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January 14, 2019
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SPOTLIGHT ON INSTRUCTION
Poetry Out Loud in Mrs. Cusmano and Mrs. Painter’s Classes:
For the past couple months, students at Rochester High School have had the opportunity to compete in Poetry Out Loud, a national poetry recitation competition that celebrates and preserves the beauty of the English language. Mrs. Ashley Painter teaches Honors Language Arts 10 and Literature of the Strange, and Mrs. Kelley Cusmano teaches Honors Language Arts 10, Language Arts 11, and StuGo. In their sophomore classes, it was a requirement to participate in the classroom competition. Poetry Out Loud is essentially a tournament; it begins with a classroom competition, goes to the school level, then the state level, and ends at the national level, where one winner is chosen. This was part of their Romantic literature unit, as many authors at that time began writing poems. In addition, they studied poetic devices and numerous poets throughout their unit. To begin, students browsed the Poetry Out Loud database and chose one or two poems that resonated with them. “By choosing their own poems, students got to celebrate, live, and embrace language and poetry that really moved them,” Mrs. Painter said. After weeks of memorizing and practicing acting out their poems, students presented them in front of the class. Those who scored a 34/41 or higher had the opportunity to proceed to the school competition. Sophomore Soja Kureekattil chose to compete in this level of the competition, and she was the first place winner. Similarly, sophomore Elana Splan competed at the school level, and she won second place.
Reporting by Mariam Hanna
For the past couple months, students at Rochester High School have had the opportunity to compete in Poetry Out Loud, a national poetry recitation competition that celebrates and preserves the beauty of the English language. Mrs. Ashley Painter teaches Honors Language Arts 10 and Literature of the Strange, and Mrs. Kelley Cusmano teaches Honors Language Arts 10, Language Arts 11, and StuGo. In their sophomore classes, it was a requirement to participate in the classroom competition. Poetry Out Loud is essentially a tournament; it begins with a classroom competition, goes to the school level, then the state level, and ends at the national level, where one winner is chosen. This was part of their Romantic literature unit, as many authors at that time began writing poems. In addition, they studied poetic devices and numerous poets throughout their unit. To begin, students browsed the Poetry Out Loud database and chose one or two poems that resonated with them. “By choosing their own poems, students got to celebrate, live, and embrace language and poetry that really moved them,” Mrs. Painter said. After weeks of memorizing and practicing acting out their poems, students presented them in front of the class. Those who scored a 34/41 or higher had the opportunity to proceed to the school competition. Sophomore Soja Kureekattil chose to compete in this level of the competition, and she was the first place winner. Similarly, sophomore Elana Splan competed at the school level, and she won second place.
Reporting by Mariam Hanna
COCOA AND CRAM
FIRST SEMESTER EXAM SCHEDULE
RCS ATTENDANCE INCENTIVE
January, 2019
Dear Parents and Guardians:
As you are aware, the district Attendance Committee is piloting an incentive program to promote consistent, daily attendance, which has now been in place for four semesters.
Attendance data from last year and first quarter of this year shows a dramatic decrease in the total number of student absences and tardies as compared to previous years. In the first quarter (10 weeks) of the school year, absences have been reduced by an average of 35% since the incentive was introduced. This equates to well over 16,000 hours of increase in instructional time.
In an effort to gather consistent data, the incentive remains the same as it was last year.
Students may choose to opt out of their semester final exams if they meet the following criteria:
Students must also meet one of the following academic criteria:
Dear Parents and Guardians:
As you are aware, the district Attendance Committee is piloting an incentive program to promote consistent, daily attendance, which has now been in place for four semesters.
Attendance data from last year and first quarter of this year shows a dramatic decrease in the total number of student absences and tardies as compared to previous years. In the first quarter (10 weeks) of the school year, absences have been reduced by an average of 35% since the incentive was introduced. This equates to well over 16,000 hours of increase in instructional time.
In an effort to gather consistent data, the incentive remains the same as it was last year.
Students may choose to opt out of their semester final exams if they meet the following criteria:
- No more than three absences in any class for a semester
- No semester suspensions
Students must also meet one of the following academic criteria:
- Minimum grade of 77% in a class, OR
- Minimum grade of 65% AND no missing assignments or assessments in the class.
- Students who qualify for the final exam incentive will still have the option of taking the final exam. The grade will be calculated into the semester grade if it improves the final grade. These students will not have their grades lowered if they choose to take the exam.
- The minimum grade criterion (77% in the class, or 65% and no missing assignments) must be fulfilled within five school days prior to the end of the semester or as directed by the teacher.
