October 2024
Message From the Principal
Message from the Principal
Dear Rocky Hill High School Community,
As we transition into October, I want to take a moment to reflect on the exciting progress we've made this school year and highly encourage you to read through all the great things happening at RHHS. With each passing month, I am continually inspired by our students’ dedication, our teachers’ commitment, and the support from our families.
October brings not only a change in seasons but also numerous opportunities for growth and engagement. This month, we look forward to events that celebrate our school spirit, foster learning, and strengthen our community ties. Students are anxiously awaiting the great events at RHHS, including Spirit Week and the Homecoming Dance to name a few.
I encourage everyone to stay involved and make the most of these opportunities. Together, we can continue to create a vibrant environment where every student can thrive.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and here’s to a fantastic October!
Warm Regards,
Mr. John Fote, Principal
Rocky Hill High School Schedules
October School Schedule
Daily Bell Schedule
October Schedule
Dates to Remember
Student Of The Month
Art: Brody Connors
Business: Sumea Keskic
English: Swarra Sadavarte
Family & Consumer Science: Lucy Criscoulo
Math: Samvarth Shiva
Music: Grace Tangney
P.E./ Health: Bi Bi Hanifi
Science: Harper Schramm Kelley
Social Studies: Ryan O'Connell
Technology Education: David Martin
World Languages: Kaitlyn Dionne
R.O.C.K: Jenna MacDonald
What's Happening at RHHS
National Student Leadership Summit
This summer, Idhaant Bhosle had an incredible opportunity to represent our state at the National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS) in Indianapolis. Over four days, Idhaant connected with student leaders from across the country and gained insights into our education system. The leadership sessions were especially transformative, providing valuable skills that Idhaant can't wait to bring back to our school.
UCONN Chemistry
As the new school year kicks off, we're thrilled to share some exciting news! This summer, a project Mr. Walsh worked on was featured in the August 22nd article of "UConn Today." Our ECE chemistry students will be among the first to experience a new curriculum developed through "Quantum CT," a partnership between UConn and Yale. This initiative aims to create a K-12 curriculum that introduces students to quantum chemistry concepts, with the ultimate goal of expanding it statewide and even nationally.
While still in its early phases, our Rocky Hill students will be part of a select group of high schools participating in this pilot program. It’s an incredible opportunity for them to explore quantum concepts and technologies not typically covered in depth at the high school level. We’re excited to see how this program will benefit our students!
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship students in Mrs. Nguyen’s period 7 class prepared for a trip to NYC’s Wholesale District. This past week students spent the day walking around the NYC Wholesale District deciding what merchandise they could sell to make a profit. Students are graded on their ability to negotiate for wholesale pricing and then ultimately, price their product, market it and sell their merchandise. Furthermore, students learn to maintain accurate inventory and determine business calculations such as cost of good sold, gross profit, and return on investment. Some of you may have had the good fortune of hearing a sales pitch from some of these students!
Royal Blues Marching Band
On Saturday, September 28th the Rocky Hill Royal Blues hosted their 26th annual marching band competition. It was a great day of music, food, performance, hard work, and friendship.
Law & Order
Our School Resource Officer, Sara Raymond, spoke to Dr. Rosenberg and Mr. Bobrow's Law & Order classes on October 1st about the role police officers play in the community, how they investigate crimes, what a typical day is like, the education and training required of those who go into that line of work, and her responsibilities within the school. Her visit was part of a unit of study on the investigative process as part of the class curriculum on the criminal justice system.
Pre Med Club Field Trip
On Thursday, October 3rd, the HOSA/Premed students visited the Center for DNA-Guided Medicine in an after school field trip. Two students from Rocky Hill High School, Manas Ghanta and Alina Jose, assisted the director of the Education Programs, Mohan Kocherla, in demonstrating how DNA is extracted from a blood sample for analysis as part of the growing field of individualized medical care. This is part of a program designed to expose high school students interested in research areas such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Infectious diseases, Molecular biology and Women's health to real-life scientific applications in a well-equipped research and clinical laboratory. This was the first of a series of health care career explorations planned by the club this year.
The Nurse Says...
Emergency Medications- Please make sure all emergency medications and emergency health care plans are up to date in the Health Office. If you have not picked up your plan, please stop by the Health Office. If you carry medication, it must be approved by the school nurse. This needs to be done annually.
