January 22, 2008

 

Dear Students, Parents, and Community,

 

As we begin the second semester it is a good time to remind the RHS community about the many educational opportunities we offer, and encourage our students to take advantage of these offerings. From an academic perspective, we have vastly expanded our offerings across the entire spectrum of academia. We have dual enrollment classes for college credit in English, Career and Technical Education, Environmental Geology, and Computer Science. Our Advanced Placement curriculum remains robust with AP classes available in math, English, social studies, art, and music; and in 2008 we have added AP Chemistry.

 

Our Career and Technical Education offerings have been updated and expanded. During this school year we added exciting new courses in culinary arts and video productions while continuing to provide outstanding CTE programs in computer aided design, machining, nursing, and industrial arts. Piggybacking off of those programs Radford High School has partnered with New River Community College in an exciting new initiative called Jump Start. Jump Start gives students an opportunity to obtain several college credits at no cost in their chosen career field while they are still in high school. This program also allows students to take technical programs that Radford High School is unable to offer.

 

In addition to the academic and CTE programs, the fine arts program at Radford High School is nationally recognized. Our band and choral programs have performed in Carnegie Hall and the New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade. Our drama program has consistently ranked highly in state competitions each year while putting on riveting performance for our community. Our art program remains vibrant with beautiful displays and student contributions serving as prominent aesthetic features in our school.

 

Beyond the normal course day Radford High School offers an almost endless range of extra and co-curricular offerings. Our marching band and chorus programs have multiple performances throughout the school year that are a source of pride for our entire community. Our athletic teams continue to be outstanding. In fact, the Bobcats have won over 31 state championships in 14 different Virginia High School League Activities. In 2007, the Bobcats finished second in the state in the coveted Wachovia Cup which ranks schools based on overall athletic performance. The Bobcats finished first in the Wachovia Cup in 2004 and have finished near the top in almost every other year. Club activities are also an important aspect of Radford High School. From academic clubs to non-curricular clubs there is something for everyone.

 

One of the major questions parents ask is how can we help their child when he or she is struggling academically? Listed below are programs we have in place to help our students:

  • Teachers are available either before or after school for small group assistance.
  • We utilize schoonotes.com to keep students and parents updated on homework and upcoming assignments.
  • We have a faculty member that is available for before and after school for math tutoring.
  • A highly successful freshman transition program is in place to help ninth grade students as they transition from middle school to high school.
  • School-day SOL remediation programs are available for students who need extra help in passing SOL tests.
  • A credit recovery program is offered for students who fail to pass credits during the school year.
  • Summer School programs for both new and repeat classes couple with an SOL summer remediation program to keep students on pace to graduate or free up their schedule for additional course offerings.

 

As you can see Radford High School has a wide range of offerings and programs in place for all students. To find out more about these programs don’t hesitate to call an administrator or guidance counselor.

 

In conclusion, Radford High School was recently recognized by the Governor for the VIP award of excellence. Only 50 high schools in the state achieved this goal placing our school in the top 15 percent of high schools in the Commonwealth. This award was based, among other criteria, on high achievement in test scores, a low drop out rate, and dual/advanced placement opportunities. 

 

Considering our high academic standing, our excellent facilities, a student body brimming with Bobcat pride, a commitment to exhausting every effort to meet the diverse needs of our students, and a faculty that exceeds most high schools across the country, we believe the educational experience offered at Radford High School is second to none!

 

Sincerely,                                                      Sincerely,                                         

 

 

 


Dr. Mark Y. Lineburg                                   Rex Gearheart

Principal                                                        Assistant Principal
Radford High School                                  Radford High School