Happy Friday, RMHS Students & Families,

We are in the midst of May with so many things happening across schools and grade-levels. A huge congratulations to the middle and high school theater departments for putting together two amazing shows over these past two weeks. RMS Drama performed in Lynnfield last weekend, wow'ing the crowd at DramaFest with their student-written, and performed play. This weekend, the RHS Drama Llamas present three performances of the 'Jabberwock', wrapping up the weekend with a tribute to the seniors as they perform their final show at RMHS this coming Sunday. These experiences will last a lifetime for our students and their families and I am extremely grateful to the staff for putting them together and making them happen in such a meaningful way.

Spring sports are in full effect, with a number of senior games/matches coming up over the coming week/s. The Junior/Senior Prom is this coming Friday, May 16th at Spinelli's. I will hold a mandatory meeting for all students attending the prom on Tuesday at the start of Assembly block (9:25). Thank you to Ms. D'Antonio and Ms. Rich for organizing this annual event for our students this year.

In the world of testing, the high school is in the midst of AP testing, with one week down, and one more to go! Thank you to Ms. Price, and the Guidance Department for coordinating these experiences for our students. We continue with the season of MCAS this coming week with Grade 8 Science. Thank you to Ms. King and the 8th grade team for your work to make it all happen. Please see below for more details on the upcoming exams over the coming weeks.

Here's to a great week ahead! 😎

-Ms. Rose

The RHS Drama Llamas shared about the extensive set and costume design work that went into this weekend's upcoming show, Beware of the Jabberwock, followed by a stellar performance by our very own, Violet Lee, and Francesca Noce at this past week's RHS Assembly. 👏👏👏👏👏

The Drama Llamas performed a 'sneak peak' of this weekend's show for the RES students this week. It was fantastic! Don't miss a chance to see the full show this weekend 😀

Friday, May 9th - Sunday, May 11th: RHS Drama Presents "Beware of the Jabberwock" in the RMHS Auditorium:

• Friday, May 9th @ 7pm
• Saturday, May 10th @ 7pm
• Sunday, May 11th @ 2pm

Tuesday, May 13th: During HS Weekly Assembly this week, there will be a brief mandatory prom meeting in the Auditorium for all students attending the prom. All other students will report to WIN to start the block and then be called down to designated locations for class meetings for election speeches around 9:35 for the remainder of Assembly block.

• Juniors: AUD
• Sophomores: CAF
• Freshmen: GYM

Friday, May 16th: 1/2 day for Students

Friday, May 16th: Prom (See details below)

Saturday, May 17th: Vocal Pops @ Legion Bandstand @ 6:30

Monday, May 19th: AP US History Field Trip to Plymouth Village

Tuesday, May 20th: Senior Internship Fair/Showcase at 9:20 am (HS Assembly)

Tuesday, May 20th: RHS Senior Showcase @ 6:30 SLPC

Tuesday, May 20th - Friday, May 23rd: 8th Grade Washington DC trip

Thursday, May 22nd: Credit for life for Juniors

Monday, May 26th: Memorial Day (No school for Staff/Students)

Tuesday, May 27th: RMHS Assembly

Wednesday, May 28th: Senior Banquet @ 6 The Elks

Friday, May 30th: Graduation @ 5

Tuesday, June 3rd: Underclassmen Awards (Students only)

Tuesday, June 3rd: 6th Grade Step-Up @ 6

Thursday, June 5th: Civic Fair @ 6 CAFE

Wednesday, June 11th: 8th Grade Recognition/Dance

Monday, June 16th: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL 🎉🥳

We are excited to host the Senior/Juniorr Prom for our students this year on Friday, May 16, 2025. Below are general guidelines for the event for your planning purposes.

• Date: Friday, May 16, 2025

• Location: Spinelli's Restaurant

• Promenade: There will be an optional promenade at the school at 4:00 pm

• Transportation: Students must travel to and from the prom by school-provided buses. Any exceptions must be cleared with the school administration in advance. Buses will leave RHS no later than 5:15 pm.

• In accordance with the Rockport High School Student/Parent Handbook, the RHS administration will administer a brief breathalyzer test to all students as a condition of admission to the event in order to help us foster a safe environment for students and guests (please see full handbook policy for more details).

• There will be a mandatory meeting with Ms. Rose for all prom attendees on Tuesday, May 13th at 9:24am in the Auditorium.

