Hello Ridgeline Families—
The week officially ends today, but it felt like it was over on Wednesday following our VERDE LOCO Battle of the Green grand finale! I’m still thinking about it because it is so much more than just an assembly. This event is very important to our Ridgeline culture for many reasons. The idea of celebrating the month of March is credited to our counselor, Mrs. Twining. She had this vision for making spirit and tradition happen at a start-up high school. So… we followed her lead and let her take us on a journey to create our own spirit event that embodies our beliefs about creating a sense of belonging and just having some fun amidst the work and demands of school life! When you see students working together to create a story and a special moment, it reminds you of the fact that we are all unique individuals and at the same time seek the same things. We have really good kids at our school, and they care about each other. This event creates an opportunity for ALL students to come together through hard work and personal dedication. The ultimate goal is to win the Battle of the Green trophy, but the true reward is evident on the students faces as they danced and performed for the entire student body. They were having fun and experiencing joy and happiness with one another. It is an event that breaks down cliques and friend groups in a good way. It creates a space for grade-level teams to get to know each other and have a shared experience that forges a new bond and connection.
So, I began writing this message from one of my usual spots in the upper hallway in the main academic wings. I find inspiration there. True to form, I didn’t write much of this on that day because as students and staff came by we would chat and catch up on life and just talk. On this day, biomed teacher, Joe McCollum, came out of his classroom at passing time and he caught me deep in my own thoughts and we laughed when he said it reminded him of the old Saturday Night Live skit of “Deep Thoughts With Jack Handey”! We had to Google it and look at a few old clips from the show! I was in deep thoughts because I started my newsletter after the Verde Loco assembly on Wednesday. That event had an impression on me for all the reasons I mentioned and it causes me to think about the high school experience in ways beyond what you might typically consider. After Mr. McCollum and I chatted I was about to get back to my newsletter and a couple seniors, Lola and KJ, came by, sat down, and we started a new conversation. They started by talking about the Verde Loco assembly and ideas they wanted to share for next year’s planning. Then the conversation transitioned to what’s happening in their lives currently, and what they are looking forward to after graduation. Looking back on it, it was the kind of conversation I had with my own boys, but I’m not sure I had it in the same way (you know how us parents sometimes put certain pressures and like to direct our kids—because we know so much more now than we did when we were their age. Don’t make the same mistakes I did, right??!!). To them, I’m just a guy, not a parent, so when they talk it seems genuine, and honest, and they don’t have to be cautious about my approval or what they think I want them to do after high school. To KJ and Lola’s parents—I don’t have to tell you, these girls are awesome! I know you already know this, still you should know you’ve done a great job raising them up!
Please check out today’s Falcon Flyer to read about the many other great happenings with our Ridgeline students. Also look for coming events and activities. Time continues to speed up after spring break.
Yes! I am ready for the gift of time that the week ahead offers! Hope you all get a chance to spend quality time with your family as well.
Next newsletter will drop on April 12.
Make it a great spring break! --Mr. Hardt
Class of 2024 Valedictorian and Salutatorian
The opportunity to be selected for valedictorian and salutatorian academic honors are among the most time-honored traditions in the academic lives of high-achieving high school students. For the Class of 2024, Ridgeline High School is pleased and proud to announce this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian honorees. The Class of 2024 Valedictorian is Paige Van Buren! And, for Class of 2024 Salutatorian, there is a tie between Owen Gingras and Nicholas Rahm, who we honor as co-salutatorians! Please join the faculty, staff, and students of Ridgeline High School as we congratulate these extraordinary students on their accomplishments!
Summer 2024 CVVL High School Registration is now OPEN.
Registration Link: CVVL HS 2024 Summer School Registration Link
CVVL HS SUMMER Course Information
- CVVL summer school is for credit advancement. If you failed a course and need to make up credits, please wait for information regarding credit retrieval summer school.
- You may register for only ONE summer school course.
ANOTHER Opportunity for Future Surgeons!
