The critical thinking program at Rochelle Township High School is designed to identify students who go above and beyond the scope of daily expectations by thinking outside the box to generate solutions to issues in our school and community. They are nominated for their ability to identify problems, research solutions, and develop positive outcomes. This program is supported by the Rochelle Rotary and the RTHS class of 1961.
Congratulations to Angel Perez for earning the 2nd quarter Critical Thinker award at Rochelle Township High School!
Angel is a student who embodies the spirit of initiative and forward-thinking. She has taken on significant new responsibilities with the CRA, where she has been laser-focused on improving the organization and expanding its reach within the school community and beyond. She has been involved in RTHS student council as well as Ballet Folklorico. Her teachers have been "incredibly impressed" by her organizational skills and leadership, noting her ability to manage complex tasks while keeping the bigger picture in mind. By identifying opportunities for growth and implementing structured plans to achieve them, Angel has demonstrated the critical thinking skills necessary to lead a group toward long-term success. Her dedication to service and community expansion sets a powerful example for her peers. She plans to begin her post secondary journey at Kishwaukee College and study Interior Design. In honor of her achievement, the Critical Thinking Program will make a donation to TAILS Humane Society on her behalf.
Congratulations to Angel Perez for earning the 2nd quarter Critical Thinker award at Rochelle Township High School!
Angel is a student who embodies the spirit of initiative and forward-thinking. She has taken on significant new responsibilities with the CRA, where she has been laser-focused on improving the organization and expanding its reach within the school community and beyond. She has been involved in RTHS student council as well as Ballet Folklorico. Her teachers have been "incredibly impressed" by her organizational skills and leadership, noting her ability to manage complex tasks while keeping the bigger picture in mind. By identifying opportunities for growth and implementing structured plans to achieve them, Angel has demonstrated the critical thinking skills necessary to lead a group toward long-term success. Her dedication to service and community expansion sets a powerful example for her peers. She plans to begin her post secondary journey at Kishwaukee College and study Interior Design. In honor of her achievement, the Critical Thinking Program will make a donation to TAILS Humane Society on her behalf.
The critical thinking program at Rochelle Township High School is designed to identify students who go above and beyond the scope of daily expectations by thinking outside the box to generate solutions to issues in our school and community. They are nominated for their ability to identify problems, research solutions, and develop positive outcomes. This program is supported by the Rochelle Rotary and the RTHS class of 1961.
Congratulations to Alayna Smardo for earning the 1st quarter Critical Thinker award at Rochelle Township High School!
A dedicated leader and athlete, Alayna has been a cornerstone of the RTHS dance team for four years, sharing her immense talent and energy with the community throughout every football season. This year, she stepped into the vital role of Team Captain, where she has distinguished herself through her flexibility, passion, and humility. She has also been an essential part of the Speech team and FFA club. Her teachers and coaches describe her as a "leader who leads with heart," consistently impressed by her ability to balance high expectations with unwavering support for her teammates. Alayna doesn't just focus on her own performance; she actively pushes those around her toward growth, navigating the complexities of team dynamics with grace and resilience. Her commitment to excellence and her insightful approach to leadership truly embody the spirit of a critical thinker. Alayna has chosen the Wounded Warrior project as the charity the Critical Thinking Program will make a donation to on her behalf.
Congratulations to Alayna Smardo for earning the 1st quarter Critical Thinker award at Rochelle Township High School!
A dedicated leader and athlete, Alayna has been a cornerstone of the RTHS dance team for four years, sharing her immense talent and energy with the community throughout every football season. This year, she stepped into the vital role of Team Captain, where she has distinguished herself through her flexibility, passion, and humility. She has also been an essential part of the Speech team and FFA club. Her teachers and coaches describe her as a "leader who leads with heart," consistently impressed by her ability to balance high expectations with unwavering support for her teammates. Alayna doesn't just focus on her own performance; she actively pushes those around her toward growth, navigating the complexities of team dynamics with grace and resilience. Her commitment to excellence and her insightful approach to leadership truly embody the spirit of a critical thinker. Alayna has chosen the Wounded Warrior project as the charity the Critical Thinking Program will make a donation to on her behalf.
