ROCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thursday, September 5, 2024
Follow RHS on Twitter at @RochesterHS_3A and on our Facebook Page @rhsrockets and ROCKET_RECAP - RHS Journalism Website for news and information about what is happening in the High School!
IMPORTANT DATES - LINK TO MAJOR EVENTS CALENDAR & ATHLETIC CALENDAR
9/5/24 - Scholastic Bowl Informational Meeting - 3:15 p.m. - Mr. Buckley’s Room (3143)
9/6/24 - Chess Club Meeting - Rocket Time - HS Library
9/6/24 - Yearbook Pick-Up for 2024 Graduates - 3:30-6:00 p.m. - Auditorium
9/9/24 - Sophomore Class Ring Info Distribution - Rocket Time
9/10/24 - True Colors Meeting - Rocket Time - Mrs. Bell’s Art Room
9/11/24 - Art Club Meeting - Mrs. Bell's Art Room (1129) - 3:15-4:15 p.m.
9/15/24 - Senior Paint Your Parking Spot - 12:30-4:30 p.m.
9/18/24 - Financial Aid Night - 6:00 p.m. - Auditorium.
9/18/24 - Board of Education Meeting - 6:30 p.m. - District Office
9/20/24 - Early Dismissal Day - 11:15 a.m.
10/2/24 - Rochester Homecoming Parade - 5:30 p.m.
10/5/24 - Homecoming Dance - 7:00-10:00 p.m.
DOUBLE BUS ROUTES, 9-5-24
Bus Routes B, D and J are double routes tonight, please wait in the HS cafeteria after school until your shuttle bus arrives to pick you up and take you home. Please direct any questions regarding late buses to the Bus Garage at (217)498-9834.
CHANGE IN LOCATION - YEARBOOK PICK UP INFORMATION - 2024 GRADUATES
Last year's 2024 RHS Graduates will pick up yearbooks from 3:30-6:00 p.m. this Friday, September 6 at the HS Library Doors in the front of the High School (Door 19). Park in the back of the building and see the person at the desk. If a graduate cannot be there to pick up the book, a family member or friend may sign for it. NO other books for underclassmen will be handed out at this time. See the attached letter with directions for Graduate Yearbook pick up.
INFORMATIONAL MEETING FOR RHS SCHOLASTIC BOWL
There will be an Scholastic Bowl Informational Meeting on Thursday, September 5 at 3:15 p.m. in Mr. Buckley’s classroom (Room 3143) for those interested in learning about or joining Rochester High School Scholastic Bowl. All are welcome to attend to learn more about the game. If you are interested and cannot attend, please email Mr. Buckley at tbuckley@rochester3a.net.
CHESS CLUB MEETING
There will be an Informational Meeting for the Chess Club TOMORROW, Friday, September 6 during Rocket Time in the HS Library. If you are interested in being a part of the Chess Club, please fill out this SURVEY.
CHEMISTRY CLUB INFORMATION
If you are interested in joining Chem Club, look for the flyers around the school to scan the QR Code and sign up. If you are a past member please sign up again this year. Former Physics Club kids come join us! We will be having fun with all SCIENCES this year! See Mrs. Boyer if you have any questions.
INFORMATION FOR ROCKET VARSITY FOOTBALL VS CARDINAL RITTER
New Admission Fees: Adults $8, Students/Seniors/Veterans $6 (Annual family passes are also available for $200). Rochester K-12 students are free.
Intermediate/Elementary students will not be admitted to the game without a parent or adult.
JR High students must be prepared to show an ID to enter the game without a parent.
Footballs are not allowed inside the stadium. All balls will be confiscated.
There will be no re-entry for any students in grades K through 12.
Open containers/Yeti mugs are not allowed inside the stadium.
All tickets can be purchased at the gate on Friday beginning at 5:30 p.m. or at the following link: Go Fan Link
Tailgating is allowed, but only on the far east end of the parking lot (near the tree line).
GALAPAGOS TRIP 2025
There is still room and time to sign up for the upcoming trip to the Galapagos and Ecuador. Students, parents, and friends are welcome to travel on this educational tour during June 2025. A virtual, informational meeting will be held on September 19 at 6:30 p.m. To RSVP, use the following link: https://rsvp.eftours.com/5npb2j9. If this opportunity interests you or you have any additional questions, please email Ms. Seitz at (oseitz@rochester3a.net) for more information.
DEBATE TEAM INFORMATION
Do you like public speaking? Learning new topics? Do you appreciate both sides of an issue? If so, join the RHS Debate Club! The first meeting for the Debate Club will be held Friday, September 13 at 3:15 p.m. in Mrs. Bilyeu's Room (1092). This will be an informational meeting, so anyone is welcome to attend! If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Bilyeu at mbilyeu@rochester3a.net.
