Welcome to R.J. Reynolds High School as we begin the 2019-2020 school year. I am excited to welcome back our returning families and I look forward to meeting those who are new to our amazing school. Students of Reynolds High School have proven that they excel in academics, arts and athletics. Last year, we were given the distinguished honor of being named a Magnet School of Excellence. As the only school in our county with such a distinction, we look forward to offering your student a unique high school experience that only Reynolds can provide. Here are a few things that make us proud to be RJR Demons:

Our Curriculum At Reynolds, your student will be able to choose from a wide variety of honors and AP courses that will help them to be well prepared for any college path they decide to follow. We also offer over 62 discrete art courses so that students can develop existing areas of interest or discover talents they did not know they had. Even students who do not feel they possess a noteworthy

talent in the area of art leave RJR with an increased appreciation for art and how it can enrich our community. To this end, we ensure that all students have the opportunity to experience high quality performances and participate in enriching field trips throughout our community.

Our Staff Reynolds High School has a strong faculty who share the desire to work in a diverse setting. It is our diversity that we believe is one of our main strengths. Our student body and staff represent more than 22 nationalities, speaking 11 different languages. We believe that by learning to not only accept, but to appreciate our differences, we and our students grow as individuals that can make our most positive contribution in society.

Our Instructional Vision We strive to provide excellent instruction in every class, every day for EVERY student. We provide this instruction in an environment that is respectful of students and their different learning styles. In order to maximize learning, we expect students to come to class on time and to be prepared to engage in the classroom environment in a positive manner. In order to provide excellent instruction our teachers strive to be prepared and growth oriented. In order for students to be successful scholars, they need to take responsibility for their behaviors and progress of their learning. We look forward to partnering with you to help students meet their academic potential.

A Message from our Principal – Leslie Alexander

9th Grade Orientation

Wednesday, August 21 8:55 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

We’ve planned an exciting day for our incoming freshman. Students will receive their schedules, tour the school and meet their teachers. Parents can join their student at 1:00 p.m. for a walk-through of their schedule and then attend the parent meeting at 3:10 p.m. in the auditorium. Students can bring lunch or buy lunch at the school cafeteria. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunch will get the reduced cost on this day.

Finding Your WayAmid the Pines

2019-2020 | A PTSA PUBLICATION

I truly believe that Reynolds is a uniquely special place. Our historic campus, beautiful auditorium and school traditions will ensure that your student will graduate RJR having an experience that simply cannot be offered by any other high school. I hope you share in my excitement to begin our year together.

Go Demons!

Welcome! 2019-2020 Finding Your Way Amid the Pines

Welcome to R.J. Reynolds! Our school is steeped in history, with the grand opening in 1923 and built on land provided by the Reynolds family. The school has continued to evolve and in 2007 became a magnet high school focusing on the “arts for academics” curriculum which integrates education and arts into the high school experience. Reynolds competes in the 4A Central Piedmont Athletic Conference with 40% of our student body participating in athletics. The school offers strong academic, arts, and AP level courses. Reynolds was recently recognized as both a Magnet School of America and a Kennedy School of Excellence. Reynolds is among the first cohort of magnet schools to be nationally certified. Our staff serves a wonderfully diverse population from Forsyth County and are prepared to guide your child forward in their educational needs.

The PTSA and Booster Club support students, families, and staff. Please help us support your students by becoming involved. There is something for everyone at Reynolds! Please sign up for the weekly digital newsletter (see Page 6), so you will be informed of school activities. This will be the only printed newsletter you will receive this year, so please keep it as a resource throughout the year. Also, contribute to the Legacy Campaign, our only school fundraiser, which is necessary to continue the many programs offered. We rely on community funds, as the state funds for schools seem to become smaller each year. Please donate any amount to help continue the wonderful environment at Reynolds.

Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns at ReynoldsPTSAPres@gmail.com and once again, welcome to R.J. Reynolds! We are glad you are here!

Dawn Nelson

2019-2020 PTSA President

2 WELCOME TO A NEW SCHOOL YEAR

CONTACT INFORMATIONFront Office 336/703-4145

Student Services/Guidance Office 336/703-4146

Principal Leslie Alexander laalexander@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Financial Secretary Cyndi Whitley cjwhitley@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Main Office Secretary Jacqueline Torres jitorresrodriguez@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Assistant Principals David Friedman defriedman@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Karen Archie kmarchie@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Instructional Facilitator Jan Williams rswilliams@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Director of Student Services

Nicole Beale nbbeale@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Arts Magnet Director

Athletic Director Brad Fisher bmfisher@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

PTSA President Dawn Nelson ReynoldsPTSAPres@gmail.com

Booster Club Presidents Lyndsay and Hails Foster

lyndsay@triad.rr.com

Follow us on Twitter @RJRPTSA

Finding Your Way Amid the Pines 2019-2020 COMMUNITY 3

Community: RJR’s Year-Long Theme

Each year, the RJR faculty chooses a focus for the school year that supports the magnet pillars of:

In recent years we focused on Poetry, Social Justice, Innovation, Access, and Bridging Connections. The performances, speakers, field trips, and opportunities are chosen to align with the selected focus.This year’s faculty selected “Community” to be the focus for 2019-2020.

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” – Margaret J. Wheatley

The Reynolds community is diverse in every way and closely represents Forsyth County. We have the opportunity to interact with one another, serve one another, and learn from one another like very few schools in Forsyth County do.

DIRT DEMONS Back-to-School Campus Beautification Day

Saturday, August 17 9 a.m. to noon

Meet at Picnic Tables

All Volunteers Welcome: parents, students, faculty, teams, and clubs

Helpful Tools to Bring: gloves, rakes, shovels, pressure washers, blowers, and weed eaters

Will Provide: water, snacks, and student service hours

Thank you for helping keep R.J. Reynolds High School beautiful!