If you have a student with interest in surgical medicine who is at least 16 years old, I invite you to discuss this opportunity with your student ASAP. Providence is pleased to offer a virtual opportunity to view in ‘real time’ a Brain Surgery experience being facilitated at our Portland location. The Brain Surgery Watch virtual viewing will take place at Sacred Heart Medical Center & Children’s Hospital in the Sacred Heart Campus Auditorium on Wednesday, April 17th from 7:00 AM to 12:30/1:00 PM. Registration for this event will likely fill RAPIDLY, so interested students should get registered ASAP!
Apprenticeships!
As many of your students have heard Mr. Spraggins say over the last couple of years, apprenticeships represent a great way to create lasting and meaningful careers. If your student is interested in a career in the trades, consider attending the open house with your student at the Newtech Prep Skills Center from 6:00-7:30 PM on Thursday, April 11. To register, access the QR code below.
Cancer Research: A Unique Opportunity for High School Students...
The Ella McKeirnan Memorial Fellowship would like to fund two students to participate in the Harper Cancer Research Institute at the University of Notre Dame from June 10 to August 1, 2024. If this is of interest to your student, please access this link to learn more about the program. If after reviewing the program your student would like to apply, have your student access the link, click on the Ella McKeirnan Memorial Fellowship link on the left-hand side, and apply. Applications are due March 31, 2024.
University of Washington Medical School, Spokane
If your student is interested in embarking on a challenging and rewarding career in medicine, gaining insight on what medical school is like from those living that experience can be invaluable. Business After School will offer a two-hour, 4-part workshop to explore life as a medical school student on Friday, April 19, from 3:00-5:00 PM at the University of Washington's Spokane Campus. To learn more and register for this event, access this link!
Construction Jobs: National Utility Contractors Association of Eastern Washington and North Idaho
If your student is a graduating senior with interest in the construction trades, Signing Day may be a good program to explore. Signing Day will provide students with valuable insights into various construction trades, including utility contracting, excavation, and construction management. Through interactive activities, informative sessions, and networking opportunities, students will gain a deeper understanding of the skills, training, and career paths available in the construction industry. The program's goal is for students to walk away from the experience with either a job offer or valuable interview experience to support the search for a job. To register, students can click on the QR code below!
The Production Manufacturing Institute offers a hands-on, immersive program to introduce high school students to the production manufacturing environment. Participating students will become part of a team that designs, makes, and sells products to real customers. If your student is interested in a manufacturing career, I encourage you to have your student check out this innovative local program. Applications are now open! To learn a bit more about the program, check out this informative video.
Interested in dance team?
Interested in being on one of the top dance teams in the state!? Join the google classroom for updates! Audition is open to any students grades 8-11!
Audition information:
Prep Classes 4/13 & 4/20 10am-12pm
Tryouts: 4/22 & 4/23 6pm-8pm
Finals 4/25 6pm-8pm
Classroom code: 7vmzg5k
In order to attend prep classes or tryouts, must be signed up thru Final Forms! Link will be live April 8th
The Speech and Debate team is a state champion.
The team earned the 3A Forensics Academic State title, an award given for the highest overall team GPA in Washington state.
Ryland Jacoby (11) and Sienna Shadd (10), who competed in the State Debate Championships at Gonzaga University on March 14-15, accepted the award, state patches and medals on the team's behalf.
Sienna also competed in the state speech tournament at the University of Puget Sound on March 2. Sienna, along with members of the Central Valley and University state speakers, visited the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle before the tournament.
It was Ryland's and Sienna's first year of speech and debate competition.
Our Falcon Poets delivered amazing performances at the all valley Poetry Slam last Thursday. James Holten, Ally Aitken, Logan Crowley, and Annie Cope all kept the audience riveted with their original spoken word poems. Ridgeline dominated the podium that night; Ally took 2nd place and Logan secured 3rd. Ally, Logan, and Annie move on to compete in April at the Poetry Grand Slam against all Spokane area high schools. We are so proud of the hard work and dedication it takes to craft and deliver these performances. Well done poets!
