January 29, 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.
Technology Support and Request for Device
There will be a device deployment on Wednesday, February 3 for TK-12, ATPS, and ECSE students from 6:00 am - 6:00pm, (appointments are required) at the RCS Administration Building. Chromebooks will be provided to all RCS students who are in need of a device. No action is required for those students who were already issued an RCS Chromebook earlier this year. This is their 1:1 device.
Secondary students who prefer to use their own personal computer or laptop from home and at school, should not check out an RCS Chromebook. Please consider that we recommend that the device being used by a student has a working camera to support attendance, collaboration, and completing assignments. Using a district issued Chromebook also provides a consistent experience and helps RCS provide the best support possible. As we maximize our budget and resources, we encourage families to be considerate and only check out district devices that will be used.
If you are in need of a device please fill out this form on the Technology website.
If you have other technical issues or questions, please visit our Technology Support website.
Secondary students who prefer to use their own personal computer or laptop from home and at school, should not check out an RCS Chromebook. Please consider that we recommend that the device being used by a student has a working camera to support attendance, collaboration, and completing assignments. Using a district issued Chromebook also provides a consistent experience and helps RCS provide the best support possible. As we maximize our budget and resources, we encourage families to be considerate and only check out district devices that will be used.
If you are in need of a device please fill out this form on the Technology website.
If you have other technical issues or questions, please visit our Technology Support website.
Freshmen and New Student Open House - Thurs. Feb. 4th, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

All freshmen and new students to Adams High School are invited to attend an open house next Thursday, February 4th, from 6:00-8:00pm. You are welcome to walk the building and find your classrooms in preparation for our return to school the following week. There will be Link Crew leaders available to answer questions and help guide you if needed. Please plan on staying 15 minutes or less. Parents are welcomed.
Students will enter and exit through the main entrance off of Tienken. We look forward to seeing you!
Highlander spiritwear will be available to purchase. Cash or credit card will be accepted.
New RCS Website Goes Live on February 1st!
After a year-long effort, we are excited to announce that the new RCS Website will go LIVE on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. We have remodeled the site from the ground up to be mobile-friendly, easy to use, secure, quick to load, American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, and visually engaging. We understand that there may be a slight learning curve for some users and the pages may need some modifications after day one, but we are confident that these will be minor adjustments. We greatly appreciate our community’s support as we work to improve our website and opportunities to enhance communications.
Parent Teacher Conference Dates Change
The dates of the Spring Parent Teacher conferences for high school have changed due to the semester starting later than originally planned. The conferences will be held virtually via zoom, as they were in the fall. The dates for the high school conferences are as follows:
Tuesday, February 23rd
5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Parents will be able to start signing up for conferences during the morning of February 15 through ParentVue. As a reminder, the Spring conferences are generally for connecting with teachers of courses where you have particular concerns. You can always connect with teachers by email.
Tuesday, February 23rd
5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Parents will be able to start signing up for conferences during the morning of February 15 through ParentVue. As a reminder, the Spring conferences are generally for connecting with teachers of courses where you have particular concerns. You can always connect with teachers by email.
Modified Wednesdays Remote Learning Schedule
On Jan. 27, students in grades 6-12 began following a newly modified schedule on Wednesdays in the remote learning environment.
As usual, students will have remote instruction in all six courses on Wednesdays. The new schedule provides 10 minutes between classes for additional student-teacher interaction and optional individual follow-up. This remote learning schedule will continue until high school students shift to the hybrid in-person learning environment on Feb. 8.
As usual, students will have remote instruction in all six courses on Wednesdays. The new schedule provides 10 minutes between classes for additional student-teacher interaction and optional individual follow-up. This remote learning schedule will continue until high school students shift to the hybrid in-person learning environment on Feb. 8.
In-Person Learning Update & Back-to-School Checklist
On Monday, February 7th, we look forward to our welcoming our Highlanders to Adams for in-person learning by cohorts. Below is a checklist to help our secondary families prepare for school and become familiar with the new safety procedures in place.
Thank you for your continued diligence in modeling healthy behaviors at home so we can keep our school buildings open for in-person learning.
We appreciate the support of our community in following the advice of health experts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19—mask up, limit gatherings, practice social distancing, wash hands frequently, and stay home if you feel sick or have COVID-19 symptoms.
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.
Thank you for your continued diligence in modeling healthy behaviors at home so we can keep our school buildings open for in-person learning.
We appreciate the support of our community in following the advice of health experts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19—mask up, limit gatherings, practice social distancing, wash hands frequently, and stay home if you feel sick or have COVID-19 symptoms.
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.

