Welcome to Rock Ridge High School

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year!

As I begin my second year as Principal of Rock Ridge High School, I continue to be inspired by everything we accomplished together during our first year of Our School, Our Responsibility. We built something that cannot be measured by numbers alone—a school where students take ownership of their learning, support one another, and understand that every individual plays a role in making Rock Ridge High School a place we are all proud to call our own.

As we begin another school year, I couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead. Every new school year brings fresh opportunities to learn, grow, make new friendships, and challenge ourselves. Whether you are entering seventh grade for the first time or preparing for your senior year, every student is an important part of the Rock Ridge community.

Our School, Our Responsibility continues to be the foundation of who we are. It is more than a slogan—it is a shared commitment between our students, staff, and families. It means taking pride in our school, treating one another with kindness and respect, arriving to class on time and ready to learn, and making choices each day that positively impact our school community. When every individual accepts responsibility for their actions, we create a school where everyone feels welcome, safe, and supported.

We also continue to expand opportunities that prepare students for success after graduation. Through Rock Ridge University, students can earn college credit while still attending Rock Ridge High School by enrolling in College in the Schools (CIS) and Advanced Placement (AP)courses. These experiences challenge students academically, strengthen college readiness, and can save families thousands of dollars in future college tuition. To support these students, we have created a dedicated Rock Ridge University Student Lounge, providing a comfortable space to study, collaborate with classmates, complete assignments, and connect with other students pursuing advanced academic opportunities. Whether students plan to attend a university, technical college, apprenticeship, military service, or enter the workforce, these opportunities help prepare them for success while allowing them to remain actively involved in the Rock Ridge High School community.

This school year also brings a few important updates. Beginning this fall, all 7th and 8th grade students will participate in a “Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone-Free School Day”. Students will keep their cell phones secured in their lockers from the first bell until dismissal. We know this is a significant change, and we encourage families to begin preparing students now so the transition is smooth. Research continues to show that limiting cell phone distractions improves student engagement, strengthens relationships, and allows students to focus on learning. Our goal is not simply to eliminate distractions but to create the best possible learning environment for every student.

Every Rock Ridge High School student will also be assigned a hallway locker and a school-issued combination lock. Students are expected to use only their assigned lock and return it at the end of the school year. This system helps us maintain consistency while ensuring every student has a secure place for their belongings.

The expectations that contributed to last year’s success will continue this year. We will continue emphasizing strong attendance, punctuality, academic engagement, and respectful behavior. Our campus will remain closed during lunch and most study halls, with exceptions for approved student schedules and administrator-approved appointments. Students who drive to school must display a valid Rock Ridge High School parking permit, and students in grades 9-12 are expected to follow their teachers’ classroom expectations regarding cell phone use during instruction. These expectations help us maximize instructional time and create a safe, welcoming environment where all students can succeed.

I also encourage every student to become involved outside the classroom. Whether your interests include athletics, fine arts, Career Academies, Career and Technical Education, student leadership, clubs, or service organizations, participation creates lasting friendships, develops leadership skills, and makes the high school experience even more rewarding. Some of the most meaningful memories our students take with them after graduation come from the relationships and experiences they build beyond the classroom.

As you prepare for the start of school, please remember these important dates:

• Parking passes are available now in the main office Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for $20. Students should bring their driver’s license, vehicle information, and license plate number, as parking passes continue to sell quickly.
• 7th Grade WEB Orientation will be held on Wednesday, August 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Our Open House is scheduled for Thursday, August 27. Students in grades 7-12 may attend anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to pick up schedules, receive their iPad, have school pictures taken, meet teachers, purchase parking permits, and complete other beginning-of-the-year activities.
• FYI: Families of students in PreK-6 are invited from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. to meet teachers, drop off supplies, and tour their schools.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Rock Ridge High School. Together, we have built something very special, and I truly believe our best days are still ahead. I look forward to welcoming each of you back and continuing to build a school where every student is known, challenged, supported, and prepared for success.

Thank you for being part of what makes Rock Ridge High School such an outstanding place to learn.

Our School, Our Responsibility.

Sincerely,

Scott Manni
Principal, Rock Ridge High School