New:

• There are still some tickets left for Dinner and a Show on March 27. We'll serve a buffet dinner at 6 p.m, then see the PCA Theatre production of "Cats" in the District Auditorium. Tickets: $30 per person in the Main Office or order by mail by March 19 (please make your check payable to the Richland Northeast Education Foundation, 7500 Brookfield Road, Columbia, SC 29223) and we'll hold your tickets for you at the door on the 27th. Information:  rne.info@gmail.com
   
• Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend — please remember to "spring ahead" (meaning that 2 a.m. on Sunday suddenly becomes 3 a.m. on Sunday) which, sorry to say, makes the weekend one hour shorter.
   
• District Two has ruled that beginning in 2010 - 11 all student drivers who want a school parking sticker must take the National Safety Council's Alive@25 early-intervention driving course. These four-and-a-half-hour workshops are being offered at district sites throughout the spring and summer (download the schedule at www.richland2.org/rnh/downloads/alive@25_sched2010.pdf). Register at www.scaliveat25.org or (803) 732-6778. Information: alive@25_faqs.pdf
   
• Regular performances of “Cats” will be held on March 25 – 27 at 7:30 p.m. and on March 28 at 3 p.m. Tickets for those performances ($5 students, $7 adults) are available at www.districtauditorium.org. Information: dowilson@richland2.org
   
• Parents of Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors:  District Two requires that all enrolled students provide proof of residence each year.
  • If you have not moved since the last residency verification, please send your current proof of residence (a current utility bill such as electric, water, land line phone, or cable/satellite; proof of mortgage/settlement statement; or a complete rental lease) to Judy Gray in Guidance as soon as possible, but no later than May 31. You may send your proof of residence with your child. We will make a copy and return it to the student.
     
  • If your child is enrolled through a Family Living with Another Family affidavit, the renewal deadline is also May 31. Please stop by Guidance or the District Office to get a new affidavit.
     
  • If you have moved, you must complete an Update of Information form and submit three current proofs of residence. Guidance and the District Office have these forms as well. Information:  Mrs. Gray, jgray@richland2.org ext. 79827
     
• Our Spring Art Show will take place March 17 – 26 in the Science Atrium and X-Wing corridor. The reception and awards ceremony will be March 23 at 7 p.m.; it is open to exhibitors and their families. Parents may visit the exhibit during our lunch period, after checking in at the Main Office.
   
• RNE's Athletic Booster Club is offering the $350 Rob Lenoir Scholarship to an outstanding RNE Senior athlete who has been accepted to college. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from one of their teachers and a typed 300–500-word essay by April 1. Information:  Taranda Frost, (803) 361‑6655
   
• College day trip to Voorhees, Claflin, and South Carolina State:  March 25. Open to Seniors who have been accepted to one of these colleges and to interested Sophomores and Juniors. Students with multiple disciplinary issues, serious discipline issues, or excessive absences are ineligible for this trip. Pick up permission slips in E109. Cost: $7 (includes lunch and snacks). Space is limited. Information:  Kim Sanders, ksanders@richland2.org
   
• The State will showcase selected poems written by Midlands K - 12 students in the April 29 editions of Neighbors. The deadline for submissions is April 21. Please send original poems of 100 words or less (longer submissions will be edited for space) to dkujawa@thestate.com or Neighbors Poetry, Attn. Dawn Kujawa, The State, 1401 Shop Road, Columbia, SC 29201. Please and include student’s name, grade, and school.
   
• Put your Senior's baby picture in the yearbook. The cost is $15. The yearbook staff accepts cash or checks payable to the school. Information:  Nina Brook, nbrook@richland2.org or ext. 79808
   
• Reserve a 2010 yearbook for $65. The yearbook staff accepts cash or checks payable to the school. Or reserve yearbooks online at www.yearbookforever.com. Information:  Nina Brook, nbrook@richland2.org or ext. 79808
   
• The Junior-Senior Prom will take place on April 24. Tickets are available in the Fees Office. Information:  Lindsay Rabin, lrabin@richland2.org
   
• Is your child interested in Web design? Greater Columbia BDPA is running a program for eighth- through twelfth-graders who want to learn to design, code, document, test, and present a finished web development project using such technologies as VB.Net, ASP.Net, and MySQL. Classes are on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., from March 13 through June 26. Cost:  $65. Information:  Phyllis Coleman, (803) 414-2461
   
• The Community Empowerment Foundation and Midlands Workforce Development Board will present College and Career Connection on March 27, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Admission is free. High school students, job seekers, and adults interested in continuing education are invited to this college and career fair. Information: 899-0421 or ddaniels@collegedayusa.com
   
