The Weekly Wildcat
October 19, 2018
Welcome back to school - Wednesday, October 24!
A message from Mr. Staley
Hello Wildcat families,
We are excited and ready to restart our 2018-19 school year. Though Hurricane Florence has posed a great challenge in our community, Richlands High School and our educators stand ready to welcome students back on October 24.
I wanted to take a few moments to let everyone know that a few things will look different than they did at the start of the school year. You may notice some work going on around our campus.
Also, there will be some areas of the school that aren’t open right away. If you have a class in one of our mobile units, those will be moved inside for a while. Also, our gym floor is going to be refinished soon, so there will be some areas of the floor that are inaccessible.
When we come back, we are going to go to homeroom for a few days, instead of Power Hour. That will give you a chance to make sure you know about the changes, the new school schedule, let us know if you have any needs, and to make sure your supplies and 1:1 technology are ready to go. If you can, make sure you bring your charged laptop on the first day back.
I’ve been asked quite often about the status of homecoming. I’m excited to say that Homecoming 2018 will go on as scheduled. Starting on October 29, we have a tremendous spirit week in store for you, culminating with our traditional Blue and Gold day on Friday, the RHS Homecoming Parade, and the game on Friday Night!
Welcome back Wildcats. Let’s make this the best year ever!
Can't wait to see you!!
Warm Regards,
Brad Staley
Principal
From Brent Anderson, OCS Public Information Officer
Onslow County Schools, October 15, 2018 — OCS Superintendent Rick Stout announced a timeline for the reopening of our schools. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, schools will reopen for students in three phases from October 24th through November 5th. A complete restart of all 38 sites at one time will not be possible and the timeline could fluctuate given unforeseen circumstances.
Schools will open which have been identified by the district’s industrial hygienist as having “acceptable indoor environmental health and safety conditions.” Those which sustained the least amount of damage will open in Phase 1. 24 sites and approximately 16,800 students will be impacted. Moderately damaged schools are scheduled to reopen in Phase 2, which includes an additional 6 schools and brings back approximately 4,800 students. Phase 3 will include the most severely damaged sites, as well as the Thompson Early Childhood Center, and all the district’s Pre-K programs. With the remaining six schools enrollment of the district will return to pre-Florence numbers of just over 27,000.
Staff at each school are scheduled to return at least two days prior to students, with staff at Phase 1 schools returning October 22nd, and students returning October 24th. Staff at Phase 2 sites will return October 30th, with students returning November 1st, and Phase 3 staff returning November 1st, with students starting back November 5th.
Superintendent Stout shared this reopening information with district and school administrators during a meeting this morning. He thanked them for the work already done, and for what they have been doing in preparing for staff and students to return. He also let administrators know they will need to adjust to a new normal. “As we move forward with reopening our facilities, not all spaces within every school will be usable. Repairs and recovery will continue after facilities reopen. This means that, for the time being, class sizes may increase in certain schools and facilities may be used differently to accommodate for lost space.” Stout reminded everyone teamwork would be key to making adjustments, sharing, “District staff and principals will work closely with one another to ensure all facilities are used in a way which allows staff and students to work efficiently and comfortably.”
A list of the schools’ reopening schedule is attached to this release, and a video of Superintendent Stout’s complete presentation to district administrators is available on the OCS district website at www.onslow.k12.nc.us.
Student Handbook
Upcoming Events
Parking/Student Drop and Pick Up
Morning and afternoon traffic is working great thus far! Please ensure that you go with traffic and through the front or side traffic patterns as setup with cones. Do not attempt to cut in front of other students or vehicles as we try to ensure safety on the campus. Please be patient!!!
Handicap Parking is only to be utilized by vehicles with proper placard. Do not park in these spots without your placard.
ALL VEHICLES MUST FOLLOW TRAFFIC PATTERN. Please do not move, or drive through, any cones or barriers and stay off all grassy areas.
From Mark Johnson, State Superintendent
Parents, caretakers, and educators,
As the State Superintendent of North Carolina’s schools, I want you to know that your child’s success in school and beyond is our top priority. Starting this school year, we will regularly engage with you to make sure we are on the right track for students, parents, and educators.
We want to work with you on school safety efforts, curriculum and state standards (what your child learns in school), and reducing over-testing. Also, we will provide you with tools to find out how much of your taxpayer dollars make it to your child’s classroom.
Today, we want to partner with you in the work to support school safety.
Steps to Support School Safety
My daughter attends one of North Carolina’s public schools, and as with you and your child, I want to know that she, her classmates, and their teachers will be safe.
We are increasing school safety measures and mental-health supports in our schools. Educators, law enforcement, and mental-health professionals work hard to ensure safe environments, but they need our help.
Right now, you and your child play an important part in supporting safety at school, and we offer tips that everyone can use. Together, we can work to keep one student's challenges from becoming a school tragedy.
Click here to view the tip sheet for school safety and how you can help.
PASOS PARA QUE LAS ESCUELAS SEAN MÁS SEGURAS
In October, we observe National Bullying Prevention Month. Reporting and stopping bullying are great examples of how students and parents can help us create safe environments for all students.
Parents, caretakers, educators, and community members must work together to help every child in North Carolina stay safe and succeed.
Thank you for being a partner with us in this important mission.
Mark Johnson
NC Superintendent of Public Instruction
@MarkRJohnsonNC
NCsuperintendent.com
P.S.: Many families and schools are recovering from Hurricanes Florence and Michael. If you would like updates on recovery efforts and suggestions on how you can help schools in need, visit FAST NC.