First Week of School!
Hello ROG Families,
Welcome to a new school year! We are officially getting started this week, and there is always a lot happening as students settle into new classes, find their routines, and get back into the rhythm of being a musician and student. We are excited to get everyone back together and start building toward this year's marching band season.
This Week's Priorities
A few things to take care of as we get started:
Athletic Clearance: If your student has not completed their 2026–27 clearance, please make this a priority now. Processing can take up to 5 school days.
ROG Registration: Complete all required program forms for the 2026–27 school year.
Rehearsal Preparation: Students should come to school prepared for rehearsal each day.
Absences: Students must submit the new absence form any time they will miss rehearsal.
Class Schedules: Please be patient during the first week as counselors work through schedule changes.
This Week's Schedule
Tuesday, August 11
6:30–9:00 PM — Booster Meeting
All ROG families are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Wednesday, August 12
First Day of School
3:30–6:30 PM — Marching Band Rehearsal
Thursday, August 13
3:30–6:30 PM — Marching Band Rehearsal
Monday, August 17
3:30–6:30 PM — Marching Band Rehearsal
Rehearsal Logistics
Students should come to school prepared for rehearsal and have everything they need with them for the afternoon.
On days when we do not have an after-school marching band rehearsal, students are still required to remain in class until 4:20 PM. This is part of their normal school schedule and is not an optional after-school activity.
On rehearsal days, rehearsal ends at 6:30 PM. Please plan pickup accordingly, but also allow students a few minutes after dismissal to clean up, put away equipment, and pack their belongings. We want students to take responsibility for leaving our rehearsal spaces and equipment in good shape.
Athletic Clearance — Please Take Care of This Now
All students participating in the music program need a new Athletic Clearance on file with the school for the 2026–27 school year.
If your student has not completed this yet, please start the process now. The school may take up to 5 school days to process a complete clearance, so this is not something to wait on.
Full Athletic Clearance Instructions
The basics:
Clearance is completed online through HomeCampus.com.
A new clearance and physical are required each school year.
Physicals for 2026–27 must be dated on or after April 1, 2026.
You will need to upload the physician-signed/stamped physical and medical history questionnaire.
The clearance is not complete until it has been reviewed and approved by the school.
There is also a mandatory annual transportation fee:
$175 — includes ASB card
$225 — transportation only
Questions about the clearance process can be directed to Ana Herrarte, Athletic Secretary at ana.herrarte@abcusd.us. Questions for the Athletic Director can be directed to Todd Denhart at todd.denhart@abcusd.us.
If you haven't started your clearance yet, please do it this week.
2026–27 ROG Registration Paperwork
Please make sure the following forms are completed for your student:
Getting these completed early helps us keep student information, emergency contacts, uniforms, and volunteer coordination organized throughout the season.
New: Rehearsal Absence Form
We are introducing a new absence reporting process this year.
Any time a student is going to miss a rehearsal, they need to complete the absence form. Students should submit the form as soon as they know they are going to miss something, rather than waiting until the day of rehearsal whenever possible.
Submit a Rehearsal Absence Request
This gives us a consistent way to track absences and helps us plan rehearsals appropriately.
Lockers & Class Schedules
We will be assigning student lockers this week. Students will receive more information as those assignments are finalized.
We also know that class schedules may be a little messy during the first week of school. Please be patient with this process. Our counselors are working through schedule changes and conflicts, and it can take some time to get everything settled.
If your student's schedule isn't quite right yet, don't panic. We will work through the process and make sure students get where they need to be.
Looking Ahead
The marching band schedule continues with regular Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday rehearsals, along with Saturday rehearsals as we move further into the season. Please keep the program calendar handy and make sure rehearsal dates are on your family's calendar.
Thank you for helping us start the year with patience, preparation, and good communication. The beginning of the school year is always a little hectic, but it is also exciting to see the program come back to life. We are looking forward to a great year with our students.
Bobby Westphal
Director of Instrumental Music
Cerritos High School
