River Bend Middle

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/o/rbm

• 7th Grade Honor Roll Ceremony: 6:00 pm
• 8th Grade Honor Roll Ceremony: 7:00 pm

Help Needed for Career Day

River Bend Middle School is hosting its annual Career Day on May 2, 2025, from 8:30-10:00 am, and we need your help! Whether you're a nurse, mechanic, engineer, business owner, or work in another exciting field, we’d love for you to share your career experiences with our students. Your participation will help them set goals and plan for the future.

• Sign up here: bit.ly/RBMcareer25
• For questions, email Katharine.Smorodin@lcps.org.

2025 Upcoming Events (LCPS Calendars / A & B Days)

• Monday, April 14-Friday, April 18 = No School (Spring Break)
• Monday, April 21-Friday, April 25 = Green Week
• Tuesday, April 22 = 7th Grade Orchestra Field Trip
• Tuesday, April 22 = Earth Day
• Tuesday, April 22 = Start of Quarter #4 Clubs & Intramural Interest Meeting (Soccer)
• Wednesday, April 23 = 6th Grade Honor Roll Ceremony at 6:00 pm (All A's) & 7:00 pm (All A's & B's)
• Thursday, April 24 = Take Your Child to Work Day
• Thursday, April 24 = 7th Grade Honor Roll Ceremony at 6:00 pm & 8th Grade Honor Roll Ceremony 7:00 pm
• Saturday, April 26 = Level Up Innovation Day at 9:00 am-4:00 pm (at Academies of Loudoun)
• Saturday, April 26 = Potomac Falls HS Outdoor Movie Night (Spiderman Into the Spider Verse) at 6:30 pm (at Potomac Falls HS)
• Monday, April 28-Friday, May 2 = Career Week
• Wednesday, April 30 = 6th Grade Guitar Concert at 6:00 pm (Purple Group) & 7:00 pm (Gold Group)
• Friday, May 2 = Career Day at 8:30-10:00 am Presenter Sign-Up (bit.ly/RBMcareer25)
• Friday, May 2 = School Lunch Hero Day

Order Your Yearbook Now

Don’t miss out on the 2024 - 2025 River Bend Middle School Yearbook, filled with all the unforgettable memories of this school year. Our yearbooks sell out every year, so be sure to order yours as soon as possible. Right now, you can take advantage of our early bird special and get your yearbook for just $30. To reserve your copy, CLICK HERE and enter our school code 25178. Act now to secure your yearbook and relive all the best moments of River Bend!

Did you know our Sterling community has grown the Backpack Buddies program by over 10% in the past year? Supporting this program is a powerful way to honor a teacher, feed a student, and make a real difference. If you or your family are looking for a meaningful way to give back while recognizing an educator who matters, visit https://www.sterlinghelp.org/honor-a-teacher to get involved. @hungerresponse

As the weather warms up this spring, here are four important reminders for students. It’s also very helpful when parents/guardians support and reinforce school expectations.

1. Bus Transportation: If students are assigned a bus through LCPS, they should be riding it. We discourage students from walking or biking if they have a bus assignment, and especially urge them not to cross major roads like Route 7.
2. Carpool Lane Etiquette: Traffic, especially in the carpool lane, can be heavy during bad weather. However, with nice weather, parents/guardians can typically move through the carpool line quickly. To be considerate of our neighbors, please do not pick up your child in residential areas of the neighborhood like Rutherford Circle.
3. Walking or Biking: If students are walking or biking home, please ensure they are using the designated paths and crosswalks within our community for safety.
4. Dress Code: With the arrival of warmer weather, it is crucial to remember that, in accordance with School Board Policy 8270, all LCPS students are expected to dress appropriately for an educational setting. This means clothing that exposes undergarments (such as sagging pants) or private areas (such as tops revealing cleavage) is not allowed. Dress code enforcement will be handled discreetly, equitably, and in a gender-neutral manner, with minimal disruption to instructional time. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary actions.

Course Requests Timeline

The deadline to change your child’s course requests for the 2025-2026 school year has passed. Friday, April 4, 2025, was the final day for adjustments. Due to staffing and scheduling constraints, no further changes can be made.

Required Immunizations for 7th Graders

Parents/guardians must provide proof of immunizations as required by Virginia law for attendance at a public school. A student may not be permitted to attend school until proof of immunizations are provided to the school nurse/HCS. Immunizations also help keep all students and staff healthy.

Required Immunization

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, & Pertussis (Tdap). One booster dose of Tdap given at age seven or older.
• Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY). One dose of Meningococcal Vaccine, MenACWY (MenQuadfi, Menveo), given at age 10 or older. This vaccine protects against meningitis and septicemia (blood poisoning).

Encouraged Immunization

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Seventh-grade students are encouraged to have the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine. While the first dose of this two-dose vaccine must be administered before an adolescent’s 15th birthday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the first dose be administered at 11 or 12 years old. This vaccine is at the discretion of the parents or guardian but is recommended. LCPS does not require opt-out documentation for the HPV vaccine.

Once your student has received their required school vaccinations, show proof of immunization to the student’s school. Acceptable documentation includes one of the following:

• A copy of your student's immunization record, signed/stamped by the provider, showing the date the immunization was given.
• A signed note from a healthcare provider on the provider’s letterhead stating the date the immunization was given.
• A healthcare provider’s signed statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption for a student who cannot receive the immunization due to medical reasons.

• A notarized Religious Exemption form .

