Not only do RRHS teachers miss their students but so do our support staff, like Mrs. Russell.  This week Joy Russell wrote this note to the students, parents, and faculty of RRHS:

This is truly one thing I never thought I would say, “I truly miss yall!” There has not been a day that has passed since all of this started that I haven’t thought about the students. And what’s even crazier is the fact that I got all emotional when we were told that you all would be going home and possibly not coming back for this school year. Some looked at me like, really Ms. Russell? Yes, really yall! I thought about the possibility that one of you or myself may get the virus and that we may never see each other again. This thought broke my heart. 

Some days I watch the clock and think about what block it should be and I see your faces pass my door. Some of you speak and some don’t and that’s ok. I want each of you to know that I love and miss you all. 

I’m asking yall to please do what THEY are telling us to do by wearing a mask and gloves when you go out for necessities and to depose of those things properly. Please remember to distance yourselves for one another. Most of all, if you feel sick don’t go anywhere and distance yourself from your other family members. 

Students I can only imagine the things going through your heads! Seniors thinking about graduation, their senior year prom, and do I have the things in place for college? Juniors thinking about their Ring Ceremony, prom, and oh please don’t forget the day after the Seniors leave that they are the BIG DAWGS on campus now.  Sophomores thinking oh my, I can’t wait until next year. I’m going to order my Class Ring and the possibility of a junior or senior inviting you to the prom. And last but not least the Freshmen. The thought of not being the new kids or babies of the campus is the best thought. I’m sure yall are probably saying Ms. Russell don’t know what she’s talking about, but I do! I was once a student at the same school you are attending, and these are the thoughts that I would have if I were in your place today. 

To the parents, please keep your children safe so that we all may return unharmed. To the faculty, I miss all of you as well. Please call or text if I could be of any assistance to you!

Once again to all of you I miss and love you!

Your secretary, Ms. Russell