RHS December 2023

Upcoming Dates

12/4 - No school: Staff Development Day

12/4 - Building Futures Night (for incoming 9th graders)

12/11 - RHS Choir Concert

12/17 - Registration deadline (for current 9th-11th graders)

12/23-1/2 - Winter Break

Please check the RHS Calendar for all the details 

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Did you know?

• Did you know that Rogers High School offers Homework Help?  It is available in Room C101 from 7:05-7:30 am, and on Wednesdays from 7:05-7:55 am.   

• Did you know that we have a school store?  The Rogers One-Stop DECA Shoppe is open during lunch, and also has an online store!

• Did you know that the senior All Night Grad Party is put on by parents and has its own website?  Please be sure to visit HERE for upcoming events!

Class of 2024 News

It is time to order Graduation Regalia!  Please check your email for important updates for graduation.  Please be sure to check our website for all updates!

Winter Weather

Winter weather has arrived! Please remind your student(s) to allow extra time for driving and parking, as well as to slow down in inclement weather!

Parking

Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis.  Students who park in the school lots must display a valid parking permit.  Vehicles not displaying a valid parking permit may receive an RHS Parking Violation and a possible fine.  Student parking is NOT permitted in the RAC lot or in visitor and staff parking (parking at the RAC or visitor/staff parking spaces will be towed).  

All student drivers must purchase a parking permit and park ONLY in designated parking areas at RHS and RMS:

• Seniors and juniors can park in the main lot, RHS Performing Arts Center, and the student section of the RMS lot.  
• Sophomores must park in the RMS lot.
• Students must possess a valid driver's license to purchase a parking permit.
• Rogers High School reserves the right to close sales due to parking lots being at full capacity.
• RHS will issue one permit to each student who completes both the payment and web form.  Whether early/ late arrival, PSEO, or part-time, the parking permit fee is $90.00.  

Please visit our website to purchase a parking permit.

Vehicles not displaying permit or parked in locations other than designated areas are subject to ticketing/towing.

Grief During the Holidays

We recognize that the holiday season can be challenging for those that are dealing with loss.  Feelings of grief can be intensified and may seem overwhelming during this time. It is important to know that support is available. Below are some links to help cope.

• Cope Mobile Crisis Team

  Adults, Call 612-596-1223.; Children, Call 612-348-2233.

• Four County Crisis Response Team

  Call 320-253-5555 or 1-800-635-8008 - The Crisis Response Team can travel to homes or community locations in the four-county area to help individuals in crisis cope with immediate stressors. They can provide same day support as requested.  

• Co-Located School Based Mental Health Provider at RHS  Greater MN Family Services; Victoria Zappa, MSW, LGSW, provides therapy services during the school day, please contact your child's counselor for a referral.

Yearbook Information

Families can order yearbooks HERE

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SPOTLIGHT ON STUDENTS

 

2023-2024 NHS SOCKTOBER WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!

NHS collected a record 793 pairs of new socks for the annual sock drive. All socks have been donated to CROSS Food Shelf

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ISD 728 PREVENTION & SAFETY: RESOURCES for FAMILIES & PARENTS

Please visit THIS SITE which contains family and parent resources to support mental health, social and emotional learning (job preparedness skills), safety, alcohol and substance abuse and more. The information on this page will be updated regularly with new resources, community events relating to these issues and other important information relating to Prevention & Safety. 

Sherburne County Substance Use Prevention Coalition

The SUP Coalition is a community-focused coalition comprised of individuals
that reside or work in Sherburne County and are committed to reducing
youth substance use through community collaboration.

With the holidays approaching and more quality time at home this month, take time to connect early and often with your children about important health and safety topics like the dangers of drug use.

You can also use this time to engage in fun and meaningful activities, create moments of one-on-one time, and develop family traditions. Sometimes we think the big moments make the lasting impact. However, the collection of small moments make real lasting connections.

Developing a strong bond with your child, especially during the teenage years, can help teens form their own values that will help them make positive choices throughout their lives.