Linda Shieh - Lindacshieh@gmail.com

The faculty plans to increase focus on Community in many ways:

• Classroom communities--how can we increase opportunities for support and collaboration within our classes?

• Grade level communities--how can we ensure ALL students are engaged, supported, cared for within the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes? How can we connect and bond with one another and build pride within and across grade levels?

• Team/Group communities--how can we increase participation in clubs, sports, extracurricular arts groups? How can we leverage the power of these groups to improve the community as a whole?

• Faculty communities--how can our teachers utilize the power of relationships to improve school culture and collaboration?

• School community--how can we build school pride, connect with one another, and come together as Demons?

• Local community--how can we better connect with the local community?

• State and beyond--how can we connect with the state, national, and global community?

This summer, the faculty will work to plan exciting events and opportunities to broaden community connections.

How can you help and get involved? Fill out our Google survey by going to bit.ly/2JRi5j4 and let us know!

Other important Student Services contacts:

Secretary – Maria Whitehead / mpwhitehead@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Career Development Counselor – Katie Tuttle / ektuttle@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Social Worker – Cynthia Cassidy / clcassidy@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Data Manager – Tia Parker / tmparker@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Registrar – Lucy Marion / lwmarion@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

School Nurse (works at RJR one day a week) – Nohemi Campos, RN / ncampos@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

School Psychologist – Amy Clay / adclay@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Speech/Language Pathologist – Jeanne Brooker / jbrooker@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

What do RJR counselors do?Academic Support: • enroll new students• register and advise students regarding classes • correct schedule conflicts • provide college counseling (individualized list of

potential colleges, troubleshoot application questions, mock interviews, essay proofreading, scholarship search, and college selection)

• write college recommendations • facilitate and schedule parent/teacher conferences • develop time management plans for students (even ones

who don’t like to time-manage)

4 STUDENT SERVICES SERVICES 2019-2020 Finding Your Way Amid the Pines

Personal/Social/Mental Health Support: • counsel students (as a short-term solution) for anxiety,

depression and other challenges• refer students to other mental health professionals

when needed• provide a “safe” space for students that need a “breather”

from the classroom environment

NOTE: ALL counseling is confidential unless a student says he/she plans to hurt him/herself, hurt others, or is being hurt by someone else.

What does the Career Counselor do?• help students create a college and career plan

• help students find internships and/or job shadowing experiences

• assist students with completing on-line applications for summer employment

• hold career fairs and host career speakers

Student Services (Guidance): More than Schedules

Who is my RJR counselor?Guidance Counselors are assigned based on the student’s last name.

A-B Nicole Beale nbbeale@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

C-G Amy Williams ajwilliams@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

H-Mc Thomas Moore tzmoore@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Md-Sa Mary Anne McClain mmcclain@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Sb-Z Cristen Wiley cswiley@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

PowerSchoolPowerSchool is an important tool for RJR parents and students to access grades and attendance. If you are new to PowerSchool, the best resources are available on the school district website, www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us. On the left side of the main webpage is a Quick Links section. Click on the PowerSchool Parent Portal link. This section includes a tab for the form to sign up for PowerSchool. Parents needing logins and passwords should print off a form and turn it in with a valid ID to Tia Parker, Data Manager, in the main office at RJR High School.

Finding Your Way Amid the Pines 2019-2020 STUDENT SERVICES 5

I want to know about scholarships available for my senior - Send an email to rjrstudentservices@gmail.com with the word "Newsletter" in the subject line. Then during the course of the senior year you will receive information via email about scholarship opportunities. Please follow the newsletter instructions when seeking school nominations or applying for scholarship opportunities. The RJ Reynolds Scholarship newsletter will include a sampling of scholarship opportunities that are available from colleges and universities but is in no way a comprehensive list. Please refer to college websites for individual college scholarships.

My child wants to meet with a college representative – Check the Headlines section of the website for an up-to-date list of college representatives who are visiting Reynolds.

I like to follow Twitter – Follow us on Twitter@RJRCollege.

I like text messages to keep up with senior year information – join the SENIOR REMIND by texting @RJR2020 to 81010

I need to sign my child up for Driver’s Education – Register your child online at ncdrivingschool.com or call 1-800-375-6550. TIP: Spaces in the class fill quickly. Find the session that works for your child (must be 14.5 years old by the first day of class) and set an alarm for the day and time registration opens.

My child has completed Driver’s Education and needs the Driver’s Eligibility Certificate signed – A parent needs to come to Student Services with the certificate during the business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or during the summer Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No certificates can be signed without a parent with valid ID.

My child has been sick for two days and needs assignments from his/her teachers – Call Student Services by 10:00 a.m. at 336-703-4146.

My child will be going on a trip and needs assignments while he/she is away – Get permission from the principal at laalexander@wsfcs.k12.nc.us and have your child request the assignments from his/her teachers.

My child takes medication at school – Stop by Student Services and complete a medication form.

My senior needs to send his/her transcripts to colleges – Have senior complete the transcript request form by going to www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/Page/107983. If your student is applying to college through the Common Application or other on-line portals, please follow directions closely to have his/her transcript request sent (often requires adding counselor’s email). PLEASE allow several weeks for processing, if a letter of recommendation is required.

Student Services FAQs

My graduate needs to request his/ her transcript – Come to Student Services and complete a transcript request form (transcripts are $5 each for graduated students). If possible you will receive the transcript that day, if not it will be available the next business day.

My student needs to take the ACT or SAT – Students can register online at act.org or collegeboard.com. Students with free/reduced lunch can see the Guidance Clerk for payment vouchers. The ACT and SAT testing schedules can be found on the Student Services website page. The Reynolds High School code is: 344445

My senior needs to send his/her ACT or SAT scores to colleges – Your senior should request scores to be sent directly from act.org or collegeboard.com. NOTE: ACT, SAT and AP test scores are not on the Reynolds HS transcript and cannot be sent from the school.

