NO SCHOOL - SPRING BREAK
There is no school Monday, April 1 - Friday, April 5 due to Spring Break. Classes resume Monday, April 8.
HONORS CONVOCATION DATE CHANGE
Rochester High School’s 2019 Honors Convocation has been changed and will now be held on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the RHS Auditorium. Honors Convocation forms must now be completed and turned in to the Counseling Office no later than Wednesday, April 10. Any awards you receive notification of after the April 10 date will not be included in the program but may be announced at the ceremony. We apologize for this inconvenience and look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, May 15.
RHS RECOGNIZES STUDENTS WITH ALL A'S FIRST SEMESTER
SENIOR SCHOLAR OF DISTINCTION LEVEL STUDENTS
Congratulations to our soon to be graduating seniors. Academic recognitions that will be awarded at our Honors Convocation that include Scholars of Highest Distinction, Scholars of Distinction and Scholars of Achievement have been announced and are posted in the counseling office.
Students attaining the highest level have received a composite ACT score of 32 OR SAT composite of 1450 or higher, taken four or more AP courses and have a GPA of 3.9 or higher. Acknowledgement as a Scholar of Distinction requires a 3.8-3.899 GPA, three or more AP courses and a composite ACT of 28 OR SAT composite of 1310 or higher. Scholars of Achievement have a GPA of 3.5-3.799, taken two or more AP courses, and have a composite ACT score of 26 OR SAT composite of 1240 or higher.
Students attaining the highest level have received a composite ACT score of 32 OR SAT composite of 1450 or higher, taken four or more AP courses and have a GPA of 3.9 or higher. Acknowledgement as a Scholar of Distinction requires a 3.8-3.899 GPA, three or more AP courses and a composite ACT of 28 OR SAT composite of 1310 or higher. Scholars of Achievement have a GPA of 3.5-3.799, taken two or more AP courses, and have a composite ACT score of 26 OR SAT composite of 1240 or higher.
SCHOLARS OF HIGHEST DISTINCTION
Zeeba Ali Kaitlyn Arnold Elizabeth Bulat Haadi Fayyaz Aidan Fitzgerald Anne Gibbs Lauren Gregorio Tejas Gulur Rhea Gupta Saloni Gupta Ryan Hart Anushya Iyer Emily Jinerson Jade Kim Martha Kuitula Udit Kumar Aiden Losh Viraj Lunani Alexandra Maxim Vismay Mehta Jackson Miller Julia Mleczek Emily Nagy Noora Neiroukh Elise Osterbrink Neel A. Patel Neel M. Patel Pranav Rajaram Shreeya Ramesh Rami Sbahi Tej Seth Ishita Shukla Isaac Steenson Erica Straus Shweta Suri Nidhi Tigadi Viktor Tyberkevych Natalie Vecasey Desiree Velez Erin Wang Sai Pavan Yerra |
SCHOLARS OF DISTINCTION
Avneet Aulakh Kyle Edwards Brooke Fetterhoff Maeve Finley Noah Harris Muhammad Imtiaz Abigail Kosnik Maria Lopez Bermejo Luke Loveland Elizabeth Madarang Hyder Mahdi Allison Maresh Samantha Miller Saurav Nanderimar Diane Osterhout Lillian Plapp Violet Resh Erin Robinson Guillaume Rolland Sungyou Shin Taehoon Song Shawn Suttie Victoria Thor Ramida Vacharakajorn Justin Warner Thomas Weiss Jin Yoo |
SCHOLARS OF ACHIEVEMENT
Amna Abbas Sara Ang Wyatt Anness Adam Ayoub Janie Bailey Erik Cabalum Ellie Collins Peter Corsetti Antonio Donato Kaitlin Ducharme Alice Finlan Sophie Flater Andrew Fondaw Mason Gallagher Keaton Hansen Ava Harding Ryan Hegarty Payton Johnson Sarah Kable Britney Kim Sydney Kohrman Alexander Kuron Noah Lee Anna Lionas Mitchell Lord Emily Murphy Marissa Neely Alexis Palumbo Moises Perez Sanchez Noah Peterson Anthony Polaczek Alexander Popa Drake Reid Kush Saparia Jake Smith Mackenzie Smith Sophia Smythe Nikesh Solanki Katelyn Spangler Brandon Troy Sohini Veeramachaneni Jakob Webber Matthew Wiederhold |
SPOTLIGHT ON INSTRUCTION
