Greetings from R.J. Reynolds!
It is hard to believe that first quarter has come and gone, and that we are heading full steam ahead into the next. As new staff members continue to settle into their new surroundings and veteran staff settles into new curriculum requirements, we finally had a chance to get some air last Friday during our work day. During lunch time, 10 staff members participated in a staff-wide chili cook-off. It provided an opportunity for staff to enjoy each other and reconnect as a group.
On November 7th, the state of North Carolina released school achievement data to the public. While much hoopla and political advantage may be attempted by some, we must keep a level head about the report. Most importantly:
- The data released is baseline data only, one point in time, one measurement as a starting point.
- Achievement and growth are measured over time with multiple measures, not a single data point.
- Student achievement and proficiency are goals for us to meet; however, obtaining high proficiency rates on state assessments has become much more difficult due to higher cut scores that identify “proficient”, new and modified assessments, and drastic changes to curriculum.
- What is important for us as a school and staff is to continue to focus on sound teaching practices while providing support structures and opportunities for students to ensure they graduate from high school and enter the college and/or career path of their choosing.
Regardless of what this single data point may say about R.J. Reynolds, we have many other measures of success. For example:
- The Class of 2013 earned $10.8 million in scholarships and grants.
- RJR had the highest growth rate on the ACT test—a more important measurement, in my opinion.
- Arts students are regularly recognized for their works at the local, state and national levels.
- Our graduation rate continues to rise, especially within our minority populations.
- The number, variety and type of colleges into which our students are accepted speak volumes.
- The degree of parent and community involvement in our school is extraordinary. Much research demonstrates the correlation between parent involvement and a successful, high achieving high school.
On November 20, the district is hosting/supporting a “walk-in”. We invite the community to visit our school and classrooms between 9 and 11 a.m. as part of our teacher appreciation celebration and to allow folks an opportunity to get a snapshot of what takes place here on a daily basis. I look forward to seeing you “Amid the Pines”.
Sincerely,
Pat Olsen, Principal
R.J.ReynoldsHigh School
Another terrific season of RJR football has recently drawn to a close, and Demon fans of all ages were entertained and well-fed at each and every home game! We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the many sports teams and individuals who helped make those Friday evenings at Deaton-Thompson Stadium so much fun.
First, we want to express our gratitude to RJR’s outstanding Booster Club Presidents, Pete and Melissa Fisch. The entire RJR community has benefited from their many months of dedication and hard work, both behind-the-scenes and front-and-center. They are tireless supporters of our school, and we thank them!
Lee Hatling did a wonderful job ordering all supplies and products for concessions, and then making sure the stands were well-stocked and ready for each game.
Brian Myers capably managed concessions operations during each home game-- arriving early, staying late and handling any situation that arose in between.
Amy Ciaccia was responsible for staffing the concessions stands at every home football game. With great organization and impressive communication skills, Amy coordinated with RJR’s various athletic teams for the recruitment of student and parent volunteers to man the stands at each game.
Bruce Patterson counted and deposited all receipts from concessions after each home football game.
We appreciate all RJR student-athletes and parents whose involvement helped make these events a success!
Legacy Campaign 2013
Your gift makes a difference…and every giftcounts!
Through the generous contributions of our staff, faculty, current parents, past parents, alumni, and generous community supporters!
We’ve now raised an amazing…
$88,701 from 223 generous donors!!
Toward our goal of $ 110,000.00
We Need Your Support! Keep Those Gifts Coming!
If you haven’t contributedto the Legacy Campaign, it’s not too late! We are confident we can reach our goal of $110,000.00 but we need your help! Your donation is tax deductible and will help to enrich the educational experience for each and every student at R. J. Reynolds.
Please go to donate by PayPal or by completing your Legacy donation and donor information forms and mailing them to R.J.ReynoldsHigh School with your check.
Please email with any questions.
Thank you so much for all your support!
Megan and Rick Erickson
Legacy Chairs
Thank You Corporate Legacy Sponsors!
