Academy of Richmond County

December 20-January 10 ⛄🎄⛄

Friday, December 20

Make up exams and early dismissal 📝 🚌

End of 1st Semester 💯

10:00 AM Wrestling 🤼🤼🤼 @ Westside

6:00 & 7:30 PM Basketball 🏀🏀🏀 v Westside @ Westside

Thursday, December 26

TBA Basketball 🏀🏀🏀 v North Augusta and Washington County @ Laney

Friday, December 27

TBA Basketball 🏀🏀🏀 v South Aiken and Josey @ Laney

Saturday, December 28

TBA Basketball 🏀🏀🏀 v TBA and Glenn Hills @ Laney

Friday, January 3

8:00-4:00 PL in Media Center 📖

Saturday, January 4

6:00 & 7:30 Basketball 🏀🏀🏀 v Aquinas @ Aquinas

Monday, January 6

First Day of Second Semester 🥇

5:30 PM Wrestling 🤼🤼🤼 @ Cross Creek

Tuesday, January 7

6:00 & 7:30 PM Basketball 🏀🏀🏀 v West Laurens @ ARC

Wednesday, January 8

6:00 & 7:30 PM JV Basketball 🏀🏀🏀 v Hephzibah @ ARC

Friday, January 10

4:00, 5:30, 7:00 & 8:30 PM JV & V Basketball 🏀🏀🏀 v Harlem @ Harlem

Saturday, January 11

10:00 AM Wrestling 🤼🤼🤼 @ Harlem Area Duals

12:00 PM Basketball 🏀🏀🏀 v Josey @ Josey

January 6, 2025 SECOND SEMESTER BEGINS 👆

January 20, 2025 No School-MLK Day 💭

February 17, 2025 No School-President's Day 👩🏻‍💼

February 18, 2025 Asynchronous Learning 👩🏻‍💻

March 10, 2025 Asynchronous Learning 👩🏻‍💻

April 7-14, 2025 Spring Break 🌴🎉⛳

April 18, 2025 No School-Good Friday 🐰

April 26, 2025 Prom 💃

May 28, 2025 Graduation 8:00 am at the Bell Auditorium 🎓

The Richmond County School System (RCSS) selected twenty-five students to serve on the 2024-25 Student Advisory Council. These students come from a diverse range of schools, which include high schools, middle schools, K-8 schools, and special programs. The council members were officially introduced to the community during the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, November 19.

The student representatives must maintain a good academic standing and demonstrate good character. They will meet five times during the school year. During these meetings they will discuss important student issues. This initiative aims to ensure that the voices of students and educational experiences are represented in discussions about school policies and initiatives.

Two students from the Academy of Richmond County were chosen to serve: Michael Blanchard and Destiny Fox. We are so proud of the work they have done and will do for the students of Richmond County.

The window for 2025-2026 School Choice applications is now open through January 6, 2025. Families received our annual School Choice Guide this week in the mail with information about magnet schools and special programs and course offerings.

ARC offers an excellent school choice option--the IB Programme. Please direct any interested families to the School Choice website below.

Click here to learn more information.

Our JROTC program was the recipient of a grant to launch a new drone program. They will use the funds to learn about drones, flight principles, programming, documentation, and communication skills while expanding their understanding of and building interest in drone-related workforce and career opportunities. The goal is to build some teams and compete throughout the state in the new year. Please congratulate the JROTC program for this exciting opportunity.

The Richmond County School System (RCSS) has achieved a significant milestone with its Class of 2024, boasting the highest graduation rate in over a decade. This accomplishment marks a continuation of a two-year trend of growth in graduation rates for the school system. The Class of 2024 achieved an impressive 81.7% graduation rate, with over 1,690 students successfully completing their high school education. This represents a substantial increase of 3.7% compared to the previous academic year.

The Academy of Richmond County surpassed the state graduation rate of 85.4%.

Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw has announced his resignation as Superintendent of Schools for the Richmond County School System, effective December 31, 2024. Bradshaw reflects on nearly a decade of fulfilling service, particularly the past five and a half years as superintendent.

Under his leadership, the district achieved its highest graduation rate, established the Junior Achievement Discovery Center, and implemented historic pay raises for teachers. Dr. Bradshaw expressed gratitude for the community's support and confidence in the dedicated team that will continue to advance the district's goals. He looks forward to witnessing Richmond County's ongoing success.

Dr. Malinda Cobb has been named as Interim Superintendent of the Richmond County School System.

This year, they’re awarding $277,000 in scholarships and educational grants to seniors graduating from high school and adults seeking career advancement. They’ll be accepting applications December 2nd-February 28th.

Scholarship applications for graduating high school seniors and professionals seeking career advancement should be submitted online and can be found here along with eligibility criteria: https://www.peachstatefcu.org/scholarships.

