The pace at Old Rochester Regional High School is picking up now that the students and staff have returned from their winter vacation. Unfortunately, the pace of school is faster than normal for the month of January; every week in the month has only four school days. Students have no school on January 13 and 27, which are in-service days for the teachers, and of course January 16 is a holiday for all. Students should be keeping track of their work for this month very carefully, as the grades for term two close on January 25 and it’s easy to get lost in the excitement of having a four-day weekend.
There will be a Masquerade Dance (formerly known as the Snow Ball) on Saturday, January 21 at 7:10 pm in the cafeteria of the high school. Tickets may be purchased for $5 each during the remainder of this week, and may be purchased for $7 the entirety of next week. The dance requires semi-formal attire. Masquerade masks are optional (although encouraged).
The following are notices from the guidance office. First, freshmen who are interested in the Project Contemporary Competitiveness summer enrichment program may get more information about the program and an application from guidance. PCC is a 6-week tuition-based program on the campus of Stonehill College. Freshmen who are planning to apply to the summer program need to turn in their application, $25 check, letters of recommendation, and short essay to Ms. McPhee no later than Thursday, January 26.
Next, sophomores and juniors who are interested in possibly pursuing a career in engineering should sign up in the guidance office if they wish to attend an Engineering Career Presentation by various alumni of MIT. The date of the presentation, which is going to be hosted by guidance, will be announced at a later time – the guidance office only requires to have a list of potential participants by Tuesday, January 31.
Students who are currently taking Advanced Placement classes should have received the 2012 AP Bulletin for parents and students from their teachers this week. The bulletin contains information about the 2012 dates of the exams and test-taking policies, as well as how to send scores to colleges. Students who are taking an AP exam in May must pay a $13 non-refundable deposit (per exam) to the guidance office between Wednesday, February 8 and Friday, February 17. Checks should be made payable to ORRHS/Advanced Placement Exam and be given to Ms Bertrand. The total cost of the AP exam may be paid at this time if the student prefers – please note that each exam costs $87.00 in total. Students taking an AP exam who receive Federal Services for Free and Reduced should speak with Ms. Perry in the guidance office as soon as possible.
Finally, the 2012 yearbook is now on sale. Students can purchase the yearbook online by going to balfour.com, or they can speak to senior Rachael Reints or Ms. Blake in school for details and to complete and order form. Each yearbook costs $95 this year.
By Anne Smith