#TheRidge News
9/12/2021
Achieving Despite the Challenges
We continue to experience positive cases that result in the quarantine of additional students. None of this is ideal and certainly not what we'd hoped for this school year. As I stated in last week's newsletter, the primary goal right now is to stay in school. I am restating points from last week because they continue to be our primary ways to reduce the number of positive cases:
- Keep your student home if they are sick.
- Report positive cases through the FMSD Covid Page.
- If your student is home on quarantine, they should remain home until they are advised that they may return.
- We encourage staff and students to wear a mask, however it is not required.
If your student is on quarantine, please have your student contact their teacher through email or Google classroom with any questions about assignments. It is important that they do their best to try to up to date. This will help reduce the amount of make up work required upon return.
The FMSD Covid Page has answers to many questions parents may have about quarantine, positive case protocols, etc. While we will do our best to answer calls/emails regarding Covid questions, the FMSD Covid Page can answer many questions or concerns you may have.
Despite the challenges, our students are showing their resilience and ability to adapt. We are in school, our teachers are imparting content, and we are doing our best to prepare our young people for their next steps. Outside of school, students are participating in extracurricular events: our Athletes are excelling in their sports, Band and JRTOC are preparing for competitions, our Fine Arts students are practicing for performances, and students are excited to continue to engage in activities.
Club Rush is Tuesday during all 3 lunches. Encourage your student to come out to the Courtyard and get involved in one or more of our 40 Campus Clubs. There is something for every student @TheRidge!
As we have passed the midterm of our first grading period, it is important for students to continue to work hard in their classes. I would encourage students to use FLEX time wisely during the week and seek out extra help as needed.
Friday morning, we acknowledged the ultimate sacrifice made by our 1st responders and military on this 20th anniversary of 9/11. While none of our students were alive at the time of these events, they heard from some of us who were, and the impact this tragedy had on our country and personal lives. It was a time when our great nation came together in a way we have not seen in some time. I'm hopeful that the challenges we currently face will help us rise above and come together in a similar way.
Darren Wilson, Principal
#BeTheWhy
Important Health & Safety Reminders
- Masks are highly encouraged by the FMSD for students and staff but are not mandated.
- Vaccination Cards (not required): If your student has been vaccinated, a screen shot of their card on their phone is recommended. This speeds up the process of approving students to remain in school if identified as a close contact. This is voluntary.
Student Dismissals: We have had an increase in attendance emails due to Covid tracing, so dismissal emails may not be checked until later in the day, which may cause you to miss your appointment. Moving forward, if you need to dismiss your student early for an appointment, you may send a signed note including your phone number with your student (NOT an email) to give to attendance the morning of the dismissal. Your student will receive a pass to leave at the stated time and meet you in the car rider line. If you do not send in a note, you must check your student out through the Front Office system, or if you are not able to come into the Front Office, you may call before 3:10 PM and we will verify information for dismissal. Per District Policy, we do not dismiss students after 3:10 PM.
- Item Drop-offs/Deliveries. We will no longer allow items to be dropped off in the front office. This includes food (school lunches are free- students will not go hungry), books, homework, instruments or athletic equipment.
RIDGE ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE ATTACHED
Remembering 9/11/2001 & Honoring our 1st Responders
Today, and every day, we are thankful for our 1st responders. Thank you to Nurse Walsh, Officer Ratliff, Officer HosenDove, Major Studley, Sr. Chief Luppino and our local Fort Mill Fire Dept. for your service and for all you do for our community every day!
August Teachers of the Month (TOMs)
Club Rush
Monday is College Application Day for Seniors!
College Application Day is sponsored by the SC Commission on Higher Education and SC Can Go. High schools across the state host College Application Day events to assist students with college applications. Due to Covid safety protocols, Fort Mill Schools are unable to host an “in person” event with college reps, but we wanted to share their valuable information with our Seniors across Fort Mill School District.
Attached is the handout we are sharing with Senior families in lieu of an “in person” College App Day.
Senior Pics & Info for Yearbook
Underclass Picture Makeup Day
Senior Swim
Livestream
GoFan
Order Your Yearbook!
Band Mattress Sale
ICYMI: Virtual Open House
Band Spirit Night 9/15
SIC 2021-22
Other Important Dates/Events:
Please refer to the Athletics Calendar for the most current schedule for games and practices.
Stay informed about all school events by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @CatawbaRidge and @CatawbaRidgeNews
The Latest on the Coronavirus from the FMSD
The most current Coronavirus Information can be found on the Fort Mill School District Web Page which includes any updates from DHEC. Cases in the US and South Carolina are being updated daily. The web page will be updated as the District receives new information or recommendations from DHEC.
Catawba Ridge High School
Email: WilsonD@FortMillSchools.org
Website: http://crhs.fortmillschools.org/
Location: 1180 Fort Mill Highway, Fort Mill, SC, USA
Phone: 803-835-5222
Facebook: facebook.com/CatawbaRidge
Twitter: @CatawbaRidge