ROCKLAND HIGH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
January 23, 2026
UPDATES
Midterm week has come to a close, and students did an excellent job preparing for their exams and putting forth their best effort. We are proud of the focus and perseverance they demonstrated throughout the week.
Term 2 will close on Monday, January 26 (Day 6). Term 3 begins on Tuesday, January 27 (Day 1); we will skip Day 7. If there is a snow day on Monday, January 26, Term 3 will still begin on Tuesday, January 27 as Day 1. In the event of multiple snow days, additional information will be communicated by email.
Term 3 grades will be posted in Aspen on Monday, February 2. This date will be pushed to February 3 if there is a snow day.
On Thursday, January 29, we will hold our second Vision of the Graduate (VoG) Dog Block of the year. During this block, students in grades 9 - 11 will meet with their advisors to:
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View an updated Vision of the Graduate video outlining expectations
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Review frequently asked questions and discuss any questions or concerns
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Upload at least one assignment to their online VoG portfolio
Teachers have identified appropriate assignments that demonstrate the five Vision of the Graduate skills:
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Communication
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Collaboration
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Critical Thinking
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Problem Solving
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Personal Responsibility
Students who do not have a suitable assignment (which is very unlikely) will complete a personal reflection essay to meet the competency requirement. Seniors will have a study, as Vision of the Graduate is not a graduation requirement for them.
The next Vision of the Graduate Dog Block will be held on April 30. By the end of that session, students should have at least three assignments uploaded, leaving two remaining to be completed by the end of the school year. Students are expected to upload a minimum of five assignments per year. The purpose of VoG Dog Block is to provide dedicated time and advisor support for students to meaningfully engage in this work.
Please note that completion of the Vision of the Graduate portfolio is a graduation requirement for students in the Class of 2027 and beyond.
UPCOMING DATES
JANUARY
January 26 - Term 2 closes
January 27 - Term 3 begins
January 29 - VoG Dog Block, 10:42-11:28 AM
FEBRUARY
February 2 - Term 2 Grades posted in Aspen
February 5 - Early Release Professional Development Day, 11:25 AM dismissal
February 10 - Senate Leadership Council meeting, 7:30 AM
February 11 - Crisis Team meeting, 9:20 AM
February 11 - Rockland's Got Talent, 7:00 PM
February 12 - Dog Block, 10:42-11:28 AM
February 24 - Site Council Meeting, 2:45 PM
February 16 - 20 - Winter Break
FROM THE NURSE
10th grade screenings
In the coming weeks we will be conducting the state mandated screenings for grade 10 students. This includes hearing, vision, BMI and SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment).
Vision and Hearing
Screening is the first step in identifying children who may have an undetected vision or hearing problem that requires evaluation by a doctor experienced in diagnosing and treating children. Parents will be notified if their child does not pass the screening.
BMI
All students in grade 10 will have their height and weight measured. BMI data collected for all students will be gathered and reported to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as a combined number.
SBIRT
The screener will ask students in a private setting about alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, or other drug use over the past year. Staff will then talk with each student about how to support their overall health, safety, and success in school. If the student needs more assessment or support, health staff may work with the student and/or their parent/guardian.
Please note:
• Screening results are recorded. No information that could identify a student is kept (for example, name or date of birth).
• Screening results will not go into the student’s school record.
• Screening results will not be shared without the permission of the student or their parent/guardian. However, results may be shared in the case of an immediate medical emergency or when required by state law
More information can be found here.
Parents and/or legal guardians can request in writing that their child not participate in any of the screenings. Please contact me via email at fdavis@rocklandschools.org or by written note if you wish to opt out. Please feel free to call with any questions or concerns at 781-871-8411.
QUICK LINKS
FINAL THOUGHTS
Midterm week is officially behind us. Great job to our students for their hard work and perseverance. Term 2 will wrap up next Monday, with Term 3 beginning on Tuesday. With a significant snowstorm forecasted, please stay safe and be sure to keep an eye out for any school communications regarding schedule updates. Go Patriots!
Sincerely,
Cheryl Schipper
Principal