My student is going to play a sport in college – Register with the NCAA eligibility center at eligibilitycenter.org after the completion of your student’s junior year. Once a student is registered, the NCAA notifies us to upload a transcript. Students with free/reduced lunch are eligible for a fee waiver. He/she should notify his/her counselor after completing the form so the counselor can enter the fee waiver code on-line.

Bus and/or Attendance Questions – Go to the Main Office or call 336-703-4145.

When does my child eat lunch? – Lunch occurs during 3rd period. Reynolds is a closed campus, so students cannot leave for lunch or order from lunch delivery services.

3rd Period Class Lunch Schedule

1st lunch 12:00 - 12:25 Class 12:30 - 2:00

2nd lunch 12:50 - 1:15 Class 12:05 - 12:50 Class 1:20 - 2:00

3rd Lunch 1:35 - 2:00 Class 12:05 - 1:35

My child need a parking permit – Parking Permit forms will be available in the Main Office early August. In order to purchase a parking permit, a student must provide a valid NC driver’s license, current vehicle registration, and the form signed by a parent/guardian. Last school year the price was $115. Parking stickers for the Career Center are separate and require a valid home school parking sticker before you are eligible to purchase the CC sticker.

Follow us on Twitter @RJRCollege

All these FAQs and more are on the RJR website under the Student Services tab

6 ENGAGE 2019-2020 Finding Your Way Amid the Pines

Engage! The opportunities are endless to connect, share and give

Clubs, Clubs, and More ClubsAll RJR students are encouraged to not only succeed in the classroom, but to pursue their passions, meet new people, learn new skills and help others. The best way to do that? RJR offers almost 40 clubs ranging from Creative Writing, Photography and International Cooking to the Hunter Safety Team, American Sign Language and JROTC. Our variety of clubs truly offers something for everyone—there’s no excuse not to get involved!

Most clubs meet weekly during the school year and participate in activities outside of school as well. For a complete list of clubs and brief descriptions, go to the school website, click on the Students tab and follow the link to Clubs and Organizations. Each club has a representative to the school-wide leadership group called Inter-Club Council.

Leadership & ServiceCrosby Scholars: Learn valuable leadership and service skills and get help with the college search and application process. Sign up in September. Students must join by 10th grade. Learn more at www.crosbyscholars.org.

National Honor Society: The National Honor Society is for juniors and seniors who have attained at least a 3.2 unweighted GPA. Eligible students should pick up the application form at the beginning of the school year and return the completed and signed form by the deadline. The induction ceremony is October 16th at 7pm in the auditorium. Students need to have at least one activity in each section of the application (scholarship, leadership, service and character) to be accepted. Contact

Amanda Mason at ammanson@wsfcs.k12. nc.us. Additionally, there are honor societies by invitation for Foreign Languages, Career and Technical Education, Music, Visual Arts, Dance, and Theatre.

Presidential Service Awards: Each April, students are invited to submit their service hours for the previous 12 months to earn national awards. The complete information and log sheets can be found here: www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/Page/106544. Last year, 51 students and 9 groups submitted nearly 33,000 hours of volunteer hours toward these awards and were honored in the May PTSA meeting. Seniors who earn the award receive medals to wear with their caps and gowns. Underclassmen receive pins.

Key Club, RASCals & three different Girls Service Clubs: If service is your thing, then you will want to join one of RJR’s many service clubs. Some (but not all) require that you complete “mock” service hours, which are offered in Nov/ Dec, as part of applications which are due in January.

Let’s keep in touchWeekly e-newsletterTo sign up to receive the weekly PTSA e-newsletter visit the PTSA page under the Parents tab on the school website.

School websitewww.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/Reynolds

Like us on FacebookRJ Reynolds Arts

Pine Whispers

RJR Athletics

R.J. Reynolds Home Field Advantage

Follow us on Twitter@RJRAthletics – official twitter of athletics department *many athletic teams also have their own Twitter handle

@ReynoldsRowdies – student fan club

@RJRCollege – student services office

@RJRArts – arts magnet news and updates

@RJRPineWhispers – student newspaper

@RJRPTSA – PTSA news and events

Follow us on Instagram@RJRStadium

Black Achievers:The YMCA Black Achievers program is an academic achievement and career development initiative at R.J. Reynolds High School. The mission of the Achievers Program is to assist students in graduating from high school and prepare them for post-secondary opportunities. We meet once a month in room 309 to discuss topics related to college preparation and career development, ranging from test taking skills, SAT Prep, to job readiness. We also go on college tours and may visit some work sites. Information will be given to the students about the Black Achievers at the beginning of the new school year. If you have any questions you can contact sburts@wsfcs.k12.nc.us.

Latino Achievers:YMCA Latino Achievers is a program that meets monthly to help teens develop a positive sense of self, to raise academic standards of youth, to expose students to diverse career options and colleges. It provides role models whose success and knowledge will inspire youth to set and reach their goals and to prepare students for the changing world of work by demonstrating the skills most desired by employers. Sign-up during lunch (12-2pm) on Sept. 4 in Room 016 in the History Building. We go on field trips throughout the year. Also, students can participate in programs at the YMCA and Camp Hanes. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Beale at swbeale@wsfcs.k12.nc.us or Ms. Jolly at ssjolly@wsfsc.k12.nc.us.

A-Team: A-TEAM (Academically Thriving Educated Aspiring Minority Males) is a United Way funded program for minority males and RJR minority males can join in 9th, 10th or 11th grade. It's a support/intervention program designed to aid minority males through 5 major components; academic support, social and emotional development, college and career experiences, and one-to-one mentoring and family engagement. Students are encouraged to participate in character development monthly meetings, tutoring, field trips, parent conferences, quarterly meetings/celebrations. For more information, please contact Kimberly Simms at kmsimms@wsfcs.k12.nc.us.

