May 2019 Issue —Page 1

ROCKFORD HIGH SCHOOL M

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Issue

RHS Principal’s Message by Principal Dean

Department Highlights

Spanish

Music

Social Studies

Mathematics

IB Information

Students of the Month

RHS

Principal's Message

Other RHS Happenings

May 1, 2019 Greetings Rockford Parents/Guardians: Spring is in the air and we have much to celebrate as we approach the end of the school year. The next few weeks include several landmark events such as, Prom, Senior Awards Night, NHS Induction, Finals, Commencement, and All Night Grad Party. These highly anticipated events are made possible by the support and dedication of Rockford high school parents and family volunteers. Thanks to all who have shared their time, energy, and creativity in an effort to enhance the educational experience for all our students. In addition to the events above, there are numerous fine arts and athletic events scheduled in the coming weeks. Please review all email notifications carefully. You don’t want to miss a single event. And finally, this time of year is bitter sweet. We are excited about the end of the school year; while anxious about the future. My advise, take one day at a time and enjoy the moments. See you soon, Rhonda Dean Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS (check out the RHS Website for more details)

May 4th — Jr/Sr. Prom

May 15th — Spring Band Concert

May 17th — RHS Pie and Pops Concert & Music Partners Fundraiser (click here to order, deadline is May 8th)

May 27th — No School (Memorial Day)

June 1st — High School Graduation Commencement

May 2019 Issue —Page 2

HS Students pictured below received special recognition for demonstrating Rocket Pride at RHS during the month of April 2019. Students received a certificate and attended an honorary breakfast where the faculty shared why each nominated student stood out positively in their classroom.

RHS

Students pictured left to right: Elliot Connelly, (nominated by Ms. Ulen – Mathematics ); Nathan Moe, (nominated by Mr. Houghton – Social Studies. ); Makayla Graunke,

(nominated by Mr. Ferdig – Music ); Skyler Palmer, (nominated by Mr. Fleisner– Physical Education); Austin Schloeder, (nominated by Mrs. Merila – Language Arts); Sophie Czech,

(nominated by Mr. Hester – Science ); Not pictured: Alex Curtis, (nominated by Mr. Sparrman – Business);

May 2019 Issue —Page 3

RHS

ola a todos!

Now that we are on the latter end of the school year, it has been flying by. The Spanish 1 students are coming to understand Spanish grammar rules! That is a huge win. As their teacher, I am especially proud of the projects the students made a couple of units ago, in which they learned how to communicate about physical characteristics and personality traits. The students had a choice of making a comic strip or cutting pages from magazines to create a collaged person to describe in the target language. Most of the students chose the magazine collage. I love how they turned out! We hung some in the hallway near my classroom for everyone to enjoy. I have included examples of students’ projects below.

In our current unit in Spanish 1, we are learning about members of the family and have been practicing with family

trees. To practice with the vocabulary, we did a speed game with whiteboards (pizarroncitos). I love this method of

practice because it can give every student individualized feedback very quickly.

In Spanish 4, we have been tackling the very complicated business of learning the “subjunctive” mood. This is a

grammatical form that we do not have in English. I am so lucky to be teaching this group, though small, of such go-

getters in Spanish 4.

Spanish by Ms. Zastoupil

May 2019 Issue —Page 4

he high school band/choir programs at Rockford High School departed on a 6-day trip to New York City on Friday, March 22 and returned on Wednesday, March 27. A total of 71 students participated on tour. Some of the highlights included a tour of Central Park, a visit to the American Museum of Natural History, watching a Broadway performance of the musical, "Chicago", visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, taking a tour of Radio City Music Hall, traveling to Ellis Island to see the Statue of Liberty, and many other activities. The tour also included performances by both the Concert Band and A Capella Choir. The high school band and choir programs go on tour every two years. Past destinations include: New Orleans, Orlando, San Antonio, and Los Angeles.

Pictured: 1. Members of the A Capella performing in the lobby of the United Nations building 2. band/choir group photo after performances at the Liberty Science Center 3. band/choir group photo on Ellis Island

Music by Mr. Ferdig & Miriam Augsburger

RHS

The end of the school year is busy for the music department! Our vocal musicians had the opportunity to sing at the MSHSL Solo and Ensemble Contest on April 8. The Chamber Choir and 14 other solos, duets, and trios performed for judges at Annandale High School. The students had a great afternoon learning from the judges, and from watching each other perform. The Chamber Choir especially enjoyed learning from Mr. Osowski, the choir teacher at Saint Michael-Albertville High School. Almost all of our students achieved a Superior rating, so it was a successful event.

