NEWS AND NOTES
2024-2025
IMPORTANT DATES:
December 20: Winter holiday recess begins at end of day
January month: RCS Staff Appreciation Days 2024-25 - BOE
January 6: Classes resume
Exam Schedule: (Half Days)
Jan. 15: 1st and 2nd Hour
Jan. 16: 3rd and 4th Hour
Jan. 17: 5th and 6th Hour
Jan. 20: No school
December 20: Winter holiday recess begins at end of day
January month: RCS Staff Appreciation Days 2024-25 - BOE
January 6: Classes resume
Exam Schedule: (Half Days)
Jan. 15: 1st and 2nd Hour
Jan. 16: 3rd and 4th Hour
Jan. 17: 5th and 6th Hour
Jan. 20: No school
HAPPY WINTER BREAK EDITION
Happy Winter Break All,
On behalf of our office staff and administrative team at Adams High School we wish you a wonderful winter break! We are proud to lead in this amazing learning community with the support of our staff. We share a common vision focused on creating a dynamic learning environment for staff and students.
Going forward, we hope that you all are able to take time over the break to connect with family/friends and do something that brings you happiness, joy, and peace!
On behalf of our office staff and administrative team at Adams High School we wish you a wonderful winter break! We are proud to lead in this amazing learning community with the support of our staff. We share a common vision focused on creating a dynamic learning environment for staff and students.
Going forward, we hope that you all are able to take time over the break to connect with family/friends and do something that brings you happiness, joy, and peace!
SPOTLIGHT ON INSTRUCTION
Instructor: Mr. Vince LoPiccolo
Advanced Marketing Guest Presenter: Mr. Jalil Mims
The Advanced Marketing students were able to connect with a leader in the Food Marketing industry today. Mr. Jalil Mims, an operational store manager of multiple Kroger locations, visited his alma matter, Adams High School, Class of 2018, to present on connecting with customers through Marketing Strategy and Supply Chain Management (two important concepts covered in the Advanced Marketing course).
Jalil helped the students to better understand how to support positive customer interactions on all levels of the business, from the product offerings through customer check out, to ensure customer satisfaction. He presented on the many ways Kroger takes care of customers and the importance of following your dreams through hard work.
Thank you to Mr. Jalil Mims and The Kroger Company for this amazing presentation.
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Pictured (left to right): Rochester Community Schools - Superintendent Nick Russo, Adams High School - Principal Luke Swanson, Kroger Operational Store Manager - Jalil Mims (Adams High School - '18), and Adams High School Teacher - Vincent LoPiccolo (Advanced Marketing Class).
STUDENT COUNCIL (STUCO)
From November 18 to 22, our Student Council hosted the annual Can Food Drive to support the Rochester Area Neighborhood House. This weeklong event featured a teacher-vs-student swim relay race, taping Mr. Swanson to a wall and covering him with silly string, raffle prizes, food auctions, and plenty of donations. Together, our students, staff, and community raised over 4,000 pounds of physical donations and nearly $33,000. We were thrilled to bring some fun to our school while supporting such an excellent cause as the RANH.
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
VOICE OF DEMOCRACY ESSAY - SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
Emerson Jehle’s pictured with VFW Scholarship Award Coordinators and Principal Swanson for winning the VFW – Voice of Democracy Essay Scholarship.
Emerson is the RCS District's - 1st Place Winner! Congratulations, Emerson for a job well done!
Emerson is the RCS District's - 1st Place Winner! Congratulations, Emerson for a job well done!
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PARENT DROP OFF AND PICK UP LOOP
Hello Highlander Families!
Please take a look at the attached diagram (below) for a visual reference. This map is provided by our Administration about Drop Off/Pick up Loop information. To ensure the safety of students and staff, drop off and pick up is not permitted in the auditorium or athletic parking lots. Our hope is that all students and parents arrive and depart safely each school day. Thank you for your partnership in this area.
