RHS Rams Corner News

As we step into the month of November, I want to take a moment to reflect on the spirit of giving that this time of year brings. November is not just about the Thanksgiving holiday; it’s a reminder for all of us to appreciate what we have and to extend our hands to those in need.

Throughout this month, I encourage each of you to think about ways you can contribute to our community. Whether it’s participating in food drives, volunteering your time, or simply being kind to one another, every act of generosity counts.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope you find time to relax, eat, and celebrate with family and friends. Cherish these moments, as they are truly invaluable.

Wishing you all a joyful and fulfilling November. Happy Month of Giving!

November marks National Native American Heritage Month, a time for us to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American peoples. This month offers an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the diverse traditions and experiences of Native communities.

We encourage everyone to take part in activities that promote awareness and appreciation of Native American heritage. This can include reading books by Indigenous authors, attending local events, or engaging in discussions about the history and contributions of Native peoples.

Let’s come together as a community to recognize and respect the vibrant cultures that enrich our society.

Please review the following important details regarding the AP exams:

• Exam Expectations: Students enrolled in an AP course are expected to take the exam. The exam is free for students who are enrolled in the course.

• Withdrawal Process: With parental/guardian approval, students may opt out of the exam by notifying their teacher or the AP Coordinator by November 8th, without additional fees. Dropping the course before November 14th will also result in exam removal without any additional fees.

• Exam Fees: A $40 fee applies for registrations after November 14th, cancellations after this date, or absences on the exam day will result in a $40 obligation fee. All exam changes must be made by November 14th

Contact Information:

If you have any questions or concerns about the AP course or exam, please contact our AP Coordinator, Sidney Hankerson, at Sidney_A_Hankerson@mcpsmd.org.

Reminder:

Purchase single game tickets and season passes through GoFan:

https://gofan.co/app/school/MD24827

Winter sports registration is now open and will close December 1st.

Stay up-to-date on all the action on the RHS athletics website and Twitter/Instagram accounts.

Fall playoff information will be posted on www.mpssaa.org

CONGRATULATIONS to our Rockville High School Varsity Field Hockey Team for making it to the Maryland State FINAL FOUR!!! We are so proud!!! Let's go RAMS!

Rockville High School wants to wish our state qualifiers Boys' Cross Country Team, consisting of (Jefferson, Luca, Braeden, Marcus, Cameron, Aden, and Luke Y) and Ariana from our Girls' Cross Country Team BEST OF LUCK at the MD State XC Meet. Let's Go RAMS!!!

**NEW** - "BELL TO BELL, NO CELL"

Rockville High School is committed to supporting student learning in a positive learning environment. As a reminder, during classroom/instructional time, cell phones, earpods, headphones, and other personal mobile devices must be put away in a backpack or bag.

Students may use their devices before and after school, during lunch, and during class transitions only. Again, personal mobile devices may NOT be used during classes. Parents may contact their children during the designated time periods, or contact the main office if they need to speak with their child urgently.

WHY Bell to Bell, No Cell?

• To Improve Focus and Attention: Without the distraction of cell phones, students are more likely to stay engaged with the lesson. This can lead to better understanding and retention of the material, as students can concentrate fully on the content being taught without interruptions from notifications or the temptation to check social media.

• To Enhance Classroom Interaction: With phones out of sight, students are more likely to participate in class discussions, collaborate with peers, and engage in hands-on activities. This fosters a more interactive and dynamic learning environment, where students can benefit from real-time feedback and peer-to-peer learning.

• To Improve Academic Performance: Reducing the opportunity for distractions and cheating can contribute to more accurate assessments of students' abilities. As a result, teachers can better gauge student understanding and provide targeted support, which can lead to improved academic performance and a more honest evaluation of students' progress.

Thank you for partnering with the school staff to reinforce the importance of engaging actively in learning during classes and of using personal mobile devices during designated times only.

Teachers will begin with Cell Phone Pouch Implementation on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6th!!!

Our RHS students have adjusted very well to our "Bell to Bell, No Cell" Policy. Our goals continues to be to foster digital responsibility in our students, preparing them for success in college, careers, and their communities.

To help enforce the policy, as outlined below, our school will continue to use locked pouches for students to securely store their cell phones and personal electronic devices (PMDs) for the remainder of the day. Students will maintain possession of their PMD's when in locked pouches. They will be able to unlock them at the end of the school day.

