RHS Weekly Announcements     |     January 15, 2021

Hello, Ram families!

So, we are going to be in remote learning for a while. We will have to see when and how the Board of Education will review and make further decisions regarding possible return in February.

I am not sure how many of you saw this, but RHS was honored by WRAL on Thursday evening.  I mentioned earlier that RHS was a finalist for the WRAL Voters' Choice Award in the High School category.  Clearly, some of you out there were showing some love, because the Rams get to say that we were top choice and selected from a group of long-established schools.  Thank you all for taking time to cast your vote.  It means a lot!!!!

Remember that we will be out of school on Monday in honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  

Also remember that Tuesday is a teacher workday and Wednesday is the first day of the second semester.  The class schedule for second semester is slightly different from first semester.  Please make sure you take note of these times.

NEW

Second Semester Materials Pick-Up:  Teachers who have materials for pick-up should have emailed second semester students to let them know that materials are available for pick-up on Tuesday, January 19th from 8:30-11:30AM and 12:30 -2:30PM.  Please make sure your Ram checks his or her email to see if the teachers have sent anything about coming to school for materials.

Cohort Picture Days:  Well, we had picture days set up for the next three weeks with the intention of getting pictures as each rotation comes into the building.  With the change to remote learning, we are shifting again.  We are going to try a Sign-Up Genius for 11AM-5Pm on Friday, January 22nd.  Pictures will be taken on the first floor cafeteria.  As soon as I get the sign-up form and flyer from Strawbridge, I will forward it to you.  

National Technical Honor Society Clothing Drive:  NTHS leaders have been in contact with Note in the Pocket and are planning for a new and gently used clothing drive. From February 1-16.  They are specifically looking for

• Girl Short and Long-Sleeve Shirts sizes 5, 8, 10 and 12
• Girl Jeans and Athletic Pants sizes 5, 8 12 and 16
• Girl Underwear sizes 5, 16 and 18
• Girl Tennis Shoes sizes 1, 3 and 4
• Boy Short and Long-Sleeve Shirts sizes 5, 8, 10 and 12
• Boy Jeans and Athletic Pants sizes 7, 8, 10 and 12
• Boy Underwear size 8
• Boy Tennis Shoes sizes 1, 4, 6, 6.5 and 7
• Women short and Long-Sleeve Shirts size M
• Women Jeans and Athletic Pants sizes 14, 16 and XL
• Women Underwear sizes 4 and 5
• Women Tennis Shoes 6, 8.5 and 9
• Women Coats sizes M, XL and XXL
• Men Short and Long-Sleeve Shirts sizes S. M. L
• Men Jeans sizes 32x32, 32x34, 34x32
• Men Boxer or Boxer Briefs sizes M: 32-34 and L:36-38
• Men Tennis Shoes sizes 9 and 9.5
• Men Coats sizes S and M
• Gift Cards: Walmart, Target, Amazon, Kohl’s

REPEAT

Schedule Change Requests - January 11-20

Students can now access their Spring 2021 schedules in PowerSchool through the WakeID portal. Please know that our Student Services team is still working through some scheduling issues to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students and staff, so you may still see some limited changes. 

Due to constraints with Virtual Academy and other scheduling considerations, schedule changes will be approved on a very limited scale. Please read the information below carefully before submitting your request, as each student may submit only one request. Schedule change information can be found on the RHS website at https://www.wcpss.net/domain/12966.

The schedule change request form can be submitted from January 11 to January 20. Students must be logged in to their WCPSS WakeID to submit a request, and responses will be emailed to the student's WCPSS email by January 26. Multiple submissions will not be accepted. Students should make sure their 1st (and only) submission meets the criteria for a schedule change AND has all the information needed for the counselors to make the change.

The following are the only reasons a schedule change request will be approved:

• A student is scheduled for a course they have previously passed
• A student is missing a course needed to graduate (this only applies to Seniors)
• A student has an incomplete schedule (holes in schedules will be filled with courses selected during the registration process OR classes with available space at the time of the request)
• A student is scheduled for the same course twice
• A student has a schedule with a sequencing issue (i.e. scheduled for French II before French I - in this case the scheduling issue will be fixed, but the student will not be able to select new courses).

Students WILL NOT be able to change their schedule because they no longer wish to take a course they requested, they prefer to have a different teacher, or because they received a course that was not one of their top choices. Students wishing to drop an AP course should have done so by the deadline (July 17).

Makeup Senior Portraits

This is the link for senior portrait appointments on 1/19: https://expressionsbystrawbridge.setmore.com/

Ms. Hatcher emailed those who were postponed due to weather in October.  We are also posting this information on our website.

Bell Schedule for Second Semester - IMPORTANT

If you have not looked at it yet, please do so.  It is located on our website under Our School and then Calendars and Bell Schedules.  We will be using the Plan B and Virtual Academy schedule.  It is very important to note that the third period begins at 10:30, not 11:30 as it has been.

Please support PTSA

If you have not linked your grocery cards or use Amazon Smile, please do so to support our PTSA.  It is the easiest way for us to raise the money that we desperately need to support school functions.  The Amazon Smile online is listed as Rolesville High School PTSA.  The Harris Teeter code is 2392 and the Target code is 15343.  Remember that Lowes Foods cards can also be linked.

PTSA drew on 12/18 for the first custom wreath.  Remember that a no-fuss donation gets you a chance to win a custom wreath.  There will be a drawing in January and another in February.  Your donations support scholarships, senior celebrations, teacher classroom grants and more.

From the Rolesville Athletic Club:

Livestreaming Athletic Events

WCPSS Athletics has officially installed live streaming cameras in all twenty-four (24) high school stadiums and gymnasiums to help provide parents, relatives, and friends with access to hundreds of athletics events throughout the year.  Watch hundreds of football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, and wrestling games! Now, friends and relatives who can't attend local sporting events can watch live from any device.  Your annual subscription includes access to the entire network including all twenty-four (24) Wake County high schools, JV and Varsity events, live and on-demand.

TO SUBSCRIBE & ENSURE A PORTION OF YOUR PURCHASE GOES BACK TO WAKE COUNTY ATHLETICS, CLICK THE LINK  AND CLICK ON "ROLESVILLE." https://www.wakecountyathletics.com/livestreaming 

ANNUAL PASS - $5.83/mo. - Billed at $69.99 - (30% Goes Back to Your School) OR MONTHLY PASS - $10.99/mo. - Billed monthly. Cancel anytime. - (10% Goes Back to Your School)

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.  NOTE:  Students will not have off-campus lunch at least for the third nine weeks.  Keep this in mind and begin to think about bringing lunch or eating in the cafeteria.  I put it here, because those who drive often leave campus for lunch.  Also keep in mind that we will not take receipt of food deliveries.  We are going back to the olden days of eat at school or bring your own lunch for a little while.  We MUST limit possibilities of COVID transmission in all ways possible.

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..

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

PSAT at RHS - Registration has closed

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 

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

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/ 

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.

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