The Rocket Glare
Keeping RCHS Students, Families, & Staff Connected!
Volume 1, Issue 6: Friday, January 22nd
Principal's Message
Principal: Mr. J.D. Bussell
Email: James.bussell@rockcastle.kyschools.us
January 22nd, 2021
RCHS Students & Parents,
Greetings from The Rock!
1st Semester Ends January 27th
Because of the late start to our school year, our 1st semester does not officially end until Wednesday, January 27th. Although all of RCHS classes now last the entire year, the end of the semester does serve as a “checkpoint” to your grades.
No Pass, No Drive
The No Pass/No Drive Law (KRS 159.051) was passed during the KY 2007 legislative session, and affects every public and private school in Kentucky (including home school students). The "No Pass/No Drive" statute results in the denial of the school compliance verification form or the revocation of a student's driver’s license for (1) academic deficiency (2) dropping out of school (3) missing 9 or more unexcused absences in one semester.
• At RCHS, academic deficiency is defined as a student who does not have passing grades in at least 3 of the 7 classes the preceding semester.
• Any student who has nine or more unexcused absences in the preceding semester will also qualify. Any absences due to suspension shall be unexcused absences.
It is imperative for RCHS students to check your grades to make sure you are not failing 3 or more classes if you want to have a driver’s license this semester. 2nd semester is scheduled to endMay 26th.
Report Cards
Report cards will be available on February 3rd & 4th which is also “Picture Day” for RCHS students. Each student will receive a copy of his/her report card when they come to take their picture.
Student Email
Continue to check your email every single morning and even multiple times throughout the day. You will be receiving information about our school calendar, your classes, assignments & events at RCHS. Stay involved in daily communication with your teachers!
Infinite Campus Parent Portal
I encourage all parents to check your child’s grades on IC Parent Portal regularly. Because we have been unable to physically send home report cards, it is imperative that parents check grades online. You can go the link: https://kyede11.infinitecampus.org/campus/portal/rockcastle.jspand if you have issues logging on, email Ms. Sherri McKinney: sherri.mckinney@rockcastle.kyschools.us or call RCHS for login information.
Great start to the new year! Be safe & please contact me at RCHS if I can be of service.
J.D. Bussell
RCHS Principal
Guidance Counselors' Corner
Guidance Counselors: Mrs. Amy Lewis & Mrs. Casey Harper
Email: Amy.lewis@rockcastle.kyschools.us / casey.harper@rockcastle.kyschools.us
Seniors--If you need help with your FAFSA, please contact us! We can work with you via Google Meet or a phone conference! Email us to schedule a time!
Seniors: Complete your FAFSA
Also, seniors interested in attending college for the Fall 2021 semester need to apply to schools now! You will need to use Parchment to send your transcript to the schools you apply to. Directions for setting up and using Parchment are on the senior website.
The RCHS Guidance Counselors are available to speak with students regarding any issue that you may be struggling with. Send them an email to schedule a time to talk.
RCHS ACT Workshop
Please see the attached flyer for more information. Sessions will take place via Google Classroom. Please refer to the meet code on the flyer!
Click HERE to access the informational flyer!
Rock Athletics
RCHS Athletic Director: Mr. Mike McNabb
Email: mike.mcnabb@rockcastle.kyschools.us
- Football offseason Weightlifting and Conditioning has started. Players are lifting in small groups at various times. Anyone interested in playing Football should contact Coach Parkey as soon as possible. You will be placed in a group specific to your transportation needs.
- All RCHS basketball games have been cancelled and rescheduled for later dates. More information will be released when available.
Notes from the Book Cart - RCHS Library Updates
Library Media Specialist: Ms. Joanie Alexander
Email: Joanie.alexander@rockcastle.kyschools.us
RCHS Library Website
Click HERE to access!
Book Checkouts
The RCHS Library continues to offer a digital platform where students can read 30+ top picked and NEW texts that rotate every 60-90 days. Every RCHS student has their own account where they can bookmark, highlight, etc. To access this, visit the RCHS Library Website and then go to Student Resources OR Checkouts to access the JLG Dashboard! Make sure to login to your individual account for more access! If you have questions or your account login doesn't work, please contact Ms. Joanie.