Both the Concert Band and the Chamber Choir performed for fourth grade students on April 26th. Band students showed off their instruments and what they sound like, the choir shared about the four voice parts, Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass. It was fun to see the future of the music program.

The last concert for the High School choirs is on May 17th. This is held in conjunction with the annual Pie and Pops Fundraiser for Music Partners. The theme of the concert is Childhood Memories, and the choirs each will pick a song they remember from their childhood. Songs range from Disney movies, to newly composed music sung from the perspective of a five year old.

As we prepare for next school year, we wanted to let you know that the names of two of the choirs are changing. Our auditioned mixed choir will change from A Cappella Choir to Concert Choir. Also, Varsity Choir, our un-auditioned choir will now be called Rocket Choir. Belle Canto and Chamber Choir will remain the same. Have a great summer!

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May 2019 Issue —Page 5

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Social Studies by Mr. Houghton

eaching the Judicial Branch

In my 9th grade U.S. Government class, we are studying the Judicial Branch. A project we do for this unit is a mock trial to understand how court room procedures work. Overall, it’s a fun, hands-on learning experience.

First, students volunteer for a role as a lawyer or a witness. They are then divided into two different trials. Each student serves as a lawyer or witness in one trial and a jury member in the other trial. Witnesses read about their character and how they are relevant in the case. Then, they must predict the questions they might receive from the lawyers. While witnesses do receive some information on their role within the case, anything that isn’t outlined for them is something they must figure out. Lawyers read about the entire case and then collaborate with the other lawyers to figure out how to structure the case so they have the best opportunity to win. Part of that process includes coming up with questions for the witnesses in the case. They also get depositions from the witnesses before the trial begins. Once the trial starts, students go through court room procedures with the lawyers asking witnesses questions.

My favorite part of the trials is seeing student creativity. They really get into their roles as witnesses and lawyers. The jury also seriously weighs the facts/information presented; they only know what is presented to them during the mock trial, which gives both sides an equal opportunity to win the case. In the end, it is a great learning experience for the students. It also helps them better understand how courts work and brings the judicial branch to life.

he end of the school year is just around the corner. Our juniors just took the MCA Mathematics test. The results are usually available in the fall, about the time school starts. Teachers and students spent a couple weeks reviewing Geometry, Algebra, and Data Analysis, as well as previewing the testing process online. All the hard work that our students put in should pay off with higher scores.

For the remainder of the year, we will continue working on the content in our regular text books. Non-Linear Algebra students are studying quadratics. Geometry classes are studying volume of shapes. Algebra II is studying Probability and Statistics. FST is studying logarithms and exponential functions.

Spring fever can make it hard to stay committed to working hard, but remind your student to work hard and finish strong. Grades from this spring can affect courses requested for next year. Math teachers are available before and after school. If your student needs help, we are here to help them finish strong.

Mathematics by Mrs. Ulen

May 2019 Issue —Page 6

RHS

Business by Mr. Sparrman

he Entrepreneurship class has had a busy start to the year! We have discussed what it means to be an

Entrepreneur, brainstormed business ideas, and presented their Shark Tank Projects. The students did a fantastic

job and I am proud to say this was the best round of products/services I’ve had the pleasure to grade. The Career

Explorations class is finishing up strategies for problem solving and what it means to persevere when life gets tough.

In the next few weeks the students will be job searching, writing resumes, and practicing their interviewing skills.

The Sports & Entertainment Marketing students have worked hard learning about target markets, customer

service roles, and what keeps customers coming through the doors. They are slowly building up to the big final

project of creating their own commercial. Students within Personal Finance are working hard on learning what it

means to go into debt and how to avoid it in the near future. We had a C.F.A (Financial Advisor) come in to talk

with the students to reinforce the message of smart money management. The Web Design students have been

working diligently to understand how to code and create a web page. So far, the students have been able to

manipulate the space on the web page, CSS styling, and turning pictures into live links. Lastly, the Computer

Applications class has been hard at work learning the ins and outs of Microsoft Word and Excel. We’ll end the

semester with PowerPoint. I can’t express how impressed I am with all the students and the individual growth I’ve

witnessed. I’d also like to congratulate Alex Curtis for his nomination of Student of the Month for April. Alex has

contributed in Personal Finance has been a great catalyst to conversation, deeper thinking, and as a leader within

the classroom.