SAFETY AND SECURITY IS TOP PRIORITY!
The safety and security of all students and staff at Adams High is always a top priority. To help us in these efforts, please see the information below:
- During Arrival students can enter through 3 entrances, Main (Door 1), Athletics (Door 11), and Highlander Highway (Door 20). All external doors will be locked at 7:30 AM.
- Campus will remain closed throughout the school day. All grades will have lunch on campus.
- Students are NOT to utilize fast food delivery services. For example, DoorDash, GrubHub, Instacart, or Uber Eats, etc. for food delivery.
- If students are traveling to other campuses throughout the day, they are asked to check out of AHS in the Attendance Office and check back in when they return.
- Students are encouraged to utilize their assigned lockers to minimize their belongings in the classroom.
- If you see something, say something. Please report all safety and security concerns to the Main Office Staff or to Deputy Dan Prachar.
PARKING PASSES |
LOCKER INFORMATION
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For ALL parking pass matters, contact Mrs. Dennis in the main office.
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All locker matters should be discussed with Mrs. Kari Dennis in the main office during normal business hours on Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Thank you for your support!
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ATTENDANCE - PLEASE USE PARENTVUE
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Attention Parents: If you are reporting your students late arrival or early dismissal it is preferred that you submit your request in ParentVue no later than 10:00 am. Students are required to pick up their passes in the main office at passing time or during lunch. We typically do not deliver passes. Passes are only delivered for last minute emergencies. Report PARTIAL AND FULL DAY ABSENCES right into your ParentVue Account by pressing In the Note section state the time of the early dismissal or late arrival then hit SAVE. This is the #1 preferred option. ParentVue is the easiest, quickest way to report attendance matters. Simply press the blue button next to your students name and leave info in the NOTE SECTION. You can also call the attendance line at 248-726-5310, please be sure to SPELL first and last name to insure accuracy. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! |
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The safety and security of all students and staff at Adams High is always a top priority. To help us in these efforts, please see the information below:
- During Arrival students can enter through 3 entrances, Main (Door 1), Athletics (Door 22), and Highlander Highway (Door 10). All external doors will be locked at 7:30 AM.
- Campus will remain closed throughout the school day. All grades will have lunch on campus.
- Students are NOT to utilize fast food delivery services. For example, DoorDash, GrubHub, Instacart, or Uber Eats, etc. for food delivery.
- If students are traveling to other campuses throughout the day, they are asked to check out of AHS in the Attendance Office and check back in when they return.
- Students are encouraged to utilize their assigned lockers to minimize their belongings in the classroom.
- If you see something, say something. Please report all safety and security concerns to the Main Office Staff or to Deputy Dan Prachar.
COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
If you need to reach out to your student’s counselor, please see below for contact information.
(International Exchange Students are supported by counselors via alpha arrangement)
2nd SEMESTER SCHEDULES:
Semester 2 schedules will be visible to students shortly after we return from winter break. Students will be notified about this via email, and will be given a link to a Google form they can fill out to request adjustments to their schedules due to errors or missing courses. Please know that, due to the constraints of the master schedule, we are unable to change schedules for specific teachers, lunch, or friends.
SOPHOMORES & JUNIORS: OSTC
The application for OSTC is open. Click HERE, and then click on “Enrollment.” Some programs fill up very quickly, so apply now!
For 10th & 11th grade students interested in a program at OSTC next school year, please see the attached fliers and see below about information nights. For more information, visit: www.OSTConline.com
- OSTC-NE (Pontiac) Information Night: 6:00 pm Thur. Jan. 23
- OSTC-NW (Clarkston): See flier for visitation information
JUNIORS: PSAT SCORES
PSAT scores are available to juniors via their CollegeBoard accounts. Students need to log into (or create) their CollegeBoard accounts in order to view their scores. Counselors do not have access to log into students’ CollegeBoard accounts for them. If students are having difficulty logging into their accounts, they can call CollegeBoard at 866-433-7728 or email them here: [email protected] . For more information, check our Weebly here: https://adamspsat11.weebly.com/
AP TEST REGISTRATION
- AP test registration closed on 10/28. Students should check their College Board AP Classroom to see which tests they’re registered for.