Concierge Checkout Service
Students may request books using the Google Form (Click HERE) or by emailing Ms. Joanie. Please use the form or email and include the title and author. Once requested, Ms. Joanie will have the book ready and will deliver to English classes on Wednesday and Thursday of each week! If you need a book before those days, email Ms. Joanie!
RCHS Writing Center
The RCHS Library Writing Center aims to help students find their writing voice and tackle various writing and interview challenges. The writing center is able to help with revisions/editing, job applications and interviews, resumes, and college applications and essays. During NTI instruction, appointments will take place via Google Meet. To schedule an appointment, click HERE!
Classroom Spotlight: Spanish with Ms. Erin Grace
Ms. Grace's Spanish I students are making a lot of progress! They get "movie versions" of Ms. Grace's classroom lessons as well as lots of practice listening to native Spanish speakers with EdPuzzle. They do a variety of practice activities through Google Classroom and record their own videos showing the new skills they are learning. Students already know how to introduce themselves, describe themselves and each other, talk about what they do and do not like to do, and now they're learning how to talk about their classes. They have made amazing progress with the language in a short period of time and under less-than-ideal circumstances. ¡Olé!
We appreciate your dedication to RCHS Students, Ms. Grace!
Student Council Announcements
- The RCHS Student Council would like to remind all students to keep up with all new and previous assignments that are assigned by your teachers.
- Over winter break, the student council organized a Holiday Cheer video from the staff of RCHS. To view, please go to student council’s social media accounts.
- We would like to remind everyone that the first semester is ending on Jan. 27th.
RCHS Yearbook and Picture Day Information
Yearbooks are $60. Sales are 100% online this school year. To purchase a YB , click HERE.
Senior Ads
Senior ads for the RCHS Yearbook are still available. Please see the flyer linked below for more information. Click HERE to register for a senior ad.
Picture Day: Underclassmen & Senior Portraits
Picture day has been rescheduled for February 3rd and 4th. More details will be coming soon about these dates.
Yearbook Instagram
@rockcastlehs_yearbook
Check the Yearbook instagram regularly for important updates!
Senior Signatures
The senior signature page for the yearbook is currently being compiled. Please look for the YB staff table at lunch, stop by the library and see Ms. Joanie, or prepare to sign when you come in for picture day in February (best option for MRO students).
RCHS Youth Service Center
7:30 AM-3:30 P.M. (Other hours available by appointment)
Coordinator: Jessie Mahaffey
Program Assistant II: Barbara Mullins
What is a YSC?
· A Youth Service Center mission is to enhance the students’ abilities to succeed in school.
Who can use the YSC?
· All students enrolled in our high school, their families, teachers, and the community!
What services does RCHS YSC provide?
· Clothing assistance
· Food assistance
· Referrals to physical & mental health agencies, and social services
· Hygiene assistance
· Thanksgiving food basket
· Holiday assistance
· School supplies
· In school dental visits
· Other needs determined by families and community
The Rockcastle County Youth Service Center is open to serve all students and families of Rockcastle County High School. Families & students are always welcome in our center! A student can refer himself to YSC, a parent, staff member, or someone in the community may contact the YSC to assist a student, and/or family of the student.
Student Corner: Snapshots from Being Back to School at the Rock!
Thumbs Up for being back at RCHS!
#MaskUp RCHS Students!
Excited to be back for in-person learning!
About Us
Assistant Principal & Athletic Director: Mr. Mike McNabb
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Becky Smith
Guidance Counselors: Mrs. Amy Lewis & Mrs. Casey Harper
Library Media Specialist: Ms. Joanie Alexander
Email: james.bussell@rockcastle.kyschools.us
Website: http://rockcastle.kyschools.us/rchs/
Location: 1545 Lake Cumberland Road P.O. Box 1410 Mt. Vernon, Kentucky 40456
Phone: (606) 256-4816