The Valley is gaining a new high school on the western side of our valley. According to the Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) website, “Rancho Mirage High School (RMHS), PSUSD’s fourth comprehensive high school, is currently under construction on 60 plus acres near the Da Vall Drive and Ramon Road in the City of Rancho Mirage. With a capacity for 2,300 students, Rancho Mirage High is projected to be completed in the spring of 2013, and open with 9th and 10th grade students for the 2013-14 school year. The mascot is the Rattlers and the school colors are Maroon, Silver, and Columbian Blue.”
I am excited to have a new addition to our valley’s school system. RMHS brings many new jobs to the educational community, helps to reduces high school class sizes in the PSUSD, and opens up a new facility for students to build new traditions and new school spirits. I attended La Quinta High School (LQHS) as the first freshmen class when the school opened in the ‘94-‘95 school year. LQHS started out with only freshmen and sophomores, the facility was new with up to date technology, and a fresh and eager faculty. Much like LQHS, RMHS will start with only freshmen and sophomores, have new and up to date technologies, and be filled with a fresh and eager faculty.
Lead by Principle Ken Wagner, Ed.D., RMHS’ mission statement reads as follows: “The mission of Rancho Mirage High School is to provide a high-quality, comprehensive, and meaningful education for all students. Each student will be expected to succeed within the bounds of their abilities and chosen educational and career goals. Each student will be treated as an individual, given the tools to be a lifelong learner, and taught to function as a member of a group and as a productive and meaningful member of society.” The focus on the student as an individual is a testament to RMHS’ beginning in the right direction. No student learns in the same way, or at the same speed. RMHS knows this, and is prepared to work with the students as their mission states.
A new school gives hope to the community, hope that the economy is becoming more stable, and hope that the local educational system is strengthening. Let us all welcome RMHS to the valley, support their educational needs, and keep watch at their successes in educating our children. With the growth of our communities, I am glad to see our education growing along with our Coachella Valley.
