RHS Rams Corner News

Dear Students and Families,

Welcome to the month of April! As we step into this new month, we are excited to celebrate several important observances. April is a time to honor and celebrate Arab American Heritage Month, National Deaf History Month, and Autism Awareness Month. These observances provide an opportunity for us to learn, reflect, and appreciate the diverse cultures, histories, and experiences that shape our world.

As we embrace the spirit of April, we also acknowledge that "April showers bring May flowers." While we look forward to the blossoming of spring, we are equally excited for what lies ahead for our students, especially the Class of 2025. The final stretch of their high school journey is upon us, and we’re thrilled to watch them prepare for their prom, a momentous occasion that marks the first of many celebrations as they approach their graduation day. This is a significant milestone in their lives, and we can’t wait to see them shine on this special night.

As we enter the final nine weeks of the school year, we kindly ask for your continued support. It is crucial that our students are present, engaged, and on time for school every day. This is a pivotal time for learning, and we want each student to finish the year strong, ready to achieve all they’ve worked for.

Thank you for your partnership in ensuring our students have everything they need to succeed. Let’s make April a month of growth, learning, and celebration as we look ahead to the exciting moments and milestones still to come.

Welcome to April!

April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans. From science and medicine to literature, music, and civil rights, Arab Americans have made a lasting impact on our nation.

Students will have opportunities to engage in classroom activities, discussions, and events that highlight the cultural heritage and historical significance of Arab American communities.

We invite parents to join in the celebration by exploring books, films, and resources that showcase Arab American voices. Let’s come together to honor and appreciate the diversity that strengthens our school and society!

In 1922, then Governor Hogan proclaimed April as Deaf History month in Maryland which coincides with National Deaf History Month.

One of the most significant moments in Deaf history was the establishment of the first school for the Deaf in the U.S., the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1817. This school was founded by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc, a Deaf educator from France, who brought French Sign Language (LSF) to the U.S. Over time, LSF merged with home signs and regional signs in America, leading to the development of American Sign Language (ASL). rights.

A 2006 RHS DHOH alumni Zainab Alkebsi went on to become a lawyer fighting for Deaf.

Autism Awareness Month is a month-long celebration to appreciate the achievements of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Here at Rockville High School, we have the privilege and honor to teach many students with autism. These students bring daily happiness and joy into our school. We appreciate the opportunity to work with them daily, see their smiles, and hear their laughter. For Autism Awareness Month, we celebrate all the accomplishments, large or small, our students make. This month is a time to learn about autism and how you can support those individuals with autism in our community. Autism Awareness month is an opportunity to appreciate everyone, no matter how they may learn.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform various industries, its role in education is rapidly expanding. AI presents significant opportunities for improving student outcomes and creating efficiencies for staff. However, with these advancements come challenges that require thoughtful consideration, including ethical use, data privacy and equitable access. Given AI’s growing presence in classrooms and administrative processes, MCPS is developing AI usage guidance.

MCPS is asking for input on the development of guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools. Whether you are a parent/guardian or community member, student or former student, teacher or staff member, your perspective is essential in ensuring AI is used effectively, responsibly, and ethically to support teaching and learning. Here is a short video with an overview of AI. Fill out the survey.

Resources:

• Video de aportes de inteligencia artificial

• AI in Action Video

• Video de herramientas de inteligencia artificial

• MCPS Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidelines Input Form

The Gallaudet University Academic Bowl was established to foster academic excellence, healthy competition, and sportsmanship among deaf and hard of hearing youth – all while making lifelong friends.

Every year, each region welcomes up to 16 teams to compete in a quiz tournament. Students will be challenged to answer a game of general knowledge and quick recall of the following categories: Arts and Entertainment; Current Events; Language and Literature; Mathematics; Social Studies; Pop Culture, Leisure, and Sports; Potpourri; and Science and Technology. The top teams from each region will be invited to compete in the national competition at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC.

The Key Club is partnering with the American Red Cross again this year to host a blood drive on Thursday, April 10th from 8-2 in the auditorium.

Students who meet requirements and obtain parental permission will sign up for a time slot with me.