Helpful Tips

• Applicants should not apply for more than one scholarship.
• Interested individuals should carefully review the criteria for our scholarships to ensure they are eligible to apply.
• Student scholarships are broken down into three categories: merit-based, needs-based, and students who are pursuing a degree in education. They should select the category that best fits their needs.
• The Career Advancement Scholarships are for adult members of the credit union whose accounts are in good standing.

Laptops are still available for student check out. Insurance is $29.99, but must be purchased while the computer is still healthy. Students are expected to bring their laptops to school every day. Classroom carts are often not available because we expect all students to have their own computer at school every day. Please see the media center staff for more information about laptops, including being a day user, if preferred.

Senior Delivery: Tuesday April 22, 2025 during lunch – media center

Senior Delivery Make Up Day: Friday May 2, 2025 during lunch – media center

Cell phones, headphones, ear buds, and any other electronic devices are not permitted in the classrooms in Richmond County schools this year. We encourage students to leave them at home. If they are on campus, they must be powered OFF and completely out of sight. No text messaging, app-based communication, or social media is permitted during the school day...including through personal computers.

Emergency calls may be made in the front office. Parents may contact students by calling the main office and school office staff will relay emergency messages from parents to students. Non-emergency messages cannot be delivered during the school day. Families should discuss appointments and other activities outside of school instructional time.

The school system is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged electronic communication devices or cell phones nor will the administration or school officials investigate missing or damaged cell phones.

• First violation --> The device will be taken to the front office and the student or parent can retrieve it at 3:10 pm. It will be documented in Infinite Campus.
  
• Second violation --> If taken on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, the device will be taken to the front office and the parent can retrieve it on Friday at 3:10 pm. If taken on Thursday or Friday, the device will be taken to the front office and the parent can retrieve it on the following Monday at 3:10 pm. It will be documented in Infinite Campus.
• Third violation --> If taken on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, the device will be taken to the front office and the parent can retrieve it on Friday at 3:10 pm. If taken on Thursday or Friday, the device will be taken to the front office and the parent can retrieve it on the following Monday at 3:10 pm. The student will serve one day of ISS. It will be documented in Infinite Campus.

• Fourth violation --> The device will be taken to the front office and the parent can retrieve it 10 days later at 3:10 pm. The parent must schedule a conference with administration. Additionally, the student will serve 3 days of ISS. It will be documented in Infinite Campus.
• Further incidents will result in discipline deemed appropriate by administration under the circumstances.

NON-COMPLIANCE: All administrators, teachers, and staff members are authorized to confiscate cell phones, electronic communication devices and/or accessories any time a student is in violation of the policy. Refusal to surrender a device will result a two-day OUT OF SCHOOL suspension.

March 8--register by Feb 21

May 3--register by Apr 18

June 7--register by May 22

February 8-register by Jan 3

April 5-register by Feb 28

June 14-register by May 9

July 12-register by June 6

1. Gather everything you need the day before the test, including: an approved calculator, test ticket, sharpened pencils, and photo ID.

2. Double check the registration time and location. Make sure you know how to get to the test center and how much time you should allow for travel. Plan to arrive 20-30 minutes early to get registered and settle in.

3. Get plenty of sleep the night before the test.

4. Wear comfortable clothing and eat a healthy breakfast the day of the test.

5. As you get started, take a few deep breaths to calm yourself and keep a positive attitude.

6. Listen carefully to instructions and ask questions if you hear something you don’t understand.

7. Focus your attention entirely on your work.

8. Position your answer sheet right next to your test booklet so you can mark answers quickly and accurately.

9. Read each question and possible responses completely before answering. If you’re not sure of the answer, choose the one you think is best and move on.

10. Be sure to answer every question—there’s no penalty for guessing.

This website is helpful for kids studying for the SAT. Students have said studying the Desmos guide a teacher posted in canvas helped them score higher on the Math portion of the SAT.

Desmos_SAT_Tips_and_Tricks.pdf (bwseducationconsulting.com)

Yearbook Ordering Information

2025 ARC Yearbook Ordering Information:

All orders are placed through the Jostens Website

Class of 2025 Ads -Deadline is Feb 7!

Visit the Jostens website to place Senior Ad Orders:

Create your Senior Ad Here

Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball 🏀🏀🏀

1/10/25 4:00, 5:30, 7:00 & 8:30 v Harlem @ Harlem (JV and V)

1/17/25 6:00 & 7:30 v Cross Creek @ Cross Creek

1/21/25 6:00 & 7:30 v Hephzibah @ ARC

1/24/25 6:00 & 7:30 v Baldwin @ ARC

1/28/25 6:00 & 7:30 v Westside @ ARC

1/31/25 6:00 & 7:30 v Howard @ Howard

2/4/25 6:00 & 7:30 v Aquinas @ ARC

2/7/25 6:00 & 7:30 v West Laurens @ West Laurens

Boys and Girls JV Basketball 🏀🏀🏀

1/10/25 4:00, 5:30, 7:00 & 8:30 v Harlem @ Harlem (JV and V)

