Dear RJR Community,
You have heard “the one constant in life is change”. This is true of R.J. Reynolds High School as well. Some recent changes have been headline news like the hiring of new principal Pat Olsen and the RJR stadium project. There are other big changes in the works that have not received as much press to date, but will significantly impact our school.
You may already be aware of the curriculum changes being implemented this year. North Carolina has adopted the Common Core and Essential Standards to replace the NC Standard Course of Study. The Common Core are national standards for language arts and math. The Essential Standards set the curriculum in other subjects. This implementation has already impacted teachers and students with changes in course content and teaching methods. You may have heard students or teachers talk about “problem-based learning” and a greater emphasis on literacy across all subjects. The implementation also encompasses big changes in teacher and student assessments. While this is still a work in progress, we expect significant changes with first semester exams next month. Look for more specifics about those assessment changes in next week’s newsletter.
Another major change occurring in 2013 is the conversion from the NC Wise computer system to a product called Power School. While you may not recognize the name “NC Wise”, it is the system used for student information, school and student scheduling, progress reporting, attendance, class ranking and transcripts. The good news is that Mr. Olsen was a principal in Michigan when Michigan converted to Power School, so he has some system and conversion experience and understanding. He also promises that Power School is a superior product but cautions that the transition will be difficult. The first major impact of this conversion will be an accelerated timeline for registration for next year.
Mr. Olsen addressed some of these changes during our Chat with Pat coffee last week. We will try to keep the RJR community updated on the status of these initiatives going forward. In the meantime, we encourage you to visit the WSFCS website to learn more.
Last week, we encouraged you to make plans to attend the Holiday Showcase. And, we still do! However, the date of that event had changed and we advertised it incorrectly last week. Please update your calendars to reflect the RJR Holiday Showcase on Tuesday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m. You should find an up-to-date version of the complete RJR performance calendar at the end of this newsletter.
Stay tuned, knowing that change is always headed our way!
We are proud to be RJ Reynolds Demons!
William and Lisa Dull
On Tuesday, November 27, 2012, the WS/FC School Board voted 6-3 to allow Home Field Advantage to begin fundraising for a true HOME stadium for Reynolds High School. The proposal endorsed by the Board (option “C-1”) includes construction of a stadium in the area along Northwest Blvd between Wiley’s current gym and RJR’s auxiliary (“girls”) gym, a new Wiley gym, and a new practice field on Reynolda Road. While the next step of raising $6 million to fund the project is obviously critical, last week’s milestone marks the successful conclusion of three years of extensive effort by numerous volunteers, who spent their energies and countless hours in planning, promotion, and negotiation.
Home Field Advantage has been the vision, passion, and resolve of RJR parent and community organizer Kathryn Spanos. Amazingly, her involvement with the stadium project is just one of Kathryn’s many contributions to our community during this time. For example, she also served as President of Wiley Middle School PTA, including one year when none of her children even attended the school! For several years, Kathryn has planned the annual RJR All Sports Banquet hosted by the Booster Club, helped with the senior picnic, and spent hours beautifying the grounds around Reynolds High School. She currently serves on the RJR SIT Committee and as one of our two Parent Advisory Council representatives. What an asset and advocate for Reynolds High School students—past, present, and future! Thank you, Kathryn Spanos! We would also like to express our gratitude to Paul Spanos, for sharing Kathryn with so many others and supporting her in all her work on behalf of WS/FC schools and students through the years.
As Kathryn will hasten to say, she is not the only force behind Home Field Advantage. We thank everyone who attended a meeting, wrote or voiced an opinion, helped develop and distribute materials, shared information, or worked on the website. In particular, we want to recognize the following individuals for the special roles they’ve played in this project to date:
A round of applause for Marie Arcuri, Jon Boling, Chandler Borton, Ansley Browning, Lisa Carter, Deborah Casstevens, Greg Cox, Kris Cox, Stan and Laura Dean, Julia Doud, John Eller, Pete and Melissa Fisch, Brad Fisher, Paul Foley, David Freedman, Kirk Fry, Bill Glenn, Lynn Gwyn, Linda Hill, Lisa Hodges, Jimmy Hoots, Robert Hughett, Frank Johnson, Carl and Leslie Karpinski, Rich Keshian, Danny Mensh, Pat Olsen, Shannon Rainey, Lisa Rowell, Dora Sparrow, Caroline Stopyra, Claire Tuttle, Troy Tyner, Missie Vaughan, Claudette Weston, Ben Wilson, Mike and Michelle Wolfert, and Melissa Workman.
