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Order Credentials from Parchment

Ms. Alduenda: yalduendabenitez@wusd.k12.ca.us 

Ms. Price: kprice@wusd.k12.ca.us
Mrs. Clark: fclark@wusd.k12.ca.us
Mrs. Ozeroff: kozeroff@wusd.k12.ca.us

Mrs. Cramer: ccramer@wusd.k12.ca.us

Ms. Straessler: estraessler@wusd.k12.ca.us

Counseling Corner Newsletter

Special Edition - Spotlight on College Admissions

Special Edition - Financial Aid

 

MARCH 2024

FEBRUARY 2024

JANUARY 2024

DECEMBER 2023

NOVEMBER 2023

OCTOBER 2023

SEPTEMBER 2023

AUGUST 2023

ARCHIVE 2022/2023

 
 

Financial Aid Classroom Presentation

 

Narrated Financial Aid Long Presentation

 
ALL IN FOR FAFSA / CA DREAM ACT FORM
 
 

Daily Announcement Link (updated twice a week)

 

Graduation day will be here before you know it and it's time to ensure that you have scheduled your Senior Portraits at Prestige Studios and order your Graduation Caps, Gowns and Yearbooks! Please ensure that you have reviewed the following information:

JOSTENS :order caps, gowns, grad announcements yearbooks, yearbook ads, etc

For Prestige Portrait Appointments: Click on Appointments Plus to create your account and reserve your time, review existing reservations, or reschedule a reservation  Phone #: 877-825-7922

Senior Survey - Class of 2024

Counseling

Counseling

  • Counseling Web Page
Calendar
Calendars

Counseling

Planning for Highschool

Welcome! Your golden opportunity awaits...
 
High school is so much more than mastering the Pythagorean theorem or analyzing what Shakespeare meant by “To be.” One of the most important things you’ll learn about in high school is yourself. This self-discovery is what transforms you from a child to an adult. Learning about your strengths, your weaknesses, your likes and dislikes. High school also offers you the independence to explore different interests that you might want to pursue in college and beyond. Some may be a dead end while other may lead you to a passion that develops into a career down the road.
So how can you can you take advantage of this four-year journey of self-discovery? Here are a couple of ways you can make the most out of high school.
 
Get involved– High school is so much more than reading, writing and arithmetic. Some of the richest high school experiences come after the final bell. Clubs, sports, theater, student government —they all can teach leadership, teamwork, time management, and responsibility while having fun and meeting new people.
 
Speak up– Share your opinion in class and outside of it. Sure, it can be scary putting your thoughts and ideas out there but doing so will give you the self-confidence to speak aloud. Others may challenge your opinions. That’s ok. Matter of fact, that’s great. It will expose you to other lines of thinking that can change your opinion or strengthen your own convictions.
 
Be open to meeting new people– Having a strong group of friends is great but don’t be afraid to meet new people in class, clubs or just in the hallway —especially those that might seem different from you. You never know what you might share in common or, at the very least, you’ll learn to respect the differences in other people.
 
Ask for help when you need it– High school is a time of immense growth. You come in a child and leave as a young adult. Just as with any other times of growth, there will always be some pains. Whether you’re having trouble with schoolwork, other students, relationships, drugs, alcohol or your just feeling a little lost, there are a number of people around you who can help. Just ask.
High school is an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime. Work hard, have fun and years from now you’ll look back on your high school years with a smile. 
 
MAKE A FOUR YEAR PLAN!
It is a good idea for students to map out the courses they would like to take in a four year plan. Please remember every plan can be customized to the individual student's need. Please refer to the Course Catalog for elective choices. Be aware of graduation requirements, college requirements, and course pre-requisites. Click the link below to access and print a blank four year plan.
 
 
 
Source: High Value High Schools 

Transcript Requests

All Senior Final Transcripts will be sent to the colleges listed on your Senior Exit Survey after final grades have been posted. If you need an official transcript prior to this please use the transcript request form below. Official Transcripts should not be requested unless you are specifically directed by a university/program. Please include the email from the University or program making the request and carefully follow their directions. Please allow 2-3 days to process requests.
 
Order Transcripts
River City High School has partnered with Parchment to order and send your transcript and other credentials securely. This link will open a new browser.