checklist_for_hybrid_in-person_instruction_6-12_feb_2020_v5.pdf |
Free 2nd Semester 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.
Informational Meeting on Active and Reserve Component of the Army
Calling all HIGHLANDERS!!!! Have you have ever thought about the military as an option for post High School Graduation.... then look no further. Staff Sergeant Roberts wants to educate young men and women on the options and benefits associated with serving the Active or Reserve Component of the Army. This is purely informational and to answer any questions you may have!!!! Bring a pen, paper, and a whole bunch of questions so Staff Sergeant Roberts can assist you with the answers.
Zoom meetings happen every Wednesday @ 1:00 p.m. Looking forward to meeting you!
Staff Sergeant Roberts, Michael
US Army Recruiter
Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/5438206026?pwd=L2M4QmlHb3VXd2FwR2cxME9OS0gxQT09
Zoom meetings happen every Wednesday @ 1:00 p.m. Looking forward to meeting you!
Staff Sergeant Roberts, Michael
US Army Recruiter
Zoom meeting: https://zoom.us/j/5438206026?pwd=L2M4QmlHb3VXd2FwR2cxME9OS0gxQT09
February Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Parent Network Zoom Meeting
If you are passionate about ensuring that Rochester Community Schools is safe, inclusive, equitable, and representative of all students, join us for the February Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Parent Network Zoom meeting on Monday, February 1st from 7-8:30 p.m. ET.
Kirstin Wagner of Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) will be sharing the RCS participation and enrollment rates in our high school advanced placement courses. The presentation will include information from our three year partnership with EOS.
Please fill out the following google form to register for the meeting: https://forms.gle/tke7c8FLMZ8ckpAo9
The zoom link will be sent to your email before the meeting on Monday. Email [email protected]m for questions.
Kirstin Wagner of Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) will be sharing the RCS participation and enrollment rates in our high school advanced placement courses. The presentation will include information from our three year partnership with EOS.
Please fill out the following google form to register for the meeting: https://forms.gle/tke7c8FLMZ8ckpAo9
The zoom link will be sent to your email before the meeting on Monday. Email [email protected]m for questions.
AHS Athletic Updates

Visit our Adams Highlander Athletic webpage to stay up-to-date on the latest AHS Athletic news and sports highlights .
New Athletic Self-Screener for Athletics
Effective February 1st, 2021.
RCS is moving to a new platform for student-athletes and visitors to use for Covid-19 screening. The district has chosen a platform called Clear to Go!, which has an app you can download onto your Apple or Android Phone. For students, we have uploaded your RCS email address, student number, parents phone number, and email address. If you do not wish to download the app, you may use the screener link found in the daily reminder sent to your RCS email address. A screener reminder will go out via email each morning Monday through Sunday. Upon arrival at each practice/athletic event, each athlete will present the green check on his/her mobile phone device to their head coach, followed by a temperature check. If you receive a “fail exposure” or a ”fail symptomatic” notification, please do not enter the building and contact your head coach. A case will be opened and you will be contacted to begin the investigation and contact tracing. Please reference the athletic website for information about the phone app and the screening process. Please contact your head coach or athletic director with further questions. See attached file for more info. |
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health_self_screener_instructions_athletics.pdf |
Attention Prospective Baseball Players
Attention all prospective baseball players. If you are NOT on the off-season Remind and have NOT filled out the survey below, please do so. If you have already filled out the survey, please do NOT fill it out again. Coach Hall is trying to collect information about players that will be available for 4 man workouts in the near future. Survey link: https://forms.gle/ZV4K3VS23ZHud4G66
Remind link: https://www.remind.com/join/b772gag - Updates about 4 man workouts and eventually tryout times. Once we are back in person Coach Hall will hold a meeting before tryouts.
Remind link: https://www.remind.com/join/b772gag - Updates about 4 man workouts and eventually tryout times. Once we are back in person Coach Hall will hold a meeting before tryouts.
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 Clubs Update
High school clubs and activities may resume beginning January 16. Please watch for information from you club advisor.
News From the Counseling Department
High School Career Connections Newsletter

hs_career_connections_newsletter_january.pdf |
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 by 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 by 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.
A Note From Kim Kelly - PTSA President
We are so excited to welcome students back into the building soon! The staff has worked tirelessly to prepare for this transition all school year and I’m sure the kids are excited as well. If you’re looking for a special thank you for a staff member, please visit the Membership Toolkit. Links can be found to Wish Lists, Helping Hands registrations and PTSA meetings and agendas. We still need Highlanders to help mentor students! For more information, please contact me at [email protected]. Our next PTSA meeting is February 23rd at 9:30 am via zoom. Have a great weekend!
We are so excited to welcome students back into the building soon! The staff has worked tirelessly to prepare for this transition all school year and I’m sure the kids are excited as well. If you’re looking for a special thank you for a staff member, please visit the Membership Toolkit. Links can be found to Wish Lists, Helping Hands registrations and PTSA meetings and agendas. We still need Highlanders to help mentor students! For more information, please contact me at [email protected]. Our next PTSA meeting is February 23rd at 9:30 am via zoom. Have a great weekend!
Founders Day Celebration
Please join us on February 18, 2021 for a virtual celebration of some amazing volunteers within our Rochester Community PTA. On this special evening, we recognize and honor the accomplishments, commitment and dedication of the students, parents, educators, and staff of our Rochester community. This year’s celebration will also feature a silent auction, with proceeds supporting Rochester PTA Council scholarships.
CONGRATULATIONS to our Adams PTSA Honorees: Debbie Kesman (staff and parent) for re-inventing the wheel and facilitating the first (and hopefully last!) drive through registration. Soodong Kim (student) for mentoring 3 different students in the Helping Hands program and going above and beyond by dropping off art supplies and helping a student in both English and Korean. Pauline Joiner (Parent) for being an incredible advocate for all disabled students in RCS and being the PAC Chair at multiple schools. Also, Kim Kelly (Adams PTSA President and Parent) will be honored with a special District Bright Ideas award for her efforts in establishing the Highlander Helping Hands program. These individuals have gone above and beyond to volunteer their time and talents to enhance the Adams community. THANK YOU!! |
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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
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.

rcs_online_learning_success_tips.pdf |
News From the Counseling Department
Academic Recognition For Seniors Modifications
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.
Khan Academy - PSAT/SAT Test 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.
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khan_login_instructions_2021.pdf |
Oakland Schools Technical Campus

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].
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.
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.
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS
