James S. Rickards High School

WELCOME!!!

Mr. F. Thomas

2025-2026 School Year

Courses:

African American History: Period 1

African-American History - The grade 9-12 African-American History course consists of the following content area strands: World History, American History, Geography, Humanities, Civics and Government. The primary content emphasis for this course pertains to the study of the chronological development of African Americans by examining the political, economic, social, religious, military and cultural events that affected the cultural group. Content will include, but is not limited to, West African heritage, the Middle Passage and Triangular Trade, the African Diaspora, significant turning points and trends in the development of African American culture and institutions, enslavement and emancipation, the Abolition, Black Nationalist, and Civil Rights movements, major historical figures and events in African-American history, and contemporary African-American affairs.

United States Government: Periods 2-3-4-5-6

United States Government - The grade 9-12 United States Government course consists of the following content area strands: Geography, Civics and Government. The primary content for the course pertains to the study of government institutions and political processes and their historical impact on American society. Content should include, but is not limited to, the functions and purpose of government, the function of the state, the constitutional framework, federalism, separation of powers, functions of the three branches of government at the local, state and national level, and the political decision-making process. "www.cpalms.org"

FOCUS GRADEBOOK will be where scholars can access all assignments associated with the above courses.

My goal is to teach, inspire, enlighten, and empower students to learn the material associated with each course.

The first order of business is to make sure you are able to login to your Classlink, FOCUS, Canvas and Remind. Here are the directions:

 How do I get to my class?

• Go to  www.leonschools.net/rickards     
• Click on the ClassLink icon in the upper left corner
• Enter your log-in information
  • Username: STUDENT ID NUMBER
  • Password: RHS-LUNCHPIN
    • For example: 
      • Username: 123456789 (student id number)
      • Password: RHS-98765 (include the dash mark)
• Click on the Canvas icon
• Click on your class/class period
• Click on the Remind icon 
• Clink on your class/class period.
• Let me know if you need a class code.
• Click on the FOCUS icon
• Click on your class/class period

Here is other information that is for your benefit:

What if I forgot or don’t have my login information?

• Please email RHS.Guidance@leonschools.net
• Include the student first and last name, and grade level as 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, or 12th
• State in the email, “I need the FOCUS Login credentials.”
• Wait for the return email providing the login credentials.

• Please email RHS.TechHelp@leonschools.net
• Include the student first and last name, and grade level as 9^th, 10^th, 11^th, or 12^th
• State in the email, “Please reset the FOCUS password.”
• Wait for the return email stating the new password.

• Teacher will demonstrate how to access online materials for class.
• Teacher will review behavior expectations for in-person students and for on-line students.
• Students will practice accessing their classes with teachers.
• Teacher will teach; Students will learn.

Preferred Method Of Communication: (REMIND Messages-FOCUS COMMUNICATIONS-Phone Call).

Grade Posting Schedule To FOCUS: Every Two Weeks.

Thank You,

Farrade Thomas

Social Science Instructor

James S. Rickards High School

3013 Jim Lee Road

Tallahassee, Florida 32301-7098

(E-mail): thomasf@leonschools.net

(Office): (850) 414-5500 Extension 3207

(Fax): (850) 922-7104