Roxana Senior High School

Parent Letter: 2nd Semester Communication

Dear Roxana High School Parents:

On behalf of the administration and staff at RHS, I’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!  I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday break and were able to spend memorable time with family and friends this holiday season.  We are looking forward to your child’s return on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.  This will be a full day (7:50 a.m. - 2:40 p.m.).  

Students should report to the small gym upon arrival to receive their 2nd semester schedule.  Schedules are also available in Skyward.  Please feel free to contact your child’s counselor for any scheduling needs or concerns this upcoming semester:

• Mrs. Garrison - Guidance Counselor for students last names A-L jennifer.garrison@rcusd.org

• Mrs. Hansen - Guidance Counselor for students last names M-Z kayla.hansen@rcusd.org   

Upcoming Scheduling & Testing: Second semester also has us beginning our preparations for next year.  We will begin the scheduling process later in January by meeting with students in grade level assemblies, then their counselor will meet with them individually to finalize their course selections for next year.  Juniors will be busy preparing for the ACT which will take place this spring.  The ACT exam is required for graduation.  All juniors are encouraged to access the free ACT practice tests and resources on the ACT website to strengthen their skills leading up to this important test date.  The ACT and other grade level testing will  take place as follows:

• Pre-ACT 10 (10th Grade) - Tuesday, March 25th

• ACT (11th Grade) - Thursday, March 27th

• Pre-ACT (9th Grade) - Wednesday, April 2nd

Important Upcoming Dates for 3rd Quarter:

Second Semester Final Exam Exemption Criteria:

All students (9-11) will have the opportunity to be exempt from final exams at the end of the second semester.  Students may earn this status by meeting the following criteria:

Academic Criteria:

1. Students must have a grade of 80% or higher in the course.  Students with a grade of below B-/80% will need to take the final exam for that course.  (Students with an IEP must have a grade of C or better in the course.)  

In addition to meeting the academic criteria, students must also meet the following:

Attendance and Discipline Criteria:

1. Zero Unexcused Absences

2. No more than 7 Days “Excused” Absences (92% attendance rate)

Points of clarification:  

• College Visits do not count against the absence criteria.

• Mental Health Days do not count against the absence criteria.

• Extenuating circumstances will be considered regarding the absence criteria.  

3. Zero Office Discipline Referrals

The window for criteria data collection is from Tuesday, January 7, 2025 through Friday, May 9, 2025

Importance of Daily School Attendance: As we begin the new year and start the second semester, I want to stress the importance of school attendance.  Attendance is the first step toward becoming a successful student.  A student’s commitment to be present (attend school) in class strengthens their ability to participate (complete homework and learn the necessary skills) and ultimately provides the resources to become proficient (ability to see and celebrate their visible & measurable learning).  While we understand sickness & other extenuating circumstances have created obstacles for some students to attend, we want to emphasize our continued goal in developing a school-wide culture that promotes a sense of safety, respect, and personal responsibility, where students feel connected and want to be part of our campus community.   

Thank you again for your partnership.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance as we begin the second semester.  Here’s to a prosperous new year!  

Yours in Education,

Jason Dandurand, Ed. S.

Principal

Roxana Senior High School