ROCKLAND HIGH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
June 5, 2026
UPDATES
We successfully completed MCAS testing for the school year this week, with ninth-grade students taking the Science MCAS on Tuesday and Wednesday.
On Wednesday evening, we held our Academic Hall of Fame and Underclassmen Awards Ceremony. We were proud to recognize two distinguished Rockland High School alumni, Stacy Gardner ('99) and Lisa Shurga ('92), as inductees into the Rockland High School Academic Hall of Fame. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to our current students and a testament to the lasting impact of an RHS education.
The evening also celebrated the outstanding academic achievements of many students in grades 9 through 11. Congratulations to all of our award recipients for their hard work, dedication, and success. Photos from the event will be shared next week.
On Thursday, the cafeteria staff hosted their second annual RPS Farmers Market. As part of the school lunch program, students were able to select produce items to bring home.
FINAL EXAMS (9-11)
Final exams for grades 9-11 students begin on Thursday, June 18, and conclude on Wednesday, June 24.
During our final examination period, regular class sessions will be suspended. Students taking two exams in one day must arrive before 9:00 AM and remain in school until the conclusion of the second exam period at 1:30 PM. Students taking only one exam on any given day must arrive on time for that exam and may leave campus when the exam period is concluded. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria from 11:00-11:30 AM.
The last day of school, Thursday, June 25 is a half day (make-up day) for students and a full day for faculty. Lunch will not be served on this day. Buses will run on a regular schedule throughout final exams. Students wishing to wait for the bus after their second exam can do so in the cafeteria. If students do not need to make up exams, they do not need to report to school on Thursday, June 25.
FINAL EXAMS - DAILY SCHEDULE
8:00 - 9:00 AM - Extra help for students with individual teachers
9:00 - 11:00 AM - MORNING TWO-HOUR EXAM
11:00 - 11:30 AM - Lunch
11:30 - 1:30 PM - AFTERNOON TWO-HOUR EXAM
1:30 PM - Student dismissal
1:30 - 2:25 PM - Extra help for students with individual teachers
FINAL EXAM GUIDELINES
All students are required to take final exams during the exam period. If an alternative arrangement is needed for medical reasons, the student should contact an administrator.
Exams will be two hours in length.
Underclassmen Final Exam grades will be recorded in a separate column on the final report card and will constitute 10% of the final grade.
Students must remain in the testing classroom until the end of the exam period. Students are encouraged to bring reading or other school work in case they finish exams early. Students cannot get dismissed from an exam once it has begun.
A student who reports to school after 9:05 AM must report to the main office and will not be allowed into classrooms for testing without the permission of a teacher or administrator.
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
The Rockland Day Committee is looking for student volunteers to assist with this year’s Rockland Day event on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21. Volunteers are needed to help with event set-up and clean-up. This is a great opportunity for students to support the community while earning community service hours. The committee will sign any required community service forms for participating students. Please consider volunteering to help make this annual community event a success!
UPCOMING DATES
JUNE
June 9 - Spring Sports Banquet, 6:00 PM
June 10 - Crisis Team Meeting, 9:20 AM
June 18 - Final Exams A and B
June 19 - No School, Juneteenth
June 22 - Final Exams C and D
June 23 - Final Exams E and F
June 24 - Final Exams L and makeup
June 25 - Last Day of School! Make-up exams only.
ACADEMICS
ATHLETICS
As the spring season comes to a close, we are proud of the accomplishments of our student-athletes. Congratulations to our boys tennis team, boys and girls lacrosse teams, and baseball team for qualifying for the MIAA State Tournament.
The boys lacrosse team earned an impressive tournament victory over Littleton to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2023. Their season came to an end on Wednesday with a hard-fought loss in Nantucket. Congratulations to the players and coaching staff on an outstanding season and a memorable tournament run.
Meanwhile, our baseball team continues to make history. After defeating Ipswich in the Round of 32 and rallying for a thrilling seventh-inning comeback win over Old Colony in the Sweet 16, the Bulldogs earned the program's first state quarterfinal appearance in more than two decades. On Wednesday, they continued their remarkable run with a victory that advances them to the Elite 8.
The Bulldogs will take the field on Saturday, June 6 at 2:00 PM at Dennis-Yarmouth High School with a trip to the Final Four on the line. We wish the team and coaching staff the very best as they continue this historic postseason journey!
Please see the recent RHS Athletics newsletter for updates on the spring season.
BULLDOG DASH 5K
Please see the attached flyer about the upcoming Bulldog Dash 5K on Saturday, June 6. This event is a fundraiser for the RHS Cross Country and Track and Field Programs. Sign up for the race with this link or use the QR code in the flyer:
FROM THE GUIDANCE OFFICE
ALL STUDENTS
Please see the attached information about summer pre-apprentice opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in trades.
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
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.
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.
FROM THE NURSE
Sun Safety in June
As we head into June and spend more time outdoors, it’s important to remember that sun safety is an essential part of staying healthy. While sunshine can boost mood and help our bodies produce vitamin D, too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to painful sunburns, premature skin aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.
Students who participate in sports, work outdoors, attend camps, or spend time at the beach should take steps to protect their skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating. Don’t forget commonly missed areas such as the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet.
Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays can help protect your eyes, and a hat with a brim provides additional protection for your face and scalp. Whenever possible, seek shade during peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Staying hydrated is also important during hot weather. Carry a water bottle and drink regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Enjoy the beautiful June weather, but remember: protecting your skin today helps keep you healthy for years to come. Stay safe and have a wonderful start to summer!
QUICK LINKS
FINAL THOUGHTS
As we move into the final weeks of the school year, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for their continued hard work, support, and commitment to Rockland High School. From academic achievements and awards to athletic success and graduation celebrations, this has been a memorable and rewarding time for our school community.
Reminder that the Dogs Dash 5K will take place tomorrow morning. Registration begins at 8:00 AM, and the race starts at 9:00 AM. We hope to see many students, families, staff members, and community members there supporting this great event to benefit the cross country and track programs.
Best of luck to our baseball team as they continue their historic tournament run, and congratulations once again to all of our students for their accomplishments.
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Cheryl Schipper
Principal