- If students are scheduled to take a semester 2 only AP class next semester (i.e. AP Macroeconomics), registration will open during semester 2. Please hold off on registering for any semester 2 only test at this time.
- Please have your student reach out to their AP teacher with any questions.
SENIORS: College Application Info.
Counselors met with all seniors on Thursday, September 5th. Seniors were given their transcripts for review, and counselors explained the process for applying to college, sending transcripts, sending test scores, searching for scholarships, etc. All information is posted on the seniors’ AHS Class of 2025 Google Classroom. It is important for them to keep checking the Google Classroom for pertinent information, as we will post throughout the year. Additionally, information for seniors regarding college applications, transcript ordering, the Common Application, and more can be found on the Senior Weebly.
Individual Senior Meetings: Counselors have held individual meetings with each senior to discuss post-graduation plans, college applications, etc. Additionally, students are welcome to stop by the Counseling Office to ask questions or schedule a meeting with their counselor. Students are able to email their counselors with questions at any time as well. During this season of post high school planning, students are encouraged to take ownership of the process/steps toward their future, as they will be navigating life on their own soon.
Transcripts: Students order transcripts via www.Parchment.com . This process was explained to seniors on Sept. 5th, and they created a Parchment account. If a college is requesting a “7th semester transcript,” students can place the order on Parchment now, but choose “Hold for grades” so that the transcript is sent after 1st semester grades have been posted.
Financial Aid / FAFSA Information:
The 2025-2026 FAFSA form is open & available HERE.
If you were unable to attend the Oct. 8th Financial Aid/FAFSA presentation, you can access presentations on the OU Financial Aid Events website HERE.
Work Permits
You can obtain a work permit in the counseling office as well as in the main office. Make sure to choose the appropriate form (there is a form for UNDER 16 and a separate form for 16 & 17 years old). Complete Section I, have your employer complete Section II, then bring it back to AHS to be completed. If a parent is bringing the form for their student, we will need a photo ID of the student in order to complete the work permit. Work permits are completed between the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
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MULTILINGUAL LIBRARY
Multilingual Library Recommendations!
We are looking to provide ALL of our students with books that will relate to their cultural and language backgrounds. If you have any recommendations of good books in another language or that represent another culture, please follow this link or scan the code below to help us out! We are looking for all kinds of books, including fiction and non-fiction!
Multilingual Library Recommendations!
We are looking to provide ALL of our students with books that will relate to their cultural and language backgrounds. If you have any recommendations of good books in another language or that represent another culture, please follow this link or scan the code below to help us out! We are looking for all kinds of books, including fiction and non-fiction!
Mrs. Carlson – Media Center Specialist
Mr. Beukema – English Language Development Teacher
Mr. Beukema – English Language Development Teacher
MEDIA CENTER
JOIN THE PTSA!
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STEP ONE: Complete this Google form to select your preferred committee(s).
CLICK HERE: https://forms.gle/uk3wZrrmWq8hPvh7A Or use the QR CODE (below). 
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STEP TWO: Join the Adams PTSA as a student member.
CLICK HERE: https://adamshsptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/. |
National PTA Reflections Program
Congratulations to the following Adams students who participated in the National PTA Reflections Program. Those students who placed in 1st, 2nd and 3rd position will be moving on to the District-level competition.
