Richard Wright Schools for Journalism and Media Arts
Richard Wright Schools transforms lives in an engaging, student-centered environment with a caring, highly qualified staff to develop students for college and beyond. With its unique focus on journalism, media, creative and performing arts, RWPCS offers a myriad of opportunities, both on and off campus, for all students to thrive and achieve.
Our ROXIE (Reaching Our Excellence in Education) program encompasses the Journalism and Media Arts focus at Richard Wright. Roxie, Mississippi was the birthplace of our namesake, the influential author Richard Wright. The ROXIE program serves as the birthplace and foundation for investigative thought, skill building, creativity and innovation.
Richard Wright students build fundamental skills essential in the fields of Journalism, Communications, Mass Media, Film, Graphic Design, Visual Art, Music, Music Production, and Dance. Hands-on learning and professional partnerships provide exciting opportunities, impactful experiences, and connections beyond the classroom resulting in dynamic and meaningful student-produced content.
Academic Calendar
Important Calendar Dates for School Year 2026-2027
Please note, all dates are subject to change. RWS students have OSSE approved Half-Days every Friday for Staff Professional Development.
Please note, that some dates may change due to unexpected educational opportunities, inclement weather, and/or unforeseen circumstances. Stay abreast of any updates or changes in the Principal's Weekly Message via email. To ensure you are receiving all school communications, please submit the most updated contact emails and phone numbers.
August 2026
| Aug 15, 1-3 pm | - | Back to School Day - All Families Welcome |
| Aug 17 | - | 2026/2027 School Year Begins |
| Aug 17 | - | Students Return |
| Aug 24 | - | All Students Return |
| Aug 31 | - | Richard Wright Ambassador Student Applications Due |
| Aug 31 | - | RWS Gifted & Talented Program Student Applications Due |
September 2026
| Sep 4, 12-2 pm | - | Open House Tours - Prospective Students/Families |
| Sep 7 | - | Labor Day - School Closed |
| Sep 8 | - | RWS Gifted & Talented Program Begins |
| Sep 10, 6-8 pm | - | Parent Nation - All Grade Levels via Zoom |
| Sep 17-19 | - | Congressional Black Caucus / RWS Ribbon Cutting Ceremony |
| Sep 18, 12-2 pm | - | Open House Tours - Prospective Students/Families |
| Sep 21-25 | - | Homecoming Week - Tentative |
| Sep 25 | - | RWS Ambassadors Big Reveal |
October 2026
| TBD | - | South Carolina Veterans Annual Luncheon |
| Oct 2, 10 am-12 pm | - | Senior Inauguration |
| Oct 2, 12-2 pm | - | Open House Tours - Prospective Students/Families |
| Oct 5-16 | - | Virtual Parent Teacher Conference (By appointment only) |
| Oct 12 | - | Indigenous Peoples Day - School Closed |
| Oct 20 | - | 1st Quarter Ends (45 Days) |
| Oct 21 | - | 2nd Quarter Begins |
| Oct 22 | - | Senior SAT Test Day |
| Oct 28 | - | Honor Roll Assembly |
| Oct 30-Nov 4 | - | Fall Break - School Closed (For Students & Staff) |
November 2026
| Oct 30-Nov 4 | - | Fall Break - School Closed (For Students & Staff) |
| Nov 4 | - | Students Return to School |
| Nov 7 | - | Night of Giving |
| Nov 11 | - | Veterans Day - School Closed |
| Nov 12, 6-8 pm | - | Parent Nation - All Grade Levels via Zoom |
| Nov 20, 12-2 pm | - | Open House Tours - Prospective Students/Families |
| Nov 21 | - | Winter Ball |
| Nov 24 | - | Holiday Luncheon |
| Nov 25 | - | Follow Normal Friday Schedule |
| Nov 26-30 | - | Thanksgiving Break - School Closed |
December 2026
| Dec 2, 8 am | - | Students Return from Thanksgiving Break |
| Dec 4, 12-2 pm | - | Open House Tours - Prospective Students & Families |
| Dec 10, 5:30-8 pm | - | Shakespeare Night |
| Dec 10, 6-8 pm | - | Parent Nation - All Grade Levels via Zoom |
| Dec 12-31 | - | Winter Break Begins - School Closed |
| Dec 17 | - | Roxie Winter Showcase |
January 2027
| Jan 6 | - | Students Return from Winter Break |
| Jan 7, 6-8 pm | - | Parent Nation - All Grade Levels via Zoom |
| Jan 15, 12-2 pm | - | Open House Tours - Prospective Students & Families |
| Jan 18 | - | Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - School Closed |
| Jan 21 | - | 2nd Quarter Ends |
| Jan 22 | - | 3rd Quarter Begins |
| Jan 28 | - | Honor Roll Assembly |
February 2027
| Feb 11, 6-8 pm | - | Parent Nation - All Grade Levels via Zoom |
| Feb 12 | - | Off-Site Professional Development - School Closed for Students |
| Feb 15 | - | President's Day - School Closed |
| Feb 19 | - | Senior Research Papers Due |
| Feb 19, 12-2 pm | - | Open House Tours - Prospective Students & Families |
| Feb 26 | - | Black History Program |
| Feb 27, 3-5 pm | - | RWS ROXIE Film Festival |
March 2027
| Mar 11, 6-8 pm | - | Parent Nation - All Grade Levels via Zoom |
| Mar 12 & 15 | - | Off-Site Professional Development - School Closed for Students |
| Mar 15-26 | - | Virtual Parent Teacher Conference (By appointment only) |
| TBD | - | Junior SAT Testing Window |
| Mar 26 | - | Career Day |
| Mar 26, 12-2 pm | - | Open House Tours - Prospective Students & Families |
| Mar 30 | - | 3rd Quarter Ends |
| Mar 31 | - | 4th Quarter Begins |
April 2027
| Apr 5-8 | - | College Decision Week |
| Apr 7 | - | Honor Roll Assembly |
| Apr 9-16 | - | Spring Break - School Closed |
| Apr 20 | - | Students Return from Spring Break |
| Apr 20-22 | - | Senior Defense Panels |
| Apr 24, 12-2 pm & 4-6 pm | - | ROXIE Celebration of the Arts Showcase |
May 2027
| May 7 | - | Senior Prom |
| May 11-14 | - | Senior Exams |
| May 15 | - | RWS ROXIE Art Exhibit |
| May 21 | - | Senior Graduation |
| May 31 | - | Memorial Day - School Closed |
June 2027
| Jun 2 | - | Rise Up Ceremony |
| Jun 2 | - | Spring Formal Dance (8th-11th Grades) |
| Jun 3 | - | All School Field Trip |
| Jun 11 | - | Last Day for Students |
| Jun 11 | - | Sundress DC Annual Fundraiser |
| Jun 14-18 | - | Built-In Snow Days |
| Jun 18 | - | Last Day for Teachers |