Finding Your Way Amid the Pines 2019-2020 ENGAGE 7

The R.J. Reynolds Legacy CampaignWhile our RJR community is enjoying summer break, the Legacy campaign is ramping up for a July 1 launch! The Legacy Campaign is the primary fundraising vehicle for R.J. Reynolds: helping bridge the gap between the funding received from the State and the actual needs of the school.

Historically, the campaign has raised an average of $110,000 each year to support academics, arts, and athletics at RJR. The Legacy Campaign was responsible for funding many important programs and crucial needs this past year. For example, the Legacy Fund supplemented costs for freshman orientation, classroom library books for the English department and a Math Boot Camp for rising 9th graders. It also provided additional Chromebooks and Chromebook carts. Legacy gifts provided needed resources to support classroom libraries, calculators for math classrooms, and a national membership for the Robotics Club.

The Legacy Campaign raised money to buy creative pen tablets for art class, and monolights for photography class. It raised money for computer tablets for the Art Department and provided money for the A+ School Magnet Staff Development. Your contributions helped with hospitality

expenses for all the visiting artists, speakers and special events including poetry workshops with Pulitzer Center, Rolando Arietta from NPR, and Gendy Pavron from the New York Times.

The Legacy Campaign money is vital to RJR athletics as well. The school used these resources to help buy new uniforms and coaches’ apparel. Legacy money was used for field maintenance on our new practice field and assisted with the Hall of Fame inductions. Our teams used the money from the campaign to help with travel and other expenses when our teams played out of town in state tournaments.

We have big plans for this upcoming year and hope you will participate. Our students need your support to keep RJR as one of the top high schools in the state. All gifts of ANY amount are appreciated. This year we have a great new way to give that will also provide your event passes (based on giving level) digitally to your phone. No more paper passes to keep up with! All you need to do is go to https://gofan.co/reynoldslegacy and select your donation level and make your gift. For those that prefer to give by check, please make your checks payable to R.J. Reynolds High School PTSA and note 2019-20 Legacy Campaign in the memo field. Send your check to R.J. Reynolds High School – PTSA Legacy Campaign, 301 N. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104. Passes (based on giving level) will be issued electronically.

Thank you in advance for your support. We are looking forward to an amazing school year!

Denise Hickman, Legacy Chair

Stephanie Kennedy, Legacy Co-Chair

RJRLegacy@gmail.com

The Demon Pantry Counts on You!Some 800 Reynolds students qualify for free and reduced lunch, and many are left extra hungry over the weekends when school meals are not available. To help combat hunger at school and to boost learning with happy tummies, a group of parent volunteers teamed up with the Food Bank and Centenary United Methodist Church to engage RJR students, clubs, staff and families in supporting our Demon Pantry. Contributions are welcome in the bin beside the pantry in the Student Services Office anytime. Help us “stock the pantry” for the start of school with contributions of individual serving sizes such as the following:

p Applesauce p Canned Meats p Cereal or Granola Bars p Cracker Packsp Fruit box drinks p Fruit Cups p Jello or Pudding (non-refrigerated)

p Macaroni & Cheesep Oatmeal or Gritsp Trail Mixp Rice Cups (microwaveable)

p Hot Cocoa packets

p Tuna (snack packages)

p Toiletries (especially deodorant)

For questions on volunteering or donating: Clare Jordan cjordan@capdev.com. Contact Dr. Amy Williams ajwilliams@wsfcs.k12.nc.us with any questions/needs for students interested in joining the program.

The Demon Pantry is supported by your generosity. Please consider giving:

• Your time to help shop & stock pantry shelves

• Grocery gift cards in any amount from any local grocer (bring to Student Services office)

• $100 to sponsor a student for a semester

• Cash or checks (for our volunteer shoppers to fill pantry needs) – send to Centenary UMC with RJR Demon Pantry in the memo line (646 W. 5th St., 27101)

The Arts

8 ARTS 2019-2020 Finding Your Way Amid the Pines

Arts Magnet SchoolR.J. Reynolds was selected to be in the first cohort of 100 schools across the nation to go through the Magnet Certification Process. As such, teachers and administrators reflected on 45 standards aligned with the 5 pillars of Magnet Schools and submitted documentation about how Reynolds is addressing these essential elements and characteristics of high quality magnet schools. 55 of those schools succeeded in submitting enough documentation to result in national certification. Reynolds was officially CERTIFIED in September 2017 and will go through the process again in 2022. In 2019, RJR was recognized as one of the top schools in the nation for excellence in adhering to the five national magnet pillars: Diversity and Equity, Innovative Programs and Professional Development, Academic Excellence, High Quality Instructional Systems, and Family and Community Partnerships. Reynolds was the only school in the district to earn the honor of School of Excellence. We encourage all of our families to get involved!

A+ SchoolThe A+ Schools Program is the largest, longest running, most successful arts-based whole-school reform effort in the nation. Since 1995, A+ Schools have been using the arts as a catalyst for creating connections and making school more engaging, meaningful and enjoyable places to teach and learn. In 2012, Reynolds was asked to join this network as part of the consortium of North Carolina schools using the arts to impact student learning. One of our own teachers, Heather Barto Wiley is an A+ Fellow who works as consultant through the N.C. Department of Public Instruction to help other schools integrate the A+ essentials into their work. For more information about the A+ Schools Program, go to www.aplus-schools.ncdcr.gov

PTSA Reflections Art Contest 2019-20 theme is:Look Within Entries due October 11Reflections is a nationally acclaimed student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity in the classroom and at home. Students of all grades and abilities may participate by choosing one or all of the available arts categories:

- Dance/Choreography - Film Production

- Literature - Music Composition

- Photography - Visual Arts

Watch for more information this fall in the PTSA’s weekly e-newsletter and visit the PTSA tab on the RJR website.