- Disqualification due to suspension can take place up to and including exam days.
- Absences for school business, such as field trips, RCS athletic absences, or RCS testing, will not count toward the three absences. All other absences are counted the same, with the possible exception of religious holidays.
- Every three tardies equal one absence. (More than 10 minutes missing class = absence.)
- Students can review their absences in StudentVUE. If a student reaches four absences or more in any one class they do not qualify for the incentive in any class.
- Students who are scheduled to take the final exam and do not complete the final exam will receive an E. There is no make-up exam.
KEY CLUB FIRST AID EVENT
Key Club had the pleasure of a visit from Fire Fighter Nancy Butty with the Rochester Hills Fire Department on Wednesday. She instructed our Key Club members on Basic First Aid. This included ways to stop a bleed, stop choking, and administer an epipens. Nancy is engaging and we are thankful for her visit.
STRESS RELIEF EXPO
The RHS PTSA Health & Wellness Committee is hosting their annual Stress Relief Expo on January 18, 2019 from 10:45 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. Please click here if you are interested in volunteering!
BOYS SWIM AND DIVE FUNDRAISER
RHS BAND PLAYS AT U OF M BASKETBALL GAME
The Rochester High School Pep Band performed for the undefeated & 2nd-ranked University of Michigan Men’s Basketball Team on Sunday, December 30, 2018. The university students were gone for the winter break, so the RHS Pep Band was asked to fill in for the Michigan Band. 40 RHS Band students performed some of the Michigan traditional songs like The Victors, Let’s Go Blue, Blues Brothers, and Yellow and Blue, along with their own pep band tunes. The RHS Pep Band cheered on another Michigan victory over Binghamton to take UM to 14-0 on the season.
2019 CK ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER CONFERENCE
Please join us for the 2019 CK Asian and Pacific Islander Conference!
Saturday, February 2, 2019; 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Cranbrook Schools – Kingswood Campus
Goals: To establish and enhance connections between all Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander and mixed heritage Asian students; provide an opportunity for students to explore and affirm their identities; and educate, engage and empower all participants through workshops, keynote speech and activities.
Please encourage your students (must be accompanied by a teacher or administrator) to attend.
All are welcome!
Registration is only $15.00. Click on this link to register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019APICREG
Deadline: Thursday, January 18th
Saturday, February 2, 2019; 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Cranbrook Schools – Kingswood Campus
Goals: To establish and enhance connections between all Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander and mixed heritage Asian students; provide an opportunity for students to explore and affirm their identities; and educate, engage and empower all participants through workshops, keynote speech and activities.
Please encourage your students (must be accompanied by a teacher or administrator) to attend.
All are welcome!
Registration is only $15.00. Click on this link to register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019APICREG
Deadline: Thursday, January 18th
RHS IS READING THE BATTLE BOOKS!
English Language Arts classrooms, the Rochester High Book Club, and independent readers have been digging into our awesome BOTB titles. Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Painter are busy chatting with classrooms about the titles on the 2018-2019 list to help students find the book(s) they'll love the most among our seven choices, and students can pick up a copy of the books from the Battle of the Books display shelves in the Media Center.
The Rochester High Book Club members met on December 18 to determine the books they want to dig into over break in preparation for the Battle Night trivia competition and the monthly contests coming up in 2019. There's one contest each month until the Battle Night between all the schools on April 26, 2019. Schools earn Battle Points for their contest participation, and can go into Battle Night with a serious lead with contest wins. Check out the "Contests" page at www.rcsbattleofthebooks.com for all the details. Our next Rochester Book Club meeting is January 116, 2019 right after school in the Media Center. All are welcome!
The Rochester High Book Club members met on December 18 to determine the books they want to dig into over break in preparation for the Battle Night trivia competition and the monthly contests coming up in 2019. There's one contest each month until the Battle Night between all the schools on April 26, 2019. Schools earn Battle Points for their contest participation, and can go into Battle Night with a serious lead with contest wins. Check out the "Contests" page at www.rcsbattleofthebooks.com for all the details. Our next Rochester Book Club meeting is January 116, 2019 right after school in the Media Center. All are welcome!
PTSA REFLECTIONS BREAKFAST
PTSA sponsored a breakfast Thursday, December 13 for all RHS participants in Reflections this year! Thank you PTSA and congratulations to all participants!
PTSA UPDATE
Happy New Year from your RHS PTSA,
We hope this message finds you well after the holiday break. As many of us start 2019 with new resolutions, we would like to reflect on 2018 and share how your membership contributions have supported the students at RHS:
The support of the students and faculty is ongoing and your continued financial support through Rochester High School PTSA monetary donations and PTSA membership is needed to fund the grants. For questions and TAX DEDUCTIBLE information contact Regina Williams at ginabina1022@gmail.com.