Scheduling

ENROLLMENT

Parents new to the district, wishing to enroll their student at RCHS, may apply through our District Website. Once your registrtation is complete, your counselor will email you a link to pick classes. As a friendly reminder, a complete registration includes immunization records, grade reports for incoming freshmen, transcripts for grade 10-12, proof of residency, birth certificate, discipline record, and attendance record. Course offerings will be subject to availability. Testing may be required for placement. 
 

2024/2025 SCHEDULING INFORMATION: 

 
 
Please Note: UCs and CSUs only award GPA bumps in the college GPA for 4 courses in total. You may check which courses are awarded a bump by visiting the UC A-G Portal and looking for the gold stars. Additional GPA bumps will apply to RCHS GPA only. 
 
 

COURSE REQUESTS 2024/2025 HOW-TO VIDEO for current WUSD students: English voiceoverSpanish voiceover

SCHEDULE CHANGES

As personnel, facilities and material resources are assigned based on student’s course selections, it is imperative that students choose courses carefully (including alternates) during spring registration. Changes to student schedules create an impact on many other courses and, therefore, will only be made on a limited basis. If a student changes his/her schedule two weeks into the semester, that student is already behind in learning. Therefore, RCHS administration has established the following schedule change policy to promote academic success for students.

Students will be expected to keep the courses they selected. An exception to this will be made if a student meets one of the criteria listed below. If student's do not submit their course requests during the scheduling window or do not fill in alternate choices, a counselor will create a schedule for the student based on credits needed and course availability.
 
All changes must be submitted in writing to the student's Counselor within one week of the start of Fall and Spring Terms. Students should indicate which qualifying factor they are requesting the change for. Please send one email only as multiple emails will slow the process.
 
CLASS DROPS MADE AFTER THE THIRD WEEK OF A NEW TERM MAY RECEIVE AN 'F' GRADE FOR THE DROPPED CLASS ON THE STUDENT'S TRANSCRIPT. 

INFORMATION ON SCHEDULE CHANGES 

Schedule changes will be made for the following reasons only and dependent on availability:
  • I am missing a class I need to graduate.
  • I have a duplicate period in the same term.
  • I am in the wrong level of a class (ex: I am scheduled for Integrated Math 2, but I failed Integrated Math 1).
  • I am missing a period from my schedule.
Schedule changes will NOT be made for:
  • Lunch changes
  • Teacher changes
  • Rearranging periods
  • Electives
 

Senior Year Info

Class of 2024 google classroom: If you are not part of the google classroom, please use join code: dz6i332

 
CLASS ADVISOR
Annie Cole acole@wusd.k12.ca.us and Pamela Akhahon pakhahon@wusd.k12.ca.us
 
SERVICE LEARNING: Sona Desmangles sdesmangles@wusd.k12.ca.us  Please talk to Ms. Desmangles If you have any questions related to Service Learning hours.

SENIOR WEEK (Month of May)

SENIOR CHECK OUT must be done BEFORE participation in any Senior Week activities. Senior Check Out forms will be distributed in May and will also be available in the Counseling Office. Completed forms must be returned to your Counselor. Senior Survey must be completed online. Click HERE for Link.
 
The activities during this month include: Senior Trip, Senior Breakfast, Senior Sunset, Senior Award Night, Decision Day, Graduation Practice… and of course, Graduation!  Senior events will be posted on the google classroom (CLASS OF 2024) in the month of April. You must register by the deadline to participate in Senior Trip, Senior Breakfast, or Senior Sunset. Senior Award Night is by invitation only.
Participation in events will depend upon student behavior and academics. If you are on the NO-GO-LIST you will not be able to participate in any of the activities and school events. The “No-Go-List” is a list of students who have two Fs and/or 10 tardies per term.
    
Senior Class Events
(Subject to Change)
April 27th, 2024: Prom at Haggin Oaks
May 17th, 2024: Senior Trip to Magic Mountain
May 31st: Senior Grad Walk & Senior Breakfast
June 3rd: Senior Sunset
Graduation Is To Be Determined, We Will Have More Information Soon
 
Senior Portraits: All Senior Portraits must be booked through Prestige at https://prestigeportraits.com/
 
Yearbook Senior Ads are available to purchase online through Jostens
Senior Quotes due: TBD
Purchase a Yearbook: Order your 2023-24 RC Yearbook online at https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1008161/River-City-High-School/  or purchase from the River City Student Store at the end of the year.
 
