

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER
February 1, 2024
UPDATES
Dear RMS Families,
January was a busy month! We returned from the holiday break on January 2 and hit the ground running. Students were busy working on 2 by 2 multiplication in grade 5 math, disease outbreak labs in grade 6 science, early Greek civilization in grade 7 history, and narrative essays on Anne Frank in grade 8 English.
The second annual RMS Spelling Bee took place on January 17 and 18. Finalists from each grade competed on the 17th then those students competed against one another on the 18th. The winner of the spelling bee was sixth grader Zoe Nota. Huge congratulations to Zoe and to all of the participants of this exciting event. Thank you to Ms. Gervais and the English department for coordinating the event and to the entire RMS staff for supporting it.
Term two closed on January 24. Grades were posted on January 31 in Aspen. Paper copies of report cards will be mailed home as well.
On Thursday, January 25, students arrived to school to find positive messages on each locker. The Rockland High School Key Club visiting the afternoon before and posted handwritten messages for each student around the building. Huge thanks to Ms. Dore and Ms. Mulready and the Key Club for spreading positive vibes around the school community. Your kind words made many kids' days better!
UPCOMING DATES
February 1 - early release, professional day, 11:25 AM dismissal
February 1 - grade 5 band/chorus concert, 6:30 PM, auditorium
February 2 - grade 6 honor ceremony, 8:15 - 8:45 AM, auditorium
February 5 - grade 5 honor ceremony, 8:15 - 8:45 AM, auditorium
February 6 - grade 7 honor ceremony, 8:15 - 8:45 AM, auditorium
February 7 - grade 8 honor ceremony, 8:15 - 8:45 AM, auditorium
February 8 - Seussical Jr. musical, 7:00 PM, auditorium
February 15 - early release, professional day, 11:25 AM dismissal
February 19-23 - Winter Break
ACADEMICS
DARE
RMS SPELLING BEE
NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY
NJHS will be making bagged lunches for Mainspring / Father Bill's Place on Tuesday, February 27th. Donations of granola bars, individual small bagged chips, cookies, or pretzels, small waters or juice boxes, or gift cards that can be used at a local supermarket are appreciated; they can be brought in and delivered to either the main office or Room #330. This is a wonderful opportunity for our NJHS members and a way to help support families in need in our local community.
NJHS will be running a donation drive for Cradles to Crayons in March - as you are beginning your Spring Cleaning, please consider donating any of the following items. Bins will be available the main RMS lobby the week following February vacation:
Most Needed Items:
- Clothing (youth sizes 0-20 and adult sizes small & medium)
- Winter Coats and Jackets
- New socks and underwear
- New Pajamas
- Shoes, boots, sneakers, and sandals (infant/child sizes 5–13 and adult sizes 1–10)
- Books, especially baby board books
- New arts and crafts/school supplies
- Unopened diapers and training pants
- New hygiene items
STUDENT GOVERNMENT COUNCIL
RMS SGC had a visit from Rockland Animal Control Officer Ian Davidson on January 10. He accepted students' donation raised during December's Spirit Week. See the photos below!
Grade 7 parents, please see below:
Dear 7th Grade Parents and Guardians,
On Valentine's day February 14th, the 7th grade teachers will be assisting the student council in hosting a social! This will be a fun time away from the classroom where students can socialize with each other and enjoy some time with their friends. At the event there will be games, coloring and more. With your help we hope to provide snacks and beverages for the kids. If possible please select something off the list and contribute to this fun day for your 7th grader.
All items will need to be dropped off to the RMS office by February 13th. We thank you in advance,
-Student Council
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0849ADA823A6FDC16-47545832-rms7th
On Wednesday, February 28th there will be a 5th and 6th grade social in the RMS cafe. The event will include dancing, pizza, games, and more. The theme is still to be determined by the student council, more details to come on that. The fee will be $7 and permission slips will be sent home from their homeroom teachers. We are so excited for this fun night out and hope your child can attend!