MEDICATIONS SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN IN THE CLASSROOM UNLESS APPROVED BY THE SCHOOL NURSE. THIS INCLUDES OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS SUCH AS TYLENOL OR ADVIL. If your student needs to take medication during school, please contact the Health Office for the correct process and forms.
In School Illness-If a student becomes ill during the school day, they should report to the Health Office and be evaluated by a nurse. The nurse will then contact parents/guardians for proper dismissal from school.
Mandatory Physicals -10th graders, please be on the lookout for a notification from the nurse regarding your mandatory school physical. Students must submit a health assessment in either 9th or 10th grade per state requirements. If you are in need of one, a letter will be mailed home. Please submit it ASAP if you were notified.
Sports Physicals - Athletes, please make sure your sports physicals are up to date with the school nurse. The State of Connecticut Health Assessment Health Assessment Record record is used for the form. You are not eligible for participation if your physical has expired. Physicals can be submitted by email to garrahyr@rockyhillps.com or staggersa@rockyhillps.com or faxed to 860-258-7646. Also, please make sure you are registered for the sport well in advance of the season starting.
If you have any questions, please contact the nurse Renee Garrahy, RN or Aimee Staggers, RN at 860-258-7620.
Absence Information
If your child will be absent from school, please use the following Google Form to submit the absence to the school office. No follow up note is needed if this form is submitted for your child's first 9 absences of the school year. Please use the password that was sent to you from the principal's office in August in order to access the Google Form. Keep in mind credit loss is determined by the Attendance committee.
Absence Form: https://forms.gle/uDtwLJqKoev2QGYJA
Counseling Corner
School Counseling Office
We recommend you getting to know your school counselor as they are important to your academic journey at RHHS. The counselors names and assignments are as follows. Any question please contact the school counseling department at 860-258-7724.
Students with the last names ending:
Class of 2025 - 2027, Mrs. Notarangelo A - D
Class of 2025 - 2027, Mrs. Carbutti E - K
Class of 2025 - 2027, Mrs. Bikowski L - Rf
Class of 2025 - 2027, Mrs. Russell Rg - Z
Class of 2028, Mrs. Notarangelo A - F
Class of 2028, Mrs. Carbutti G - L
Class of 2028, Mrs. Bikowski M - Per
Class of 2028, Mrs. Russell Pet - Z
School Counseling Instagram: rhhs_schoolcounseling
Graduation Requirements
Graduation takes place every year for all students that are able to satisfy all RHBOE requirements over the duration of their high school career. In order to meet graduation requirements, students will need 25 course credits and 50 hours of community service by the end of their senior year.
UCONN ECE Registration
Students enrolled in a UConn ECE class at RHHS have the opportunity to earn UConn credit by registering between September 16 - October 16, 2024 (the deadline also includes students enrolled in a spring class). Please see Instructions for more information. Once initially registered, parents must provide consent and payment for registration to be finalized. This deadline cannot be extended, as it is a UConn ECE deadline.
Advanced Placement (AP) Registration
Students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) classes must register to order an exam. Please see letter and registration form for more information. The preferred ordering deadline is October 16, 2024. The cost is $99 per exam.
College Representative Visits
Representatives from colleges come to RHHS to meet with students. This is a great opportunity to get more information and to ask specific questions since these representatives are typically the people reviewing your applications. If interested in attending, go to Naviance > Colleges > Research Colleges > College Visits. Please come to Guidance for a pass PRIOR to the visit - your teacher must sign the pass for you to attend the meeting.
Financial Aid Night
The School Counseling Department is hosting a Financial Aid information session presented by a representative from CHESLA on October 22, 2024 at 6:00 PM in the auditorium. The FAFSA will be available around December 1, 2024.
Seniors- College Applications and Deadlines: Quick Checklist for College Applications
Please refer to the College Application Packet that was provided to all seniors at the beginning of the school-year. Forms are located on the Guidance Google Classroom and the School Counseling website.
Create resume
Ask teachers and counselors for letters of recommendation (via Naviance and with a Teacher Recommendation form)
Complete college application (typically online), along with an essay.
Optional, but if desired, request SAT or ACT scores be sent to colleges electronically
For each school, complete the Request for Transcript form and give it to your counselor two weeks before the deadline (make sure Common App and Naviance are matched).
As a reminder, November 1, 2024 is the Free Application Fee Day for Connecticut Public Universities (UConn, Central, Eastern, Southern, Western). Seniors applying by November 1st should provide their Request for Transcript form to School Counselors by October 17, 2024.
PSAT Administration
All 9th, 10th and 11th graders will be taking the PSAT on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. More information and a revised schedule will be provided prior to the PSAT administration.
