
January 22, 2021
THANK YOU ROCHESTER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION

In recognition of January being School Board Recognition Month, AHS would like to thank our school board members for everything they do for our children and school district. Thank you Barb Anness, Kevin Beers, Michelle Bueltel, Kristin Bull, Scott Muska, Andrea Walker-Leidy, and Mike Zabat! We appreciate you!
In recognition of January being School Board Recognition Month, AHS would like to thank our school board members for everything they do for our children and school district. Thank you Barb Anness, Kevin Beers, Michelle Bueltel, Kristin Bull, Scott Muska, Andrea Walker-Leidy, and Mike Zabat! We appreciate you!
IMPORTANT DATES
February 8th: Return to In-Person Learning (Hybrid by Cohort)
February 12th: Midwinter Recess Begins at End of School Day
February 15 & 16th: NO SCHOOL - Midwinter Recess
February 17th: Classes Resume
Please see our calendar page above for a complete list of dates for the year.
February 12th: Midwinter Recess Begins at End of School Day
February 15 & 16th: NO SCHOOL - Midwinter Recess
February 17th: Classes Resume
Please see our calendar page above for a complete list of dates for the year.
ONLINE LEARNING SUCCESS TIPS
RCS's Remote Learning Committee continuously works to improve Remote Learning at RCS. As we start this semester, and move forward toward Hybrid instruction, Remote Learning will continue to be an important piece of our instructional schedule. As such, the Remote Learning Committee created an Online Learning Success Tips to help students which outlines a few clear expectations and success tips. This tip sheet is also located in the Return to Learn handbook. ![]()
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IN-PERSON LEARNING UPDATES
On Friday, Jan. 8, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) provided new guidance for in-person instruction and reinforced infection control measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread in schools.
The state’s goal is to have all Michigan school districts offer an in-person learning option for students no later than March 1. This timeline aligns with the recommendations of the Rochester Community School District’s task force.
At this time, students enrolled in in-person learning can expect to return to face-to-face instruction by cohorts using the following phased-in approach.
The staggered approach to in-person instruction ensures the smoothest transition possible for our students and provides the opportunity to evaluate processes and make improvements before the next level returns to their building.
All plans remain flexible depending on conditions. We will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 cases within our district so our teams can effectively serve our students. The safety of children and adults remains our priority.
We are pleased to provide you with the following enhanced hybrid models in preparation for welcoming our students back to the buildings for in-person learning
Families may notice some changes to the daily schedules. Through the Talk to RCS feature on our website, we received valuable feedback from our community, which we intently shared with our task force committees. When revising instructional models and infection control processes, these committees explored all options to ensure teaching and learning continues in the most effective and safest manner possible.
The attached Guidance for In-person Learning document below offers a more comprehensive communication that includes new and previously shared information, which we have compiled into one document for easy access. Here, families will find information about daily schedules, student schedules, athletics, facility rentals, transportation, food services, and safety protocols. Please continue to check your emails for additional information.
We recognize that families may have questions or concerns. Please feel free to reach out to your building administrator who will be glad to assist. Families can also use the Talk to RCS feature on our website at www.rochester.k12.mi.us.
On Friday, Jan. 8, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) provided new guidance for in-person instruction and reinforced infection control measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread in schools.
The state’s goal is to have all Michigan school districts offer an in-person learning option for students no later than March 1. This timeline aligns with the recommendations of the Rochester Community School District’s task force.
At this time, students enrolled in in-person learning can expect to return to face-to-face instruction by cohorts using the following phased-in approach.
- Jan. 25: Elementary and some special education populations
- Feb. 1: Middle school
- Feb. 8: High school
The staggered approach to in-person instruction ensures the smoothest transition possible for our students and provides the opportunity to evaluate processes and make improvements before the next level returns to their building.
All plans remain flexible depending on conditions. We will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 cases within our district so our teams can effectively serve our students. The safety of children and adults remains our priority.
We are pleased to provide you with the following enhanced hybrid models in preparation for welcoming our students back to the buildings for in-person learning
Families may notice some changes to the daily schedules. Through the Talk to RCS feature on our website, we received valuable feedback from our community, which we intently shared with our task force committees. When revising instructional models and infection control processes, these committees explored all options to ensure teaching and learning continues in the most effective and safest manner possible.
The attached Guidance for In-person Learning document below offers a more comprehensive communication that includes new and previously shared information, which we have compiled into one document for easy access. Here, families will find information about daily schedules, student schedules, athletics, facility rentals, transportation, food services, and safety protocols. Please continue to check your emails for additional information.