JUNIORS & SENIORS ANNOUNCEMENT
Mennonite College of Nursing Springfield is hosting a nursing boot camp for High School Juniors and Seniors on September 24. They have limited availability, so they encourage students to sign up as soon as possible. Please see the FLYER for more information.
SENIORS - REMINDER
If you are planning to paint your parking spot on Sunday, September 15, please remember to turn in the Participation Form to the Principal’s Office by 3:05 p.m. next Thursday, September 12.
SOPHOMORES - CLASS RING ORDER INFO
Jostens will be at the High School on Monday, September 9 to distribute class ring ordering information to the Sophomore Class. Jostens will return on Friday, September 13 to collect the class ring orders. You can contact Jostens at 217-483-8989 with any questions you may have after reviewing the packet information.
VOLLEYBALL APPAREL ON SALE NOW
Volleyball apparel is available to order! All orders are due by Friday, September 6. All the orders that are "Store Pickup"/ "PICK UP in STORE" will be picked up when they are ready and then be distributed. Link to Volleyball Apparel
NEW ADMISSION FEES - HOME SPORTING EVENTS
Varsity Games & Varsity/JV Games
Adults - $8.00, Students, Seniors, and Veterans - $6.00
* All Rochester students still free, Maximum cost per family = $30.00
Freshman/JV Games Only
Adults - $5.00, Students, Seniors, and Veterans - $3.00
* All Rochester students still free, Maximum cost per family = $16.00
CONCESSION STAND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We need your help with concessions at our home games. Earn your volunteer hours!
Sign up here: Student Concession Volunteers
TRUE COLORS MEETING
The first True Colors meeting of the year will be held on Tuesday, September 10 during Rocket Time in Room 1129, Mrs. Bell’s Art Room. True Colors is a student-centered support group, and Rochester's GSA. Any students with questions about True Colors can email either Ms. Mayer or Mrs. Bell.
PSAT/NMSQT INFORMATION
RHS will offer the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) on October 9, 2024. The test serves mainly as practice for the SAT and for qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students who would like to sign up for the test, must pay $18.00 (check- made out payable to RHS or cash) to Mrs. Schudel in Student Services by Tuesday, September 10.
ATHLETIC SPORTS PASSES
The 2024-25 Athletic Sports Passes will be available again this year! You can get yours at any home game. Cash or check made payable to “RHS”. The passes are good for RHS and RJHS home events. (Tournaments and Post Season games are not included) The cost is $200 for a Family Pass (for immediate family only) or $100 for an Individual Pass.
RHS PTO INFORMATION
The HS PTO needs your help! The PTO is seeking donations to help provide food for our teachers during Parent Teacher Conferences this fall and provide additional supplies that the HS teachers need in their classrooms. You can make a donation at PayPal - (RHS PTO @rhsrocketspto) or you can mail in a donation to - Rochester HS PTO - Attn: Kendra Jones, 1 Rocket Drive, Rochester, IL 62563 OR you can visit our Amazon Wish List at RHS PTO Wish List. Any donation is greatly appreciated!
ROCHESTER FUTURE CHEERLEADING CLINIC: Kindergarten-6th Graders
Clinic Date: Tuesday, September 24 from 3:30-4:45 p.m. (2-3 Building)
Performance Date: Friday, September 27, halftime of the Varsity Football Game (Start of Varsity game is at 7:00 p.m.). Please see the attached link for waiver and more information about the clinic and performance. Payment can be made using the following link! Payment Link. Registration will close on Wednesday, September 4 at 5:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Shaina Ford sford@rochester3a.net.
2024-2025 YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW
The 2024-2025 RHS Rocket Yearbook is on sale now for $70.00. ALL sales for books will be online this year. Click LINK to purchase the RHS 2024-2025 Yearbook to order your yearbook TODAY! Just a reminder that we do not purchase an excess of extra yearbooks, so if you want a yearbook, please make sure to order it NOW!
STUDENT PICTURES
Inter-State Studios - This event's Order Code is 87914KF. Online ordering is available before and after Picture Days. Shipping and handling charges may apply to orders placed after Picture Days. HS/JH Picture Re-Takes will be Monday, November 25, 2024.
RJHS PTO FUNDRAISER
Get ready to show off your school spirit with our brand-new line of Rockets Apparel! This fundraiser benefits the RJHS PTO. The apparel store will close on September 16 with delivery of items on October 3. RJHS APPAREL FUNDRAISER LINK
ART CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT
The Art Club will have their first meeting on Wednesday, September 11 in Mrs. Bell's Art Room (1129) from 3:15-4:15 p.m. Please email Mrs. Bell at sbell@rochester3a.net if you are interested and she will add you to the Canvas page.
SENIOR ANNOUNCEMENT
There will be a Financial Aid Night on Wednesday, September 18 at 6:00 p.m. in the Auditorium.
