RES Weekly Buzz

Did you know...that spring fever is a real syndrome? When the temperature rises during the warm spell after a long winter, there is a dilation of the blood vessels so blood can be carried to the body surface where heat can be lost quickly. People experience an energetic feeling when this happens!

It was wonderful to welcome back our students this week! Many smiling faces who couldn't wait to talk about their vacation adventures. Rest assured, they settled back into their school routine nicely and had a terrific week overall.

Next week on Thursday, May 4th, our 4th graders will be spending the day at Project Adventure! We are thrilled to have been given a grant as part of the City of Gloucester Health Department's prevention team. The focus of the day will be on team building and leadership skills as our 4th graders prepare to be great leaders in 5th grade!

Just a reminder that next week we have Math MCAS for grades 3-5 on Tuesday, May 2nd, and Wednesday, May 3rd.

Happy Weekend.

Lost and Found will be spread out on a table outside the RES cafeteria next week(5/1-5/5/23). Remind your children to take a look for missing items. All remaining lost and found will be donated on Monday,5/8/23.

• May 2nd-3rd: Math MCAS grades 3-5
• May 10th & 11th: RES Book Fair
• see below for more information
• May 13th: Motif #1 Day 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
• May 16th: PTO Bubble Party
• More info to follow
• May 16th-17th: Science MCAS grade 5
• May 19th: 1/2 Day for Students
• May 29th: No School - Memorial Day

2022 - 2023 RPS School Calendar

RPS Music Calendar

2023-2024 RPS School Calendar

All of our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will be taking the Math MCAS test next Tuesday, May 2nd and Wednesday, May 3rd. Session 1 will take place on Tuesday and session 2 on Wednesday. Each session is scheduled to begin in the morning and is untimed, although they must complete their work each day. It would be extremely helpful if every effort is made to ensure that the students are present and on time both days.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Parents and families can do several things to help their children prepare for MCAS testing and to foster a positive experience.

• Have your child bring a reusable water bottle to keep at their desk
• Make sure your child gets enough sleep the night before a test.
• Make sure your child eats breakfast the morning of the test. Breakfast is available here at RES.
• Ensure that your child arrives to school on time.
• Encourage your child to take their time and put in their best effort.
• Encourage your child to always check their work.
• Talk about the test in a positive way.
• Ensure your child that their teacher has provided them with excellent strategies to help them be as successful as they can be.

You are a key component in your child's success in school and life. Your interest and support let them know you believe in them and you value their education. We value our partnership. Thank you!

Future MCAS Dates:

• May 16th-17th: Grade 5 Science MCAS

Volunteers needed. You do not need to be a member of the PTO to help out!

Lets show our gratitude to the wonderful teachers & staff at RPS by filling the fridges in each buildings with delicious snacks for them to enjoy during Teacher Appreciation Week. Follow the links below to sign up.

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

Rockport Elementary School Library will be running a Best Book Fair in the gymnasium during the second week of May, May 10th and 11th. The hours are Wednesday, May 10th 9:15 AM- 6:30 PM and Thursday, May 11th 9:15 AM- 4:00 PM. Please support our students, books and pleasure reading in our school. Email Ms. Burke with any questions. cburke@rpk12.org

Every year at Rockport Elementary School we engage all students in planting, harvesting, and eating a spring salad and fall crop as part of our RES school garden program.

As we head into our spring season, we are asking for volunteers to assist with planting, harvesting, and tasting.

Please note that all school volunteers must have a CORI check completed in the office.

Check the sign-up for available dates and time slots for volunteering throughout the spring. Please note that each slot is for 1 hour and the class names are listed for those who would like to volunteer during their child's class.

Also, we are looking for families who would be willing to look after the garden during the summer. Sign up for one or more weeks to water and weed the garden and take care of our growing fall crops.

For questions contact Darlene Trumbour (dtrumbour@rpk12.org)

Happy Spring

Pictures needed for this year’s yearbook. Been to any RES events this year and have pictures? Send them to Mrs. Collins scollins@rpk12.or or Mrs. English lenglish@rpk12.org for consideration.

Motif # 1 Day 5K and 1 Mile takes place on Saturday, May 13th, 2023! Let's hope for great weather!

