In a small school many of the same students compete in multiple events and are shared among track, tennis, one act play and UIL academic coaches. I admire the students who share of their talents with the many events. It seems we have kids and staff members going every direction almost every night, but we need to make a point to say how proud we are of our students and staff. Come out and watch our students in action, you won’t be disappointed. Thanks to the parents who support their students who compete for the Richland Springs Coyotes in both sports and academics. School pride is evident in all they do. Go Coyotes-Win State! The theatre students under the direction of Patsy Hall traveled to Coleman on Wednesday, March 21 to compete in zone competition (our district is so large it is split into two zones). Steel Magnolias advanced to district and all six actresses earned medals. This is truly an outstanding accomplishment and shows great teamwork! DeAnna Grady, Melanie Hedley, and Brooke Vaughn received Honorable Mention All Star Cast. Katelynn Teel and Brooklyn McGinty received All Star Cast medals. Sara Hedley was named Best Actress. Jonathan Patino received All Star Crew recognition. The students perform next at the district OAP contest on April 2 at Sonora. The Sonora performance time for Steel Magnolias is 1:30 p.m. Break a leg!Tennis players under the direction of Coach Sue Ransom traveled to Iredell on Thursday, March 22 to compete in high school tennis matches. High school tennis players travel to Mason on March 30th.The high school UIL Academic district meet was held at Knippa on Friday, March 23. Knippa is a three hour bus ride one way and is a long way to travel. Congratulations to Sara Hedley (Lincoln-Douglas Debate) and Thomas Fowler (Math) who will be advancing to Regionals at Blinn on April 20th. Nelson Smith is UIL academic director for the spring meet. Kudos to volunteer Melanie Smith who also helps students prepare for academic success in UIL events. Also on Friday, March 23 the high school tracksters under the direction of Coach Michael Brand traveled to Zephyr for a high school track meet at the new Zephyr facilities. It was a beautiful spring day for a track meet. Junior high tracksters travel to Zephyr on Monday, April 2 for the Zephyr Bull Pup Ribbon Relays.2011 STATE CHAMPIONS has a familiar ring to it! Monday morning was the first day of STAAR testing for freshmen. Monday afternoon was extra special as the Balfour representative brought the state rings to Richland Springs. We presented our state champions athletes, cheerleaders, and coaches with their state rings. All students, faculty, and staff gathered in the school cafetorium to make the ring presentation extra special. Nancy Watson, regional director for Congressman Michael Conaway, presented the team with a copy of the Congressional Record declaring the 2012 Coyotes as State Champions.Attendance is important! Encourage your child to be at school every day. Please try to schedule doctor’s appointments after school if possible. Good attendance is so important to student success. Please urge your child to be at school each and every day. If you desire a conference, please schedule a conference time with your child’s teacher. Parent involvement is important! Get involved in your child’s education. Community involvement is the key to our success!