Dear Parents and Students of the River Hill Community:
While this week has been busy with catch-up, exams, and course registrations, it has also been a week with Howard County in the news.  At Mount Hebron High School, students planned an event to heighten awareness and raise their voices about cultural diversity and racism that exists in our schools and our community.  Students conducted themselves maturely and peacefully with these desired outcomes: end the silence and start a conversation.  We at River Hill High School share that passion and hope that with productive, meaningful conversations, we will build a stronger foundation of diversity, respect, and pride at River Hill High School.

Today, members of the RHHS staff came together for a powerful conversation about the culture of our school, our school community and the impact of social media.  We hope to move forward as we strengthen and improve a culture that is based on awareness, unity, equity, respect, civility, and sensitivity.  We identified a three-pronged approach to include student voice, staff voice, and instructional opportunities.  We would also love to add a parent voice so that we can foster an educational partnership and shared voices throughout our community.  Next week student leaders from our various clubs and activities will be asked to come together for a conversation.  I invite parents to participate through PTSA and Boosters.  We all will plan to continue these conversations that translate into positive actions, relationships, and interactions that can make River Hill High School better and better in every way.

We are aware that social media posts many calls to action.  The actions at Mount Hebron High School were planned in cooperation with the school administration in order to ensure all students' safety and voice.  We want to encourage our students to make informed decisions about social media and we hope they will become proactive, instead of being reactive.  At this time, conversations with students will be faciliated with school counselors, Hawk Time teachers, and student leaders.  Students are encouraged to come and ask questions and seek approval before any actions that could be disruptive are planned or shared.