Marijuana Use and Infographic

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From the Health Office

• Health Office Staff:     763-274-3147  Fax:  763-274-3141
  • Lora Benson - Licensed School Nurse  763-241-3400, ext 1607
  • Mellisa Abrahamson - Health Services Assistant
  • Stacy Decker - Health Services Assistant (Part-Time)
• All students going home ill during the school day need to be seen in Health Services in order for their absence to be excused.  
  • If your student is reaching out to you to go home, please have them go to the Health Office
  • Health Services staff will need to speak to a parent prior to the student being checked-out of school
• Please notify Health Services of any Communicable Diseases (Strep, Influenza, Pertussis, etc)

Hearing & Vision Screenings for Students:

ISD 728 is no longer scheduling mass vision and hearing screenings. However, if you have a vision and/or hearing concern regarding your child, a request for screening can be made by completing this online request form. Screenings will be performed upon request only, by completing this  online request form.

Communicable Disease & Infections:

Influenza season is just around the corner and as we know, illnesses are prevalent in our schools. Health
Services offices are structured to keep students in school as much as possible so they can meet their
educational goals. Unfortunately, there are times when students need to stay home to get well in order to
prevent exposure and the spread of illness to others. If your child has been diagnosed with a communicable
disease, such as influenza, strep throat, COVID-19, please report these confirmations to the Health Services
Personnel in your child’s school building. Reporting forms are no longer available on the district website for
COVID-19.
Resources:

Resources:
● Influenza Information from Minnesota Department of Health
● COVID-19 Information from Minnesota Department of Health
● Communicable Diseases & Infections from Minnesota Department of Health

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From the Counseling Office

IMPORTANT DATES

• 12/1  Job Shadow Day for 11th graders

• 12/17 Student Registration Due

• By 12/31 FAFSA Application opens

Fall Recap - It has been a bustling season in the counseling department:

September: 

• Students visited the college fair at RHS in late September.  With over 75 colleges present, students were provided with a multitude of resources and information from a diverse selection of campuses.  

October:

• Sophomores took part in “Explore Your Future Day.” Students choose between attending the EPIC Career Tour at St. Cloud Technical College or the College and Career Expo at RHS. Those that attended the EPIC field trip experienced hands-on activities and demonstrations in a variety of career fields offered at technical and community colleges.  Students that remained at RHS attended presentations from four professionals of their choosing from fields they are interested in.  They also received information from private and public colleges, hearing about 2 year community and technical colleges and 4 year universities.

November:

• Freshman participated in the Reality Check activity where they experienced how to manage an expense budget.  Students were assigned a salary based on their career cluster choice. Wings Financial and community volunteers ran booths helping students budget and make monthly payments on items such as housing, cars, insurance, daycare, utilities, groceries, entertainment, and more.  The students kept a running log of expenses to have a clear idea of what they could afford.  It was quite the reality check!

• Juniors participated in our Mock Interview Day.  They prepared resumes in their English classes and brought them to their interview with community volunteers that are experienced interviewers.  The volunteers examined their resumes and asked common interview questions, giving verbal and written feedback following the interview.

• Juniors have been researching and setting up job shadowing experiences set for December 1st.  Counselors have provided community resources that have expressed interest in having a student job shadow, as well as encouraged students to use their own networking skills to set up their own experience. Counselors have also presented to the Junior class about proper etiquette in setting up and attending the job shadow experience.

2024-2025 Course Registration

Registration for the 2024-2025 school year is starting!  Counselors will work with current 9th, 10th and 11th graders to help them choose their classes.  We will be in classrooms during the first two weeks of December to go over registration information.  Students are expected to enter their courses into Campus by the deadline of Sunday, December 17, 2023 by 11:59 pm.

• You can access your student’s unofficial transcript by signing into your Parent Portal, and selecting Documents. 

• Please click HERE for further information on registration (updates coming soon) 

Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Resource  www.Fast-TrackerMN.org

Fast-Tracker can help you find:

• Programs, Services & Provider Availability
• Appointment Information
• Funding and/or Insurance Information
• Community Calendar, Events, FAQs & Resources
• Advocates & Support Groups
• Crisis Contacts & Emergency Information

Kids, Phones, and Social Media from from The Child Mind Institute

• Mental Health Tips for Teenagers:  Reaching out for help can be difficult - who do you tell?  How do you start the conversation?  And what do you do when someone your care about is struggling?
• How to Help Kids Get Organized:  Being disorganized can cause a great deal of grief for kids with executive function issues and ADHD.  But with the right tools - and the right support - they can build the skills they need to overcome organizational challenges, get better at managing their time, stop losing things, and start feeling more in control. 

