A Letter from the PTSA President

A PTSA Newsletter for Ragsdale Parents, Teachers, and Students
James Gibson, Principal
◊
Ragsdale Website: http://schoolcenter.guilford.k12.nc.us/education/school/school.php?sectionid=468
Betty Fields, PTSA President ◊ PTSA Website: www.ragsdaleptsa.org
A Letter from the PTSA President
Dear Ragsdale Families,
Welcome back to another great year at Ragsdale High School. The Parent, Teacher, and
Student Association is off to an enthusiastic start!
PTSA advocates for all children. We are a collective voice and together we do make a
difference. PTSA members have advocates hard at work at the federal, state and local levels.
Your Ragsdale PTSA is a registered nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization run by volunteers. PTSA
benefits everyone. Strong Schools mean stronger communities. PTSA keeps parents informed.
Last year, your PTSA organized and funded the following:





Teacher enrichment grants
Campus enhancements
Teacher appreciation month
Academic incentives for students
Reflections Art Program
We have a busy year ahead of us and for the PTSA to be effective and truly representative of
the school, everyone’s participation is essential. You may think that you cannot help or
participate in the PTSA because you are not able to come to the meetings or be on campus
during the workday. We want you to be a part of Ragsdale. Whether you have 30 minutes or
30 hours, your time, talents and resources are truly needed here at Ragsdale and with our
PTSA. Here are some ways you can help:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Join the PTSA- dues are $6.00 per family member Payable to RHSPTSA
Contact PTSA via the website www.ragsdaleptsa.org
Make a tax deductible donations to RHSPTSA
Attend a board meeting the 1st Monday of every month. We would love to hear your
ideas
Sign up to do ONE thing for Ragsdale High School- The best High School in Guilford
County!
We all would like to thank you for your support and for joining the PTSA.
Together, we can make a difference. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not
hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
Betty Fields, PTSA President
Fall 2014
Ragsdale High School
1000 Lucy Ragsdale Road
Jamestown, NC 27282
Phone: (336) 454-7400
Administration and Staff
Front Office
Mr. James Gibson, Principal
Mrs. Jean Ransom, Mr. David
Graves, Mrs. Arlisa Armond,
Assistant Principals
Mr. Brian Herndon, Athletic
Director
Ms. Vickie Wheeler,
CDC/SPC
Officer Grant, School
Resource Officer
Ms. Andrea Watson, School
Nurse
Cafeteria
Ms. Kathy Andrews, Cafeteria
Manager
454-7407
Attendance Office
454-7408
Guidance Office
454-7405
Volunteers Welcome!!
Despite what your student may tell you, YOU ARE NEEDED AT RAGSDALE!! Contact Betty Fields or Amy Fisher
at [email protected] to learn more about how you can get involved at RHS.
Earn Money for RHS!
Harris Teeter’s Together in Education
Simply give the cashier the school’s code to link your VIC card. You will earn money for RHS each time you shop.
You must “re-link” your card each year. You may also sign up by visiting www.harristeeter.com.
RHS School Code: 2879
Target’s Take Charge of Education
Link your Target Visa card to the school’s code and you will earn money for RHS each time you use your card to shop
at Target! Register online at www.target.com/tcoe.
RHS School Code: 80071
Food Lion’s Shop and Share
Each time you shop at Food Lion and use your MVP card, a portion of your total purchase will be donated to our
school. You can register you MVP card by going to www.foodlion.com.
Office Depot
Office Depot offers a percentage of your purchase back to the school of our choice in school supplies. School code
must be presented at the time of purchase.
RHS School Code: 70061575
On-line Shopping
Visit http://www.furtal.com/school/Ragsdale-High-School-PTSA and visit your favorite stores to shop. A percentage
of purchases will be donated to our school.
To learn more about RHS PTSA, visit our website at www.ragsdaleptsa.org!
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Ragsdale Families
Congratulations to all of the students and staff at Ragsdale High School as we have had a very successful opening
to the school year. The staff never ceases to amaze me with their resilience in the face of construction and
renovations. A good portion of the “A” building and the cafeteria received new heating and air renovations this
summer. The other half of the building will receive the same renovations next summer. The old portion of the
high school is currently under heating and air renovations this semester and will have a new dropped ceiling
installed as well. The progress has been great and we look forward to finishing sometime next fall.