SAT & ACT for 2023-2024:
SAT INFORMATION (www.collegeboard.org)  dates: Oct 7, Nov 4, Dec 2: March 9, May 4, June 1
ACT INFORMATION (www.act.org)  dates: Sept 9, Oct 28, Dec 9: Feb.10, April 13, June 8, July 13
 
SENIOR COLLEGE INFORMATION NIGHT
September 21st 5:30 - 7:00 pm  RCHS Cafeteria
COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOPS: 
October 25th 1:30-2:30 (4yr college) Raider Cafe
November 8th 1:30-2:30 (4yr college) Raider Cafe
Sacramento City College Presentation and Workshop Dates - ongoing, see announcesments for dates.
October 28th 10:00 am - 4:00 pm CSU Sacramento, 6000 J. Street, 95819
FSA ID WORKSHOP
November 15th 1:30 - 2:30 pm Raider Cafe
 
Financial Aid Presentation RCHS.pdf
 
Links to presentation slides:
Contact Information
Sacramento City College
Sac State
 

ARTICLES

 
 

College and Career Resources

Applying to a UC Video

University of CA Admission Presentation

University of California Virtual Tours

Early Academic Outreach Program

Helping Black Families Navigate the Admissions Process

General Information

Graduation Requirements

4X4 EXPLANATION
RCHS is on a 4x4 block schedule. In simple terms, a 4x4 is a schedule where students take eight 10-credit classes; four classes in the fall term and four classes in the spring term. Each of the four classes meets every day for 90 minutes. Individual schedules will vary, but a typical freshman schedule might look like the following:

Fall Term: English, Science, PE, Elective
Spring Term: Math, World Language, BFS, Elective
 

RCHS GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
COLLEGE & CAREER READY
 
English                       
4 terms / 40 credits
 
Math
3 terms / 30 credits
(including Math 2)
   
Science
2 yrs lab science
2 terms / 20 credits
(both must be lab sciences:1 year physical science, 1 year life science)
 
Social Science
World History 10th
US History 11th
US Government /
Economics 12th
3 terms / 30 credits
World History (10 credits)
US History (10 credits)
US Gov’t (5 credits)
Economics (5 credits)
 
World Languages
2 terms / 20 credits Must be the same language
 
Visual / Performing Arts
1 term / 10 credits
 
Building Foundations for Success
1 term /10 credits
 
Physical Education
2 terms / 20* credits *students who do not pass Physical Fitness Exams will be required to take additional credits of PE
 
Electives
70 credits
 
 
Sample 4 Year Plan     Blank Four Year Plan

Bryte Campus

Bryte Campus

Bryte College and Career Training campus is River City High School's extension campus located in northern West Sacramento. The extension campus is noted for its popular Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in Culinary Arts, Ag Science - FFA, and Construction - BITA. 
 
Students attend the Bryte extension campus two periods a day and spend two periods a day at River City. Students may attend morning classes at Bryte and then take the bus back to River City for their afternoon classes or attend morning classes at River City then take the bus to Bryte for afternoon classes. 
 
Washington Unified School District career and technical education (CTE) programs prepare students by providing them with industry-specific knowledge and skills critical for successful employment in a wide range of high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand careers.  

WUSD's Career Technical Education Department offers sequences of courses or pathways in 9 career areas. Refer to the links below to learn more about WUSD's Career and Technical Education pathways. With the aid of local industry partners, many of our programs offer work-based learning opportunities including mentoring, guest speakers, job shadowing, and internships.  

Each of our career and technical education pathways prepares students to enter employment directly following high school and/or prepares students to continue their educational and career goals in aligned programs at local colleges. In addition, our programs have been designed with regular input from advisory committee members who keep our programs relevant with up-to-date industry expectations and standards. 

Combined with other academic offerings, students enrolled in Career Technical Education are able to meet UC/CSU A-G college entrance requirements as well as high school graduation requirements and career goals.
 