The RHS Counseling Department (Counselors assigned by Grade)

Grade 9 (A-R): Ms. Morrison - dawn.morrison@isd728.org

Grade 10 (A-R): Ms. Bartus - anne.bartus@isd728.org

Grade 11 (A-R): Ms. Shrestha - jacy.shrestha@isd728.org

Grade 9, 10, 11 (S-Z): Mr. Miller - daniel.miller@isd728.org

Grade 12: Ms. Macken - shannon.macken@isd728.org

College & Career: Ms. Fanning - holly.fanning@isd728.org

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COLLEGE & CAREER CORNER

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available by Dec. 31, 2023

• To receive financial aid, you must apply for it: The redesigned and streamlined FAFSA form will be available by December 31, 2023 and can be found Here.

• FAFSA Support: What you need to know about the launch of the 2024-25 FAFSA form.

• Please Click Here if you are seeking more information on how to apply for financial aid.

• Federal Student Aid Estimator (*This is not the FAFSA form, but a tool to see what you may be eligible for in the 24-25 school year*)

Scholarship Information, Listings, and Search Engines

Click here for Scholarship information.  Check back often for updates and to find a new list of local scholarships available soon!

Tips for Parents in the College Admission Home Stretch

The college admissions process - without a doubt - is stressful for all who are involved, both parents and students.  And just because you’re close to the end of the journey, this doesn’t make this experience any bit less tense and anxious.

Here’s a look at how parents can best help their student.

1. Provide encouragement and support.   Your option is one of the most important ones when it comes to a child’s feeling of accomplishment and self-worth.  Students look to their parents for advice and for confirmation that they are making the right decisions.  Listen to your child and ask them questions without judgment.  Empower your student to make the decision that’s best for them.

2. Help students maintain balance.  Being successful with college admissions does not mean that a student’s high school years have to stink.  High school is a stressful time already.  Give your child time to relax and socialize.  Students with packed schedules and little sleep are not going to do their best.

3. Get correct information on colleges.  College requirements and applications have changed drastically over the past 20 years…even over the last three years.  The college admission process is now more competitive than ever before.  Be open and aware of the changes. 

4. Talk about finances. (Check out the FAFSA updates above). Be honest and realistic.  If there are any limitations, make sure your student understands them, even if the conversation is difficult.  This includes what you are willing/able to afford and what your student must contribute, including loans.  Then create a plan of action with your student.  Help your student investigate need-based aid and merit scholarships.  Other strategies include applying to bargain schools and in-state colleges.  

5. Anticipate bumps in the road and other options.  For one, not all students appear interested in college.  If your child seems disinterested, make college more real.  Visit schools to see “the why”.  If your child is not developmentally ready, discuss other options such as gap year programs, community college, or trade and technical schools. 

6. Manage your own anxiety and disappointment.  If your child is not admitted to a top choice college, support and reassure them.  Send the message that the college they will attend will provide many exciting opportunities. 

December “Future-Planning” Tasks by Grade

9th-graders

• Could your high school grades be worth $100k? If you’re wondering whether your freshman year grades matter (yes, they do), then read this article to learn more about merit-based financial aid.

• Feeling like you’re falling behind in a class?  Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and the sooner, the better. Check in with your teacher. Ask older students and/or peers if they might be open to tutoring. Form a study group. 

10th-graders

• Values Exercise (video): Use your priority values to guide your extracurricular choices. This is a great time to deepen your involvement in the clubs/teams/jobs that excite you— maybe take on a leadership role. Or sign up for a new club? Or start your own? 

• Tips for Planning a College Visit: Make a commitment to visit one local college between now and the end of the school year. That experience can be a great reference point as you begin to figure out what you’re looking for in a school. And some schools offer incentive grants if you visit campus, either in person or virtually.

• Start thinking about financial fit: As you begin your college search, it’s important to think about cost. 