The month of October is shaping up to be a busy one for all those involved with Ragsdale High School.
Sophomores and Juniors will be involved with the PSAT and PLAN in the middle of the month as part of their
preparation for the SAT and ACT. The Junior class will take the ACT at school later this year in March. The end
of the month brings football Homecoming on Halloween night. We hope to see many familiar faces on our
campus that evening as we crown a queen and reconnect with old friends. That same week, Ragsdale will go
through a Quality Assurance Review through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. This is a process
of review that schools go through every 5 years to maintain their accreditation. We will have visitors from the
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction on campus that week to visit our classes and talk with students
and teachers.
I wanted to personally thank the PTSA for all they do for Ragsdale High School.
They provide special treats for teachers throughout the year, provide grants to
teachers for special projects, sponsor events that raise money for the school,
beautify the campus and countless other services to the school. We thank you
for your continued support!
Thank you,
James Gibson
SENIOR EXTRAVAGANZA has been a Ragsdale tradition for over 20 years. The celebration is an all-night event
that is safe and alcohol free for the seniors. Extravaganza and the senior breakfast are organized by parent volunteers.
Parents of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, can come out to help and learn what you’ll need to do when your child
is a senior! We will have several planning meetings to discuss this year’s Extravaganza. We will be sending e-mails
and Connect Ed messages, so please plan on attending meetings and helping with this event!
If you have any questions, contact Dana Bird @ [email protected]
How Can You Help?
Supporting It Financially
Donating Prizes and Merchandise
Volunteering at the Event
WE NEED SUPPORT FROM THE ENTIRE RAGSDALE COMMUNITY!
This is an amazing evening none of us could do individually – but all of us can do it together! Please help keep this
tradition ALIVE and our students safe with your time, your monetary donations, and prize/merchandise donations!
Page 3
PTSA Board Meetings (6:30 pm)
October 6
November 3
December 1
January 6
February 2
March 2
April 13
May 4
June 1
General PTSA Meetings
September 16 (Walk the Schedule)
December 8 (Concert)
February 16 (Walk the Schedule)
May 18 (Concert & PTSA elections)
Other PTSA Events
October 15
December
January 10
February 18
March 18
April 11
May
May
June 6 (tentative)
June
Early Release Day – PTSA sponsored snack for staff
PTSA sponsored staff holiday party
Deadline for newsletter submission
Early Release Day – PTSA sponsored snack for staff
Early Release Day – PTSA sponsored snack for staff
Deadline for newsletter submission
Teacher Appreciation Month (events TBA)
Senior Awards (PTSA reception)
Senior Extravaganza
PTSA sponsored Teacher luncheon (TBA)
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Come out for fun, food, and fellowship while supporting your school!
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Ragsdale High School PTSA
Presents
Stage Hypnotist – Herb McCandless
Come see this Unpredictable Show!
Ragsdale High School Arts &
Athletics Building
Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 7:00 PM
Tickets:
available online at www.ragsdaleptsa.org or
contact Cindy Baggett at 336‐210‐5853.
Tickets are $10.50 online.
Page 6
Remind
Teacher
Adu Gyamfi
Adu Gyamfi
Adu Gyamfi
Aguigui-Walton
Aguigui-Walton
Aguigui-Walton
Bowman
Bowman
Bowman
Cober
Cober
Cober
Groves
Groves
Groves
Johnson
Johnson
Johnson
Kunz-Smith
Kunz-Smith
Kunz-Smith
Marshall
Marshall
Marshall
Owens
Owens
Owens
Pendrak
Pendrak
Pendrak
Pollock, R
Pollock, R
Pollock, R
Porter, N
Porter, N
Porter, N
van Thillo
van Thillo
Wheeler
Wheeler
Wheeler
Follow these easy steps to receive reminders:
1. Download the Remind app 3. Subscribe to teachers class by adding code below
2. Set up account
4. Receive one way communication/reminders from teachers
3.