Ms. Courtney Jacobs is a student teacher who is assigned to Mrs. Sarah Rosell, and she is currently teaching chemistry and block science at RHS. In mid-March, her block science class partook in a campfire lab. In this lab, multiple families who were camping at the same campsite got infected with an unknown disease. By inspecting water samples of wells, toilets, and the river, the students worked on finding out what caused this mysterious illness. They came to the conclusion that the river water was contaminated with an unspecified culprit. The students then conducted experiments on the culprit to figure out whether it was living or non-living; to do so, they used their knowledge of characteristics of life. This experiment was designed by the students, meaning they had to not only conduct it, but also create the procedure. Ms. Jacobs has used this strategy throughout the semester because, as she puts it, “[It] help[s] them to be more engaged.”
Reporting by Mariam Hanna
Reporting by Mariam Hanna
2019 HIGH SCHOOL TESTING DATES

2019 MME Assessment Plan |
If a student is seen with a cell phone once the proctor gives directions to put phones away in the testing area or during a break, whether they are using the device or not, it is a cause for immediate dismissal. The student is not eligible for a makeup. The best prevention is to encourage students NOT to bring a cell phone into the testing room at all. If allowable under school policy, collect cell phones as students enter the testing room.
SOPHOMORE CLASS HOSTS A 3 V 3 TOURNAMENT
To kick off the start to March Madness, the sophomore ambassadors organized, planned, and hosted a 3v3 basketball tournament on March 21. Coed teams of five played in a bracket-style tournament to be crowned the champion of the first RHS 3v3 March Madness tournament. Students watched some of the actual NCAA tournament in between games as well. All of the teams fought hard, were cheered on by their fans, but in the end, Buster's 2nd Worst Nightmare was victorious! Thanks to all that came, played, or watched as it was a successful event put on by the sophomore ambassadors!
RHS IN AN ALL-AMERICAN MICHIGAN BAND EVENT
Rochester High School will be represented during an all-Michigan high school band event at Western Michigan University on Thursday, April 4, 2019. An all-star ensemble will be created as part of the 51st annual Spring Conference on Wind and Percussion Music hosted by WMU’s School of Music. The 120-member Carter Pann All-Star Band will perform in Miller Auditorium.
Band directors from over 40 Michigan high schools submitted nominations for those who will play in this ensemble. The Pann All-Star Band will be conducted by Carter Pann, this year’s guest composer. Professors from the WMU School of Music selected those who will have the opportunity to participate in this all-star ensemble.
Rochester High School will be represented by Tarek Murray on tuba.
The Spring Conference on Wind and Percussion Music will conclude with an evening concert featuring University ensembles and the Carter Pann All-Star Band. The program begins at 7:30 pm in Miller Auditorium on the University’s Kalamazoo campus. It is open to the public, free of charge.
Band directors from over 40 Michigan high schools submitted nominations for those who will play in this ensemble. The Pann All-Star Band will be conducted by Carter Pann, this year’s guest composer. Professors from the WMU School of Music selected those who will have the opportunity to participate in this all-star ensemble.
Rochester High School will be represented by Tarek Murray on tuba.
The Spring Conference on Wind and Percussion Music will conclude with an evening concert featuring University ensembles and the Carter Pann All-Star Band. The program begins at 7:30 pm in Miller Auditorium on the University’s Kalamazoo campus. It is open to the public, free of charge.
