RAHS Family Bulletin | Aug 22, 2024

The countdown is on! Only 12-13 more days until the first day of school! We welcomed hundreds of students and families to the building yesterday for our first open house and hope you will join us on Monday, August 26 for our second open house (no need to attend both, but you can)!

As promised in last week's Family Bulletin - here is what is new at RAHS for the 24-25 school year:

* Cell phones - this year we will be implementing a cell phone-free policy throughout the entire day during instructional time (i.e., class). Students will be required to silence and stow their cell phones at the beginning of each class period. Teachers will have bins for storage. They will be allowed to have their device during passing time and lunch. This change is designed to minimize distraction, encourage face to face interactions, and enhance engagment leading to positive academic outcomes. We understand this is a significant shift. We appreciate your support and cooperation in helping us create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Want to know more? Stay tuned for a video about the research behind this decision (sent in the September 5 Family Bulletin).

* Homeroom - your student will see an 8th hour on their schedule with two teacher names. Homeroom isn't actually 8th hour, but will happen every Wednesday between 3rd and 4th hour. This required class will connect students to staff, give us time to dive deeper into culture, learn from one another (it is mixed grade classes), review career and college information, and complete school required tasks (e.g., class meetings, registration). Please watch the one minute video linked below to learn more!

Also shown below is a visual of our building schedule. School starts Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8:10. Please note that Wednesday is always a late start with class beginning at 9am. Please have your student at school, on time, every day!

• August 26 - Back-To-School Open House from 3:00–7:00 p.m.
• September 3 - First Day of School for Grade 9 and all new students
• September 4 - First Day of School for Grades 10, 11 & 12

We are excited to welcome students and families into our building for our Open House. Open House will give you and your student the opportunity to find all of their classes, complete applications for educational benefits, choose a locker, meet with school staff, and more. If you didn't make it on the 21st, please join us on Monday, August 26!

Monday August 26, 2024

• 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. (Principal Dr. Wilson’s short presentation at 6:00 p.m.)

• Lifetouch will be taking student pictures on both Open House days. It's important to have students take their pictures for student IDs and yearbook.

Student schedules were released the morning of Monday, August 19. New this year - Period 8 will show up on the schedule for Homeroom. This class will take place only on Wednesdays during the middle of the day. Please see additional information above!

In ParentVUE (Synergy) you can view your student’s:

• Attendance

• Schedule

• Health Records

• Standardized Test History

• Trimester final grades

In Schoology you can view your student’s:

• Assignments & Class materials

• Assignment calendar

• Student work

• Teacher feedback

• Scores on work

• In-progress grades

We are accepting AVID applications for this upcoming school year. We currently have open spots in AVID elective classes at the 9th and 11th grade levels. Please visit https://www.isd623.org/learning/avid to find the RAHS AVID application and for more information about AVID.

A completed application includes an AVID interview with an AVID staff member. Stop by the AVID table at RAHS open houses on August 21st (9 am-1pm) or August 26th (3 pm-7 pm) and complete your interview with us!

We are hoping to fill open spots by the start of first trimester.

Questions? Contact Anne Barnes, AVID District Director/RAHS AVID Coordinator, at anne.barnes@isd623.org

We are introducing a new breakfast vending machine, offering students a free reimbursable breakfast between 6:00-10:00 AM. The vending machine is connected to student lunch accounts and provides a variety of healthy options, including parfaits, smoothies, protein boxes, and PB&J sandwiches. This is a convenient way for students to start their day with a free, nutritious meal in an alternative location from the cafeteria. Second meals will be charged to your student account.

The vending machine is located by the main entrance of the building, behind the stairway. To make a selection students must enter the following information into the key pad: #student PIN# Birthday (MMDDYY)#

Requirements:

• Head-and-shoulder shots only (Headshots/Portraits)
  - No full body

• Must be a newer photo, summer 2024 or newer

• No selfies

• Senior only - no group shots

• Photos must be vertical

• Photo size: use 2:3 ratio and larger than 2 inches

• Photo resolution: 300 ppi

• Please use JPEG (.jpg) file format

If you do not submit a senior portrait, we will use your Lifetouch photo.

All students will have access to a complete breakfast, lunch, and afterschool super snack at no cost. We ask ALL families to fill out the Application for Educational Benefits form (previously called Free/Reduced Meal Application) EVERY year. This form determines funding for your child’s school and provides direct benefits for your child if you qualify. Benefits include funding for:

• Waived fees for athletics, testing, and transportation for your child

• Reduced internet fees

• Social workers, paraprofessionals, and counselors

• Decreased student-to-instructor ratios

• Increased technology

• Early childhood education

To apply today, CLICK HERE!

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