Welcome Back, RMHS Students & Families,

The first week was short, but mighty as we welcomed everyone and shared the exciting work that has been done since students and staff left in June. Opening days continue to be my favorite time of the year as they bring us hope and excitement for the coming year and the goals and habits we can set for ourselves. Our goal as a school system is to help our students and families navigate the challenges ahead and to feel inspired to be better tomorrow than we are today.

The seniors have come together on several occasions already to kick off their final series of 'lasts'. Most notably, we cruised into senior year with a sunset cruise last week and gathered before school at the annual senior breakfast at Brackett's Oceanview Restaurant in honor of the 'last first day of school'. As I officially opened the middle school for the first time as the middle/high school principal, I was filled with gratitude and excitement watching the growth from 6th - 12th grade. It continues to be an honor to work with such an amazing community and a school full of the best students and staff in the world (in my humble and unbiased opinion 😉).

Opening days can feel exciting, but also exhausting! I hope you can take the time to step away over the long weekend to relax and prepare for the upcoming week ahead.😊

-Ms. Rose

Amy Rose, Principal

Friday, August 30th - No School

Monday, September 2nd - No School (Holiday)

Tuesday, September 3rd:

• Grades 9-12 Summer Reading Groups (7:35 am) - Groups will be posted on class boards
• First 'Weekly Assembly' (Grades 9-12) with Ms. Rose, Ms. Jylkka-King & Mr. Parisi in the Auditorium (9:24-9:55)

Friday, September 6th - End of Add/Drop for Scheduling (9-12)

Friday, September 6th: First 'Weekly Assembly' (Grades 6-8) with Ms. Rose, Ms. Jylkka-King & Mr. Parisi in the Auditorium (9:24-9:55)

On Wednesday, September 4th there will be an

informational meeting after school for students interested in

being a part of the Student Council in Room E127 at 2:20.

If you are not able to attend the meeting,

please see Ms. McAuliffe or Mrs. Stein for more information.

Chicago Auditions - This Week!

See the flyer for full details.

9/18 - School Picture Day

9/19 - Open House (Grades 6-8) @ 6pm (Auditorium)

9/24 - 1/2 Day for Students (Dismissal at 11am)

9/26 - Open House (Grades 9-12) @ 6pm (Auditorium)

Being in school and on time are extremely important to your child's success. When students attend school regularly and arrive on time, they stay engaged in their learning, build strong relationships, and develop solid study habits. Please help us by making sure your child gets to school on time each day. The cafeteria and library are open at 7:00 am and free breakfast is available in the cafeteria for all students. The main hallways and classrooms open at 7:25 am.

We understand that the transition to a middle/high school this coming year comes with a shift in contact information. To simplify the process for families, we have streamlined all communications to run through the RMHS Main Office. Please use the main number for routine inquiries: 978-546-1234. For a more detailed chart of counselors, and other support personnel, please use the chart below to help navigate our new team of people and systems.

Middle school schedules are available in Aspen and students received hard copies last week. If you have questions about your child's schedule, please email Ms. King, Assistant Principal (aking@rpk12.org) and Ms. Stapleton, 6-8 Counselor (cstapleton@rpk12.org).

High School schedules were made available to students and parents in June through Aspen. You can continue to access your child’s schedule through Aspen at your convenience. Guidance counselors will hold add/drop periods through Friday, September 6th if you and/or your child would like to make a change to their existing schedule.

Please note that counselors will work diligently to respond to all scheduling requests. Due to the volume of requests, this may take some time. Rest assured, we are committed to getting through all requests by the end of the add/drop period.

Please see the chart below for a breakdown of counseling assignments at the high school level. The alphabet breakdown is based upon student last name:

Rockport Middle/High School requires students to participate in our summer reading program. Please be sure your child does this in order to be prepared for the opening day of school. The 2024-2025 summer reading list is available on our website under the “Resources” tab, “MS Summer Reading” or “HS Summer Reading”. If you have trouble accessing the list online, please contact Ms. Lucido in the main office by calling 978-546-1234.

High school students will be expected to participate in a faculty-led discussion about their book on Tuesday, September 3rd at 7:35 am.

Middle school students will be involved in a similar process on Tuesday, September 17th (9:25 - 10:15 am). 📚🙌

A reminder to students and families to hand in your first day packets to the Main Office as soon as possible. If you have questions about the packet or need assistance with its content, please see Ms. Lucido & Ms. Quirk in the front office.

Juniors/Senior

Please fiil out the Armed Services form if you would like to opt. out .

Armed Services Form

Student and Family District Handbook

In an effort to be more environmentally friendly and to cut down on the paperwork that families need to complete at the beginning of the school year, Rockport Public Schools has revised our school handbooks into one updated online Student and Family District Handbook. This new version is published on our website and allows for easy access to an organized list of procedures, practices, and important information.

Please read and review the handbook using this link: Rockport Public Schools Student and Family District Handbook.

Parents and guardians will need to acknowledge that they have read the handbook through this form: Acknowledgment of Receipt of RPS Student and Family Handbook. This form is also available on the Handbook page of our website. Please complete ONE FORM FOR EACH child you have attending Rockport Schools. For 6th through 12th grade students, you will also be prompted to have your child sign this acknowledgement form.

Believe it or not, the Class of 2025 is gearing up for the annual Holiday Wreath fundraiser. The class needs to get a count to their supplier, Wolf Hill, by September 6th. The wreaths will come in mid-November. Be prepared for the season by reserving your wreaths now by filling out the Google form below. Payment can be made now or at the time of delivery. The Class of 2025 appreciates your support!

Please email Scott Larsen or Garrett Stevens with questions or payment info:

slarsen@rpk12.org or gstevens@rpk12.org

Please use the link below to reserve your holiday wreaths today!

https://forms.gle/uzuKkGNRDaH3uxYa8

Breakfast is an important way to start a productive day. We encourage all students to arrive early enough to get breakfast before school begins if possible. For those students not able to get to school early on any given day, we will provide a set time in the morning to be sure breakfast is accessible to all. Breakfast and lunch continue to be free for students this year.

Our annual open houses are scheduled to be held in September. Please save the dates on your calendars. The middle school open house will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 6:00 pm. The high school open house will be held on Thursday, September 26th at 6:00 pm. Both evenings will commence in the John Lane Auditorium after which parents will follow an abbreviated school schedule, enabling you to meet each of your child’s teachers and learn of curricular expectations at RMHS.

• In order to strengthen the home/school partnership at RMHS, we will be providing a number of resources for families to keep you informed of important information and events. Resources will be available on the website by late August and include:

  • The Principal’s page on the RMHS website.

  • The Parent Resource Guidebook that provides answers to the most commonly asked questions.

  • The “RMHS Viking News” emailed to all students and families beginning the first week of school.

  • Your child’s Aspen account and Google Classroom pages for the most up-to-date information within individual classes.

  • Routine email communication for parents to guide and inform important upcoming events, school-related expectations, and/or happenings.

Post-Secondary Planning Night (Grade 12 Students & Families) - Tuesday, September 17th @ 6pm (Auditorium)

-Ms. Rose