Happy Friday, RMHS Students and Families,

I hope you had a wonderful week. It's hard to believe we are half way through March as we look forward to a number of culminating events ahead. This past Thursday, we kicked off the Spring concert season with the Choral Summit in the Auditorium. Kudos to our fabulous vocalists for putting on a fantastic show for us all to enjoy🎶🎼🎤.

At this past week's Assemblies, we had the opportunity to learn more from the students who attended the service trip to the Dominican Republic a few weeks ago. Their genuine stories and lessons learned from the trip were life-changing and we appreciate them taking the time to share their experiences with the larger community. In addition, the music crew presented a bit more about their upcoming 2027 trip to Croatia/Slovenia.

RMS ended the week with another Spirit month theme, honoring Pie Day with a number of fun math-themed experiences. Looking ahead at next week, we are excited to host our final Principal/Family Partnership series event titled, Kids Who Thrive: The Key to Raising Confident & Resilient Children, to be held this coming Thursday, March 20th at 6pm via Zoom. Please see the flyer below for more details, including a Zoom link to attend the event.

The Class of 2027 will be hosting the annual Semi-Formal dance on Saturday, March 22nd at the Elks. Please see below for more details on the event if you have signed up to attend.

Here's to a great week ahead!

-Ms. Rose

Tuesday, March 18th: No HS Assembly. HS Assembly has been moved to Wednesday this week. HS Students should report to WIN block on Tuesday.

Wednesday, March 19th: HS Assembly. Students attending the semi-formal will stay in the Auditorium for a brief, mandatory meeting w/Ms. Rose after Assembly.

Thursday, March 20th: MS Assembly

Thursday, March 20th: NHS Blood Drive

Saturday, March 22th: Semi Formal @ the Elks (See details below)

Tuesday, March 25th - Wednesday, March 26th: ELA MCAS Grade 10

Tuesday, March 25th - No HS Assembly Block due to MCAS

Thursday, March 27th - Friday, March 28th: RMS Spring Theater Production @ 7pm

Friday, March 28th: MS Assembly

Saturday, March 29th: RMS Spring Theater Production @ 2:00pm

Tuesday, April 1st - Wednesday, April 2nd: ELA MCAS Grades 6-8

Tuesday, April 1st: RMS Band, Chorus, Orchestra Concert @ 6:30 (RMHS)

Thursday, April 3rd: RHS Band, Chorus, Orchestra Concert @ 6:30 (RMHS)

Friday, April 4th: Q3 Ends

Monday, April 7th: Q4 Starts

Tuesday, April 8th: RMS Jazz & Small Ensemble Concert @ 6:30 (Shalin Liu)

Wednesday, April 9th: RHS Jazz & Small Ensemble Concert @ 6:30 (Shalin Liu)

Friday, April 11th: Report Cards

Wednesday, April 16th: NHS Induction @ 7:00 (Shalin Liu)

Friday, April 18th: 1/2 day

Monday, April 21st - Friday, April 25th: Spring Vacation

Monday, April 28th: Wecome Back

Monday, April 28th - Tuesday, April 29th: RMS Math MCAS

Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga, far left, and local high school students, from second from left, Ella Katherine Silver, Elizabeth Davis McKinnon, Emily Eve Hannibal, Jane Carmelita Herrmann, Martin Emerson Baum, Leah Smullin, and Eleanor Connolly, who were honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution Cape Ann Chapter.

Juniper McCoy distinguished herself earlier this week by outspelling more than half of her competitors at the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee in Lynn. Congratulations Juniper! 🐝📚

Please use the following resources to guide your process:

• RHS Course Selection Night PowerPoint Presentation 2025

• RHS Program of Studies 2025-2026

• RHS Course Selection Quick Reference Guide 2025

• Aspen Student Tutorial Video

• Project Lead the Way Video

Please save the dates for more information to come:

• March 14th - March 24th: If you haven't already selected your elective requests in Aspen, please do so as soon as possible. Counselors will review all recommendations in Aspen to assure that a comprehensive schedule of courses has been requested for the purposes of building a master schedule.

• Early June 2025: RHS schedules will be released to students and families. At that time, students will have an opportunity to make any level or elective changes with their Guidance Counselor.

In January, we proudly sponsored a Zoom evening for families on talking to our children about drugs, alcohol, and vaping. The event was sponsored by BLOOM who have generously put together a video of the event for you to view if you were unable to attend.

YouTube Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIZjnAjOPqQ

Google Drive with Video Asset:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S4HpY3q-Ib8BKHfIAhiJ6voql3uNazEE/view?usp=sharing

We hope you will join us for our final session of the year scheduled for Thursday, March 20th at 6pm via Zoom. The topic of this session is "The Gift of Failure. Cultivating a Culture of Resiliency and Trust." Stay tuned for more information to come.

RMS presents two one-act plays: “Game of Tiaras” and “Chairs”.

Performances will be held on March 27th and 28 that 7:00 pm and March 29th at 2:00 pm in the John Lane Auditorium. Tickets are available at the door. They are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

Grade 10 ELA MCAS is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25th & Wednesday, March 26th

Grades 6-8 MCAS is scheduled for Tuesday, April 1st & Wednesday, April 2nd

Grades 6-8 Math MCAS is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29th & Wednesday, April 30th

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.