Here’s how the policy will be enforced, with specific consequences for repeated infractions per period:

***Students who damage the pouches by improperly opening them will receive a $40 obligation that will be expected to be paid prior to participating in school activities as well as graduation.

We appreciate your support and partnership in helping us promote responsible digital behavior. By working together, we can create a more focused and productive learning environment for all students.

It is never too late to join the choral program! Please speak to Ms. Weiss in room 1083 or email her at chloe_g_weiss@mcpsmd.org.

Come support the Junior Class at Villa Maya on Wednesday, November 13th anytime from 4:00-10:00pm. Remember to mention you are supporting RHS.

Let's get EXCITED! We have a GRADUATION DATE & VENUE!!!

SAVE THE DATE!

***The CLASS OF 2025 will be graduating from the University of Maryland Baltimore Campus on Monday, June 9th at 9:00 a.m.***

***We will be having a Senior Class Student and Senior Class Parent meeting on Wednesday, January 22nd during wellness block for students and at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium for parents and guardians of seniors to discuss important information about graduation and the 2nd half of the school year. If you have any questions, please email me at David_Akatu@mcpsmd.org. Please plan to attend. ***

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Additionally, thank you to all of you who came out to support our fundraiser at Taco Bamba.

Please continue to share your opinions with class officers on possible end-of-the-year celebration activities. Make your voice heard.

Class shirts and hoodies are still available to purchase.

Link: https://rhsclassof2025.square.site/

The RAM RUMBLE has been CHANGED to Thursday, November 14th @ 5:30 p.m. in the stadium so that our students can cheer on the Varsity Field Hockey Team at the MD State Final Four Game on Thursday, Wednesday, November 7th!

HOBY Program:

Our programs include:

*One-Day Program (CLeW) for 9th or 10th Grade HOBY's introductory one-day program focuses on leadership as a discipline to be explored and learned. Program participants interact with community leaders, participate in group activities, and more. This program is free to attend and will be held virtually via Zoom three times throughout the year, with two programs for 9th grade students (November & April) and one program (January) for 10th grade students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). Our 10th grade program serves as an intentional initiative to close the racial representation gap that is often seen in high school leadership programs nationwide. Students who attend our CLeW programs may be able to attend our flagship 10th grade program as well and we will work to provide scholarships to students interested in attending where possible.

*Flagship 10th Grade Leadership Seminar

HOBY's flagship program allows high school sophomores to realize their leadership talents and apply them in becoming effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, workplace, and community. 2 students may be nominated to attend a four-day program in the summer months and participate in hands-on leadership activities while exploring their own personal leadership skills to make an impact in their local community. Alumni of HOBY programs join an alumni network with outstanding opportunities in the future, including international conferences and networking events, future service projects, and more!

If you are interested in either of these programs, please let Ms. Wolk know by November 15, 2024.

The College and Career newsletter has switched to a weekly format. Please take a moment to read this for the most up to date weekly information. You may follow the College and Career center on instagram at @rhscollege_and_career. The College and Career website also has a ton of helpful information.

RHS Drama opens the fall play, Nevermore! Edgar Allan Poe: The Final Mystery on Friday, November 15th! Shows are November 15, 16, 22, and 23 at 7pm. Adult tickets are $10, Student tickets are $8. Follow us on IG @rockville_stage

Get ready for the RHS School Safety Day and Table Fair! On Friday, November 15th, all students and staff will review and practice their emergency preparedness each period by engaging in various emergency drills and safety protocols. Additionally, the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office will be presenting a gun violence prevention assembly to all 9th grade students, during 4th period. There will also be a Safety Table Fair during lunch so that students can learn about careers in emergency response and preparedness

The Holiday Giving Project is providing December holiday assistance to low-income households. Local non-profits, faith-based organizations, and public agencies serve Holiday Giving Recipients, as donations are available. If you and your family are in need and would like to be referred for possible assistance for the holiday season please complete this referral form to provide the required information. Resources are limited: please apply only if you and your family are truly in need. While a referral is not a guarantee of assistance, the Project helps as many families in need as donations allow.