FROM THE NURSE'S OFFICE
American Heart Month! February 2nd is Go Red For Women Day! Wear red on Friday to show support!
February 14th we are planning a fundraiser at school. Students can wear red and wear a hat during the school day for a $1 donation to the American Heart Association.
Winter is here! Please send your children to school in warm clothes. It is cold outside and sometimes they feel cold inside the school as well.
Breakfast and lunch are still free this year for students. I see many children in the nurse's office because they have stomach aches from being hungry. Please encourage your children to get to school a little early and join their friends for breakfast.
Many students come to the nurse throughout the day. Most are not sick. Coming to the nurses office where children are vomiting or have fevers puts them at risk for getting ill themselves. Please talk to your child about only going to the nurse when they are really not feeling well.
Please help to keep our school community healthy by keeping your sick children at home. Children who have a fever, vomiting or diarrhea must stay home until it has been 24 hours without fever, vomiting or diarrhea. Fever must be down on its own, not while taking fever reducing medication. Children who miss 5 days of school require a doctor’s note to return to school.
FROM THE GUIDANCE/SUPPORT STAFF OFFICE
Guidance Counselors completed Boston vs Bullies Curriculum in 5th grade. Boston vs Bullies is a bullying prevention program presented by The Sports Museum and the Boston sports community to stand strong against bullying.
8th Grade Students will be starting the high school course selection process in March, more information will be sent home soon.
FROM THE MAIN OFFICE
Important Info and Reminders from the Main Office:
1. Dismissals/Meetings/Nurse: Please remember to bring your up-to-date photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, green card) into the office when picking up your student for early dismissal, coming in for a meeting, or dropping off something to the Nurse. One of these forms of ID is required each time in order to pick up a student or to enter the school for a meeting, to see the Nurse, etc. If one of your contacts is picking up your child for early dismissal, please let them know they need to bring one of these forms of ID into the office.
2. Absences/Dismissals: Please call 781-878-4341 or email rmsabsences@rocklandschools.org to report an absence or let us know your child will be late.
3. Change of Address or Phone Number: Have you moved and need to update your address? Please call the school at 781-878-4341 or email pdriscoll@rocklandschools.org and we can let you know what documents are required for proof of residency. Please also let the office know if your phone number has changed so we can update our records.
4. Withdrawal from RMS: If you are withdrawing your child from Rogers Middle School, please be sure to complete and return a withdrawal form. You can come in to get the form, or email pdriscoll@rocklandschools.org for one to be emailed to you. Your child's Chromebook and charger will also need to be returned.
5. CORI checks: Would you like to chaperone an RMS field trip or volunteer for an RMS event? If so, you must have a valid CORI on file. Please come in to the Main Office with your driver's license or US passport and fill out the form. It can take a week or so for the CORI to come back. With field trips starting to be planned, please come in as soon as possible so you will be all set for when the field trip or event happens! If you are unsure if you have a CORI on file, or if you want to know if your CORI is still current, please call the office at 781-878-4341 and we will look it up.
6. Chromebooks/Chargers: It is very important that your child brings both their Chromebook and charger to school everyday. Please be sure they have them before they leave for school each day.
7. Bus Reminder: students cannot take a bus that they are not assigned to. This includes going to a friend's house after school. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact buses@rocklandschools.org. In addition, the late bus is available only to current bus students.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Yearbooks are on sale! The sooner you order them, the better the price. See the attached flyer for more information. Also please see the attached message about kindergarten registration which is coming soon!
The RMS drama club will be presenting Seussical the musical on Thursday, February 8 for Phelps students in grades 3 and 4 during the school day and for families in the evening at 7:00 PM. Families are encouraged to attend the evening production!
New month, new term. Please encourage your child(ren) to work hard and do their best at school! We will continue to support them here at school and we appreciate your support at home!
Sincerely,
Cheryl Schipper
Principal