Visual Arts
1st Place: Hannah Wang
2nd Place: Gabriella Arango
Literature
1st Place: Moriah Wedderburn
2nd Place: Lucy Meteyer
3rd Place: Addison Kurtin
Honorable Mention: Claire Raymond
Film Production
1st Place: Moriah Wedderburn
2nd Place: Addison Kurtin
3rd Place: Kate Fetterman
Photography
1st Place: Thalia Wang
Music Composition
1st Place: Hannah Wang
Visual Arts
1st Place: Hannah Wang
2nd Place: Gabriella Arango
Literature
1st Place: Moriah Wedderburn
2nd Place: Lucy Meteyer
3rd Place: Addison Kurtin
Honorable Mention: Claire Raymond
Film Production
1st Place: Moriah Wedderburn
2nd Place: Addison Kurtin
3rd Place: Kate Fetterman
Photography
1st Place: Thalia Wang
Music Composition
1st Place: Hannah Wang
PAC
Double click https://www.rcspawww.rcspac.com/news-1 for the latest news!
For more information, contact [email protected]
For more information, contact [email protected]
SAFETY WITH FIREARMS
Give the gift of SAFETY this year
The holidays are around the corner. Keep your kids and loved ones safe this year and plan to HAVE THE CONVERSATION with family & friends you are visiting - ASK & ENSURE that all guns are stored unloaded and LOCKED whenever and wherever kids and teens are in homes AND vehicles. Be sure and be safe this year. Learn more at besmartforkids.org, and sign up to see a virtual Be SMART presentation to learn more about how start this conversation: bit.ly/MIBeSMARTDec3
In Michigan, it is now a law that all firearms must be securely stored (unloaded, locked in a locked container or with a gun lock, with ammunition separate) when minors are present, or could be present in both homes and vehicles.
For more information, please see this link: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/safety-injury-prev/firearm-safety/secure-storage-law" paired with the attached graphic.
SPARKLE AWARDS!
SENIOR NEWS
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Click here for more information!
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THE PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT
Adams High School Theatre is excited to announce our spring musical selection: Little Shop of Horrors.
See Mrs. Pillsbury with any questions.
See Mrs. Pillsbury with any questions.
For more information about upcoming events click the link below:
https://ahs.rochester.k12.mi.us/student-life/theatre
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
2024-2025 Sports Physicals
The 3 RCS High Schools utilizes Final Forms for online athletic registration and uploading the MHSAA physical. To create your account click the link rochester-mi.finalforms.com
Students also need to pay to participate for any sport they are in. This can found at the following link:
https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/athletics/pay-to-participate.
If you have any questions regarding the physical forms, please contact Amanda Elston, AHS Athletic Secretary in the athletics office at (248) 726-5272 or at [email protected]. Also, feel free to contact Shane Holler, Athletic Director at (248) 726-5208 or [email protected].
ATTENTION ALL RCS STUDENT-ATHLETES!!
Please remember that a MHSAA pre-participation sports physical is required for all RCS student-athletes who participate in sports during the 2024-25 school year. A valid 2024-25 physical examination must be completed on or after April 15, 2025.
- This physical MUST BE SIGNED BY A DOCTOR and uploaded to your Final Forms account. Please make sure you and your student athlete have signed all forms where signatures are needed in final forms.
- Your student athlete will have a red icon if something is not filled out.
- FINAL FORMS must be submitted online (See below attachment) or click here. For further information, please reference the athletic webpage on the RCS website at: https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/athletics.
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You asked, and we delivered!
We're beyond excited to introduce the launch of our Business Sponsorship Program for the Rochester Adams Athletic Boosters, and we invite you to be a part of this incredible opportunity!
The Rochester Adams Athletic Boosters exists to serve our student-athletes, helping to provide them with outstanding experiences throughout their high school athletic careers. Your support is crucial in helping us achieve our mission, and we are thrilled to offer you a chance to make a significant impact on the lives of our young athletes.
Why Sponsor?
🏟️ Enhance Athletic Facilities: Your sponsorship helps improve our facilities, ensuring our athletes have the best environment to train and compete.
🏅Support Student Programs: The funds raised go directly back into improving our athletic programs, providing our students with the resources they need to excel.
