Ridgeview STEM Junior High
October 11, 2018
Pickerington Central / Pickerington North Football
We always have an expectation that our students will exhibit the kinds of behaviors and sportsmanship that reflect positively on Pickerington Schools when attending athletic events at home or away.
As you know, this Friday night our high schools will head to Gahanna Lincoln High School for the Central-North football game. This is an incredibly high-profile game, and the eyes of Central Ohio will be watching us to see what it means to show Pickerington Tiger pride.
Remember that Gahanna Schools have graciously invited us onto their field for this game. As “guests in their home,” our expectation is that all Pickerington students will go above and beyond their normal good behavior to show our appreciation for Gahanna’s generosity.
- While gates open at 5 p.m. for this 7 p.m. game, please do not show up at Gahanna before 4:30 p.m. Although Pickerington does not have classes this Friday, Gahanna Schools are in session, and we will respect that by not showing up before that time.
- Please do not leave trash and other items behind in Gahanna parking lots. That includes items like body paint cans and paint. Students who choose to apply body paint are asked to do so in areas that do not leave a significant mess, such as a grassy area (or in Pickerington before you head to Gahanna).
- Do not damage any property in or around the stadium. Again, Gahanna has invited us into their home and we will respect that.
- After the game, take the extra step of picking up trash around your seats in the stadium and disposing of it in appropriate places.
- Remember that face masks and face paint will not be permitted.
- And, it goes without saying that students should take care when driving to and from this game.
Of course, we always ask that students be respectful to each other, but we also expect you to be respectful to Gahanna officials and residents.
Finally, remember that we may be two high schools, but we live together in one community, and we should exhibit behaviors that reflect Pickerington pride!
7th grade to attend High School Production of "Dracula"
On Thursday, November 1st, all 7th graders at RJHS will attend Central HS Theatre Department’s production of Dracula. This is a great opportunity for our students to experience a theatrical production and get an idea if this is something they would like to pursue in high school and beyond. Students will walk with their teachers from Ridgeview to the high school on the morning of the play (weather permitting) and will ride buses back to Ridgeview.
The student cost of the ticket will be $3 (our PTO is kindly offsetting the balance of the ticket fee) and will be collected in first period classes. If weather does not allow for us to walk to the high school, ticket money will be refunded.
From our Lead Asst. Principal, Mrs. Richardson
Cash in the building:
Within the past few weeks, there have been instances of students having large cash bills on them -- fifty and one hundred dollar bills. As an administrative team, we do our best to notify parents when we are informed of students having large sums of cash on them, and speak with the student regarding why teachers and administrators are concerned.
Students will talk if they observe a student with large sums of cash, sometimes it is true and sometimes it is not, which creates a safety concern in regards to the students whose names are being put out there. We encourage you to speak with your student, not only about carrying appropriate amounts of money for lunch and after-school snacks, but also to not talk about or show others how much money they have on them. Also, we would like students to know if they are concerned that someone has a large amount of money on them to come to the office and speak with a counselor or administrator so we can ensure the safety of all of our students here at Ridgeview STEM Junior High.
Social media and online safety:
Last Wednesday we completed our Cyber Safety Day with the Ridgeview STEM Junior High Students. We want to encourage parents to have conversations with your students regarding their access to social media and what they are posting. Checking what your students are posting or texting to others, or what they are receiving, are good ways to start conversations about how things are going in their life. Also if you notice anything that is being posted that you believe we need to be aware of, please feel free to reach out to one of our counselors or administrators so that we can offer assistance.
PLSD Introduces "Vaping" Policy
Possessing and using e-cigarettes and similar devices designed for vaping will become a much more serious offense if the Board of Education approves proposed changes to the student handbooks at its Oct. 22 meeting.
The school board had a first reading Monday night to changes in the junior high and high school handbooks, making possession of any device used to inhale or ingest foreign substances while on district property at a school-sponsored event a drug offense violation. A policy typically is introduced to the school board at one meeting and voted on at a subsequent meeting, which provides time for public comment.
This change affects all students, regardless of whether they participate in activities covered by the athletic handbook.
