telegRam
sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/riverview
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Dear Riverview Families,
ADMinistrAtion
Erin Haughey, Principal
Kathy Wilks, AP of Curriculum
Jay Lorenz, AP of Administration
Thank you for all your support this school year. Every day, students are coming to campus ready to learn. Our goal is for all students to leave Riverview High School college and career ready. To support your student’s academic progress, please consult the Focus Portal to check your student’s attendance and grades throughout the year. If you have any questions regarding your child’s progress, please contact his/her teacher or school counselor for more information. If you child needs support in a class, please take advantage of teachers’ office hours that occur twice a week from 7:15a.m.-7:40a.m. You can also look further in the newsletter to find additional opportunities with student tutors or various days/times to meet regarding a specific subject.
Our Student Success Center is open for students as early as 7a.m. We encourage our students to meet with Ms. Ruiz-Tagle, College and Career Advisor, before or after school or during lunches. She is available to help students build their resume(s), apply for college and help with financial aid. In addition, all students have access to SchoolLinks, a college and career advising network. In this system, students can upload resumes, letters of recommendation, sign up for college visits and explore different career paths.
Ashley Hernandez Assistant Principal, IB
Joshua Grant, Assistant Principal
Troy Thompson, Assistant Principal, ESE
Dennis Pinna, Assistant Principal counseling DePArtMent
Rose Beach, Dept. Chair
The RHS Foundation has formed a new tradition for our seniors by creating a Senior Story Wall in the breezeway of the main entrance. For $150, you can give your senior (or a group of seniors) a banner that includes: senior’s name(s), message for the senior(s) and a photo that will be put on a 3x4 banner to hang in our breezeway until graduation. We hope that this wall will highlight all the triumphs and challenges our 2025 seniors have faced and remind them how much they are loved.
At the end of May, banners will come down from the breezeway and the seniors will get to take them home as a keepsake. All proceeds go back to the school in support of free tutoring, families in need and celebrating our incredible staff. Order yours today! https://rhsfoundation.org/senior-story-wall/
If you have any questions, please contact Rod.Dragash@sarasotacountyschools.net. Thank you for your support of the RHS Foundation, the Class of 2025 and Ram Nation.
We look forward to working with you this year and helping your child reach their highest potential.
Sincerely,
Erin Haughey Principal
ADMinistrAtiVe offices
M-F 7:00 a.M. to 3:00 p.M. 941-923-1484
RHS Foundation: rhsfoundation.org Transportation: sarasotacountyschools.net/departments/transportation
Mission - The mission of Riverview High School is to provide a learning environment that nurtures a passion for intellectual curiosity; that promotes global understanding, independence, and innovation; and that is committed to a tradition of academic excellence and social responsibility.
Vision - The vision of Riverview High School is to create a school community, which works together so that all students will reach their highest potential to become life-long learners and responsible citizens through quality instruction and a challenging, world-class curriculum at a state-of-the-art facility.
Policy AgAinst DiscriMinAtion - Sarasota County School Board Equity Policies are located on the District website as well as on the school website http://sarasotacountyschools.net/ schools/riverview/. Copies are also available in the Principal’s Office.
ScHool counSelorS
COUNSELORS RM # EXT # STUDENTS
Carla Mueller 5-131B 64285 A-C
Vicki Hughes 5-131C 64283 D-I
Kristen McMahon 5-207B 64225 J-M
Katherine Borriello 5-207C 64224 N-R and IBCP
Kathryn Sperber 5-207A 64226 S - Z
Carla Harding 5-331C 64243 IBDP A-L
Rose Beach 5-331A 64244 IBDP M-Z
COLLEGE CAREER ADVISOR
Francisca Ruiz-Tagle 6-204 64181
Sarah Hu 6-204 64181
REGISTRARS RM # EXT #
Bendel, Brittany 1-138 64011
Lepow, Blanca 1-132 64049
Asadorian, Tina 1-139 64014
HigH ScHool graduation requirementS
FOR STUDENTS ENTERING GRADE 9 IN 2024-2025 AND BEYOND
English 1, 2, 3, and 4
English honors, College Board Advanced Placement, Advanced International Certificate of Education, International Baccalaureate, and dual enrollment courses may satisfy this requirement
One of which must be Algebra 1 and one of which must be Geometry. Industry certifications that lead to college credit may substitute for up to two mathematics credits (except for Algebra 1 and Geometry)
One of which must be Biology 1, two of which must be equally rigorous science courses. Two of the three required credits must have a laboratory component. An industry certification that leads to college credit substitutes for up to one science credit (except for Biology 1). An identified rigorous computer science course with a related industry certification substitutes for up to one science (except for Biology 1).
