Dear RPS Families,

Our first month of school is quickly coming to an end. We have already done so much learning. All first and second grade students have finished the first iReady Benchmark assessment, and your child's teacher will share those results with you during October Conferences. Kindergarten students will not take this assessment until November. More information about conferences is provided below. We can't wait to connect with all of you and share your child's learning.

Here are a few reminders to help us keep things going smoothly at RPS-

Please write your child's first and last name inside coats and sweatshirts, on water bottles, on lunchboxes and backpacks.

Mrs. Kernutt and I are often not in our offices. We prioritize being out with students and teachers. If you need to speak to one of us, please call the front office and arrange a time with Angie Lang. She will happily take your phone call. You can also leave a voice mail or message us through Rooms on your RSD App.

Also, don't forget the First View app will let you see where your child's bus is in 'real time.' Our school code is F8B3P. Click HERE for directions to down load the app.

During drop off, please ensure that your students do not exit your vehicles until 8:30. We do not have supervision until this time. Thank you!

Ms. Cearns

Each year we complete a needs assessment for our students. We use multiple data sources and information to guide our work. Once this is completed we create our goals for the upcoming school year. I will be sharing our school's SIP plan at October's FAST meeting. This meeting is on October 8th, at 6pm in the RPS Library. I would love to have you join us! Maggie Evans will also be presenting information about Title 1.

RPS SIP Goals for 2025-2026

SY 2025–2026 SMARTIE Goal #1: During the 25-26 school year, RPS will increase the percentage of students scoring in the mid/above/early on grade level zones(the green zone) in the Number and Operations domain from 52% to 80% of students meeting proficiency as measured by the iReady math assessment.

*Aligned to RSD Strategic Plan-Goal 1- Students Build Success in Foundational Skills, Goal 3- Students will Demonstrate Achievement of Core Academics

SY 2025–2026 SMARTIE Goal #2:

During the 25-26 school year, RPS will increase the percentage of students scoring in the mid/above/early on grade level zones(the green zone) in the Phonics domain from 71% to 80% of students meeting proficiency as measured by the iReady reading assessment.

Aligned to RSD Strategic Plan Goal 1- Students Build Success in Foundational Skills, Goal 3- Students will Demonstrate Achievement of Core Academics

SY 2025–2026 SMARTIE Goal #3:

During the 25-26 school year, RPS will increase the number of students meeting proficiency in our essential behavior standard, “I can manage my body,” from 69% to 95% as measured by quarterly report cards.  *Aligned to RSD Strategic Plan Goal 1- Students Build Success in Foundational Skills, Goal 2- Students Feel Safe, Supported, Connected & Engaged

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On Monday, September 29th at 8 AM you can schedule your child's conference using Q. If you need assistance you can also reach out to your child's teacher through Rooms messaging. To use Rooms you must have the RSD app downloaded. You can find information about this on our district website.

There have been some changes to conference week this year, please see the information below.

Monday, October 13th- Early Release at 12:15 (No conference times)

Tuesday, October 14th- Early Release at 12:15, Conferences from 1:15-3:15

Wednesday, October 15th- Early Release at 12:15, Conferences from 1:15-6:15

Thursday, October 16th- Early Release at 12:15, Conferences from 1:15-3:15

Friday, October 17th- Early Release at 12:15, (No conference times)

On conference days, our book fair will be set up in the library. The book fair will close at 3:45 on Tuesday and Thursday and at 6:45 on Wednesday. If you have the last conference of the day, you will need to plan accordingly. The book fair will also be closed (as well as the building) during our staff dinner break on Wednesday from 4:00-4:40 PM.

While you are here please check out our lost and found we will have our collection on the front porch.

Just this morning, Mrs. Webb came to tell me that her whole first grade class has been to school on time and ready to learn all week! Way to go Mrs. Webb's Class!!! In fact over the last 2 weeks, we have been at over 90% of students here each day. Thank you for making your child's education a priority.

Here are some things you can do to help-

Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. • Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before. • Keep your child healthy and make sure your child has the required shots. • Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. • Try to schedule non-urgent related medical appointments and extended trips when school isn’t in session. • If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.

RPS is supported by a wonderful organization called FAST. FAST stands for Families and School Together. This group works hard to enrich the basic school experience for all children by organizing funding for special activities and fostering an increased sense of community and pride in RPS.

Their next meeting will be October 6th @ 6pm in the RPS Library. Please join us!  rpsfast@gmail.com https://www.rpsfast.com/

They will be planning their next big event- TRUNK or TREAT held on Saturday, October 25th from 4-6 PM at RPS. Get more information here.

On Wednesday, September 24th WTCF donated a collection of supplies for RPS. We are so grateful for this partnership with the fire department. Thank you so much for supporting our staff and students!

This team will also be coming to visit our TK, K and second grade classrooms to share information about fire safety in the month of October.

As a district, Rochester practices the Standard Response Protocol for building emergencies (click the link for more information).

Earlier this month we held our first Evacuation Fire Drill. For this drill, we practiced the protocol expected of students and staff during an fire. Next month we will practice a shelter drill for an earthquake. We will do this as part of the Great Shakeout that that will be held across our state https://www.shakeout.org/washington/. Moving forward this year we will practice the other drills including lockdown, secure and hold.

Check out our new interactive RPS Family Calendar. Some items on the calendar have links to more information for our families. This calendar is 'live' and as more information comes, more links will be added. By clicking to the right, you can see the calendar in Spanish.

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Rochester School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, the use of a trained guide dog or service animal, or any other basis prohibited by law. We also provide equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator: Jennifer Bethman (360) 273-9242, jbethman@rochester.wednet.edu; Title IX Coordinator: Kelsey Lincoln (360) 273-5958, wmaus@rochester.wednet.edu; 504/ADA Coordinator: Laura Staley (360) 273-5536, lstaley@rochester.wednet.edu. Address: 10140 Highway 12 SW, Rochester, WA 98579.