We are back going strong this week at RPHS! The ice definitely cost us some opportunities for learning last week, and led to lots of activities being reshuffled on the calendar.  I hope that as the ice has melted, it is a sign that spring is soon on its way!  I know we could all use some warmer temps and sunshine as we move into March.
It’s tough for me to touch on all the things going on inside school, as daily I see great learning taking place in our classrooms.  No matter what the subject is, our students and staff are working hard to make sure the Missouri Learning Standards are being covered.  These standards seem to change year-to-year; but like all good education should be, we adapt our strategies and methods to make sure our students are getting the job done and preparing for a future outside of our doors.  We will begin our state testing on April 18 and plan on testing until May 4.  Included in all of those days is the ACT for all of our juniors on April 24.  I know our students will do well, and look forward to hearing of their great success when fall rolls around.
Our HS Scholar Bowl team got off to a great start by taking 4th place at the Northwest Invitational held at North Andrew on February 17.  Overall our varsity team went 6-2, while both JV squads had some great results as well.  The Conference season begins March 1, and I wish them the best as they strive to bring home the 275 Championship!
Congrats to all of our winter sports teams and activities as they have finished up their seasons…our students/athletes continue to make us proud.  The amount of hours these students put in outside the classroom shows tremendous dedication.  Just like for the rest of us, many of our athletes get to school before the sun rises, and they don’t get home until after the sun sets.  Day in and day out these youngsters apply themselves and work hard both inside and outside the classroom.  If you have the opportunity, please give all of our kids a huge pat on the back for the efforts they give to make RPHS a great place to be.
With that, it means spring sports season is here.  In Missouri those sports can begin practicing February 26th.  As the JH and HS Track teams and HS Boys’ Golf team start to get into action, I wish them the best of luck and ask that they represent Rock Port well in the upcoming months.
As always, if you have Twitter, please follow us @RPBlueJays.  We post daily lots of the great things that are happening here at school.
Until next time…Go Blue Jays!
Ethan Sickels
RPHS/JH Principal