HOSA AT STATE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
March 21 and 22, the Rochester HOSA team competed in Grand Rapids at the HOSA State Leadership Conference. 47 RHS students attended the conference and competed in a variety of health and medical science events. Their advisor, Ms. Shooks would like to congratulate the entire team for a successful competition and could not be prouder of their professionalism and character. A special congratulations goes out to the following students who are Top Ten State Finalists: Rami Sbahi (Dental Terminology), Rakhshan Al-Neyam and Viktor Tyberkevych (Medical Spelling), and Nidhi Tigadi and Ishita Shukla (Health Career Display).
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PTSA HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE TOILETRY COLLECTION
BPA EXCELS AT STATE CONFERENCE
The weekend of March 14-17, twenty-four Rochester BPA members went to Grand Rapids to compete at the State Conference. Here are the results:
"Broadcast News Team" (Yash Kumar, Viraj Lunani, Rami Sbahi and Tej Seth) earned 1st place.
"Economic Research Team" (Karan Arora, Vamsi Bidthanapally, Alex Korb, and Kishan Shah earned 2nd place.
Individual winners were:
Yash Kumar (2nd place) - Banking and Finance
Faizaan Mohammed (2nd place) - Advanced Office Procedures
Rishma Balkrishnan (7th place) - Visual Basic Programming
Sai Pavan Yerra (4th place) - SQL Database Fundamentals
Sanya Gupta - Bronze Medal - Admin. Support Research Concepts
Rami Sbahi - Gold Medal - Business Spelling
Rishma Balakrishnan - Silver Medal - Business Spelling
Congratulations to all of the State qualifiers and winners from RHS. You have all made RHS very proud of you.
"Broadcast News Team" (Yash Kumar, Viraj Lunani, Rami Sbahi and Tej Seth) earned 1st place.
"Economic Research Team" (Karan Arora, Vamsi Bidthanapally, Alex Korb, and Kishan Shah earned 2nd place.
Individual winners were:
Yash Kumar (2nd place) - Banking and Finance
Faizaan Mohammed (2nd place) - Advanced Office Procedures
Rishma Balkrishnan (7th place) - Visual Basic Programming
Sai Pavan Yerra (4th place) - SQL Database Fundamentals
Sanya Gupta - Bronze Medal - Admin. Support Research Concepts
Rami Sbahi - Gold Medal - Business Spelling
Rishma Balakrishnan - Silver Medal - Business Spelling
Congratulations to all of the State qualifiers and winners from RHS. You have all made RHS very proud of you.
HOST FAMILY NEEDED
Are you interested in being a host family next year for a female student from Spain? It is a wonderful opportunity to make global connections and form friendships that last a lifetime. If you are interested, please contact Beth East at beast@rochester.k12.mi.us. I am friend of Camila’s family, and am trying to help the agency ITEA place her in a Rochester home for next school year (September). Please read a little about Camila below.
My name is Camila Rojas and I’m 15 years old. I love being with my family and friends, and meeting all kinds of new people. I love to play sports, such as skiing, sailing and gymnastics. I have two cats and adore all animals. In my free time, I usually play the guitar and listen to music. I have a passion for music and theatre. I’m very interested in being exposed to new cultures and learning from them.
My name is Camila Rojas and I’m 15 years old. I love being with my family and friends, and meeting all kinds of new people. I love to play sports, such as skiing, sailing and gymnastics. I have two cats and adore all animals. In my free time, I usually play the guitar and listen to music. I have a passion for music and theatre. I’m very interested in being exposed to new cultures and learning from them.
RU FIGURE SKATING CLUB WINS STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
At the Michigan High School Figure Skating state championships in Novi, the Rochester United Figure Skating club’s “A” team (highest level) finished in first place overall, beating out 11 other teams at states, and winning first place for the first time after finishing second last year. A total of 39 skaters participated this year on the club team from Rochester, Adams, Stoney and the IA, making Rochester United also the largest team in the state.
