RHS Weekly Announcements     |    December 4, 2020

Hello, Ram families!

FYI: Wake County Offering Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing This Weekend

This free service provides an easy and efficient way for Wake County residents to learn if they have the virus. You must sign up online for a specific testing time slot. When you arrive at your designated time, you’ll be registered while you sit in your vehicle. You can visit wakegov.com/testing for a list of the county’s free testing sites and dates. This information is being shared today with all staff and all families.

Interims next week

We gave teachers an additional week to update grades before we tell parents they are in for the interims.  Teachers will have their grades in PowerSchool by next Friday, so you should have a good idea of where your Ram stands academically next Friday.  Please plan to check PowerSchool.  Remember that we do not send written reports unless a parent requests one.

DMV Examiners on Site Monday:  

Those who should appear have gotten prior notice from the Driver Ed Supervisor.  I am reminding you that the window is from 3-4PM on Monday, Dec. 7th.  Examinations will be inside the building. Here is a quick "sketch" of the traffic pattern for Monday to help make this run as smoothly as possible. Parents will drive their students along the pathway between the stadium and the practice field and park in line along that pathway just after the tennis courts. Students will then be able to enter the building at the back of the cafeteria. We will have tables set up in the 1st Floor Cafeteria area to conduct the testing. 

PTSA Fundraiser

As you know, our PTSA is running a no-fuss fundraiser.  For those who make a contribution, $5, $10 or whatever, you get a ticket and your name will be entered to win a wreath.  No fuss link: https//rolesvillehsptsa.member hub.store/  If you’ve already donated your name will automatically be included. Total of three drawings will be held in December (#1), January (#2) & February (#3). You can choose from your favorite team for example, ECU, State or UNC. This will help with scholarships, senior celebrations, teacher classroom grants, etc. Good  luck & thanks for supporting your RHS PTSA. Winner will be announced each month.Examples of the wreaths are here.

Parking for Second Semester

We have started to get questions regarding student parking.  As you may know, we will not charge a fee to park until students return to school on Plan A.  We will, however, require the usual paperwork to register the students’ vehicles.  We plan to share that form as soon as we return in January.  It will give students time to complete and return in order to get a temporary parking number/space.  This information will be submitted online except for the portion that has to be notarized.  We will set a time for students to get their tags.

Underclassmen School Pictures Pick-Up Day

Picture packages and proofs have arrived! If your student had their picture taken at RHS in October, please come by the main office on Friday, December 11th, 8:00-2:00 to pick-up your ordered photo package and/or proofs. Email Ms. Hatcher at rhatcher@wcpss.net with any questions. 

FYI: Virtual Parent Sessions Offered Dec. 2-9

WCPSS is working with the National Center for Youth Issues to provide WCPSS parents with a special series of live, one-hour chat sessions with national level experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of virtual learning, and to offer strategies, solutions, and encouragement to help our students and families thrive during these most unusual of times.

FYI: Student Accident Insurance

Student Accident Insurance is available to purchase for students each school year.  Affordable yearly premiums begin at $11.00. Four plans offer optional accident coverage during school time only or 24 hour coverage. The 2020-21 coverage plans, premiums and complete details can be found on the Parent tab of WCPSS homepage under Student Accident Insurance. Questions can be directed to The Young Group at (888) 574-6288.

Repeat

Wellness Sessions for Students & Parents

Parents and students are encouraged to sign up for our first series of wellness and self-care services. I attended this a week ago in a session for school system staff.  Right now, it just makes sense to find our center to help us cope through challenges.

Exams

We will soon be communicating with you regarding exams.  As you may have heard, the state is requiring in-person completion of certain exams in order for students to get credit for a course unless certain specifications are met.  There is much work ahead of us to prepare for exams.  Right now, the only thing I want to do is make sure you are aware that information is coming and we will need to have two-way communication regarding student-specific situations.  Stay tuned...

Notification of Failing Grades and Lack of Class Participation - DMV Notification

Families of students who drive know that the law requires school systems to report failure to attend/failure to pass classes to DMV.  WCPSS will be following the requirements of the law.  Please, please make sure your Ram is doing work and attending class in order to avoid revocation of driver license.