📣 Promote Your Business: Showcase your business to our dedicated community with a sponsorship banner that will be displayed for an entire school year.
Your business banner will be prominently displayed for one full school year, ensuring maximum exposure to our community.
By becoming a sponsor, you're not just supporting our athletes - you're showing the whole community that you care about their success. Plus, it's a fantastic way to get your business some well-deserved recognition.
We'd love for you to spread the word about this amazing opportunity. Do you know any local business owners who might be interested? Maybe you have friends or family members who run businesses? Share this with them! The more sponsors we have, the more we can do for our student-athletes.
Let's work together to make this year incredible for our athletes and our community. Who's ready? 💪🏼
Let's make this happen! 🤎⚔️💛
BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY! Click Here
VISIT OUR UPDATED WEBSITE Click Here
with gratitude,
Daniela Zobrist
ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL
ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB PRESIDENT
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
We're beyond excited to introduce the launch of our Business Sponsorship Program for the Rochester Adams Athletic Boosters, and we invite you to be a part of this incredible opportunity!
The Rochester Adams Athletic Boosters exists to serve our student-athletes, helping to provide them with outstanding experiences throughout their high school athletic careers. Your support is crucial in helping us achieve our mission, and we are thrilled to offer you a chance to make a significant impact on the lives of our young athletes.
Why Sponsor?
🏟️ Enhance Athletic Facilities: Your sponsorship helps improve our facilities, ensuring our athletes have the best environment to train and compete.
🏅Support Student Programs: The funds raised go directly back into improving our athletic programs, providing our students with the resources they need to excel.
📣 Promote Your Business: Showcase your business to our dedicated community with a sponsorship banner that will be displayed for an entire school year.
Your business banner will be prominently displayed for one full school year, ensuring maximum exposure to our community.
By becoming a sponsor, you're not just supporting our athletes - you're showing the whole community that you care about their success. Plus, it's a fantastic way to get your business some well-deserved recognition.
We'd love for you to spread the word about this amazing opportunity. Do you know any local business owners who might be interested? Maybe you have friends or family members who run businesses? Share this with them! The more sponsors we have, the more we can do for our student-athletes.
Let's work together to make this year incredible for our athletes and our community. Who's ready? 💪🏼
Let's make this happen! 🤎⚔️💛
BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY! Click Here
VISIT OUR UPDATED WEBSITE Click Here
with gratitude,
Daniela Zobrist
ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL
ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB PRESIDENT
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
UPCOMING SPORTS EVENTS! |
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Rochester Community Schools has new Athletics websites! All up to date athletics schedules and information will now be available at:
https://ahsathletics.rochester.k12.mi.us
Please update any bookmarks you may have to point to our new athletics site. New and updated information will no longer be posted on the VNN site.
https://ahsathletics.rochester.k12.mi.us
Please update any bookmarks you may have to point to our new athletics site. New and updated information will no longer be posted on the VNN site.
PURCHASE ONLINE TICKETS!
RCS - CHARTWELLS
FOOD SERVICE
FOOD SERVICE
Information regarding Chartwells Food Services at RCS can be found at:
https://www.rochester.k12.mi.us/about-us/departments/foodservices.
MICHIGAN SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM
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FUELING KIDS' FUTURES
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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/about-us/departments/technology-services/family-technology-support/parentvue for more details.
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/about-us/departments/technology-services/family-technology-support/parentvue 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]
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Good Day Everyone!
We hope you have a good holiday break! We are reaching out to let you all know of some great news for our students. Starting January 6th, families will no longer be required to make appointments to have their Chromebook replaced! Everything can now be done in school, using our ticketing system, Incident IQ.
Why are we changing this process?
What will the new process look like?
How will this new process help families & students receive the best support?
FAQ
What will be happening to our appointment site?
Can appointments still be made to come to the Admin Building?
Will this process also work for students who need to purchase replacement chargers?
Yes! Your TA knows that students who need to purchase a replacement charger would require them to follow this workflow.
Please note that this process is brand new for everyone, so there will be some growing pains. If you or your building staff notice anything that may need to be tweaked or if you have any questions, please reach out to myself or Lynn ([email protected])
We hope you have a good holiday break! We are reaching out to let you all know of some great news for our students. Starting January 6th, families will no longer be required to make appointments to have their Chromebook replaced! Everything can now be done in school, using our ticketing system, Incident IQ.
Why are we changing this process?
- Our current process requires all families to come to the Administration Building to swap their Chromebook out for a replacement device.
- This creates long delays for students to complete schoolwork at home
- Families need to make special arrangements to come to the Administration Building, usually resulting in them taking off work.
- Ongoing construction in front of the Administration Building causes confusion & frustration for families trying to get to their appointments
What will the new process look like?
- The student will bring their Chromebook to the Media Center for the TA to inspect for damage
- TA will determine if payment is needed to replace device
- In certain cases, an Elementary TA will swap the device at the building if no payment is needed.
- If payment is needed, an Incident IQ ticket will be created
- TA sends Chromebook to Help Desk @ Admin DQ
- Help Desk assess damage and contacts parent/guardian of damage and cost to replace
- Card Payment Preferred but cash or check option is available
- Once payment is made, Help Desk will send a replacement device to your buildings TA
- TA will receive the device and deliver the device to student/teacher
How will this new process help families & students receive the best support?
- Families will no longer have to make arrangements to come to the Administration Building
- Turnaround time will be faster for students.
FAQ
What will be happening to our appointment site?
- The appointment site will not be going away, I will be working with the site manager to update the site to now have a page to let them know of the new way to get their student’s device repaired.
Can appointments still be made to come to the Admin Building?
- Yes! Appointments will still be available on the same days of the week at the same times. We understand that parents/guardians prefer to come in person, rather than have everything done through email/on the phone. We also understand that some parents/guardians may have availability in their schedule to take care of this faster than the new workflow.
Will this process also work for students who need to purchase replacement chargers?
Yes! Your TA knows that students who need to purchase a replacement charger would require them to follow this workflow.
Please note that this process is brand new for everyone, so there will be some growing pains. If you or your building staff notice anything that may need to be tweaked or if you have any questions, please reach out to myself or Lynn ([email protected])
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ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL IS ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, AND TWITTER
Stay up to date on all the Highlander happenings by following us on:
Facebook; Instagram; and Twitter. Click below. 
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SOCIAL - EMOTIONAL
WELLNESS! As we continue to care for the social-emotional health and well-being of our school community, we would like to remind our students, families, and staff of some valuable resources. To access a list of available support systems and help lines, please visit our website or go to: https://rcssocialemotionalresources.weebly.com/. 
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COURTESY DRIVING SCHOOLCourtesy Driving School is holding their Segment 1 and Segment 2 classes at our high school again!
You can register for their classes at https://www.courtesydrivingschool.com/locations.html. The fall sessions are now posted and open for enrollment. You can contact Courtesy Driving School at (800) 256-9559 or by email at [email protected] if you have any questions. Courtesy Driving School Business Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. |
RAHCC RECRUITINGThe Rochester Auburn Hills Community Coalition (RAHCC) Youth Action Council is looking for middle and high school students to volunteer for community events all year long. Students will gain leadership skills, earn community service hours and help make a difference. The RAHCC supports mental health, builds awareness about substance misuse, and encourages healthy lifestyle choices through programming in the schools and throughout the community. The Coalition also awards a scholarship to deserving students. If interested, please send an email with your name, grade (in the fall) and school to:
Mrs. Schurman, Community Outreach Coordinator for Rochester Community Schools. [email protected] |
EDUCATIONAL TOURS
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Cheerfully,
Mr. Luke Swanson, Principal
Dr. Susan Demeniuk, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Andrea Noel, Assistant Principal
