December 18, 2020
SPOTLIGHT ON INSTRUCTION
AHS BANDS PERFORMS VIRTUAL HOLIDAY CONCERTS
AHS Band Director, Matt Harris, presents AHS 2020 Holiday Band Concerts comprised of AHS Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, and 9th Grade Concert Band. All 3 bands have been working on solos, duets and large music pieces to prepare for these concerts. Mr. Harris was extremely impressed how the students learned to record and upload their music for him to edit into these combined concerts.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
AHS WIND ENSEMBLE
SYMPHONY BAND CONCERT
9TH GRADE CONCERT BAND
NEWS FROM THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
ADAMS ATHLETICS ANNOUNCES - ADAMS RISE CLUB
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Adams Athletics is starting a new club called, the Adams Rise Club (ARC). The ARC will start with Rise to Win’s multi-week leadership program. Student-Athletes will engage in 8 weekly sessions that combine RISE's experiential learning curriculum with sports. These programs offer opportunities to have important and often difficult conversations about social justice, race, perceptions and stereotypes. Right now we are limited in how we gather so the sessions will be held via zoom after the new year.
From there the goal is to grow it into an opportunity to serve the community through athletics. That could involve summer camps, volunteer work, or any student initiated projects. If interested please email Mr. Hassler at [email protected]. |
FOLLOW AHS ATHLETIC NEWS |
CONGRATULATIONS AHS SOFTBALL TEAM!!! |
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CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY UPDATES
Adams NHS students donated items for the Adopt-A-Family program set up by Adams parent, Barb Rill. Students also volunteered to socially distance and wrap presents for the families.
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Taylor Brooks facilitated a partnership with the OPC for NHS students to donate items to make baskets for seniors in our community. Students also volunteered time to help deliver the baskets to homes in the Rochester area.
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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.
AHS THEATRE DEPARTMENT HOSTING POETRY SLAM
Adams High School is looking to host a virtual Poetry Slam at the end of January. All RCS high schools are welcome so please share with friends for Rochester and Stoney Creek High Schools. This event calls for anyone interested in writing and performing a piece, graphic design, video editing, and social media promotion. If you’re interested please reach out to Claire Donohoe via Instagram (@cwroteit) or email ([email protected])
IMPORTANT SENIOR INFORMATION
RCSF CLASS OF 2021 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - DUE JANUARY 8TH
The annual Rochester Community Schools Foundation Scholarship Program is now accepting scholarship packet submissions from all interested RCS high school seniors.
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 8, 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 8, 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 PORTRAIT DEADLINE EXTENSION: JANUARY 16TH, 2021
Due to the recent state lockdown and the current unavailability of Prestige Portrait Studios, the senior portrait deadline has been extended to January 16th, 2021.
Please go online at https://bit.ly/PRESTIGE_OAKLANDTWP to make your child’s senior portrait appointment.
If you have any questions please contact Mr. Lovalvo at [email protected].
Please go online at https://bit.ly/PRESTIGE_OAKLANDTWP to make your child’s senior portrait appointment.
If you have any questions please contact Mr. Lovalvo at [email protected].
NEWS FROM THE COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
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! Looking for something to do over break? Consider being a Buddy to a younger student with the Highlander Helping Hands program. We currently have 71 Highlanders mentoring 83 elementary and middle school students. Volunteer hours are awarded and both older and younger students have said they look forward to the meetings each week. In addition to helping with homework, they play virtual games, share the love of sports and music, create art projects, read together and more. The program is here to stay so sign up any time!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MOPYh_g5gnIMXC3ZGGhD3kZTMiSBv63tzdK8ebj0wdA/edit?usp=sharing
Feedback from parents of young students includes: “my 1st grader can’t stop talking about her new best friend! She already has a stack of books ready to read at their next meeting”, “this program has made such a difference already! My quiet and bored 4th grader spent over an hour telling us all about his new friend and can’t wait to play piano in their new band!” “A huge thank you to Katie for coming up with a great art project and making my daughter’s day!” It doesn’t take much to make a difference in someone’s life.
On behalf of the entire Adams PTSA Board, we wish you a happy and healthy Holiday Break. I know we are all looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020!