PSAT letter 2024
ASVAB
For Interested Juniors and Seniors: The ASVAB test is free of charge and is offered to high school and post-secondary students as a part of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. The test measures your skills and interests in a number of different areas to predict success in specific careers and will provide students with the tools to learn more about potential careers and career planning, in both the civilian and military worlds of work. The test will be held on Tuesday, November 19th in the Multipurpose Room at 7:30am and will take no longer than 3 hours. If you are interested in taking the test, please let your school counselor know so that we can register you. **Your scores will not be shared with military recruiters, but if you wish, you may share these scores on your own.**
Rocky Hill High School Athletics
Season Summary
Football:
- RHHS Football's remaining games are against Tolland, Plainville, East Catholic, Northwest, Avon and away against Cromwell on November 27th at 6:00 PM.
Boys Soccer:
- The Boys Soccer team is giving their all. They have a few games remaining and will have their senior day on October 22 at 3:45 PM against New Britain.
Girls Soccer:
- The Girls Soccer team is battling against some of the best teams the CCC has to offer. The girls are playing hard and are primed to finish the season strong.
Volleyball:
- The girls volleyball team continues to battle in every contest. They have played against the elite teams. Come out and support the team.
Boys & Girls Cross Country:
- The Boys & Girls Cross Country team is having one of the best seasons in team history. The team is off to another strong start after winning the State Championship last season. They look to compete again with the upcoming CCC and State Tournaments.
Girls Swimming & Diving:
- The Girls Swimming & Diving team has wrapped up a good regular season with many swimmers and divers improving their times and scores. They look to finish the season strong and improve every day.
Golf:
- The Golf team is priming for the end of the season tournaments. RHHS golfer, Tyson Asadourian recently won the GameTime CT Athlete of the Week.
Cheerleading:
- The Cheerleading team continues to work very hard and it is evident in the way they perform their routines. As the fall season is progressing they are preparing for end of the season competitions. The girls are at every football game and perform at halftime.
Unified Sports:
- The Unified Sports team is kicking off their soccer season in full force. The team has their first tournament in October at East Hartford High School. The team is also getting ready to host 40 schools at the Youth Leadership Summit in November at Rocky Hill High School.
-Mr. Joe Horvath, Athletic Director
Registration Athletics
RHHS Athletics has a strong history and tradition. Moreover, we know the value athletics has one one's high school experience and we encourage students to participate every season. The first step in being eligible to play includes meeting academic requirements, follow the student code of conduct and be willing to put the time and effort in to be a Terrier athlete.
Registration information is below:
Here are important reminders that must be completed to participate in any sport:
All sports tryouts will be published before each season on the Athletics Page of Rocky Hill High School Website. Individual sport practice times and locations will be determined and communicated by our head coaches.
All student-athletes must have a current valid physical and it must be on file with the health office prior to the first tryout date. Physicals are valid for 13 months after the examination date.
All players may be required to complete neurocognitive concussion testing, which will be coordinated with each head coach by our Athletic Trainer.
Athletic registration can be found on our Rocky Hill High School website. You may register for all three seasons at once. To register, find the link entitled “Athletic Registration” which is located halfway down the RHHS website https://rhhs.rockyhillps.com
There will be further meetings with our coaches, who will be able to give a more in-depth overview of their programs and answer any questions that may arise. Contact information for fall head coaches can be found below on this page. It is the responsibility of the parents and student-athletes to check the school website and their personal school email throughout the summer for information in regards to their sport.
Clubs and Activities
RHHS is proud of the selection of clubs and extracurricular activities it has to offer students. With over 30+ clubs and activities opportunities students are able to be part of the RHHS school community through their interests, hobbies and activities. Student participation is strongly encouraged as RHHS clubs and activities remain a vital part of RHHS overall experience and meeting new friends. Students who have a strong desire to start up a new club or activity are encouraged to do as long as they complete an application and have a staff member who is willing to supervise the club or activity.
Click HERE to see a list of clubs offered at the high school.
Yearbook
Class Information
Please pay attention to the following information about class dues. All students owe $160 for class dues, which are used to help defray activity expenses, such as Class Night and Senior Picnic. Since dues are applied to Senior activities, all students, regardless of when they enter RHHS, are required to pay the full amount. All students are afforded the opportunity to fundraise to reduce these dues to avoid any financial burdens that may occur. All money is placed in the Student Activity Fund, and receipts are issued upon payment of dues. Receipts are required as proof of payment. Information regarding the collection of dues and each year’s activities will be sent home by the class advisors during the first quarter.