HOPE (PE and Health) 1
Remainder of required credits will be Electives
10 (Traditional Schedule) Or 12 (Block Schedule)
Or 8 ( Oak Park)
One credit in fine or performing arts, Speech and Debate, CTE or practical arts.
At least 0.5 credits must be earned in a Financial Literacy and Money Management course
Any course approved by the School Board of Sarasota County that is appropriate for Grade 9 or above may fulfill an elective credit for graduation except study hall and other courses identified as noncredit (NC), Adult Basic Education, and GED preparation.
The Algebra 1 EOC and the grade 10 English Language Arts Statewide, Standardized assessment must be passed for a standard diploma.
The comparative concordant score may be used to meet the Algebra 1 and/or grade 10 English Language Arts Statewide, standardized assessment graduation requirement.
Students must take the appropriate End of Course exams as required by the state of Florida and 30% of the end of course exam will be calculated into the final grade for Biology, Geometry, US History, and Algebra 1.
NatioNal HoNor Society
If your child is hoping to be a member of National Honor Society at some point during their time at RHS, please be aware of the requirements for induction as outlined below. Requirements for membership:
• Rising 11th or 12th grader
• 3.5 unweighted AND 4.0 weighted GPA
• 5 teacher recommendations
• No incidents of academic dishonesty
• A substantial number of community service hours (outside of school and not all related to club activities) [The specific
number is not released to avoid fraudulent applications.]
• Consistent involvement in a variety of extra-curricular activities [Again, the specific number is not released to avoid fraudulent applications.]
Applications for qualified candidates are distributed via email to students in Quarter 4. Induction is held in late April/early May.
Questions? Email Jewell DeMarco at jewell. demarco@sarasotacountyschools.net
Fall 2024 S
ACT School Day
Who: Seniors who have not yet met the ELA and/or algebra EOC graduation requirement Students will be automatically signed up to test at no cost to the student. Test date: Tuesday, October 29, 7:45 AM PSAT
Who: All 10th grade students are automatically signed up to test at no cost to the student. Who: 11th Grade Students may elect to take the test to qualify for the national merit scholarships. Students must sign up to test period the cost is $18.00, check payable to Riverview high school due at registration. If you’re a student has not yet signed up, they should see Ms. Verdoni, or scan the QR found in guidance.
Who: Seniors attempting to use the math subject of the P SAT to meet their algebra EOC graduation requirement students will be automatically signed up to test at no cost to the student. This year the test will be administered digitally.
Testing Window: October 22nd through October 25th
Content Area Benchmark Testing:
Who: Students currently enrolled in the following courses 9th/10th English, U.S. History, Biology, Algebra, Geometry Test Window: Throughout the first semester
TRY BOTH OF OUR FANTASTIC SARASOTA
1. Make sure your phone number and home address are up to date with the registrar. Inaccurate information makes it difficult to contact family members.
2. Sign up for the Parent Portal- your chance to view your student’s real- time attendance and updated grades. Go to www. sarasotacountyschools.net, click on parents and then click on Family Access Portal.
3. Attendance! Attendance and school success are directly related; use the Parent Portal to monitor your student’s daily attendance. Make sure absentee notes are turned in right away. If you are getting an automated attendance phone call, your student has missed a class!
4. Using your student’s schedule, email their teachers and counselor to introduce yourself and establish email communication.
5. Be proactive- Sarasota Co. Schools is going paperless. Please keep up with crosspointe to monitor your child’s grades. The end of the marking periods for 2024-25 are:
a. End of quarter one- October 17
b. End of quarter two- December 20
c. End of quarter three- March 13
d. End of quarter four- May 28
6. Graduation requirements are outlined for each class in the Program of Studies located under the ‘Website Menu’, then click on Academics on the RHS website.
7. Keep a copy of all of the fact sheets from each of your student’s teachers. These outline their grading system and expectations for each class.
8. Create a file folder at home to keep report cards and other school related information in one place.
9. Be familiar with the Bright Futures Scholarship. It changes from year to year. This is your student’s opportunity to earn money for college and should always be a goal.