Finding Your Way Amid the Pines 2019-2020 ARTS 9

2019-2020 Theater Productions

The ArtsFollow us on

Twitter @RJRArtsor RJ Reynolds Arts Facebook

Get to know your RJR Arts FacultyBAND / Jonathan Hamiel / JMHamiel@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

ORCHESTRA / Margaret Rehder / mrehder@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

PIANO / AmyBith Harlee / agharlee@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

CHORUS / Michael Martinez / momartinez@wsfcs.k12.nc.us or at RJRsings@gmail.com

GUITAR / Mike Chamis / mwchamis@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

THEATRE / Nick Zayas / nazayas@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

DANCE / Caitie Reece / jcreece@wsfcs.k12.nc.us and Amelia Hailey / anhailey@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

VISUAL ARTS / Ashley Hurst / abhurst@wsfcs.k12.nc.us / Ken Mulwee / kbmulwee@wsfcs.k12.nc.us / Emily Beach / ejbeachmunday@wsfcs.k12.nc.us / Phil Benenati / fpbenenati@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Check out the school website for more information about all of RJR’s art disciplines.

Performances will be October 10-12. Auditions will be the first week of school. Complete information on Mr. Zayas website.

Performances will be March 12-14

Seminar in the Arts classIn the 9th grade, students register for a unique course called “Seminar in the Arts.” The course is intended to build skills necessary for success in high school and beyond while exposing students to quality arts opportunities at Reynolds and in our community. Each experience is designed to lay the foundation for building literacy and 21st-century workplace skills. This common freshman experience will establish crucial, long-term relationships between staff, faculty, students and the curriculum as well as create an arts culture across the campus.

RJR Booster ClubWelcome to another exciting year at R.J Reynolds High School. We are anticipating a great year in athletics and invite all of you to join the RJR Athletic Booster Club in supporting RJR athletes by donating to the Legacy Campaign, volunteering as a parent representative for a team, volunteering at the Demon Shop, working in concessions during home varsity football games or helping with the RJR Rummage Sale (email reynoldsrummage@gmail.com to learn more). Your support will contribute to the success of our athletic teams and help create positive experiences for our student-athletes.

Money raised by the RJR Athletic Booster Club and Legacy Campaign helps cover the cost of uniforms, field maintenance, protective equipment, senior blankets, athlete awards, the All-Sports Celebration at the end of the school year and more. The Legacy Campaign designates 30% of its proceeds for the Booster Club. The other primary revenue-generating sources are concession stand sales at our varsity home football games, the sale of “Demon wear” at athletic events and in the Demon Shop and the RJR Rummage Sale. Mark your calendars for April 25, 2020 for our second sale and hold onto your gently used clothing, furniture, household items and other treasures for this exceptional fundraiser. Look for more details once the school year begins.

Please join us in cheering for our 2019-20 RJR teams…and GO DEMONS!

- Lyndsay and Hails Foster RJR Athletic Booster Club Co-Presidents

To learn more, please join us at a RJR Athletic Booster Club meeting. Meetings will be held at 6:00 p.m. in the RJR media center on the following dates:

August 19 September 9 - Room 210 November 18 January 13 March 16

If you would like to learn more about the RJR Athletic Booster Club (including committee volunteers' contact info), visit our webpage in the Parents section of the school website or email RJRBOOSTERS@gmail.com

SAVE THE DATES!Homecoming 2019 RJR vs. High Point Central October 4 at 5:00 p.m.

RJR will take on High Point Central for the homecoming game on Friday, October 4. Don’t miss the pre-game celebration at Deaton-Thompson starting at 5:00 p.m. We need volunteers, so please sign up to help! Leigh Ann Woodruff lamwoodruff@gmail.com and Christian Jennings cpjennings1@aol.com are in charge of Homecoming.

Sports Hall of Fame Inductions Friday, January 31, 2020 at 7:30 p.m.

All-Sports Celebration Monday, May 18, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.

Reynolds Rowdies want you to get loud!Calling all students! Be part of the RJR Rowdies and get as “rowdy” as possible under the Friday night lights this fall.  We’re planning another great year of Rowdies spirit, so make sure to purchase your RJR Rowdies T-shirt at the start of school.  Tune in to afternoon announcements and follow us on Twitter for game themes. Go Demons!

This year’s Royal Rowdies are:  Hugh Bray, WillB Capizzi, Edwin Welch and Fred Bland

10 ATHLETICS 2019-2020 Finding Your Way Amid the Pines

Athletics

Updates on your phoneText @RJR to 81010 to get text

notifications when athletic events are cancelled.

Follow us on Twitter @RJRAthletics

Follow us on Twitter @RowdiesRJR

Photos by Robert Hill

Finding Your Way Amid the Pines 2019-2020 ATHLETICS 11

Athletics

Show Your RJR Pride with Demon Wear! The Demon

ShopMake sure you stock up for the new school year early! Demon wear will be available at

9th Grade Orientation and also at Open House in August. During the school year drop by the Demon Shop, located in the

cafeteria or look for us at home football games and special events. Demon Shop volunteers

are needed and welcome! Please email Colby Murphy at colby.m.murphy@

gmail.com or Shannon Wilson at mdbutter@aol.com to help.

Mandatory Meetings One parent must attend these meetings in order for your child to play sports.

Fall Sports – August 13 at 6 p.m. AuditoriumWinter Sports – November 13 CafeteriaSpring Sports – February 24 Auditorium

September 12 at 6 p.m. NCAA Clearinghouse meeting in the auditorium for parents and students interested in playing in college.

Medical FormsAll athletes must have a physical and turn in medical release and concussion forms before the first official practice date. Forms are in the main office or can be downloaded from the school’s website via the Athletics page wsfcs.k12.nc.us/reynoldsathletics.

Forms will be exchanged for wristbands on July 31 in the cafeteria from 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Where in the World is Deaton-Thompson?RJR hosts home events at the following locations:

Football and Lacrosse are played at Deaton-Thompson Stadium – 1401 W. Clemmonsville Road (behind Griffith Elementary School)

Soccer and Field Hockey are played at Bolton Field – 1250 Bolton Street (behind Forsyth Tech Community College/next to Bolton Elementary School)

Home Football Games 2019:9/6 Pinecrest 9/13 Mount Tabor 10/4 High Point Central (Homecoming) 10/18 Reagan 10/25 West Forsyth 11/8 East Forsyth

Baseball/Softball/Tennis are played at Hanes Park between Northwest Blvd. and West End Blvd.

