NEWS AND NOTES
SUMMER BREAK UPDATES!
2025-2026
IMPORTANT DATES
Aug. 25: First day of school for students in transitional kindergarten through grade 12
and the Adult Transition Program and Services (ATPS) (Half day, morning only)
Aug. 26-27: Full day of school for students in grades 1-12 and ATPS
TK and kindergarten students in groups A and B should follow directions from their school
Aug. 28: Full day of school for grades TK-12 and ATPS
Picture Day (Seniors cannot wear outrageous outfits this year)
Senior Sunrise at 6:30 a.m.!
Aug. 29: No school for Labor Day recess (thru Sept. 1)
Aug. 31: AHS - Jazz Lab 1, Wayne State University (See flyer below)
Sept. 1: No school for Labor Day recess
Sept. 2: Classes resume
Aug. 25: First day of school for students in transitional kindergarten through grade 12
and the Adult Transition Program and Services (ATPS) (Half day, morning only)
Aug. 26-27: Full day of school for students in grades 1-12 and ATPS
TK and kindergarten students in groups A and B should follow directions from their school
Aug. 28: Full day of school for grades TK-12 and ATPS
Picture Day (Seniors cannot wear outrageous outfits this year)
Senior Sunrise at 6:30 a.m.!
Aug. 29: No school for Labor Day recess (thru Sept. 1)
Aug. 31: AHS - Jazz Lab 1, Wayne State University (See flyer below)
Sept. 1: No school for Labor Day recess
Sept. 2: Classes resume
RCS SCHOOL CALENDAR
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BELL SCHEDULES
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FRONT PARENT DROP-OFF LOOP OPENING
MONDAY, AUGUST 25TH!
Dear Adams Families,
We are excited to welcome our students back on Monday, September 25, for the first day of school!
We’re pleased to share that the front parent drop-off loop will be open for use starting on the first day. This improvement will help ease morning traffic flow and support a smoother arrival experience for our families.
Please note: While the loop will be accessible, the area is still in the final stages of construction. We kindly ask all families to drive with extra care.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. We can’t wait to kick off a great school year together!
OSTC NEWS
Dear Adams, High School OSTC Families,
Oakland Schools Technical Campus (OSTC) programs will begin on Tuesday, September 2nd. If arrangements cannot be made for your student leading up to the first day of OSTC, they are invited to stay at AHS in the media center during their regularly scheduled OSTC class sessions. If your student will not be at AHS during that time, we are asking that you call the attendance office at (248) 726-5310 to excuse them for that time.
• Morning Session: 7:45 am (class begins) - 10:15 am (class dismissal)
• Afternoon Session: 11:20 am (class begins) - 1:50 pm (class dismissal)
Transportation will be provided to and from OSTC back to Adams High School. Below are the times for pick-up and drop-off for both Pontiac and Clarkston Campuses.
Oakland Schools Technical Campus (OSTC) programs will begin on Tuesday, September 2nd. If arrangements cannot be made for your student leading up to the first day of OSTC, they are invited to stay at AHS in the media center during their regularly scheduled OSTC class sessions. If your student will not be at AHS during that time, we are asking that you call the attendance office at (248) 726-5310 to excuse them for that time.
• Morning Session: 7:45 am (class begins) - 10:15 am (class dismissal)
• Afternoon Session: 11:20 am (class begins) - 1:50 pm (class dismissal)
Transportation will be provided to and from OSTC back to Adams High School. Below are the times for pick-up and drop-off for both Pontiac and Clarkston Campuses.
If a student plans to drive to their OSTC campus, this form must be completed and turned into the main office before they can begin driving themselves to their OSTC campus. As a reminder, students are only allowed to drive themselves, carpooling is not allowed.
Please feel free to contact your students' Assistant Principal with any questions or concerns.
• Andrea Noel serves students with the last names A-K and can be reached at (248) 726-5215
• Alex Welsh serves students with the last names L-Z and can be reached at (248) 726-5217
Please feel free to contact your students' Assistant Principal with any questions or concerns.
• Andrea Noel serves students with the last names A-K and can be reached at (248) 726-5215
• Alex Welsh serves students with the last names L-Z and can be reached at (248) 726-5217
NO TRAVEL ON HALF DAYS!
On half days, students do NOT TRAVEL between Adams, Rochester, or Stoney Creek High Schools!
Also, this upcoming Monday, August 25th students will not travel between Adams and VH (except for Orchestra 8). Please let your travelers know!
Also, this upcoming Monday, August 25th students will not travel between Adams and VH (except for Orchestra 8). Please let your travelers know!
GOLD RUSH
TAILGATE!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
GOLD RUSH
TAILGATE!
PARKING AREAS
TAILGATE!