Class
Code
1st block World History
2nd block World History
3rd block H World History
1st block H English II
2nd block English II
4th block H English II
AP Psychology
American History I
H American Humanities/APUSH
3rd block Latin 1B
1st block Latin II
2nd block Latin 1A
1st block Foundations of Math II
2nd block Foundations of Math II
3rd block H Math II
1st block Algebra 2
2nd block H Precalculus
4th block H Precalculus
1st block Biology
3rd block H Biology
4th block H Biology
2nd block Math III
3rd block AP Calculus
1st block Math III
1st block Foundations of Math I
3rd block H Math III
4th block Foundations of Math I
1st block H Sci-Vis 2
3rd block H Sci-Vis 2
4th block H Sci-Vis 2
AP World History
AP European History
Ragsdale Peer Tutors
Honors Calculus
AP Statistics
Math I
2nd block English I
AP English III
1st block AFM
2nd block Discrete
4th block AFM
msadug
msadugy
msaugya
1stblock1s
2ndblock2n
4thblock4t
ccbdf
37acda
1b9be
Latin1b
1f3df
9b86c
a6968
56007
b8d67
f18597
hpcfa
hpcfal
kunzs
kunzs3
kunzs4
blockiimat
008927
blockima
cb9ff
e6560
308e1
block1fh
block3fh
block4fs
wh1215
eh1066
rpt82
hcalc
apstatsrhs
math1rhs
mrsvanthi
mrsvanth
96ecd
C782dc
afm4thper
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Volunteers Needed
Exam helpers needed
 Mid January and June 2014-2015
 8:30 am – 1:30 pm (possibly would be finished earlier)
 Sign up in Ragsdale Front office or via email to [email protected]

Donations Needed
The life skills classroom is in need of the following items:
 Paper plates
 Napkins
 Plastic ware
 Shoeboxes
 Paper towel rolls
 Egg cartons
 Tennis balls
 Old sheets
 Water bottles
 Bookshelves
Thank you!
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The Athletic Booster Club welcomes you to another exciting year at Ragsdale High School. The mission statement of
the booster club is “to support the athletic programs at Ragsdale High School which promote academics, build athletic
skills, and instill sportsmanship and moral character. The Athletic Booster Club strives to support Ragsdale High
School athletics physically and financially when funds are available and needs are approved according to policy. The
Athletic Booster Club endeavors to support all sports equally.”
The Booster Club raises funds through the sale of concessions, advertising, corporate sponsors, souvenirs, and our
annual Reverse raffle. The generosity of the Ragsdale community also has a significant impact on our efforts and
enables the continuing support of the athletic department’s commitment to excellence.
The greatest need of the booster club at this time is to increase membership and volunteer efforts. Please visit our
website at www.ragsdalebooster.com for more information on how you can make a difference in Ragsdale athletics!
It’s a great day to be a Tiger!
Michele Collins, President
RHS Athletic Booster Club
Attention Current Sophomores and Juniors
Governor’s school is a 6 week summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students. The
program is open to rising seniors (current juniors) in academics and performing/visual arts with exceptions
made for rising juniors (current sophomores) in selected performing/visual arts areas.
To learn more about Governor’s School for the summer of 2015, please see Mrs. Townsend in Counseling
Office as soon as possible to learn more about application requirements/criteria. Completed applications are
due to Mrs. Townsend by October 20th.
Graduation Project Speech Night
 Date is Thursday, December 11 2014.
 We would like to invite parents of 9th -11th graders to serve on the judging panels to listen to
speeches.
 Dinner will be served for the judges at 5:30PM and the evening will conclude by between 7:458:00PM.
 This is an excellent way to get an inside look at the components of the Graduation Project.
 No prior training or educational experience necessary!
 Please email Deanne Lowe, Curriculum Facilitator, if interested: [email protected]
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WorkKeys
Why WorkKeys?
“Workkeys is a system developed by ACT to meet the various needs of employers and job seekers. It is a proven way to
identify an individual’s work related skill level as well as a way to identify candidates for promotion. The Career
Readiness Certificate is a portable credential that is recognized on a national level. This is a credential that can open
doors with many employers.”
C. Raynard Johnson, Business Service Representative/Assessment Specialist,
Office of Workforce Development, and a Ragsdale Parent
WorkKeys is administered to Grade 12 students who have earned four credits in a career cluster with one being a
second-level course (CTE Concentrator) in a career cluster.
 Assessments included are Applied Mathematics, Locating Information, and Reading for Information.
 Scores across all three assessments of level 4 (Silver), level 5 (Gold) and level 6 (Platinum) are the goal with
higher scores linked to better paying job opportunities, higher levels of job performance and are associated with
future success in postsecondary education.
