ROCKLAND HIGH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

It was wonderful to welcome students and staff back after April break! As you’ll see, it was a very busy week at Rockland High School, highlighted by the Arts Festival and the Spellman Oratorical Contest. In addition, both students and teachers are gearing up for AP testing, which begins next week.

Our Travel Club safely arrived in Quito last week and spent time exploring the city before continuing on to the breathtaking Galapagos Islands. The group included 20 students along with Travel Club advisor Kristen Walsh and chaperones Julia DiCanzio and Ashley Leighton.

Students shared that it was “the best trip of their lives,” and it’s clear this was an unforgettable experience filled with incredible learning and memories. See the photos below!

The RPS Arts Festival was a tremendous success and a true celebration of the creativity and talent across our school community. The event featured an impressive display of student artwork, along with outstanding performances from our band and chorus. Attendees also enjoyed multicultural presentations, the Spellman Oratorical Contest, and student-led productions from WRPS. Many clubs and community organizations had tables set up as well.

Thank you to Ms. Thompson, Ms. Medeiros, and all of the staff, students, and community members who contributed to making this event such a special experience. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the incredible work happening across Rockland Public Schools!

The Spellman Oratorical contest was held on Thursday. Eight seniors competed after writing a speech about Resilience in Times of Hardship.

In a tie for 5th place were Harrison Holbrook, Kyara Williams, and Abby Gustavsen, each receiving $200. In a tie for 4th place were Ashlyn Ready and Seth Jesse, each receiving $450. In third place, receiving $750, was Joseph Quinn. In second place, with a prize of $1050, was Tri Nguyen. The 2026 Spellman champion, with a prize of $1250, was Kiley Murdock. Congratulations to all participants and thank you to Ms. Walsh and Ms. Kendra Donovan for coordinating and hosting the event.

The Class of 2027 is having a fundraiser at Playa Bowl in Hanover on Tuesday, May 12. Proceeds will be used for class activities. See the attached flyer for details.

MAY

May 4 - AP Biology Exam, 8:00 AM, AP European History Exam, 12:00 PM

May 4 - Department Head Meeting, 2:50 PM

May 5 - AP Chemistry Exam, 8:00 AM

May 6 - AP English Literature and Composition Exam, 8:00 AM, AP Physics Exam, 12:00 PM

May 7 - Early Release Professional Development Day, 11:25 AM dismissal

May 7 - AP Statistics Exam, 12:00 PM

May 8 - AP US History Exam, 8:00 AM

May 11 - AP Calculus AB Exam, 8:00 AM

May 12 - AP Psychology Exam, 12:00 PM

May 12 - Music Banquet, 7:00 PM

May 13 - AP English Language and Composition, 8:00 AM, Physics C/Mechanics, 12:00 PM

May 13 - SGC Banquet, 6:00 PM

May 14 - AP Computer Science Principles Exam, 12:00 PM, AP Physics C/Electricity, 12:00 PM

May 15 - Term 4 Progress Reports posted in Aspen

May 15 - AP Environmental Science Exam, 8:00 AM

May 18 - Senior Meeting, 1:00 PM

May 19 - Math MCAS Session 1, grade 10

May 19 - Senior Final Exams

May 20 - Math MCAS Session 2, grade 10

May 20 - Senior Final Exams

May 21 - Senior Issues, Cookout

May 22 - Junior/Senior Prom

May 25 - No School, Memorial Day

May 26 - Graduation Rehearsal, 9:00 AM

May 26 - Site Council meeting, 2:45 PM

May 27 - Senior Academic and Athletic Banquet, 7:00 PM

May 28 - Senior Breakfast and Parade

May 29 - Graduation Rehearsal, 9:00 AM

May 29 - Graduation, 6:30 PM

May 30 (Saturday) - Rain date for graduation, 11:00 AM

Please see the attached newsletter from the Physical Education department.

https://app.smore.com/n/xswu0

Bulldog Buddies hosted a “Make Your Own Pizza Night” on April 27, 2026, and it was a great success! Students had a fantastic time creating their own delicious pizzas, choosing from toppings like cheese, pepperoni, sausage, peppers, and onions. It was a fun-filled evening of creativity, laughter, and great food. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the night so enjoyable!

RHS Key Club held a food drive for the Rockland Food Pantry during the Arts Festival. Several RHS students volunteered their time to collect food items. Many donors chose to give monetarily as well. For their generous donations, they received raffle tickets for a variety of wonderful prizes donated by our outstanding Rockland community. Thank you to all who participated in this worthy cause.

