Frequently Asked Questions

These questions and answers represent a sampling of questions that counselors tend to answer for parents.  They are meant to inform and act as a general guideline.  Please see your child's counselor or administrator for specific questions regarding your student that may not be addressed in these questions and answers. 

1.  What does my child need to graduate and how can I make sure he or she is on track to graduate?

South Carolina diploma requirements are listed in detail in the "Graduation Requirements" link in the left menu on this page.  Aside from looking over the listed credit and testing requirements for earning a SC diploma, there are several ways that parents are encouraged to monitor their student's progress.  The following are some suggestions to foster success in your child while he or she moves towards graduation.

*  Attend Open House to meet your student's teachers.

*  Be aware of progress and report card issue announcements and review these with your student.

* Monitor your student's attendance so that he /she is not in attendance trouble at the end of the semester.  Each time a student is absent, parents/guardians are notified by phone call, text message and email via the information provided to RHSD.  Please email rhhs-makeupschool@rhmail.org to verify any make up time needed for courses.

* Obtain Canvas information to monitor your student's grades and attendance. 

* Attend your child's assigned Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) meeting each year.  This is when counselors meet one-on-one with every student in a formal meeting to determine course and career planning.  Understanding the process of selecting courses and how that translates into post secondary planning will surely assist you in helping your child prepare for the future.

* Attend your student's "senior meeting" during 12th grade.  This is an opportunity to sit down with your student and his/her counselor to discuss specific college, career and military options. 

*  Contact your child's teachers and/or counselor during the year to get information or assistance.  If contact is not made until the end of the grading period or semester it may be more difficult to implement strategies for success.

2.  What does my student need to take to be ready to start at a 4 year college?

In addition to the general SC graduation requirements, 4-year college bound students need to be aware of some additional guidelines about preparation in high school.  See the SC Commission on Higher Education's details here:  CHE 4 Year College Prep 

3.  I have a senior and we are interested in scholarships.  How do you go about getting scholarship information to students?

Mr. Phillips coordinates our Scholarship process and there is detailed information about the scholarship process in the "Scholarship" link in the menu to the left.  Scholarship information is advertised in the Guidance Canvas course and through Facebook announcements.  It is the student's responsibility to search through available scholarships and apply for the specific awards.  Students may request paper applications for scholarships in the School Counseling Office or they may apply directly through the links online.   Students that do not apply for scholarships that require applications will not be awarded that scholarship money!  Please encourage your senior to review the master listing in Canvas for more information so that the maximum amount of scholarships can be earned!

4.  How can I have my child take the PSAT (Preliminary SAT)?  

Rock Hill High School offers the PSAT each fall for all 10th students and 11th grade students that register.  This test is a practice SAT that offers detailed feedback on test results.  RHHS gives this test each October and registration will be done with Mr. Grimsley in the weeks preceding the test date.  There is a cost to register in 11th grade and that is usually around $20.  In 11th grade, student PSAT scores are screened for qualifying in the National Merit/National Achievement Scholarship programs. 
 

5.  I am interested in learning how to order a class ring for my student.  How is the school involved with that process?

Each spring, RHHS partners with the Jostens ring representatives to provide an informational meeting to all 10th graders about ring orders through Jostens.  Packets are sent home and the ring representatives return several times in the spring to collect ring orders.  In the fall, RHHS and Jostens host a Ring Ceremony, where rings are formally distributed to students as a junior class.  If a student does not order in the spring of the sophomore year, they simply need to visit www.jostens.com to order.  However, to receive a ring at the Ring Ceremony in the fall, a student must order during the previous spring order time. 

6.  How do I get a cap and gown for my senior to wear at graduation?

Students are encouraged to order early to ensure that they have what they need at graduation time and to avoid potential late fees.   All orders are submitted to Jostens.  Representatives are on campus multiples times during the fall, beginning at summer orientation.  The most efficient way to order is to go to www.jostens.com