Students will not be able to attend events such as Class Night and Senior Picnic if their dues are not paid for by the end of Quarter 3 in their senior year. While class dues total $160 for senior year activities, a payment plan of $40 per year is required. Students who are not up to date on their due payments can not participate in certain class events, such as running for a class office. Please note that dues will not be applied towards proms, and there will be additional ticket costs to cover prom expenses.
Class dues are a total of $160. To make dues more affordable, we ask that you pay $40 each year and not wait until your Senior year to pay your dues in full. However, you are more than welcome to pay them in full at any time. Cash or checks can be given to your homeroom teachers or directly to one of your advisors. Please make checks payable to RHHS SAF (your student's graduation year). You may also pay online via My Payment Plus.
Remember, to help offset class expenses, you may choose to participate in one or more of the two school-wide fundraisers held each year. The more we sell as a whole school, the more individual profit you make.
More information on fundraisers will be coming out soon.
Class Google Classroom Codes:
Seniors: 5kqlhdj
Juniors:5hlyeee
Sophomores: cgyzyj7
Freshman: jf3ez3j
Tutoring Services
RHHS Writing Center
Rocky Hill High School's peer-led Writing Center is now open! The Writing Center is staffed by 37 Writing Collaborators. These students participated in a Writing Center Training Program on Friday, September 27, 2024 and are excited to work with their peers at all stages of the writing process. The Writing Center is located in the library mezzanine and is open every day, periods 2-9. Students can access the Writing Center Appointment Request Form via their English Google Classrooms to book appointments. Additionally, the Peer tutoring is run by the National Honor Society. The serve to help students learn and achieve their academic goals. Students can obtain help with any subject area. It is conveniently open every period. Students can take advantage during their lunch and study halls period.
New in the Library
In today's digital age, it’s essential for EVERYONE to distinguish fact from fiction online. With rampant clickbait, biased opinions, and false information, teaching kids critical thinking skills is crucial.
Encourage them to ask key questions about content they encounter, such as the creator's motives and the trustworthiness of the source.
Equip them with strategies to identify misinformation, including verifying sources, checking for credible outlets, and using tools like Snopes.
Attached is an article “How to Help Kids Spot Misinformation and Disinformation”
from CommonSense Media that offers more details on engaging with news and social media more safely and thoughtfully.
Terrier Talk
PAC Information
The first meeting of the Parent Advisory Council is back in action! Meetings are scheduled for the second Monday of each month virtually. Parents will be able to sign up for virtual meetings by emailing Mr. Fote. The purpose of the RHHS PAC is to create and maintain a strong school to family/community partnership. Please email any questions regarding PAC to fotej@rockyhillps.com.
Google meet information. All virtual meetings start at 6:00PM.
Link: meet.google.com/kaf-ovhb-xzu
Meeting Dates:
October 21
November 11
December 9
January 13
February 10
March 10
April 14
May 12
Food Services
This school year Sodexo is working to partner with local farms to bring in local products to the school menu. Please reach out to Lianne Xenophontos if you have any questions regarding the School Lunch Program.
Email: Xenophontosl@rockyhillps.com
RHHS Vision of the Graduate
Rocky Hill High School's promise is to deliver the very best education that prepares students to achieve their own individual excellence. Within an emotionally safe environment, educators will foster students' academic, social and personal growth. We believe Rocky Hill graduates are:
Leaders
Life Long Learners
Communicators
Civic minded citizens
Thinkers
During the school year, teachers will be incorporating the Vison of the Graduate attributes in the courses they teach.
PowerSchool
PowerSchool is an important mode of communication at RHHS and it allows parents/guardians access to real time information regarding their child. For first-time users, you will need to create an account. For returning users, school administration recommends viewing and updating household information, contact information and cellphone/text options. Detailed instructions can be accessed on the district website, Powerschool Information.
Archives
Notice of Non Discrimination:
The Rocky Hill Board of Education prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, military or veteran’s status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation and past or present learning disability, physical disability, or mental disorder. The Rocky Hill Board of Education provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Rocky Hill Board of Education guarantees compliance under Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments Acts of 1973, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991, and Connecticut General Statutes 46a-60. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Amy K. Stevenson, Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services, 761 Old Main St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067, 860-258-7705. For further information on non-discrimination, please visit:
https://www.hhs.gov/ for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.