Mental Health Awareness Month at RHS

In partnership with the Rockland Recreation Department, WRPS is helping to promote Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) throughout May. RHS senior Jilian Chiulli developed a series of thoughtful scripts focused on important topics including anxiety, self-talk, parent/caregiver support, and substance use. RHS junior and WRPS intern James Levasseur brought these messages to life by recording and producing both audio and video public service announcements, which will air on 88.3 FM and be featured on the WRPS YouTube channel. These PSAs will premiere each Monday in May.

In addition, WRPS created the “One Good Thing” video featuring RHS students and staff, highlighting the importance of finding a positive moment in each day. We are grateful to our students and the WRPS team for their work in supporting awareness, reflection, and positive mental health across our school community. Access the video here: https://youtu.be/kDiutwp3g4Y.

Please see the recent RHS Athletics newsletter for updates on the spring season.

https://view.gogipper.com/page/4194413

Please see the attached information about summer pre-apprentice opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in trades.

Please see the attached information about a exciting opportunity for a hands-on learning opportunity during April vacation.

Student GPA’s (Grade Point Averages) have been recalculated to include Term 3 grades. Here are directions for viewing GPA’s:

How Students Can View GPAs in Aspen

How Parents/Guardians Can View GPAs in Aspen

If you (your student) are interested in attending a service Academy, we recommend you attend the information session at Mass. Maritime Academy on May 1st, as the process of applying to a service academy is very involved. This flyer has more details and information on how to register.

Over the past three days, counselors worked with sophomores in classes.

Students reviewed different post-high school options and then completed a Post-High School Brainstorming activity.

Students had the opportunity to take a Career Assessment in SCOIR (the college and career planning platform RHS uses) and update (or start) their high school resume. The assessment has students answer 60 questions that cover activities people perform when working in different careers, and students receive a list of career matches. Students can use their resume for letters of recommendation and/or job applications!

The agenda for the activity can be found here and is posted in students’ Guidance Google classroom. If a student was absent, they can find all the information there.

On Thursday, May 21st we will be taking a group of Juniors to Bridgewater State University.

Students will:

• Attend a NEACAC College Fair (a list of participating colleges can be found here)

• Attend a BSU information session

• Take a campus tour

We will leave RHS no later than 8:20 and will return by 1:30 PM. We will stop for lunch at the Bridgewater Campus Plaza (there are several places for students to purchase lunch, or they can bring their own lunch).

To participate in this field trip, students:

• Should be in good academic standing and not have any attendance concerns

• Must return their completed permission slip and medical form (found here - copies are also available in Guidance) no later than 12:00 on April 30th.

This will be considered an excused absence, and students are expected to make up any missing work.

Seats are limited and will be filled on a first come-first served basis. A seat will not be reserved for a student until their forms have been returned.

Please email or see Mrs. Dunn or Mrs. Black in Guidance with any questions.

As part of a multi-year strategy, the South Shore Technical Institute (at South Shore Voc Tech School in Hanover) will be training new skilled workers in key trades and technical jobs.

THIS IS A FREE 15 WEEK PROGRAM for high school graduates.

Programs for the Fall semester: Automotive, Culinary, HVAC, Manufacturing and Metal Fabrication & Welding

Classes take place Monday - Thursday | 4:00PM-8:00PM

Registration opened on April 6th and classes will fill up.

Program and registration information can be found here.

Explore Your Future This Summer!

Are you interested in a pre-college experience or a specialized summer program?

Check out our growing list of opportunities below. We update this list regularly, so be sure to check it often.

• Summer/Pre-College Program list

Search via SCOIR: Use your SCOIR account to enter filters based on your preferences to find more programs - see details on how to do this here.

BSU Summer Opportunity

Please see the attached summer opportunity at Bridgewater State University for students in grades 10-12.

Around the country, communities are working to improve health and increase the number of students who walk to school. In 1969, 48 percent of students walked or bicycled to school; that number dropped to 11% of 2017.

A 15-minute daily walk offers significant health benefits, including a reduced risk of poor cardiovascular health. It helps lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. This short, low-impact exercise also boosts mental clarity, reduces stress, and increases creativity by 60%.

Join me and many others for National Walk to School Day on May 6th. The walk starts at the bottom of Union Street (Dunkin Donuts), waters will be available. The benefits increase when you're walking with friends, so join us by signing up here. See the flyer for more information.

Community service credit will be offered for participation and assistance.

Please refer to the links below for your convenience.

School Website

Aspen Student & Family Portal

Arbiter Live- Athletic Schedules

Breakfast & Lunch Menus

As you can see, there are many wonderful things happening at Rockland High School!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Cheryl Schipper

Principal