NEWS AND NOTES
2023-2024
Important Event Dates!
August 28: First Day of school, Half day, 7:30 AM - 10:45 AM
(Make sure your online registration is complete before this date!)
August 29-30: Full day of school, 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM
August 31: Full day of school, 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Picture Day, Auxiliary Gym, 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM
(Labor Day recess begins at end of day)
September 1-4: Labor Day, school is closed!
September 5: Classes resume
September 6: Link Crew Freshmen Meet-up (1st hour)
Admin Grade Level Meetings (2, 3, 5 ,6 hours)
August 28: First Day of school, Half day, 7:30 AM - 10:45 AM
(Make sure your online registration is complete before this date!)
August 29-30: Full day of school, 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM
August 31: Full day of school, 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Picture Day, Auxiliary Gym, 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM
(Labor Day recess begins at end of day)
September 1-4: Labor Day, school is closed!
September 5: Classes resume
September 6: Link Crew Freshmen Meet-up (1st hour)
Admin Grade Level Meetings (2, 3, 5 ,6 hours)
PARENT DROP OFF AND PICK UP LOOP
We hope that you are still enjoying the summer break!
As we prepare for your return to school on Monday, August 28th, please take a minute to look at the below Drop off and Pick up Loop Diagram for a visual reference.
Our hope is that all students and parents arrive and depart safely each school day! We ask that you utilize the Drop off and Pick up Loop at the main entrance located directly off of Tienken Rd.
Thank you for your partnership in this area!
REPORTING ATTENDANCE
Log in to ParentVue at rcsvue.rochester.k12.mi.us/
Note: Our students’ attendance matters to us. We want and expect them to be here as much as possible. We value their presence, and their academic success is dependent on it. Organized or coordinated absences from school are not endorsed by Rochester Community Schools, for example “Senior Skip Days”. Students who decide to take part in these events will be responsible for all missed work and assessments that occur on that day. Teachers will be continuing instruction as normal.
Note: Our students’ attendance matters to us. We want and expect them to be here as much as possible. We value their presence, and their academic success is dependent on it. Organized or coordinated absences from school are not endorsed by Rochester Community Schools, for example “Senior Skip Days”. Students who decide to take part in these events will be responsible for all missed work and assessments that occur on that day. Teachers will be continuing instruction as normal.
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.
PARKING PASSES
ALL STUDENTS!
If you purchased a parking pass and received the parking lot that you requested, we will distribute your passes within the first two weeks of school.
Once passes are distributed, you must have a parking pass on file and that pass must be on display in your car to park in our lots. Cars without passes can be ticketed. Oakland County Sheriff’s and administrators will be patrolling our lots in the coming weeks.
Parking passes are available for purchase throughout the 2023-2024 school year. See: Mrs. Kari Harma-Dennis for parking passes in the Assistant Principal’s Office.
Click https://tce.me/isGI7N for parking pass registration information.
If you purchased a parking pass and received the parking lot that you requested, we will distribute your passes within the first two weeks of school.
Once passes are distributed, you must have a parking pass on file and that pass must be on display in your car to park in our lots. Cars without passes can be ticketed. Oakland County Sheriff’s and administrators will be patrolling our lots in the coming weeks.
Parking passes are available for purchase throughout the 2023-2024 school year. See: Mrs. Kari Harma-Dennis for parking passes in the Assistant Principal’s Office.
Click https://tce.me/isGI7N for parking pass registration information.
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)
Hello Highlanders!
As we prepare for our first week of school, please remember to visit our website to join, gift a faculty membership or simply donate to our One and Done fundraiser. It is the only time we ask for money and your support is critical to fund teacher and student grants and school programs. While you’re there, please check out our business partners under the directory tab. We have saunas for relaxation, tutors for test prep and help with college essays and applications. As always, thank you for your support!
Kim Kelly – President, Lisa Degrieck - VP Membership, Alisa Hauberg – VP Committees, Teri Myers – Treasurer, Lauren Bower - Secretary
As we prepare for our first week of school, please remember to visit our website to join, gift a faculty membership or simply donate to our One and Done fundraiser. It is the only time we ask for money and your support is critical to fund teacher and student grants and school programs. While you’re there, please check out our business partners under the directory tab. We have saunas for relaxation, tutors for test prep and help with college essays and applications. As always, thank you for your support!
Kim Kelly – President, Lisa Degrieck - VP Membership, Alisa Hauberg – VP Committees, Teri Myers – Treasurer, Lauren Bower - Secretary
THE PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT
Fall Play information meeting for The Play That Goes Wrong
(August 31, 2:45-3:15 in the Auditorium)
Audition date: September 6 (with call back on September 7th!).
Please see Mrs. Pillsbury with questions.
For more information about upcoming events click the link below:
https://ahs.rochester.k12.mi.us/student-life/theatre
(August 31, 2:45-3:15 in the Auditorium)
Audition date: September 6 (with call back on September 7th!).