⭐The Renaissance Study Hall Release Day is underway at RTHS today! Students who earned a Renaissance Card this semester were invited to enjoy the celebration during their study hall or lunch. A few brave participants even took the stage for karaoke, and walked away with gift cards! 🎤
These memorable experiences are made possible by our incredible Renaissance Program sponsors. Thank you for your continued support and for investing in our RTHS students.
Interested in contributing to the Renaissance Program? Contact the High School Counseling Center at 815-562-4161.
These memorable experiences are made possible by our incredible Renaissance Program sponsors. Thank you for your continued support and for investing in our RTHS students.
Interested in contributing to the Renaissance Program? Contact the High School Counseling Center at 815-562-4161.
Looking for something to do next week over Spring Break? Join the Flagg Township Museum for the Chautauqua Series. All events are free of charge.
🎤🍿🎲🍫 Renaissance card holders!!! Join us in the Teachers' Lounge this Friday during your study hall or lunch.
RTHS juniors and seniors had a great opportunity to attend the Hubs for Hire Expo at RTHS on Thursday, March 12. The event welcomed students in the morning and was open to the public in the afternoon.
Students who attended could enter a raffle for cash prizes generously donated by the City of Rochelle. Congratulations to Dylan Manning and Phelisity Lopez (pictured), our $50 junior winners, and Matilda Gonser, our $100 senior winner!
A big thank you to the City of Rochelle, Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, Kishwaukee College, and RTHS for your efforts in making this a successful event and for your continued support of our students and community.
Students who attended could enter a raffle for cash prizes generously donated by the City of Rochelle. Congratulations to Dylan Manning and Phelisity Lopez (pictured), our $50 junior winners, and Matilda Gonser, our $100 senior winner!
A big thank you to the City of Rochelle, Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, Kishwaukee College, and RTHS for your efforts in making this a successful event and for your continued support of our students and community.
🎨🏆 Congratulations to our talented RTHS artists! 🏆🎨
We are so proud to share that RTHS tied for 3rd place overall at the I8 Conference Art Competition 2026—an incredible achievement!
A special shoutout to our conference winners:
✨ Mia Villavicencio, “Confusing Yells” — 1st Place, Photo Altered
✨ Bobbie Henning, “Joyless Jester” — 1st Place, Printmaking
✨ Ella Anderson, “Quirky” — 2nd Place, Photo Unaltered
✨ Phelisity Lopez, “Flowers of Summer” — 2nd Place, Sculpture (Non-Clay)
✨ Izzy Dorwaldt, “Turning Envy” — 2nd Place, Watercolor/Gouache/Tempera
✨ Corrie Hill, “The Weight of Lies” — 3rd Place, Drawing (Neutral)
Your creativity, dedication, and hard work truly shine. We are so proud of each of you for representing RTHS with such talent and passion! 💙🎉
#RTHSArt #StudentArtists #ProudTeacher #ArtCompetition
We are so proud to share that RTHS tied for 3rd place overall at the I8 Conference Art Competition 2026—an incredible achievement!
A special shoutout to our conference winners:
✨ Mia Villavicencio, “Confusing Yells” — 1st Place, Photo Altered
✨ Bobbie Henning, “Joyless Jester” — 1st Place, Printmaking
✨ Ella Anderson, “Quirky” — 2nd Place, Photo Unaltered
✨ Phelisity Lopez, “Flowers of Summer” — 2nd Place, Sculpture (Non-Clay)
✨ Izzy Dorwaldt, “Turning Envy” — 2nd Place, Watercolor/Gouache/Tempera
✨ Corrie Hill, “The Weight of Lies” — 3rd Place, Drawing (Neutral)
Your creativity, dedication, and hard work truly shine. We are so proud of each of you for representing RTHS with such talent and passion! 💙🎉
#RTHSArt #StudentArtists #ProudTeacher #ArtCompetition
Go all in on your college education with summer classes at Kish.
Why take summer classes at Kish?
Flexibility — Courses are online, in-person or hybrid
Work ahead — Lighten your course load for fall.
Save money — Kish provides affordable tuition.
Graduate in less time — With enough courses completed during the summers, you are one step closer to your degree.