There are surely others who have participated in this endeavor, and we apologize for any names we might’ve neglected to mention. Please know that we appreciate the commitment of all who have helped, in any capacity, every step of the way. We’re off to a great start!
Legacy Campaign 2012
Your gift makes a difference…and every gift counts!
It’s hard to believe that we are already at the beginning of December and the Legacy Campaign is ending its fourth month! Reynolds has been incredibly blessed by the generous contributions of our staff, parents and community supporters!
You’ve now raised an astonishing…
$ 101,201.00 from 202 generous donors!!
Toward our goal of $ 130,000.00
We Need Your Support! Keep Those Gifts Coming!
As we approach the end of 2012, please consider a Legacy Campaign donation when you finalize your charitable gifts for this year. Don’t forget, with a contribution of at least $50, you can also donate using a credit card via the school system’s online payment program. Just go to the Legacy page on the RJR website and use the
“Click Here to Donate Now” link.
To contribute: http://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/Page/9679
Our mailing address is: RJR Legacy Fund
301 N. Hawthorne Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
For questions, additional pledge cards/materials, please email us at:
Thank you!
Marie and Guy Arcuri
Legacy Chairs
Do you know anyone interested in coming to RJR next year? Please share the recruitment flier with them as the application period will start in January. Also, follow RJ Reynolds Arts on Facebook and like RJRArts on Twitter for updated information about applications, auditions, tours and how to get tickets to events.
Are you looking for a way to make an impact on R. J. Reynolds students? Consider the ESL Tutoring Program.
Reynolds tutors are currently assisting 31 students in our ESL program. There are still more students who would benefit from just 45 minutes a week of one-on-one tutoring time. To be an ESL tutor, you do not need to speak Spanish or Korean or Tagalog. You just need to speak English and have a little time to give.
Currently, our biggest need is for Math (primarily Algebra II and Geometry) and English tutors, but all willing participants can be placed with a student.
If you are interested in being an ESL tutor or simply want to learn more about the program, please contact Deborah Casstevens () or Kathy McLean ().
M. Martinez - 10th
Angell Caudill - 12th
Rebecca Sexton - 12th
Amy Cruz - 16th
Rebecca Jones - 16th
The Holiday season is here! Demon wear and accessories make great Christmas and Hanukah gifts. The new Reynolds magnet is a great stocking stuffer, on sale for only $5.00. Come by the Demon Shop, located in the school cafeteria, Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:00 to 2:00. Or if you can't get by the store, you can email your orders to Melissa Workman. The order form is on the school website. Don’t forget . . . we have new RJR blankets!
COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENTS….mark your calendars!
The Princeton Review
FREE Practice ACT Test
Saturday, January 12
9:00 a.m.
RJR Cafeteria
Be sure to join us for the informative scores back session a few weeks later:
ACT Scores Back Review Session
Tuesday, January 29
7:00-8:00 p.m.
RJR Media Center
You must register online at princetonreview.com to participate: http://www.princetonreview.com/ChooseProducts.aspx?testtype=TBA&producttype=FRE&productdetail=ACTEventsNearYou&zipcode=27106
DEADLINE to register is January 5.
For questions or more information, please contact Michelle Caldwell at mailto:.
There will be NO SCHOOL for students on the following days:
Dec. 21-Jan. 1: Winter Break
This year, the Key Club collected more than 22,500 cans during the annual Thanksgiving food drive and they were donated to Crisis Control. Because of the gracious giving of the faculty, families, students and staff of RJR, the Key Club is able to assist many needy families during the holiday season and throughout the year. Please click on the following link which is an article by Kim Underwood from the school system's webpage: http://wsfcs.k12.nc.us/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=12708&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=101503&PageID=1
Want to Participate in the Follies?
Can you sing, dance or play an instrument? Do you have a special talent?
