English Language Learners Program

Graduates Seven Students at RJSHS

By Matthew Williams and Panther Paw Staffers

Many people underestimate the adversities some students face in school. What might come easy to some, such as learning the English language, can be difficult for others. Fortunately, Russellville Junior/Senior High School has a support system for minority students with difficulty in learning the English language.

The District English as a Second Language Instructor (ELL), Mrs. Griselda Vargas, works with these students to help them function in school and in the community, which can be very difficult. On Friday, Dec. 14, Mrs. Vargas and Director of Exceptional Education Linda Shelton, hosted the second ELL Exiting Awards ceremony in the deGraffenreid Auditorium. The students that met the exiting criteria last January were honored on stage. These students have developed a mastery over the English language to such a degree they no longer need the full services of the ELL program from RISD.

The school congratulates the following students for achieving a composite score of at least 4.5: Alexis Pacheco Ramirez, Anabel Cruz, Cristian Rangel, Emir Ginez Salpa, Lilibeth Pacheco Ramirez, May Ouansombath and Yovany Lopez Vasquez. This honor is a testament to their strength and dedication. Mrs. Linda Duncan congratulated seven RJSHS students who have attained the needed scores to exit the English Language Learners.

Every now and then, you should put yourself in their shoes to understand the types of adversity they face daily. It takes character, and that’s what these students displayed through the program.

Some of the students expressed their appreciation for the program in videos and recommended the program to students who have trouble with the English language. Towards the end, Mrs. Vargas and Mrs. Shelton, encouraged all the ELL students to continue striving towards proficiency, so that they will be honored on the stage next year.

An alumnus, Magdalelna Ramiez, raved about the effectiveness of being in the ELL program. “The ELL program worked closely with me on learning the English language. I am thankful this resource is accessible to the students, and I highly recommend it to any who have a language deficiency.” 

In attendance at the ceremony were Board Members Joe Sparks and Phillip West, as well as RISD Superintendent Bart Flener. The celebration of these students’ accomplishments was a catered lunch provided by the RISD BoE.

Also recognized at the ceremony was the tireless and diligent work done by RISD Migrant Coordinator Eunice Arevalo.  

A Night of Music

From the 5th Grade Band at Stevenson Elementary to the High School Jazz Band and a lot in between, the deGraffenried Auditorium was full of RISD students showing off their musical abilities this past Thursday night. Before a packed house, RJSHS Band Director Brian Brown and Assistant Band Director Trevor Cardwell, with assistance from RJSHS teacher Tera Ragland, put the full scale of Russellville Arts on display.

Beginning at 5 p.m. with an Art show displaying the many works of the talented Art program students at RJSHS led by Chris Holloman, the Holiday Celebration was a celebration of all things creative. Mr. Cardwell led the SES 5th Grade Band, some 50 students strong and the largest ever Elementary Band for RISD, through several songs, concluding with a fan favorite of “Baby Shark.” Following that performance were the RMS 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Bands. The HS displayed their skills featuring the traditional band performances but also featured performances from the RHS Jazz and Choral ensembles.

RHS Students Meet

with Gov. Matt Bevin

Gov. Matt Bevin was in Russellville on Friday to discuss economic growth and executive policy. The open forum was part of the governor’s effort to be more accessible to local communities and was part of a several stop tour. What he has been met with, though, were lots of questions regarding his comments, policies, and beliefs regarding public education. Russellville was no exception as Mrs. Jennifer Rogers took RHS students Kyran Williams, Rob Skipworth, Brandy West, Ethan Paul, James Shelton, Brett Kinser and Nathan Cates, all of whom got a chance to speak directly with the governor about issues that affected them as students headed into college and the workforce.  

Student Generated Articles

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Campus Life

Student Spotlight

By: Hannah Alford

If you know sophomore Cassidy Farwick, you know that she is truly herself and never lets anyone dull her sparkle. She is very involved in school and the community. Below I asked her a few questions to inform others about her character.

Q: What is one goal you have for yourself?

One goal that I have always had is to get into the college of my dreams.

Q: When you were younger, what did you imagine yourself as?

When I was little I imagined myself as a princess, because what little girl doesn’t wanna be a princess?

Q: If you could use three words to describe yourself, what would they be?

Three words that would describe myself would be funny, smart, and caring.

Q: What do you enjoy in your free time?

In my free time I enjoy watching TV.

Q: What is your biggest regret about school?

My biggest regret about school is not trying hard enough on the ACT.

Q: What is something that adults don’t seem to understand about kids?

Something that some adults don’t seem to understand about kids is that we grew up in a different generation and things are just not the same.

Q: What is a fictional character you would like to meet in real life?

I would like to meet Batman because who doesn’t wanna meet a superhero?

Q: What is your favorite excuse for not turning in homework on time?

My favorite excuse for not turning in homework, or forgetting it, is saying that I fell asleep and could not finish it.

Q: What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

The accomplishment that I am most proud of is being selected as a RHS Ambassador. I love serving others and being proud

Q: What is something that most teachers would be surprised to know about you?

Something that I think would surprise teachers, would be them finding out I am double jointed.

Important Upcoming Dates at RJSHS

Calendar

What’s for Breakfast and Lunch this week?

Breakfast:

BREAKFAST ITEMS SERVED DAILY: Pop Tart choices, Cereal choices, Strawberry Bagel w/Cream Cheese, Muffins, and Fruit.

Lunch: