RHS March Newsletter
March 1, 2022
In the Classroom
Students in Construction Technology were busy working on some really neat projects during the month of February. Some projects included a lathe project (made from scratch), a lego project, working with local girls scouts to help the students earn a woodworking badge, and learning to use a CNC machine.
RHS Read-In Held for Black History Month
Program of Studies Available & Course Selection Process for the 2022-2023 School Year
The RHS Guidance Department is beginning the 2022-2023 course selection process during the month of March.
Here are some new course offerings we are excited about!
ADVANCED PLACEMENT EUROPEAN HISTORY
(Advanced Placement European History (1 Credit) (Grades 10 - 12)
Advanced Placement European History is a full-year survey course that presents an overview of European History from the Renaissance to the present. Students will connect historical content with historical thinking skills through themes like European politics, economics, intellectual and cultural trends, and geography. Students will be given the opportunity to analyze and assess primary and secondary sources, develop analytical and interpretive writing skills, and build historical connections through contextualization and synthesis. Students will be assessed using multiple-choice, short answer responses, long essay responses, and document-based questions, in preparation for the Advanced Placement assessment in May. Sophomores taking this course will be required to take AP United States History in their Junior year as part of an AP track. Juniors taking this course will do so in conjunction with AP United States History or United States History II. Seniors may choose this course as a Senior History/Social Science course.
ADVANCED WOODWORKING II (½ Credit) (Grades 10- 12)
Continuing from Advanced Woodworking I, students will be required to research their own projects, materials and manufacturing processes required to complete their project. Students will be expected to work with minimal supervision and help other students when needed. Students will be encouraged to design and build from raw lumber or repurpose an existing piece to meet their current needs. (Pre-Requisites: Beginning Woodworking or Intermediate Woodworking or Instructor Permission)
BLOCKBUSTER MOVIES & THE MUSIC THAT MADE THEM (½ Credit) (Grades 9- 12)
In this course, we will break down the music behind some of the world’s greatest blockbuster movies such as Jaws, Superman, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter. The course will study the works of Hollywood's greatest blockbuster composers such as John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, Howard Shore and Alex North.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE (½ Credit) (Grades 10-12)
This course will examine the origins and the current status of crime in America, the response of society to crime, and an overall sociological study of criminal justice. The primary focus of the course will be the balancing of the rights of individuals with society’s need to maintain public order. Topics considered will be the origins of the concept of “crime,” the development of the criminal justice system (including the police, courts, and corrections), and problems with criminal justice in America. Instructional methods will include class discussions, research, readings, etc. as students evaluate our current systems and suggest ways to modify these systems to meet the needs of our society. Students in this course will be asked to demonstrate an appreciation for diversity and recognize the significance that diversity has in modern American society.
HOLOCAUST & HUMAN BEHAVIORS(½ Credit) (Grades 10 - 12)
In this course, students will analyze the stages of genocide while learning about the origins of the Holocaust and how Hitler tried to eradicate the Jewish population from Europe. Students will identify how the Holocaust follows each step of genocide by using primary and secondary source readings, primary source photos, audio recordings, videos, films, and class discussions. Students will look at human behaviors during the Holocaust from Anti-semitism to the obedience of the Nazi Party. Students will experience first-hand accounts and testimonies of the Holocaust and will compare and contrast the experiences of the Holocaust to other genocides around the world. Topics related to this course are sensitive in nature and require the students to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner.
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE (½ Credit) (Grades 9 - 12)
Units covered in this course will utilize a variety of tools and platforms, including an introduction to the major components of the computer and career choices in CS, problem-solving in design, programming, coding, testing, and verification, web design development, and computing and data analysis involving managing and interpreting data.
SPORTS HISTORY (1/2 Credit) (Grades 10-12)
This course will focus on the role and impact of sports in the United States on American culture and society. Students will examine and assess societal trends with sports including; gender and Title IX; race and racism; social class; Impact on politics and impact from political policy; religion; violence; unions and negotiations; steroids and other aids; retail and marketing; youth athletics, college athletics, and professional athletics. Students will have an opportunity to analyze material from scholarly articles, radio, television, and film, including both primary and secondary sources. Students will participate in classroom discussion and debate as well as be required to collaborate with peers.
