Rogers Middle School

February, 2025

From the Principal

Dear Students and Families,

As we wrap up Term 2, I want to take a moment to express how incredibly proud I am of our students’ hard work and academic success. Their dedication to learning, along with the support from our families and staff, has led to tremendous growth in the classroom. It is always inspiring to see students pushing themselves to reach new heights, and I want to thank you for being such an integral part of their journey.

One of the most important factors in student success is consistent attendance. Every minute in front of a teacher matters, and the learning that takes place in the classroom cannot be replicated. Please continue to emphasize the importance of being present and on time each day. Together, we can ensure that every student remains on track for success.

As we look ahead, I want to remind everyone that the school year will begin to move quickly after February Vacation. Term 3 will bring warmer weather and longer days, which is exciting, but it is crucial that students stay focused, work hard, and continue striving toward their goals. Let’s maintain the momentum we have built and make Term 3 just as successful!

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. I look forward to seeing all that our students will accomplish in the months ahead.

Sincerely,

Richard A. MacAllister

Principal
Rogers Middle School

Upcoming Events

February 3: Curriculum Leadership Team Mtg 2:50pm
February 5: School Council Mtg 3:00pm
February 6: Early Release 11:25
February 6: Honor Roll Ceremony 5th Grade 8:20 - 8:45am
February 6: RHS Polar Plunge
February 7: Honor Roll Ceremony 6th Grade 8:20 - 8:45am
February 7: Rockland Teen Center: Wiffleball, Valentines Party
February 10: Honor Roll Ceremony 7th Grade 8:20 - 8:45am
February 11: Honor Roll Ceremony 8th Grade 8:20 - 8:45am
February 12: PAC Mtg 5:30pm
February 13: 5th Grade Field Trip - Wheelock
February 14: 2nd Philly Payment Due
February 17 - 21: Winter Break - No School
February 24: Curriculum Leadership Team Mtg 2:50pm
February 28: Rockland Teen Center: Kickball

Monthly Calendar

Rogers Middle School Staffer of the Month

Julia Driscoll is an extraordinary Multi-Language Learner teacher whose unwavering dedication and compassion make a profound impact on her students. She provides exceptional support to each learner, recognizing and addressing their individual needs with patience and care, no matter how challenging. Her commitment to education extends beyond the school day, as she also teaches night school, exemplifying her relentless passion for helping students succeed at every level. Beyond her expertise, Julia’s amazing personality shines through in everything she does—she is always smiling, bringing warmth, positivity, and encouragement to those around her. Her presence creates a welcoming environment where students feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. She is truly an invaluable asset to our school community.

Shamrock Classic

All Players will receive their shirts for FREE!!! All Spectators will need to purchase their shirts using the link. Here is the link to purchase shirts.

Tickets will go on sale starting March 17th at ALL lunches

Harlem Wizards Are Coming To Town

Check Out The Wizards Video!

Kindergarten Information Night

8th Grade Course Selection Parent Night for RHS

NJHS Service Project

Students in NJHS worked on Annie's Kindness Blankets this month as their service project. These handmade fleece blankets to whoever may need an everlasting hug. Since the launch date of September 30th, 2015, Annie’s Kindness Blankets has delivered over 13,000 blankets to various hospitals/organizations/individuals, including South Shore Hospital, Dana Farber, VA Hospitals, and Ronald McDonald Houses.

"Water Smart" - 5th Grade Science

5th and 6th Grade Tutoring

The RMS National Junior Honor Society is excited to bring back peer tutoring! NJHS members in 7th and 8th grade will be available every other Monday after school for peer tutoring for students in 5th and 6th grade. There is no need to sign up; all tutoring will take place in the RMS cafeteria from 2:45 until 3:30.

NJHS students will be on-hand to lend support by helping students develop study skills, review class materials for upcoming tests and quizzes, and assist students with projects, homework, and make-up work. The late bus is available for students registered for bus transportation. Tutoring will be supervised by Mrs. Carpine, NJHS Advisor. Please contact jcarpine@rocklandschools.org with any questions.

From The Support Staff

We wish you all a wonderful holiday season! For some, this can be a tough time. If your child is struggling and in need of immediate mental health support, below is some helpful information:

High Point

508-580-0801

10B Meadowbrook Road

Brockton, MA 02301

CCBC is a 24-hour State Crisis Team Center. They see people as well as make referrals, regardless of pay. MassHealth and free care only. Private insurance may be accepted.

