NEWS AND NOTES
2024-2025
IMPORTANT DATES:
September 16: Board of Education Regular Meeting, Rochester High School, auditorium, 6:00 PM
September 20: The Annual Gold Rush Tailgate! Highlander Stadium (Areas between AHS and VH), 4:00 PM
September 21: The RCS Marching Band Festival, SCHS, 7:00 PM
September 24-25: Meet and Greet - Superintendent Russo! (See flyer below the National Merit Semi-Finalists and Commended Students section)
September 26: AHS Marching Band Annual Tour to West and Van Hoosen Middle Schools, 9:00 AM-10 :40 AM and 1:00 PM-2:30PM
September 27: No school for students, professional development districtwide
September 28: The RCS Hometown Hustle 5K, Chief Financial Credit Union, 8:00 AM
September 16: Board of Education Regular Meeting, Rochester High School, auditorium, 6:00 PM
September 20: The Annual Gold Rush Tailgate! Highlander Stadium (Areas between AHS and VH), 4:00 PM
September 21: The RCS Marching Band Festival, SCHS, 7:00 PM
September 24-25: Meet and Greet - Superintendent Russo! (See flyer below the National Merit Semi-Finalists and Commended Students section)
September 26: AHS Marching Band Annual Tour to West and Van Hoosen Middle Schools, 9:00 AM-10 :40 AM and 1:00 PM-2:30PM
September 27: No school for students, professional development districtwide
September 28: The RCS Hometown Hustle 5K, Chief Financial Credit Union, 8:00 AM
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 AREAS FOR THE GOLD RUSH TAILGATE
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SPOTLIGHT ON INSTRUCTION
Special guest: Monica Pouncy
This year I have the honor of teaching Language Arts to 10th grade students! It is my goal, as an educator, to build relationships while supporting students on their journey to graduation. The Adams High School media center is one of our favorite places to visit for enlightenment and continued development of academic skill sets.
“A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything!” ~ Anonymous
“A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything!” ~ Anonymous
PARKING PASSES
For ALL parking pass matters, contact Mrs. Dennis in the main office. Parking passes must be picked up by Friday, September 13th!
LOCKER INFORMATION
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!
ATTENDANCE - PLEASE USE PARENTVUE
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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)
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: Over the next couple months, counselors will send passes to each senior to meet and 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..
SENIORS & JUNIORS: College Admissions Rep. Visits
Juniors and seniors can sign up for meetings with college admissions representatives HERE. These meetings give students the most pertinent, up-to-date information about colleges and admissions information. The representatives who visit Adams are the same representatives who review our students’ applications, so this is a unique opportunity for our seniors!
Financial Aid / FAFSA Presentation Oct. 8th
Paying for College: Understanding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be held virtually on Oct. 8th at 6pm. Oakland University will deliver the presentation, but the information shared is able to be used at any college/university a student attends. Please register HERE. If you are unable to join the presentation on the date scheduled, you can access any of the virtual presentations or watch the recorded version on the OU Financial Aid Events website.
AP TEST REGISTRATION:
The AP test registration sign-up process is live beginning Monday, September 9th, and will run through October 28th. Please see the attached flier to sign up and pay for your student’s AP tests. Students must submit their proof of payment to Mrs. Snook in the counseling office by October 28th, 2024, or they will not have an exam ordered.
If you are scheduled to take a semester 2 only AP class next semester (i.e. AP Macroeconomics), registration for that exam 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 & JUNIORS: Xello Meetings
Next week, counselors will visit senior and junior English classrooms. We will share pertinent information with students regarding upcoming dates, things they can expect and work on for post-high school planning, and more. Also, we will discuss career exploration, and assist them in using Xello to complete their state-required EDPs and to explore career and training/college options.
College & Career Night
On Tuesday, October 15th 6-8 pm at Adams High School, RCS will be hosting a college and career night for students grades 9-12. This open house will feature over 50 Colleges/Universities and trade schools. Students and parents are invited to attend. Registration for the event is 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.