To register, use the following link:

https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Rockport/Motif1Day5K

To sign up to volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C45ABAE22A6FC1-motif1day

Volunteers may register a friend or family member at no cost. We look forward to a wonderful community event to promote Health and Wellness! We hope you can make it!

1) Please see the charts below in order to review symptoms and guidelines for student illnesses. (You can also refer to the COVID guidelines here: RPS COVID Protocols 2022-2023).

Any absences related to illness can be excused if a doctor's note is provided to the school.

2) Free COVID test kits are available from the Town of Rockport. Reach out to the Board of Selectmen's Office at Town Hall during their business hours.

3) Ticks usually start to come out in mid-April. PLEASE remember to check your children very thoroughly, from their scalp to their toes, if they have been doing any outdoor activities.

4) All students and their families are encouraged to participate in Rockport's Motif #1 5K or 1 Mile Run on May 13th. It's fun and a great opportunity to exercise and be active!

Please reach out to the nurse's office with any questions at 978-546-1223.

Before/After School Activities:

• Spring session , check the Weekly Schedule here.
• Spring session sign ups were sent home 3/29/23. Click here if you didn't receive it.
• Any questions email Mrs. Gale ngale@rpk12.org.

Homework Club for Gr 3-5 in room G132 with Ms. Gale (sgale@rpk12.org). The schedule is as follows:

• Monday and Thursdays 3-4pm
• Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8-8:45am

Click on the pictures to see the current RES menus. You can look for other information and/or forms at our RPS Food Services webpage.

Summer Fun is Back! This program is designed to provide your child with an enriching summer activity. Children will enjoy playtime with their friends in a familiar, safe and fun environment. Children will be grouped by age and will rotate through each station: the playground, the gym for games and activities, and the cafeteria for crafts, Legos, and snack time. There will be weekly themes, visiting special guests and surprises to keep things fresh and engaging!

All students who are entering Grades K-5 are eligible to participate.

The program begins

Monday June 26th and runs through Thursday August 4th. Note: There is no program July 4th

For all students, the program is Monday through Thursday, from 9 am - 12 noon

Cost: $400 for the season, $325 for siblings after first child (please fill out a form for each child) Summer Fun will follow the strict food allergy policy guidelines in place at Rockport Elementary School.

Please mail the registration form to Board of Selectmen, 34 Broadway, Rockport, MA 01966.

Forms can also be dropped off at the mail slot at the back door of Town Hall.

You can also email the form and mail/drop off check. Form will be processed once payment arrives.recreation@rockportma.gov

Click the links below to access the various resources:

• Motif #1 5K and 1 mile Fun Run May 13 2023, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  
• Rockport EMS Day: May 20 2023,11-3pm T-Wharf
• RES Kindergarten/Grade 1 Registration-Rockport Residents, New students only, registration is ongoing
• Cape Ann Museum offerings for Feb-May 2023

• Savings Makes Cents program offered by Cape Ann Savings Bank for Grades 3-5.
  
• Savings Makes Cents Account Form
• RPS Community Flyers

Please help us spread the word on the upcoming session of Positive Solutions for Families beginning Wednesday, May 17th here at Pathways for Children from 5-6:30 pm for 7 sessions. This is a very popular workshop focused on handling the everyday challenges of parenting young children and understanding of the meaning of challenging behavior. Attached please find the flyer. If you have any questions please reach out to Amy Larsen.

Warm regards,

Amy Larsen

Phone 978 515-5320

alarsen@pw4c.org

• Rockport Recreation Summer Fun is back!
• Summer Programs at Pathways
• Summer is just around the corner and that means RAA&M's children’s programs are too! Make sure to register here before 5/1 to receive reduced tuition. See flyer here
• Teen Programs at Rockport Art Association
  

• Gloucester Little League Registration

RPS Employment Opportunities

• RPS ESY Summer Employment Opportunities
• Admin Assist to HS Guidance: School Spring ID: 4216529

• District-Wide Board Certified Behavior Analyst(BCBA): School Spring ID: 4210922

• HS/MS Choral Director: School Spring ID 4161821
  
• HS Chemistry : School Spring ID: 4196863
• HS/MS School Psychologist: School Spring ID: 4198243
  
• RPS Cafeteria Staff and Cafeteria Substitutes
• Call or email Deborah Nokes at 978-546-1234 or dnokes@rpk12.org

• Substitute Teachers, All Levels; School Spring ID 3807059 or click here