JUNIORS & SENIORS - ANNOUNCEMENT
This year, St. John's School of Nursing is hosting 6 Wednesday night sessions spread throughout the academic school year. The Teen Health Care Exploration Program sessions will be from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and cover a variety of topics. Not only will high school students be interacting with nursing students and other healthcare professionals, but we will have some interprofessional partners. We invite juniors and seniors to sign up to attend this year! If students attend 3 or more sessions out of 6, they are eligible for a tuition benefit to St. John’s College of Nursing. Link to Sign-Up There is an Open House on Wednesday, September 25 from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
JUNIORS & SENIORS:
UIC’s College of Nursing Springfield Campus (located on the University of Illinois Springfield Campus) is hosting a "Nurse for A Day" Event. Please join us on Tuesday, September 17 as area high school students gather to learn more about becoming a nurse and nursing student in Central Illinois! Activities will include hands-on practice in our state-of-the-art simulation labs, hearing from current nursing students and nurses, touring the UIS campus, and learning about programs and admission requirements. Lunch will be provided. Spots are limited to the first 15 students to register. Students please check your school email or Class Canvas page for more information and a link to sign-up.
CLUB U INFORMATION
Club U is a student community service organization. We keep track of all of your community service hours. If you are interested in joining our Canvas Club U group, please email Mrs. Powell at dpowell@rochester3a.net.
RHS HOMECOMING PARADE
The RHS Homecoming Parade will be held on Wednesday, October 2 at 5:30 p.m. We welcome all school sports and clubs, JFL teams/cheerleaders, Rochester Queens, local businesses, etc. to participate in the parade. We do not accept political entries. This year’s theme will be “Disney”. Please sign up at Parade Sign-Up Link. If you have any questions, please contact Deena Powell at dpowell@rochester3a.net.
AUDIO-ESSAY CONTEST
The Rochester VFW is once again supporting the VFW Voice of Democracy audio-essay contest. This year's theme is "Is America Today our Forefathers' Vision?" Scholarship prizes will be awarded at the local, state, and finally a $35,000 national grand prize winner. Information and entry forms can be picked up in Mr. Fitzgerald's Room (1135). Entries must be submitted to Mr. Fitzgerald by October 31.
STUDENT PARKING
Students must complete the Parking Survey prior to receiving their parking tag.
STUDENTS ARRIVING AFTER 8:05 A.M.
If you drive to school and arrive after 8:05 a.m. you will need to enter Door #5 (across from the tennis courts). If you are being dropped off after 8:05 a.m. by a parent or guardian, you will need to be dropped off in the front of the High School at the Student Services entrance.
COLLEGE ESSAY ASSISTANCE
Seniors: it is that time already! College essays! If you would like help writing or editing your essay, Dr. Johnson would love to help you. College essay workshops will be every Monday and Wednesday during Rocket Time in the back of the Junior High Library (Dr. Johnson's new office space). Please send Dr. Johnson an email at tjohnson@rochester3a.net, and she will issue you a pass. There is no need to do this alone; use your resources!
ATTENDANCE EMAILS & PHONE CALLS
ALL attendance information (absences, doctors notes, vacation, pre-arranged absences, college visits, etc.) should be sent to Mrs. Basan-Welch in Student Services by email vbasanwelch@rochester3a.net or by phone 217-498-9761, Ext. 53105.
ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES
SPORTS ANNOUNCEMENT
If your student plans to participate in sports this school year '24-'25. Registration is open. At that time, please visit Athletic Registration to register your athlete. Please go under the 'more' tab and choose athletic registration. We will also need an updated physical on file. Don’t forget to subscribe to “notify me” for your child’s sport, this allows you to get automatic notifications of any schedule changes. If you need to check your child’s physical date or have any questions about the registration process, please contact Kim Hauck at khauck@rochester3a.net.
BASKETBALL OPEN GYMS
Basketball open gyms will be every Wednesday and will run through October. The open gyms will be held in the RAC from 6:00-7:00 p.m. for anyone in 3rd through 8th grade and 7:00- 8:30 p.m. for high school students and up.
COLLEGE VISITS
Sept. 5 - Blackburn College - 1st and 2nd Lunch
Sept. 19 - US Marine Corps - 1st and 2nd Lunch
Oct. 1 - University of Missouri - 2nd Lunch
Oct. 7 - University of Chicago - 2nd Lunch
LUNCH
Thursday's Menu
Rocket Line: Pasta Bar
Corner Crust Pizza: Hawaiian Pizza
Custom Brother’s Grill: Boneless Wings
Salad Bar
Friday's Menu
Rocket Line: Pasta Bar
Corner Crust Pizza: Pepper Popper Pizza
Custom Brother’s Grill: Corn Dog
Salad Bar
WEEK AT A GLANCE
September 5 - “B” Day
September 6 - “A” Day