1/11/25 12 pm v Josey @ Josey

Boys and Girls Swim 🏊🏊🏻‍♂️🏊

1/16/25 5:30 v Aquinas, Evans, Lakeside, Westminster, Grovetown, Davidson @ Augusta Aquatic Center

1/28/25 5:30 v Aquinas, Evans, Lakeside, Westminster, Grovetown, Davidson @ Augusta Aquatic Center--SENIOR NIGHT

Boys and Girls Wrestling 🤼🤼🤼

1/11/25 10:00 at Harlem Area Duals

1/16/25 5:30 at Lakeside

1/21/25 5:30 at Burke County

1/28/25 5:30 at Hephzibah

2/1/25 10:00 at Westside Area Traditional

2/8/25 10:00 at Sectional Tournament

2/13/25 – 2/15/25 at State Tournament at TBA

Need some new ARC merch from Booster Club? Click here!

Or use this link if the QR code doesn't work for you!

Interested in joining the Booster Club? Click the link below to complete the membership form and use this link for the PayPal account to support the booster club. Questions? Contact Booster Club President Travis Wright at travisewright2415@gmail.com or Secretary Mary Wallace Broome at mwpbroome@yahoo.com.

Check this link for new Booster Club merch!

Please check out our Title 1 Parents Right to Know Notification document.

Anyone wanting to volunteer must follow the volunteer policies for the Richmond County School System. They must also complete the Mandated Reporter Training.

There are 3 levels of volunteers and volunteers have been cleared at the appropriate levels before working with students.

Please check in with Ms. Hawkins, our school social worker, for more information. (hawkica@boe.richmond.k12.ga.us)

If your child needs to be absent for any reason this school year, please utilize the school attendance email address: musketeerattendance@gmail.com. We are encouraging parents to provide doctor/dentist excuses, as much as possible. The RCSS code of conduct permits 5 parent notes per school year.

For COVID-19 related absences, please contact Nurse Tiller at TilleCu@boe.richmond.k12.ga.us. When all information is received, the attendance will be updated and teachers will receive an email informing them of the student’s absence.

The Clemson C-CAT Program is now accepting nominations for 9th and 10th grade students for their 24-25 Sessions.

Clemson’s Challenge for Academically Talented Students (C-CATS) recruits outstanding students to participate in high-powered weekend retreats. Through team-building and academic sessions, students gain leadership skills, make lasting friendships, and improve their ability to think clearly and perform under pressure, all while having the time of their lives!

Spend the weekend exploring Clemson University while developing leadership skills and building friendships with other top performing students.

Interested? See your counselor for more information.

Mercer University is currently seeking students who will be sophomores and juniors during the 2024-2025 academic year, Mercer University’s Certificate of Achievement and Service Excellence (CASE) program seeks to identify students who embody Mercer’s commitment to research and service. Two-thirds of Mercer students participate in at least one service-learning experience during their time on campus, and the CASE program will recognize students who value service both personally and as an important component of higher learning.

To be a CASE Scholar, students must hold a 3.5 GPA or higher, demonstrate continued involvement in service during high school, and submit an application form or be nominated for the program by a school counselor or teacher. Eligible nominees will then be invited to apply to the program by the Office of University Admissions. Scholars will be awarded the Certificate of Achievement and Service Excellence along with a $500 scholarship, contingent upon their acceptance and enrollment to Mercer University.

Ready to apply? Click the link below.

https://undergrad.mercer.edu/case-program/

Senior dues are due March 14th and are $80 through MySchoolBucks. It covers a fall t-shirt, spring t-shirt, and senior week activities.

Senior fall t-shirt is available for purchase for $15 separately for anyone through MySchoolBucks.

All work should be completed on time. Teachers may deduct five points per day and communicate this in the Infinite Campus gradebook. Work turned in after the learning has occurred may not be graded (no more than 5 school days from the due date). If a student continues to submit work late, a parent-teacher conference may be held to co-develop a plan of action.

Using Artificial Intelligence to complete assignments where students are asked to produce original work will be considered Academic Dishonesty.

Can't find us in the Parent App?

Yeah, I couldn't either. While I was logged in as a parent, I went to Account. Scrolled down to QR Code for Mobile Login and there it was! Very easy...once you know what you are looking for!

HOT TIP

Switch browsers. For whatever reason, I kept clicking logout and it was keeping me logged in to my son's account. I had his account open in Chrome and had to create my account in Firefox.

Go to the parent site. Create an account. Enter one child's paring code--I suggest doing your favorite kid first....kidding! Once you are logged in, if you have multiple kids, go to Account, then down to Observing. In the box, add the pairing code from your other child and click "+Student." Voila!

Want to observe your kid's classes in Canvas?

Get the paring code from your child(ren). To do that, have them login. Go to Account. Then Settings. On the right side, there will be a button that says, "Pair with an Observer." Write this code down or take a quick pic for your child (or children if you have multiple in the school system. Do all of your children at once. It'll be easier. Also, if you are a teacher in RCSS, it was recommended to me to use a separate email account from my work email.)