Good morning Falcon Families! Two weeks of school are already complete, which means we are halfway to our first progress report. By now, you should have logged into your Skyward Parent portal to view your student’s grades. Teachers enter grades weekly, so be sure to check at least once per week to monitor how your student is doing in class. The home/school partnership is a key part of your student’s success!
East River High School has been recognized as a National Beta School of Distinction! This prestigious award is a testament to the academic excellence of our students and dedication to volunteering in our community. Beta is a non-profit youth organization that is devoted to recognizing high academic achievement, nurturing worthy character, enhancing leadership skills, and encouraging service to others. Congratulations to Ms. McFerren and all of the students in Beta club for this significant award! Beta Club is one of the many clubs and organizations on campus that ERHS has to offer!

Club Rush will be this coming Friday, August 29 during both A and B lunches in the courtyard. Finding a club or organization to get involved with is one of the best ways to have a great high school experience! We have something for everyone! Be sure to ask your student what clubs or organizations they are interested in!

We had grade level behavior assemblies this week and students were reminded of the Code of Conduct, including being on time, coming to school in dress code, respectful interactions with others, and the electronic device policy.
Dress code has been better. But please be reminded that students should pay special attention to the following:

• Any clothing with references to alcohol, drug use, or weapons is prohibited.
• Crop tops and shirts that show the midriff are prohibited.
• Clothing must have straps and undergarments cannot be visible.

Thank you for helping your student keep their school clothing and non-school clothing separated.

 Early release and late arrival students received a specially printed id this week so they can quickly be identified and verified by our security guard. Please note, that if your student loses the id or does not have it with them, they will be required to purchase a replacement for $5. If a student does not follow the procedures for late arrival/early release, this privilege will be revoked. Here are a few reminders:

• You must have your specific late arrival/early release id on at all times
• You must enter and exit through the front office
• Late arrival will be revoked if you are tardy to your first class on your schedule more than 5 times in a quarter.
• Early release will be revoked immediately if non-authorized students attempt to leave with you.
• You MUST have purchased a parking spot if you are a driver. If you do not have transportation to leave early, you will have a full schedule. You cannot leave with another student.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about these policies.

A few reminders for parents and students about our parking lot:

• You MUST purchase a parking pass to park at school. We need to know that every car is authorized to be there. I had a student car towed off property this week because we could not identify whose it was and it was not authorized to be there. Buying a parking pass for $60 is cheaper than $200 to get your car back when towed. This is for the safety and security of our school.
• Please do not line up for afternoon dismissal prior to 1:45 pm. It causes traffic congestion, and we already have enough of that.
• I recommend dropping your student off early, courtyard doors open at 6:45 to avoid morning traffic.
• I recommend coming about 2:30 pm if you are picking up in the afternoon if you want to avoid the rush of traffic and buses leaving the property.

Thank you for helping us keep our students and faculty safe by adhering to speed limits of 10 mph and following all traffic cones, barricades, and signs in the parking lot. You will see additional changes in the near future as we are always striving to improve.

Please see the reminder from the OCPS Wellness Policy below. Deliveries of food or beverages from off campus to students is not allowed during the school day. This includes any food delivery services. Food deliveries WILL be refused at the gate.

Please see the “Wish List” for both our SOAR store program and general supplies shared with all students. If your student needs a backpack and supplies, please email me at Rebecca.watson@ocps.net. We have some supplies for free for all students.
 Please join us for our first PTSA and SAC meetings of the year! 
September 9, 2025           Media Center
PTSA- 5:00-6:00 pm
SAC- 6:00-7:00 pm
 
Please see the Athletic newsletter for this week, that includes information about our next home football game this Friday night:

Attention Seniors! You need to be following the Class of 26 Instagram page and checking your school email for important dates and reminders, as well as the ERHS College and Career page. You don’t want to miss the deadline for being included in the yearbook! erhs_classof26 
eastriverhs_collegeandcareer 
eastriverhs_ocps
 Homecoming is September 27! Please see below for information and price increase dates for tickets. The link below has all the forms needed, as well as the dress code for Homecoming. Please email Deziree Lara with any questions: deziree.lara@ocps.net 
Please note that the next weekly update will be on Monday, September 1, as it is Labor Day and there is no school. 
I’m looking forward to another wonderful week! This school year is off to an incredible start. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Please email me with any questions or concerns at rebeccca.watson@ocps.net It is my privilege to serve at East River.
Be safe and kind!
Becky Watson
Principal, East River High School