SEAL OF BILITERACY APPLICATION
In January 2018, the Michigan Department of Education introduced the Seal of Biliteracy to recognize high school seniors who are able to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in a world language, in addition to English. This seal provides evidence of linguistic skills that are attractive to future employers and college admission offices, in addition to preparing students with 21st century skills that will benefit them in the labor market and a global society. Students may apply either in the second semester of junior year or in the first semester of senior year. This application window is open for current juniors only. In order for students to be considered for this recognition, they must meet the following criteria:
1. Students must demonstrate a proficiency level of Intermediate High (as described by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) in a world language.
2. Students must demonstrate proficiency in English by meeting MDE high school graduation requirements or its alternative.
3. English Language Learners (ELLs) must have earned a level 2.5 or higher on the ACCESS 2.0 assessment.
4. All students must fulfill the graduation requirements in all other content areas.
At this time, Rochester Community Schools is offering students the opportunity to earn the Seal based upon proficiency in any one language. In order to assess proficiency, the district will administer several state-approved assessments for students who wish to qualify. These assessments will be administered in conjunction with the Credit by Exam tests held at Stoney Creek High School on May 11th at 9:00a.m.
Registration for seniors only will be during the first semester of senior year; this registration window is for current juniors only. Registration is a two part process.
Part 1: Students must complete this online application using their RCS credentials: Seal of Biliteracy
Part 2: After completing this application, students who need to take the assessments will be sent a link to complete payment for testing. Please note that there may be a delay in receiving the link during spring break. Assessments cost $25 and must be paid for no later than April 26, 2019 or students may not test. Every effort will be made to accommodate every language spoken throughout the district, but it may not be possible to earn the Seal of Biliteracy for a language for which a commercial assessment has not been developed.
For more information on the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy, please visit the Michigan Department of Education’s website. Should any questions arise, please contact Elizabeth Arcangeli, World Language Curriculum Coordinator at earcangeli@rochester.k12.mi.us. We look forward to celebrating this impressive accomplishment with our students and staff.
What? Seal of Biliteracy testing
Who? Juniors
When? Saturday, May 11, 2019
Where? Stoney Creek High School
Cost? $25
How? Complete the online application above
1. Students must demonstrate a proficiency level of Intermediate High (as described by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) in a world language.
2. Students must demonstrate proficiency in English by meeting MDE high school graduation requirements or its alternative.
3. English Language Learners (ELLs) must have earned a level 2.5 or higher on the ACCESS 2.0 assessment.
4. All students must fulfill the graduation requirements in all other content areas.
At this time, Rochester Community Schools is offering students the opportunity to earn the Seal based upon proficiency in any one language. In order to assess proficiency, the district will administer several state-approved assessments for students who wish to qualify. These assessments will be administered in conjunction with the Credit by Exam tests held at Stoney Creek High School on May 11th at 9:00a.m.
Registration for seniors only will be during the first semester of senior year; this registration window is for current juniors only. Registration is a two part process.
Part 1: Students must complete this online application using their RCS credentials: Seal of Biliteracy
Part 2: After completing this application, students who need to take the assessments will be sent a link to complete payment for testing. Please note that there may be a delay in receiving the link during spring break. Assessments cost $25 and must be paid for no later than April 26, 2019 or students may not test. Every effort will be made to accommodate every language spoken throughout the district, but it may not be possible to earn the Seal of Biliteracy for a language for which a commercial assessment has not been developed.
For more information on the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy, please visit the Michigan Department of Education’s website. Should any questions arise, please contact Elizabeth Arcangeli, World Language Curriculum Coordinator at earcangeli@rochester.k12.mi.us. We look forward to celebrating this impressive accomplishment with our students and staff.
