The Rocket Glare
Keeping RCHS Students, Families, & Staff Connected!
Volume 1, Issue 4: Friday, December 11th
Principal's Message
Principal: Mr. J.D. Bussell
Email: James.bussell@rockcastle.kyschools.us
December 11th, 2020
RCHS Students & Parents,
Greetings from The Rock!
Google Live Meets Continue
We have now completed 2 weeks of Live Meets for all of our classes. We will continue with this schedule next week but you will have 2 weeks off for the holidays.
If we cannot return to in-person learning after the holidays, we will continue with the Live Meets. Please check your email for the latest developments as we receive guidance from the KDE.
No Targeted Learning Groups
Due to our increase in the incident rate for Rockcastle County along with the increasing amount of staff members in quarantine, I’m sorry to say that we cannot offer targeted learning for next week (December 14th -18th). Teachers & students will have to work from home for safety & precautionary reasons.
Students are welcome to scheduling a Google Meet with teachers if they need extra assistance.
Next week, we will continue using the schedule below:
NTI Weekly Schedule
Monday
· 1st Period Classes meet 9-10 am
· 2nd Period Classes meet 10:30-11:30 am
Tuesday
· 3rd Period Classes meet 9-10 am
· 4th Period Classes meet 10:30-11:30 am
Wednesday
· 5th Period Classes meet 9-10 am
· 6th Period Classes meet 10:30-11:30 am
Thursday
· 7th Period Classes meet 9-10 am
Friday
· No Live Meets but can schedule with teachers.
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.jsp and if you have issues logging on, email Ms. Sherri McKinney: sherri.mckinney@rockcastle.kyschools.us or call RCHS for login information.
Happy Holidays!
I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas & a Happy 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
The holidays can be a stressful time. 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.
Rock Athletics
RCHS Athletic Director: Mr. Mike McNabb
Email: mike.mcnabb@rockcastle.kyschools.us
More detailed athletic information will be provided as it becomes available! With changes occurring each day, we appreciate your patience and flexibility. Go Rock!
Athletic Awards
Dalton Gibbs and Jake Cromer made 2nd team All-Conference for CKBC.
Noah Parkey and Scott Parkey were named Player and Coach of the Year for Class 3-District 5 for football.
Senior softball player, Madison McIntosh, has committed to Berea College to continue her academics and athletic career. Madison has been a 4 year starter for the Lady Rocket Softball Program at the shortstop and pitching positions. In her sophomore year, Madison was an instrumental piece of the 2019 47th District Championship team, leading the team in at-bats, homeruns, RBIs, and on-base percentage. She also compiled 185 strikeouts while pitching during her sophomore season. The coaches of the Lady Rocket Softball program would like to congratulate Madison on continuing her education at Berea College and committing to the Lady Mountaineer Softball program!
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.
During NTI/virtual instruction, 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 for pick-up at the RCHS front desk. Books may be picked up on any day of the week from 8AM-3PM. A day/time will be arranged with 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: Earth Science with Ms. Stephanie Harmon
Students in Ms. Harmon's Earth Science classes have been studying weather and climate. Even though we can't be together in the classroom, we still experience the same weather. Students are compiling weather journals which include their daily observations along with the forecasted weather.
In addition, students have been examining a series of simulations and data sets to help them better understand storm systems. Students share their thinking by posting comments in Jamboards and in class discussions during the Google Meets. Communicating in this way is an important part of learning science. Ms. Harmon enjoys reading the comments and listening to the ideas of her students.
Thank you, Ms. Harmon, for your passion and dedication to RCHS students!
Student Council Announcements
1. The RCHS Student Council would like to stress to students how important it is to create a daily schedule. A schedule will help you to manage your time better and not become overwhelmed. It can also prevent you from falling behind in your classwork.
2. Student Council recently partnered with the RCHS Youth Service Center to bring Christmas to two fellow Rockets.
3.The results of the recent Student Safety Survey have been finalized. The Student Council has analyzed the results and shared these with RCHS Administration and Guidance Counselors. Results will be shared with students and staff next week.
RCHS Yearbook and Picture Day Information
Yearbooks are $55 until December 31st. After 12/31 the price will go up to $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 that was originally scheduled for 11/23 & 11/24 has been canceled and will be rescheduled for the spring semester. Please be on the lookout for more information that will be coming at a later date!
Who's Who Final Voting
The final round of voting for Who's Who (freshman-senior) is taking place until Friday, 12/18. Please find the voting link in your Google Classroom Homeroom and PARTICIPATE. If you don't see the link in your homeroom, please email your homeroom teacher.
Gear Up Corner
Click HERE for the December Kindness Calendar!
Student Corner
What's better on a cold, wintery day than a creamy mug of hot chocolate?! You can try creating this recipe at home with your family and friends!
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 6 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups of milk chocolate chips (can also use half semi-sweet)
Instructions
- Stir together the whipping cream, milk, vanilla, and chocolate chips in a 5 quart crock pot (if doubling, use a 6-7 quart slow cooker/crock pot).
- Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally with whisk, until mixture is hot and chocolate chips are melted.
- Once it is heated through and chocolate is melted, switch the slow cooker to the warm setting. Stir again before serving. (If you have trouble getting the chocolate to melt, turn to high temporarily).
- Garnish individual cups of hot chocolate with whipped cream or marshmallows.
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