Track/Cross Country practices are at Hanes Park; all meets are away

Golf plays at Winston Lake

Swimming meets are held at WG White and Kernersville YMCAs

Looking for coaches’ emails, team schedules, practice schedules, etc….Check out the Athletics section of the school website wsfcs.k12.nc.us/reynoldsathletics

Athletic Director: Brad Fisher, bmfisher@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Assistant Athletic Director: Seth Beale, swbeale@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Bring RJR Athletics Home Demon pride is strong and there’s a wonderful sense of school community that happens when students, families and fans come together for a home game. But for most RJR teams, “home” games are played at locations far away from campus. The “home” location for RJR football and boys’ and girls’ lacrosse games is not even in the RJR residential zone. The nonprofit Home Field Advantage (HFA) is working to bring an on-campus multi-sport stadium to RJR and ensure school activities are accessible to all students and families. The stadium site next to the RJR Auxiliary Gym has been approved along with design plans. HFA has asked the WS/FCS Board of Education to assist with funding for the school facility and HFA will raise the remaining dollars. More than $1 million has been raised to date. It’s time the Demons and their fans finally have a place to call home. If you want to get involved with Home Field Advantage, email rjrhomefield@gmail.com and follow HFA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To learn more or to make an online, tax-deductible contribution, visit RJReynoldsHomeField.com.

Scholarship Totals - $11,000,000Academics, Faculty and Service• 2019 MSA Magnet School of Excellence

• Faculty Book Study--Teach Like a Pirate 2.0, Waking Up White, and Assignments Matter

• Thanksgiving Speaker--Judge Denise Hartsfield

• Folksyfest and Arts Hall of Fame Inductions

• Karen Morris and Pamela Kirkland presented on NewsArts at Magnet School of America in Baltimore

• $19,000 Winston Salem Foundation Educator Grant for Harvard Project Zero courses and DC trip

• Genius Hour started in Seminar English classes

• Hosted students and teachers from Parkland, FL with We Are the Change Documentary

• Fall performance Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time; Spring performance Guys and Dolls

• Booster Club Rummage Sale raised over $9,000 for athletics

• Focus Fifteen program for at-risk freshmen

• A-TEAM (Academically Thriving Educated Aspiring Minority Males) program serving over 100 minority males

• Students attended Jason Reynolds author talk in the Auditorium

• Johnny Hamiel published in April 2019 Teaching Music Magazine and in the National Music Educators Journal

• RJR Won the High School Battle of the Books Competition

• Dancers danced in the Nutcracker with the Moscow Ballet

• School Focus–Bridging Connections

• Mike Chamis and students produced Pied Piper (original opera)

• Karen Morris NCAEA 2019 Administration Art Educator of the Year

• Hosted NPR Director Rolando Arrieta through Pulitzer Center

• Two National Merit Finalists, William Sherman and Luke Stephens

• Victoria Schmoyer- Elected Treasurer, FLANC (Foreign Language Association of North Carolina), Presenter, FLANC Fall Conference, Presenter, SCOLT (Southern Conference of Language Teachers), and attendee on DPI scholarship at ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages

Arts Kudos• Mixed Music Arts students organized the Gfeller Stage performances

• 5 students made All State Chorus

• 5 students made Mars Hill Honors Chorus

• 35 students in All-County Honors Orchestra

• Four students in Western Region Honors Orchestra

• First Place and Overall Best Orchestra Trophies for performance at regional orchestra festival.

• 9 students in the WS Symphony’s Youth Orchestra.

• Orchestra Benefit Concert raised over a $1,000 to benefit the Humane Society and the Reynolds and Wiley orchestra programs.

• Isaac Cooper performed at Carnegie Hall with All-International Honors Band

• Band received 15 Superiors Solo and Ensemble MPA

• Adam Puentes - first RJR student to make Western Region Jazz

• A+ School Collaboration with Jazz Band and Diggs-Latham Elementary Band

• 1st Annual African American Composers Band Concert and Collaboration with E-Media Classes

• Jazz Band and A Capella perform for Easton Elementary Multicultural Program

• Isaac Cooper made All-State for a 2nd year

• Chorus earned Superior ratings at MPA

• Lydia Spears won Piedmont Federal Artizens Contest

• A Cappella Jam for Hope raised $4400 for Crossnore School

• Reflections winners at state level (Makayla Patterson and Abigail Patillo)

• 15 District Reflections Winners

• Ethan Ebert and Hailey Willard (Band) won John Coltrane essay contest

• Scholastic Key Awards—3 Gold, 2 Silver, 12 Honorable Mentions

• Dancers performed and participated in workshops at Disney

• Shaylynn Slozer performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

• Digital arts students held exhibit at SECCA

• Visual Arts Student Lydia Spears won 1st place in the All County Spring Arts Extravaganza

• Visual Arts Student Jayla Williams won Honorable Mention in the NC Federal Junior Duck Stamp competition

• 50 students and parents from Performing Arts Department visited NYC and participated in discipline focused workshops with professionals in their field as well as attending 3 Broadway shows

• Tri-M National Honor Society inducted 66 music students

• Kelsey Romney and Olivia Wright received the Tri-M Outstanding Service Award from the National Association

• William Woodruff was accepted in the piano program at Appalachian State University

• 3 piano students received Superior ratings at Solo and Ensemble MPA

• Danny Saudeco, Ethan Ebert and Adam Puentes performed at the Twin City Fashion Week

CTE Kudos• New Sewing Club (Demon Designs) was established.

