Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools



Congratulations!

It’s not often that one can open a letter with “Congratulations!” As members of the R.J. Reynolds family, we all recognize what an incredible school and community we enjoy. Now, it’s time for everyone else to know! This week, Karen Morris, Arts Magnet director, received notice that R.J. Reynolds has been selected to receive a John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts School of Excellence award! These awards are presented to schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to arts education, arts integration and arts exposure.

The selection committee was “inspired” by our application and stated, “Rarely have we seen a school that commits all available resources to integrating the arts, while still providing students with exposure and discipline-based training. Your students are genuinely celebrated for their achievements, and planning and scheduling practices strongly indicate an environment that demonstrates a commitment to the best interest of students. From project-based learning to community partnerships, R.J. Reynolds excels. The model freshman seminar class serves as an exemplary introduction to the arts. But perhaps the single most impressive factor in your selection is the number of arts classes offered to your students – who could help but wish their high schools had provided the opportunities afforded students at R.J. Reynolds. Congratulations on an excellent program and application!”

We knew it all along, but it certainly is wonderful to be awarded this honor! Congratulations to all the students, faculty and staff who made this possible, both this year and in the development of our arts magnet program.

Speaking of honors, the WSFC Council of PTAs hosted its fall meeting last week and honored each school’s “Teacher of the Year.” Unfortunately, we could not attend, but were thrilled that Kate Ruley, our PTSA first vice president joined Principal Pat Olsen and RJR’s 2012-2013 Teacher of the Year, Rodney Allen, for the dinner meeting. Mr. Allen has taught English at RJR since 1998 and is currently the English department chairman. He also served as yearbook adviser for 14 years and is the voice of the Demons at football and basketball games. We love and appreciate all of our teachers, but are especially proud of Mr. Allen who was also one of the top finalists for the county level recognition!

What a GREAT time to be a Demon!

Lisa and Greg Carter

RJR student-athletes are privileged to have some of the best coaches around, and their influence extends far beyond the court, field, track or pool. While coaching may indeed be a “job,” we all understand that the loyalty and commitment of these men and women cannot be measured simply by the hours on a clock!

We’d like to take a moment to celebrate our sensational volunteer coaches whose dedication to RJR is a true labor of love. For all that you do to help our students and full-time coaches, we thank Kate Haselwood and Ashley Toompas (field hockey), Kenneth Brooks and William Wham (soccer) and Pam Benton (girls’ basketball). You make a huge difference, and we appreciate your time and talent!

“Walk-In” Invitation

R.J. Reynolds and WSFCS invite you to “walk in” and visit us on Wednesday, November 20 anytime between 9 and 11 a.m. As part of American Educator Week, this opportunity is a chance for parents and members of our community to see all the incredible work our staff, faculty and students do every day.

When you arrive at RJR, please check in the main office. A staff member will guide you from there. Come visit and get a glimpse of what makes R.J. Reynolds an amazing place to be. No reservation required, just drop by!

One of the great strengths of R.J. Reynolds High 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 the program, please contact Deborah Casstevens (debcasstevens@triad.) or Kathy McLean (kathymclean@).  

|Jean Downey |Nov. 22 |

Please note the important inform about the ACT located at the end of this newsletter.

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 12-2 p.m. in the RJR cafeteria.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Melissa Workman at raymeli@triad..

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! Check this newsletter for additional details in the next few weeks.  

The Reynolds Key Club has started its 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 will be placed in teachers' rooms for students to donate cans. 

U.S. Naval Academy Tuesday, Nov. 26th            12:30 – 2 p.m.

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 Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related TBI Research Center.

Use this link to register today!



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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 at acolona22@. 

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:

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It is not too late to join this committee! Contact Karen Morris at ksmorris@wsfcs.k12.nc.us 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.

Ms. Cruz is looking for the following donations for upcoming arts projects:

Needs for Winter Wonderland (ASAP) (Winter Wonderland by Advanced Studio art students, Interior Design students and Fashion/Apparel students -- THANKS Ms. Kerr and Ms. Myers!)

    Gray tarps -- a lot

    Fishing line -- regular and also the kind that can reel in a whale....

    Rope

    White/off-white fabric

    Sheer white/off-white fabric

    Any kind of white outdoor string lights (can be from little lanterns to Christmas lights)

    White paint

    Buckets

    Battery operated candles

    Any kind of controlled light/fake fire kind of thing...(I don't think real fire will be acceptable.)

    Sand bags

 

Needs for Spring Yarn Installation:

    Yarn

    1,477 tennis balls...(thanks for the tennis ball contacts! In the process of

            contacting everyone.)

    Fishing line -- regular and the kind that can reel in a great white...

    

Below are some links to images that we are using for installation ideas . . . pretty cool stuff.

 

Winter Wonderland -- indoor/outdoor space



 



 

Yarn-covered tennis ball installation: The event in conjunction with the installation this year will be a Senior Showcase on April 25th. Seniors who can somehow showcase their ability will provide a very broad type of showcase.



 

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. Reynolds High 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 thedulls@triad. 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 and enter the RJR code 10595. Please contact adviser Steve Hanf at smhanf@wsfcs.k12.nc.us if you need help ordering the book or have any other questions about the Black & Gold.

Support Youth United for Habitat for Humanity and R.J. Reynolds Students!

Like pie? Come to Pie Fest on Saturday, November 16th from 12:0 to 3:00 p.m. at Knollwood Baptist Church!

Enjoy Pie in the Face, Pie Eating Contest, Pie Walks, kids activities, and even a Pie Baking Contest, plus live music by local country music star Sean Mettler! Please help the Habitat Youth United group reach its financial goal while eating your heart out. Several RJR service clubs are also offering service hours for attendance and volunteering!

Admission is $10 per person, and kids under 12 get in free. Admission includes your first 10 pie dollars to use for in-event purchases. Additional pie dollars can be purchased.

For more information, go to the official Pie Fest website at .

 

 

As part of their series, “Preparing for College,” the Forsyth County Central Public Library will host a FREE seminar regarding strategies and resources for obtaining college financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans and work-study options.  The program will be held at 660 West Fifth St. in the Central Library auditorium on Monday, November 18th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.  Future seminar topics will include College Admissions Essay Writing, Success Strategies and the Admissions Process. Find more information at library/central.

Nov. 18 Swimming vs. N. Forsyth/High Point Central, WSSU, 7:00

Nov. 19 JV Boys Basketball vs. Carver, 4:15

Swimming vs. DC/Parkland, Davie Co. YMCA, 6:00

V Girls/Boys Basketball vs. Carver, 6:00/7:30

Nov. 20 Wrestling Scrimmage vs. Walkertown, 5:30

Nov. 22 JV Girls/Boys Basketball at East Forsyth, 5:00/6:30

V Girls/Boys Basketball vs. East Forsyth, 6:00/7:30

(These games might move to Thursday the 21st)

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.

Winter Track: Nov. 18, 4:00, Hanes Park

All students planning to try out for a winter sport must have an up-to-date physical on file with the school.

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Volume 7, Issue 11 RJR PTSA NEWSLETTER Nov. 18 – Nov. 24, 2013

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