(http://www.act.org/workkeys/briefs/files/EducationalPipeline.pdf)
 Level 4 (Silver) and above result in the student earning a National Career Readiness Certificate, a portable
credential, and the new “Diploma Endorsement – Career Ready”*. Ragsdale High School is partially evaluated
by the % of students at Level 4 (Silver) and above.
 Students can earn the National Career Readiness Certificate at no cost while in high school. The certificate is
required with job application for many local and national companies: Precor, Tyco, O’Neal Steel, ConvaTec, Timco,
Honda Jet, Guilford County Schools, RJ Reynolds, Lab Corp, Viking Polymers, Tiger Controls, Sherwin Williams, Ralph Lauren,
High Point Regional, Eco Lab, Dow Corning and Puralator.
 Assessments will be given between December and February, date TBA
 Online test tips and practice questions @
http://www.act.org/workkeys/practice/
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/Preparing_for_the_WorkKeys_Assessments_209367_7.pdf
 For questions or more information, please contact Mrs. Wheeler, CDC/SPC, in the Guidance Office.




Go to link on Ragsdale website: “Online Prep for ACT/SAT”
Username is your student ID number; password is your birthday YearMonthDay
Along top left, click on “StudyGuide for ACT” or “StudyGuide for PSAT” or “StudyGuide for SAT”
Do the Step 1 overview then go to Step 3 and choose the online test practice that looks like this!
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NCPTA Legislative Priorities Webinar
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014
Noon – 1 p.m.
To Register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5801021510444539137
North Carolina PTA believes that every child’s potential should become reality. It is this goal that has helped to shape
the NCPTA advocacy and legislative priorities including sufficient funding for public schools, support for teachers and
administrators, parent involvement, accountability, and health and wellness.
If you are interested in learning more about these NCPTA priorities, the Association’s anticipated work to support
these priorities in the upcoming 2015 General Assembly Long Session, and how you can support these efforts, join
NCPTA attorney and lobbyist Ashley Perkinson for the NCPTA Legislative Priorities webinar.
Ragsdale students and parents did you know students can download a free e-book app to download Ragsdale’s ebooks on your personal devices at home and on the go? The Brytewave K-12 edition app is available for iOS, Android
devices with access to Google Play, Nook HD and HD+, Kindle Fire HD and HDX, and Windows/Mac. Here are the
instructions
Step 1: Download and install BryteWave K-12 Edition app from the App store, Google Play, or Amazon App Store.
Step 2: Launch the mobile app
Step 3: Enter your Username and Password
Username: Student lunch number
Password: Birthday
Enter the Follett Shelf URL:
If you are on a private/safe/secure device you
can click the Stay Logged in checkbox and
avoid typing in this information again
http://wbb20190.follettshelf.com
Step 4: Tap login
Tap the Follett Shelf icon to go to Ragsdale’s shelf. Once you open a book you’ll see the option to checkout and
download now.
If you have any questions or need help contact Jacqueline Gronwald, Media Specialist at [email protected]
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Thank you to all of our wonderful parents who have donated their time, money, and
goodies for Senior Workshops, 9th Grade Orientation, Open House, and the Welcome Back
Teacher Luncheon. You helped make each event a success!
A Note from Vicky Wheeler:
Hi! My name is Vicky Wheeler, Career Development Coordinator, here at Ragsdale High School. My job is to provide
support and transition services to students taking our career-technical education classes. Almost all Ragsdale
students take at least one CTE course during their high school career. The career-technical courses develop personal
and professional skills as well as career exposure. I wanted to provide my teacher webpage link because it has
resources that all students and parents can use to explore careers and college plans. You may want to bookmark it and
check periodically as it will be updated throughout the year.
http://ragsdale.gcsnc.com/pages/Ragsdale_High/Classes/29739815698126525
Did You Know?
Students in the Microsoft Word/PowerPoint and Excel/Access Career & Technical Education courses have the
opportunity to take industry certification tests at no cost. Senior CTE Concentrators also took the WorkKeys tests
with the opportunity to earn the Career Readiness Certificate. Last school year we had the following outcomes from
our Ragsdale students! We are so proud of them and look forward to many more certifications this year!