We recognize that families may have questions or concerns. Please feel free to reach out to your building administrator who will be glad to assist. Families can also use the Talk to RCS feature on our website at www.rochester.k12.mi.us.

return_to_learn_schedules_and_updates_-_1-15-2021_-_f.pdf |
FREE 2ND SEM. FOOD SERVICE - NEW REGISTRATION REQUIRED
FREE MEALS! The USDA approved a waiver effective August 31, 2020, that provides breakfast and lunch meals, free of charge, for all children 18 years of age and younger, including ATPS students 26 years of age and younger. Meals, which meet guidelines from the USDA and Michigan Department of Education, will be distributed through the Rochester Community Schools food service program.
When students are in school in person, daily breakfast and lunch will be served onsite in school cafeterias. Weekly curbside meal service DOES require NEW registration. Families requesting weekly curbside meals after January 21, 2021 must submit a new registration using this link: http://ow.ly/gdQu50DeQOw.
When students are in school in person, daily breakfast and lunch will be served onsite in school cafeterias. Weekly curbside meal service DOES require NEW registration. Families requesting weekly curbside meals after January 21, 2021 must submit a new registration using this link: http://ow.ly/gdQu50DeQOw.
AHS ATHLETIC UPDATE
Boys Golf Meeting February 8th
An informational meeting regarding golf tryouts and the upcoming season will be held on February 8th from 2:30 - 3:15 pm in the Media Center. Please bring something to write with and 1st semester grades. This meeting is to sign up for tryouts. Must attend if interested. Please email Coach Picot if you have a conflict or a question. [email protected]
AHS Athletic Update
Rochester Community Schools is pleased to provide the latest update regarding winter sports with recent guidance from the MDHHS and MHSAA.
Safety protocols have been put in place and must be adhered to for the health and safety of RCS athletes, staff and families. These protocols include pre-screening, temperature checks, wearing masks, handwashing and maintaining six feet of distance. Contact sports including basketball, hockey, wrestling, and competitive cheer are only allowed to have non-contact practices.
Please note: In light of the COVID-19 situation, there has been an adjustment to the standard process for physical exams.
If a student received a sports physical exam during the 2019-20 school year (one completed on or after April 15, 2019) and it is on file with the athletic office, they only must complete the MHSAA Health Questionnaire Form for 2020-21 to become eligible to begin practicing. Once turned into the athletic office, this will serve as their valid physical exam for the entire 2020-21 school year.
If the students answer "yes" to any of the 14 questions listed on the Health Questionnaire, or does not have an exam on file with the school from the 2019-20 school year, the student will need a new sports physical exam (MHSAA Physical Exam Form) for 2020-21. If uncertain, please contact the athletic office to confirm the physical exam from 2019-20 is on file.
Please see below for practice/tryout dates & times for each winter sport teams.
If you have any questions, please contact Brian Hassler at 248-726-5208, [email protected]
Boys Basketball (Varsity/JV/Frosh)
More info, contact Coach Jaret Thomas: [email protected]
Girls Basketball (Varsity/JV)
More info, contact Coach Shay Lewis: [email protected]
Competitive Cheer (Varsity/JV)
More info, contact Coach Brooke Miller: [email protected]
Boys/Girls Skiing (Varsity/JV)
More info, contact Coach Jaime Jackson: [email protected]
United Ice Hockey (Varsity/JV)
More info, contact Coaches Eric Keipper [email protected] or Austin Grzenia [email protected]
Boys Swim/Dive
More info, contact Coach Tim Hickey: [email protected]
Wrestling
More info, contact Coach Mike Holtz: [email protected]
Our ability to provide athletic opportunities during these challenging times is dependent upon following State of Michigan and MHSAA guidelines. We appreciate your vigilance and support.
Thank you for your cooperation and Be Highlander Proud!
Safety protocols have been put in place and must be adhered to for the health and safety of RCS athletes, staff and families. These protocols include pre-screening, temperature checks, wearing masks, handwashing and maintaining six feet of distance. Contact sports including basketball, hockey, wrestling, and competitive cheer are only allowed to have non-contact practices.
Please note: In light of the COVID-19 situation, there has been an adjustment to the standard process for physical exams.
If a student received a sports physical exam during the 2019-20 school year (one completed on or after April 15, 2019) and it is on file with the athletic office, they only must complete the MHSAA Health Questionnaire Form for 2020-21 to become eligible to begin practicing. Once turned into the athletic office, this will serve as their valid physical exam for the entire 2020-21 school year.