The process includes an initial screening, completion of a questionnaire using an app (that can be done beforehand), about 10-15 minutes for the donation itself, and a few minutes of post-observation. Donors will receive a snack and drink afterwards!

If you have any questions about the donation process, requirements, please feel free to reach out to me.

Thank you!

As you may know, MCPS is currently conducting two boundary studies—one for the reopening of Woodward High School, and another for the opening of the new Crown High School and the expansion of Damascus High School. These studies involve 19 high schools and their associated middle schools. Please note that elementary school boundaries will not be adjusted as part of this process.

Graduation accommodations: If anyone would like to request accommodations for graduation, please complete this short google form.

Seniors are getting two brand new options this year:

Choose who will read the senior class names as you walk across the stage at graduation:

https://bit.ly/3XHkwcm

Submit your memories from Rockville High School to appear at an awards or the graduation ceremony. All content must be in compliance with the SR&R Handbook and will be reviewed.

https://bit.ly/3DXAcBE

Congratulations to the Class of 2027 ACES SCHOLARS! The ACES program received over 200 applications and has accepted 76 students. We are so excited for the rising Juniors! Orientation will take place during the 2nd week of April!

Keep up to date with the College and Career center newsletter: Apply for scholarships, summer jobs and more!

Setting up a meeting:

Parents and students have the ability to create a meeting with me as needed. You can set up meetings at: calendly.com/Mswolk

• In order to do a zoom meeting, you will need to be logged in with an MCPS account.

Grade level checklists:

Freshman Checklist / Lista de verificación para estudiantes de primer año de secundaria

Sophomore Checklist / Lista de verificación para estudiantes de segundo año de secundaria

Junior Checklist / Lista de verificación para estudiantes de tercer año de secundaria

Senior Checklist / Lista de verificación para estudiantes de cuarto año de secundaria

Save the date:

Rising Senior Meeting - June 3, 2025 6-8PM in the Cafeteria.

We will review what goes into the college application process at Rockville High School, additional post secondary options, and begin exploring options. We will also have a panel of college admissions representatives.

Class of 2026: I want to hear from you! What workshops and support would you like to have this summer? Let me know on this quick google form.

Decision Day - May 1, 2025

Seniors are encouraged to attend school decked out in gear of their college/university or post-secondary choice.

Clark Construction Tour - May 2, 2025

7 Seniors interested in joining the Construction industry after graduation will be able to attend this field trip. Please see Ms. Wolk ASAP to sign-up and join a waitlist.

NACAC Fair - April 8, 2025

Juniors are encouraged to attend the NACAC fair! Permission slips are due April 1, 2025 to Ms. Wolk in the College and Career Center. Students may pay $4.25 via schoolcash online. Permission slip.

Students that are interested in Jump Start to College/Dual Enrollment classes next year at Montgomery College are encouraged to meet with their counselor to explore possible course options and steps for admission. For students interested in MC classes they will need to have tested in either the SAT, ACT or taken the Accuplacer and achieved the scores required by MC for the classes they are interested in. At Rockville High School, in the fall, we hope to offer “Introduction to Business” as well as “Foundation of Human Communication”. There are many other options offered on the Montgomery College Campuses as well as distance learning options. Please check out information on the RHS School Counseling Website to learn more or reach out to your school counselor.

Grade 9 College Tour Experience

Rockville High School is excited to partner with the Montgomery County Career Advising Program (MoCoCAP) to offer grade 9 students an opportunity to visit a regional university on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Early exposure to college can assist students in making more informed decisions about their post-secondary plans and further students' development toward college, career, and community readiness.

Rockville High School grade 9 students may choose between a field trip to University of Maryland, College Park or participating in asynchronous Virtual College Tours via myMCPS classroom. However, please note that space is limited for the in-person field trip opportunity and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis upon return of the field trip permission form and registration form to the college and career center. The deadline to return permission forms is Thursday, May 24, 2025. For more information, please contact Ms. Fernanda Duarte at Fernanda_D_RomeroDuarte@mcpsmd.org.

Building Skills for Success in High School, College and Beyond

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 6:30pm CT

Middle and high school can feel overwhelming for families — but with the right approach, students can thrive!

