Dear Rochester Families and Community, 

It is hard to believe that we have reached the end of another remarkable school year. As June arrives, we bid farewell to a year filled with growth, achievement, and cherished memories. Before we embark into our summer, let us take a moment to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of our graduates.

Last week, we had the honor of recognizing 133 remarkable young adults who have completed their high school journey. To the class of 2026, we extend our warmest congratulations!

There is something magical about graduation ceremonies - a sense of pride and joy fills the air as we watch our kids walk across the stage, ready for the next chapter of their lives. As we celebrate the successes of our graduates, let us also acknowledge the invaluable role our community plays in nurturing our kids growth and providing a foundation for their dreams to flourish. It really takes a community to take care of our kids. Thank you!

As many of you know, I am retiring at the end of June. After 38 years in education, as a teacher, building administrator, district leader, and superintendent, it has been a privilege to serve students and families. Providing the best possible education for our children is important work, and it is work that cannot be done in isolation.

My time in Rochester has been among the most rewarding years of my career. There is so much good happening here for kids: dedicated teachers, caring support staff, engaged parents, supportive community members, and students who inspire us every day. Together, you have created a community that values education and invests in its future.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of the Rochester team. It has been an honor to serve this community, and I will always be grateful for the relationships, experiences, and memories.

Go Warriors!!

Jennifer Bethman, Superintendent

Congratulations to Zach Hubbard and David McConnell. Last week, they competed in the Skills USA Drone Competition in Atlanta, Georgia. On Friday at the awards ceremony with over 6,000 people in attendance, they were announced as National Champions, earning First Place in the United States. 

This is the first time in Rochester's history that we can say we are home to a Skills USA National Champion team. It is an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects on Zach and David's talent, determination, grit, and persistence. 

Mr. Kuss is the SkillsUSA Drone and Robotics advisor. He has provided endless support to students throughout the design and build process, helping prepare them to compete at the national level. Thank you Mr. Kuss!

Here are the School Supply Lists for the 2026-2027 School Year:

Full academic calendar is posted on the webpage.

This summer, there will be two vaccine clinics offering required and recommended school immunizations free of charge.

August 19, 11:00-3:00 PM at the Thurston County Resources Hub

August 20, 10:00-2:00 PM at ROOF Community Services

No Cost Immunization Flyer

You may access your family's immunization information from the Washington State registry. Visit MyIR to sign up and view, download, and print your family's immunization records securely online. Once you register, you may access the records anytime you need them.

If you know a child in the community who will be in Kindergarten in the fall of 2026, encourage them to register. They can register at Rochester Primary School or on our webpage: Registration.  Please Share This Information. 

Join Us for Swede Day!

Students and staff will be participating in this year's Swede Day festivities, and we invite you to join the Rochester community in celebrating. The Swede Day Parade begins at 11:00 am. 

Before the parade, stop by the Rochester School District trailer in front of RMS and say hello. After the parade, head to Swede Hall for food, vendors, and more fun. Don't miss this great Rochester tradition -- Swede Day!

Every Wednesday evening all summer long the community is invited to join Walk and Talk on the RMS track (behind the school). Let's spend time getting to know others in the Rochester community. 

In addition to building friendships and reconnecting with old friends, there will be Door Prizes, the Rochester Book Bus, and Games for Kids. 

When: Every Wednesday

Time: 6:00 pm

Where: RMS Track

Washington families may qualify for SUN Bucks, a summer grocery benefits program that provides $120 per eligible school-age child to help purchase food while school is out for the summer.

Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card and can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and other locations that accept EBT benefits.

Many families who already receive SNAP, TANF, or free/reduced-price school meal benefits will automatically qualify. Other families may need to apply through the SUN Bucks website or complete a Child Nutrition Eligibility and Education Benefit application through their school district.

Families should also make sure their mailing address is up to date with DSHS or their child’s school to ensure benefits are delivered correctly.

Learn more at: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sunbucks?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Fences are installed around the exterior of all our schools. During the school day, when students are present, gates are closed and locked to add a prevention barrier to help keep our kids safe. The fences also provide additional access control and enable natural surveillance.

After school is dismissed and all summer, the walking gates are open with access to the GMES playground and the middle and high school fields. When school is not in session, the fields are open for community members to access.

If you have an organized event or athletic team needing to use the fields, please reserve the facilities on the Rochester School District webpage - Use of Facilities.

The high school football field is closed from June 10 to September 1 for maintenance so the grass has time to grow, fill in, and get strong before the fall sports season.

Our home field gets a lot of use. In the fall, we have three high school football teams and two soccer teams needing access to the field, and the grass needs to be game-ready. If the field is not in good condition, we risk referees canceling games. As a result, this summer the field is closed for maintenance.

In the fall, it will be used for competition play only. When possible, we need to limit the events on the field to no more than 15 hours of competition play a week to ensure the field is game ready. 

Free lunches to kids will be provided at ROOF Community Services / Independence Park (behind the District Office) Monday - Thursday beginning July 6th through August 13th. 

        Lunch is Provided from 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
        Snack is Provided from 3:40 pm - 4:10 pm

Watch for the flyer to come out in PeachJar to learn more!

WA State Parks
Free on 19th and Sept 23rd – Entrance into STATE PARKS is free on June 19, Aug.9 and Sept. 26.

National Parks
FREE on August 4 and Sept. 23rd - Entrance into NATIONAL PARKS is free on June 14, July 3-5, Aug. 25 and Sept. 17.

THIRD THURSDAYS in Tacoma!
Washington State History Museum - FREE - June 18, July 16, and Aug. 20, 3 PM – 8 PM (Free on the Third Thursday)

Tacoma Art Museum - 5 PM – 8 PM FREE EVERY Thursday Evening (Near the WSHM too!)

Museum of Glass - 5 PM – 8 PM, FREE on the THIRD Thursday (June 18, July 16 and August 20) Make an evening of hitting all 3!!!

Hands-On Children’s Museum – Olympia (HOCM)
HOCM entrance is $1 off when purchased online. EBT discounts also available.

WET Science Center in Olympia (Water Education and Technology)
Entrance to the WET Science Center is FREE and open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 – 4:00. Located across the street from HOCM, so visit both! 

Seattle Museum of Flight
Seattle Museum of Flight is FREE on the first Thursday (July 2, Aug. 6, and Sept. 3) of each month from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Walk on the Concorde AND an old Air Force One!

Timberland Library
Get a Timberland Library Card! There are tons of great things you’ll get access to, including BOOKS! Get novel ideas, attend kid and teen programs, and earn free stuff!

Really Low Tides in Olympia
Tides will be really low on the dates below. It is a great time to do some beachcombing.

June 15 - 12:30 pm
June 16 - 1:15 pm
June 17 - 2:00 pm
June 18 - 3:00 pm
June 29 - 12:30 pm
June 30 - 1:00 pm

Times are approximate for South Puget Sound and will vary a little depending on where you go.

State Capital
Go to the Washington State capital in Olympia on any day. There are free tours on weekends!

McChord Air Museum
McChord Air Museum has FREE Admission and is open 12:00 – 4:00 PM, Tuesday – Friday. I-5 at exit 125 and go east about a mile to the main gate. 

Chehalis Veterans Museum
Chehalis Veterans Memorial Museum is more interesting than most people would think. Open Tues-Sat, 10:00-5:00. Family entry is $20.

The district Office remains open throughout the summer with an adjusted schedule: 

Please don't hesitate to reach out or stop by if you need assistance during the summer months.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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) 273-5534, klincoln@rochester.wednet.edu;

504/ADA Coordinator: Laura Staley (360) 273-5536, lstaley@rochester.wednet.edu.

Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Justin Black,(360) 273-5536, jblack@rochester.wednet.edu 

Address: 10140 Highway 12 SW, Rochester, WA 98579.