• Career Fair was held on October 17, 2018

• Summer Job/Enrichment Fair was held on March 28, 2019

• Technology Student Association/Robotics Club began in Spring 2019

Athletics Kudos• 19 students signed to play at the collegiate level

• Boys Basketball went to the 4A State Final Four

• 3 Boys Tennis players qualified for regionals

• All 6 RJR golfers named All Conference, team was conference champs

• Girls and Boys Lacrosse were Conference Champs

• 9 students in Spring NCAA Signing Day

• Devin Ingram was All Northwest Selection in Basketball

• Mysta Goodloe—Conference Player of the Year (Basketball) and All Northwest Selection

• Boys Cross Country Team was Conference Champions

• Katie Mohr was Conference Swimmer of the Year

12 BRAG SHEET 2019-2020 Finding Your Way Amid the Pines

Brag Sheet - Accolades from 2018-19

RJR 2018-19 Volunteer Opportunities

RJR 2019-20 Volunteer Opportunities We rely on an army of volunteers in order to offer special programs and events. Please find a few opportunities from the list below where you might offer your time or make a contribution. Check those areas in which you would like to get involved. Volunteer name: Email: Phone: RJR student(s)/ grade(s):

Volunteer Opportunity

Description

Chairperson

Volunteers on Call (most needed)

Various small, short-term or one-time volunteer needs arise throughout the year. A committee might need a few extra hands just around the time of an event. Examples include event setup, manning information tables, distributing flyers, directing guests. You will be included on an email distribution list simply to be notified when such needs arise. Checking this box does NOT commit you to anything other than receiving emails.

Mari Valaoras RJRVolunteers@gmail.com

Arts Ambassadors Represent RJR’s Arts Magnet Program at various events including PTSA programs, RJR’s magnet application day, WSFCS Magnet Fair, and RJR Arts Open House. Training provided.

Emily MacMillan echmacmillan@gmail.com

Art Chaperones Arts field trips depend on volunteer chaperones. Many arts outings are planned each year and chaperones enjoy free admission. Volunteers are also needed to help with the Gfeller Stage lunchtime performances.

Emily MacMillan echmacmillan@gmail.com

Arts Performance Support

Assist with student performances by working in the ticket office, helping with programs, supervising students during rehearsals and performances, and assisting teachers as needed during performance week. Indicate arts area: Instrumental/Choral/Dance/Theatre.

Emily MacMillan echmacmillan@gmail.com

RJR Athletic Booster Club

The RJR Athletic Booster Club helps cover the cost of team uniforms, protective equipment, special team requests, maintaining athletic fields, athlete awards, All-Sports Celebration, Hall of Fame Inductions and more. You can help work concessions at home varsity football games, sell RJR apparel through the Demon Shop, get involved with a variety of committees (fund raising, field maintenance, athlete recognition, to name a few) that serve the entire RJR family. The RJR Athletic Booster Club meetings are open to all and will meet at 6:00 pm in the Media Center on August 19, September 9 (in Room 210), November 18, January 13 and March 16. We would love your involvement!

Lyndsay & Hails Foster RJRBoosters@gmail.com

Building & Grounds Keep RJR beautiful! Never attend a meeting. Gather monthly to plant, mulch, weed and identify opportunities to improve the RJR landscape. There will be three Saturday mornings scheduled for school-wide workdays.

Linda Shieh lindacshieh@gmail.com

Volunteer Opportunity

Description

Chairperson

Cooks on Call (Hospitality)

Cook or provide food for teacher/staff appreciation events (back to school breakfast, workroom snack days, May luncheon, and other special occasions) throughout the year. Help set up, serve, and/or clean-up for these events.

Caroline Stopyra caroline@stopyra.com

Communications Assist with the PTSA’s weekly e-newsletter, printed Summer newsletter, social media outlets and other creative ways to keep our students and families informed.

Tom Brown RJRCommunications@gmail.com

Demon Pantry Bi-weekly shopping and stocking the school’s food & toiletries pantry or donate items from published wish lists. Contributions by check can be sent to Centenary UMC (646 W. 5th St., W-S 27101) with RJR Demon Pantry written in the memo line.

Clare Jordan cjordan@capdev.com

Homecoming Help throw the pre-game party for RJR’s Homecoming game on Friday, October 4th. Opportunities to help include shopping, decorating, set up, check-in, serving food and cleanup. This is a fun way to get involved, meet new people and be a part of something festive!

Leigh Ann Woodruff lamwoodruff@gmail.com Christian Jennings cpjennings1@aol.com

Legacy Campaign Legacy is an all-inclusive fund that supports academics, arts and athletics. Reach out to businesses to solicit Legacy Corporate Sponsors and help the Legacy chairperson with tasks throughout the year.

Denise Hickman RJRLegacy@gmail.com

Media Center Assist in the newly updated RJR Media Center during school hours. We welcome any volunteer help, though a regular commitment would be preferred. Duties may include shelving and organizing, database entry, and helping with technology. Training provided as needed.

Carol Stewart cmstewart@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Proctors RJR’s needs for exam proctors are significant, especially with special testing accommodations for many students. It is essential to have volunteer proctors to help teachers and staff on exam days. Please consider serving a one-time 2-4 hour commitment. No special skills are required. Same day training provided.

Dawn Nelson ReynoldsPTSAPres@gmail.com

School Tour Guides Share your love of RJR by conducting campus tours for prospective students and their families. Tours are held during school hours from November through March. Training and shadowing opportunities provided.

Mari Valaoras mvalaoras@mindspring.com

Senior Picnic Join the senior celebration! Help plan and host our senior picnic following the Class Day assembly (in late May). Volunteers help with set up, decorations, serving, and clean up.

Stephanie Brown 8brownies8@gmail.com

Student Services Support

Volunteers enable our Guidance Counselors to spend more time working directly with students. Opportunities are varied and flexible, including organizational support during class registration and providing office assistance during peak times.

Kelly Thomas ktkellyweed2@gmail.com

Test Prep Join a small team of parents to organize a summer standardized test workshop or lend a hand in administering practice SAT and ACT tests on two Saturday mornings during the school year.