If the students answer "yes" to any of the 14 questions listed on the Health Questionnaire, or does not have an exam on file with the school from the 2019-20 school year, the student will need a new sports physical exam (MHSAA Physical Exam Form) for 2020-21. If uncertain, please contact the athletic office to confirm the physical exam from 2019-20 is on file.
Please see below for practice/tryout dates & times for each winter sport teams.
If you have any questions, please contact Brian Hassler at 248-726-5208, [email protected]
Boys Basketball (Varsity/JV/Frosh)
More info, contact Coach Jaret Thomas: [email protected]
Girls Basketball (Varsity/JV)
More info, contact Coach Shay Lewis: [email protected]
Competitive Cheer (Varsity/JV)
More info, contact Coach Brooke Miller: [email protected]
Boys/Girls Skiing (Varsity/JV)
More info, contact Coach Jaime Jackson: [email protected]
United Ice Hockey (Varsity/JV)
More info, contact Coaches Eric Keipper [email protected] or Austin Grzenia [email protected]
Boys Swim/Dive
More info, contact Coach Tim Hickey: [email protected]
Wrestling
More info, contact Coach Mike Holtz: [email protected]
Our ability to provide athletic opportunities during these challenging times is dependent upon following State of Michigan and MHSAA guidelines. We appreciate your vigilance and support.
Thank you for your cooperation and Be Highlander Proud!
AHS CLUBS UPDATE
High school clubs and activities may resume beginning January 16. Please watch for information from you club advisor.
OAKLAND SCHOOLS TECHNICAL CAMPUS UPDATE

With the recent update sent from OSTC regarding their return to face-to-face instruction on January 19th, we recognize that there are conflicts as we remain in a remote setting until our proposed return to in-person instruction on February 8th.
The attached AHS Remote/OSTC Schedule was created to highlight the conflicts that will occur until we return to our in-person/hybrid learning model.
We are asking that all OSTC students communicate with their teachers here at Adams, as well as their teachers at OSTC regarding the various ways students can access coursework. It will be up to students to choose which classes to attend during the times of conflict and to communicate that with their teachers.
We will also communicate these conflicts with our teachers, and ask that they do their absolute best to accommodate our OSTC students during this temporary transition.
Transportation in the form of bussing to and from OSTC will occur starting on February 19th. Please note, there will be no transportation provided to and from Adams from students' home bus stops. If your student will be driving themselves, please make sure you complete students_driving_between_buildings_-_fillable.pd and send it to [email protected].
The attached AHS Remote/OSTC Schedule was created to highlight the conflicts that will occur until we return to our in-person/hybrid learning model.
We are asking that all OSTC students communicate with their teachers here at Adams, as well as their teachers at OSTC regarding the various ways students can access coursework. It will be up to students to choose which classes to attend during the times of conflict and to communicate that with their teachers.
We will also communicate these conflicts with our teachers, and ask that they do their absolute best to accommodate our OSTC students during this temporary transition.
Transportation in the form of bussing to and from OSTC will occur starting on February 19th. Please note, there will be no transportation provided to and from Adams from students' home bus stops. If your student will be driving themselves, please make sure you complete students_driving_between_buildings_-_fillable.pd and send it to [email protected].
ACADEMIC RECOGNITION FOR SENIORS MODIFICATIONS

Each year, Rochester Community Schools is proud to honor the outstanding academic achievements of its graduates. Seniors who earn high academic honors are recognized with the following designations: Scholar of Achievement, Scholar of Distinction, and Scholar of Highest Distinction.
Due to the unique learning challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, RCS is making a slight modification to the criteria for the Class of 2021. In prior years, students were required to meet a minimum threshold in each of three categories: grade point average (GPA), number of AP courses completed, and the SAT or ACT score.
For seniors in the Class of 2021, the SAT/ACT score component will be eliminated, and the academic honor will be based on the remaining criteria: GPA and number of AP courses completed.
The rationale
Throughout the 2020-21 school year, the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for all students to equitably access SAT or ACT testing, as illustrated by the following:
- The state tests that are typically required for graduation were canceled in April 2020.
- The state asked school districts to offer but not require the SAT in October 2020. While most students took the test at that time, some wanted the option to take it again to improve their score.
- Many of the national Saturday test dates in the surrounding areas were either full or canceled, making it difficult for students to get a testing seat.
