John W. Sparlin, Principal

Dear Parents and Students,

August is here and it is time to start thinking about the upcoming school year.  The first day of school is only a few weeks away. That being said, let me “officially” welcome you to the start of the 2008-2009 school year!  I look forward to working with and meeting you in the upcoming year.

If you are incoming freshmen, I’m sure you’re feeling both excited and nervous as you make the transition from middle school to high school.  Don’t worry, this is a normal feeling that most of your peers are going through as well.  Remember, high school is like anything else, what you put into it will be directly related to what you get out of it.  Our philosophy at RHS is to provide something for everyone.  One of our core values is to be involved.  Your freshmen year is a perfect time to get involved in any of the co-curricular teams or clubs we offer.

Sophomores, you now have a year of high school under the belt and you are on your way.  Now is a good time to reflect back on the goals you set for yourself last year and to ask yourself to what extent you reached those goals.  If your grade point average isn’t where you would like then it’s time to set a new goal and formulate a plan.  The plan is like a road map that will keep you on track toward reaching your goal.   Think of it this way, if you took a trip across the nation you would map out which roads to take to get you to your destination.  Your education is no different; education is one vehicle that will take you toward your intended direction.

Juniors, on day one of school this year, you are over half way done with high school.  This year you will take the ACT.  The score you receive on the ACT is one criteria colleges use for admission into their institution.  What you have done in the past and what you do this year will have a direct impact on the score you receive.  Remember, one of our core values at RHS is to be responsible.  You are the one responsible for your education, take advantage of every opportunity that you can.

Seniors, because you are a member of the class of 2009, you’re a school leader.  The other classes are now following your lead. As seniors, we expect you to set an example to help make this school year a success for all of us.  For those of you who are still uncertain about your future plans, now is the time to plan a strong senior year.  You are the architect of the program that will bring out the greatness that is in you.  The leadership that you display this year must be evident each day.  Senior year is not a year to sit back and rest.  It represents a turning point in your life…an end and a beginning.  Map out a personal plan for your senior year that will keep you active and committed to a future filled with happiness and success.

 Parents, I truly believe that you are an integral part of your son’s or daughter’s education.  The parent/school link can be a very important piece of your child’s success.  If there is anything we can do to improve our programs or how we serve the community we are always open to comments and suggestions.

 Let’s make 2008-2009 the best school year yet!

 Sincerely,

John W. Sparlin 

John W. Sparlin, Principal