The South Shore Mental Health Emergency Services Program

617-774-6036 or 800-528-4890

460 Quincy Avenue

Quincy, MA 02169

The office is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Clients are encouraged to call, but walk-ins are accepted. MassHealth, free care, and most major insurance plans.

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988

As always, for immediate emergencies, please reach out to 911 or go to your local emergency room.

________________________________________________________________________________

Elizabeth McDonald

Grade 5 & 7 Counselor

emcdonald@rocklandschools.org

Kristen Collins

Grade 6 & 8 Counselor

kcollins@rocklandschools.org

Lawrie Donovan

School Adjustment Counselor

ldonovan@rocklandschools.org

Colleen Regal

School Psychologist

cregal@rocklandschools.org

From The Office

CHROMEBOOKS: Please make sure your child brings their Chromebook and charger to school every day.

RMS EMAIL: To report an absence, tardy, or to send a medical note, please email: rmsabsences@rocklandschools.org.

DISMISSALS and MEETINGS: 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. 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.

VOLUNTEERING: If you plan to chaperone an RMS field trip or volunteer for an RMS event, 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. If you are unsure if you have a CORI on file, or if your CORI is still current, please call the office at 781-878-4341 and we will look it up.

WITHDRAWING FROM SCHOOL: If you are withdrawing your child from Rockland Public Schools, 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.

ADDRESS CHANGE: If you need to change your address that we have on file, please email pdriscoll@rocklandschools.org or call 781-878-4341 for the info that is required (lease/mortgage/Form 5, bill, etc.).

Reminders from Nurse Kemp

Winter is upon us! Hope it warms up soon. Maybe it is cold enough to kill some of these germs that are floating around!

Unfortunately, we are seeing a lot of illness in our student population at the moment.

Norovirus is a highly contagious intestinal virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Illness usually lasts two to three days and happens after contact with infected surfaces or people. Norovirus can live on surfaces for days or weeks. Hand sanitizer will not kill norovirus. Handwashing with soap and water is essential.

Flu is also a virus that causes fever (temp over 100), muscle aches, headache, cough, runny nose, sore throat and fatigue.

RSV is a respiratory infection causing low grade fever, dry cough, congested or runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and headache. RSV can be serious in young children, elderly and those who are immune compromised.

Covid symptoms include fever and chills, headache, loss of taste or smell, muscle soreness and aches, nausea/vomiting, shortness of breath, and sore throat.

Rockland Public Schools follow Massachusetts guidelines for staying home to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

Keep your student home if they have any of the following:

Fever: A fever of 100 F or higher. Children may return to school when fever-free for 24 hours (WITHOUT use of fever reducing medications).

Vomiting/diarrhea: Any unexplained vomiting episode. May return 24 hours after the last episode. Diarrhea which is three or more unexplained episodes of watery or loose stools in 24 hours. May return 24 hours after the last episode.

Cough: Serious, sustained coughing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.

What to do if someone in your home is sick with vomiting and/or diarrhea:

Isolate them and have as little contact as possible.
Wear gloves to clean up after them and then wash your hands.
Take trash outside to avoid contact.
Wash your hands with soap and water after contact. Hand sanitizer will not kill norovirus.
Continuous small sips of sports drinks to help prevent dehydration.
Reintroduce a mild diet when able. Think BRAT - bananas, rice, applesauce, toast
Wash laundry in hot water and dry at highest heat setting
Seek medical attention if they become dehydrated or dizzy

Typically, treatment is to manage the symptoms with fever and pain reducing medication, cough suppressant or decongestant, ensure hydration, and rest. Contact your primary care physician for guidance.

The best ways to protect yourself are:

Clean high touch areas (doorknobs, phones, computer keyboards, bathroom fixtures) with sanitizing wipes or bleach solution.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water - before eating, after getting home from an outing, etc. Hand sanitizer will not kill norovirus.
Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose.

Other news:

I have had students coming to the nurse’s office lately asking to have their heart rate checked because they just drank a Monster. Children should not be bringing or drinking Monster drinks at school. No drinks, other than water, are allowed in classrooms.

Please dress your students in weather appropriate clothing. Standing outside in these temperatures is stressful on their bodies and immune system. Skin should be covered at all times.

Amy Kemp RN, BSN, NCSN

akemp@rocklandschool.org

781-871-8436