Spring Student Schedules and Virtual Academy

The window to request adding or dropping Virtual Academy for the Spring semester closed on November 4. We are not taking any additional requests at this time. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Nilles at knilles@wcpss.net. Also, we are making lots of adjustments to the master schedule, teacher course assignments and student schedules.  This is well underway and we have to move at a very fast pace to pull this together for second semester.  Registration and scheduling usually run from late February through August.  It is a massive task to redesign the schedule and then adjust student schedules.  I just want you to know in case you see changes.  We must do this to meet VA, staff needs, classroom space, etc. (Let’s just hope the next school year brings something much more normal!!!)

Guidance for Parents of Athletes  - Event Spectators

As some of you know, parent spectators will be allowed to attend home athletic events with certain limits.  We will communicate with families of students in season soon to help us all prepare for events beginning November 30th.  Spectators other than immediate family will not be permitted to attend and those numbers will be limited.  There will be specific instructions related to masks, distance, cleaning and clearance of the event space.

Important Reminder - Face Covering Accommodation Requests - Deadline Dec. 14th

If you are a parent or legal guardian of a student whom you identify as unable to comply with the face covering requirement and you are requesting an accommodation for your student, please use this form to make the request and ask your child’s current medical provider to complete the certification portion.  Requests should be submitted to Ms. Chambliss jchambliss@wcpss.net.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ItERM_zNi4JDje7OVXNrunHyLs3j4O4-Xc4QD9fh8DQ/edit

2021 Yearbook Distribution: Summer 2021

The tough decision has been made to push our 2021 yearbook delivery date back to July due to the cancelation of senior portraits last week, the need for another set of underclassmen picture days in Jan-Feb, and RHS sports occurring later in the spring semester. We will hold a pick-up date over the summer. More information to come. This also means that lower yearbook prices are extended. The current price of $75 is available until 2/12. Order yours here! If you have questions, please contact Ms. Hatcher at rhatcher@wcpss.net. 

Reminder about Student Announcements

We do these during second period on Friday.s.  We also post the announcements to our website under Our School

PSAT at RHS

WCPSS high schools will offer the PSAT on a limited basis this year.  Only current 11th grade students are eligible to participate.  Please note the following information to help you plan.

• Test date: Jan. 26th 
• Arrival time for check-in: 7AM
• Test start time: 8am 
• Test location: Media Center - We will follow COVID-19 restrictions for spacing of testers
• Students should bring: 2 #2 pencils, Calculator, Snack, Mask
• Students provide own transportation - Test will last about 4 hours
• High scores on this test will qualify them to be eligible for a national merit scholarship 
• Register at: https://forms.gle/uRXX5HvxuKFHnTpU7
• Pay $17 fee:  Go to the RHS website starting next week and use Online School Payments

Free and Reduced Lunch Applications

To apply for free or reduced-price meals, you can do so online by visiting www.MySchoolApps.com. Please make sure you take care of this now in preparation for return to campus in January for all who are planning to return.  Paper applications will always be made available throughout ALL Wake County Public Schools, Crossroads, and at Central Office, or you can call 919-588-3535 or 919-856-2920 to have one mailed to you.

PTSA No Fuss Fundraiser

Given that our PTSA was not able to hold our one annual fundraiser (Reindeer Day), the association is trying to determine ways to bring in the money necessary to support school functions.  They have already provided gifts for seniors in the parade and provided treats for staff.  Normally, Reindeer Day brings in about $12,000.  It sounds like a lot of money, but celebrations are expensive with large student populations.  If you have not joined the PTSA or if you have not made a no-russ donation to PTSA, they are still very much open and hopeful that families will help however they can.  Please also help by linking your cards or use Amazon Smile when you shop.  These methods are the most cost effective for all!  With the number of Amazon orders we make today, RHS should get a nice check!

Forms have been updated to extend the no fuss  & the membership form has the Amazon link updated to include Rolesville High School PTSA because there was another Rolesville in a different state. 

PTSA Scholarship

Calling all Senior Rams!  Don’t forget to join the PTSA for an awesome opportunity to apply for our PTSA scholarship.  Scholarship information will be available soon.  Rams are strong!  Rams rock!

Second Semester Remote Learning and Asynchronous Days

Students will still have work, but I thought you might want them for the calendar now.