Our DECA Council (Kailey DeWolfe: President, Kelsey Anderson: V.P. of Marketing, Jessie Seymour: V.P. of Finance,

Jade Ellis: V.P. of Hospitality, Molly Nooyen: V.P. of Sales, Bryn London: V.P. of Communication) is excited at all the

successes we had this year. We had 29 of 46 students qualify for state competitions this year. Last year, we had

13 students attend state. This is an incredible accomplishment and testament to the recruiting efforts of the

council members and hard work of each DECA member. We have three students (Kailey DeWolfe, Jessie Seymour,

and Molly Nooyen) qualified for the International Competition April 27th-May 1st in Orlando, FL.

The school store, Rocketc., will be open when possible. Please reach out to me if you would like me to open the

store before or after school. Our custom, air-brushed, apparel has been a huge hit. We also have some new

merchandise available and am always receptive of new ideas. Come see us during athletic events or contact me

directly at sparrmanr@rockford.k12.mn.us to set up a time for me to open the store.

As you can see, the Business Department at Rockford has a lot of wonderful things to offer the students and the

community. I’m very excited to watch the students grow throughout Semester 2. Thank you for all your support of

the Business Department. My mission is to give 100% to RHS, the students, and community. I look forward to

seeing you around.

May 2019 Issue —Page 7

RHS

Language Arts by Mrs. Merila

osses, teachers, and parents all have the same problem: prying kids’ attention from the screen in front of them. Our kids spend so much of their time interacting and living virtually that at times they seem unable to live in reality. It is our “normal” for people to give us divided attention at best in nearly every situation. There is probably nowhere this is better demonstrated than in the classroom where every teacher struggles to engage students in material that often loses in competition with the on-demand entertainment that almost every student carries. No one argues that it is a problem. A recent study by Rutgers University found that students in classrooms that allowed computers and smartphones averaged 5% lower test scores than those in classes that did not allow technology. Half a letter grade difference, and the drop was not limited to students using cell phones. Students without phones experienced the same drop, distracted by the usage around them. The students in the study were college students, theoretically good, motivated students who wanted to be in a classroom. So it is no surprise that research has found that struggling students see an even greater drop in scores, in one study 14% or 1 ½ letter grades. At the beginning of the semester in an attempt to show the seniors that their phones are getting in the way, my students were required to put their phones in a storage system until they had finished their work for the day. When they handed me their assignment, they could have their phones. The results were immediate. My turn-in basket overflowed with papers. My list of missing assignments was basically non-existent as were my failing grades. Clearly it’s a no-brainer, but the lure of cell phones is strong so reaction to the policy was mixed. Some students said that they had noticed a difference themselves and felt better about their work. Others brought a “dummy phone” to turn in so that they could keep their own. We talk about phones and their tendency to distract. Students see it. Society sees it. But we all have problems setting our phones down. Kids may be worse than adults, they might not, but there is little doubt that they are impacting their future one video at a time.

Before phone storage system After phone storage system

May 2019 Issue —Page 8

RHS

RHS Happenings

Congratulations to our

Students of Excellence Recipients!

For information and happenings within the RHS Guidance

Counselor’s office:

1) go to www.rockford.k12.mn.us

2) Click the High School Tab

3) Click on Student Services

CLICK HERE for the Counselor’s

Newsletter

On this webpage, you will find

information on important dates and

registration information.

Counselor’s Corner

by Ms. Gordee

Congratulations to Students of Excellence Award recipients; Andrea Dibble, Victoria Nelson, Jade Ellis, and Madeline Altman for representing Rockford High School at this

years’ banquet and recognition ceremony. The event, sponsored by Resource Training Solutions, recognizes the accomplishments of the region’s top senior students. Each recipient received a plaque and Governor’s certificate for their accomplishments.

Thank you to our recipients and best wishes to you in all your future endeavors.

Not an ISD #883 Sponsored Event

Rockford Education Foundation Catalog Fundraiser Help us raise the final $52,000 needed to start building the Greenhouse for the Rockford Area Schools!

It is the Rockford Education Foundation’s goal to raise these funds with the help of donors and students. High School Families can help by make a tax-deductible donation! Please contact Kelly Grimm, kelly@rockfordfoundation.org, with questions! Click here to donate online! http://www.rockfordfoundation.org/donate/

Not an ISD #883 Sponsored Event

Rockford Community and the American Red Cross are

hosting an upcoming blood drive.

Please join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today! Drive Details: Site: Riverside Park Address: 8228 Elm Street, Rockford, MN, 55373 Room Name: American Red Cross Bus Date: Sat May 18, 2019 Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00: PM Coordinator Name: Nikki Nute Click here to make an appointment