RHS Raider News
December 2023
Updates and Celebrations
Reynolds Families,
As we begin winter break this week, there is much to reflect on since the start of school. Throughout the fall, staff and students have had a renewed focus on academics. The transition to a block schedule and 90 minute class periods has proven to have a positive impact on learning with increases in student achievement. If your student is in need of additional academic supports, please remember the Reynolds Counseling Team is here to offer guidance. Please click here to contact your student's counselor directly to set up a one-on-one appointment, where they will outline a host of academic support opportunities.
School safety has been another focus of this school year. Since the beginning of the year, a few new strategies have been employed to ensure safety. The first was the enforcement of a closed campus to improve the security of school grounds and the building itself. Students and the community have done well with daily entry and exit procedures, creating a safe environment for all. Safety has also improved in the hallways, commons, and in bathrooms with an increased number of staff to supervise students at passing time, lunch, and other times throughout the day. Increased supervision has also allowed staff to make time for more individual conversations with students, improving supports and opportunities to form connections.
This year we have seen growth in student participation in athletics, performing arts, after-school activities, and other extracurriculars. Throughout the fall, hundreds of students participated in a wide variety of activities. Many of our student after-school activities are open to spectators. If you have not done so already, please take the opportunity to come out and see one of the many athletic contests and student performances coming up this winter.
Over the break, take time to celebrate the academic and extracurricular accomplishments of your student(s). They have worked hard this fall and have accomplished a great deal. The Reynolds staff looks forward to welcoming students back in January after a much deserved winter break.
Thank You,
Mike Anderson
Principal
AVID grads come back to share
In a long-standing tradition, recent RHS AVID graduates returned to campus to visit current AVID students at all grade levels and share about their experiences transitioning to college. Not only is this an interesting and educational way to finish out the days before Winter Break, but it is inspiring to see, first-hand, the success of our AVID program in equipping students for their next steps after high school.
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is an elective class offered in grades 7-12 that is dedicated to closing the achievement gap by preparing all students for college and postsecondary opportunities. A huge shout out of appreciation goes to our RHS AVID Elective teachers-- Lisa Madzelan, Max Babson, Jamie Baxter, and Stephanie Camberg-- for mentoring and supporting these remarkable students. And a big thank you also goes out to these awesome members of the Class of 2023 for being willing to spend a day back at RHS sharing their unique experiences and lessons learned.
End of Semester is fast approaching!
Raiders, when we return to school after Winter Break there are only about 3 weeks until the end of first semester! Students, be sure you're talking with your teachers about grades, missing work, and finals. Families, don't forget that you can check your student's attendance and grades through ParentVue, any time.
Here are some important January dates to be aware of:
- Jan. 3rd: First school day after Winter Break (B day)
- Jan. 15th: No School -- MLK Day
- Jan. 25th -- 1/2 day Finals Schedule (A day)
- Jan. 26th -- 1/2 day Finals Schedule (A day)
- Jan. 29th -- No School -- Grading Day
- Jan. 30th -- First day of Second Semester (A day)
Community Resources
Community Resources for Winter Break
If you are looking for some community resources for you or your family, you will find some here:
Call 2-1-1, or go online: 211info - Connect. Inform. Empower.
To speak to a community information specialist in your area:
Call 2-1-1, 0r 1-866-698-6155
Text your sip code to: 898211
Email help@211info.org (Hours - Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm)
Need FREE FOOD?
The Oregon Food Bank offers free food at locations throughout the area. Enter your location and find groceries, meals, and fresh produce. Click here: https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/
Student Life & Activities
Winter Week
Each year, our students and staff come together to celebrate Winter Week, which includes fun dress-up days, our life size Elves on Shelves that move around the building throughout the week, games, and more! The beginning and end of Winter Week is commemorated with assemblies for all students. The biggest and best part of Winter Week though is our yearly Adopt-a-Family event, which pairs student and staff teams with local families to provide them with a little extra holiday cheer this season! The whole school works together to provide extra gifts and supplies for these families in need.
Winter Fine Arts Performances
December was a busy time for our RHS Fine Arts department! We welcomed families and community members in our auditorium for fabulous evenings of music produced by our students. We would like to offer a huge thanks to all who attended the Winter concerts from our band and choir. Unfortunately, due to an unforeseen power outage, our orchestra concert was cancelled, but we know our orchestra students worked hard to prepare for the concert.
We look forward to our theatre department's Winter musical, The Little Shop of Horrors, opening on February 16th!
Dance Team Competition
On Saturday, November 18th, the Reynolds Dance Team hosted their 11th Annual Eastside Dance Festival. They hosted 15 teams from across Oregon and enjoyed over 30 competitive performances and 2 exhibition performances from our own Raider Dancers. Junior Captain Jae placed Top 10 in Advanced Drill Down and Senior Captain Lizbeth was recognized during a special shout-out! This massive event happens each year and is always a highlight for the team and coaches!
Questions or concerns? Please contact us!
Main office: 503-667-3186
Counseling office: 503-667-3186 ext. 1310
Attendance office: 503-667-3186 ext. 1076
Let's talk: https://www.reynolds.k12.or.us/district/lets-talk