CONGRATULATIONS!
2025 NATIONAL MERIT SEMI-FINALISTS
AND COMMENDED STUDENTS
Congratulations National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students!
We are delighted to celebrate your awesome accomplishments in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP).
Becoming national merit semifinalists and commended students is a reflection of the exemplary education that you have received in the Rochester Community School District. The dedication of your academic focus and parental guidance secured your 2025 NMSP status!
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GOLD RUSH TAILGATE NEWS!
The Gold Rush event is happening next Friday, September 20th, from 4-7pm! The PTSA Gold Rush Tailgate is a beloved Adams family tradition, enjoyed by not only our high school students but also our future Highlander students and their families. Younger community members especially enjoy activities like bounce houses, rock climbing, face painting by art students, Adams tattoos from the cheerleaders, and performances by the band, cheer squad, dance team, and robotics team. Kids can also explore police, fire, and public works vehicles and so much more!
Plenty of food options will be available throughout the event & game, including the Athletic Booster’s concession stand with team spirit merchandise and seven additional vendors: The Pitmaster BBQ, The Wizard Food Truck, Mama’s Taqueria, Detroit House of Mac, Little Donut Factory, Kona Ice, and Nothing Bundt Cakes.
To help make the event a success, we’re still looking for volunteers. If you're able to lend a hand, sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A4AA8AF2AAAFB6-51136090-gold
Be sure to stop by the PTSA tent, located at the island in the VanHoosen MS bus loop, and grab a complimentary Adams foam finger while supplies last! Then, cheer on our Highlanders as they face the Clarkston Wolves at 7pm.
If you would like to be a sponsor or make a donation to Gold Rush click here: https://adamshsptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/store/1468
Plenty of food options will be available throughout the event & game, including the Athletic Booster’s concession stand with team spirit merchandise and seven additional vendors: The Pitmaster BBQ, The Wizard Food Truck, Mama’s Taqueria, Detroit House of Mac, Little Donut Factory, Kona Ice, and Nothing Bundt Cakes.
To help make the event a success, we’re still looking for volunteers. If you're able to lend a hand, sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A4AA8AF2AAAFB6-51136090-gold
Be sure to stop by the PTSA tent, located at the island in the VanHoosen MS bus loop, and grab a complimentary Adams foam finger while supplies last! Then, cheer on our Highlanders as they face the Clarkston Wolves at 7pm.
If you would like to be a sponsor or make a donation to Gold Rush click here: https://adamshsptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/store/1468
JOIN THE PTSA!
CLASS OF 2025 UPDATES
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Call for Volunteers - HOCO Coat Check & Refreshments.
Volunteers are needed to work the coat check and refreshments distribution at ADAMS HOCO on Saturday, October 12, 2024! This is a fantastic opportunity for you to get a behind-the-scenes look at all the fun our kids are having while spending time with friends, fellow parents & caregivers. Don’t worry—you can reassure your children that you won’t see them unless they want to be seen!
Our main goal is to efficiently check in and out students' personal items and to keep the snacks and beverages restocked and distributed throughout the dance to help make this event a success!
HOCO starts at 7:00 pm in the Gym. We have two volunteer shifts available: 6:30-8:30 pm or 8:15-10:30 pm. Choose the time and role that works best for you:
Questions? Contact Sharon Pizzuti at [email protected] or 248-797-3759.
Thank you for your support and go Highlanders!
Sharon Pizzuti & Molly Corombos
Adams HOCO Coat Check/Refreshments Volunteer Coordinators
Volunteers are needed to work the coat check and refreshments distribution at ADAMS HOCO on Saturday, October 12, 2024! This is a fantastic opportunity for you to get a behind-the-scenes look at all the fun our kids are having while spending time with friends, fellow parents & caregivers. Don’t worry—you can reassure your children that you won’t see them unless they want to be seen!
Our main goal is to efficiently check in and out students' personal items and to keep the snacks and beverages restocked and distributed throughout the dance to help make this event a success!