Transferability — Courses easily transfer to four-year institutions.
All-In Tuition: Budgeting for your education has never been easier. All fees and textbook costs are included in the tuition price. You pay one cost with no surprises and have everything you need for class on day one.
Summer course schedules are now available. Online registration begins Monday, April 6.
Visit kish.edu/schedules or contact Student Services at 815-825-9375 or onestop@kish.edu to get started.
Why take summer classes at Kish?
Flexibility — Courses are online, in-person or hybrid
Work ahead — Lighten your course load for fall.
Save money — Kish provides affordable tuition.
Graduate in less time — With enough courses completed during the summers, you are one step closer to your degree.
Transferability — Courses easily transfer to four-year institutions.
All-In Tuition: Budgeting for your education has never been easier. All fees and textbook costs are included in the tuition price. You pay one cost with no surprises and have everything you need for class on day one.
Summer course schedules are now available. Online registration begins Monday, April 6.
Visit kish.edu/schedules or contact Student Services at 815-825-9375 or onestop@kish.edu to get started.
Seniors, while many local scholarship applications were due last week, several opportunities are still available. Please check SchooLinks for a list of open scholarships and apply soon. If you have any questions, stop by the Counseling Center to see Mrs. Harvey.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Due to extreme cold weather forecasts, the Rochelle Schools will not be in attendance tomorrow (Monday, March 16, 2026). This is a “snow day” with no remote learning expectations.
More Information is available here: https://bit.ly/4doOKJP.
Estimados padres y tutores,
Debido a las previsiones de frío extremo, las escuelas de Rochelle permanecerán cerradas mañana (lunes 16 de marzo de 2026). Se trata de un día de nieve sin clases presenciales, por lo que no habrá aprendizaje remoto.
Hay más información disponible aquí: https://bit.ly/4doOKJP.
Due to extreme cold weather forecasts, the Rochelle Schools will not be in attendance tomorrow (Monday, March 16, 2026). This is a “snow day” with no remote learning expectations.
More Information is available here: https://bit.ly/4doOKJP.
Estimados padres y tutores,
Debido a las previsiones de frío extremo, las escuelas de Rochelle permanecerán cerradas mañana (lunes 16 de marzo de 2026). Se trata de un día de nieve sin clases presenciales, por lo que no habrá aprendizaje remoto.
Hay más información disponible aquí: https://bit.ly/4doOKJP.
Are you interested in learning about the trades and gaining hands-on experience this summer? There will be two Heavy Metal Camps, one in DeKalb and one Rockford, specifically designed for students aged 15-19 who are interested in pursuing careers in the sheet metal, piping, and plumbing trades.
~ Camp Highlights:
*Hands-on learning: Work on real projects and gain valuable skills in sheet metal, piping, and plumbing.
*Union connections: Build relationships with union professionals and training facilities.
*Summer fun: Learn while having fun and making new friends who share your interest in the trades.
Click the link for more details.: https://www.hmse.org/campers/camp-overview-campers.html
Application Link: https://www.hmse.org/locations/locations/dekalb.html
Parents, please click on this link for the 5essential survey for RTHS. http://survey.5-essentials.org/illinois/survey/parent/
SENIOR REMINDER! Scholarship Applications are due to the Counseling Center this Friday, 3/13
Join us for the Strides Against Cancer 5K Run/Walk on May 9th at RTHS! All funds raised will be donated to the American Cancer Society!
👟How can you get involved?👟
👉Run the race by registering online with the QR code on the flyer or following the link in the comments.
👉Follow @stridesagainstcancer for all kinds of announcements and information about the event.
👉Share this post to recruit more participants.
👉Make a donation at the event or in the main office at RTHS.
👉Volunteer to help with the event!
Reach out to rplock@rthsd212.org with any questions!
NIU 2026 Senior Engineer Design Showcase ~ May 1, 10:30-2:30
Junior Boys and parents!!!! The American Legion Illinois Premier Boys State is among the most respected educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a participatory program in which students learn by doing and become part of the operation of city, county, and state governments. Please see the link for more info and to register: https://illinoisboysstate.org/
Scholarships to cover the cost of the experience are available.