Please see Mrs. Pillsbury with questions.
For more information about upcoming events click the link below:
https://ahs.rochester.k12.mi.us/student-life/theatre
Click rochesteronline.ce.eleyo.com/course/2849/school-event-fees-2023-2024/ahs-senior-class-2024-t-shirt
SENIOR YEARBOOK PORTRAITS
Dear Parents and Students of the Class of 2024,
All seniors for the class of 2024 will need to get their YEARBOOK PORTRAIT taken by Prestige Portraits. This service is provided free of charge and includes insertion in the yearbook and inclusion on the class composite.
To schedule an in-studio senior session, visit https://local.prestigeportraits.com/. The special no-charge yearbook session will be available along with other sessions and upgrade options. If you do schedule your senior picture session, do so in the summer. All seniors should have their senior portraits taken by Saturday, November 11th. Once the photos are processed, students/parents must choose their preferred photo by November 25, 2023.
Also, we have scheduled a photo session for seniors at Adams High School on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM in the media center!
If a pose is not chosen by that date, the studio will choose a pose to be submitted. Prestige will then send the photo directly to Mr. Lovalvo.
Students and parents will still have the opportunity to go to their preferred choice of photographer, if it is not Prestige Portraits, for their other senior photos. While only the yearbook pose sitting fee is FREE OF CHARGE, Prestige will be offering significant discounts for other senior picture packages as well.
Please remember that this is a more formal section of the yearbook than the underclassmen photo section. Because of this, students need to dress up - shirt/tie/suit coat, collared shirt, dress, blouse, etc.
All clothing needs to meet these specifications and the RCS dress code policy in order to be included in the yearbook and on the class composite. If you (or your child) need help obtaining proper attire or need more information regarding attire, please contact Mr. Lovalvo at [email protected].
Students who do not get their yearbook photo taken with Prestige by the deadline will not appear in the senior section of the yearbook or the class composite.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Lovalvo at [email protected].
SENIOR TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

2023-2024 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].
RCS SPORTS PHYSICALS!
Please remember that a MHSAA pre-participation sports physical is required for all RCS student-athletes who participate in sports during the 2023-24 school year. A valid 2023-24 physical examination must be completed on or after April 15, 2023. 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.
Tickets to all athletic events will now be purchased electronically through GoFan. Anyone attending an athletic event needs to buy their tickets on GoFan. Ticket packages are available on the site.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS!
Hello, Highlander Football fans,
Cheer on our Highlanders as we travel to Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (OLSM) this Friday (8/25) for our first Varsity football game of the season!
ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL VS. ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY'S
Admission will be $7.00 CASH ONLY. Gates will open at 5:30 PM & the game starts @ 7 PM.
OLSM's address is: 3535 Commerce Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48324
Please spread the word to family and friends!
THE STAFF BBQ!
PTSA NEW FAMILIES LUNCHEON
18TH ANNUAL HOMETOWN HUSTLE 5K IS BACK!
Click rcs-foundation.org/hometown-hustle/ for more information
Registration is OPEN and the race to win $1,000 is close!
Help ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL school win $1,000 this year by having the most participants at the Hometown Hustle!
(There will be an elementary, middle and high school winner.)
3 simple ways to support and make a difference!
1. Sponsor!
Click here to review the sponsorship form and sponsor a level or a student TODAY. Join the growing list of esteemed sponsors who are making a difference in the lives of the students at Rochester Community Schools... THANK YOU! Sponsors/Family Donors Making a Difference at RCS!
2. Run or walk the course!
Click here: REGISTER TODAY to run or walk or scan barcode to help your school win a $1000! REMINDERS: REGISTER 4 or more and get $5 off each registrant!! Every registrant will receive a swag bag that includes a t-shirt, bib and great sponsor goodies! Deadline for a guaranteed t-shirt is August 31.
3. Volunteer! Click here or scan the barcode if you can lend a hand and Volunteer!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Our community's treasured tradition, the Hometown Hustle 5K, returns on Saturday, September 16, 2023!
Join us in-person and help expand resources to care for all RCS students academically, socially, and emotionally!
We look forward to seeing you September 16 for upbeat music, a feel-great run, beautiful city trail views, meeting with sponsors, and most importantly opportunities to support our students!
All sponsors, registrants and volunteers will receive a race package that includes a t-shirt and great sponsor goodies!
Thank you for your continued support!!
If you have additional questions or want to learn more about opportunities to help, please feel free visit our website at rcs-foundation.org.
Registration is OPEN and the race to win $1,000 is close!
Help ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL school win $1,000 this year by having the most participants at the Hometown Hustle!
(There will be an elementary, middle and high school winner.)
3 simple ways to support and make a difference!
1. Sponsor!
Click here to review the sponsorship form and sponsor a level or a student TODAY. Join the growing list of esteemed sponsors who are making a difference in the lives of the students at Rochester Community Schools... THANK YOU! Sponsors/Family Donors Making a Difference at RCS!
