Good Morning Rockets!

I hope everyone was able to enjoy a wonderful weekend! We have an exciting week planned for students as we enter the last week of school before the holiday break. There will be no school from December 23rd - January 5th. School will resume on Monday, January 6th. There will be a half day of school on Friday, December 20th and students will be released at 10:50 am. Please take a look at the additional information below and reach out to the main office with any questions.

Sincerely,

Jason Hernandez

We appreciate the communication our office is receiving when your child is not able to come to school. In some cases, when information is left on the absent voicemail it may take some time to process and input the information. Please allow us 24 hours to ensure attendance is accurate before calling in to verify attendance. We will continue to do our very best to make sure attendance is accurate and completed in a timely manner. Additionally, please make sure to communicate through the office when your students must be picked up from school. This will help us to ensure your child's safety.

We would like to invite all students to join staff in spreading a little holiday cheer! Starting Monday, December 16th, students are encouraged to dress up festively before our holiday break.

This year we are sending home posters over the holiday break so students have time to create something awesome for the 2024/25 yearbook cover! The theme this year is TYE-DYE! Posters and instructions are located in the office. Please have your student stop by and grab both BEFORE we leave for the holiday break! There are 100 copies. We cannot wait to see what you come up with!

These will need to be turned into the office January 6th. The first day back from break.

As we near the halfway point of our school year, we're excited to focus on several initiatives to foster a positive school climate, inspire career exploration, and promote healthy behaviors. To achieve these goals, we'll be utilizing a number of half-days to provide students with engaging presentations and activities.

We will continue to partner with our High School STATS program and community resources to offer education, valuable insights, and support. Additionally, we’ll be using Xello, a college and career readiness tool, to help students explore their future options.

To enhance communication of topics and support family involvement, we'll share information and resources the week before student presentations. By working together, we can create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that empowers our students to reach their full potential.

Your voice is important to us! Please complete the Capturing Kids Hearts survey below to let us know how things are going.

Wednesday, December 18th

Give a compliment to a staff member.

Next week, we'll shift our focus from "teamwork" to "personal responsibility." We'll teach students the importance of owning their thoughts, words, and actions. Students that were nominated for exemplifying teamwork will be recognized at our assembly on Friday.

Responsibility is the willingness and ability to take ownership of our thoughts, words, and actions. We have a responsibility to our school, family, and community to be accountable for our choices and how they impact ourselves and others.

At RPMS, we are promoting a number of after school opportunities for students to participate in everyday after school. The goal is to encourage students to participate in positive peer interactions while providing enrichment opportunities for students to grow in different ways. Additionally, we want to support students that would like to attend athletic events that generally start at 4:00 pm. If your student is planning to stay after school to attend an athletic event, they MUST be involved in one of the after school clubs (Including RP+). Please check out the "After School Opportunities" section below for more information on how your student can get involved.

Join our team at Reeths-Puffer Schools as a paraprofessional and help make a difference for kids. The application site can be found HERE.

We are proud to once again offer a Middle School Ski/Snowboard Club. Reach out to Mr. Tescari for more information at tescarim@reeths-puffer.org.

To ensure the safety of all students, especially those with nut allergies, we'll be designating specific classrooms and cafeteria tables as nut-free zones. These areas will be clearly marked for everyone's awareness (See signage below).

We kindly ask that students refrain from bringing nuts or nut-containing products into these areas. If your child has a nut allergy, please inform the office and their teachers if you've not done so already.

Here are some tips to help your child maintain a safe environment in the nut-free zones:

• Remind your child to check labels carefully for ingredients containing nuts.
• Discuss the importance of not sharing food with classmates.
• Encourage your child to wash their hands and avoid touching communal food items.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us create a safe and inclusive learning space for all students.

Additional information regarding after school clubs will be added here as they become available to students. Contact the main office for more details.

• The RP+ after school program (M-Thu) Parents must register students HERE prior to attending.
• D&D Club - Mondays 2:45-4:00
• Creative Writing Club - Tuesdays 2:45-3:45
• Chess Club - Wednesdays 2:45-3:45
• Art Club - Wednesdays 2:45-3:45

Please click the link below to access a letter describing the use and reasoning for classroom libraries at RPMS.

Classroom Library Parent Letter

Did you know there is a RP community pantry serving those in need? The pantry is located at Reeths-

Puffer Intermediate and is run by Stacy Hovorka, RP Parent Liaison. The pantry provides food, toiletries, cleaning supplies and clothing to RP families. If you or anyone you know can use this resource, please contact Stacy directly at hovorkas@reeths-puffer.org.

Medications which need to be taken in school must be administered by certified school personnel (or designee) in the presence of another adult. Parents must bring medication to the school office in the original container and fill out the proper form. Students should not be in posession of medication while at school.

Contact the office if you have any questions.

Monday, December 16th

• Home - Boys Basketball vs. Spring Lake 4:00 PM | 5:15 PM

Wednesday, December 18th

• Away - Boys Basketball at Cityside 4:00 PM | 5:15 PM
• Home - Swim at Muskegon HS 5:00 PM
• Away - Competitive Cheer at Muskegon 6:00 PM

Thursday, December 19th

• Home - Boys Basketball vs. GH Lakeshore

Academic Eligibility:

Parents and student-athletes: a grade report will be collected and submitted to coaches for any student-athlete who is under a C- in any class. This process will take place weekly throughout each season. Please ensure that you are competing in the classroom and on the playing surface.

Exciting News: Reeths-Puffer Athletic Tickets Are Now Digital!

We’re pleased to announce that Reeths-Puffer athletic tickets and passes are now available in digital form! You can purchase tickets for all home athletic events through GoFan at this link.

We’ve transitioned to a hybrid model to provide flexibility. Fans can purchase tickets or season passes in whichever way they feel most comfortable:

• Online: Buy your tickets in advance through GoFan.
• At the Gate: Pay with a credit/debit card or cash at the event.

Please note that a service charge will apply to all digital transactions.

We hope this new option makes attending our athletic events even more convenient. Go Rockets!

7:25 am - Doors Open

7:43 am - Start of Day

2:38 pm - End of Day (10:50 am - Half Day)

• 12/19 - Sounds of the Season Choir Concert (7PM @ RPHS)
• 12/20 - Half Day
• 12/23 - 1/3 - No School (Winter Break)

Mr. Jason Hernandez

Principal

Email: hernandezj@reeths-puffer.org

Phone: (231) 744-4721 ext. 4005

Mr. Jeremy McClary

Assistant Principal, Reeths-Puffer Middle School

Email: mcclaryj@reeths-puffer.org

Phone: 231-744-4721 ext. 4015