Please see the Course Catalog  or the links below for Descriptions of our CTE Programs.

CTE PROGRAMS

CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION PATHWAYS


Service Learning

 

SERVICE LEARNING INFORMATION

  1. Service Learning questions can be referred to an Assistant Principal. 
  2. Students should turn in all Service Learning paperwork, current and previous year's paperwork, to the correct boxes in the AP office as soon as the hours have been completed.  You do NOT have to wait for the due date deadline.
  3. If you do not complete service learning hours for previous years, you may be ineligible to play a sport and/or obtain a work permit.
 
DUE DATES:
 
12th grade: December 11, 2023 Mid Year Graduates, April 19, 2024 all other Seniors
11th grade: March 22, 2024
10th grade:  February 23, 2024
9th grade:    January 19, 2024
 
 
 
Need help finding a place to serve? https://www.justserve.org/
 
FAQS
  1. How many Service Learning hours are required?
    Students are required to do 8 hours of service learning for every year of enrollment at RCHS.
  2. Can a student work for the same organization all four years? Yes.
  3. Can students work for multiple organizations during the same year? Yes.   
  4. When can service learning hours be completed? Students can complete hours for the next school year after June 2 of the current school year, unless otherwise approved.  Any hours that were not completed can be made up at any time.  
  5. Where can the Service Learning hours be completed? Service Learning hours must be completed for a non-profit company or charity group, a school, city or state agency, or a licensed nursing home or daycare.  If a student is not sure an organization qualifies, please seek approval before completing the hours.  Helping a neighbor with babysitting or yard work does not qualify for service learning.
  6. Where do students turn in their completed form? Service Learning paperwork should be turned in to the drop box in the Assistant Principals' office as soon as the hours and form has been completed.
  7. Must the Service Learning hours be completed? YES!!  Service Learning is a graduation requirement; if students do not complete 8 hours of service learning for every year of enrollment at RCHS, students will be denied a diploma, work permits will be denied or revoked, and student athletes will not be permitted to play in league contests.
  8. Can a student be paid for the hours completed? No. Service Learning hours must be 100% voluntary.  No compensation of any kind is allowed.
  9. Can students miss school to complete the required Service Learning hours?  No.  Students may not miss any part of the school day to complete service learning hours.
  10. Can students complete multiple years' requirements in one year? Yes, but only if the student is missing hours. For example, a Senior who hasn't completed any hours must complete all 32 hours their Senior year.  However, a Freshman cannot complete all 32 hours their Freshman year.
  11. Is there a penalty for Seniors who do not complete the required number of hours? Yes. Seniors that have not completed Service Learning hours by the deadlines may have to appeal to have the deadline extended.  See Mr. Guerra in the Assistant Principals' office for the appeal process if you fall under this category.  In addition, Seniors will not receive a diploma and may be unable to participate in the graduation ceremony, as well as other Senior-specific events.
  12. Is there a penalty that affects other grade levels who do not complete the required number of hours? Yes.  All students can be denied a work permit or can have it revoked.  In addition, student athletes will be unable to play in league contests until the hours are brought current.  This means that if a Sophomore is playing football and hasn't completed 9th grade hours, that student cannot play in league football games until 8 hours of Service Learning have been completed.
  13. Who does my student contact if he or she has questions about the Service Learning requirement? Please contact the Assistant Principals' secretary at 916-375-7800 x 2078 
 

Dual Enrollment (Concurrent College Classes)

Dual Enrollment: High School or Adult School Admission and Enrollment Steps Note: the term "Dual Enrollment" is replacing "Advanced Education"

Dual Enrollment is a program that allows current high school and adult school students to take classes at Sacramento City College. Dual Enrollment students may enroll in 11 units each semester (across the Los Rios district). Applications must be submitted to each individual college.

We will accept forms via an online submission portal on our website or in person. We will no longer accept forms via email. Students must get their form signed by their Counselor and upload it, and their transcript to the site. We are also open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, students can submit in person or come during their enrollment time with their form.

 

Eligibility

  • The student has started the 9th grade or will be at least 14 years old by the first day of instruction (visit the Academic Calendar to find the first day of the full term).
  • The course the student wants to take is not available at their high school 
  • The student is prepared for advanced study as recommended by the high school counselor or designee.
  • If a high school student, then the student has parental consent to be admitted and enroll at the college.Student Records
Check online for Registration Deadlines. 
 
Please note: Grades earned in Dual Enrollment courses will not receive a grade bump on student's permanent high school transcript. The course credit and grade the student receives will become part of his or her permanent college record and must be reported as such on college applications. Students will need to request official transcripts from the Los Rios Community College District to be sent to any and all institutions to receive credit. Failure to do so may result in delayed admission
 
 

Scholarships

Financial Aid

LINK for FAFSA Online workshop: 
Tuesday, January 30 · 5:45 – 8:00pm

Google Meet joining info: http://meet.google.com/oma-bsmr-aes
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/oma-bsmr-aes
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 513-486-2590‬ PIN: ‪304 734 453‬#

Cash for College Night Slide Deck

 
 

2024-2025 FAFSA The Essentials Video

 
Get a federal student aid identification (FSA ID), ahead of time to electronically sign the online FAFSA. If you’re a dependent student, your parents must also get an FSA ID to e-sign your FAFSA. How to Create an FSA ID
 
Federal Student Aid Assistance
 
 
All 12th graders in the state of California complete a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, unless the student has formally submitted an opt-out waiver by January 1 of their Junior Year. The goal of “All In for FAFSA/CA Dream Act” is to expand access to financial aid to thousands of students who may have otherwise not been aware of these opportunities. Cal Grant OPT Out Form - English     Spanish
 
 
All students should create a WebGrants 4 Students (WG4S) AccountStudents should create a WG4S account to monitor and manage their state awarded financial aid. 
After a student’s FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application is processed, they will receive an email from CSAC letting them know it’s time to create their WebGrants 4 Students account. WebGrants 4 Students (WG4S) will let students check the status of their state grants, and take necessary steps to secure their aid. It’s important to note that a student’s WG4S account does not replace their school or FAFSA accounts and they may need more than one account to successfully apply for financial aid.
Stay up-to-date on deadlines and requirements by reading all correspondence from CSAC, FAFSA and your school of attendance.
 
 
Annual Statewide Financial Aid : Frequently Asked Questions
Senior Assembly FA Slides






Athletes and College

HOW SHOULD THE ELIGIBILITY PROCESS WORK?

The admission and eligibility process for athletes has become increasingly complicated. Any athlete who wishes to receive an athletic scholarship or even participate in intercollegiate athletics at the Division I or Division II level must receive initial clearance from the NCAA Eligibility Clearinghouse. It is mandatory, with no exceptions. To make things more confusing, Athletics and the college admission process have a longstanding but often misunderstood relationship. The college admission office is the gateway through which all athletes must pass. Every single one of the athletes who plays competitive intercollegiate athletics must first be admitted to a college (Pruden).
In choosing classes for your student athlete it is important to be aware of College Entrance requirements NCAA approved coursework. Please spend time researching the links and advice offered on this page. Check with a counselor to verify which courses at RCHS count for the NCAA.
 
Do I need to submit a standardized test score to the NCAA?
As of January 2023, standardized test scores are not required for all student-athletes who initially enroll full time on or after August 1, 2023. During the 2023 NCAA Convention, Divisions I and II adopted legislation to remove standardized test scores for these students. The vote was based on the recommendation from the Standardized Test Score Task Force, a specialized group charged with reviewing initial-eligibility requirements as part of the NCAA's eight-point plan to advance racial equality.Among other requirements, college-bound student-athletes planning to compete at an NCAA Division I or II school are still required to have a 2.3 (DI)/2.2 (DII) grade point average in 16 NCAA-approved core-course units and provide proof of high school graduation. Division-specific information on initial-eligibility requirements is available here:
•Division III: Click here for more information on Division III requirements for international student-athletes. Student-athletes planning to attend a Division III school are not required to have an academic certification from the Eligibility Center but may be required to have an amateurism certification.
Students should also check with the NCAA school they plan to attend regarding whether standardized test scores are necessary for admission or scholarship requirements. Please contact NCAA Customer Service at 877-262-1492 with questions.

Seal of Bi-Literacy

The Seal of Biliteracy is an accolade presented by a school, district or county office of education to recognize a student who has demonstrated proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. The seal encourages students to pursue biliteracy, honors the skills our students attain and can be evidence of skills that are attractive to future employers and college admissions offices. The seal is only presented to students who have graduated high school, as it is affixed to their diploma. Numerous benefits are inherent in developing a Seal of Biliteracy: recognizing the value of language diversity, preparing high school graduates for a 21st century world and workplace and taking an asset-based view of non-native English students' native languages, cultures and heritage.
 
The California State Seal of Biliteracy Criteria established in legislation certifies attainment of a high level of proficiency in two or more languages. The English criteria includes:
  • Completion of all English language arts requirements for graduation with an overall grade point average of 2.0 or above.
  • Passing the California Standards test in English language arts administered in grade 11 at the proficient level or above.
  • For English learners not reclassified, attain the overall early advanced level on the English language development test
The criteria for proficiency in a language other than English is one of the following:
  • Passing a World Language Advanced Placement examination with a score of 3 or higher
  • Passing an International Baccalaureate examination with a score of 4 or higher
  • Successful completion of a four-year high school course of study in a world language and attaining an overall grade point average of 3.0 or above and completion of district approved speaking exam.
  • Passing a school district language exam that, at a minimum, assesses speaking, reading and writing passing at a proficient level or higher
  • Passing the SAT II world language examination with a score of 600 or higher

Tutoring

Most RCHS teachers are available before / afterschool for help and questions. You can reach out by email or in person to schedule an appointment.
 
ACADEMIC OUTREACH - Access to multiple teachers/subjects, late bus passes available!
Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm
Where: Raider Cafe
 
FEV Tutor - Free tutoring English/Espanol
 
Students struggling in Math, Science, and  History may benefit from the following website. There are also lessons on SAT Preparation, Finance, and other relevant topics.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Resources for Undocumented Students

High School Proficiency Exam

CHSPE Website

What is the CHSPE?
The CHSPE is a voluntary test, given only in English, that assesses proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics skills. The test consists of two test sections: English language arts (which has two subtests, reading and language) and mathematics. More information on the content of the tests can be found on the website under "About the Test".

When and where is the CHSPE offered?

The three administration dates are offered each school year. Most California counties have at least one test administration center. For a list of counties and test centers, go to the registration page on the CHSPE website.

Who is eligible to take the CHSPE?

You may take the CHSPE only if, on the test date, you meet  of the following criteria:
  • You are at least sixteen years old.
  • You have been enrolled in grade ten for one academic year or longer.
  • You will complete one academic year of enrollment in grade ten at the end of the semester during which the next regular administration of the CHSPE will be conducted. (Regular administrations are the fall and spring administrations each school year.)

Homeless Youth Fee Wavier Information

The registration fee for the CHSPE will be waived for any examinee who is under twenty-five years of age and can verify his or her status as a homeless youth. 

Certified Foster Youth Fee Wavier Information

To qualify for a waiver, a foster youth must submit all standard required registration materials and certification of his or her foster youth status at the time of registration for a test administration. This certification can be provided by the county of residence or the California Department of Social Services. Eligibility for the fee waiver is valid until the certified foster youth reaches twenty-five years of age.
 
Additional information is located on the website or by phoning 1-866-342-4773.
  
Last Reviewed: Monday, April 29, 2019

Embracing Diversity

Hispanic Heritage Month - September - October
 
National American Indian Heritage Month - November; The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of the World's Indigenous People is observed on August 9 each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s Indigenous population. Also known as World Tribal Day, this event also recognises the achievements and contributions that Indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.
Native American Heritage Commission: Repatriation of Native ancestors and tribal artifacts.  NAGPRA : https://nahc.ca.gov/
Native Assemblyman James Ramos: https://a45.asmdc.org/
California  Indian Heritage Center to be built in West Sacramento as soon as matching $100M funds reached:  Survey, info, coloring pages/contest:  https://caindianheritagecenter.org/   
 
Black History Month  - February
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Community Resources

Suspect Child Abuse? Report It