PARKING AREAS
NEW ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
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Dear Adams High School Community,
Following a comprehensive interview process, I am pleased to announce that Alex Welsh has been selected as our new assistant principal, pending approval from the Board of Education. Mr. Welsh has been a Social Studies teacher at Van Hoosen Middle School for the past four years. Before his time in Rochester, he taught in Troy and Hazel Park and served in the United States Army. He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership - School Administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a minor in English, both from Oakland University. |
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Please join me in congratulating Mr. Welsh after his official board approval. We look forward to welcoming him to the Adams High School team!
SPOTLIGHT ON INSTRUCTION
Featured Instructor: Dr. Matt Harris
AHS - Jazz Lab 1
We are proud to announce that Jazz Lab 1 has been invited to play at the International Detroit Jazz festival. We will perform on Sunday August 31st at 1:30 pm at the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center main hall. As far as we can tell this is the first time in school history that a band will perform at this festival.
This process is highly selective and included sending in recordings to the committee. Thank you to all of the current and former students who have helped make this possible. Thank you to all of the parents and caregivers who help take their students to our 6:30am jazz band rehearsals. Without them we would not have this accomplishment.
This process is highly selective and included sending in recordings to the committee. Thank you to all of the current and former students who have helped make this possible. Thank you to all of the parents and caregivers who help take their students to our 6:30am jazz band rehearsals. Without them we would not have this accomplishment.
MEDICATIONS
AND/OR MEDICAL ACTION PLANS (MAPS)
It's that time again!
See Mrs. Teresa Roehl in the main office to drop of your students' medication(s) and/or medical action plans (MAPS).
See Mrs. Teresa Roehl in the main office to drop of your students' medication(s) and/or medical action plans (MAPS).
LOCKER AND PARKING PASS INFORMATION
Freshmen - Juniors will receive locker assignments. Seniors have to sign up for a locker during registration. See Mrs. Kari Dennis in the main office, if you have any questions regarding lockers or parking passes. Within the next two weeks, parking passes will be made available for pick-up (TBD). Stay tuned!
CLASS OF 2026
ANNOUNCEMENTS
AHS SENIOR CLASS OF 2026 T-SHIRTS
Click Senior Apparel Eleyo Link 2026 to order senior t-shirts.
KILT ORDERS |
SENIOR SUNRISE |
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To order Adams High School Kilts and for more information, contact Erin Stonehouse also known as "The kilt lady!
Erin's email address is [email protected] |
The senior sunrise is on Thursday, August 28th
Highlander stadium at 6:30 AM. |
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)
JUNIORS: Meetings for Post-High School Planning
On Wednesday, May 28th, counselors will meet with juniors to explain options following graduation, the college application process, and what they can do over summer. All of the information shared will be available on students’ Class of 2026 Google Classroom.
Additionally, counselors meet with seniors early in September to explain the college application process in detail, and to have seniors review their transcripts prior to sending them. Following the senior large group meetings, counselors meet individually with each senior to discuss their goals and progress.
Starting now, and continuing through senior year, it is vital that students read their RCS emails and posts in the Class of 2026 Google Classroom. Counselors and the senior class advisor post a wealth of important information regarding college applications, post high school planning, senior events, various opportunities, and more.
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 school hours of 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Summer hours are: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
O.C.C.
AND OAKLAND COUNTY MICHIGAN WORKS!
PTSA WANTS YOU!
Click here to join the Adams - PTSA
Click here to join the Adams - PTSA
We are looking for:
- Legislative Representative
- Chairperson for Fundraising
This year PTSA is adding a Sensory Quiet tent to the Gold Rush offerings! We could use your help filling it with sensory items! Use this Amazon wish list link to make a purchase and it will ship directly to the PTSA or purchase a gift card and we will use it towards a purchase. Thank you so much for your generosity, we have such an amazing community! https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/30UVYELKE7MCI?ref_=wl_share
THE PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT
Welcome to the new 2025-2026 Highlander Performing Arts Season
August 27, 2:45-4:15 pm: Theatre clean-up day for existing theatre club members
September 11, 2:45-3:30pm: Theatre Club-International Thespian Society informational meeting. In the Auditorium.
September 12, 2:45-3:30 pm: Audition Workshop for Peter and the Starcatcher. Located in the Auditorium, this workshop will help with auditions and sign-up technicians.
September 17, 2:50-5 p.m.: Auditions for Peter and the Starcatcher. Come prepared with a one-minute comedic monologue.
September 18, 2:50-5 pm: Audition CALLBACKS for Peter and the Starcatcher.
September 22 full company read thru in room 204
See Mrs. Pillsbury or Mrs. Danielson with questions
August 27, 2:45-4:15 pm: Theatre clean-up day for existing theatre club members
September 11, 2:45-3:30pm: Theatre Club-International Thespian Society informational meeting. In the Auditorium.