Warm Regards,
Rochester High School PTSA
We hope this message finds you well after the holiday break. As many of us start 2019 with new resolutions, we would like to reflect on 2018 and share how your membership contributions have supported the students at RHS:
- Maker Space (Serves as a creative hub for various projects across all curriculum)- start up supplies
- Senior All Night Party/Senior Activities
- Battle of the Books
- Interactive Autopsy Experience
- Kitchen Supplies for Culinary Curriculum
- Link Crew (Freshman Orientation)
- Trade Show Booth Materials for Ms. Malsbury
- White Boards for Science Curriculum
- Health and Wellness Events
- Amity Scholars (Language Department)
- Girls of the Crescent (Books with Muslim characters)
- iPad Registers for the Falcon’s Nest (School Store)
- Edison Robots
- Reflections
- Faculty requested books
- Quiz Bowl Materials
- Collaboration Space Furniture for upper hallway
- Collaboration Furniture for Mr. Zwolinski
The support of the students and faculty is ongoing and your continued financial support through Rochester High School PTSA monetary donations and PTSA membership is needed to fund the grants. For questions and TAX DEDUCTIBLE information contact Regina Williams at ginabina1022@gmail.com.
Warm Regards,
Rochester High School PTSA
NETWORK SECURITY - GUIDANCE FOR STUDENT AND FAMILIES
At Rochester Community Schools, we take the safety of our students and staff very seriously. Protecting our family is always our top priority. Computer and technology use is a privilege in our schools, and all students are expected to behave responsibly. Dangerous and malicious activities, including those associated cybersecurity breaches, will not be tolerated.
We are monitoring the RCS network for suspicious activity and taking disciplinary action on violations of the Student Code of Conduct and Technology Use Agreement.
Some examples of violations include:
We suggest that students do the following:
For more information, please visit the district website and review the Student Code of Conduct at https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/pages/85958/code-of-conducts and the Board of Education 10000 Policies and Regulations at https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/pages/138835/10000-general-policies.
We appreciate your support.
We are monitoring the RCS network for suspicious activity and taking disciplinary action on violations of the Student Code of Conduct and Technology Use Agreement.
Some examples of violations include:
- Logging on with a user ID or password that does not belong to you.
- Using a computer where another user is logged on.
- Using the district network for non-curriculum-based gaming.
- Downloading or installing non-approved or non-educational content and programs.
- Using a VPN or other tool to get around the content filter or firewall.
- Engaging in any activity which potentially or intentionally compromises network security.
- Failure to notify the district if a security problem is suspected or identified.
We suggest that students do the following:
- Cleanup their H: drive and remove non-approved content and programs.
- Disconnect from wifi and “forget” the wifi network on personal devices (phone, laptop, iPad, etc.) Re-connect to the RCS wifi using their own district-assigned user ID and password.
- Report suspected or identified security problems.
- Be sure to logoff after using a district device.
- Change their password to secure their account.
- Do not install or run software to “browse” or scan the network, change access or settings, etc.
- Do not run software to circumvent security controls.
For more information, please visit the district website and review the Student Code of Conduct at https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/pages/85958/code-of-conducts and the Board of Education 10000 Policies and Regulations at https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/pages/138835/10000-general-policies.
We appreciate your support.
JOIN PTSA
| PTSA Membership Letter |
SCHEDULING FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR
RAYA EVENT
OAKLAND ACCELERATE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE INFO NIGHTS
The Oakland ACE (Accelerated College Experience) early college program will begin accepting applications in January. Applications will be accepted from all 10th grade students in participating high schools, no longer dependent upon household income or parents’ level of education. The application process is detailed at OaklandACE.org. The initial steps (1-3) should be completed by February 28.
To assist interested students and their parents, four Information Nights have been scheduled in February. The sessions will be held at four different OCC campuses and will cover the program’s structure, potential outcomes, requirements, expectations, and the application process. Please share the attached flyer, detailing dates and locations. Further assistance with placement testing will be available to students who meet the February 28 deadline.
To assist interested students and their parents, four Information Nights have been scheduled in February. The sessions will be held at four different OCC campuses and will cover the program’s structure, potential outcomes, requirements, expectations, and the application process. Please share the attached flyer, detailing dates and locations. Further assistance with placement testing will be available to students who meet the February 28 deadline.
SIGN UP FOR THE SENIOR ALL NIGHT PARTY
We really need help getting this SANP going! Senior All Night Party is meeting next Monday at 7:00 pm in the Media Center. Parents, we need your help to make this event a success. We still need a person to spearhead the Casino part of the night. Please contact Maria Ebner-Smith at ebnersmith@hotmail.com if you could volunteer for this item. Otherwise, we need your contact info for the many volunteers it takes to run the actual event!
Also, we are extending the $100 price for SANP but you need to sign up now in January! This offer is going fast!
Click here for more information! It's a great night of safe fun for our seniors.
Also, we are extending the $100 price for SANP but you need to sign up now in January! This offer is going fast!
Click here for more information! It's a great night of safe fun for our seniors.
MEETING DATES
PTSA Meetings are held in the Media Center at 7:00 (unless otherwise noted) on the following dates:
March 27, and May 8
Athletic Booster Meetings are held in the Media Center at 6:00 on the following dates:
January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10
Senior All Nigh Party Meetings are held in the Media Center at 7:00 on the following dates:
January 14, March 11
March 27, and May 8
Athletic Booster Meetings are held in the Media Center at 6:00 on the following dates:
January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10
Senior All Nigh Party Meetings are held in the Media Center at 7:00 on the following dates:
January 14, March 11
RHS SPORTS
WRESTLING DOES WELL AT COUNTY TOURNAMENT
Congratulations to our Falcon wrestling team for their performance at the recent Oakland County Championships. Wrestling without their full lineup, they still finished 8th out of 38 teams. Great job by all of our Falcon wrestlers! On the weekend five Falcons placed at the annual Oakland County Wrestling Championships. Kavan Troy (1st), Adrian Adiwidjaja (6th), Brandon Troy (3rd), Aiden Fitzgerald (6th), and Giorgio Hama (8th). Very proud of our Falcon wrestlers! Special shout out to Kavan Troy. Not only was he the 103 pound champion, but he was also named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler. Congratulations on your fantastic wrestling weekend!
GIRLS BASKETBALL WINS OAA OPENER
The Falcons opened up OAA Blue Division league play with a 58-31 win over Pontiac High School. The game opened with two quick baskets, a three by senior Tori Hawkins and a two by junior Laura Kucera, as the team jumped out to an 11-5 lead after one quarter. The second quarter saw the Falcons let the home team back into the game with several fouls, putting the Phoenix at the line where they made 21 of 25 free throws on the night. A sloppy second quarter led to a 5 point halftime lead for the Falcons. Ready to fight for their first league win, the team came out hot after halftime scoring 27 third quarter points, paced by 8 points from Laura Kucera and six points from Sophomore Jackie Hurst, to take a 46-19 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Falcons ended up leading by as many as 30 points before finishing with a 28 point victory. The team was led by Kucera’s 16 points, junior Brianna Mazur’s 11 points, and sophomore Megan Lorenzo’s 9 points. Up next is a non-league game with Troy Athens on January 8th, followed by league opponent Hazel Park on January 10th.
The Falcons ended up leading by as many as 30 points before finishing with a 28 point victory. The team was led by Kucera’s 16 points, junior Brianna Mazur’s 11 points, and sophomore Megan Lorenzo’s 9 points. Up next is a non-league game with Troy Athens on January 8th, followed by league opponent Hazel Park on January 10th.
FRIENDS OF THE FALCONS GALA
| Friends of the Falcons Donation Collection Packet |
JOIN THE ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB
You are invited to become part of the Falcon legacy and join the Rochester Athletic Booster Club. We are open to all adult community members and our primary goals are to support all Rochester High School Athletes and their sports programs. The Athletic Boosters Club raises most of its money through booster memberships, concession stand sales, social events and the Falcon Gala. Your support is important to us and we appreciate your membership.
Please complete the form below or visit the website at https://rhsfalcons.com/how-to-become-a-member/membership-form/
Rochester Athletic Booster are Making a Difference ‐ Over $160,000 awarded in the last 5 years!
EQUIPMENT ~ UNIFORMS ~ FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS ~ FIELD MAINTENANCE ~ MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
TEAM EVALUATION SOFTWARE ~ ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS ~ SOUND IMPROVEMENTS
Please complete the form below or visit the website at https://rhsfalcons.com/how-to-become-a-member/membership-form/
Rochester Athletic Booster are Making a Difference ‐ Over $160,000 awarded in the last 5 years!
EQUIPMENT ~ UNIFORMS ~ FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS ~ FIELD MAINTENANCE ~ MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
TEAM EVALUATION SOFTWARE ~ ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS ~ SOUND IMPROVEMENTS
| Athletic Booster Membership |