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS (½ Credit) (Grades 9-12)
Do you want to be a doctor? Lawyer? Engineer? CEO? Run your own business someday? Understanding business basics is essential for ALL careers. This course will give you broad exposure to business activities including economics, communication, social skills and professionalism, entrepreneurship, ethics, workplace values. management, marketing and more.
MARKETING (½ Credit) (Grades 10-12)
Students will explore the 4 P’s- Product, Price, Place and Promotion and learn how marketing plays a role in the global economy. Through case studies, business simulations, and collaborative learning activities, students will understand the role of marketing in organizations, how to conduct and analyze market research, and understand customer needs and how to target specific customer groups effectively. Students will develop and present their own authentic marketing plan that aligns with their personal interests and/or career goals.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP (½ Credit) (Grades 10-12)
Students will learn how to start, own and operate a business. Students will have a greater understanding of marketing, finances, and the economy. Students will write and present a business plan and engage in authentic learning experiences to simulate running a business. Students will learn leadership skills through teamwork and learning effective communication skills.
PERSONAL FINANCE (½ Credit) (Grades 11-12)
This semester course will provide students with knowledge in understanding mortgages, banking, credit cards, loans, investing, home equity, insurance, and retirement. Students will complete authentic assessments that include creating budgets and developing long-term financial plans aligned to personal goals. Students’ will discover new ways to maximize their earning potential and spending income, while also understanding their credit score, using credit and how it will impact their ability to borrow and discuss factors that impact insurance costs for protecting and insuring their assets.
The RHS Guidance Department is looking forward to working with students to begin the course selection process for the 2022-2023 school year.
All materials students need are/will be in their Guidance Google Classroom.
The Program of Studies contains important information about RHS and the courses offered. Students and families should review this document. Here is a timeline of the course selection process for the 2022-2023 school year:
February 28th: The RHS 2022-2023 Program of Studies is available for students and families.
March 2nd: There will be assemblies for students in the Auditorium with Guidance counselors, who will review the Program of Studies, the course selection process and forms.
March 14th - 18th: Guidance counselors will work with students in classes to choose their electives in Aspen and submit their elective course selection sheets in google classrooms.
March 21st - 30th: Guidance counselors will meet with students individually to review and discuss their recommendations and courses selection for the 2022-2023 school year.
Over the next several weeks, teachers will be having discussions with students about recommendations for academic courses. Teachers will enter their academic recommendations into Aspen/X2.
Students will need their login information for Aspen/X2 to choose electives. If they don’t know it, they should contact their Guidance Counselor prior to March 14th.
Here are the things students should be doing to prepare for the recommendation/course selection process.
If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your/your student's Guidance Counselor. We are looking forward to working with students and families this spring to get ready for the next school year.
For a Portuguese version of this email, please click here. (Para uma tradução em português deste documento, clique aqui).
Grade 10 MCAS English Language Arts Testing on March 22nd & March 23rd
On Tuesday, March 22nd and Wednesday, March 23rd, all grade 10 Rockland High School students will take the English Language Arts portion of the MCAS Exam in the morning. On Tuesday, May 17th and Wednesday, May 18th, all grade 10 students will take the Mathematics MCAS Exam in the morning.
On the dates of testing, test-takers need to bring a charged Chromebook and their power chord to school. The tests are taken on their Chromebook so this is very important. We do not have extra Chromebooks or power chords.
Given the high-stakes nature of the MCAS, the State Department of Education requires that we provide students with an extremely strict testing environment. For students, this means:
Head phones, iPods, or electronic devices may not be used at any time during the testing period. All cell phones will be collected by test proctors before the start of the exam and returned to the student at the end of the exam period. No exceptions. Students may bring books and school work to do should they complete the exam prior to the end of the testing period.
Students must be in their assigned exam room on time no later than 7:55 a.m.
Passing the MCAS Exam is a high school graduation requirement. You can help your son or daughter prepare for this state-wide assessment by reinforcing the importance of:
Giving your best effort on each test question
Being on time
Getting a good night’s sleep and eating breakfast
Students not taking the Grade 10 English Language Arts MCAS Exam (primarily grades 9, 11, and 12) must report to their first class of the day by 11:15 a.m.
