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Ritenour High School (RHS) has increased academic eligibility and supports for student athletes, beginning for the fall 2018 sports season. The Ritenour Board of Education approved a new policy at its Aug. 9, 2018 meeting that exceeds academic eligibility standards for high school students involved in athletics and activities sanctioned by the Missouri State High School Athletics & Activities Association (MSHSAA).RHS students now must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA each semester as part of their commitment to school athletics or activities sanctioned by MSHSAA. Students achieving less than a 2.0 GPA at the end of first semester this school year will not be eligible to participate during second semester.
“The Ritenour Board of Education recognizes the priority that “student” comes first for our student athletes and students in MSHSAA-sanctioned activities,” said Drew Lohnes, RHS athletic director. “By increasing academic supports and raising eligibility requirements, we are positioning our students for greater opportunities upon graduation. We want our students to know that we will provide the academic supports needed so they can also excel in their athletics and activities.”
The district is committed to helping students earn academic eligibility with increased supports in place. Academic support sessions, where students can get extra help in their courses, will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 4 p.m. Students will not be able to compete, participate in sports practices or attend activity meetings if they are required to attend the academic support sessions.
The athletic and activities office will run grade checks of all students who participate in any MSHSAA-sanctioned sport or activity every month so coaches and activity sponsors are aware of any team member whose grades could be in jeopardy. Coaches and sponsors will continue emphasizing the importance of academics with all of their team members.
Students who participate in all MSHSAA-sanctioned athletics and activities who have GPAs below 2.0 at the end of each month will be required to attend the support sessions until their GPA improves to a minimum of 2.0. Students who are required to attend support sessions will have their grades checked weekly until their GPAs meet the new standard.
Talented high school students with higher GPAs, good citizenship and good attendance have a higher probability of getting recruited with scholarships in college, Lohnes said.
“This new policy gives our students who want to pursue college a better chance of earning scholarships that will pay for their undergraduate degrees,” said Lohnes. “It also provides them a stronger academic foundation that prepares them for the grit required in college courses.”