**LIMIT 1 BASKET PER FAMILY**

December: toys and books for children (0-10 years old), and $25 Target gift card to teens (11-17 years old)

** If you have completed this form with another agency you cannot submit this form again *

El Holiday Giving Project brinda asistencia durante las vacaciones de diciembre a hogares de bajos ingresos. Una red de trabajadores sociales, consejeros escolares y profesionales de servicios humanos, recomienndan a aquellas familias e individuos que necesitan ayuda. Asociaciones sin fines de lucro, organizaciones religiosas y agencias de gobierno proporcionan ayuda a quienes reciben esta asistencia, de acuerdo a las donaciones disponibles. Si usted y su familia necesitan ayuda y les gustaría ser referidos para recibir asistencia durante la temporada festiva, por favor llene el siguiente formulario de referencia. Los recursos son limitados. Por favor, solicitelos solamente si usted y su familia realmente lo necesitan. Aunque ser referido no es garantía de asistencia, el programa ayudará a tantas familias con necesidad como las donaciones permitan.

** LIMITE DE 1 CANASTA POR FAMILIA**

Diciembre: juguetes y libros para niños (de 0 a 10 años) y tarjeta de regalo de Target de $25 para adolescentes (de 11 a 17 años)

** Si ha completado este formulario con otra agencia, no puede enviarlo de nuevo **

Deadline/Ultimo dia para entregar este formulario

December/Diciembre: November/Noviembre 18

Counseling Appointments: If you have any questions about how your student is doing at Rockville High School overall or have any other concerns, please reach out to your student’s counselor below.

Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre cómo le está yendo a su estudiante en Rockville High School en general o tiene alguna otra inquietud, comuníquese con el consejero de su estudiante a continuación.

Online Pathway to Graduation: If your student is interested in taking an online course for Original Credit, Retake, or a Higher Grade, please visit the MCPS website and contact the counselor of record to help register. Each course will have two weekly required synchronous sessions. There will still be support sessions that students can attend as they wish. If students fail to attend those synchronous sessions, they may be unable to earn credit in the course. Students will still be able to move into new classes mid-session without penalty.

Prior-year FARMS eligibilities will expire at the end of the day on Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Families can apply for FARMS. For faster processing, apply online at MySchoolApps.com.

We are proud to announce that the French Honor Society will be returning soon! Meetings will take place during lunchtime, with the exact day of the week to be determined. The French Honor Society aims to recognize students' achievements in the study of the French language and culture, while promoting a deeper appreciation for Francophone traditions. Stay tuned for more details on the first meeting!

Message from Ms. Grocki!

As an IB World School all students in the IB program are expected to act with integrity and display principled behavior in their academic endeavors. IB teachers are required to authenticate student work and ensure that the work is indeed the work of the student. While the use of artificial intelligence may be appropriate for certain tasks its use on IB assessments is a violation of the IB Academic Integrity Policy. Ms. Ainsworth has met with all IB students to review expectations with regard to academic integrity and students are expected to adhere to the policy.

You can access the policy at the link below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lqRSt7pRq6hSQOn4inostPrNeVb4oOdmVDUU2_qOfPU/edit?usp=sharing

The RHS It’s Academic Club taped live competitions against Potomac and Sidwell Friends on Saturday, October 26th. These competitions were filmed at the WETA studios in Virginia. The game will air on January 4th at 10:00 AM. Rockville moves on to the playoffs in February. We are so proud of you! Let's go RAMS!!!

The Washington Post Principal of the Year Award

The Washington Post Principal of the Year Award recognizes those principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment. In presenting these awards, The Washington Post Educational Foundation hopes to encourage excellence in school leadership and to contribute in a substantive way to the improvement of education in the Washington metropolitan area. Principals may not nominate themselves, but nominations may be submitted by teachers, students, former students, parents/guardians, administrators, or the general public.

Superintendent’s Annual Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award

The Mark Mann Award, established in 1991, honors Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) principals who excel in promoting academic excellence, positive human relations, and community outreach. These qualities were exemplified by Mark Mann, a former principal of Parkland Junior High School, who died in 1988.

Nomination materials for The Washington Post Principal of the Year Award and the Superintendent’s Annual Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award must be received by midnight, Friday, December 13, 2024, and must be submitted to Ms. Sandra J. Karis, administrative services manager, Office of Human Resources and Development (OHRD) via email at Sandra_J_Karis@mcpsmd.org.

To access nomination materials, including specific guidelines and criteria, please visit the OHRD Awards and Recognition web page.