It's time to start practicing for the Follies tryouts! Follies is the annual talent show at R.J. Reynolds hosted by the Key Club. There will be an informational meeting on December 19 at 3:45 in the cafeteria. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Beale at .
Yearbooks are on sale! There are two ways to order: online at www.YearBookOrderCenter.com or by calling 1-866-287-3096. Make sure to reserve your copy before the holidays.
Congratulations to RJR Student of the Week Bilaal Rivera. Bilaal was nominated by Ms. Woloszyn for her participation in class that helps everyone learn. Thanks for making RJR great, Bilaal!
The Advanced Studio classes will be creating a winter wonderland in the courtyard by the art rooms. They will have people singing and playing winter/holiday music in the courtyard after school the last week before break. If you are interested in volunteering, contact art teacher Amy Cruz.
Tuesday, December 18, 7:00 p.m.
Performances by the Jazz Band, Chorus and Theater Arts
Reynolds Graduation will be held on June 8th at 3:00 p.m. at the LJVM Coliseum.
RJR Dance Department proudly presents Expressions Dance Concert
Wednesday, January 9th
6:30 p.m., RJR Auditorium
$5.00 admission
*We need parent volunteers to assist with dance rehearsals. Please contact Mrs. Clemons or Mrs. Reece at:
or .
Dates and time needed for parent volunteers are:
Monday, January 7th, 3:55-6:20 p.m. and Tuesday, January 8th, 3:55-7:35 p.m.
In addition, all dance students will be staying after school for dance rehearsals on these days:
Monday, January 7th: 3:55-6:15 p.m.
Tuesday, January 8th: 3:55-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 9th: return to school by 5:45 p.m.
This information is courtesy of the United Way:
Make Your Voice Heard!
The superintendent of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools — Dr. Donald Martin — will retire in June 2013, and the search for his replacement is now underway.
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board will host two more public forums to hear from the community on what qualities the next school superintendent should have. The forums will take place as follows:
Thursday, Dec. 13, in the auditorium at East Forsyth H.S.
Tuesday, Jan. 8, in the auditorium at Carver H.S.
Each forum will begin at 6 p.m. and start with a brief explanation of the hiring process. Attendees will have an opportunity to offer their opinions. Spanish-language interpreters will be at each forum. The forums will be filmed and available for viewing on the school system’s website: wsfcs.k12.nc.us.
For those unable to attend, surveys will be available beginning Nov. 29 to give board members feedback. The surveys is available on the school system’s website and in paper form. Both English and Spanish copies are available.
If you are unable to attend, please visit the school system’s website and take the survey (available November 29). If you would like a hard copy, please call United Way at 723-3601 and one will be mailed to you with a postage-paid return envelope.
Together, we can make a difference in the quality of public education in our community! Make your voice heard!
Dec. 11 Track meet at JDL, 4:00
9th Grade Basketball vs. Page, 4:15
JV Girls/Boys Basketball at Page, 5:00/6:30
V Girls/Boys Basketball vs. Page, 6:00/7:30
Dec. 12 9th Grade Basketball at Parkland, 4:15
JV Girls/Boys vs. Parkland, 5:00/6:30
V Girls/Boys at Parkland, 6:00/7:30
Swimming at Davie County, 6:00
Dec. 13 Swimming vs. Reagan, 6:00
Dec. 14 9th Grade Basketball at North Forsyth, 4:15
JV Boys Basketball vs. North Forsyth, 5:00
V Girls/Boys Basketball at North Forsyth 6:00/7:30
Dec. 15 V Wrestling at SW Randolph, 9:00
December Conditioning
What to wear: Shorts/Spikes/Long Sleeve Shirts/Short Sleeve ok in warm weather
When: Mon.-Thurs., Dec. 3rd-20th, 4:00-5:30
During Winter Break:
Dec. 22nd - Cages, 12:00-1:30
Dec. 27th – Weight Room/Boot Camp, 12:00-2:30
Dec. 29th - Cages, 12:00-1:30
Dec. 31st- Weight Room/Boot Camp, 12:00-2:30
Jan. 2- 4:00-6:30- Monday-Friday we will start skill work/throwing program and continue conditioning