Join college admissions counseling experts, Collegewise, and ACT for this must-attend webinar to learn:
✔ How middle and high school students can develop key academic and life skills.
✔ The best ways to explore interests and build meaningful experiences.
✔ How to balance school, extracurriculars, and social life without feeling overwhelmed.
✔ What changes in college admissions mean for today’s students.

Led by Collegewise’s Director of Instruction and former instructor at Temple University, Michael Cohen, and Former Vanderbilt Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Collegewise Counselor, Kaila Brown, this webinar will give you expert insights and practical tips to help your student succeed now and in the future.

Register now and start building the skills for success in high school, college, and beyond!

What to know about Summer School!

Summer School 2025 focuses primarily on our high school students who need to earn credits towards graduation. Both In-person and Virtual High School Summer School Programs will be offered this year. Students who are taking courses for original credit and students retaking courses to improve original grade earned will have to pay tuition. Students retaking required graduation courses for credit recovery, to replace a failing grade, will not have to pay.

In-Person High School Summer School Program:

• In-person at Gaithersburg High School

• Students attend from 8:00AM - 12:30PM daily

• Each .5 credit course lasts three weeks

• Students may take one course per session (may take one additional course in the Central Program as well, but Central course time must be Late)

Virtual High School Summer School Program:

• Virtual/Online Only

• Blended learning opportunity with 10 hours of required synchronous instruction, and approximately 30-40 hours of asynchronous work per course

• Each .5 credit course lasts three weeks

• Students may take up to two virtual classes per session (or students taking a course in the Regional Program may only take one additional Central Program course)

Parents can register for any options listed above, using the RHS Regional Summer School 2025 Google Form. Before completing the registration form, please access the Student Grades and Graduation Credit Report (SGGC-Report) on ParentVUe

For more information, please visit the MCPS Summer School webpage.

Credit Recovery:

• Rockville High School will be offering credit recovery options this summer for eligible students, at no cost.

• Eligible students and their families and will receive an email from Ms. Kellison in May with more information.

Qué saber sobre la Escuela de Verano

La Escuela de Verano 2025 se centra principalmente en nuestros estudiantes de preparatoria que necesitan obtener créditos para graduarse. Este año se ofrecerán programas de Escuela de Verano presenciales y virtuales. Los estudiantes que tomen cursos para obtener créditos originales y quienes los repitan para mejorar su calificación deberán pagar la colegiatura. Los estudiantes que repitan cursos obligatorios de graduación para reemplazar una calificación reprobatoria, no tendrán que pagar.

Programa de Verano Regional (presencial):

En la Preparatoria Gaithersburg

Los estudiantes asisten de 8:00 a. m. a 12:30 p. m. todos los días

Cada curso de 0.5 créditos tiene una duración de tres semanas

Los estudiantes pueden tomar un curso por sesión (también pueden tomar un curso adicional del Programa Virtual, pero el horario del curso debe ser por la tarde)

Programa de Verano Virtual:

Solo virtual/en línea

Oportunidad de aprendizaje combinado con 10 horas de instrucción sincrónica obligatoria y aproximadamente 30 a 40 horas de trabajo asincrónico por curso.

Cada curso de 0.5 créditos tiene una duración de tres semanas

Los estudiantes pueden tomar hasta dos clases virtuales por sesión (o los estudiantes que toman un curso del Programa Regional sólo pueden tomar un curso adicional del Programa Virtual)

Los padres pueden inscribirse en cualquiera de las opciones mencionadas anteriormente mediante el formulario de Google de la Escuela de Verano Regional de RHS 2025. Antes de completar el formulario de inscripción, acceda al Informe de Calificaciones y Créditos de Graduación del Estudiante (SGGC-Report) en ParentVUe.

Para obtener más información, visite la página web de la Escuela de Verano de MCPS.

Programa de Recuperación de Créditos:

a Escuela Preparatoria Rockville ofrecerá opciones de recuperación de créditos este verano para los estudiantes elegibles, sin costo alguno.

Los estudiantes elegibles y sus familias recibirán un correo electrónico de la Sra. Kellison en mayo con más información.

