NEWS AND NOTES
2024-2025
IMPORTANT DATES:
February 1-28: Black History Month!
February 7: No school! District-wide PD
CROSSTOWN SHOWDOWN! At O'Rena (Oakland University), 6:00 PM - Girls play and 8:00 PM - Boys play
February 12: Count Dayl! District-wide
February 14: Mid-winter break begins after school!
February 15-18: Mid-winter break!
February 19: Classes resume
February 24: Board of Education Regular Meeting, Stoney Creek High School, Auditorium, 6:00 PM
February 26: PAC meeting, Musson Elementary, Media center, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
February 27: RCS High Schools (9-12 grades) - Parent Teacher Conferences, AHS (Virtual), 5:00 PM
February 28: Student Council, Pep Assembly, AHS, Main gym, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Student Council, 2025 Charity Gala & Silent Auction, AHS, Cafeteria, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
February 1-28: Black History Month!
February 7: No school! District-wide PD
CROSSTOWN SHOWDOWN! At O'Rena (Oakland University), 6:00 PM - Girls play and 8:00 PM - Boys play
February 12: Count Dayl! District-wide
February 14: Mid-winter break begins after school!
February 15-18: Mid-winter break!
February 19: Classes resume
February 24: Board of Education Regular Meeting, Stoney Creek High School, Auditorium, 6:00 PM
February 26: PAC meeting, Musson Elementary, Media center, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
February 27: RCS High Schools (9-12 grades) - Parent Teacher Conferences, AHS (Virtual), 5:00 PM
February 28: Student Council, Pep Assembly, AHS, Main gym, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Student Council, 2025 Charity Gala & Silent Auction, AHS, Cafeteria, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!
In February 1926, historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson created Black History Week. It was a weeklong celebration in an effort to teach people about African-American history and the contributions of Black people. This effort was made under the umbrella of an organization he founded in September 1915 called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, or ASALH.
After he passed away in 1950, the members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, which Dr. Woodson was a member of, did a lot of groundwork to encourage celebrating the week. The fraternity was also responsible for the push to extend the celebrations to a full month. Eventually, in 1976, President Gerald Ford became the first president to issue a message recognizing the month.
Since then, presidents have made annual proclamations for National Black History Month, a tradition that President Donald Trump plans to continue, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Beginning Feb. 1, schools, museums and communities across the nation will mark the start of Black History Month — a celebration of Black history, culture and education. The history of the month dates back almost a century, and the way it is celebrated and evolved has created history in itself.
Sources:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/black-history-month-origins-myths/
https://naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/civil-rights-leaders/carter-g-woodson
After he passed away in 1950, the members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, which Dr. Woodson was a member of, did a lot of groundwork to encourage celebrating the week. The fraternity was also responsible for the push to extend the celebrations to a full month. Eventually, in 1976, President Gerald Ford became the first president to issue a message recognizing the month.
Since then, presidents have made annual proclamations for National Black History Month, a tradition that President Donald Trump plans to continue, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Beginning Feb. 1, schools, museums and communities across the nation will mark the start of Black History Month — a celebration of Black history, culture and education. The history of the month dates back almost a century, and the way it is celebrated and evolved has created history in itself.
Sources:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/black-history-month-origins-myths/
https://naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/civil-rights-leaders/carter-g-woodson
Adams pays tribute to the legacy and contributions of African-Americans to society/world!
SPOTLIGHT ON INSTRUCTION
Instructor: Adrienne Walker
The culinary arts course students and I are joined by Food Network host/author Aarti Sequeira. Aarti is visiting RCS students this week as a special guest of our food services partner, Chartwells. Sequeira is sharing her love of Indian American cooking and her experiences hosting cooking shows, including Aarti Party and Hidden Eats. Students enjoyed sampling her butter chicken, made with delicious ingredients including ginger, garlic, garam masala and curry sauce. #RCSpride
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 22), and Highlander Highway (Door 12). 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 Josh Bandur.
PARKING PASSES |
LOCKER INFORMATION
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ATTENDANCE - PLEASE USE PARENTVUE
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! |
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
It's National Counselors Week!
Click here for more information.
