Greetings everyone!
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, it seems an appropriate time to “give thanks” for our wonderful R.J. Reynolds community! We are incredibly grateful to be part of a school with such rich tradition and history, as well as an innovative, exciting present and future! It is an honor to be your PTSA presidents.
So join us as we give thanks for:
- Our extraordinary faculty, staff and administrators who truly go above and beyond, tirelessly giving their time, their talents and their hearts to teach, guide and coach our children each day.
- Our diverse and exceptionally talented student body that never cease to amaze us with their dedication and accomplishments.
- Our parent and community volunteers who devote countless hours each week to nurture our children and keep our school running smoothly.
- Our generous Legacy donors whose gifts really do make a difference providing classroom, athletic and arts support that touches each and every student at Reynolds.
- Our beautiful, historic campus and facilities, like none other in the district, which provide a welcoming, safe and fun learning environment.
- Our phenomenal arts, athletics, extra-curricular and service opportunities that offer our students an enriching educational experience beyond comparison.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone – we are SO proud to be Demons!
Lisa and Greg Carter
Reflections is a national PTA arts contest which provides a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their creativity through film, literature, dance, music, photography and visual arts. This year’s Reflections contest “Believe, Dream, Inspire” wrapped up a few weeks ago with more than 65 applications submitted by RJR’s talented students!
We’re grateful to the incomparable Lana Young for volunteering to be in charge of Reflections again this fall. Using her great organizational and communication skills, Lana capably managed every aspect of the job, with help from Leslie Smith. Lana spent weeks promoting and advertising the contest, encouraged teachers to get their students involved, made sure entry forms were available via the school’s website, fielded questions and addressed concerns from participating students. Lana lined up community judges to evaluate RJR’s entries, collected student submissions, delivered them to judges and ultimately submitted the RJR winners to the county. Check out the finalists later in this newsletter!
Thank you, Lana and Leslie, for making Reflections a success again this year! Your efforts further RJR’s mission as an arts magnet school, and help our students share their incredible talents with an appreciative community. And of course, thank you to our students who entered this year’s contest for being such a good “reflection” of the best RJR has to offer!
Last Saturday morning, hundreds of people from our RJR “family” and the broader community came out to celebrate and honor the memory of Matt Gfeller at the fifth annual Matt Gfeller Memorial Doughnut Run. More than 900 runners participated this year, raising in excess of $40,000 for the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma andthe MatthewGfellerSport-RelatedTBIResearchCenter.
Assistant Principal David Small, Arts Magnet Director Karen Morris, teachers Seth Beale, John Clevenger,Ashley Hurst and RyanSolomon, and custodian Anthony James assisted with race day “logistics” to ensure the event ran smoothly.
At daybreak on Saturday, RJR student volunteers arrived on campus in droves, helping wherever needed, including heavy lifting, set-up, parking, runner support, cleanup, cheering and entertainment. Girl’s Council, Key ClubandRGCeach organized a hearty team of volunteers; members of RASCALS offered to help, too, and many other students pitched in on race day, including a huge group of runners.
Student performers lent a festive air to the whole event. Crowds were treated to performances by the Dancing Boots,A Cappella and RJR student band Taft’s Bathtub. RJR’s fantastic Drum Line, directed by Derrick James, kept runners pumped up as they passed the halfway mark at Whitaker (and provided thrilling musical accompaniment to those who braved the doughnut-eating challenge!).
This inspiring annual event generates so much good from such a tragedy, and we appreciate all who contributed in any way to make the day a community-building, awareness and fundraising success!
Legacy Campaign
Your gift makes a difference…and every gift counts!
As Thanksgiving approaches,we are thankful for all the generous donations that the Legacy Campaign has received from R.J. Reynolds parents, faculty, alumni and community supporters.
We are thrilled to report that Legacy donationsnow total$91,862from222donors!!
We are getting close to our goal of $110,000, but we can’t get there without yourhelp! In this season of Thanksgiving,please consider making a donation to support ReynoldsHigh School through the Legacy Campaign.
We Need Your Support! Keep Those Gifts Coming!
