ROCKLAND HIGH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Progress reports were posted in Aspen on Tuesday afternoon. Please review these to assess current progress and get the help you need to be successful.

On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 8:10 AM, all Grade 11 students and some grade 10 students who previously signed up will take the PSAT/NMSQT exam. School day SATs will also be administered to grade 12 students who signed up.

• Freshmen, sophomores not testing, and seniors not testing will have a delayed start and should report to school at 11:30 AM.

• Buses will run at their normal times. Students arriving early may stay in the cafeteria for quiet study from 8:10–11:30 AM.

The PSAT/NMSQT is an important opportunity to:

• Practice for the SAT and prepare for college entrance exams.

• Qualify for National Merit Scholarship programs.

• Gain access to college and career planning tools.

• Connect with colleges through the Student Search Service®.

• Receive personalized practice through Khan Academy®.

• Get matched with potential AP® courses aligned to their strengths.

This year’s exam is computer-based. Students must bring a fully charged Chromebook and power cord. A tutorial and practice materials are available online, and students will complete a “digital readiness” check in late September to ensure devices are prepared.

We look forward to providing this valuable opportunity to our students, helping them take an important step toward future college and career success.

143 Exchange

If interested in volunteering for The 143 Exchange, please send Mrs. Leahy an email at fleahy@rocklandschools.org.

Craft Fair

Please refer to the attached flyer for information about an upcoming community service opportunity here in Rockland.

Junior Class Fundraiser

Support the Junior Class by ordering pies, cookie dough, and other goodies! The pies and cookie dough will arrive on November 20th, just in time for Thanksgiving. You can order online via this link. If you order pies or cookie dough via the link, your student will have to pick up your order from Junior Class Advisor, Ms. Leighton, after school in the cafeteria on November 20th. If you order items from the Simply Shipped Collection, they will be shipped directly to you!

Our annual Homecoming festivities are just around the corner! Here’s what you need to know:

• Spirit Week (October 14–17): Student Government Council has planned a week of themed dress-up days. Students and staff are encouraged to join in and show their school spirit!

• Rally Day (Friday, October 17): The Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) will host a pep rally at the end of the school day to kick off the big weekend with energy and Bulldog pride.

• Homecoming Game (Friday, October 17 at 7:00 PM): Cheer on the Bulldogs as they face Norwell at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium.

• Homecoming Dance (Saturday, October 18, 7:00–9:00 PM): Close out the celebration with music, dancing, and fun.

Let’s come together as a community to celebrate our students and show our Bulldog spirit all week long!

OCTOBER

October 6 - Department Head meeting, 2:50 PM

October 8 - PSAT Testing (all grade 11, interested grade 10), SAT School Day Testing, grade 12

October 8 - College Essay Night (grade 12), 6:00-8:00 PM, Library

October 9 - Pink Out Day

October 9 - Dog Block, 10:42-11:28 AM

October 10 - No School, Professional Development Day

October 13 - No School, Columbus Day

October 14 - Senate Leadership Council meeting, 7:30 AM, Library

October 15 - Crisis Team meeting, 9:20 AM

October 17 - Homecoming Game, 7:00 PM

October 18 (Saturday) - Homecoming Dance, 7:00 - 9:30 PM

October 22 - Picture Retake Day

October 22 - 8th Grade Open House, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

October 23 - Early Release - Professional Development, 11:25 AM dismissal

October 24 - Ask Faculty About College Day

October 25 (Saturday) - Project Pumpkin, 2:00 - 4:00 PM

October 28 - Site Council meeting, 2:45 PM

The Rockland Pep Band set the tone for school spirit at the first home football game of the season, filling Veterans Stadium with energy and excitement. Students from both Rockland Middle School and Rockland High School joined together in the stands to perform and cheer on the Bulldogs.

The evening featured special moments captured in photos, the full band gathered in the stands, senior Joey Quinn leading warm-ups to get the group performance ready, and senior Seth Jesse mentoring Devon Leite-Jacobs, a reminder of the tradition of leadership and camaraderie that defines the program.

The Pep Band will continue to play at the next three Friday night home games, keeping the music alive and the crowd energized as the RHS Bulldogs defend their home field.

FAFSA Events for Students and Families

Understanding the FAFSA - This webinar will provide a detailed overview of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the main application for college financial aid. You’ll receive step-by-step instructions on completing the application, helpful tips on answering questions correctly, and important next steps. Live transcription will be available

Filing the FAFSA - Coalition for College event featuring Ithaca College, University of Vermont and Berea College. The event is on October 8th from 8:00 - 9:00 PM. Register here.

Sallie Mae- Completing the FAFSA Workshop, Wednesday, October 8th at 7:00 PM. Register here.

FAFSA Night - Funding Your Teens Future - offered by Big Future, College Board; Thursday, October 16th at 8:00 PM. Join them for a step-by-step walk-through that explains key terms, deadlines, and documents you’ll need. They will bust common myths and show you how to avoid costly mistakes so your teen can maximize financial aid. Get your questions ready because our experts are ready with real-time answers. Register here.

FAFSA Fall Festival - Do you need assistance completing the FAFSA, the form required to apply for college financial aid? Join MEFA for a virtual FAFSA Festival on October 22nd. You can log in anytime from 4:00 - 6:00 PM and you will be paired with an expert who can answer your FAFSA questions and help you complete the online application. Before you join us, we encourage you to start filling out the FAFSA at fafsa.gov.

CSS Profile Events for Students and Families

Coalition for College - Understanding the CSS Profile. Wednesday, October 22nd from 8:00 - 9:00 PM. Featuring Colby College, University of Richmond and Washington & Lee University. Register here.

CSS Profile Night - offered by Big Future, College Board. Thursday, October 23rd at 8:00 PM. They will explain how the CSS Profile works, what information is needed, and key deadlines. You’ll see how to complete the form accurately and how it differs from the FAFSA. Join us to get your questions answered and to make sure your teen doesn’t miss out on institutional aid. Register here.

UAspire - CSS Profile Walkthrough. Wednesday, November 12th from 6:00 - 7:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time). Register here.

Please refer to the links below for your convenience.

School Website

Aspen Student & Family Portal

Arbiter Live- Athletic Schedules

Breakfast & Lunch Menus

Next week will be a short but busy one!

On Wednesday, October 8 we will have PSAT and School-Day SAT testing for the following students:

• PSAT: All Grade 11 students, plus Grade 10 students who registered in advance

• SAT: Grade 12 students who registered in advance

Students who are testing should report to school at the regular start time. All other students should arrive at 11:25 AM for an 11:30 AM delayed start. Non-testing students who ride the bus are welcome to come in at the regular time and work quietly in the cafeteria while testing takes place.

We also have College Essay Night on Wednesday evening and a Dog Block on Thursday. Students should check their email and sign up in MyFlex as explained in the email.

Finally, There will be no school on Friday due to a full-day professional development day for teachers and staff.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,
Cheryl Schipper
Principal