• The Beltline Campus of Midland Tech invites everyone to the Architectural Engineering Technology Student Expo Drop-In on April 29, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., in the LET Building room 103. Information:  Melissa Price, 822-7080
   
• The Darlington County Cultural Realism Complex invites young women to enter the 33rd Annual Miss SC Hal Jackson's Talented Teen competition, to be beheld on June 12 at 8 p.m. at Florence‑Darlington Technical College. Information and entry form:  www.culturalrealismvision.com/app.htm
   
• Click over to the Cavplex Photo Gallery (cavplex.richland2.org/gallery.html) and Top Videos of the Week (cavplex.richland2.org/). Sports Friday, with interviews and video packages, is now available at cavplex.richland2.org on Friday afternoon. Athletic schedules are there, too.
   
• Check the RNE calendar and the Cav News page for sports schedules, performances, holidays, and more!
   
• Tune in to R2TV (Time-Warner Cable channel 12) for District highlights. To watch R2TV online, go to www.richland2.org, click R2TV on Demand, then New in Two.
   
• Have a child at RNE? Join the RNE Education Foundation! The Foundation board will meet on Monday, April 12, at 6:15 p.m. in the Main Office Conference Room, and we need you – be part of this wonderful group of parents, community members, and administrators. RNE's Foundation helps support the visionary efforts that make RNE such a strong and creative place. It also helps ensure that all our students can take part in a wide variety of educational opportunities. Information:  rne.info@gmail.com or ext. 79742

Summer 2010 programs

• High school summer school will be at Blythewood High this year. Information:  www.richland2.org/rnh/downloads/2010summer_school.pdf
   
• The Broyhill Leadership Conference will be held at Queens University of Charlotte from June 28 - July 2 for rising 10th graders through college-age students. The cost is $22 for the handbook, all meetings, 11 meals. and 4 nights' lodging. Information/application:  www.boyhill-leadership.org or (803) 628-0000
   
• Converse College in Spartanburg is accepting applications for four co-educational, residential, summer workshops to be held June 20 - 25:
  • CSI: Converse - learn forensic science by securing a crime scene, gathering clues, and processing evidence in science labs
  • Young Writers Workshop - develop talents in poetry, fiction, playwriting, and creative nonfiction
  • Visual Arts Workshop - focus on contemporary practices in drawing and printmaking
  •  Theater Workshop - acting, movement, playwriting, and vocal strengthening through creation of original work
  Information:  www.converse.edu/summerworkshops
   
• JAWS summer swim team is open to swimmers of all levels and abilities between the ages of 4 and 18. Members practice on weekday mornings or afternoons; swim meets are held Monday and Thursday evenings. JAWS is registered with the Columbia Swim League and competes against other local swim teams. This team is coached by WSI-certified instructors who also have competitive swim team experience. It provides a safe and encouraging atmosphere where they are able to learn the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship and staying healthy through athletics. Information: Shane Whatley, JCC aquatics director, at 787-2023 ext. 306 or jcccolumbia.org.
   
• Boston University will hold a six-week summer math institute for high school students from June 27 to August 7. PROMYS gives an intensive experience in creative mathematical exploration to about 65 students with an exceptionally strong interest in mathematics. Financial assistance is available for the $2,700 cost per student. Information:  Boston University Math Department (617) 353-22563 or promys@bu.edu 
   
• North Carolina State has summer programs for interested students. Go to www.engr.ncsu.edu/summerprograms
   
• Claflin University Upward Bound is sponsoring a FREE academic summer program for high school students in grades 9-11. This 6 weeks residential program for low income, first generation pre-college students will be held from June 13-July 24. The purpose of the PRISM Program is to increase the number of scientists and mathematicians from this under-represented group. Application packets can be obtained from your counselor or by calling 803.268.1142. The application deadline is March 10, 2010.
   
• 9th graders: Are you interested in attending Space Camp? See your counselor for scholarship information or visit www.spacecamp.com Essays, letters of recommendation, and applications must be submitted by March 10.
   
• George Washington University has two pre-college summer programs for 9 – 11 graders. Information: Guidance, www.precolledge.gwu.edu, or (202) 994-6360
   
• Juniors interested in Furman's free service-oriented summer leadership program should complete an online application at www.rileyinstitute.org or call (864) 294-3276 to request an application packet. Applications are due by April 5, 2010.
   
