So much to see, so much to do! This weekend (March 25-27, 2016) in our community.

Visit the Richland Two Community Events Pinterest board for flyers and links to events this weekend! Have a safe and fun Spring Break!

Ridge View High School students push for passage of teen domestic violence law

Ridge View High School students are raising awareness of teen relationship violence and pushing for the passage of legislation that would provide their peers with protection. On Wednesday, students will participate in a news conference organized by Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott to encourage the legislature to pass Sierra's Law, which among other things would allow restraining orders to be filed by minors who are 16 years of age or older and create teen dating violence education programs within South Carolina schools. The news conference will be held at 2 p.m. at the front entrance of Ridge View High School, located at 4801 Hard Scrabble Rd, Columbia, 29229.

As they embarked on the 2015–2016 school year, students from Ridge View High's Scholars Academy for Business and Law were in search of an issue to promote. Sierra Landry's story resonated with the group because she was like them. Landry was an 18-year-old who liked to have fun, enjoyed her friends and had her entire life ahead of her. Her ex-boyfriend shot and killed her in 2013 after she broke up with him. As students learned more about the case, they were shocked to discover that not only were teens often victims of violence in relationships, but that there was little protection for them.

Their efforts to educate their peers about the dangers of teen dating violence have been covered by the local media. In February, the group received a resolution from the Richland County Council sponsored by Councilwoman Julie-Ann Dixon in support of their work and in recognition of February as teen dating violence education month in Richland County. That same month they held a public form on the topic at a local church.

From the End Teen Relationship Violence website: Our objective is to raise awareness of Teen Relationship Violence and advocate for the passage of Sierra's Law. We also promote healthy relationships and tips to maintain healthy relationships. We are here to represent teenagers around South Carolina, nationally, and the world. 

Visit the End Teen Dating Violence website for statistics, victim stories, resources and to sign the petition to pass Sierra's Law. Follow the group on Twitter at @EndTRViolence.

Watching you, watching me. Recently on R2TV! Week of March 15, 2016

Watch the latest R2TV videos whenever you want, where ever you are on YouTube! Click the image above or the following link to see what's new on R2TV.

So much to see, so much to do! This weekend (March 18-20) in our community!

Visit the Richland Two Community Events Pinterest board for flyers and links to events this weekend!

Whooping Cough (Tdap) Immunization Requirement

The Tdap immunization, commonly called the Tetanus and Whooping Cough vaccine, is a

requirement for all students entering 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades for next school year (2016-2017). Pertussis immunity wears off over time, so students in the targeted grade levels are required to have the vaccine to prevent the spread of Pertussis/ Whooping Cough.

Pertussis/ Whooping Cough is highly contagious and is spread via droplets from a simple cough. Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths which result in a "whooping" sound. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children and can be fatal, especially in babies less than 1 year of age. (http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html)

The best way to protect against pertussis is immunization. By state law, students must show proof of receiving the Tetanus shot/ Tdap vaccine at the start of their 7th grade school year or they will be subject to suspension. The deadline for compliance for next school year is Wednesday August 17, 2016.

Richland School District Two is partnering with DHEC to provide Tdap immunizations in the middle schools for current 6th graders so they can meet the 7th grade requirement. Parents, you should have received a consent on home Monday March 14, 2016. They are due back to the school nurse as soon as possible. Please contact your school nurse for questions or concerns.

Here are the dates and locations of the Tdap vaccination clinics:

Dent Middle	04-11-16	Longleaf Middle	05-10-16
Blythewood Middle	04-12-16	EL Wright Middle	05-13-16
Muller Middle	04-20-16	Kelly Mill Middle	05-24-16
Summit Middle	04-21-16

Updated location for March 10 Community Conversation

We've been learning a lot and enjoying discussing diversity with the community at the Community Conversations. The next one on March 10 is geared toward students.

We want to hear from you! #CommunityConversations #DiversityMatters.