March 2025

Dear RHHS Families,

As we close the books on Quarter 3, we are officially in the home stretch of the school year. While the end is in sight, there is still much work to be done across all grade levels to finish strong.

For our seniors, this is a pivotal time. Students are working hard to secure their diplomas, finalize community service hours, and of course, keep an eye on the exciting senior activities that lie ahead. It's an important time to stay focused while making the most of these last few months at RHHS.

Our juniors are gearing up for the SAT on April 2nd, and we encourage all students to continue preparing and do their best on this important exam. The results will help guide their next steps as they approach senior year. For sophomores, the course selection process for their junior year is completed, and it’s a crucial time for students to reflect on their academic goals and plan for the next phase of their high school journey. And our freshmen are wrapping up their first year of high school! They’re working hard to earn the credits needed to successfully transition to 10th grade. It’s been a year of growth and adjustment, and they’re showing great resilience.

Meanwhile, the spring sports season is underway, and athletes are excited to compete and represent RHHS. There’s so much happening, and it’s a great reminder that while we are in the final stretch, there is still a lot to finish, and plenty of opportunities for growth, achievement, and success.

As we move forward, my advice to all students is: Don’t count the days, make the days count. There’s still plenty of time to achieve great things, and I know our students are up for the challenge!

Thank you for your continued support, and let’s finish the year strong!

Sincerely,
John Fote
Principal, Rocky Hill High School

Art: Kaitlyn Pereau

Business: Catherine Miano

English: Ela Elevulu

Math: Supriya Pandey

Music: Rutheeksha Satheeshkumar

P.E./ Health: Hunter Manning

Science: Abigail Plage

Social Studies: Aiden Sateri

Technology Education: Dedeepya Kollipakula

World Languages: Olivia Roderick

R.O.C.K: Zayla Blackler

The Model UN team is hosting its first every Model UN Conference on April 27 at RHHS.

Senior Kaitlyn Pereau’s beautiful sculpture was selected for a national exhibition and sent to Salt Lake City for display. Yesterday, the award ceremony took place. Since the event is always held so far away, the organizers kindly recorded the presentations and artworks. Attached is the Youtube Video for you to view--just click the link. If you fast forward to around the 4:12 mark, you’ll see Kaitlyn’s piece featured, along with an exciting surprise: she was awarded an additional cash prize!

Please join me in congratulating Kaitlyn on this incredible achievement!

On Friday, March 21st, members of the RHHS HOSA chapter traveled to Naugatuck Community College along with over 295 students from around the state to attend the State Leadership Conference. Students attended workshops focused on leadership skills, diagnosing patients in developing worlds, autism in health care, allied health degrees and more. Additionally, students participated in competitive events including presentations and skills evaluation. Their preparation for these events paid off as many qualified for an invitation to the international event which will be held in Nashville, TN at the Gaylord Opryland Convention from June 18-21.

Presentations:

Health Career Display

1st Place: Dhviti Dhruve and Anya Patel

Community Awareness:

2nd Place: Divya Kondapalli and Ashika Sharma

Mental Health Promotion

3rd Place: Ganesh Karthik and Srikari Kurada

Skills:

Emergency Medical Technician

2nd Place: Sarah Girach and Anushka Jani

Academic Testing Competency:

Biology:

2nd Place: Alina Jose

Placed top 5: Serah Jose

Anatomy and Physiology:

2nd Place: Renee Creedon

3rd Place: Samantha Morello

Behavioral Health Placed top 5: Manas Ghanta

Manas Ghanta was elected to the President-Elect leadership position for the State of Connecticut HOSA chapter. Congratulations Manas and all of the members who participated in the conference.

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.

Tardy due to medical/dental appointments- If your student is late due to a medical or doctors appointment please provide documentation from the provider to support this.

If you have any questions, please contact the nurse Renee Garrahy, RN or Aimee Staggers, RN at 860-258-7620.

To streamline our attendance reporting process, we are introducing a new method for reporting daily student absences, effective April 1st.

Attendance regulations for full and half year classes and credit information.

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 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.

The Spring Sport season has started and all student athletes are gearing up for the first contest of the season in their respective seasons in baseball, softball, lacrosse, track and tennis. Come out and support RHHS athletics this spring. The RHHS athletic awards ceremony is scheduled for all 2024-2025 RHHS athletes and parents at all levels (Freshman, JV and Varsity) is in June.

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.

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

RHHS Writing Center

Rocky Hill High School's peer-led Writing Center is now open! The Writing Center is staffed by 37 Writing Collaborators. 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.

RHHS Peer Tutoring Lab

Rocky Hill High School's Peer Tutoring Lab is now open! The Peer Tutoring Lab is staffed by 48 National Honor Society members. The Peer Tutoring Lab is located in the library mezzanine and is open every day, periods 2-9. Students can access the Peer Tutoring Lab Appointment Request Form via their Google Classrooms to book appointments.

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

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.