The student organized "Arts Night" is an opportunity for students to show their individual talents in portrait art, music, poetry and more. All arts events will be displayed in the courtyard. The Cooking Club will also be providing snacks and refreshments. Doors open at 6:00pm this Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011. Admission costs $1 per person.

On Saturday, November 12th, the Cheerleading Team went to compete in the UCA Southwest Regional competition at Sunrise Mountain High School in Peoria. The team performed a one-minute routine in the "Time Out Dance" category. From the stands, South Ridge students led the audience in spiritful support, cheering the team on our Maverick Cheerleading team to take first place in the competition. The team will be entering another competition this January so keep posted for details!

The South Ridge drama department debuted their first production of the year, opening with a spectacular rendition of "Dracula!" The drama department terrified and thrilled their audience with three sell-out performances, including a Saturday matinee. Now that the creatures of the night have gone back to their coffins, the drama department has begun development on their next production, the annual "Student Directed Plays." During this special production, students script, perform and direct their own short plays. Previous plays include: A Desperate Obligation (Directed by graduate Megan Goad) and Into Mayhem We Go (Directed by graduate Steven Lopez).

In her first three years of high school, Margarita Lopez had already proved herself as a determined student by taking honors level and advanced placement courses, as well as being active in multiple clubs and groups on campus, including our JSA chapter. Her  rigorous academics involvement in JSA led to her acceptance into the JSA Summer School Program at Georgetown University. She took AP US Government and honed in on her speaking/debating abilities with a supplemental Congressional Workshop, in which she and others debated modern issues, including immigration and the balanced budget amendment. In the Speakers Program, she was able to visit the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, Department of Agriculture, as well as Israeli and Saudi Arabia Embassies. Among others, Margarita had an opportunity to meet Ben Bernanke, Lisa Murkoski, Charlie Cook, and No Labels. Margarita shared that, "The JSA Summer Shool proved to be invaluable experience, from improving my writing skills, to debating, to meeting government officials, making new friends and exploring D.C., this by far was the best summer of my life." After graduation, Margarita plans to pursue a degree in Social Studies and Law at UCLA.

The Lady Maverick Volleyball team squared off against Peoria Accelerated High School in the season opening game last night in Avondale. Though PAHS won the first set, The Lady Mavericks fought back with tremendous intensity to win the next three sets in a row, scoring 25-11, 25-8 and 25-11 respectively. Teamwork and determination earned the volleyball team this season opening victory. Congratulations Lady Mavericks!

Throughout the school year, South Ridge hosts over 40 different colleges and universities who present to our Junior and Senior classes. These presentations give students the ability to learn about the many programs, courses, careers and opportunities available to them when they graduate. It also provides a forum for students to ask questions directly to a representative of each college or university who visits. Be sure to check this blog often as new universities are added. The presentation schedule so far is as follows:

Have you "Liked" South Ridge on facebook? Over 160 people already have and we want you to be the next. Be sure to click the "Like" button on the homepage. If you are ready for more excitement, click Facebook icon on the top left corner of the homepage to go to our Facebook page, add us as a friend, and become part of the Maverick Facebook family. Becoming a friend of ours on Facebook gives you instant access to all the latest news as it happens around campus. Sports highlights, spirit week competitions, pictures and more are updated constantly so make sure you are one of the first to know when something exciting is happening at South Ridge.

In order to assist every student with an easy transition into the new school year, South Ridge holds orientation for all students the week before school. This orientation allows students to bring back all paperwork included in the back-to-school packet, update their school ID picture, pick up Block I schedules and more. Orientation is broken down by grade level as follows:

Freshman             Monday, August 1st, 2011           10:00am - 1:00pm*
Sophomores         Tuesday, August 2nd 2011           10:00am - 1:00pm*
Juniors                 Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011      10:00am - 1:00pm*
Seniors                Thursday, August 4th, 2011          10:00am - 1:00pm*


*Parents and students are able to come anytime during these hours. The entire process will take about 20 minutes.

Congratulations to the class of 2015 who have made it through Fututre Freshman Academy. By strengthening students' core abilities in Math, English and Science studies, the two month academy prepares incoming students for the rigorous courses that South Ridge offers. The academy also gives students the ability to make new friends and experience the campus before the start of the school year. Students who attend the academy start the year with greater confidence in their academic abilities and are better prepared for Honors and AP Courses in later high school years.

The staff at South Ridge hopes that the summer break brought you well deserved rest and preparation for your return.  The first day of the 2011-12 school year is August 8th, 2011. There's a lot of excitement ahead for you, including new teachers, new classes and new skills to master. Be sure to check the Orientation Schedule to acquaint yourself with your orientation date and time. The teachers and faculty are ready to guide you through your most successful year yet.