September 12, 2:45-3:30 pm: Audition Workshop for Peter and the Starcatcher. Located in the Auditorium, this workshop will help with auditions and sign-up technicians.
September 17, 2:50-5 p.m.: Auditions for Peter and the Starcatcher. Come prepared with a one-minute comedic monologue.
September 18, 2:50-5 pm: Audition CALLBACKS for Peter and the Starcatcher.
September 22 full company read thru in room 204
See Mrs. Pillsbury or Mrs. Danielson with 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
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Dear Highlander Community,
I am pleased to share that Collin McGran has been selected to serve as the athletic director for Rochester Adams High School, pending approval from the Board of Education. Mr. McGran joins Rochester Community Schools from Waterford where he was the athletic director for Mott High School and Mason Middle School. Past athletic leadership experience includes serving as the player development coach and assistant pitching coordinator for the United Shore Professional Baseball League, head varsity baseball coach at Waterford Mott and head softball coach for the Motor City Hit Dogs. He also has nearly a decade of experience in academics, as a special education teacher from 2015-2024 at Waterford Mott High School. |
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Mr. McGran earned a bachelor’s degree in K-12 special education and English from Hope College and a master’s degree in sports administration from Wayne State University. We are proud to have Mr. McGran joining the Adams family to work with our Highlander student-athletes as he manages our athletic programs, events and activities.
Please join me in welcoming him, following board approval.
Please join me in welcoming him, following board approval.
COACH FRAN SCISLOWICZ IS HONORED
SPORTS PHYSICALS
2025-2026 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 Collin McGran, Athletic Director at (248) 726-5208 or CollinMcGran@rochester.k12.mi.us.
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 2025-26 school year. A valid 2025-26 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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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.
FUELING KIDS' FUTURES
ONE MEAL AT A TIME PROGRAM
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Fueling Kids’ Futures – One Meal at a Time, formerly Blessings in a Backpack, is designed to help meet the nutritional needs of school-age children who participate in the Free or Reduced-Price School Meals program at school.
Each week during the school year, students enrolled in the program will receive a bag of non-perishable food items to take home on the weekends. Bags will be dispensed in a discreet and caring manner. The meals may include items such as macaroni and cheese, beef ravioli, canned tuna, granola bars, peanut butter, soups, fruit and other items.
There is no cost to participants for this program.
If you would like to have your child participate in this program, please fill out the form below and return it to your student’s school as soon as possible. If you have more than one student attending the school, list the names of all children in the school. Please be sure to indicate on the form if your child has any food allergies. Parents and caregivers are responsible for checking all food labels when the food arrives home.
This program is a community-based program sponsored by Fueling Kids’ Futures, Community Foundation of Greater Rochester, the Kroger Corporation and the greater Rochester community, in a partnership with Rochester Community Schools. The district and sponsors will not be held responsible for any accidental food allergen exposure.
Fueling Kids’ Futures – One Meal at a Time, formerly Blessings in a Backpack, is designed to help meet the nutritional needs of school-age children who participate in the Free or Reduced-Price School Meals program at school.
Each week during the school year, students enrolled in the program will receive a bag of non-perishable food items to take home on the weekends. Bags will be dispensed in a discreet and caring manner. The meals may include items such as macaroni and cheese, beef ravioli, canned tuna, granola bars, peanut butter, soups, fruit and other items.
There is no cost to participants for this program.
If you would like to have your child participate in this program, please fill out the form below and return it to your student’s school as soon as possible. If you have more than one student attending the school, list the names of all children in the school. Please be sure to indicate on the form if your child has any food allergies. Parents and caregivers are responsible for checking all food labels when the food arrives home.
This program is a community-based program sponsored by Fueling Kids’ Futures, Community Foundation of Greater Rochester, the Kroger Corporation and the greater Rochester community, in a partnership with Rochester Community Schools. The district and sponsors will not be held responsible for any accidental food allergen exposure.
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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!
Parentsquare is active throughout RCS now. Parents, if you have questions about Parentsquare, please email [email protected].
Parentsquare is active throughout RCS now. Parents, if you have questions about Parentsquare, please email [email protected].
A friendly reminder, 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])
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 . 
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NURSES CORNER
Students may visit the main office care room for all medical and body concerns! Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
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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Enjoy your summer break,
Mr. Luke Swanson, Principal
Mrs. Andrea Noel, Assistant Principal
Mr. Alex Welsh, Assistant Principal
Mr. Luke Swanson, Principal
Mrs. Andrea Noel, Assistant Principal
Mr. Alex Welsh, Assistant Principal