Our first ever Book Fair was a success! The Ridgeline Community showed up B.I.G. time to support our readers and the library. A special thank you to Mr. Parker and our fantastic Chamber Orchestra who brought their performance to Barnes and Noble. The whole store was impressed with their talent and tenacity. New books should be arriving soon. Keep reading!
Falcon Artists
We'd like to give a big congratulations to artists Kiki Zhu, Bri Pires, and Ariel Cline! These ladies were featured in our Winter Art Showcase where our Falcon student body had the opportunity to vote for their favorite drawing, painting, and pottery piece. Kiki's drawing, Bri's painting, and Ariel's pottery piece won in our student vote, and their hard work and creativity earned them a gift card to The Nest. Great work Falcon artists!
Boy's Tennis Team
The Falcons boy’s tennis is off to a great start this season as they are currently 4-0 after non-league wins versus CDA Charter and Shadle Park, as well as wins in the GSL versus Gonzaga Prep and North Central. The Falcons Varsity are led by Seniors Zander Palm, Luke Pell, and Cameron Rehkow, while also getting some major contributions from underclassmen Jackson Hieb, Marco Lopez,Jordan Lancaster, Owen Phillips, Andrew Bota, Grant Brito, and Preston Baker. The JV team is also doing great and showing promise as well! The Falcons next contest will be after Spring Break with home matches vs Lewis & Clark April 9th and Mead April 11th, both at 3:30 PM. Go Falcons!!
Empty Bowls event
On Sunday, April 21st, Ridgeline High School is hosting an Empty Bowls event for the community! Families and friends of Central Valley School District are all invited!
Empty Bowls is a grassroots movement by artists around the world to raise money to help feed the hungry in their communities. Celebrate this Earth Day 2024 by purchasing a reusable, handmade ceramic bowl and enjoying some soup. We believe that conserving the planet’s resources and feeding those in need benefits everyone. The proceeds from the event will go to Spokane Valley Partners Food Bank. There will also be an art gallery with student artworks from all three CVSD high schools. Music performances by the CVHS Jazz Combo “CVm7”. On April 21st, 1-3pm, bring your family and friends to enjoy soup, handmade ceramics, and help support the Spokane Valley community!
Tickets for this event are $20 each. Each ticket gives you entry to the event, your choice of one ceramic bowl (first come, first choice!), and soup. Cashless payment only via the website: https://gofan.co/event/1475302.
Youth Softball Skills Camp
Short and Sweet Announcement: 🥎 Join us at Ridgeline High School for an exciting Softball Skills Camp! From April 13 to May 3, sharpen your skills, meet new friends, and have a blast on the field. Register now!
Engaging Call to Action: 📣 Calling all softball enthusiasts! Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your game at Ridgeline High School's Softball Skills Camp. Join us from April 13 to May 3 for intensive training, expert coaching, and lots of fun! Register today and let's hit it out of the park together!
Visual Appeal: 🥎 Batter up! Ridgeline High School invites you to our Softball Skills Camp, where players of all levels can refine their techniques and build lasting friendships. From April 13 to May 3, let's gear up for an unforgettable experience on the diamond. Register now and swing for the fences!
Highlighting Benefits: 🌟 Unlock your potential on the softball field with Ridgeline High School's Skills Camp! From mastering pitching techniques to honing batting skills, our expert coaches are here to guide you every step of the way. Join us from April 13 to May 3 and step into a world of growth, camaraderie, and endless possibilities. Sign up today!
Urgency-driven Message: ⏰ Time to step up your game! Ridgeline High School's Softball Skills Camp is just around the corner, running from April 13 to May 2. Limited spots available! Secure your spot now and get ready to elevate your skills with top-notch coaching and unmatched enthusiasm. Don't wait, register today!
Amazon wish list for Grad Night 2024
Donate to Grad Night! Though some fundraising has occurred, we want to make sure that each senior in attendance will receive a gift and/or prize. Please donate and ask friends and family to help!
How to donate? monetary/gift card donations – contact rhsgradnight2024@gmail.com to coordinate
ALL gifts will be awarded to the seniors who participate in Grad Night at Triple Play!
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2JICUH080WAH5?ref_=wl_share
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
