![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/u/backgrounds/custom_bg-655a6b14fdd05cc1b1a39a2c-83abecaeed71.jpg)
![Logo](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/146a/thumb-defac8b42c9db6cf8fff8329bb358e06.png)
River Bend Middle
Home of the Ravens | July 2024
Traduccion en Espanol
· Para ver el boletin en Espanol haga click en el cuadrado negro ubicado en la parte derecha donde dice "Translate Newsletter"
· Cuando llegue aqui haga clic en la flecha que apunta hacia abajo y escoja el idioma "Spanish"
Follow River Bend Middle School on Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), and our school website for more of what's happening at “The Bend!”
- Instagram: rbms.lcps
- Facebook: River Bend Middle School_Official
- X (Twitter): @RBMS_Official
- Website: www.lcps.org/rbms
News & Upcoming Events
Cellphones
The LCPS School Board recently passed Policy 8655 regarding Student Personal Device Use. Students at River Bend Middle School may not use personal devices including cell phones, tablets, earbuds, and personal gaming devices between 8:45 am – 3:38 pm. Students must keep their devices silent and not visible, stored in their locker during the school day. Personal devices may only be used before or after the school day. Other important information includes:
- Inappropriate use of social media, images, text messages, or videos shall not be permitted at any time on school property, during a school-sponsored activity, or on LCPS school transportation. Cyberbullying will not be tolerated in any form. Any violation of this policy shall result in disciplinary action in accordance with the SR&R and Student Code of Conduct, as well as Policy 8210.
- LCPS recognizes parents need to know how to contact their child in case of an emergency. If there is an emergency, parents may contact the main office of their child’s school.
- Per School Board Policy, the school and its staff are not liable for students’ cell phones or other personal devices.
Backpacks
Students will not be allowed to carry backpacks with them throughout the day. Students are required to store backpacks in their lockers during the day.
Schedule Changes
April 4, 2024, was the deadline for all elective schedule changes for River Bend MS & Potomac Falls HS.
Summer Counselor Hours
- Monday, July 8 = 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Monday, July 22 = 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Monday, July 29 = 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Special Permission
Between April 1 - June 30, 2024, LCPS parents could request special permission for their student to attend a school outside their attendance zone. Special permission is governed by Loudoun County Public Schools Policy 8155 (School Assignment). The special permission application period closed on June 30, 2024. Because River Bend Middle School will be over-enrolled for the 2024-2025 school year, new students were denied special permissions based on School Board Policy.
Vaccinations
Students in grade 7 are required to receive the following vaccines before the start of school.
- One dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) given at age 7 or older
- One dose of Meningococcal Vaccine (MenACWY, Menactra, or Menveo) given at age 10 or older
Upcoming Events (RBM Calendar / LCPS Calendar)
- Monday, August 5 = RBM 101 (Rising 6th Grade Camp) Day 1 of 2
- Tuesday, August 6 = RBM 101 (Rising 6th Grade Camp) Day 2 of 2
- Tuesday, August 20 = Open House at 3:00 - 5:00 pm (Last names A-L recommended between 3:00-4:00 pm; Last names M-Z recommended between 4:00-5:00 pm)
- Thursday, August 22 = First Day of School (A Day)
- Friday, August 23 = Second Day of School (B Day)
- Thursday, August 29 = Potomac Falls HS Back-to-School Night (at Potomac Falls HS)
- Friday, August 30 = No School (Student/Staff Holiday)
- Monday, September 2 = No School (Labor Day)
- Monday, September 9 = Middle School Special Programs 8th Grade Fall Assemblies
- Thursday, September 12 = RBM Back-to-School Night at 6:00 pm
- Monday, September 16 = Vision & Hearing Screenings (out of HPE) Day 1 of 2
- Wednesday, September 18 = TJ Fall Presentation for 8th Graders
- Friday, September 27 = Fair at the Fall at 4:30 pm (at Potomac Falls HS)
- Monday, September 30 = Vision & Hearing Screenings (out of HPE) Day 2 of 2
- Thursday, October 3 = No School (Student/Staff Holiday)
- Friday, October 4 = LCPS Professional Development Day
- Tuesday, October 8 - Wednesday October 9 = School Pictures (Fall)
- Thursday. October 10 = Horizon ES 25th Anniversary Celebration
- Thursday, October 10 = 8th Grade & Potomac Falls HS Chorus Concert at 7:00 pm
- Monday, October 14 = No School (Student/Staff Holiday)
- Monday, October 21-Friday, October 25 = Mobile STEM Lab
- Thursday, October 24 = 8th Grade & Potomac Falls HS Orchestra Concert - Spooky Serenade at 7:00 pm (at Potomac Falls HS)
- Friday, October 25 = Potomac Falls HS Homecoming Game at 7:00 pm
- Saturday, October 26 = Potomac Falls HS Homecoming Dance at 8:00 pm
- Tuesday, October 29 = End of Quarter #1
FREE Summer Meals
Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) will be providing free meals from July 8 - 26, 2024 Monday - Friday for students ages 18 and younger at Forest Grove ES, Frederick Douglass ES, Guilford ES, Meadowland ES, Potowmack ES, Sully ES, and Sterling MS.