We recognize that many students did take at least one SAT or ACT test and in some cases went to great lengths to achieve this. We want to acknowledge these efforts. Although some universities and colleges were more flexible in their admissions requirements this year, we know many students still use a standardized test score for admissions or scholarship purposes. We are so proud of all of our students and believe everyone did the best they could with the situation they were given.
Currently, each RCS high school honors well over 100 scholars each year for academic achievement according to these benchmarks.
We believe that this one-year hiatus from the SAT/ACT test score is unlikely to significantly impact the number of scholars. The committee agrees that students who have lived through a pandemic, who have learned so much about themselves and about life, and who still meet the high standards of taking AP courses and keeping a high GPA truly deserve to be honored.
We are proud to recognize the efforts of our outstanding students. Best wishes to the Class of 2021.
NEWS FROM THE COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
High School Career Connections Newsletter

hs_career_connections_newsletter_january.pdf |
RCSF CLASS OF 2021 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JANUARY 24TH
The annual Rochester Community Schools Foundation Scholarship Program has extended the deadline for scholarship packet submissions.
The scholarship descriptions that are awarded through the RCS Foundation have been finalized and can be viewed by clicking on the following link: https://rcs-foundation.org/annual-scholarship-program/.
The scholarships listed on the website are based on criteria developed by the donors which may include academic promise; extracurricular activities; community service; musical, artistic and dramatic talent; tenacity; work ethic; and leadership. Some awards may consider an applicant's financial need. Distribution of the scholarship funds are based on identifying successful candidates who meet the criteria.
All interested applicants are asked to review all scholarships and eligibility requirements (click here) and submit a completed application packet by no later than end of day January 24, 2021.
For additional scholarship opportunities, visit the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester website: https://cfound.org/applying/students.
If you have any questions, please contact the RCS Foundation Team - 248-726-3190
The scholarship descriptions that are awarded through the RCS Foundation have been finalized and can be viewed by clicking on the following link: https://rcs-foundation.org/annual-scholarship-program/.
The scholarships listed on the website are based on criteria developed by the donors which may include academic promise; extracurricular activities; community service; musical, artistic and dramatic talent; tenacity; work ethic; and leadership. Some awards may consider an applicant's financial need. Distribution of the scholarship funds are based on identifying successful candidates who meet the criteria.
All interested applicants are asked to review all scholarships and eligibility requirements (click here) and submit a completed application packet by no later than end of day January 24, 2021.
For additional scholarship opportunities, visit the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester website: https://cfound.org/applying/students.
If you have any questions, please contact the RCS Foundation Team - 248-726-3190
SENIOR REMINDERS
Please remind students to allow 2 weeks for the processing of transcripts through Parchment
· Please note it can take up to 2 weeks for a student’s college application portal to reflect that a college has received their transcripts
· For students who have received admissions decisions:
* Students receiving 7th semester transcript requests should log into Parchment and request transcripts to be sent to schools xxxby selecting the college, and then selecting “Hold for Grades” to submit requests
* Students receiving requests for midterm/report card grades, should email Mrs. Pierre in counseling. Her email address is x [email protected].
· Scholarship information can be found on the counseling website under the link “Scholarship Bulletin” (click here) as well as hard copies located in the counseling office.
· Please note it can take up to 2 weeks for a student’s college application portal to reflect that a college has received their transcripts
· For students who have received admissions decisions:
* Students receiving 7th semester transcript requests should log into Parchment and request transcripts to be sent to schools xxxby selecting the college, and then selecting “Hold for Grades” to submit requests
* Students receiving requests for midterm/report card grades, should email Mrs. Pierre in counseling. Her email address is x [email protected].
· Scholarship information can be found on the counseling website under the link “Scholarship Bulletin” (click here) as well as hard copies located in the counseling office.
STUDENT CAREER EXPLORATION
It’s typically during our fall grade level meetings that we have students complete their state-required Educational Development Plans (EDPs) and spend some time in career education via Xello. Since we can’t meet in person currently, we sent out information about Xello & EDPs to students via their language arts classes and their counseling Google Classroom pages. Please ask your student about this, and help us make sure their EDP is complete. Check out Xello with them, too! It is PACKED with exploration and learning students can do to move them toward finding a career that’s a great fit for their personality, skills, and interests.
GRADE LEVEL GOOGLE CLASSROOMS - STUDENTS PLEASE JOIN (UPDATED INFO)
The Counseling Department has created grade specific Google Classroom’s. Please encourage your students to join the Google Classroom if they have not already done so. Each grade has a video to view specific to their grade level. The codes are listed below.