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)
2025-2026 Course Scheduling
Counselors meet with each grade level in large groups to explain the options and the process. If students have remaining questions, remind them that they should ask their teachers for course advice within the certain subject areas. Also, counselors meet individually with each student after cards are turned to review choices before selections are finalized. There is no need for prior meetings with counselors about scheduling. See the chart below for the full schedule:
www.ostconline.com/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
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
Testing registration is underway for Semester 2 AP Classes. The registration window will run from January 27th - February 24th, 2025. This registration process is ONLY for the following classes taken during Semester 2:
First semester and / or year-long AP Classes:
If you are taking a semester 1 only AP class (AP Human Geography, AP Microeconomics, or AP Macroeconomics) or a year-long AP class, you should have already registered for your AP test.
The January-February payment window will be open to second semester classes only.
Please have your student reach out to their AP teacher with any questions.
SENIORS: Scholarships
Now is the time for seniors to be applying for college scholarships. Here are some resources:
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.
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-NW (Clarkston): See flier for visitation information.
- OSTC-NE (Pontiac): Information nights have passed, but you can contact OSTC to arrange a visit.
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
Testing registration is underway for Semester 2 AP Classes. The registration window will run from January 27th - February 24th, 2025. This registration process is ONLY for the following classes taken during Semester 2:
- AP Human Geography
- AP Microeconomics
- AP Macroeconomics
First semester and / or year-long AP Classes:
If you are taking a semester 1 only AP class (AP Human Geography, AP Microeconomics, or AP Macroeconomics) or a year-long AP class, you should have already registered for your AP test.
The January-February payment window will be open to second semester classes only.
Please have your student reach out to their AP teacher with any questions.
SENIORS: Scholarships
Now is the time for seniors to be applying for college scholarships. Here are some resources:
- The “Scholarship” button on the Adams Counseling web page HERE
- Seniors should review ALL scholarship opportunities at the colleges where they’re applying.
- There are various, helpful, FREE scholarship search engines such as www.fastweb.com .
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.
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 |
REAL-WORLD WRITING |
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!
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
Click here for more information!
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SENIOR YEARBOOK REMINDERS!
Dear Seniors, Parents, and Guardians:
Senior Yearbook Reminders!
BABY/TODDLER PICTURES – Due February 12th
From the www.Yearbookforever.com homepage:
1. Search Rochester Adams High School
2. Click on Yearbook SNAP at the bottom of the page.
3. Enter the Access Code: Adams
4. Click on Upload Photo and select a photo to upload from your computer or device. Make sure your file is 300 dpi .
5. Once it uploads, select Baby Photos from the dropdown menu.
6. Fill in your student's FORMAL name and click Submit Photo.
SENIOR TRIBUTE ADS – Submit now until space runs out!
From the www.Yearbookforever.com homepage:
1. Search Rochester Adams High School
2. Scroll to the middle of the page to find Senior Tribute Ads and click on Get Started.
3. Fill in the info needed and process through each screen.
DON’T FORGET to Purchase Your 2024 Adams Award Winning Yearbook Online
https://yearbookforever.com/school-store/DnZvMLVJTX3o8H9ySYm1SyJZ
Senior Yearbook Reminders!
BABY/TODDLER PICTURES – Due February 12th
From the www.Yearbookforever.com homepage:
1. Search Rochester Adams High School
2. Click on Yearbook SNAP at the bottom of the page.
3. Enter the Access Code: Adams
4. Click on Upload Photo and select a photo to upload from your computer or device. Make sure your file is 300 dpi .
5. Once it uploads, select Baby Photos from the dropdown menu.
6. Fill in your student's FORMAL name and click Submit Photo.
SENIOR TRIBUTE ADS – Submit now until space runs out!
From the www.Yearbookforever.com homepage:
1. Search Rochester Adams High School
2. Scroll to the middle of the page to find Senior Tribute Ads and click on Get Started.
3. Fill in the info needed and process through each screen.
DON’T FORGET to Purchase Your 2024 Adams Award Winning Yearbook Online
https://yearbookforever.com/school-store/DnZvMLVJTX3o8H9ySYm1SyJZ
THE PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT
Adams Theatre Presents
Little Shop of Horrors
March 7 at 7:00 p.m. and March 8 at 2:00 p.m.
March 14-15 @ 7:00 p.m.
$16 adults/$12 students & seniors
admastheatre.ludus.com
Little Shop of Horrors
March 7 at 7:00 p.m. and March 8 at 2:00 p.m.
March 14-15 @ 7:00 p.m.
$16 adults/$12 students & seniors
admastheatre.ludus.com
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
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.
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.
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]
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])
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. |
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/. |
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
Warmly,
Mr. Luke Swanson, Principal
Dr. Susan Demeniuk, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Andrea Noel, Assistant Principal