Rocklin High School

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Rocklin High School is a public high school in Rocklin, California.

1 History
2 Academics
3 Music
- 3.1 Instrumental music classes
- 3.2 Choir classes
4 Sports
5 Other achievements
6 References
7 External links

[edit] History

Rocklin High School opened its doors in 1993 with principal Phil Spears. Phil Spears and Jostens representative Bob Sebring were largely responsible for the choice of school mascot, colors, and early traditions. The final selection of mascot and colors were made by the first graduating class, by vote, towards the end of their 8th grade year. The school began with a freshman class only. The first graduating class was the class of 1997. In 2001 Phil Spears left RHS to pursue other career opportunities. Debra Hawkins replaced him as principal. In 2005, Debra Hawkins was chosen by the Rocklin Unified School District to head up the new Whitney High School. Mike Garrison, formerly the RHS Athletic Director, was hired on as the new principal.

[edit] Academics

RHS offers a full four year college-prep academic program. Most common classes are offered, including Mathematics, English, Social Science, Science, Foreign Language, Music, Theater, Art, Technology, and Physical Education.

RHS promotes a system of "Essential Skills & Concepts". Students are not allowed to progress in their studies or "pass" a class unless all of the Essential Skills for that class are demonstrated to be mastered. Additionally, RHS does not award "F" grades. Any grade below a "C" is considered a No Mark. This grading system has been the subject of considerable conflict since the school opened.

Other academic issues include the school's heavy implementation of graduation awards, where approximately 20 students are awarded the title of valedictorian during any given year. To compensate for the lack of a traditional valedictorian and salutatorian, the title of number one and two students are awarded based on the rapport they have developed with the deciding faculty members.

[edit] Music

[edit] Instrumental music classes

Concert Band
Symphonic Band
String Orchestra
Guitar Lab
Piano Lab

Despite only infrequently having a marching band, RHS has a very significant instrumental music program. Most of the RHS instrumental reputation comes from its extracurricular groups, such as the pep band, who is seen at various events around Rocklin, and during most football and basketball games. On May 20, 2006, the RHS Symphonic Band received a "Superior" rating at the Music In The Parks festival at Disneyland, as well as the award for the best overall band performing at the festival. The programs are headed by conductor David Dick, who although focuses mainly on jazz, makes an effort to try to effectively teach the other programs.

[edit] Choir classes

Concert Choir
Advanced Women's Ensemble
Chamber Choir

RHS also has a flourishing choir program, led by conductor Meredith Hawkins. Advanced Womens and Chamber are both audition only. RHS choirs perform in various school and and community events, and have achieved both gold and silver levels at Heritage Music Festivals.

[edit] Sports

The RHS varsity boys soccer team won the 2005 Section Championship.^[1] During the fall 2005 season, the RHS Varsity football team progressed all the way to the division finals, playing against cross-town rival Del Oro. 2005 was the first year in RHS history that the football team made it to the playoffs.

[edit] Other achievements

Rocklin High has an award winning engineering program. Students compete annually in the SkillsUSA competitions, and have earned gold medals at the Regional, State, and National levels.

During the 2006 competitions, Spenser Estrada advanced to state level, winning dual gold metals in Technical Combination Drafting and Job Interview, advancing to national level, eventually winning a national gold medal in Technical Combination Drafting.

Rocklin High also has a flourishing theatre arts program. Traditionally, three theatrical productions are performed each year: the Fall Play, the Winter Musical, and the Spring Comedy.

The 2005-2006 Rocklin High Yearbook placed first in the 2006 NSPA Nashville Convention Best-In-Show for the 325+ page category^[2].