- 9th grade (all students, class of 2024): Class code: vn3dn2q
- 10th grade (all students, class of 2023): Class code: 6nbncxv
- 11th grade (all students, class of 2022): Class code: cyvq4oi
- 12th grade (all students, class of 2021): Class code: 7ed7afo
KHAN ACADEMY - PSAT/SAT TESTING PRACTICE
We are encouraging all Adams students to utilize Khan Academy as practice for future PSAT/SAT testing. Khan Academy provides students with personalized practice and study opportunities based on previous test scores when students link their Khan Academy account to their College Board account. See the instruction below on how to set up and use your Khan Academy account.

khan_login_instructions_2021.pdf |
A NOTE FROM KIM KELLY - PTSA PRESIDENT
Hello Highlanders – we made it through the first semester! We are still in need of Highlanders to mentor young students in our helping hands program. Information and sign up can be found under quick links at:
Rochester Adams High School PTSA - Home Page (membershiptoolkit.com)
Thank you to Kristin Nahass for all of her hard work assembling and distributing the printed directory to all families this year. A special thank you to the NHS students who hand delivered directories. Please remember that this information is personal and meant as a way for families to connect, not for business use.
Hello Highlanders – we made it through the first semester! We are still in need of Highlanders to mentor young students in our helping hands program. Information and sign up can be found under quick links at:
Rochester Adams High School PTSA - Home Page (membershiptoolkit.com)
Thank you to Kristin Nahass for all of her hard work assembling and distributing the printed directory to all families this year. A special thank you to the NHS students who hand delivered directories. Please remember that this information is personal and meant as a way for families to connect, not for business use.
Regards,
Pasquale Cusumano, Principal
Todd Calcamuggio, Assistant Principal
Luke Swanson, Assistant Principal
Pasquale Cusumano, Principal
Todd Calcamuggio, Assistant Principal
Luke Swanson, Assistant Principal
AHS PREVIOUS WEEKS' IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ParentVUE and StudentVUE Logins
Parents can obtain login information via ParentVUE for their students in all grades and programs. Please note that students in grades 6-12 are able to change their own passwords and ParentVUE will only display the initial password.
Parents can visit the Remote Learning @ RCS page (https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/pages/156551/remote-learning-rcs) for more details.
Please remember, we are here for you! If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us. If you have a general question contact the main office at 248-726-5200. If we are not available please leave a message or email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you. If you need to speak to your counselor, send them an email and they will be in touch with you as soon as they can.
Parents can visit the Remote Learning @ RCS page (https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/pages/156551/remote-learning-rcs) for more details.
- ParentVUE (web browser) - go to Student Info.
- ParentVUE (app) - go to Student Info > Additional Information.
- If a student needs a password reset, you can use our support form. It is the first item under the Contact Us grid in the link above.
- If you are still having trouble logging in, please email [email protected]
Please remember, we are here for you! If you have questions, feel free to reach out to us. If you have a general question contact the main office at 248-726-5200. If we are not available please leave a message or email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you. If you need to speak to your counselor, send them an email and they will be in touch with you as soon as they can.
UPDATED REMOTE LEARNING INFORMATION
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL MATH CLUB OFFERS TUTORING

Interested in free, online, one on one math tutoring by Adams High School Students? Our Math Tutoring Club can provide quality tutoring at no cost to elementary, middle, and high school students via ZOOM! Visit Adams Math Tutoring Club to schedule a session and to view our website.
FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH
Chartwells Food Service is encouraging families to fill out the online free and reduced meal application for the 2020-21 school year, especially if there have been changes in your household (additional family members, reduction of employment)
Applications are accepted throughout the year. Only one application is needed per family and all information is confidential.
If you have already applied for this year, you do not need to resubmit an application.
This program also connects families to additional community resources including:
For translated applications: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/translated-applications
Applications are accepted throughout the year. Only one application is needed per family and all information is confidential.
If you have already applied for this year, you do not need to resubmit an application.
This program also connects families to additional community resources including:
- Blessings In a Backpack
- Neighborhood House
- Before and After School Child Care
- RAYA (Rochester Area Youth Assistance)
- Reduced fees for Project Graduation, Summer Learning Program (Elementary and Secondary), AP and ACT Testing,
- School Clubs and Activity Fees
- Athletics
- Seniors: Senior Breakfast tickets, Senior All Night Party tickets, and Reduced Cap and Gown Fees
For translated applications: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/translated-applications
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS
