Happy Friday, RHS Students!

As we enter into the Thanksgiving holiday week, we have so much to be grateful for as a school community. This past week, I was honored to present 16 students with the John and Abigail Adams scholarship to those who were recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for earning the top MCAS scores along with students across the state.

Jaelyn and Clara inspired all of us with a beautiful performance at this past week's Assembly block. Their raw talent and courageous spirit was a stark reminder of the power we all have to shape, mold and change our culture for the better.

We are gearing up to kick off the Winter athletic season and held a successful Winter Athletic meeting with our coaches and families this past week. We wrapped up the week with an inspirational Jazz concert at the Shalin Liu Performance Center this past Thursday evening. The show was phenomenal and I couldn't help but feel so privileged to have this unique opportunity to watch our students perform at such a world-renowned venue. Even after watching countless performances up on that stage, the aura of the event, along with the beauty of the talent in our school, never ceases to amaze me.

Happy Thanksgiving week to RHS students and families. I hope you take some time to step away and relax with family and friends. I look forward to welcoming you back on Monday, November 28th.😊🦃

Here's to a great short week ahead!

11/21 - Athletic Leadership meeting for Captains w/Mr. Parisi & Ms. Rose @ 2:15 pm in the Health Room (D210)

11/23 - Student/Staff Castle Ball Game to Kick off the Thanksgiving Holiday (10:00-11:00)

11/23 - 1/2 Day before the Thanksgiving Holiday

11/28 - Winter Sports Season Official Begins! 🏀🏒📣

11/30- MS/HS Madrigal/Chamber Music Concert @ 6 pm (The Shalin Liu Performance Center)

12/6 - 1/2 Day for Students (Professional Development Afternoon for Staff)

12/14 - HS Winter Concert @ 6 pm (John Lane Auditorium)

12/23 - 1/2 Day before the Holiday Vacation!

Developing Inclusive & Authentic Leadership that Inspires Change

Food Services will now be serving breakfast on half days 😋

RHS Alumni hockey game next Saturday 11/26 at the Talbot Rink in Gloucester.

Alumni vs Current Team 6:00 - 7:00 pm

All are welcome and encouraged to come out and support.

Go Vikings!

The Class of 2023 is selling holiday wreaths. The cost is $10 for a plain wreath or $12 for a wreath with a red bow. Please email Ms. Russo or any member of the Senior Class if you'd like to purchase one. They will be available for pickup at school on Monday, November 28th.

We are excited to begin registration for the NSCC Spring 2023 "After School" Early College Courses online and in-person starting the week of January 30, 2023! These courses are free and transferable for both high school and college credit. We are thankful for our partnership with North Shore Community College and looking forward to supporting our RHS students. There are a limited number of spots for each class, so spots are "first come first served" and are open to ALL students who meet the proficiency requirements.

Courses include:

• Introduction to Marketing (online)

• Introduction to Psychology (online)

• Speech (online)

• Introduction to Criminal Justice (in-person on Lynn campus)

• Introduction to Digital Media Literacy (hybrid: online and in-person on Lynn campus)

• Medical Terminology for Spanish Speaking Students (online)

• Computer Aided Design: AutoCAD (in-person on Lynn campus)

-Ms. Rose

Thursday, May 25th: Senior Showcase at The Shalin Liu Performance Center

Friday, May 26th: Last day of school for seniors (Exams may be built into the final few days of school. Details will be forthcoming as we get closer to the date).

Tuesday, May 30th - Friday, June 2nd: Senior Week! All seniors are expected to attend graduation rehearsals from 8am - 10:30 am that week. Evening events are scheduled for the majority of nights that week. Stay tuned for details to come.

Tuesday, May 30th: Athletic Awards Night

Wednesday, May 31st: Senior Banquet 6pm-8pm @ The Elks

Friday, June 2nd: RHS Graduation @ 5 pm

• The Rockport Public Schools seek to hire full-time and substitute bus drivers. Please see the RPS Bus Driver Posting for details.

• The Rockport Public Schools seek to hire Cafeteria workers. If you are interested in applying for the position, please send your resume and supporting materials to Deborah Nokes via email: dnokes@rpk12.org.

The Department of Public Health and the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics want to remind parents and families about steps to take to prevent illness and stay healthy this season:

1. Vaccinate your children ages 6 months and older against influenza as soon as possible.
2. Vaccinate your children ages 6 months and older against COVID-19; children 5 and older who had their primary series more than 2 months ago should receive an updated COVID-19 booster as soon as possible.
3. Remember, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot at the same time.
4. If your infant has been offered treatment with protective antibodies due to their prematurity or another condition, keep on schedule with their monthly treatments.
5. Practice hand hygiene frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or if a tissue is not available, cover them with an elbow, not a hand.
6. Clean high touch surfaces in your home frequently with household disinfectants.
7. Keep children home from daycare or school who have fever, especially with a cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, congestion, runny nose, or sore throat, until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medications that reduce fever.
8. Avoid social gatherings if you or your children are ill.
9. Contact your pediatrician or healthcare provider if you believe your child needs medical care. Your provider can offer advice on whether your child needs to be evaluated in person, tested for COVID or flu, and the best location (doctor’s office, urgent care, emergency room) for care.