HOCO starts at 7:00 pm in the Gym. We have two volunteer shifts available: 6:30-8:30 pm or 8:15-10:30 pm. Choose the time and role that works best for you:
- Coat Check - Cafeteria: Help check in/out student coats, shoes, and phones, and assist with clean-up.
- Refreshments - AUX Gym: Distribute refreshments, refill water jugs, restock supplies, and assist with clean-up.
- Floaters: Provide support to both the coat check and refreshments areas.
Questions? Contact Sharon Pizzuti at [email protected] or 248-797-3759.
Thank you for your support and go Highlanders!
Sharon Pizzuti & Molly Corombos
Adams HOCO Coat Check/Refreshments Volunteer Coordinators
THE PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT
THEATRE PARENTS
There will be an important parent meeting on Tuesday Sept. 17th at 6pm in the auditorium. All theatre parents should attend. This includes parents of club members and the fall play. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.
For more information about upcoming events click the link below:
https://ahs.rochester.k12.mi.us/student-life/theatre
For more information about upcoming events click the link below:
https://ahs.rochester.k12.mi.us/student-life/theatre
BAND DIRECTOR - MATT HARRIS' DEBUT!
Michigan's first Klezmer Music Festival to be held in midtown Detroit!
The joyous, buoyant sounds of Klezmer music will ring out for hours this weekend in midtown Detroit when Michigan’s first klezmer festival is held.
The International Institute (111 E. Kirby St.) will host KlezMitten on Sunday for an afternoon of vibrant klezmer music and dancing. Klezmer, a centuries-old style of traditional folk music originated by Ashkenazi Jews in Eastern Europe, is known for its rich melodies, heavy improvisation, and danceable beats.
Organizer Alan Posner promises “a lively celebration of traditional and contemporary klezmer music, showcasing the rich Yiddish heritage and dynamic dance rhythms.”
Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. for the event, which kicks off at 3 p.m. with Lansing’s Heartland Klezmorim. Ann Arbor’s Klezmephonic will follow at 4 p.m., then Posner’s Detroit-based Klezundheit, wrapping with Ann Arbor’s Schmaltz.
The joyous, buoyant sounds of Klezmer music will ring out for hours this weekend in midtown Detroit when Michigan’s first klezmer festival is held.
The International Institute (111 E. Kirby St.) will host KlezMitten on Sunday for an afternoon of vibrant klezmer music and dancing. Klezmer, a centuries-old style of traditional folk music originated by Ashkenazi Jews in Eastern Europe, is known for its rich melodies, heavy improvisation, and danceable beats.
Organizer Alan Posner promises “a lively celebration of traditional and contemporary klezmer music, showcasing the rich Yiddish heritage and dynamic dance rhythms.”
Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. for the event, which kicks off at 3 p.m. with Lansing’s Heartland Klezmorim. Ann Arbor’s Klezmephonic will follow at 4 p.m., then Posner’s Detroit-based Klezundheit, wrapping with Ann Arbor’s Schmaltz.
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
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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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).
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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] |
ROCHESTER MOUNTAIN BIKE TEAM
The fall mountain bike race season is officially underway, following last year's success where the team won the Michigan Scholastic Cycling Association's State Championship. The first race of the season took place at Merrell Trail in Rockford, MI, where the RMBT team finished a close second, just behind Huron Valley. However, in Race #2, held this past weekend at their home course, Addison Oaks, RMBT came back strong. The team secured first place in their division, overtaking Huron Valley and reclaiming the lead in the series points total by a narrow one-point margin. Adams own Abby Weaver took 1st place in Varsity Female, and Anna Weaver won 4th place in JV Female. Great job girls! The competition is shaping up to be an exciting race for the top spot!
Welcome back to the 2024-2025 school year,
Mr. Luke Swanson, Principal
Dr. Susan Demeniuk, Assistant Principal
Mr. Luke Swanson, Principal
Dr. Susan Demeniuk, Assistant Principal
