As the hours of daylight increase, this means that spring sports are on the horizon. The tennis teams under the direction of Coach Sue Ransom have begun practice for upcoming tennis meets. You seem to have some warm days for practice, but the first tennis and track meets always seems to be cold days with blustery winds. Spring also brings high school academic meets and travel for UIL One Act Play and other academic competitions. UIL athletics and UIL academics both play an important role for students. Students must pass all classes to be eligible to compete in either UIL athletic events or UIL academic events.

Boys’ basketball coach Shawn Rogers and the varsity boys’ basketball team are off to a red hot 11-1 start (6-0 in district). The boys are now in sole possession of first place in the district race, and are ranked 16th in the state by the Texas Basketball Coaches Association. Girls’ basketball coaches Pam Starr and Tony Dodson and the Lady Coyotes are 13-11 (3-5 in district). The varsity teams are open this Tuesday and will host Paint Rock at Coyote gym this Friday at 6:30 p.m. The junior high girls won one of two games at the Cherokee junior high tourney held last Saturday. The junior varsity boys competed in the JV tournament at Zephyr this past Saturday. The JV boys also won one of two games. Come out and support our young athletes in UIL competition.

Richland Springs ISD is collaborating with the Texas Department of State Health Services to offer a free Vaccination Clinic for anyone who desires a vaccination for H1N1 influenza. The free clinic will be Thursday, January 28, 2010 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Richland Springs’ Cafetorium.

Richland Springs will sponsor a blood drive on campus on Friday, February 5 from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. There was a blood drive orientation for all students this past Monday. Students will be contacting potential donors for the upcoming blood drive. Contact any student or call the school if you want to donate the ‘gift of life’.

We have a great community, students, teachers and staff. It looks to be a great year at Richland Springs.

Community involvement is the key to our success!