Another Great Week in Raider Nation! We came back from Spring Break and hit the ground running! This week was packed with energy, learning, and celebration. Highlights included a spirited SC READY Pep Rally, the SC READY Writing assessment, an outstanding Chorus and Band concert, and a memorable 8th Grade Formal. It’s been a busy, fun, and enriching week for all!

Looking ahead, we continue SC READY testing with the ELA assessments on Tuesday and Wednesday next week. We’re also excited for our Orchestra Concert and Dance Showcase—more opportunities to shine and celebrate our students’ talents!

Scroll down for next week’s schedule of events. Let’s keep the momentum going, Raider Nation!

May 5-9 Teacher Appreciation Week

Tuesday, May 6- SC Ready ELA Pt 1

Tuesday, May 6- Orchestra Concert @ NWHS 7p

Wednesday, May 7- SC Ready ELA Pt 2

Wednesday, May 7- School Nurses Day

Friday, May 9- Dance Showcase @ 5:30p

As the warmth of May arrives, we also embrace Mental Health Awareness Month! Officially recognized since 1949, May serves as an important time for us to collectively shine a light on the significance of mental well-being and work towards reducing the stigma often associated with mental illness.

Throughout this month, we'll see our wonderful community – individuals, organizations, and groups – come together to raise awareness and underscore the vital importance of mental health care. Our shared goal is to foster greater understanding and break down the barriers of stigma surrounding mental health conditions.

Get Involved! Show Your Support on Green Ribbon Day – May 1st!

The color green and the green ribbon symbolize the crucial role mental health plays in our overall health and happiness. We're kicking off Mental Health Awareness Month with "Green Day for Mental Health" on May 1st. We encourage all staff, students, parents, and community members to wear green as a visible sign of support.

By wearing green throughout May, we not only acknowledge Mental Health Awareness Month but also spark important conversations, offer support, and cultivate a more inclusive society for everyone affected by mental illness.

Did You Know? The Connection Between Sleep and Mental Health

Speaking of well-being, did you catch this fascinating research? A large study from Stanford University School of Medicine tracked the sleep habits of over 73,000 adults and found that those who regularly stayed up past 1 a.m. had a 20–40% higher risk of developing depression or anxiety.

Interestingly, this held true even for natural "night owls"! This highlights the importance of regular sleep patterns for everyone, regardless of their natural sleep chronotype.

Want to learn more about your sleep habits? 👉 Find your sleep chronotype here: https://superage.com/sleep-timing-matters-more-than-you-think/

Let's make May a month of understanding, support, and positive change for mental health within our Rock Hill Schools community. Stay tuned for more updates and resources throughout the month!

Spring Training Pep Rally - Step up to the plate and knock SC Ready out of the park!

The amazing Raider Chorus performing under the direction of Mr. Pinson!

And the equally amazing Raider Band under the direction of Ms. Howard!

Thank you, Nurse Knight, for taking care of all of us!! We applaud your intelligence, your patience, your time, and your compassion. Thank you for protecting and strengthening our children's lives and enhancing their learning environment. Your impact is felt and appreciated!

Attention rising 7th grade parents

In accordance with South Carolina Code of Laws and State Regulation, a Tdap vaccine is required for all seventh graders in South Carolina. The Tdap vaccine is a booster that protects against three serious diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Please plan accordingly to have your child’s TDAP vaccine by the first day of next school year.

If you would like to check if your child has received the required TDAP for 7th grade, please call the school nurse at (803) 981-1527. A letter will be sent home at the end of April for any student that does not have a TDAP documented in the South Carolina immunization database.

8th Grade Yearbook Distribution: 5/19

8th Grade Field Day/Cookout: 5/20

8th Grade Recognition Ceremony: 5/21

Purchase tickets at GoFan. The cost is $6 ($5 per ticket and $1 service fee). Kids 4 years old and under are free.

No tickets will be sold at the gate. Cash tickets are available in the Front Office on game day between 12pm and 2pm for $7. Cash or check only. Exact change only.

Thank you for your dedication, patience, and the love you put into teaching. You make a difference in student's lives every single day! We are so grateful for the kindness, guidance, and encouragement you provide!

Winthrop University will also be hosting the FIFTH annual STEM camp June2-6, 9:00am-2:00pm daily. This is open to rising 7th-12th graders and the cost is $95 for the week. This includes lunch each day and a t-shirt. Throughout the week students will have the opportunity to explore different areas of STEM, including nutrition, biology, math, computer science, engineering and more! Register here by May 12!

Rock Hill Schools partners with Second Harvest Food Bank to provide food to our school community.

Drive-thru Events:

• June 9: York Road Elementary
• June 12: Belleview Elementary
• June 17: Richmond Drive Elementary

Events typically serve 200-250 families and distribute up to 10,000 pounds of food, including meats, dairy, produce, grains, and shelf-stable items. Each family receives 50-60 pounds of food. The mobile food pantry will operate in a drive-thru format, with volunteers loading food bags and boxes into the trunks or backseats of vehicles.

The drive-thru will start at 5 p.m. and end by 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Serena Williams.

If you are a rising 7th or 8th grader and you like to run, then Northwestern Cross Country is for you! Please fill out the interest form if you would like more information about the Cross Country program.

Northwestern Girl's Volleyball Spring Practice will begin Monday, May 5. We will practice Monday's/Wednesday's during the month of May from 4-5:30pm.

Upcoming Events:

May 5th - 9th - Teacher Appreciation Week

May 7th - School Nurse Appreciation Day

May 9th - Dance Showcase

May 9th - 10th - 8th Grade Band/Orchestra trip

May 13th - Spring Sports Awards Banquet

May 19th - 8th Grade Yearbook Distribution

May 20th - 8th Grade Field Day/Cookout 10:00am-1:00pm

May 21st - 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony

May 21st - 6th Grade Field Day 9:00am-11:30am

May 21st - 7th Grade Field Day 12:00pm-2:30pm

May 22nd - Early Dismissal

May 23rd - Early Dismissal/Last Day

May 26th - District Closed for Memorial Day

Upcoming Testing Dates!

May 6- SC Ready Reading pt 1

May 7- SC Ready Reading pt 2

May 13- SC Ready Math

May 15- SC Ready Science (6th grade)

May 15- EOC Algebra 1

May 16- English 1 EOY exam

TBA- Spanish I Exam

Email: ncauthen@rhmail.org
Website: https://www.rock-hill.k12.sc.us/rrms
Location: 2631 West Main Street, Rock Hill, SC, USA
Phone: 803-981-1500
Facebook: facebook.com/rawlinsonroadmiddle
Twitter: @RawlinsonRoadMS