Hello Highlanders! Looking for something to do over break? Consider being a Buddy to a younger student with the Highlander Helping Hands program. We currently have 71 Highlanders mentoring 83 elementary and middle school students. Volunteer hours are awarded and both older and younger students have said they look forward to the meetings each week. In addition to helping with homework, they play virtual games, share the love of sports and music, create art projects, read together and more. The program is here to stay so sign up any time!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MOPYh_g5gnIMXC3ZGGhD3kZTMiSBv63tzdK8ebj0wdA/edit?usp=sharing
Feedback from parents of young students includes: “my 1st grader can’t stop talking about her new best friend! She already has a stack of books ready to read at their next meeting”, “this program has made such a difference already! My quiet and bored 4th grader spent over an hour telling us all about his new friend and can’t wait to play piano in their new band!” “A huge thank you to Katie for coming up with a great art project and making my daughter’s day!” It doesn’t take much to make a difference in someone’s life.
On behalf of the entire Adams PTSA Board, we wish you a happy and healthy Holiday Break. I know we are all looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020!
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
With COVID-19 cases spreading quickly across Michigan and more specifically, Oakland County, we have made the decision to continue serving children in a remote learning environment through Friday, Jan. 15, 2021. As a reminder, there will be no school for students on Jan. 18 and 19.
On Nov. 4, we indicated that our transition to remote learning would be evaluated by Nov. 27. However, as the holidays approach, we recognize the increased need for families to arrange schedules and plan ahead, so we have thoughtfully condensed our timeline.
Although we cannot predict the future, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) indicate that traditional gatherings over the holidays can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19. By the Jan. 15 timeframe, holiday gatherings should have subsided, and we are optimistic that we will see a downward trend in the numbers. Jan. 15 also marks the end of the first semester for our secondary students.
We will continue to evaluate our teaching and learning options and communicate updates as they become available. Student and staff safety will remain our priority.
On Nov. 4, we indicated that our transition to remote learning would be evaluated by Nov. 27. However, as the holidays approach, we recognize the increased need for families to arrange schedules and plan ahead, so we have thoughtfully condensed our timeline.
Although we cannot predict the future, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) indicate that traditional gatherings over the holidays can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19. By the Jan. 15 timeframe, holiday gatherings should have subsided, and we are optimistic that we will see a downward trend in the numbers. Jan. 15 also marks the end of the first semester for our secondary students.
We will continue to evaluate our teaching and learning options and communicate updates as they become available. Student and staff safety will remain our priority.
2020-2021 CALENDAR UPDATES
Recently the Contract Maintenance Committee (CMC), consisting of district leaders and union representatives, discussed and voted on changes to the 2020-21 calendar. Changes are as follows:
- There will be no final exams at the secondary level (grades 6-12) for the first semester. The grade at the end of the semester will be made up of the two quarter grades, each at 50 percent.
- The first semester will continue through Jan. 15, 2021, for students in grades 6-12. Elementary trimesters will continue as scheduled.
- There will be no school on Jan. 18 for all K-12 students in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
- There will be no school on Jan. 19 for all K-12 students. This will serve as a records day at the secondary level and transition time for the elementary level.
- The second semester will begin on Jan. 20 for grades 6-12.
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
STUDENT COUNCIL CONDUCTS BLOOD DRIVE
Rochester Adams High School is partnering with The American Red Cross to host an upcoming blood drive. While we normally host drives at our school we are currently unable due to COVID-19. However, we have been fortunate enough to be able to hold our drives at Oak Arbor Church!
Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today!
Click here to make an appointment
Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App on the App Store, Google Play or text BLOODAPP to 90999. Schedule appointments, view your blood type and results of your mini-physical, and track your donations.
American Red Cross Blood Services - 431 18th St. NW, Washington, DC, 20006
Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today!
Click here to make an appointment
- December 21 you can give right before the Holiday.
Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App on the App Store, Google Play or text BLOODAPP to 90999. Schedule appointments, view your blood type and results of your mini-physical, and track your donations.
American Red Cross Blood Services - 431 18th St. NW, Washington, DC, 20006
ROCHESTER COMMUNITY SCHOOLS PRESENTS CULTURAL
AWARENESS & OBSERVANCES CALENDAR
Rochester Community Schools recently developed the Cultural Awareness & Observances Calendar for educators. The purpose of this calendar is to raise awareness about the many events, cultural practices and traditions in history and in present day. This calendar also honors past and present members of our world who have contributed to social justice and reform. This calendar is intended to serve as a tool to educate and promote understanding for the individual, group, culture or cause, not to trivialize. This calendar may prompt you to seek to learn more and share your findings with others.
Each month, AHS will feature the current months calendar in News and Notes. Please note this calendar is by no means a finite list of significant dates.
