Rio Rico High School

Why Rio Rico High School was nominated

At Rio Rico High School, located in the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No 35, in Rio Rico, Arizona, students and staff all know how to "REP”. Based on the core values of Relationships, Excellence, and Pride the faculty embraces creating the best learning environments possible for their students. Three years ago, as the school began thinking more critically about equitable outcomes for all learners, they expanded and deepened opportunities for students to own their learning. Flexibility with time resulted in RRHS allowing students to build individualized learning schedules depending on their interests and situation. All grade levels offer three distinct options - face to face instruction, distance learning, and flex-scheduling - to provide students agency when deciding on the environment that best meets their needs. Wednesdays provide intervention and enrichment services for students and personalized professional development for staff. In anticipation of transitioning to a standards-based system for reporting on learning, the principal facilitated a voluntary book study on Grading for Equity, by Joe Feldman. Avant-garde teachers now implement more equitable grading practices to their level of comfort and understanding. This behavior has grown the network of interested teachers and expanded the grass roots of implementation in advance of a full transition in SY24. Administration also emphasizes student voice. Beyond creative student scheduling, a student senate meets regularly to offer insight and guidance on decision-making, student artwork beautifies the campus in multiple areas, and a student cheering section actively drives school spirit! Through the combination of voice and choice, the students REP in palpable ways. With a focus on an instructional shift to a more student-centered environment, flexible seating, distance/flex scheduling, SOPs, and student voice remain the primary strategies advancing the school-wide mantra "We REP!"