• February 3 and 24
• March 10 and 11
• April 14
• May 5 and 26

Upcoming College Virtual Visits

• December 9, 2020 at 2:15 pm---- Wake Technical Community College
• December 15, 2020 at 2:15 pm---UNC Pembroke
• December 16, 2020 at 2:15 pm---Fayetteville State University

Please click on the link below to sign up to join our virtual college visits:

https://sites.google.com/wcpss.net/rhsstudentservices/grade-level-information/seniors/virtual-college-visits-to-rhs

Attestation Required to Ride a School Bus

When students return to school to take in-person exams or to begin second semester rotations, we must have a completed attestation on file.  Essentially, this means that you understand and will abide by health and safety requirements to board the bus and attend school.   Students are not permitted to ride until this form has been completed.   Screenings at school will still occur.  You may go online to register by using this link or following the pathway provided.      https://www.wcpss.net/Page/44657     OR    wcpss.net-->Transportation--> Online Attestation Form (left side, bottom of list)

Senior Fees

We have posted the senior fees to our Online School Payments.  You can access through our school website.

Senior Parents! Recognize your senior with a personalized ad in our 2021 Yearbook. This ad can bring back special memories in years to come and it gives you a permanent way to tell your senior just how proud you are of them. Costs are as low as $75 dollars. You can purchase and design your own ad using the Jostens Ad service at https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/2331579/Rolesville-High-School/ 

Livestreaming for RHS Athletics

RHS has cameras in the gym and at the stadium in addition to a livestreaming service that permits fans to see the games from the comfort of home.  At this time, fans will not be permitted to attend WCPSS athletic events.  We certainly do not know how this will evolve over time.  We do want you to still plan to follow our Rams on the court and field.  Please check out the link to find out more about the streaming service.

Making our Schools Safe Learning Environments

WCPSS has created and shared a document to prepare families for return to campus.  While most of our students will not return this semester, it would be wise to review this information.  You may also have younger students for which this information is important now.  Go to the  Return to Campus Guide linked here.  It will address student requirements, cleaning plans, transportation questions and more.

Rolesville Athletic Club - Spirit Wear

You can always order online for custom gear. We have also created a Letterman Store!

WCPSS Anonymous Tip Line

After a conversation with a couple of our students who are members of the Rolesville Coalition for Equity, I think I need to remind students and parents that WCPSS has a tip line for students in the event that they see or hear something but are uncomfortable telling an adult. The number is 919-856-1911. Here is the website with more information. This tip line is for real, serious concerns about school safety.

Here Comes the Bus App

While it might not apply to many of our high school students, I wanted to be sure you were aware that you will have access to the app for your younger students.  The Transportation Department notified us this week that the app is up and running for the return of younger students to school.

What if my Ram’s WCPSS-issued Chromebook or Hotspot is not working properly?

WCPSS has a family help desk to support your needs.  Please visit https://www.wcpss.net/domain/17256.  You will complete a form online to which a WCPSS employee from the Help Desk will respond with a call to you.

Financial Aid Advisor

Our new advisor, Linda Taylor,  will begin working in her role on Sept. 14th.  She will be available for our school on Wednesdays from 9AM - 2PM.  She will be working onsite most of the time.  The financial aid video has been posted to our website.  I just want to be certain that parents are aware that they can make appointments to speak with her.  I am not certain how she will want to be contacted just yet, but I want to put it on your radar.  You are always welcome to call the school and ask for the Student Services Department to connect with her.

Is your Ram interested in participating in athletics at Rolesville?

The RAC has created a form to make it easy to connect Ram families with our coaches. Simply, complete this Athletics Interest Form to have your information forwarded to the appropriate coach(es).  

https://www.cognitoforms.com/RAC12/RolesvilleRamsAthleticsInterestForm

If you must come to school

I know I have said it, but please come prepared.  You must wear a mask, follow social distancing guidelines and sanitize when you are here.

If we can handle things remotely

Anything we can handle remotely, let’s plan to do it remotely.  We will hold virtual meetings with parents, Student Services, etc.  We are happy to schedule them.  We all just need to get our virtual work calendars in sync!

Have a great weekend and stay RAM STRONG!

Best,

Mrs. Lassiter