ROCKLAND HIGH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Midterm exams began on Friday. They will continue after the long weekend through Thursday, January 23, which also marks the end of term 2. Please be aware that during midterm exams, school begins at 9:00 AM. Students may report to school at normal time (for instance, bus students) and can report to the cafeteria or the library. Breakfast will be available to students.

Next week, students will take two midterms each day Tuesday through Thursday, one in the morning from 9:15 - 11:00 AM and one in the afternoon from 12:35 - 2:20 PM. There will be a lunch and study block in between exams. Students will be dismissed from school at 2:20 PM. Students having a study during an exam block can come in after the first exam (11:00) or leave before the second exam (12:30) without a dismissal. Please refer to the attached schedule.

Five Rockland Music Students attend the 2025 SEMMEA Festival

Five Rockland music students participated in the 2025 Southeastern Massachusetts Music Educators Association (SEMMEA) Music Festival, joining top musicians from the region in honor ensembles like concert band, orchestra, chorus, and jazz. After a rigorous audition process, these talented students rehearsed with guest conductors and peers from various schools, culminating in a public performance celebrating musical excellence and teamwork.

Here are the students and the groups they participated in:

• Liam Ryan (Mixed Choir)

• Lil Bossie (Treble Choir)

• John Vaz (Mixed Choir)

• Isabella Cara (Treble Choir)

• Tri Nguyen (Mixed Choir)

This achievement highlights the dedication of our music program and provides invaluable opportunities for growth and recognition. We are proud of our students’ success and their contribution to this prestigious event.

On Monday, January 13th, the Rockland English Department held their 20th annual Poetry Out Loud competition. Tied for 4th place were Corinne Medford and Kade Meade. Third place went to Regan Glennon. In second place was Nicole Cedrone and taking home first place was junior Kat Maynard-DaSilva. All competitors did a fantastic job. Kat will be representing Rockland High School at the regional semifinals in March.

This is a program that allows students to "shop" for prom attire for free. The event will take place at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston on March 22. See the attached sign up information.

The SSTI Firefighter Cadet Program is a free program that provides training for juniors and seniors interested in a career in firefighting. Classes are held at South Shore Vo Tech. Please see the attached flyer for additional details.

1/20 - No school, Martin Luther King Jr. Day

1/21-1/23 - Midterm exams - see schedule

1/23 - Term 2 grades close, semester 1 ends

1/24 - Term 3 begins

1/25 (Saturday)- Midterm makeups 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

1/28 - Site Council meeting, 7:30 AM

1/30 - Term 2 grades available in Aspen (afternoon)

2/4 - Department Head meeting, 2:50 PM

2/6 - Early Release PD Day, 11:25 AM dismissal

2/11 - Senate Leadership Council meeting, 7:30 AM

2/12 - New Teacher Induction meeting, 2:50 PM

2/13 - Dog Block, 10:42 - 11:28 AM

2/17 - 2/21 - February Vacation

2/25 - Site Council meeting, 7:30 AM

ALL STUDENTS

Semester 2 will begin on Thursday, January 24th. If a student wants to request a Semester 2 elective change, they should see their Guidance Counselor - the sooner the better, as no paperwork is required before 1-24.

Beginning on January 24th, students will be required to fill out a schedule request change form (which will be available in Guidance) and if a change is possible, students will have to complete a drop/add sheet. Again, requests for changes made before 1-24 will not require paperwork. Requests for changes will only be accepted until Tuesday, January 28th at 2:00 p.m.

We cannot change academic or full-year courses to accommodate a semester elective change. Electives are limited, so we may be unable to make any changes, but we are happy to see what is available.

SENIORS

Mid-year grades (Terms 1 & 2) will be sent to all the “Colleges Applied to” in SCOIR (not your Common App). Please make sure your SCOIR application list is accurate and up to date.

Mid-year grades should be posted in Aspen by 3:00 PM on January 30th. GPA’s should be recalculated the next day, and mid-year grades will be sent out as soon as possible thereafter.

If you get an email from a college requesting mid-year grades, be assured that they will be sent See your Guidance counselor with any questions.

If you have submitted a college application - congrats! If you are still in the process, be aware of application deadlines. Here is an article with next steps after applying (nope, you’re not done!).

Be sure to check your email frequently - colleges will email you with information and instruct you to set up a student portal. You will likely need to do this for EACH school you apply to. Here is a document you can use (or adjust it for your needs) to keep track of all your accounts (make a copy and then you can edit).

Be aware of financial aid form deadlines for colleges. Any student planning to continue their education after high school must file the FAFSA. Please refer to previous emails and your Guidance Google classroom for FAFSA resources.

Repeating from last week's newsletter:

Norovirus is a highly contagious intestinal virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Illness usually lasts two to three days and happens after contact with infected surfaces or people. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported recently that there has been an increase in cases in the state.

What to do if someone in your home is sick with vomiting and diarrhea:

• Isolate them and have as little contact as possible.

• Wear gloves to clean up after them and then wash your hands.

• Take trash outside to avoid contact.

• Wash your hands with soap and water after contact. Hand sanitizer will not kill norovirus.

• Continuous small sips of sports drinks to help prevent dehydration.

• Reintroduce a mild diet when able. Think BRAT - bananas, rice, applesauce, toast

• Wash laundry in hot water and dry at highest heat setting

• Seek medical attention if they become dehydrated or dizzy

Norovirus can live on surfaces for days or weeks. The best ways to protect yourself are:

• Clean high touch areas (doorknobs, phones, computer keyboards, bathroom fixtures) with sanitizing wipes or bleach solution.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water - before eating, after getting home from an outing, etc. Hand sanitizer will not kill norovirus.

• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose.

Students with vomiting and/or diarrhea should stay home until 24 hours after the last incident per district policy.

Updated stories are available in The Veritas.

School Website

Aspen Student & Family Portal

Arbiter Live- Athletic Schedules

Breakfast & Lunch Menus

Next week, midterms wrap up on Thursday. Best of luck to students on their exams!

Semester courses end at the end of term 2 next Thursday, January 23. New semester course begin on the 24th, which is the start of term 3.

We are halfway through the school year and the seniors have officially begun their annual countdown in the cafeteria!

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. Have a wonderful long weekend.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Schipper

Principal