More information about Commonwealth of Virginia requirements for school enrollment can be found on the Virginia Department of Health website or on the LCPS Immunization Requirements page. Consult with your healthcare provider about immunizations or contact the Loudoun County Health Department to schedule immunization appointments.

Virtual Distance Learning (VDL)

• VDL Website
• VDL will continue as an offering for LCPS middle and high school students.
• Distance Learning remains a fully synchronous virtual offering for the whole school year.

• Parents/guardians of students interested in VDL (rising grades 6-12) must apply through PARENTVUE.

• Students currently participating in VDL who wish to continue with this program for 2025-2026 must re-apply for enrollment.

• The VDL application portal closes Friday, April 25, 2025.

Special Permission

The Special Permission application period for the 2025/26 school year is now open and will remain open until April 30. Special Permission allows families to request permission for their child to attend a school other than their assigned home school.

To apply for Special Permission, please visit the LCPS Special Permission webpage. Parents/guardians who do not have access to a computer may contact the Office of Student Services (571-252-1021) for a paper application form, which is available in English and Spanish.

Transportation

Transportation request options for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year are available in ParentVUE. To be as efficient as possible with our transportation routes, we ask that parents select their option for bus transportation each school year.

Below are links to information on how you can request General transportation, transportation to the Academies of Loudoun and Alternate transportation in ParentVUE. These documents include important information regarding deadlines for your selection that will ensure eligible students have transportation the first week of school.

• General Transportation-to request general bus transportation to/from the student’s home school.
• The Academies of Loudoun Transportation-to request transportation to and/or from ACL.
• Alternate Transportation-Alternate bus stop locations may be requested for pick-up or drop-off that is not at the student’s registered home address. *There is a separate Alternative Transportation Request Form specifically for Academies of Loudoun students that will allow parents to select an alternate HUB stop.

Per School Board Policy 8120 and School Board Policy 8140, each parent/guardian is responsible for their child’s regular and punctual attendance at school as required under provisions of the law (Code of Virginia,§22.1-254).

A parents/guardian of a student who is absent must inform the school of the reason for the absence on the morning of the absence. The preferred method is to report the absence using ParentVUE (start date, end date, reason, note). If a parent is unable to access ParentVUE, a parent/guardian may also call the 24-hour absentee line at (571) 434-3222.

Per School Board Regulation 8140, if a student accrues five (5) or more unexcused absences or otherwise demonstrates a pattern of absenteeism during the school year, a parent/guardian will be contacted and intervention steps will be implemented by a school-based team.

A student is considered chronically absent when their total number of excused and unexcused absences reaches ten percent (10%) or more of the school year. On average, a student should not miss more than four (4) days per quarter.

To comply with state record keeping requirements, students shall be withdrawn from LCPS student membership after fifteen (15) consecutive days of absences regardless of whether their absences are excused or unexcused.

Late Arrivals: Any student arriving after the official start of the school day (8:50 am) will be considered late. When students arrive late to school, they must check in at the main office. Records regarding tardiness will be maintained and appropriate consequences imposed for recurring tardiness.

Early Dismissals: When a student leaves the school premises prior to the end of the school day (3:38 pm) for any reason, a parent/guardian must provide advanced notice and permission. If a parent/guardian reports the early dismissal in ParentVUE, the parent/guardian does not have to check in at the main office. If an early dismissal is not reported in ParentVUE, a parent/guardian must check in at the main office for the child to be released early from school. Because our administrative assistants are involved with transportation at the end of the day, early dismissals after 3:20 pm will only be allowed in the case of an extreme emergency.

The LCPS Middle School Intramural Sports Program has expanded to all 18 middle schools for the 2024-25 school year! We are offering a variety of sports, including flag football, volleyball, basketball, and soccer. Teams can be co-ed or single-gender, depending on the preferences of the participants.

The timeline and details for each sport are as follows:

• Third Quarter (Season Three): 3-on-3 Basketball
• Fourth Quarter (Season Four): 7-on-7 Soccer

To register, visit https://lcps-ar.rschooltoday.com/home, scroll down and click on the button representing your middle school. Please ensure that the registration form is completed and submitted for each participant.

For more information about Middle School Intramurals, please visit the LCPS Intramurals Page.

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: Carrie Bauer (hospitality@rbmspta.org)
• Spirit Chair: Lili Hernandez ( spirit@rbmspta.org)

Are you interested in helping out with Staff Luncheons, Donut Days, or Teacher Appreciation Week? We are looking for help with Co-Chairing our hospitality committee. Please reach out to Lauren Evans if you are interested at president@rbmspta.org.

Transportation

1. Log into ParentVUE (mobile app)
2. Click on your student
3. Click on "Student Information"
4. Scroll to the bottom and click on "Additional Information"
5. 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.

Arrival

For those of you who do not utilize bus transportation or have children who walk or bike to school, we wanted to again provide guidance on the best time and location to drop off your child.

Drop-Off Timing:

Before 8:15 am: Please do not drop off your child before 8:15 am as there is no supervision available at that time.

• 8:15 – 8:30 am: This is the best window for drop-off, as traffic tends to be light.
• 8:30 – 8:45 am: Traffic is heaviest during this time as it coincides with bus arrivals.
• After 8:45 am: Please avoid dropping your child off after this time, as they may be tardy. Students need to be in their first class by 8:50 am.

Drop-Off Location:

• Side of the Building (Kiss and Ride): This is the designated drop-off area for all students.
• Front Parking Lot: Drop-offs here are reserved only for families with Handicap passes or if your child has an injury (e.g., a broken leg).

• 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 = Tonya.Mead@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