Mrs. Favazza, middle school computer science and engineering teacher, is competing to become the 2025 "America's Favorite Teacher." The grand prize includes cool stuff like a trip to Hawaii, money, and a feature in Reader's Digest, but also (drumroll please...) an assembly for their school with Bill Nye!!! Anyone with a facebook account can vote for free once each day through the elimination phase, and she'll move on to the finals if she's in first place in her group as of April 3rd. She is currently in 1st place. Please vote, share, and vote again! https://americasfavteacher.org/2025/alexandria-favazza

The National Honor Society blood drive on Thursday March 20th from 8:30AM-2:10PM is now open for appointments.

Appointments can be scheduled online every 20 minutes and there are 32 slots available.

Please note that the drive will be closed from 11:30-12:30 for staff lunches, and you’ll see that it is already blocked on the schedule.

Here is the direct link to your appointment schedule: https://www.halfpints.childrenshospital.org/index.cfm?group=op&step=2&opid=7782&opidh=0D38A3004A1D6E619CEFCA09FA8530D1&idt=45712.5858796

Donors can also enter the Sponsor Code: ROCKHS on their website: www.bostonchildrens.org/halfpints

Tickets will be on sale during lunches, before/after school and during WIN blocks over the coming weeks. Please see a class of 2027 officer to buy your tickets. If you plan to bring someone from outside of the district, you must pick up a permission form at the ticket table or in the main office and have it approved PRIOR to purchasing your tickets.

RHS Semi-Formal - Information for Attendees

Dates, Times & Logistics:

• Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025

• Location: The Gloucester Elks

• Transportation: Students must take the bus that is arranged through RHS. Students should arrive at RHS no later than 6:00pm.

• The semi-formal ends at 10:00pm, with an expected return to school by approximately 10:30 pm.

• Additional Expectations (to be discussed at the mandatory meeting prior to the event):

• All students must be in school and on time on Friday, March 21st in order to attend the semi-formal. If you have any issue with this, please see Ms. King in advance to discuss your specific situation.

• In accordance with the Rockport High School Student/Parent Handbook, the RHS administration will administer a brief breathalyzer test to all students and will search any bags as a condition of admission to the event in order to help us foster a safe environment for students and guests.

We understand that the transition to a middle/high school this coming year comes with a shift in contact information. 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 below to help navigate our new team of people and systems.

Seniors - Class of 2025:

• Seniors, Scholarship due dates are quickly approaching!!! All In-House Scholarships are due by Friday, March 21 at 3:00 and all Outside Scholarships have their own due dates. If you have any questions or need help applying please see Mrs. Connelly in the Guidance office.

• Seniors who have applied to college, please update your Naviance accounts with your admission decisions. On the “Colleges I am applying to” page, click the pencil icon next to each college you need to update, add the decision (admit, deny, waitlist, etc.), and “save” the information.

Juniors - Class of 2026:

Career Readiness FLEX classes will be held this quarter. Come prepared with your charged Chromebook or laptop. Using Naviance, complete your self-exploration and career interest finder surveys. Also, please work on your Uniqueness/Brag Sheet Google Form.

All High School Students:

• RHS Course Override request forms are due to Guidance by Wednesday, March 19, by 3:00 pm. Counselors are available to support the course selection process.

• Save the Date! NACAC Boston National College Fair March 27 and 28, 2025

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) invites students, parents, and counselors to explore the college search process at the NACAC National College Fair in Boston held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. and Friday, March 28, 2025 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. The fair will be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

Complete information about the fair, including free student registration, can be found at https://www.nacacattend.org/25Boston.

• Community Service Opportunities

The Homework Club needs Homework Helpers to work with RMS students in the RMHS Library after school from 2:15-3:00 pm. Contact Michelle Elwell at melwell@rpk12.org.

Please visit the new Community Service page on the website for other suggested opportunities and community service forms. Opportunities are also posted on the bulletin board outside of Guidance or stop into Guidance with any questions.

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:

1. Upcoming events:

*April 3rd Family Arts & Crafts Night

*May 17th Vikings Donuts at Brothers Brew

2. Thank you to our RPS families for your continuous donations throughout our school year! Always email with any questions ptorockport@gmail.com!

Thanks!

Rockport PTO

RHS Jr/Sr. Prom - Friday, May 16th, 2025 @ Spinellis

Senior Showcase: Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 @ Rockport Music Shalin Liu

Senior Banquet - Wednesday, May 28, 2025 @ The Elks at Bass Rocks

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.

https://rockportlibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/virtual-2/

SAVE THE DATE -

“Save the date for the 4th annual Northeast Region Assistive Technology Fair! This free event on April 30 is your chance to learn about a range of assistive technology products from 30 vendors and to see how assistive technology enables people to live productive, meaningful, and dignified lives.

The event will take place at Liberty Tree Mall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are thrilled to partner with the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services on this great event.

Visit the event site to register: https://ow.ly/yszw50UKpCF “