RMHS
Go Rockets!
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STUDENT OF THE MONTH ~ RESPONSIBILITY
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A MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL TRACEY
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ACADEMIC DATES
REPORT CARDS on PORTAL: November 11th
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Filipino American History Month by: Althea Culaba
In 1988, the Filipino American National Historical Society declared October as Filipino American History Month. Congress officially recognized this in 2009, making this October of 2022 the 13th congressionally recognized Fil-Am History Month. Despite this, our curriculum does not do much to mention the diverse history of my people, and many are unfamiliar with the historical figures that have since shaped the contemporary Fil-Am community.
The story of the Delano Grape Strike, including the crucial role that Itliong and the Manongs played during it, has been a source of inspiration for many Filipino Americans and other minorities to this day. This labor movement contributed to the expansion of not just farmers rights, but also Filipino rights throughout the 1960s. Itliong knew this, even leaned into it, saying “I’m not scared of nobody… in terms of fighting for the rights of Filipinos in this country.” The actions of this one small group of people spoke towards the betterment of their community as a whole, as Filipino farmers were given better pay, benefits, and protections from the success of their strike. This further solidified the place that Filipinos had in American society and led to our growth of opportunity and financial independence. The sheer determination and almost stubbornness that Itliong conveys in his quote illustrates just how unyielding he was to this cause. He was an inspiration to his fellow farmers and union members and is an example of what can be accomplished with enough motivation. Personally, I see him as a call-to-action for modern-day Filipinos like me to continue fighting against the prevalence of harmful stereotypes, prejudices, and further discrimination. He is a reminder of my roots, and the strength of my community.
If anything, I hope you all are at least a little bit more educated about my community and are inspired to do some research of your own. It is imperative that people continue to discover just how rich our history is, lest it all be forgotten as it nearly is throughout our textbooks.
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Resources for Parents from the BRYT Network (a RMHS partner supporting students and families):
BRYT monthly Parent Learning with Parent speaker series flier. The next event is "All the Questions You’ve Ever Wanted to Ask about Crisis Services. Navigating mental health systems." November 16, 7 pm. Open link to see detailed information.
Recording of most recent presentation: "Parenting in the Age of Technology" with Diana Graber, recording HERE. Other great resources shared by Diana during the webinar are located on through the following link - Digital Parenting resources.
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ACADEMIC LAB
Before School Academic Lab (AL): Beginning Monday of next week, October 17, there will be before school AL support for students from 7:30-8:25 am. Students do not have to sign up, they can simply report before school to the RMHS Library.
Please see below for schedules- both in picture form and printable versions.
DURING SCHOOL ACADEMIC LAB SCHEDULE
BEFORE SCHOOL ACADEMIC LAB SCHEDULE
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Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) Training 11th grade Health Issues Classes
What Parents/Guardians Need to Know
Reading Memorial High School is conducting teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) training for students enrolled in 11th grade Health Issues classes. This is an evidence-based training that teaches teens the skills they need to recognize and help their friends with mental health and substance use problems and crises and how to get the help of an adult quickly.
Young people often turn to each other when stressed or upset and try to help, sometimes taking on too much. tMHFA teaches them they don’t have to take these problems on alone. The course discusses issues like school violence and suicide that some teens may find distressing. You may wish to discuss them with your child before the training or encourage discussions afterward.
This course is not being introduced because of any specific problems at your school. Mental health challenges are very common in adolescents.
The course is being taught by Ms. Erica McNamara, Director of the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support and Ms. Krystal Mellonakos-Garay, Outreach Coordinator for the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support. They have both received special training and are certified to teach the course by Mental Health First Aid USA® at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Your child will be taught the course in seven class sessions. Your child might want to talk about the course.
Please see the attached letters below for more information.
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Navigating the Teen Years Together Nov 10, 2022 at 7pm at Reading Public Library
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RMHS Winter Sports Registration due 11/14/22:
Please register for Winter Sports by Monday November 11/14. This includes Winter Track, Basketball, Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Boys Swim, Wrestling and Winter Guard.
How do I register for a Winter Sport and get “approved” to participate?
Do the following by November 14, 2022.
Go to the attached link for the 5 steps on “How to Register for Sports” at https://rmhs.reading.k12.ma.us/en-US/athletics-aa0594c3/how-to-register-for-sports-6db9e73e
You will receive an email from RMHS Athletics in a couple of weeks letting you know that your “child’s registration is approved.” You must wait for RMHS Athletics to “Approve” your child’s registration in order for them to try out on 11/28.
If needed, students can register for free physicals offered at the RMHS Nurse’s office on Wednesday 11/16/2022. Students must call the Athletic Office at 781-670-2821 by 11/15/22 to register for a free physical while space is available.
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Team & Club Meetings
There will be a Boys Swim informational meeting on Tuesday Nov 1 at 3:10 pm in the Cafe.
The Ski Club will meet on Tuesday, November 1st in the Distance Learning Room (Room 413) during Flex. All who are interested in skiing or snowboarding are welcome. We will be giving out information about our first trip in December. Hope to see you there!
There will be a Girls Basketball informational meeting on Wednesday Nov 2 at 3:15 pm in the Cafe.
There will be a Girls Hockey informational meeting on Thursday, November 3rd in the cafeteria at 3:45. All are welcome!
The girls' winter track is having an informational meeting on November 3rd right after school in Ms. Crosby's room 407.
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Health office Reminders
Please remember that we are a latex free district, latex balloons are not allowed in school, however Mylar balloons are acceptable.
In addition, any food during the school day (which includes 30 minutes before and after school) needs to comply with State and Federal Nutrition guidelines. We are unable to have bake sales in school during that time. Any food that is sold outside of school hours should be individually wrapped with ingredient labels for allergies. I am happy to work with any clubs who would like to plan a bake sale so that it complies with our wellness policies.
Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!
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MA Seal of Biliteracy ~ open to seniors
Class of 2023:
You may have heard news about the MA Seal of Biliteracy lately. If you haven´t, this informational letter was sent to the community on September 29. You are the first graduates from RMHS that may earn the Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy!
In March 2023 we are administering a proficiency exam to all 11th grade students. Since you may be thinking about the future (applying to colleges, getting ready for a job post-high school), we would also like to offer this exam to any senior who wishes to take it sooner than March.
Why would I want to take another exam?!?!
If you achieve a certain level of proficiency on the assessment, you may be able to earn college credit (those colleges accepting the MA Seal of Biliteracy for credit can be found in the informational letter), have the Seal affixed to your diploma, and wear some pretty cool regalia for graduation!
The assessment generally takes two hours, but it can be paused and resumed over time. The AAPPL (for all languages other than Latin) and ALIRA (for Latin) will take place during Flex blocks on the following dates: December 8, 13, 15, 20 and 22 in room 231 (the language lab). The assessment is 100% done on the computer and is free of charge.
You can take this assessment if you speak a language at home that is not offered here at RMHS (Portuguese, Spanish or Mandarin, for example)!
The proficiency test will assess your abilities in reading, writing, listening and speaking. There is no way to study for this test and it is not attached to any grade for any class. It is possible to take the proficiency test in more than one language.
You can learn more here: https://sealofbiliteracyma.org/ .
If you are interested in taking the assessment for college credit or just for your college résumé or a job, please fill out this form by October 31st. The test is free of charge at this time and you can only take it once.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Señor Ryan, the MA Seal of Biliteracy Coordinator: Derrick.Ryan@reading.k12.ma.us
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HISTORY 9 LIBRARY RESEARCH SKILLS
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RPD MURAL
A small group of students in Art club are dedicating an additional afternoon every week to the creation of a mural at the Reading Police Station. Pictured first from the left is Riya Patel, Paul Sorgi, Riya Cremin, and Aubrey Sout. Not pictured is Angelina Ruocchio-Juhel.
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Marching Band Takes 1st Place at NESBA Competition
The RMHS Marching Band has been undefeated all season and our final competition is this Sunday at RMHS. Come and cheer us on at 2:15pm at the stadium field.
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Environmental Club Fieldtrip to Great Brook Farm
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POPCORN Sales Every Tuesday During Flex
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FOOD PANTRY DRIVE- October 31st
It's Back! NHS is thrilled to be bringing back the annual Trick or Treat food drive to support the Reading Food Pantry. NHS Members and Candidates will be out from 6:00 - 7:00 pm on Monday, October 31st collecting items for the food pantry, right from the comfort of your own doorstep.
Below is a list of items requested by the Food Pantry:
Instant coffee, regular and decaf
White tuna in water
Chicken Corn Chowder
Dish Detergent
Mayonnaise-both small and large sizes
Baking Soda
Granola Bars
Protein Bars
Muffin Mix
Tomato Paste
Instant Mashed Potatoes
Au Gratin or Scalloped Potatoes
Thank you for supporting the Reading Food Pantry and NHS!
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ROCKET FAN GEAR SALES
https://rmhsstudentsectiongear.itemorder.com
Get your swag and support RMHS!
Orders due by November 15th!
DRAMA & MUSICAL FAN GEAR
Drama Gear: If you're still interested in ordering you can do so anytime at
https://readingdrama.itemorder.com/shop/home/
merchandise sales directly benefit the club and it's productions.
Scrooged Musical Shirts: If you are interested in a t shirt to advertise and commemorate our upcoming production, we are accepting Scrooge! The Musical t-shirt orders until FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4TH https://forms.gle/iocYahoexjLu4eTN9
( All show art work and graphics were created by Junior Bethany McGrath )
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RMHS DRAMA PRESENTS ~ Scrooged
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UPCOMING NO SCHOOL DATES
TUESDAY, November 8th- NO SCHOOL ( Teacher In-Service)
FRIDAY, November 11th- NO SCHOOL (Veterans Day)
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Calendars and Schedules
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How to Report an Absence/Tardy/Dismissal:
Ms. Tracey Jorgenson
ATTENDANCE REPORTING FORM: Click here
Must be submitted with parent email registered w/RMHS
tracey.jorgenson@reading.k12.ma.us
- Parents must report the absence or tardy using one of the options listed above
- Students must sign into the main office when late before heading into class.
- Students must receive a dismissal pass from the main office the morning of dismissal. Caregivers must have previously emailed, called or have written a note for the student to receive a dismissal pass from the office. The student should give the office pass to the teacher at time of dismissal. We do not call up to classes unless it is an emergency.
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LAPTOP INSURANCE
If you are interested in purchasing laptop insurance, parents can contact Worth Ave directly using the following contact.
Arlene Miles
Sales Representative
Worth Ave. Group
(800) 620-2885
(405) 724-5557 (Office)
(614) 866-9035 (Fax)
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STUDENT PARKING
- There is NO assigned parking
- Student parking is in the PAC lot, Field House lot and on the street
- Registering your car allows office staff to contact you should there be an issue with your car (ie: lights, running etc. . .)
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DOG ALLERGY FORM
As we enter the school year and begin visiting more classes, we are once again sending out the allergy/fear form. In case there were any changes from last year. Parents only need to turn in this form if it applies to your child. Please return form to RMHS Main Office.
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Submit Photos or a Blurb Below:
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READING MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
Email: stacy.scouten@reading.k12.ma.us
Website: https://www.reading.k12.ma.us/memorial/
Location: 62 Oakland Road, Reading, MA, USA
Phone: 781-670-2809