Important information about the summer meals distribution program:
- Breakfast (7:30 - 8:00 am)
- Lunch (12:00 - 12:30 pm)
- All meals must be consumed at the school or site location.
- Food cannot be taken offsite.
- Meals cannot be picked up by a parent or guardian to bring home.
Information for Parents / Guardians
2024-2025 RBMS PTA Executive Board Members
- President/Co-President: Lauren and Ambrose Evans (President@rbmspta.org)
- Vice President: Erica Stapler (VP@rbmspta.org)
- Secretary: Adri Silverman (general@rbmspta.org)
- Treasury: Rachel Coelho (treasury@rbmspta.org)
- Hospitality Chair: Maria Mitchell (hospitality@rbmspta.org)
- Spirit Chair: Lili Hernandez ( spirit@rbmspta.org)
Potomac Falls Cluster News
High School Athletics
Tryouts for high school fall sports for the 2024-25 school year begin August 5, 2024.
Transportation
Transportation
- Log into ParentVUE (mobile app)
- Click on your student
- Click on "Student Information"
- Scroll to the bottom and click on "Additional Information"
- Still need help? Call (571) 252-1700 or visit https://www.lcps.org/Transportation
Track Your Child's Bus
- Did you know that there is an app (Stopfinder) that gives you access to know exactly where your child’s bus is, including specific pick up/drop off times? CLICK HERE for details.
Questions about Transportation
- Call (571) 252-1700 or visit https://www.lcps.org/Transportation
Bus Expectations
In collaboration with the LCPS Transportation Department, we are emphasizing the following rules to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers:
- Remain seated: Passengers must stay seated while the bus is in motion to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Keep aisles clear: It's important to keep aisles clear of bags, feet, and other items to facilitate safe passage during emergencies.
- Use inside voices: Loud noises can distract the driver and disturb fellow passengers. Conversations should be kept at a reasonable volume. Students may listen to music using earphones or Air Pods, but playing music aloud is not permitted.
- No eating or drinking: Consuming food or beverages on the bus can create messes and pose choking hazards during sudden stops or turns.
- Follow the driver's instructions: Passengers must always adhere to the driver’s directions for their safety and the safety of others.
- No vandalism or graffiti: Defacing the bus or its interior is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action.
- Respect others: Bullying, harassment, inappropriate language, or any behavior that makes others feel uncomfortable will not be tolerated.
We urge all families to review these expectations with their child, even if they are not regularly assigned to a school bus. It is essential to remind students as there may be instances where students are removed from a bus due to violations of School Board Policy or the Student Code of Conduct.
Need Help? 2024-2025 Contacts
6th Grade Support (House C) = Jennifer.Kassander@lcps.org (Dean), Kathryn.Plys@lcps.org (Counselor - Last Names A-L), Katharine.Smorodin@lcps.org (Counselor - Last Names M-Z), or Guendolen.Wajsgras@lcps.org (Administrative Assistant)
- 7th Grade Support (House B) = Melissa.Dober@lcps.org (Dean), Savannah.Boeing@lcps.org (Counselor - Last Names A-N), Carey.Walker@lcps.org (Counselor -Last Names O-Z) or Amy.Raye@lcps.org (Administrative Assistant)
- 8th Grade Support (House A) = Christine.Wadley@lcps.org (Dean), Courtney.Bredow@lcps.org (Counselor - Last Names A-N), Carey.Walker@lcps.org (Counselor - Last Names O-Z), or Sonya.Mason@lcps.org (Administrative Assistant)
- Attendance = Missy.Hooper@lcps.org or Valarie.DiCarlo@lcps.org
- Family Liaison = Cintia.Lutz@lcps.org
- Financial Matters = Stephanie.Wanjon@lcps.org
- Food Services = Farzana.Chowdhury@lcps.org
- Gifted & Talented Program (Spectrum) = Amy.Fields@lcps.org
- Health Services/Medication/Immunizations = Joy.Jones@lcps.org
- Main Office = Gwendolyn.Pride@lcps.org
- ParentVUE = Missy.Hooper@lcps.org or Courtney.Bredow@lcps.org
- PTA = President@RBMSPTA.org
- Registration/Enrollment = Missy.Hooper@lcps.org
- Safety & Security = Devin.Mickens@loudoun.gov (SRO), Preston.Timbers@lcps.org (SSO)
- Special Education = Nicholas.Fisher@lcps.org (Special Education Contact), Kevin.Lancor@lcps.org (Department Chair/SALT), Tara.Daugherty@lcps.org (Dean)
- Student Services = Danayer.Mann@lcps.org (School Psychologist), Harveen.Pantleay@lcps.org (Social Worker)
- Technology Support = Niles.Elhafdi@lcps.org or call (571) 252-2112
- Testing = Valarie.DiCarlo@lcps.org
- Transportation = Call (571) 252-1700 or visit https://www.lcps.org/Transportation