Scholarships to cover the cost of the experience are available.
Congrats to our winners
Winners:
1st Black and White Drawing:
Abby Bozinovich “Longing” (portrait)
2nd Black and White Drawing:
Esme Brizuela “Falling Rain” (abstract)
2nd Sculpture:
Phelisity Lopez “Flowers of Summer” (wire)
3rd Sculpture:
Kyrie Cragin “Mermaid’s Jewelry Box” (shells)
Honorable Mentions:
Painting: Vivian Worthington
Mixed Media: Teagan Auld
Mixed Media: Corrie Hill
Mixed Media: Teagan Auld
Sculpture: Alex Truckenbrod
Sculpture: Bella Biggs
Digital/Photo: Corrie Hill
Winners:
1st Black and White Drawing:
Abby Bozinovich “Longing” (portrait)
2nd Black and White Drawing:
Esme Brizuela “Falling Rain” (abstract)
2nd Sculpture:
Phelisity Lopez “Flowers of Summer” (wire)
3rd Sculpture:
Kyrie Cragin “Mermaid’s Jewelry Box” (shells)
Honorable Mentions:
Painting: Vivian Worthington
Mixed Media: Teagan Auld
Mixed Media: Corrie Hill
Mixed Media: Teagan Auld
Sculpture: Alex Truckenbrod
Sculpture: Bella Biggs
Digital/Photo: Corrie Hill
Congrats to our winners!!
The exhibition features curated works from 22 schools within a 50-mile radius of the museum. A total of 280 pieces are on display at the museum through March 29.
Winner:
Judge’s Choice:
Ella Anderson “Quirky” (photograph)
Curated pieces to be part of the show:
Alivia Law, 'Hidden in the Shadows', digital photography
Bella Biggs, 'Aging Gracefully', cardboard, spackle, found objects
Bobbie Henning, 'The Jester', printmaking, sharpie
Caelynn Burgins, 'Calm within the Cold', acrylic, sharpie, acetate
Corrie Hill, 'Adventures of Kian and Corrie', colored pencil
Emely Mandujano, 'Glow and Glare', pencil
Jax Portzen, 'Retrospect of the Past', digital photography
Mackenzie Bybee, ‘Sapphires’, digital photography
Mia Villavicencio, 'Peace', digital photography
Olyvia Dettman, 'Out of this World', digital photography
Sunny Elvin, 'Darkside of the Moon', digital photography
Vivian Worthington, 'My Favorite Things', Procreate
The exhibition features curated works from 22 schools within a 50-mile radius of the museum. A total of 280 pieces are on display at the museum through March 29.
Winner:
Judge’s Choice:
Ella Anderson “Quirky” (photograph)
Curated pieces to be part of the show:
Alivia Law, 'Hidden in the Shadows', digital photography
Bella Biggs, 'Aging Gracefully', cardboard, spackle, found objects
Bobbie Henning, 'The Jester', printmaking, sharpie
Caelynn Burgins, 'Calm within the Cold', acrylic, sharpie, acetate
Corrie Hill, 'Adventures of Kian and Corrie', colored pencil
Emely Mandujano, 'Glow and Glare', pencil
Jax Portzen, 'Retrospect of the Past', digital photography
Mackenzie Bybee, ‘Sapphires’, digital photography
Mia Villavicencio, 'Peace', digital photography
Olyvia Dettman, 'Out of this World', digital photography
Sunny Elvin, 'Darkside of the Moon', digital photography
Vivian Worthington, 'My Favorite Things', Procreate
SENIORS!!! Most of our local scholarship applications are DUE FRIDAY, MARCH 13th. Make sure you take advantage of these opportunities to help finance your future education. You can find a listing of the scholarships available on our website under the Counseling Center tab and Scholarship links or on Schoolinks under "college" and then "scholarship matching". Be sure to check them out and get them completed and submitted. Last year over $185,000 in local scholarships were awarded to the Class of 2025. Please see your counselor or Mrs. Harvey with any questions.
Incoming 9th Grade Health Summer School registration will begin on April 1st at 7:00 a.m. Please check the flyer for additional details.