• Tickets will be for sale in the lobby during WIN and Lunches and U block cost $80/person.

• Students bringing guests outside of RHS must fill out the appropriate paperwork available in the RHS Main Office.

Grade 10 Math MCAS is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20th & Wednesday, May 21st

Grade 8 STE MCAS is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13th & Wednesday, May 14th

Grade 9 Physics MCAS is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th & Thursday, June 5th

Grade 8 Civics MCAS is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27th & Wednesday, May 28th

A few reminders as you prepare for these important dates in your educational career:

• MCAS is computer-based once again this year. Teachers have been having you practice during class. Please be sure you are taking advantage of this practice and asking questions if you have concerns about the platform.

• Please make sure to be in school and on time on testing days - Showing up is half the battle!

• Do your best work possible and come in with a positive attitude.

• Listen/read carefully to all test-taking directions and ask questions if any directions are unclear.

• Breathe, take your time and do the best you can. You have the skills you need to be successful on this exam so come in with a clear and open mind! I have full faith you will all do well

It is essential that you come to school prepared and ready to take the exam. If you have any questions about the MCAS subject matter, please contact your subject-specific teacher. If you have questions about attendance or other procedural aspects of the exam, please contact Ms. King.

Senior Week dates will be held as follows:

Friday, May 16th: RHS Junior/Senior Class Prom

Prom Night at the Spinellis

The promenade will start at 4pm in the Stephen Rowell Gym

Tuesday, May 20th: Senior Showcase @ Rockport Shalin Liu Performance Center

Tuesday, May 20th: Mandatory Internship Showcase at 9:20 am (Final Project/Presentation)

Friday, May 23rd: Final Day of Formal Classes/Internships for Seniors (Final Deadline to submit any work and community service)

Tuesday, May 27th: Spring Athletic Awards Night @ 6pm

Wednesday, May 28th: Senior Banquet (Elks in Gloucester @ 6:00pm)

Friday, May 30th: RHS Graduation Ceremony @ 5pm (More details to come)

The Week of Monday, May 26th is Senior Week! 🎉🎓

Graduation Rehearsals are scheduled for:

• Monday, May 26th: Holiday

• Tuesday, May 27th: 8 am - 10:30 am

• Wednesday, May 28th: 8 am - 10:30 am (Caps and Gowns Distributed, only if Obligations fulfilled. RPS Parade of the Graduates at 10:15 am).

• Friday, May 30th: 8 am - 9:30 am

• Friday, May 30th: Graduation @ 5:00 pm

Please note that all seniors must meet their academic, community service, and financial obligations by Friday, May 23rd, in order to participate in the RHS Graduation Ceremony scheduled for May 30th, 2025. All seniors are required to attend all graduation rehearsals the week of Senior Week if they plan to participate in the ceremony.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As graduation quickly approaches, Friday May 30th, we are asking for donations from underclassmen families to make the traditional graduation reception successful and special for the graduates! Below is a link to the Sign Up Genius website with the requests for refreshments; food, drink, and paper products.

If you are willing and able to contribute, non-perishable donations can be brought to the school the day before, May 29th, anytime. Perishable food can be dropped off the afternoon of the 30th between 4 and 5 p.m. at RHS. (There will be signage)

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. We greatly appreciate your support now and always!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0E4AA4A72BA6FD0-56783112-2025

"The Reception Committee,"

The Class of 2027 & Class Advisors -

Gerardo DiStefano

Cecilia Chadbourne

Naia Gibson

Ken Park

Thom Smoker

Andrea Zuis

The Rockport Middle High School music students are raising funds to help cover the costs of their 2027 trip to Croatia. To support this effort, we're partnering with Savers to collect donations—and if we hit our goal, it could mean a significant contribution toward the students’ expenses.

8th Grade Students are completing their Civics Action Projects and would love support for the following events:

BEACH CLEAN UP DAY AT FRONT AND BACK BEACHES IN ROCKPORT

Volunteers needed for Front/Back Beach Clean-Up on Sunday, May 18 from 12-2 pm. We need LOTS of help to get plastic off our beaches and out of our oceans! Students received an email from Mrs. Herrmann with a sign up form, but you can just show up! Gloves and other supplies will be provided, but wear shoes that can get sandy and wet.

