RHAM is always spelled in capital letters. The initials represent "Regional Hebron, Andover, and Marlborough, " the three towns that comprise State of Connecticut's Regional School District No. 8. Region 8 School District was formed and ground broken for our first school building in 1956. Classes started on September 6, 1956. In 1970, an addition was completed which provided the existing technology education wing, the art area, a new library, and an auxiliary gymnasium and locker room facility. In 1984, a second renovation of the high school facility began and was substantially completed in the fall of 1985. In July of 2000 ground was broken for the current High School, which was opened in February of 2003. The school colors are blue and gold, and our athletic teams are known as the SACHEMS, the name of Native American Indian Chiefs of the Algonquin tribe. PHILOSOPHY Faced with an increasingly complex and rapidly changing society, RHAM High School staff, Board of Education, student body, and parents believe education prepares students to meet a variety of challenges and opportunities throughout their lives. To enable students to be responsible, contributing citizens, we recognize that our essential purpose is to effectively engage them in learning as a life-long process. Acknowledging that our student population is drawn from three unique and diverse towns, our school community is dedicated to fostering a flexible and responsive climate. RHAM, as a comprehensive high school, with relevant academic, fine arts, applied arts, and co-curricular programming, provides opportunities to meet educational and developmental needs of all students. The realization of such an environment is the shared responsibility of all. While promoting a common body of knowledge, RHAM seeks to develop personal growth, mutual respect, and a recognition of the diversity of all school members. GOALS To provide a forum for the exchange and formulation of ideas and information in ways which stimulate intellectual curiosity. To encourage the development of learners capable of responsible, independent thinking and problem solving which will serve them beyond high school. To promote an awareness of and a responsiveness to Connecticut's Common Core of Learning. To foster an environment in which learning is exciting, is participatory and encourages individuals to achieve the upper limits of their ability. To be responsive to changes in technology, information management, and to provide experiences in appropriate applications. To encourage global awareness and respect for diversity. To foster an environment which supports effective communication among all constituents. To foster shared decision-making processes, which respect and utilize individual strengths and interests. To utilize the school as a community education center for life-long learning. To foster practices that result in ongoing program improvement. To foster an environment that is supportive of its school members. Consistent with our commitment to ongoing improvement, the school shall periodically review the philosophy and goals. ( Approved January 17, 1992 )