• For Juniors: The 2010 University of Alabama Capstone Business Leadership Academy for academically excellent high school students will run two one-week sessions during June and July. Information:  Guidance
   
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute invites academically talented, underrepresented minority rising Juniors and Seniors to apply to its two-week summer Preface Program in New York. Application deadline is March 19. Information:  doso.rpi.edu/update.do?catcenterkey=87 
   
• This summer, choose your own adventure with YLI Summer Camps. Information:  counselor, www.ylicamps.com, or (864) 878-1041
   
• The South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities is accepting applications for its 2010 summer programs: Academy, a two-week program in creative writing, drama, music, or visual arts for rising Sophomores; and Summer Dance, a five-week program in ballet and modern dance for rising 7th through rising Seniors. Applications:  www.scgsah.org/section/summer_programs_admissions. To have an application mailed to you or for more information, contact the Office of Enrollment and Outreach: (864) 282-3713 or admissions@scgsah.state.sc.us
   
• Oxford Royale Academy is accepting applications for more than twenty summer academic courses. Its Scholarship Programme, which offers financial aid to students of up to $4000 facilitating their summer academic study in Oxford. General information:  www.oxford-royale.co.uk.  Scholarship information:  www.oxford-royale.co.uk/information.php?info_id=29
   
• Is your child looking for a summer opportunity at a college? Look at Cornell University Summer College Programs, www.summercollege.cornell.edu
   
• Girls who will enter the 10th or 11th grades next year and are serious students and demonstrate a commitment to volunteer service, citizenship, and social justice are eligible to apply for the Girls' Leadership Workshop at the Eleanor Roosevelt Center at Val-Kill in Hyde Park, NY. Information:  www.ervk.org or (845) 229-5302
   
• Students interested in a creative career might be interested in the Savannah College of Art and Design's Summer Seminars 2010 in Atlanta or Savannah. Information:  counselor, www.scad.edu, or (877) 722-3285 (Atlanta) or (80) 869-7223 (Savannah)

Still current:

• Would your child like to take a day off from school to look into the future? Michael Sumter has Job Shadowing Packets in E109. All shadowing must be approved two weeks before the shadowing date. Information:  Mr. Sumter, msumter@richland2.org
   
• The video of poet-in-residence Matthew Dickman is airing www.richland2.org — click on R2TV on Demand, then click on New in Two and scroll "RNE Welcomes Poet."
   
• If your child is interested in information about foreign exchange programs (summer, semester, or year-long), counselors have the ASSE International Student Exchange Programs folder on study abroad or see www.asse.com
   
• Mark Whetstone's class is available to stuff and label envelopes, sort materials, and do simple office tasks here at the high school—and they have a folding machine. If you need help with a small project, please contact Mr. Whetstone at mwhetsto@richland2.org or ext. 79778
   
• Remember to check the Guidance Department's Information Page for your child's class to get information about special programs, scholarships, and more. You'll find the link at www.richland2.org/rnh/guidance/guidancepage.htm
   
• You can put a birthday announcement on the Morning News Show for $1 with a photo and $.50 without. The MNS staff must have birthday announcements and photo as well as payment no later than 8 a.m. the day of the birthday. You can send a photo via e-mail. Information:  Lynn Washington, lwashing@richland2.org
   
• We have several notaries public among our staff who are happy to notarize school trip permission forms. Parents must bring in the unsigned form and a picture ID, then sign the form in front of the notary. Information:  Cheryl Lausi, clausi@richland2.org
   
• The publisher of RNE's yearbook is awarding a $1000 scholarship by random drawing. No purchase is necessary. Enter at yearbookforever.com/win
   
• Students interested in health care can get information about job shadowing at Providence and Palmetto Health Hospitals from Michael Sumter, our Work-based Learning Coordinator, in E109.
   
• Get information on Bank of America's NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing for high-school women here: http://www.ncwit.org/award

And remember:

• Male students turning 18 must register with the Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Once a young man registers, he stays eligible for programs and benefits connected to registration, such as college loans and grants, government jobs, job training, and citizenship for immigrant men seeking to become U.S. citizens. The Selective Service accepts early submission of registration information by men 17 years old and 3 months. Registrations are held in the system and are automatically submitted when they turn 18. Register online:  www.sss.gov
   
• Sign up at www.twitter.com to receive tweets from RNE (rne_cavs) and District Two (RichlandTwo).
   
• Please check our list of college rep visits: www.richland2.org/rnh/guidance//college_repfall09.pdf
• Would you like to receive information about college, scholarships, admissions rep visits, career lunches, and college trips? Please send your e-mail address, along with your child's name and grade, to Kim Sanders, ksanders@richland2.org
   
• Questions about college or financial aid? Check out Career and College Information’s new blog at www.collegegoto.blogspot.com Have a question? Leave it in a comment or send it to ksanders@richland2.org and we will try and find you the answer.
   