Donate by completing your Legacy donation and donor information forms accessed through the links at the bottom of the Legacy Campaign page on the RJR website, and mail them to R.J.ReynoldsHigh School with your check. If you prefer, you can donate online through our PayPal account.
Mailing address: RJR Legacy Fund
301 N. Hawthorne Rd
Winston-Salem, NC27104
Please email us at with any Legacy questions.
We are truly grateful to the companies listed below for their contributions to the Legacy Campaign and R.J. Reynolds. Their donations will directly support our academic, athletic and arts programs which enrich the lives of each and every Reynolds student. Help us thank these companies by showing them your support!
Many Thanks,
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 ().
Jeff Brill / Nov. 30
School will not be in session:
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!
Location:Mt.Tabor United MethodistChurch, 3542 Robinhood Rd., Winston-Salem, NC27106
To sign up or for more details, go to:
Contact for details: Mary Apel @
The Reynolds Key Clubhas startedits annual canned food drive . Last year,the Key Club collected more than 22,000 cans. Because of the gracious giving of the faculty, families, students and staff of RJR, the Key Club was able to assist many needy families during the holiday season and throughout the year. Boxes have been placed in teachers' rooms for students to donate cans.
U.S. Naval AcademyTuesday, Nov. 26th12:30 – 2 p.m.
There are a few "Born and Bred...Amid the Pines" fundraiser T-shirts left in all sizes. They can be purchased from Mrs. Reece for $15.
If you missed the Dancing Boots chicken pie sale deadline, it’s not too late. We have 25 pies left, first come first serve, three for $33 or one for $12. Please see Mrs. Reece ASAP to reserve yours!
Save the date and tell your friends!
REYNOLDS REVUE
AMID THE PINES
Thursday, January 9, 2014, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
(Snow Date: Monday, January 13, 2014)
R.J. Reynolds Auditorium
Current, future and prospective students and parents
are invited to attend! Learn whatRJRhas to offer in the three A’s –
Academics, Athletics and Arts!
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Important Registration Information for Rising 9thGrade Students
Student Panel Discussion
Performing Arts Showcase
Curriculum, Sports and Arts Magnet Information
Meet Teachers, Counselors and Coaches
Student Life and Activities Fair
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For more information aboutR.J.ReynoldsHigh School,
visit our website at
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.
Please note the important inform about the ACT located at the end of this newsletter.
ASVAB CAREER EXPLORATION TEST
Wednesday, December 18th
9:00-12:00 in the media center
THE ASVAB CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM is a career planning and exploration program that combines a multiple-aptitude test with an interest self-assessment and a wide range of career exploration tools. Students in grades 10th -12thare eligible to take this test. See Ms. McClain if you have questions.
Sign up in Student Services by December 13th.
Congratulations to RJR Student of the Week Alex Lawrence. He was nominated by Mr. Hanf for his commitment well beyond classroom time to do what is necessary for class. Thanks for making RJR great, Alex!
The Marching Band’s Fruit Sale fundraiser is in full swing! Please see your RJR band student or go to our web site: for details.
The band’s Poinsettia Sale fundraiser is in full swing as well! Please see any band student to order 7” for $8 or 10” for $25.
Don’t’ miss out on these two great opportunities and thanks for your support!
Reynolds High School Orchestra is planning to compete during Spring Break on a cruise to the Bahamas. Orchestra students are selling candy to defray the cost of the trip. If candy is not on your diet, please consider making a donation to the RJR Orchestra to help students travel to this fun competition! Checks should be made payable to R.J.ReynoldsHigh School, attention Ms. Rehder. Thanks for your support!
Please thank the following people who have agreed to serve on the 2013 Nominating Committee:
9th grade representative – Corrine Ward
10th grade representative – Carla Hoots
11th grade representative – Ashby Hopkins
12th grade representative – Melissa Fisch
2nd vice president, chairman – Lisa Dull
If you are interested in serving as a PTSA officer for the 2013-2014 year or you would like to submit a name for consideration, please contact Lisa Dull at by December 6th.
