Rocklin High School

Rocklin High School
Location
Rocklin , Placer County , CA United States
Information
School type	Public, Secondary
Established	1993
Principal	Mike Garrison
Rival	Del Oro High School
Website	Rocklin High School

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

History

The school opened its doors in 1993 with principal Phil Spears. 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. Mike Garrison, formerly the RHS Athletic Director, was hired on as the new principal₂.

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 "D" or "F" grades. Any grade below a "C" is considered a No Credit at the end of the semester. 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 12 students are awarded the title of valedictorian during any given year.

Visual and Performing Arts

Instrumental Music

• Concert Band
• Symphonic Band
• String Orchestra
• Guitar Lab
• Piano Lab

Despite not 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 "Kenny G" Dick. On March 6, 2004, the Rocklin High School Honor Choir performed at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Shawn Spiess and Joshua Charles accompanying. The performance was the greatest achievement of the Rocklin High School VAPA department at the national level. The performance was part of a national choral festival that was conducted by world renowned choral conductor Paul Salamunovich.

Choir

• Concert Choir
• Advanced Women's Ensemble
• Chamber Choir

RHS also has a flourishing choir program, led by conductor Meredith "The Hawk" Hawkins. Advanced Women's and Chamber are both audition only. RHS choirs perform in various school and community events, and have achieved both gold and silver levels at Heritage Music Festivals. On March 6, 2004, the Rocklin High School Honor Choir performed at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Shawn Spiess and Joshua Charles accompanying. The performance was the greatest achievement of the Rocklin High School VAPA department at the national level. The performance was part of a national choral festival that was conducted by world renowned choral conductor Paul Saulamonavich. One of the choir members was murdered during school in the year of 2001.

Theatre

Rocklin High School 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 Theatre IV class performs original works at the Lanea theatre festival every year and has won many awards. The RHS Theatre Program is led by Cinny Toepke.

Dance

Abby Huber began as Dance Teacher in the 2006-2007 School Year. She replaced Marsha Miner, who had been absent most of the preceding year. The Annual Dance Show does manage to draw a crowd each year.

Sports

In 2007-2008, Rocklin High School won section titles in Boys Basketball and then came up one game short of the state playoffs, losing to Fairfield. This is the farthest the storied Rocklin Basketball program has ever gone. The Boys Soccer team also won Sections. The Boys Golf team went to state even though they did not win the Section title. The 2006-2007 Boys Baseball Team won the Sac Joaquin section DII title over fellow Sierra Foothill League member, Granite Bay. The Boys Golf Team won the section title as well that year. The RHS varsity boys soccer team won the 2005 Section Championship. 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.

The RHS wrestling team experienced some local success in 2002 when the team won the Section Dual tournament. That year, RHS sent three wrestlers to the state tournament (Eric Morgan (119), Eliot Kelley (160), and Michael Gomez (275)).

In 2005, the RHS cross country team placed 4th at the Division II State Meet.

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.

The 2005-2006 Rocklin High Yearbook placed first in the 2006 NSPA Nashville Convention Best-In-Show for the 325+ page category, Despite the white, reptilian cover..

External links

• Rocklin High School website