Unity Christian Fellowship, Inc. will host its semi-annual Game Changer Conference on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 8:00 a.m.–noon at the Montgomery College––Germantown Campus. The conference theme is "Achievement to Thrive in 2025 is a Game Changer! What are your goals for winning your future?” The goal is to allow students to succeed as a game changer. The target audience is Black or African American and Hispanic male students of color in Grades 4–12. There will be separate sessions for elementary, middle, and high school students. In addition, parent workshops will be held every half hour (beginning at 8:00 a.m. and the last session ending at noon). A continental breakfast will be provided. Although there is no charge for registration, all participants are asked to register in advance here. Transportation will not be provided.

The IB program needs you ! We need proctors for the IB Exams which will be held between April 29 and May 21. No experience is necessary. Proctors will help with the following:

1. Helping set up the exam room with supplies

2. Taking care of student needs during the exams

3. Monitoring students during exams

4. Helping collect papers after the exams

Volunteers will receive training packets in April and I will offer an evening training session on Zoom as well. MCPS requires all volunteers an online child abuse training module. Links will be provided to all volunteers in April. You can sign up to proctor by clicking on the link below.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4FA9AF2AA2F85-55372658-ibexam

Mark your calendars for May Spring testing! The Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) will be administered on May 7th, 7th, 12th, 13th and 14th. MCAP consists of four state exams: Biology, NSL Government, English 10 Language Arts, and Algebra 1. All students enrolled in these courses must take the MCAP, a graduation requirement for a high school diploma in the state of Maryland. Students who were previously enrolled in these courses but did not take the MCAP, must also test. Click HERE for the MCAP testing schedule.

EOC (End of Course) exams are part of the MCAP (LS-MISA, MCAP Government) and count for 20% of a student’s grade. It is a state developed exam administered at the end of Biology B and National, State, and Local (NSL) Government B courses.

NOTE: Students who do not take the corresponding EOC for Biology B or NSL B during the testing window, will receive a grade of Incomplete for the marking period and semester.

Additionally, all 9th grade students enrolled in English 9 and Algebra 1 will take the MAP Growth exams during class time, May 19th - 23rd.

Please email Ms. Kellison at Monica_Kellison@mcpsmd.org if you have any questions

RHS Booster Club April Newsletter Update

__________________________________________________________________________

🍿 Volunteer at the RHS Ram Shack - our outdoor Snack Bar! 🏀🥤

Join the fun and help run the Booster Club Ram Shack this spring! Your time supports RHS athletes, clubs, and all extracurricular events. Meet fellow parents, cheer on our Rams, and make a difference! Opportunities are open for ALL parents and students – not just those involved in athletics. Come work a shift and try out our new popcorn machine, nacho cheese machine, and enjoy the facility enhancements that we have made!

🔗 Sign up here: https://www.rhsramsboosterclub.com/volunteer

Be a game-changer—volunteer today! 🎉🐏

______________________________________________________________________________

Building Community Through Spring “Cluster” Nights! 🌟🏆

Rockville High School is excited to host Spring Cluster Nights at various athletic events throughout the season! These special nights bring together students and families from our five elementary schools and one middle school that feed into RHS, creating a strong sense of community and school spirit.

Cluster Nights are a great way for future Rams to experience the excitement of high school athletics, connect with RHS students, and feel like part of the Rockville family. Join us as we celebrate our feeder schools and build lasting traditions together!
Stay tuned for dates and details—we can’t wait to see you there! 🐏______________________________________________________________________________

Stay Connected with the RHS Booster Club! 📣🐏

Want to stay up to date on all things Rockville High School Booster Club? Follow us online and get the latest news on events, fundraisers, and ways to support our student-athletes!

🌐 Website: RHS Booster Club – Find info on memberships, upcoming events, and more!

📍 Facebook: Rockville High School Booster Club – Like and follow for updates, event highlights, and community news!

📸 Instagram: @rhs_booster – Follow us for behind-the-scenes photos, event recaps, and school spirit in action!