We apologize for posting incorrect information earlier this year. Turns out the 2014 yearbook won't be 400 pages (plus the 16-page summer supplement), but 420! Due to an unprecedented request for senior ads, we have added 20 pages to the book, making it bigger than ever! The pre-order purchase price remains $50 (plus $5 for the optional name stamp on the cover), so be sure to order your copy today! Visit YearbookOrderCenter.com and enter the RJR code 10595. Please contact adviser Steve Hanf at if you need help ordering the book or have any other questions about the Black & Gold.
The Reflections committee is happy to announce the winners of the arts contest for 2013-‘14! Congratulations to all the winners and a big thanks to all the students who took time to enter their art. Reynolds is home to some very talented students. The winning entries in each category will now go to the county-wide contest for the next round of judging. Those winners will be announced in early 2014. Good luck, Demons!
Literature
Madison Allred 1st Place
Ben Casstevens 2nd Place
Cala Douthit 3rd Place
William Casstevens Hon. Mention
Symone Thompson Hon. Mention
Visual Arts
Ruth Moffat 1st Place
Katherine Dull 2ndPlace
Ruth Moffat 3rd Place
Photography
Charlotte Ririe 1st Place
Haley Jacob 2ndPlace
Ben Casstevens 3rd Place
KatherineShore Hon. Mention
Haley Jacob Hon. Mention
Dance Choreography
Khris Beeson 1st Place
Rachel Kiger 2nd Place
Madisyn Thomas 3rd Place
Sarah Myers Hon. Mention
Taylor Carter Hon. Mention
Nov. 25Swimming vs. Reagan/Mt Tabor at WSSU, 7:00
Nov. 26JV Girls Basketball at Atkins, 4:00
Nov. 27V Boys Basketball vs. Lexington at Parkland, 5:00
Nov. 30Wrestling at Ragsdale, 9:00
V Boys Basketball vs. Atkins at W. Montgomery, 4:00
Support Reynolds Home Field Advantage by purchasing our new T-shirts. All proceeds will go to the fund to “Bring Reynolds Home”. Please see the next page for details.
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.
Congratulations are in order to our very own football coach, Scott Saalweachter, who was named Carolina Panthers Coach of the Week. See the teams press release at the end of this newsletter
800 South Mint Street Peter Vacho
Charlotte, NC28202 Phone: 704-358-7000 Fax: 704-358-7618
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 21, 2013
RJ REYNOLDSHIGH SCHOOL’S SCOTT SAALWEACHTER NAMED
CAROLINA PANTHERS HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE WEEK
Winston Salem, NC --- Scott Saalweachter, head football coach of the R.J. Reynolds Demons, has been selected as one of the Carolina Panthers Coach of the Week. He grew up in Winston Salem area and has been coaching for 20 years. This is Coach Saalweachter’s first season as head coach of the Demons after serving as their offensive coordinator last year.
In two years at R.J. Reynolds, Coach Saalweachter has begun to right the ship for the Demons. In a program struggling with participation and discipline, coach knows the importance of his players being successful on and off the field. Coach ran into some challenges early in the season and had to bench 11 starters for the first quarter. They lost on a field goal as time expired, however with the new attitude, work ethic and discipline coach had instilled it made the post-game huddle seem like they had won. “Coach Saalweachter has changed a losing culture by getting his players to buy into his system. The community, school, and team are rallying behind this football team. He is all about doing things the right way and the effects are showing up on the field and in the classroom,” said athletic director Brad Fisher.
Coach Saalweachter is only in his first season as Head Coach of the R.J. Reynolds Demons, but the change he has brought to the football field can also be seen in the school and community. The team plans to engage in community service after the season is over. He and his student-athletes are planning to dedicate volunteer hours with the local elementary and middle schools. His goal is to increase youth football participation in the area and create excitement for the R.J. Reynolds football program. Winston Salem has seen the impact Coach Saalweachter has made in his first season as Head Coach and is very excited about the future of the Demon football program.
In recognition of Coach Saalweachter, Carolina Panthers Charities will donate $1,000 to the R.J.ReynoldsHigh School’s athletic department. The 2013 Coach of the Week class will be honored with an on-field presentation during the Carolina Panthers home game versus the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15th, 2013. At that time, the 2013 Coach of the Year will be announced and the winning coach will receive an additional $2,000 grant for his school's athletic department.
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