11th-graders

• How to Create a College List (with spreadsheet tracker) - Use this guide tool to begin building a list of schools you’re excited about. Resources for specific student populations:

  • ScholarMatcher: Awesome search tool for low-income/first gen students

  • The Hundred-Seven and College Equity Index: Excellent resources for Black students

  • College Advising Guide for Undocumented Students 

  • I’m First: Guide for first-generation college students and their families

  • Tips and Campus Pride: Resources for the LGBTQ+ community 

  • Women’s colleges: Seven reasons you should consider a single-sex school

  • HBCUs, HSIs and TCUs: Essential tips when considering one of these institutions committed to serving underrepresented students

  • American Indian College Fund: List and descriptions of tribal colleges and universities

  • AICAD: List of 42 colleges of art and design that allows you to search by major and by region 

• Lay the groundwork for fee waivers: Have you filled out the free/reduced-school lunch form? If your family qualifies, you’ll be eligible for fee waivers for the SAT/ACT as well as for college applications. This simple step can save you hundreds of dollars.

12th-graders

• Supplemental essay responses: This is your go-to guide when applying to colleges that require more than a personal statement.

• Check your applicant portals and emails: Portals are the place where colleges keep applicant information and where you can update contact information, monitor application status, upload and track documents, and view the final admission decision. If you miss a request for more information or a document, it could jeopardize your admission chances, so make it a habit to check regularly.

• The Great College Essay Test: Assess how ready your essays are to submit.

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CTE Newsletter

Check out the December CTE Newsletter to see updates from our Mock Interview day!

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FROM THE MEDIA CENTER

December Service Project (Royals with a Cause):

In our makerspace, students will work on making fleece lap blankets for the residents of Wellstead.  We invite students and classes to come up to the media center to work.  We already have about 10 blankets complete.  We would love to have your help?

We are looking for projects that will help our local communities.  If you have an idea for a community service project for our makerspace, please contact Meagan Harapat, meagan.harapat@isd728.org

List of December Displays: 

-Snow is Falling, the Books Are Calling!  Come check out our display of winter themed books

-Human Rights Day- December 10th, 1948 (United Nations adopted the Declaration of Human Rights)

-Taylor Swift- books that match with Taylor Swift songs.

Stop in the media center to learn/read from the displays.

Ongoing December

-Guess the Snow Day- come to predict the first day we will have online learning due to snow!

-Trivia Contests

-Artistic surprise- Stay tuned for something festive and fun happening. Let’s make the Media Center beautiful.

December Events: 

December 6- 7:15-7:45 am Winter Read

Do you want to join a small group book study for the months of December/January? 

Join us to kick off reading a 90 page book with the theme of empathy.  

It is a quick and meaningful read. We will meet on December 6th and once in Jan when we finish reading.

December 20- 7:15-7:45 am Cookies and Cards

Spend a morning making a gift for everyone on your list! Sometimes words mean the most…

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ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS 

Athletics

Congratulations to Volleyball - Class AAAA State 5th Place (Winner of Consolation Bracket)

Congratulations to Football  - Class AAAAA State Participation

 Find all RHS Athletic information at GOROGERSROYALS and Twitter @geauxroyals 

Activities

Free Public Performance of the RHS One Act Play "TV" by from America Hurrah by Jean-Claude van Itallie

35 minute performance

Tuesday, January 23rd at 7pm

Rogers High School Performing Arts Center

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ISD#728 FOOD SERVICE

Food Service Calendar

TECHNOLOGY

Please email Chromebook Help

 

Safety and Internet Filtering at Home
ISD 728 Chromebooks will continue to have filtering to help protect students against harmful and inappropriate online material. 

Despite the District’s attempt to filter and provide additional protections outside of school, parents/guardians still play an important role in supervising their child's internet access and usage. Parents are encouraged to discuss rules for appropriate internet usage, and reinforce lessons of digital citizenship and safety. Please review our technology responsible use guidelines and visit www.isd728.org/Digital-Health-Wellness to learn more about available parent resources.

• Visit here for more information about what is filtered.  
• Visit GoGuardian Parent App for information on how parents and guardians can monitor their children's Chromebook browsing activity, and choose to block sites such as YouTube.

LOOKING AHEAD

COSTA RICA

Spanish students can travel to Costa Rica in June, 2024!  Contact Brian Harapat (brian.harapat@isd728.org) with any questions.