FORM

SUPPLY DRIVE TO SUPPORT CAPE ANN ANIMAL AID (MAY 8-16)

We are collecting donations of the following items:

• Pet food (canned and dry)

• Pet supplies (leashes/harnesses, collars, toys, treats, litter, blankets, towels and bedding, cleaning supplies, etc.)

FOOD DRIVE TO SUPPORT THE OPEN DOOR FOOD PANTRY (MAY 12-27)

• Canned and boxed items (no glass please)

• Items most needed: peanut butter, tuna, tomato sauce, healthy snacks

RMHS Where? What? When? Community Calendar

Hello students, teachers, and parents! Check out this new student created website! RMHS Where? What? When? is a student created website. Students can find it in the rpk12s.org bookmarks or use this link: wwwsite.rpk12s.org to get to the website.

Motif #1 Day 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run

Date: Saturday, May 17th

Location: Rockport, MA

Time: 5K starts at 9, 1 Mile starts at 10

Join us for the 13th annual Motif #1 Day 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run—a Rockport tradition that brings together students, teachers, alumni, and community members for a day of fun, fitness, and school spirit!

All proceeds support health and wellness programs in Rockport Public Schools, helping provide fitness opportunities and resources for students.

Want to run, volunteer, or learn more?

Visit: runsignup.com/motif

We hope you can make it

To simplify the process for families, we have streamlined all communications to run through the RMHS Main Office. Please use the main number for routine inquiries: 978-546-1234. For a more detailed chart of counselors, and other support personnel, please use the chart above to help navigate the team available to support you.

Check out COLLEGE COURSES for Summer & Fall:

North Shore Community College is offering a FREE Early College course this summer from July 7th to August 16th. The class, MAT143: Introduction to Statistics, is being held in person on the Lynn Campus, Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00am-12:00pm. See Guidance for more information. Seats are limited!

Salem State University is offering students the opportunity to enroll in Dual Enrollment courses with Salem State. Applications are available in Guidance or use the link to the program details, course availability, and application:

https://www.salemstate.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/Dual_Enrollment_Application_23_WEB_FILL.pdf

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) is offering a FREE Summer 2025 Dual Enrollment program for high school juniors who have 3.0+ GPA. MCLA’s Dual Enrollment program provides Massachusetts juniors with the opportunity to earn college credit completely free and take courses online. Explore Summer 2025 Dual Enrollment Courses. If you have any questions, please contact Madeleine McKeon at Madeleine.McKeon@mcla.edu. Two summer sessions: Session A starts on May 21 and Session B starts on July 7, 2025.

Seniors - Class of 2025:

• Seniors:

• Update your Naviance accounts with college admission decisions, if applicable.

• Pay all debts: AP Exams, Class Dues, Cafeteria

• Mark your calendars for all your exciting upcoming events!

Juniors - Class of 2026:

• Stop by Guidance for your printed copy of your Fall 2025 PSAT Score Report.

Sophomores - Class of 2027:

• Bring your Chromebook or laptop to the next FLEX Explore class on Day 3 -- we will be working in Naviance on career and college exploration!

All High School Students:

• Community Service Opportunities: The Rockport Memorial Day Parade needs volunteers to help with refreshments! Please see Ms. Price or Ms. Vavruska for more information. All students need 50 hours of community service to graduate. Please visit the Community Service page on the website for additional opportunities!

Please see the chart below for a breakdown of counseling assignments at the high school level. The alphabet breakdown is based upon student last name:

Being in school and on time are extremely important to your child's success. When students attend school regularly and arrive on time, they stay engaged in their learning, build strong relationships, and develop solid study habits. Please help us by making sure your child gets to school on time each day. The cafeteria and library are open at 7:00 am and free breakfast is available in the cafeteria for all students. The main hallways and classrooms open at 7:25 am.

The school campus is closed to the public when school is in session and after 10:00pm nightly. This includes the use of the tennis courts, track, playgrounds, athletic fields and all other parts of the campus. This does not include families and community members attending school events in our schools or on our school grounds. We appreciate the community's understanding and support as we continue to prioritize the safety of RPS students and staff.

Breakfast is an important way to start a productive day. We encourage all students to arrive early enough to get breakfast before school begins if possible. For those students not able to get to school early on any given day, we will provide a set time in the morning to be sure breakfast is accessible to all. Breakfast and lunch continue to be free for students this year.