The first round of TAKS testing begins March 3rd. In just 21 school days, students in grades 3, 5, 8, and 9 will take the reading tests. Students in grades 4 and 7 will take the writing tests. Students in grades 10 and 11 will take the English Language Arts tests.

The 2007-2008 yearbooks are available for $20. See Pam Starr to purchase one. Yearbooks will be available at the home basketball games or may be purchased during normal school hours.

Our school is taking part in the 2009 Texas Youth Risk Behavior Survey on Feb. 16, 2009. The research survey for grades 9-12 is sponsored by the Texas Department of State Health Services. The survey will ask about nutrition, physical activity, injuries, tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use. It will also ask about sexual behaviors that lead to pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. Students will not put their names on the survey. We would like all students in grades 9-12 to take part in the survey, but the survey is voluntary. Parents will need to sign permission slips in order for students to participate in the survey. If you would like to see the survey, a copy is available in the school office.

The Lady Coyotes are 16-8 on the season and 5-4 in district play. The varsity boys are 13-3 on the season and 5-2 in district play. Both varsity teams were victorious at Paint Rock on Friday, January 30th. The Varsity teams hosted Veribest at Richland Springs on Feb. 3rd, and both Varsity teams will travel to Lohn on Friday night. The Junior High teams play every Monday beginning at 6 p.m. The Junior High teams will have their district tournament at Eden. The boys’ Junior High team plays against Eden at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb 5th in the new Eden gym. The girls’ Junior High team plays against Olfen at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5th in the new Eden gym. Tournament play continues on Saturday, Feb. 7th. Come to the games and support our young athletes.

The Richland Springs’ 4H Club under the guidance of Valerie Gossett met this past Tuesday after school. 4H is active at Richland Springs and usually has 30-40 students at meetings. The 4H Club teaches citizenship skills. The students always enjoy camaraderie and refreshments at their meetings. The 4H students are always good stewards of our campus and always clean up our campus and keep it beautiful. Thanks 4H for your efforts!

It’s great to see our community supporting students in their efforts to achieve. We have a great community, students, teachers and staff. It takes everyone working together to achieve success.

Community involvement is the key to success.