Engage with us, share our posts, and help us spread the word—together, we make RHS stronger! 💜🐏 #RamPride #RHSBoosterClub

______________________________________________________________________________

📣 Join Us for the Next Booster Club Meeting! 🐏

Mark your calendars! The next Booster Club meeting is on Wednesday, April 9, at 7 PM in the Rockville High School Staff Lounge. Come connect with fellow parents, get updates on upcoming events, and find out how you can support RHS students and activitie

The Every Student Succeeds Act requires that a state include not less than one indicator of school quality or school success in the state’s accountability system. Maryland’s Protect Our Schools Act of 2017 requires that one of the school quality indicators shall be school climate surveys administered to students and instructional staff.

Rockville High School will administer the Maryland School Survey to students in grades 9-11 on Wednesday, April 2nd. during Wellness Block 1. There will be a modified bell schedule to accommodate the survey administration time. The survey will ask instructional staff and students questions on topics such as student engagement, interactions with others at the school, the school environment, and school safety. Responses will be combined with the responses from other instructional staff at the school. The survey is confidential and no one in the school will have access to the responses of specific students or instructional staff. Survey results will be reported only at the level of each school and school system. Participation in the survey is 10% of our Maryland Report Card data each year. A list of possible survey questions can be found on the MSDE site.

Our GOAL is to achieve 100% participation on the Maryland School Survey.

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) remains committed to sharing information and resources about mental health topics that could potentially impact students. MCPS is enhancing its suicide prevention curriculum using the Signs of Suicide® (SOS®) Prevention Program. The goals for participating in this program are straightforward:

• To help students understand that depression is a treatable illness,

• To explain that suicide is a preventable tragedy that often occurs as a result of untreated depression,

• To provide students with the education and skills to recognize the signs of serious depression and potential suicidality in a friend, and

• To impress upon teens that they can help themselves or a friend by taking the simple step of talking to a responsible adult about their concerns.

All students in Grade 6 through 12 will participate in the Signs of Suicide® (SOS®) Prevention Program. At Rockville High School, the program will be implemented on April 23rd during Wellness Wednesday, Block 3. Students will have access to handouts that include the Act to Save a Life student newsletter and a list of school, local, and national resources that are available on mental health needs.

An informational reminder letter will be emailed to parents and guardians prior to lesson implementation. If you have any questions or concerns about this program, please do not hesitate to contact your student’s counselor between 7:30AM - 2:30PM, Monday through Friday.

Parents or guardians of children receiving special education and related services will be mailed the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey from the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services during the week of February 14, 2025. Parents are asked to complete the survey and return it in the postage paid envelope by May 30, 2025. The Survey may also be completed online. Please look for details in your survey packet. To learn more, please visit https://www.mdparentsurvey.com.

To help prepare students for college and career, as well as to help maintain safety and security in the school building, all RHS students will be required to have their school IDs on their person when on school property. These student IDs also will be used by students for check-in/check-out processes during the school day, such as for initial arrival to school and late arrivals throughout the school day.

Students are expected to comply with staff requests to show their student IDs, and staff will be required to wear their staff IDs visibly displayed during the school day.

Wed, April 2
MANDATORY Senior Meeting
Senior Parent Meeting

MD School Survey (wellness block 1)

Fri, April 4
Spring Musical

Sat, April 5
Mulch Sale
Spring Musical

Wed, April 9
Boosters Meeting

Thu, April 10
Last day to buy prom tickets

Mon, April 14
Spring Break—No school for students and teachers

Tue, April 15
Spring Break—No school for students and teachers

Wed, April 16
Spring Break—No school for students and teachers
Systemwide Closures—Schools and offices closed

Thu, April 17
Spring Break—No school for students and teachers
Systemwide Closures—Schools and offices closed

I want to take a moment to thank all of our parents for their unwavering dedication and support. Your partnership plays a crucial role in our students' success, and we are truly grateful for the trust you place in us to guide your child’s educational journey. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible teachers and leaders, who work tirelessly every day to ensure that every student has access to the best education in the state of Maryland.

As we head toward the end of the school year, let’s continue to work together to make this spring season one of growth, achievement, and celebration. We are looking forward to all the exciting things to come!

With gratitude

Principal Pyles

Next Edition: May 2025