The marching band finishes its season on November 2nd at the MMBA State Competition held at Towson University, Unitas Stadium. CONGRATULATIONS RAMS!!!

Thank you to all of the community members who have helped support the marching band this season!

Hello! My name is Matt Cohen and I come to MCPS after spending the past eight years in private school. I’m originally from the Chicago area and am in my sixth year here in Maryland. I love teaching history but also enjoy teaching psychology

Hello everyone! My name is Kenny Lexidor, new security assistant at Rockville High School! A couple things I would like to share with you all is I am a Floridian turned Marylander! I am of Haitian descent who can speak English and creole. A devoted husband and father and is someone who can talk about sports all day. I’m really thankful to be here and look forward to meeting you all!

November 25 and 26, 2024 are designated early release days to allow high schools to schedule parent-teacher conferences. RHS will be hosting both in-person and virtual options for conferences with teachers and counselors.

Detailed registration information will be provided via email in the coming weeks.

SNHS is a prominent scientific organization that will engender a new group of young thinkers who will be the future of industry, research, and scientific exploration for America.

Participation encourages leadership and supports a student's academic achievements in the sciences.

Science National Honor Society is beneficial to students and schools as it promotes academic excellence, fosters a sense of community, enhances science education, and positively impacts students by providing recognition, networking opportunities, skill development, and avenues for community service.

RHS is a registered member of SNHS 24-25.

Please view the following link and donate to the organization.

https://mcpsmd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/74066/354/False/True

Thank you for your support.

Anu Gupta

Don’t miss this opportunity to be photographed for the yearbook! The required attire for the school’s yearbook pose are traditional Tuxedos and Drapes; provided by us! In addition to the free yearbook session, we also offer sessions that include casual/personality portraits and Cap and Gown portraits. Senior Portraits are considered formal photography, and Rockville High School recommends Seniors dress in more formal attire. Consider collared shirts, long sleeves, solid colors, and covered shoulders. Your photos will be a part of Rockville’s Yearbook history! Please follow the link below to choose your session type and appointment time:

www.vosphoto.com/rockville

As a friendly reminder, appointments are needed for Senior Portraits.

The next opportunity to take Senior Portraits is on November 13, 2024.

To help prepare students for college and career, as well as to help maintain safety and security in the school building, all RHS students will be REQUIRED to have their SCHOOL ID's VISIBLE when on school property. Students will receive their id, a lanyard, and an id case on picture day. Student ID's will be EXPECTED to be visible, beginning Tuesday, September 3rd.

The student IDs will also be used by students for check-in/check-out processes during the school day, such as for initial arrival to school and late arrivals throughout the school day.

Students are expected to comply with staff requests to show their student IDs, and staff will be required to wear their staff IDs visibly displayed during the school day.

I wanted to let the community know about the opportunity to host an intern in your business. An internship is a directed, practical learning experience, outside of the normal classroom setting, in which students sharpen skills, gain experience through structured and monitored work-based learning experiences. Students apply academic concepts, mastery instructional objectives in a professional setting, and develop a direct primary approach to identify organizational operation of local professional companies. We are looking for businesses in the community to partner with us and our internship program. We are particularly interested in the fields of electrician, fine arts, psychology, engineering, the medical field, law firm, criminology/police officer, mechanic, vet office, restaurant business, and the list goes on and on. If you are interested in partnering with us, please contact Julie_a_james@mcpsmd.org. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Mon, November 4
Grading and Planning for the end of term; no school for students

Tue, November 5
General Election Day—Schools and offices closed

Wed, November 6

Financial Aid Assistance Night

Fri, November 8

Accuplacer ASVAB

Mon, November 11

Open House

Wed, November 13

Boosters Meeting

Fri, November 15
Fall Play

Sat, November 16
Fall Play

Wed, November 20
ASL Bingo

Fri, November 22
Fall Play

Wed, November 27
Systemwide Closure—Schools and offices closed

Thu, November 28
Thanksgiving—Schools and offices closed

Fri, November 29
Thanksgiving—Schools and offices closed

Tue, December 3
Winter Concert: Band/Orchestra

Wed, December 4
Financial Aid Assistance Night

Fri, December 6
Pep Rally

Restorative Approaches( formally Restorative Justice) is hosting a listening session for students to participate in. Students will learn about Restorative Approaches and how the services can benefit them.