What? Seal of Biliteracy testing
Who? Juniors
When? Saturday, May 11, 2019
Where? Stoney Creek High School
Cost? $25
How? Complete the online application above
SPARKLE AWARDS 2019
On Wednesday, March 20th Rochester Community Schools held their 26th Annual Sparkle Awards. A Sparkle Award recognizes individuals or students who have gone above and beyond in their support and kindness toward our students with special needs. We are very happy that 27 staff members and 5 students were honored. Congratulations to Marius Achim, Gina Campbell, Manon Clavette, Amy Cosentino, Nancy Cox, Kathy Davis, Tarra Dodge, Paul Duffy, Mike Dziadzio, Frank Gollon, Sherry Harris, Jeff Hughes, Rawaa Kareem, Kris Kehren, Katie Kimball, Erika Lusky, Catherine Lykins, Laura Martin, George Myrick, Debbie Noonan, Rachel Rose, Erin Slomka, Denise Tayloe, Sarah Thomas, Keith Torok, Chantal Wolanin and Josh Wrinkle. Students: Elizabeth Bulat, Emily Conley, Alicia Perkins, Erin Robinson, Cam Wright
We are very proud to report that Emily Bulat and Alicia Perkins received a Special Recognition and Award for their selfless act of starting the RHS Friendship Basketball Game. They were both nominated by Amy Cosentino, Tarra Dodge and the many students that participated and enjoyed the event earlier this month. Congratulations to all the honorees, it was a very memorable and enjoyable evening.
We are very proud to report that Emily Bulat and Alicia Perkins received a Special Recognition and Award for their selfless act of starting the RHS Friendship Basketball Game. They were both nominated by Amy Cosentino, Tarra Dodge and the many students that participated and enjoyed the event earlier this month. Congratulations to all the honorees, it was a very memorable and enjoyable evening.
SANP UPDATE
Senior Parents – Reminder to sign up your student for the Senior All Night Party!! The $100 price has been extended for a limited time. This is a really fun night for the seniors, with food, entertainment, games, and LOTS of prizes. Over 200 seniors are already signed up, so don’t miss the chance for your student to attend….sign up today!
All the information, permission slip, and online payment link are available at https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/rochester-high-school/pages/6550/senior-information
If you would like to sponsor a Senior for the party, please contact Lori Schneck at l.schneck82@gmail.com or Maria Ebner-Smith at ebnersmith@hotmail.com.
All the information, permission slip, and online payment link are available at https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/rochester-high-school/pages/6550/senior-information
If you would like to sponsor a Senior for the party, please contact Lori Schneck at l.schneck82@gmail.com or Maria Ebner-Smith at ebnersmith@hotmail.com.
HOMETOWN HUSTLE
CLASS OF 2019 LAWN SIGNS & COMMENCEMENT DVDS

2019 Foundation Order Forms |
RCS CARING STEPS OPEN HOUSE
NHS APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
The Rochester High School NHS Chapter will be accepting applications for the 2019-2020 school year beginning March 1st and will be due by April 8, 2019. Applications are available to current 10th and 11th graders with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, membership in school activities and involvement in the community. If your child meets this criteria, please encourage them to apply today online. Please click here for a link to the application.
OUCARES - BECOMING AN ENTREPRENEUR
MEETING DATES
PTSA Meetings are held in the Media Center at 7:00 (unless otherwise noted) on the following dates:
May 8
Athletic Booster Meetings are held in the Media Center at 6:00 on the following dates:
April 8, May 13, June 10
Senior All Night Party Meetings are held in the Media Center at 7:00 on the following dates:
April 15, May 6
May 8
Athletic Booster Meetings are held in the Media Center at 6:00 on the following dates:
April 8, May 13, June 10
Senior All Night Party Meetings are held in the Media Center at 7:00 on the following dates:
April 15, May 6
RHS SPORTS
CONGRATS RHS ALUMNI LAUREN REEDY
Lauren Reedy was the state champion in diving in 2011 and graduated in 2012 from Rochester High School. Lauren was chosen by USA Diving to compete in the FINA Diving Grand Prix in a few weeks on the individual 3-Meter event, Congrats to Lauren on being one of the best in the country at her craft! Click here to view a full article abbot the team! Here is the link to Lauren's bio!
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