Richland Springs varsity Coyotes won a lopsided 82-44 state semifinals victory against Strawn at Hico last Saturday. It was a relatively warm afternoon game that proved to be an exciting game, at least for the Coyote fans. This Saturday, December 15th, the Coyotes will play Follett in the state finals match-up at Abilene ISD’s Shotwell Stadium. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m. Come cheer the Coyote team on to victory!!The district will continue benchmark testing in math and science each six-week grading period. Benchmarking will allow students to see the rigor of the new STAAR tests, and to understand the thinking process necessary to be successful on state mandated assessments. Come visit with your child’s teachers and get involved in your child’s education. The junior high girl’s basketball team is 5-0 and the junior high boys are 4-1. Both teams played Cherokee this past Monday. The Lady Coyotes basketball team is now 5-3 on the season. The Lady Coyotes won the Cherokee tournament, defeating Blanket, Lometa, and Cherokee. Haylie Ashworth and Cheyenne Tharp were selected to the all-tournament team. The high school boys are idle again this week as they are involved in the state football championship. The varsity girls played Mullin at Richland Springs gym on Tuesday, and the Lady Coyotes will host the Evant varsity girls on Friday at 4:30. There will be a community pep rally for the State Football Game in the gym immediately following the basketball game.FFA members will distribute the fresh fruits on Monday, December 17th, as part of the annual FFA fundraiser. The fruits are always delicious and are healthy holiday snacks. Mr. McKee reminds all stock show competitors to exercise their show animals, and to feed them twice daily, especially during cold weather. Lambs and goats will be sheared at Richland Springs on Sunday, December 16th, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Mr. McKee reminds parents that all animals will need covers after shearing. Animals will remain blanketed until the county show. The San Saba County Stock Show beginning on Friday, January 18th is fast approaching. Contact Mr. McKee for assistance with your stock animals as needed. Elementary students grades 2-6 participated in UIL academic events at Rochelle this past Tuesday. Junior high students grades 7-8 participated in UIL academic events at Lohn on Wednesday. There will be a Semester Awards Program, and an elementary and junior high UIL academic awards program beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 21st. The program will be in the cafetorium. The community is cordially invited to attend.The holidays are upon us. School will release at 12:54 on Friday Dec. 21, 2012 and school resumes for students on Monday, January 7, 2013. Faculty and staff report for a workday on Friday, January 4, 2013Richland Springs’ students in grades PreK-3 are getting ready for Santa Claus. They sent letters to the North Pole this week.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. Warmest holiday wishes to all from the Richland Springs’ students and staff. THE ROAD TO THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP…Follett Panthers (Home) vs. Richland Springs Coyotes (Visitor) 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 15, 2012 at Abilene ISD Shotwell Stadium Adults $10/Students $5Community Pep Rally in Gym Friday Evening Following the Girls 4:30 Basketball Game.