One of the great strengths of R.J.ReynoldsHigh School is its diversity. Among our 1,700+ students are over100 students from more than 30 different countries, from Albania to Egypt to South Africa to Vietnam.
Many of these students would benefit from just 45 to 60 minutes a week of one-on-one tutoring. 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.
Tutoring slots are available each day throughout the day. Students will arrive at their tutoring sessions with specific assignments to complete or review. No planning by the tutor is required.
If you are interested in being an ESL tutor or simply want to learn more about theprogram, please contact Deborah Casstevens () or Kathy McLean ().
Delfio Delgado / Nov. 16
School will not be in session:
Nov. 11- Veterans Day
Nov. 27-29- Thanksgiving
Dec. 23- Jan. 3- Winter Break
Get started on your holiday shopping!! RJR alumni T-shirts are $10; cookbooks are $8; sweatshirts and RJR blankets are $25. Preorder your Letterman Jacket for $200 now! We are open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-2p.m. in the RJR cafeteria. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Melissa Workman at .
For the second year, RJR Women's Soccer will offer a night of babysitting just before the winter holiday break! Whether parents need a night without kids or time for some last-minute shopping, keep the evening of December 19th in mind! Time and location are TBA, but check the PTSA newsletter for updates throughout the fall!
Congratulations to RJR Student of the Week Daniel Watson. He was nominated by Ms. Sartin for his positive influence on the school. Thanks for making RJR great, Daniel!
Run (and eat doughnuts) for a Great Cause and
For a Great RJR Community-Building Opportunity!
No one in our current student body attended RJR at the time, but many remember or know about Matthew Gfeller who died after suffering a traumatic brain injury in his first RJR football game five years ago. The following year, three of Matt’s friends honored Matt’s memory and his spirit with the first annual Matt Gfeller Memorial Doughnut Run.
The fifth annual run will be November 16, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. on our own R.J. Reynolds campus!
Proceeds from the run already fully endowed the Matt Gfeller Scholarship awarded to a RJR senior each year. Now proceeds benefit the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma and the MatthewGfellerSport-RelatedTBIResearchCenter.
Use this link to register today!
There is a new system that EVERYONE needs to log into and either renew your volunteer status or complete the application. On the WSFCS website, under the “Parent” tab,” Volunteers” should be chosen. The website is self-explanatory about how to proceed. Any questions, contact Amy Colona .
College Search is a committee of parent volunteers who work one on one with RJR seniors and juniors to help with the college planning process. Typically, a volunteer will work with a student for 45 minutes during an elective period to help him/her determine next steps (whatever they may be) and to support the fabulous guidance department by doing the more general hand-holding and question answering. Students leave the appointments with a folder of information, a CFNC account, and an action plan for next steps.
We need your help! If your student is a junior or senior and would benefit from working with a volunteer in this way, please encourage them to sign up for an appointment. The link is here and is on the RJR website under Student Services:
It is not too late to join this committee! Contact Karen Morris at if you would like to help students in this way. Training is provided and it is a great way to learn about the college search process yourself.
Congratulations to the following students who were named to the All- County Chorus:
Chloe Clements
Common Copeland
Wesley Davis
JaNada Ervin
Starnice Galloway
Startraya Galloway
Thomas Hatling
Clair Hoke
Alex Lawrence
Carter Lievens
Brian Mahan
Lauryn Miller
Victoria Mueller
Alberto Nava
Ally O’Reilly
Noah Tate
U.S.Naval AcademyTuesday, Nov. 26th12:30 – 2 p.m.
Nov. 129th Grade Basketball Scrimmage at Summit, 5:30
Nov. 14Winter Sports Picture Day
Nov. 16Boys Basketball Scrimmage at Bishop McGuinness, 10:00
Would you like a text update if there is a cancellation of a Reynolds athletic event? Send a text with @RJRA to (657) 214-5866 to be added.
Wrestling:Nov. 11, 4:00, Wrestling Room
Winter Track:Nov. 18, 4:00, HanesPark
All students planning to try out for a winter sport must have an up-to-date physical on file with the school.