Ridgeview High School

RISE Scholar Spotlight - Responsibility

Several of our Interact Club members organized a heartfelt Veterans Day visit to the Veterans at Life Care Center in Orange Park. Our students showed incredible leadership and compassion as they honored residents through a variety of activities. They opened the visit by singing the national anthem, performed a medley of military tribute songs on trumpets, led Veterans Day trivia, sang additional songs, handed out certificates of appreciation, and spent time connecting personally with each veteran.
It was a meaningful experience for both our students and the residents, and a powerful example of service, gratitude, and Panther Pride in action. #PanthersRISE

💙 Today is Diabetes Awareness Day 💙
At Ridgeview High School, we stand with our Panthers who live bravely and confidently with Type 1 Diabetes every single day. Managing T1D takes strength, responsibility, and resilience, especially as a teen. Many of our students navigate the challenges of wearing a pump and/or CGM, taking insulin shots, or handling fluctuating blood sugars, all while trying not to stand out in a crowd. Managing T1D takes strength, responsibility, and resilience, and our students show us what that looks like in real life.

Today, we honor their courage.
We recognize their daily commitment.
And we celebrate the way they continue to show up, stay active, and thrive, refusing to let diabetes define them.

We are proud of our T1D Panthers. 💙
You inspire us.

Mr. Nesi’s Photography students took their learning outdoors this week, exploring Ridgeview’s courtyard to practice composition, lighting, and perspective. From experimenting with angles to capturing natural light and shadows, students applied classroom concepts in real-world settings, honing their technical skills while developing their artistic eye. Every camera click was a chance to see the world through a new lens! #PanthersRISE

Ms. Johnson’s Anatomy and Physiology students took their study of the skeletal system to the next level! Students practiced hand and wrist exercises and even held one-minute planks to explore how bones and muscles work together in movement and stability. They also examined the differences between male and female pelvises, learning that it’s the only true skeletal feature used to identify biological sex when bones are the only evidence in a forensic investigation, and the importance of dental records in solving real-world cases.

RISE Scholar Spotlight - Responsibility

Ms. McDade’s General Theatre students wowed their classmates, teachers, and special guests, Ms. Murphy and Ms. Stoltzfus, with their first official class performance of the year — Lip Syncs! From dramatic flair to comedic timing, students brought creativity, confidence, and big personalities to the stage. It was a fun and engaging showcase of teamwork, expression, and Panther Pride!

Ms. LaPierre’s Culinary 2 students are refining their plating and presentation skills, turning simple desserts into edible works of art! Students prepared rich brownies topped with a vibrant berry coulis, practicing precision, balance, and design to create visually stunning (and delicious!) plates. Their attention to detail and creativity truly showcase the artistry behind professional culinary presentation. #PanthersRISE

RISE Scholar Spotlight - Excellence

During lunch, two of Ms. Weaver’s students chose to use their free time to update a classroom calendar using the Clay County Schools calendar as their guide. As they worked, they practiced sequencing, time concepts, and vocabulary, even engaging in a lively debate about how to pronounce Lincoln! 🇺🇸 Their goal was to help their classmates better understand number patterns, planning, and life skills through hands-on learning. By showing shared ownership, accountability, and empathy, these Panthers truly demonstrated Responsibility and Excellence in action! #PanthersRISE

We’re proud to announce that Sarah Benardini has been recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar! This prestigious honor is awarded to approximately 34,000 students nationwide who rank among the top 3-4% of more than 1.5 million juniors who took the PSAT/NMSQT. Sarah’s recognition reflects her incredible dedication, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to academic excellence, qualities that embody the very best of Ridgeview High and our RISE values.

Congratulations, Sarah! Your Panther Family is so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished! #PanthersRISE

Students in Ms. Thomas’s AICE General Paper class explored the question, “Is Artificial Intelligence a tool or a terror?” through a dynamic discursive writing lesson designed to strengthen their ability to craft balanced, well-reasoned arguments. Working in pairs, they analyzed evidence for both perspectives, debated the ethical and practical implications of AI, and refined their writing under timed conditions to mirror the rigor of AICE assessments. Through this, they developed analytical depth, justified their reasoning with credible evidence, and communicated their ideas with clarity and precision. #PanthersRISE

Last week, our teachers engaged in a powerful professional development session led by District Curriculum Specialists Ms. Randall and Ms. Matz, focused on directed discourse. Our teachers collaborated in small groups to explore strategies that move classroom talk from surface-level discussion to structured, purposeful academic discourse where students use evidence, challenge ideas, and build on each other’s thinking. Through guided activities and interactive planning, our Panthers enhanced sample questions, examined scaffolds that support rich conversation, and reflected on how to apply these strategies in upcoming lessons.
Our faculty continues to model what we want for our students: collaboration, critical thinking, and a commitment to continuous growth. #PanthersRISE

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and this Friday, we’re joining HOSA to recognize World Diabetes Day by wearing BLUE! This cause is personal for me; I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 14, and I’ve learned how much strength, planning, and perseverance it takes each day. Managing diabetes means constantly monitoring blood sugar, balancing food, activity, and stress, and staying prepared for unexpected highs and lows. It’s a daily challenge that affects energy, focus, and even emotions, but it also builds incredible resilience and determination.

We also have several Ridgeview Panthers who live courageously with Type 1 diabetes, balancing school, sports, and life while managing their health. Let’s come together as a Panther Family to wear blue, raise awareness, and show support for everyone affected by diabetes. Together, we can spread understanding, compassion, and hope. #PanthersRISE

On Sunday, members of HOSA and FBLA proudly represented Ridgeview High School at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Our students joined the community in raising awareness and showing support for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
We’re so proud of their compassion, leadership, and commitment to making a difference beyond the classroom! #PanthersRISE

Today, on Veterans Day, Clay County District Schools pauses to honor the brave men and women who have served in all branches of the United States Armed Forces.

We extend our deepest gratitude for your service, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our freedoms. We are especially proud of the veterans within our own community - our teachers, staff, parents, and neighbors.

Thank you for your service.

#VeteransDay #ThankYouForYourService #HonoringAllWhoServed #OneClay #ClayCountyFL #MakeAnImpact

This Veterans Day, we proudly recognize and thank the many members of our Ridgeview family—staff, parents, alumni, and community members—who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication remind us of the true meaning of service and integrity. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to protecting our freedoms and for continuing to inspire our students every day.

Thank you, Veterans. We honor you today and always. #PanthersRISE

Reminder: No School on Tuesday, November 11th, in honor of Veterans Day

Last week, we proudly celebrated two outstanding members of our Panther Family — Mr. Gonzalez, our Teacher of the Year, and Mr. Pereda, our School-Related Employee of the Year! Mr. Gonzalez inspires his students each day through engaging lessons, thoughtful discussion, and a genuine passion for learning that motivates everyone around him. Mr. Pereda makes a tremendous impact by supporting our students as they build life and career skills that prepare them for success beyond high school. His patience, dedication, and positivity shine through in everything he does.

We are also thrilled to announce that Mr. Pereda has been named a Top 10 Semifinalist for School-Related Employee of the Year for Clay County Schools, a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contributions! #PanthersRISE