. Information about senior year and post-graduate opportunities will be provided. Please scan the QR code to RSVP!

Facebook: facebook.com/lucyragsdalehigh

Instagram: @ragsdalehigh

Website: https://www.gcsnc.com/ragsdale_high

Ragsdale Athletics is thrilled to announce that Ethan Lam, a senior on the men’s soccer team, has been named the Athlete of the Week. Ethan showcased exceptional talent and determination during the recent match against cross-town rival Southwest Guilford, where he scored both goals in a decisive 2-0 victory.

In a game filled with intensity and rivalry, Ethan’s performance was pivotal. His goals secured the win for Ragsdale and demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. The assists from teammates Owen Justice and Diego Espinoza highlight the strong teamwork that is a cornerstone of Ragsdale’s athletic program.

Ethan’s outstanding performance contributes to the Ragsdale soccer team's impressive season record of 11-2 overall and 2-1 in the conference. This strong performance positions the team for success as they continue to compete in the conference.

This recognition as Athlete of the Week not only celebrates Ethan's individual accomplishments but also serves as an inspiration for his teammates and younger athletes in the program. Ragsdale Athletics is excited to continue supporting Ethan and the men’s soccer team as they pursue further success this season.

On September 30th, the Carolinas Association of Collegiate Registrar and Admissions Officials will hold its 2024 NC College Fair at the Greensboro Coliseum. There will also be FAFSA and college planning sessions to assist students. Sign up by visiting app.strivescan.com/visit.

The new Parent Portal Access Request form is now live. Parents/Guardians will use the form to request access to the PowerSchool Parent Portal, request assistance with creating an account, or have their password reset. Look for the form on GCS Media Brief, Guilford Parent Academy’s website, or Ragsdale's website under the Parent tab.

PowerSchool Parent Portal Access Request Form

Guilford County Schools is making changes to how it collects online payments from families. Two new products will be introduced to replace K12 Payment Center:

• School Cash Online (launching this fall) will be used to collect school fees, including field trips, athletics fees, yearbook fees, spirit wear, and other non-food items. You can find more information here: https://www.kevclientsuccess.com/introduction
• School Cafe (launching in early 2025) will be used to collect meal fees and a la carte purchases. The site will be located at https://www.schoolcafe.com/GUILFORDCOUNTYSCHOOLS

Communications will provide messaging for families, including a flyer, voicemail template, and sample social media posts. Similar messaging will be provided prior to the transition to School Cafe.

As this is a gradual rollout, K12 Payment Center will remain active until the transition is complete.

On November 5th, voters in Guilford County will consider a sales tax referendum. If the sales tax referendum passes, GCS will use the additional funding to recruit and retain effective teachers and increase compensation for frontline workers.

Sales Tax FAQs

Will the sales tax apply to all purchases?

• The sales tax would not affect essential items such as gas, groceries or prescription medication.

If the sales tax referendum passes, how much more will I pay?

• The proposed sales tax increase is 0.25% (a fraction of a penny). It will increase the sales tax in Guilford County from its current rate of 6.75% to 7%.
• The fraction of a penny tax amount would equal an additional five pennies on a $20 purchase. With tax, a $20 item would cost $21.40 instead of $21.35.

How much could the district expect to bring in from the sales tax increase?

• County government officials could see about $25 million per year in revenue.
• The referendum will distribute the cost of education to both visitors and residents alike.

How will the sales tax money be used?

• If the sales tax referendum passes, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners has committed to allocating the additional funding to increase compensation for teachers and frontline workers.

How will the sales tax money benefit frontline workers, including cafeteria workers, custodial staff, mechanics and bus drivers?

• If the sales tax referendum passes, it would help Guilford County Schools provide more competitive wages to frontline workers.

How does Guilford County’s sales tax compare to other area counties?

• Many surrounding counties, including Forsyth, Davidson, Randolph and Rockingham counties, already have a 7% sales tax. Wake and Mecklenburg counties are at 7.25%; Durham is at 7.5%.

How does Guilford County Schools’ pay scale for teachers compare to other area counties?

• Current teacher salaries in Guilford County are, on average, 35% lower than those in peer counties (Forsyth, Durham, Mecklenburg, and Wake).

Additional tutoring available virtually for Math and English

Week of Sept. 29

Hispanic Heritage Month

Monday, Sept 30

• 4pm: Golf @ Greensboro National Golf Club
• 5pm: Tennis @ Grimsley

Tuesday, Oct 1: PSAT Day

• 4:30pm: Peer Tutoring (Media Center)
• 5pm/6:30pm: JV/V Volleyball @ Grimsley
• 5:30pm/7pm: JV/V Soccer v. Page
• 5:30pm: Senior Parent Night (Cafeteria)

Wednesday, Oct 2

• Homeroom between 1st and 2nd block
• 5pm: Tennis @ Northwest
• 5pm: Cross Country @ Hagan Stone Park

Thursday, Oct 3

• 5pm/6:30pm: JV/V Volleyball @ Northwest
• 5:30pm/7pm: JV/V Soccer v. Southeast
• 7pm: JV Football @ Southeast

Friday, Oct 4

• Safety Day! 1st block Fire Drill; 4th block Tornado and Lockdown Drill
• 7:30pm: V Football v. Southeast

FUTURE EVENTS

Thursday, October 10: PSAT Make Up

Friday, October 11: Homecoming and pep rally (end of day)

Saturday, October 12: Homecoming Dance

Thursday, October 17: PreACT (10th grade only)

Wednesday, October 23: NHS Induction (4:30 in Auditorium)

Saturday, October 26: Trunk or Treat 1pm to 3pm

Tuesday, October 29: Underclassmen and Senior Absentee/Make-Up Pictures

Wednesday, November 6-9 & 14-15 @ 7:00pm: Fall Theatre Production Enchaîné

GRADUATION

Practice: June 9 @ 1pm

Graduation: June 11 @ 7:30pm