Information (Mission Statement & General Info)

Mission Statement

The mission of Ritenour School District is to ensure learning occurs in a supportive environment that enables every student to think critically, solve problems and develop the knowledge and skills necessary for success in our diverse, global society.

Ritenour High School Mission Statement

Ritenour High School strives to:

• Provide a safe, supportive and challenging learning environment
• Allow for students to develop academically, socially and emotionally
• Encourage students to become life long learners And thereby produce individuals
• Who are able to read, write, calculate and think critically
• Who will become responsible, productive citizens
• Who are prepared for the workplace, a democratic society and an ever- changing global society.

Our goals are to improve -- School Climate, Leadership, Achievement, Attendance!

Notice of Non-Descrimination

The Ritenour School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by law in its programs and activities.  The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies:

Administrator for Student Services
Ritenour School District
2420 Woodson Road
St. Louis, MO 63114
(314) 493-6055

Further information on notice of non-discrimination may be obtained from the Office of Civil Rights, (800) 421-3481.

Sexual Harassment Under Title IX

The Ritenour School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs and activities, including employment and admissions, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX).  All forms of sex-based discrimination are prohibited in the district, but this policy focuses exclusively on sexual harassment as defined in Title IX that occurs within the education programs and activities of the district. However, the district will respond promptly to investigate and address any report or complaint of sexual harassment.

For more information, view District Policy ACA – Sexual Harassment Under Title IX, which includes grievance  procedures. Inquiries should be directed to the Title IX Compliance Coordinator below.

Inquiries regarding Ritenour personnel:     
Dr. Mike LaChance, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources & Title IX Coordinator
2420 Woodson Road
St. Louis, MO 63114
(314) 493-6062
Email: lachancem@ritenourschools.org

Inquiries regarding Ritenour students:
Julie Hahn, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
2420 Woodson Road
St. Louis, MO 63114
(314) 493-6086
Email: hahnj@ritenourschools.org  

Any person who is unable to resolve a grievance arising under Title IX addressed in District Policy ACA may contact the Office for Civil Rights, Region VII, One Petticoat Lane 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320, Kansas City, MO 64106; telephone (816) 268-0550; email OCR.KansasCity@ed.gov.

General Information for Parents and Students

Coming to the high school is a major step in your child’s education. The following terms and definitions may be helpful to you as your child progresses through the high school.

Latin Honors
Students can earn Latin Honors as follows:

- Cum Laude: 3.25 to 3.49 GPA
- Magna Cum Laude: 3.5 to 3.79 GPA
- Summa Cum Laude: 3.8 or higher

Virtual Education

Missouri Course Access Program (MOCAP)—Because virtual instruction can be an effective education option for some students, there may be courses available either through a district-provided virtual option or through the Missouri Course Access Program (MOCAP). State law requires that credits earned through the MOCAP or Edgenuity apply toward graduation if they fall within the required subject matter designations and are earned during the period that the student is classified as a ninth through twelfth grader.

More information about virtual courses can be found on our website at https://www.ritenour.k12.mo.us/Page/1.

Class Rank
A student’s academic standing in relation to his/her class members is referred to as class rank. The final class rank is determined by comparing each student’s weighted cumulative GPA.

If a student requires a transcript with their class rank, a formal written request must be submitted to the  principal’s office. 

College Credit (Dual Credit)
Some RHS courses may be taken for both high school and college credit in  conjunction with local universities such as St. Louis University and St. Louis Community College. Eligibility to participate in dual credit courses varies in accordance with the admission  standards of each institution. Costs of dual credit vary by partnering college or university and is the financial responsibility of the student or parent.  For example, the current cost of dual credit through St. Louis Community College is $25/credit, and is the financial responsibility of the student or parent.

For all institutions, however, students must:

• have a minimum unweighted grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or the equivalent
• be recommended by the high school principal or his or her designee, and
• meet the same prerequisites for the course as on-campus students.

Course Selection
Your student should select courses to meet graduation requirements that relate to his or her Individual Career and Academic Plan (ICAP) following graduation (college, career pathway, etc.) Meeting minimum high school graduation requirements does not ensure that a student has completed all courses necessary for college. Encourage your student to take challenging courses!

Credit
A course that meets every day for one semester yields 1/2 credit. Your child must earn a D or above to receive credit. (No credit is granted for a single quarter period.) 

Dual Enrollment
Students enrolled at RHS have the opportunity to attend St. Louis Community College - Florissant Valley on a full or part-time basis during their junior and/or senior year(s). Interested candidates must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and meet all other application requirements during the timeline specified by the College and Career Readiness Office at RHS. Applying for Dual Enrollment does not guarantee acceptance  into the program. Credits earned while in the early college program will satisfy graduation requirements at both Ritenour and STLCC. For more information, please refer to the College and Career Readiness office or the Ritenour School District Dual Enrollment Program Agreement Form shared at the time of acceptance into the program.

Grade Point Average (GPA): Current and Cumulative
The grade a student receives in each class is used to calculate the student’s grade point average (GPA). A student’s current GPA is based on the grades for the semester just completed. The grade points earned in all courses for that semester are converted to Quality Points; Attempted Credit * by Value ex A=4, AC=.5 QP=2. Each letter grade is converted and totaled to Quality points then divided by attempted credits. A=4, B=3, C=2 D=1 and F=0. The cumulative GPA is based on all courses completed at the high school. (GPA is important when applying for scholarships, post-secondary  institutions and/or other programs while in high school and after high school.)

Pass/Fail Option
A grade of “P” will not be included in the student’s GPA; a grade of “F”, however, will be included. 

Schedule Changes
The Counseling Office will make every possible effort to fulfill all course requests. The only schedule changes that will be considered are if: 
1) A student does not meet prerequisite requirement   
2) A course has been taken and passed in previous semesters   
3) A change is a necessity in order to meet graduation requirements (primarily for seniors). 

Any request must be submitted within the first week of the semester.

Semester
A semester consists of 18-20 weeks with several Interim Progress Reports. Two semesters equal one academic year.

Transcript
Your student’s high school transcript is a permanent record of his or her grades in all courses taken at the high school.