RMHS Weekly Newsletter

Upcoming Events

• 2023-24 School Year Calendar (format 1)

• 10/10 - Picture Retake Day

• 10/12 - Activities Fair fieldhouse (flex, gr. 9-11), Gr. 12 w/ counselors remain in flex

• 10/17 - UML Field trip for Engineering ICP (25)

• 10/18 - PSATs - delayed opening for 9, 12 and 10/11 not taking PSAT

• 10/25 - HBCU school visit @ RMHS

• 10/26 HBCU Field trip to Reggie Lewis (college fair)

• 10/27 - Early Dismissal for Students

• 11/6 - NHS Induction (7 pm)

• 11/7 - Full Day In-Service (PD) - No School for Students

• https://rmhs.reading.k12.ma.us/en-US (updated info)

A sincere thank you to all of our students at RMHS that approached the ALiCE drill this past week with a seriousness of purpose. The objective of the drill is to practice decision making in the event of an emergency, specifically a threatening intruder in the school. In preparation for the drill, staff reviewed a presentation with students during flex on Tuesday, which can be viewed through the following link. RMHS will participate in one additional ALiCE drill in the spring. The administrative team will work in conjunction with the Reading Police Department to continue to prepare our students and staff to make the best decision for their safety in the event of an emergency.

Congratulations to Reading Memorial High School which has been named to the 2023 AP School Honor Roll! RMHS is a BRONZE member of the Honor Roll! RMHS is honored to earn this distinction and will continue to take steps to move toward silver and gold distinction for the Class of 2024 and 2025! Thank you for all of the hard work put into this achievement by our teachers, counselors and department leaders.

Financial Aid Night: Tuesday, October 10th, at 7 pm in the PAC RMHS is hosting Financial Aid Night. Amy Staffier, Director of Financial Aid at Simmons University in Boston, will give a presentation on the financial aid process. Parents and caregivers are strongly encouraged to attend (and interested students). This is a great opportunity to learn from an expert in the field and get answers to many important financial questions relating to college. There are changes happening this year with the FAFSA and this is an opportunity to learn more. We hope you can make it.

Navigating Transition to College for Students with Learning Differences: On November 8th at 6:30 pm, in the RMHS Media Center, the Director of Learning Strategies and Student Success at Northeastern University, Jennifer Newton, will share helpful information to parents and students who are beginning to think about the transition to college. Topics discussed include seeking appropriate support, navigating disability services, necessary documentation, etc. This evening is open to parents, caregivers, and students.

We are excited to announce an enrollment meeting for the Winter 2024 trip to Atlanta: Civil Rights and Beyond! At the meeting we will cover itinerary, dates, academic opportunities, and price. The meeting will take place virtually on Oct 10th at 6PM. You must RSVP to attend! Scan the QR code or use the link provided to RSVP.

We can’t wait to see you there! Please feel free to contact me with any questions at sherilla.lestrade@reading.k12.ma.us

https://bit.ly/452eCDC

Student Photo Re-take or Make-Up Day – October 10, 8:30-10:30 am DLR - For re-takes on 10/10 no appointments are needed for underclass retakes. Students are welcome to just come down for their photo once called.

Senior yearbook photos must be done by Thanksgiving. Seniors must have their photo taken by Prestige Lifetouch in order to be included in the yearbook. Free and upgraded appointments will be available up through the deadline. Families may buy ads via the portal. https://portal.lifetouch.com. Contact the Yearbook advisor, Ms. Jenna Glazier, jenna.glazier@reading.k12.ma.us with any questions.

Senior Portraits – On October 17 & 18 from 9-3 pm additional sittings for senior portraits will take place at RMHS in the DLR. Sittings for senior portraits are free and will ensure all seniors have a portrait in the yearbook. If you have not had a photo taken by Lifetouch, the school's photography company, please sign up for a portrait on these dates. See link above to schedule.

For Senior Photos on 10/17 and 10/18 there are a few senior appointments available, which students can schedule at https://schedule.prestigeportraits.com/schedule/home.html.

Greetings RMHS Families,

The Fall 2023 RMHS Spirit Wear Store is open until Friday, October 20th.

Shop online to get your Rocket gear! Sweatshirts, flannel pajamas pants, winter hats, tumblers, umbrellas and so much more! Great for holiday gift giving!

Questions? Contact Janée Tichy at jtichy@ymail.com

Please check out the free RPD Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) course beginning in Oct. This is a 4-night course starting Oct. 11.

PTO DUES (different from Class Dues) - $50 per family (not per student) is the suggested donation but any donations are welcome. Please send your annual dues via PayPal or check. Pay via PayPal using the online link https://bit.ly/2MnjShb (we suggest donating $55 to cover fees) or send a check written out to “RMHS PTO” to “Attn. RMHS PTO - RMHS Main Office, 62 Oakland Road.” The PTO is a 501(c)(3) organization and dues are tax-deductible. We are happy to accept additional donations or matching gifts from your employer. In recent years, your PTO dues and funds raised have provided funding for items including agendas, funding after school library hours, books/resources for RMHS library, enrichment programs and speakers, staff appreciation, Homecoming and Unity Day activities. Thank you for your support!

Volunteers Needed: The PTO needs your help! Please reach out to PTO board members or email RMHSpto@gmail.com if interested in volunteering for any of the following.

Restaurant Night chair: plan restaurant nights over the course of school year

Click here to read through the 9/21-10/6 SEPAC Newsletter.

Tuesday, Oct 17th, 6PM

SEPAC Fall Business Meeting and Elections (virtual)

• Who can/should attend? Anyone affiliated with RPS is a SEPAC general council member and thus welcome and encouraged to participate.

• Who can/should vote? Any parent of a child with a disability and any child 14+ with a disability are considered voting members.

• Our kids benefit from active general council member engagement. Please make efforts to participate in real time, but we will record portions of the meeting to post on our website later.

• At this meeting: elect board members, hear plans for the school year, provide your feedback, learn ways to participate, receive updates from Student Services, and learn about a successful communication strategy from a general council member.

• Opportunity for parents-only conversation following conclusion of the meeting.

• Link to join: https://readingpsma.zoom.us/j/83527291225

• SEEKING a general council member to be a note-taker for this meeting. Email sepacreading@gmail.com if you can do this.

Principal (Interim) Jessica B. Callanan

jessica.callanan@reading.k12.ma.us
781-944-8200 ext. 19801

62 Oakland Road

Reading, MA 01867

https://rmhs.reading.k12.ma.us/en-US