• Meeting Location: Zoom

• Click the link on the flier (English/spanish) to register

• Event Date: 10/23 3:30pm-4:15pm

• Bonus: Students receive 1 SSL hour for participating

• Additional dates: 12/18, 2/19,4/23

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:va6c2:3835a1c8-22cf-4e6d-88d3-6b05f4663513

Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services is looking for Youth Leaders. The goal is to provide resources and empower youth in developing peer-led initiatives within Montgomery

County.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and Students have the opportunity to earn SSL hours.

See link for detail. Questions please email yap@montgomerycountymd.gov

https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:67937de7-4f57-493d-ad62-f949e7321cd7

Each Wednesday, students will continue to engage in Wellness Activities during Wellness Block.

• 11/6 is Wellness Block 3 - Students will complete an Equal Opportunity Schools Survey, and the Leader in Me Student Ambassadors will have a training session

• 11/13 is Wellness Block 4 - Students will complete a Leader in Me lesson facilitated by LiM Student Ambassadors

• 11/20 is Wellness Block 6 - Students will continue with wellness activities

Looking ahead to December: In December, students will participate in a Personal Body Safety Lesson. More information will be shared with families via email prior to the December lesson.

Rockville High School welcomes our families and volunteers! We love for you to visit with us. We want our school to be as accessible to our families and community as possible, while balancing the safety of all students. Montgomery County Public Schools requires all visitors and volunteers to the building sign in in the main office using the Visitor Management System (VMS). A driver's license, MCPS ID, or state-issued photo ID are required. You will receive a visitor badge at this time, please wear it while you are on school grounds.

All volunteers who regularly support schools and school sponsored activities must complete the Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect training for volunteers and contractors. This training requirement also applies to student teachers and interns, volunteers who regularly help with school dismissal or recess, and those who attend field trips and chaperone outdoor education. The online training is provided in English, Spanish, Chinese, French, Korean, Amharic, and Vietnamese. Volunteers are required to complete the training every three years beginning after the 2017 school year.

The following categories of volunteers are required to complete fingerprinting and background checks:

• Volunteer coaches

• Grade 6 Outdoor Environmental Education Programs chaperones

• Volunteers on out-of-area (50 miles or more from Rockville) and/or overnight field trips

• Volunteers on extended day trip that require Office of School Support and Improvement approval. (e.g., if departure time is not within the MCPS operations start time and/or return time is later than 7:00 p.m.)

There may be unsupervised volunteers who work 1-1 with students in an office or classroom (i.e. mentor, youth service provider, etc.). These volunteers need to be fingerprinted.

Volunteers who are chaperoning a field trip (during the day, within the 50 mile radius, etc.) DO NOT need to be fingerprinted if they accompanying an MCPS staff member to supervise students.

You can access and complete this training via your parent portal account. If you need assistance with your parent portal account, please contact Ms. Darlyn Pineda, Counseling Secretary.

• 9-11 Grade Picture Orders: Anyone who has not ordered can still order photos (vosphoto.com/underclass use your student ID when prompted for the online code) or preorder retake photos (https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001141562#login) For questions regarding underclassmen school pictures please email: underclass@vosphoto.com

• Senior Picture Make-ups: November 13th is the last make up day.. You must have an appointment. Sign up here: https://www.vosphoto.com/rockville

• Yearbook Purchase: The Rockville High School yearbook is on sale for $105. Order early to take advantage of the first-come, first-served promo codes available at Jostens.com. If a code is available, it will automatically be applied to your cart. CLICK HERE TO ORDER THE YEARBOOK. Payment plan options are available at checkout. DONATE A YEARBOOK TO A STUDENT IN NEED BY CLICKING HERE If you would like to pay with cash or check, please see Ms. McKim in room 2067.

Yearbook Recognition Ads: Yearbook Recognition Ads are the perfect way to commemorate achievements and celebrate milestones. To purchase your ad online, click on this link. All orders must be placed by 11/01/2024 to take advantage of early bird SAVINGS! Prices will increase on 11/02/2024. Current Prices - ½ Page $215, ¼ Page $145, 1/8 Page $75. The FINAL DEADLINE to order a senior congratulatory ad is 1/31/2025.

In the crisp November air,

For friendships forged in laughter,

We’re grateful for your courage,

So gather ‘round this season,

Happy Thanksgiving, RAM’ily

Next Newsletter: December 2024