• You can reach Abby Beckley, our school social worker, at abeckley@richland2.org  or ext. 79744. She is at RNE on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and every other Wednesday. She can assist with school supplies, food, and clothing as well as personal issues.
   
• As parents of adolescents know, teens run on a unique clock. Please remind your child that the District does its updates from midnight to 4 a.m.—a student who needs to retrieve an assignment from BlackBoard must do so before midnight.
   
• Are you an RNE alum? Find out about upcoming reunions! Do you know an RNE alum? We'd like to know what our graduates are up to. Please encourage any alumni you know to send their news to us here.
   
• New to RNE? See www.richland2.org/content.aspx?id=12458 for enrollment information. Then call Judy Gray at ext. 79827 to make an appointment to register your child. Please be sure to give Ms. Gray your e-mail address so you can access Parent Portal.
   
• Does your child do Facebook? MySpace? Then take a look at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/tech/tec13.shtm, the Federal Trade Commission's parent guide to online social networking.
   
• Detention hours and location have changed: Monday – Thursday detention is from 3:35 – 5:35 p.m. in S108. Friday detention, also in S108, is now from 3:35 – 6:35 p.m. We have eliminated Saturday detentions, but are trying out early-morning detention (7:10 – 8:10 a.m.) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students who are serving detention must arrive on time. Students may exchange tutoring hours for detention hours. One hour of tutoring equals one hour of detention.
   
• Organizers of the Terry A. McCoy Leadership Scholarship (www.richland2.org/content.aspx?id=16338) have raised thousands of dollars in honor of our long-time administrator and director of student activities.
   
• If you are paying for a student trip or yearbook with a credit or debit card, please have your child bring your card (or his) to the Bookkeeper’s Office. We’re sorry but we cannot take card numbers by telephone. Information:  Dianne Dillard, ddillard@richland2.org
   
• Find out about Schools That Work (pdf)
   
• Parents of Seniors: please make our Senior Information page one of your regular online stops. You'll find news about scholarships, upcoming deadlines, college open houses, and more.
   
• Has your home phone number changed? If so, please send an e-mail with your new number to Beth Mayer at bmayer@richland2.org — she'll enter it in Connect-Ed, our school notification and emergency communication system. Your number will be kept private.
   
• When you shop at Amazon through the link on our homepage(www.richland2.org/rnh), a percentage of your Amazon purchase goes to fund programs that benefit our students here at RNE.
   
• Check www.collegeboard.com/testing/ for information and 2009–10 schedules for the SAT and PSAT.
  
  
• RNE follows the District cell phone policy:
   
  • The first time a student's cell phone is confiscated, it will be returned only to the student's parent or legal guardian. If the phone is taken on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, the parent or legal guardian may retrieve the phone on Friday of the same week. Phones taken on a Thursday or Friday may be retrieved by the parent or legal guardian on the following Friday. Pick up time is in C201 from 1 – 4 p.m. The parent/legal guardian first must check in at the Lobby Guard in the Main Office and have a photo ID.
  • Should the student's phone be confiscated a second time, it will be returned only on the last day of the school year, again from 1 – 4 p.m. in C201. A parent does not need to come — the student may pick up the phone but needs to have a current school ID.
   
•  The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education's college information hotline has a specialist is available on (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., at (877) 349-7183 (toll free). Get reliable, up-to-date information on general admissions requirements for South Carolina colleges and universities, merit-based scholarships available in South Carolina, grants available to South Carolina residents who want to change careers or improve their job-marketability, and more.
   
• When you shop at Publix, please use an RNE Publix card. It brings cash into our school — $269.65 in the last six months. This money goes into the general school fund, which pays for classroom and program extras that benefit our students. You'll find cards by the Main Office reception desk.
  
  
• The No Child Left Behind law requires high schools to give military recruiters the same access to students' names, phone numbers, and addresses that they provide to post-secondary institutions or prospective employers — unless students or their parents choose to opt out. To opt-out of releasing this information to third parties, see Tina Todd in Guidance or send her an e-mail at ttodd@richland2.org.
   
• Richland School District Two does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, or other protected characteristics in its programs and activities. Inquiries regarding the District’s nondiscrimination policies should be made to Chief Human Resources Officer, 6831 Brookfield Road, Columbia, South Carolina 29206  or (803) 787-1910.
  
  

RNE