Previously, possession of these devices was covered under the district’s tobacco policy. If approved by the board, this change would increase the severity of the offense to a drug policy violation.
Covered devices include e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and Juuls, the latter of which look very much like a small flash drive and can be charged in a computer’s USB port.
If a student is found to be in possession of such devices, parents will have the option of providing a drug test (at their expense) within 24 hours of the violation. The results of this test must show the student has no illegal substance in his or her system. Parents should note, though, that even with a “clean” drug test the student will still be considered to be in violation of the district’s policies regarding smoking and use of tobacco, and will be disciplined following the current student code of conduct.
“Viewing possession and use of these devices as a drug violation has already been our practice for student athletes,” said Assistant Superintendent Bob Blackburn. “If this change is approved, we will be extending that definition to students in general. This is one part of our expanded efforts to counter the drug epidemic facing our country and our community. E-cigarettes, Juuls, and vaporizers can not only be used to ingest nicotine, but they also can be used by our students to smoke marihuana or its active ingredients.”
Student handbooks already make it a violation of Board policy to “possess, solicit, use, conceal, sell, offer to sell, purchase, be under the influence of, show evidence of consumption, supply, distribute, or transmit any substance, or otherwise violate Board Policy.”
"Possession" includes, but is not limited to, retention of a substance on the student's person or in a purse, wallet, locker, desk, or vehicle. Included in this prohibition are the possession of drug paraphernalia, which includes, but is not limited to rolling papers, and other items use to inject, inhale, administer, deliver, ingest or otherwise consume a substance.
InterAct Change Challenge
Our InterAct Club is collecting coins (and dollars, or course!) for the Pickerington Food Pantry through October 23. The 7th and 8th grade classes are competing to see who can collect the most money for the Pantry. There will be collection cans in each Social Studies classroom.
Let's help the Pantry feed families in our PLSD area.
Staff Meal Sign Up
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR OCTOBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Conferences
Thursday, October 18th, 3:40 - 7:15 PM
Monday, October 22nd, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday, October 25th, 3:40 - 7:15 PM
If you wish to schedule a conference, you will do so directly with the team of teachers through the scheduling link found online. These slots will fill quickly (some already have), so teachers may offer the option of a phone or email update. Please help us by arriving on time and limiting your conference to the 20 minute time frame. Please note: we ask that your child attend the conference with you.
Students will be prepared to share their academic progress and goals. Looking ahead, Spring conferences will be entirely student-led. More information will follow as it gets closer.
Online Yearbook Orders
Yearbooks will be delivered in May, allowing all of the events and activities to be captured throughout the year.
Don't delay - purchase today!
Holiday Assistance
As you are out and about doing your holiday shopping, you may wish to pick up an extra toy or gift and drop it into one of the big red boxes that will be found throughout the community and in the school buildings. Gift cards and monetary donations are also welcome and should be given to the school office or a counselor.
If you would like to request a form to apply for holiday assistance this season, please contact Eileen McGarvey at 614-548-1700 or eileen_mcgarvey@plsd.us. The request form will then be provided to you; only one request form per household, please. This request will be handled in a confidential manner, however, the information will be shared with local partnering agencies. More details will be shared with families requesting holiday assistance. The forms must be turned in the a PLSD school counselor by Monday, November 19th.
COMING UP AT RIDGEVIEW
Friday, October 12 - NO SCHOOL
Monday, October 15 - PTO Meeting, 8:30 AM, all are welcome
Wednesday, October 17 - Winter Athletic Rules Meeting, 6 PM, RJHS cafeteria
Thursday, October 18 - Conferences, 3:40 - 7:15 PM
Monday, October 22 - NO SCHOOL for grades K-8 ONLY, Conferences 11AM - 7 PM
Thursday, October 25 - Conferences, 3:40 - 7:15 PM
Tuesday, October 30 - Band Concert, 7 PM, RJHS Gym
Ridgeview STEM Junior High School
Email: eric_koch@plsd.us
Website: www.pickerington.k12.oh.us
Location: 130 Hill Road South, Pickerington, OH, United States
Phone: 614-548-1700
Facebook: facebook.com/RidgeviewStem
Twitter: @RidgeviewPLSD