ROCKLAND HIGH WEEKLY UPDATE

On Wednesday and Thursday, the Rockland Public Schools Arts Festival took place. Student artwork from across the district was showcased. Band and chorus performances took place as well. On Wednesday night, there was a cultural festival in the cafeteria highlighting the many traditions embraced within the school community. The outstanding work of our many talented students was on display! Stations included STEAM, Environmental Club, WRPS, Rockland Rec, and others. Shout out to the art and music and EL departments for their work in preparing student work/performances for the event. Special shout out to Ms. Thompson and Ms. Medeiros for coordinating and setting up the show, the music department, and the many students and staff who volunteered to paint faces, do arts and crafts projects, and so much more. It was an outstanding school and community event!

On Friday, students on the high honor roll at any point this year were served ice cream sundaes during lunch. Congratulations to those students on their achievements and thank you to Ms. O'Brien and Mr. Burnieika for making the sundaes!

AP TESTING

AP testing starts on Monday, May 5 and goes through May 21. The school schedule will not be altered during AP testing. Students taking exams should report to their assigned exam locations as communicated by individual email. The AP schedule is attached.

Students taking exams should must bring a fully charged chromebook!

Information regarding end-of-the-year activities including graduation has been mailed this week and should arrive to families soon.

As explained in the April 3 Senior Class Meeting, seniors were expected to submit two forms by May 1:

• Senior Biography - information to be read about them at graduation
• Graduation Protocol - information about rules regarding senior activities

These forms should be submitted to Ms. O'Brien in the office. Extra copies can be found in the office.

Seniors' last day of class is May 19!

Please find the school calendar for the 2025-2026 school year attached.

5/5 - Department Head meeting, 2:50 PM

5/5 - AP Exams - Biology, 8:00 AM, European History, 12:00 PM, Microeconomics, 12:00 PM

5/6 - AP Exam - Chemistry, 8:00 AM

5/7 - Crisis Team meeting, 9:20 AM

5/7 - AP Exam - English Literature and Composition, 8:00 AM

5/8 - AP Exam - Statistics, 8:00 AM

5/9 - AP Exam - US History, 8:00 AM

5/12 - AP Exam - Calculus, 8:00 AM

5/13 - Term 4 Progress Reports posted

5/13 - AP Exam - Environmental Science, 12:00 PM

5/13 - Music Department Banquet

5/14 - New Teacher Induction meeting, 2:50 PM

5/14 - AP Exam - English Language and Composition, 8:00 AM

5/14 - SGC Banquet, 6:00 PM

5/15 - AP Exam - Computer Science, 12:00 PM

5/16 - AP Exam - Physics 1, 8:00 AM, Psychology, 12:00 PM

5/19 - Last Day of Classes for Seniors, Senior Class Meeting, 1:00 PM

5/20 - Site Council meeting, 7:30 AM

5/20 - Math MCAS Session 1 - Grade 10 only

5/20 - Senior Final Exams

5/21 - Math MCAS Session 2 - Grade 10 only

5/21 - Senior Final Exams

5/22 - Senior Issues 8:10 - 12:30 followed by Senior Cookout

5/23 - Junior/Senior Prom, Grand March (Seniors), 5:45 PM

5/26 - No School - Memorial Day

5/27 - Graduation Rehearsal, 9:00 AM, caps and gowns distributed

5/28 - Senior Academic Awards Banquet, 7:00 PM

5/29 - Senior Breakfast and Parade, 8:15 AM

5/30 Graduation Rehearsal, 9:00 AM, Graduation, 6:30 PM

5/31 (Sat) - Graduation Rain Date, 11:00 AM

SGC respectfully requests donations for Teacher Appreciation Week which is next week. Items to contribute can be found on amazon by using the following link: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/HMNHBQXBOYRU?ref_=wl_share

Treats will be provided to teachers and staff throughout the week to celebrate them!

Thank you!

The Rockland High Travel Club has available spots on trips to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands in 2026 and Berlin, Krakow, Budapest, and Prague in 2027.

There will be an informational meeting for students, parents, and family members on Tuesday, May 6, at 7 p.m. in high school room 121 (by WRPS studios).

To RSVP for the meeting or to sign up for more information, please go to this link: https://bit.ly/3Ebqs6P

Please email kwalsh@rocklandschools.org with questions.

The guidance department will be visiting grade 11 English classrooms in a few weeks to start helping them prepare for the college application process.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Please see the attached calendar of local resources available,

Spring is here and with it seasonal allergies.

Allergies are your body’s response to allergens such as pollen or dust. Allergies are not contagious. Symptoms often start all at once. Allergy symptoms can last weeks or months. Indoor allergies can happen year-round, and outdoor seasonal allergies are more common in the spring through fall when pollen counts are high.

What can you do to help combat allergy symptoms? Here are some tips from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology:

• Take allergy medications (nasal sprays, eye drops, antihistamines such as Zyrtec/Claritin) as prescribed by pediatrician or allergy doctor.

• Wash hands after touching surfaces covered in pollen.

• Wearing glasses helps keep pollen away from your lashes/eyes.

• Even if your eyes itch, don’t rub them. Artificial tears can help wash allergens from the eyes. If unavailable, flush eyes with clean hands and water. Apply a cold washcloth or cold compress to itchy, puffy eyes. Use antihistamine eye drops as directed.

• After spending time outside, take shoes off before coming inside.

• Shower and change clothing before bed.

View the current pollen count, including the allergen contributors, at https://www.pollen.com/forecast/current/pollen/02370

How do you know if you have allergies or a cold?

You can tell the difference between a cold and seasonal allergies by key symptoms and how regularly the symptoms appear.

Colds are caused by a virus and are contagious. Usually symptoms develop over a few days and appear one at a time. Colds are more common during the winter months but can also occur at any time of the year. Colds typically run their course within seven to 10 days, although cough can linger for a few weeks. If your cold symptoms last longer than 10 days, talk to your doctor.

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week. I would like to thank the staff of Rockland High School whose hard work and dedication to the students inspire me every day. They spend countless hours planning engaging lessons and meaningful learning experiences for students. They believe in the students and provide a safe space for students to learn and grow. They truly make a difference in the lives of our students.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Cheryl Schipper

Principal