Louisa Peterson RJRtestprep@gmail.com

Please complete this form and return it to RJR PTSA in one of many ways: at 9th Grade Orientation, at Open House, to the RJR Main Office (301 N. Hawthorne Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27104), or photograph/scan it and email it to RJRVolunteers@gmail.com.

Thank you for volunteering!

nov.2 SAT Test Date4 PTSA Board Meeting5 Chorus Concert8 SAT Registration Deadline

(Dec 7 test date) 8 ACT Registration Deadline

(Dec 14 test date)11 Veteran’s Day - No school13 Winter Sports Mandatory

Parent Meeting16 WS/FCS Magnet Fair 18 Booster Club Meeting21-23 All County Band26 Thanksgiving Assembly27-29 Thanksgiving – No School

13 Fall Sports Mandatory Parent Meeting

15 First Day for Teachers15 PTSA Board Meeting 16 ACT Registration Deadline

(Sept 14 test date)17 Campus Clean-up 19 Booster Club Meeting 21 Freshman Orientation 21 Open House / PTSA

General Meeting24 SAT Test Date26 First Day of School

2 Labor Day - No School6 SAT Registration Deadline

(Oct 5 test date) 9 Booster Club Meeting9 PTSA Board Meeting12 NCAA Clearinghouse

meeting14 ACT test date16-17 School Pictures18 Senior Parent Meeting 20 ACT Registration Deadline

(Oct 26 test date)

sept.

aug. jan.

3 Orchestra Concert7 SAT Test Date10 Prospective Family Night10 Holiday Showcase11 Early Release Day12 Band Concert in

media center 14 ACT Test Date16 The Nutcracker by the

Moscow Ballet and RJR Dance

23 Winter Break begins

6 Classes Resume 6 PTSA Board Meeting10 Dance Concert 10 ACT Registration Deadline

(Feb 8 test date)13 Booster Club Meeting18 A Cappella Jam 20 MLK Holiday – No School22 Last Day of 2nd Quarter 23-24 Teacher Professional Days –

No School 27-28 Follies Auditions29 Reynolds Revue / PTSA

General Meeting 31 Sports Hall of Fame

Inductions

feb.

june

apr.

2 SAT Test Date4 PTSA Board Meeting8 SAT Registration

Deadline (June 6 test date)

8 ACT Registration Deadline (June 13 test date)

8 Dance Concert12 Chorus Concert13 PTSA General Meeting

(before Band Concert) 13 Band Concert18 All Sports Celebration 20 Class Day25 Memorial Day -

No School27 Rising Senior Parent

Meeting

may

3 SAT registration deadline (May 2 test date)

4 ACT Test Date10-17 Spring Break – No School28 Band Jazz Cafe

-Arts Building28 RJR Orchestra Concert

3 SAT Registration Deadline (Nov 2 test date)

4 Homecoming vs High Point Central

5 SAT Test Date10 PSAT at RJR10-12 Fall Play – Peter and

the Starcatcher 11 Reflections Contest

entry deadline16 Early Release Day16 NHS Inductions25 Last Day of 1st Quarter26 ACT Test Date28-29 Teacher Professional Days –

No school

oct. dec.

Bad weather makeup days (used in the following order, if necessary): Nov 27, Jan 23-24 and June 11-12

2019-2020 RJR Calendar

3 PTSA Board Meeting12-14 Spring Musical –

Into the Woods 14 SAT Test Date16 Booster Club Meeting18 Early Release Day19 RJR and Civic Orchestra

Concert27 Last Day of 3rd Quarter27 Key Club Follies30 Teacher Professional Day –

No School

mar.

CALENDAR 15 2019-2020 Finding Your Way Amid the Pines

1 All County Orchestra4 All County Chorus8 ACT Test Date14 SAT Registration Deadline

(Mar 14 test date)19 Early Release Day20 Band African American

Composer Concert24 Spring Sports Mandatory

Parent Meeting 26 Piano/Guitar Concert28 ACT registration deadline

(April 4 test date)

6 SAT test date6 Graduation10 Last Day of School13 ACT Test Date19 ACT Registration Deadline

(July 18 test date)

DATED MATERIALWinston-Salem Forsyth County SchoolsR.J. Reynolds High School PTSA301 North Hawthorne RoadWinston-Salem, NC 27104

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit

Organization

US Postage PAID

Greensboro, NC

Permit No. 393

5

HOMECOMING October 4

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER October 10-12

HOLIDAY SHOWCASE December 10

THE NUTCRACKER BY THE MOSCOW BALLET & RJR DANCE - December 16

INTO THE WOODS March 12-14

KEY CLUB FOLLIES March 27

ALL-SPORTS CELEBRATION May 18

Join our PTSA and get the weekly e-newsletter: Membership is automatically included with your Legacy donation of $10 or more. To sign up for the weekly e-newsletter visit the PTSA page under the Parents tab on the school website.Copies of the newsletter are also archived on the RJR website.

Sign-up to volunteer: Fill out the enclosed interest form and return it at Orientation, Open House or to the school office.

Give to the Legacy Campaign: Read more about

our only school-wide fundraising campaign in

this newsletter.

Visit the school website often: The website is one

of the best resources for parents and students; visit

often to stay informed - wsfcs.k12.nc.us/Reynolds

Get social: Like us on Facebook and follow us

on Twitter!

Events You Just Can’t Miss This Year

Five things every RJR Family should do!

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Amid the Pines: RJR Alma Mater

Amid the pines she proudly stands

To her our voices rise!

We always shall love her,

Dear old Reynolds High

(…rousing, stomping of feet!)

Our school of great tradition,

Gives us all ambition.

Alma mater, alma mater,

Hail, our alma mater!

Harris Teeter VIC Code: 4261 for RJR.

PLEASE activate this. Needs to be re-activated EVERY year!

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