10. Visit www.sarasotacountyschools.net/schools/riverview for current news and information about RHS- know what’s going on.
*Bonus* If you are in doubt, ask! Be involved, double check the information coming home to you from your student!
ramp it up m atH tutoriNG
Students and Parents can access grades and attendance on FOCUS. We encourage a weekly check in and if students are struggling in any of their classes, they can access the following supports:
• All Teachers have office hours at least twice a week from 7:15 – 7:40 (check with teacher to determine which days).
• School Counselors have office hours each morning from 7:15 – 7:40. Students can make an appointment by scanning a QR code (found in classrooms and throughout campus) or can come to a Guidance Suite or can email their school counselor.
• National Honor Society (NHS) students provide free tutoring to students in most every subject. Students can scan a QR code to be paired with a peer tutor. The QR codes can be found posted in classrooms, throughout school and in the School Counseling suites.
• The Math Department offers Ramp It Up tutoring help on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school from 2:30 – 3:30 (permission slips are available outside the classroom in 5-335 and parent signatures are required for participation).
If your child is looking to get involved please visit the RHS Activities www.rhsactivities.com. This page lists all the clubs, sports and activities offered at RHS and the contact/meeting information. The site also provides other valuable information about scholarships, honor societies, and more.
atteNtioN cla SS oF 2025!
Seniors may go on cady.com to book their appointments. All senior pictures will be taken on our campus. Cady is the official photographer for Riverview High School.
RAMp It Up Math Tutoring is open for business. This organization is funded by the Riverview Foundation and run by math teacher Tammy Moore. Mu Alpha Theta and National Honor Society students help as well. Tutoring help for Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2 and MCA is offered. Find us in room 5-335 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-3:30. Remember…get help BEFORE you fall behind! We are here for you.
1. Seniors! Apply now for the Bright Futures Scholarship at: www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org. Create an account and complete the application. This can be done before community service hours, GPA and SAT/ACT requirements have been met.
2. Create your FSA ID https://fsaid.ed.gov/ then complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.gov.
3. Search for local and updated scholarship information on www.LaunchYourPlan.com, in the Student Success Center, and https://www.fastweb.com/ for national scholarship searches.
4. Check with the colleges you apply to for internal scholarships. Many of these require a separate application from your admissions application.
5. Check with the companies where you or your parents work and any other affiliated organizations. There are many scholarship opportunities available beyond the ones mentioned!
6. Organize Scholarship applications by due date.
7. Plan ahead for recommendation letters! Counselors require 10 business days to write letters of recommendation. Don’t forget to provide your counselor with a resume of your activities while in high school. Pro tip – be sure to follow up with a thank you letter once your recommendation letter is completed!
8. Order copies of your transcript with the registrar at least a week before they need to be submitted with your scholarship applications. Transcript request forms are located in the Attendance Office and in Guidance.
9. Review your Essay. Highlight your accomplishments, goals and note relevant obstacles.
10. Follow the guidelines of the scholarship! It is important to submit a well organized and complete application.
ib career proGram
Is your student interested in obtaining an IB education catered to their career interest? IBCP is the perfect place for them! If you want to learn more about our program, check out our pathways, hear alumni statements, or watch an informational video, head over to our website (riverviewibcp.com). We will be accepting applications for the class of 2027 starting on December 2nd, 2024. The application window will remain open until February 3rd, 2024. Applications can be found on our website as well as posted as a QR code on Mrs. Bies classroom door, 5-324.
commu N ity Service
A completed application form must be submitted and approved prior to starting volunteer hours (sarasotacountyschools.net, Students & Parents, High School Community Service). Hours completed without an approved community service log sheet will not be accepted. The high school community service logs (30+ documented hours) can be turned in during all lunch periods (Monday-Friday) to the Student Success Center (6-204).
Step by step instructions and service hour guidelines can be found in SchooLinks (MySCS, College & Career Readiness tile).
academic Gradi NG i N HiGH ScHool
Academic Grade: The grades reflecting achievement in academic courses in grades 9-12 with numerical equivalents shall be:
A 90-100% 4.0 Outstanding Achievement
B 80-89% 3.0 Above Average Achievement
C 70-79% 2.0 Average Achievement
D 60-69% 1.0 Lowest Acceptable Achievement
F 59% and below 0.0 Failure
I Incomplete
N No Grade
Students receiving a grade for incomplete work (I) are to satisfy course requirements within ten days of the last day of the previous grading period. The principal may extend the time requirement for extreme hardships. For courses with a state required End of Course examination (EOC), the EOC is 30% of the final grade.