March Upcoming Events
- Grade 9 @ 9:05 AM
- Grade 10 @ 12:35 PM
- Grade 11 @ 1:35 PM
Thursday, March 3rd: Early Release @ 11:20 AM Staff Professional Development
Saturday, March 5th: Saturday School 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Wednesday, March 9th: Grade 12 Scholarship Assembly @ 12:35 PM
Thursday, March 10th: Term 3 Progress Reports Available on Aspen
Tuesday, March 15th: Grade 10 MCAS Assembly 9:05 AM
Thursday, March 17th: Early Release @ 11:20 AM Staff Professional Development
Saturday, March 19th: Saturday School 9:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Tuesday, March 22nd and Wednesday, March 23rd: Grade 10 ELA MCAS Testing
Friday, March 25th and Saturday, March 26th: Shrek the Musical 7:00 PM
Tuesday, March 29th: Seal of Biliteracy Testing 8:00-11:00 AM (Library Media Center)
Term 3 Progress Reports Available Thursday, March 10th
John & Abigail Adams Scholars Reception
KAILEIGH FULTON
CALLIE GILLAN
OLIVIA JONES
LEAH LEONARD
DANIEL O'BRIEN
MARIA PALA
MADISON SMITH
Based on the information from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education:
The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship provides a tuition credit for up to eight semesters of undergraduate education at a Massachusetts state college or university, based on students' scores on MCAS tests. The scholarship covers tuition only; fees and room and board are not included. The scholarship must be used within six years of a student's high school graduation.
To qualify, students must meet the standards listed here.
Students Travel to Belize Over February Vacation
IMAGES
RHS Hosts SEMASC Conference February 17th
Polar Plunge
Get Your Tickets for Shrek, the Musical!
Rockland Drama Club presents Shrek! Tickets are on sale now for shows on Friday, March 25th and Saturday, March 26th. Both shows begin at 7pm. Clink the links below to purchase your tickets!
Helping Hands
Helping Hands: Written by Colby Myers of the Brockton Area Prevention Collaborative
We are living in a time where support and a sense of community are a vital need to all of us. In our lives we come from and identify within different communities; whether that’s family, town, culture, religion, etc. These communities are often a pillar of support in many avenues of our lives. One of these communities is the school system in our district, which often has a wide range of support for families, including mental health and substance use prevention resources. Within these schools, there are teachers, faculty, and staff who care for the kids' needs throughout the day, but there are also adjustment counselors, guidance counselors, school psychologists, and administrative staff available to provide support and resources.
Schools are not the only support system available, as our town, local, state and national communities have a variety of programs and services for any needs that may arise. Resources available include food pantries, affordable housing, support groups, mental health resources, and so much more. Additionally, High Point Treatment Center and The Brockton Area Prevention Collaborative act as active partners to our school community and can provide many avenues of assistance. During any time, these resources can be available to you depending on the need.
Altogether the most important thing is that no matter what difficulties you are faced with, you are never alone. There are always resources and people waiting to help and do anything they can to support you. For a list of resources available in the community, you can click here.
Key Club Finishes Kindness Blankets
This Month's Top Dogs!
Maddie Smith is an NHS inductee and AP Scholar;involved in student leadership as SGC President & Cross Country Team Captain;involved in Bulldog Buddies, Freshmen Mentoring,and the Track & Field Team. She plans to study aerospace engineering & homeland security.
Ramzey Youssef is enrolled in 10 AP Courses and a NHS scholar, Ramzey is a varsity basketball player. Last summer, Ramzey worked full-time at the Deckhand Shipyard and volunteered as a junior counselor at Hartsuff Park. Ramzey plans to study engineering.
Mr. Kimball Appointed As Athletic Director
Mr. Gary Graziano is retiring effective April 15th and we wish him well after an incredible career giving back to our students and families in the Rockland community. Since 1994, Mr. Graziano has been a fixture as a guidance counselor, coach, and most recently, an athletic director. He has certainly left his mark in our community, raising the standard for our athletic programs.
Bulldog Buddies Enjoy Sing 2
Prom Info- Ticket Information & Save the Date!
Winter Sports Update
Girls Basketball Tournament Bracket
Boys Hockey Tournament Bracket
March Lunch Menu
Rockland High School
Principal
Email: jharrison@rocklandschools.org
Website: https://www.rocklandschools.org/o/rockland-high
Location: 52 Mackinlay Way, Rockland, MA, USA
Phone: 781-871-0541
Twitter: @RocklandHS