“Alabama’s public schools welcome all children regardless of their race or ethnic background, birthplace or birthplace of parents,” said Larry Craven, interim state superintendent of education, “and the Alabama Department of Education is committed to all students and parents to provide a safe and civil environment in which students can pursue their education.”

Craven said that to alleviate any confusion regarding Section 28 of Act No. 2011-535, referred to as Alabama’s Immigration Law, the Alabama Department of Education would like to clarify details specific to enrollment and attendance in public schools.

Section 28 requires that all students enrolling in Alabama public schools on or after Sept. 29, 2011 present an original or certified copy of the student’s birth certificate in order to complete the enrollment process, he said.

“We would like all parents and students to know, regardless of whether the enrolling student has an original or certified copy of their birth certificate, the student will be enrolled and receive full participation in all of the academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular programs that will be offered by the local school system,” Craven said. “The information that we are required to collect under the Act will not be used to individually identify your child. The information will be used to report statistical data to the Legislature.”

This new law does not apply to any student enrolled in an Alabama public school before Sept. 29, 2011. Once a student is enrolled in any school district in Alabama, they are always enrolled unless they graduate or withdraw. We would like to remind all parents and students that according to the mandatory attendance law of Alabama, all students between the ages of seven and 17 must be enrolled in school.

“We encourage all students to stay enrolled and attend school,” Craven said. “The Alabama Department of Education is committed to a quality education for all.”

Congratulations to Dr. Cindy Erickson on being named the Alfa Teacher of the Month for District I, which includes Baldwin and Mobile Counties.

The Battle of the Bands took place recently in the RHS gymnasium. There were 13 singers and four bands. The winners were N.B.N., in first, Nine Acres, placed second, and Poetic Soul was voted third.

In the Robertsdale Idol Talent Contest for Singers only Ashley Coberly placed first, Lowell Vaughn was voted second, and Michael Evans and Troy Johnson placed third.

The prize money was $50, for first place, $30 for second, and $20 for third.

RHS has been contacted by the South Baldwin Republican Women, who are sponsoring an essay contest related to patriotism. The essay must consist of 500 words or less. The competition is between RHS, Foley, and Gulf Shores. There will be a $500 first place prize and $200 for second place. The deadline is March 31.

Junior class T-shirts are being sold by the junior Student Government Association students for $12 each. The T-shirts will be sold through Oct. 21, see Cathy Danner in the RHS Library for more information.

Seniors who wish to sign up for Who’s Who may do so, Oct. 17-21, in the RHS Library.