2. Run or walk the course!
Click here: REGISTER TODAY to run or walk or scan barcode to help your school win a $1000! REMINDERS: REGISTER 4 or more and get $5 off each registrant!! Every registrant will receive a swag bag that includes a t-shirt, bib and great sponsor goodies! Deadline for a guaranteed t-shirt is August 31.
3. Volunteer! Click here or scan the barcode if you can lend a hand and Volunteer!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Our community's treasured tradition, the Hometown Hustle 5K, returns on Saturday, September 16, 2023!
Join us in-person and help expand resources to care for all RCS students academically, socially, and emotionally!
We look forward to seeing you September 16 for upbeat music, a feel-great run, beautiful city trail views, meeting with sponsors, and most importantly opportunities to support our students!
All sponsors, registrants and volunteers will receive a race package that includes a t-shirt and great sponsor goodies!
Thank you for your continued support!!
If you have additional questions or want to learn more about opportunities to help, please feel free visit our website at rcs-foundation.org.
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
The Michigan School Meals program will offer universal free breakfast and lunch during the 2023-24 school year for all public school students in transitional kindergarten through high school and preschoolers in the Great Start Readiness Program. Families are not required to apply for free school meals. All students are automatically eligible every school day. Families in need are still encouraged to complete an application for benefits to qualify for additional community resources. The form used in previous years was the Free and Reduced Meal Price Application.
The new form is the Application for Summer EBT and Education Benefits for Michigan School Meals Program, which may entitle students to benefits, discounts and waivers including:
Rochester Community Schools and Chartwells Food Services are grateful for this statewide commitment to ensure that all students are ready to learn by reducing childhood hunger, helping families with finances and eliminating student meal debt.
For a one-page printable flyer, click here: FLYER: Free school meals. New application for services.
The new form is the Application for Summer EBT and Education Benefits for Michigan School Meals Program, which may entitle students to benefits, discounts and waivers including:
- Free pay-to-participate extracurricular activities and club fees
- School-age care (SAC)
- Testing and college application fees
- Field trips, school activities, senior all-night parties, etc.
- Operation School Bell, Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan
- Rochester Area Youth Assistance
- Blessings in a Backpack
- Other assistance and resources through charitable organizations
Rochester Community Schools and Chartwells Food Services are grateful for this statewide commitment to ensure that all students are ready to learn by reducing childhood hunger, helping families with finances and eliminating student meal debt.
For a one-page printable flyer, click here: FLYER: Free school meals. New application for services.
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]
The District Chromebook Troubleshooting website is now live (See below). It has the most common problems that students are experiencing and how they can try to fix them. We are hoping that this will get students back to work a little quicker.
PLEASE NOTE: We have taken down the RCS Tech Support Ticket site. If a student needs help with their Chromebook, they should look at the troubleshooting site first. If they can’t fix it from the information on that page, they can make an appointment to swap out their Chromebook or they can call Technology Services (number is on the Troubleshooting page).
PLEASE NOTE: We have taken down the RCS Tech Support Ticket site. If a student needs help with their Chromebook, they should look at the troubleshooting site first. If they can’t fix it from the information on that page, they can make an appointment to swap out their Chromebook or they can call Technology Services (number is on the Troubleshooting page).
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. TEEN STREET SKILLSRegistration opened in April, 2023
Contact Teen Street Skills at https://teenstreetskills.org/ Teen Street Skills - CREATING BETTER, SAFER DRIVERS Register Now teenstreetskills.org August 15, 16, & 17 - Belle Isle, Detroit October 14 & 15 - Belle Isle, Detroit November 4 & 5 - Belle Isle, Detroit |
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] |
We are excited to launch an opportunity to go to Berlin in Summer 2024 with our students to connect with our sister school, Tagore Gymnasium. The visit is close to the time their students will visit RCS, so we expect it to be a meaningful learning experience and an opportunity to grow as digital citizens. The trip will be open to students in grades 7-1.
When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow, and I would love to have you and your student join us on this adventure.
Limited spots are available on this trip! For any questions about the trip or to enroll, please email me [email protected] or call the EF Traveler Support Team at 1-800-665-5364, Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM EST.
When students travel, they expand their knowledge of the world, discover more about themselves, and grow more confident. These skills are critical for creating the global citizens of tomorrow, and I would love to have you and your student join us on this adventure.
Limited spots are available on this trip! For any questions about the trip or to enroll, please email me [email protected] or call the EF Traveler Support Team at 1-800-665-5364, Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM EST.
Regards,
Mr. Pasquale Cusumano, Principal
Ms. Susan Demeniuk, Assistant Principal
Mr. Luke Swanson, Assistant Principal
Mr. Pasquale Cusumano, Principal
Ms. Susan Demeniuk, Assistant Principal
Mr. Luke Swanson, Assistant Principal