Microsoft Word Certifications: 109
Microsoft PowerPoint Certifications: 175
Microsoft Word Expert Certifications: 3
Microsoft Excel Certifications: 2
National Career Readiness Certificate: 72.5% earned Silver or Above”
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RHS PTSA 2013-2014
Executive Officers
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Principal:
Betty Fields
Amy Fisher
Sara Lempp
Susan Fischer
Jim Gibson
Standing Committees
Membership:
Pam Ward
Vol. coordinator:
Vicki Burnsides
Bulletin Boards:
Mary Platek
Web Page:
Sam Kanakanui
Beautification:
Katharine Byerly
Donna Blizard
Joy Tice
Publicity:
Katherine Stamey
Hospitality
Nancy Seay
Sarah Sagerdahl
Kelly Butler
Reflections:
Mary Platek
Awards:
Betty Fields
Amy Fisher
Business Partners: Wendy Martin
Kim Hagan
Teacher app wk:
Nicole Apple
Kelly Mantek
Dinner Night out: Dana Bird
Enrich. Grants:
Rick Stanco
Academic Incent:
Angie Mangum
Lynette Horkey
Newsletter:
Jami Adams
Extravaganza
Dana Bird
Legislative:
Fundraising:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
336-402-4700
336-420-0626
336-402-0407
336-317-7854
336-454-7400
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
336-337-4094
336-508-7678
336-454-8112
336-317-8573
336-299-8338
336-339-7617
336-314-2857
336-317-0945
336-580-3611
336-456-7430
336-337-0565
336-454-8112
336-402-4700
336-420-0620
336-255-2695
336-707-7958
336-207-8600
336-202-7189
336-317-3451
336-454-6932
336-851-0824
336-706-0413
336-454-4636
336-317-3451
OPEN
OPEN
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Proposed RHS PTSA Budget for 2013-14
2012-13 Cash Carryover Balance
$2,788.99
INCOME
Donations - Businesses
Donations -Individuals
Fundraiser
Prior Year Grant Income
PTSA Membership Dues
TOTAL INCOME
3,000.00
200.00
3,200.00
6,141.11
2,100.00
$14,641.11
TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE
$17,430.10
EXPENSES
Academic Incentives
Campus Enhancements
Bulletin Boards
Discretionary Fund
Enrichment Grants
Extravanganza
Family Education (programs)
Hospitality
Insurance
Leadership Development
Membership Marketing
Newsletter
PTA Council Dues- Banquet
PTSA Membership Fees
Reflections
Senior Awards Night
Teacher Appreciation
Lowe’s Grant – Prior Year Expense
TOTAL EXPENSES
--800.00
50.00
100.00
1,500.00
--25.00
1,200.00
300.00
25.00
125.00
100.00
50.00
1,400.00
150.00
150.00
700.00
6,141.11
$15,651.11
Carryover to 2014-15
$2,085.32
TOTAL PLANNED EXPENSES
$17,736.43
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On behalf of the Ragsdale HS PTSA, we would like to welcome everyone back to school and invite you to help us
reach our goal of 400 memberships! Thanks to our Ragsdale families and community, our PTSA is starting the school year
off 233 members strong! Congratulations to our $25 Sheetz gift card winners: Katyanna Cranford and Melanie Rohrbacher!
We appreciate the support of all our PTSA members.
Get your membership TODAY! There is NO OBLIGATION with joining. Your $6.00 membership simply supports
the many PTSA programs that help our students, our teachers, and our school. If you haven’t joined, please take a moment
TODAY to complete the application below and mail or return it with your child to school along with your payment. Make
sure to include your mailing address and we send your cards to you. Thank you for all you do to make Ragsdale a wonderful
learning environment for our children!
Questions? Email us at [email protected] to find out more about what’s going on with the Ragsdale PTSA.
Pam Ward
PTSA Membership
************************************************************
PTSA Membership Application
$6.00 per person ~ Everyone Can Join and Have a Voice!!!
Make checks payable to RHS PTSA (Contributions are tax-deductible)
Student’s Name ______________________________________________________
Total # of Memberships _________
Amount Enclosed $_____________
Member Name ____________________________________
Student Parent Faculty Other (circle one)
Member Name _____________________________________
Student Parent Faculty Other (circle one)
Phone: ________________________________ Email: ______________________________________
Mailing Address: ______________________________________________________________________
_____ Send me email updates about PTSA events and volunteer needs at RHS
Return with payment to:
Ragsdale High School - PTSA Membership
1000 Lucy Ragsdale Drive
Jamestown, NC 27282
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