Employability Skills - For each course taken in high school, twenty percent (20%) of the quarter grade shall be based on the development of employability skills. Those skills will include:
• Attendance
• Coming to school or class on time
• Bringing required work tools, such as paper, pen/pencil, textbooks, notebooks, etc.
• Completion of homework
• Appropriate dress for class
• Attitude of cooperation with teacher and fellow students
• Maintenance of an assignment notebook or similar system
volu Nteer corN er
• Time in class devoted to the appropriate task
We have lots of different opportunities to volunteer with students and staff…Holiday Parties, tutoring, mentoring, and rocking the babies in Cyesis to name a few. See Rebecca Bilbrey (email: rebecca.bilbrey@ sarasotacountyschools.net) at the front desk for more information. Contact Rod Dragash (email: Rod. Dragash@sarasotacountyschools.net) for Business Partnership opportunities.
If you are a natural at organizing, sales and seek to give back to RHS community, WE NEED YOU! Please contact the principal’s assistant for more information, Stacy Lahdenpera at 941-923-1484 ext: 64003. “Team-Up”, the District Volunteer office can also provide further details of what each position entails at 941-927-9000 or check out the website at: www.sarasotacountyschools.net/departments/vpo.
Sarasota County District Schools
Riverview High School
One Ram Way Sarasota, FL 34231
FRESHMAN FOOTBALL
FALL SPORTS
VARSITY FOOTBALL
Date Opponent Location Time
Date Opponent Location Time
8/29 Southeast Away 6:30 9/4 Cardinal Mooney Home 6:00 9/11 Venice Away 6:30 9/18 Lakewood Ranch Away 6:30 9/25 Open 10/2 Open 10/9 Venice Home 6:30 10/16 Open
VOLLEYBALL
Date Opponent Location Time
8/17 Braden River Jamboree Away TBA
8/20 Lemon Bay (F,JV,V)
8/22 Sarasota (F, JV, V)
8/24 Fishbowl Tournament (F) Away TBA 8/27 Cardinal Mooney (F, JV, V)
SWIMMING
9/4 Lakewood Ranch (Dual) LWR 5:30pm
9/11 Tri-Meet (RHS, SHS, NPHS) North Port 5:00pm
9/14 Tri-Meet (RHS, SHS, VHS) Selby 10:00am
9/28 Tri-Meet (RHS, SHS, CHS) Charlotte 10:00am
10/4 Dual vs SHS (possibly 10/5) Selby TBA
10/12 Tri-County Championships TBA TBA
10/25 Districts Selby TBA 11/2 Regionals TBA TBA 11/9 States Ocala TBA
CROSS COUNTRY
Date Opponent Time
8/24 Lemon Bay HS 7:30am
8/31 Lakewood Ranch HS 7:30am
5, 6, 7
8/29 Braden River (F, JV, V) Home 5, 6 7
9/3 Bradenton Christian Away 5, 6, 7
9/6-7 Florida Gem Classic (JV, V) Away TBA
9/10 Charlotte (F, JV, V) Away 5, 6, 7
9/12 North Port (F, JV, V) Home 5, 6, 7
9/14 Freshman Jamboree Home TBA
9/17 Port Charlotte (F, JV, V) Home 5, 6, 7
9/21 Braden River JV Tournament Away TBA
9/24
9/26
9/19
North Port (F, JV, V) Away 5, 6, 7
Braden River (F, JV, V) Away 5, 6, 7
9/30 Charlotte (Dig Pink) (F, JV, V)
10/1
Lemon Bay (F, JV, V)
10/4-5 Charlotte Tournament (V)
10/8 Sarasota – Senior night (F, JV, V)
10/10
Cardinal Mooney (F, JV, V)
10/14 District Tournament Begins
5, 6, 7
5, 6, 7
5, 6, 7
9/7 Bye Week
9/14 Venice HS 7:30am
9/21 North Port Invite 7:30am
9/28 Ram Invite (Home) 7:30am
10/5 Bye Week
10/12 Pre-State meet 7:30am
10/19 Tri-County Meet 7:30am
10/25 North Port HS (Night) TBA
