Weekly Update RPMS Feb 17

Good afternoon-

As a reminder, school is closed tomorrow, February 17, for Presidents Day. Students will return to school on Tuesday.

This Thursday, February 20, is our annual STEAM Night from 6:30-8:00p. All families are welcome to come out and engage in some great hands-on activities. More details below in the newsletter.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Stephen Reck, Principal

In this message, I will address the following topics:

1. STEAM Night
2. Attendance Reminders
3. Emergency Closure Information
4. 8th Grade Rock and Roll Revival Field Trip
5. IXL Incentives for Math
6. After School Activities
7. Basketball Game This Week
8. Yearbook Sale
9. SSL Updates
10. Grade Level Assignments Summary
11. Upcoming Important Dates & Events
12. Updates from our PTA

Did you read the Hunger Games? How about “The Crossover”? You can’t forget about “Harry Potter”. Well then, you should come to Rosa Parks’ Annual STEAM Night which will be held on Thursday, February 20th from 6:30-8:00pm. This STEAM event will feature hands on activities involving our favorite books! Come build a parachute for Katniss, fix Harry Potter’s glasses, and shoot some hoops like Josh and JB from “The Crossover”, make some bubbles from the “Wizard of Oz” and MANY more!

This event is free and will have activities for all ages! See you there!

School attendance is one of the biggest indicators of student success. For example, research shows that chronic absence is a leading indicator for dropping out of school. At our own school, over 140 RPMS students were chronically absent last year. Maryland defines chronically absent as being out of school for 10% or more of the total number of school days (this includes excused and unexcused absences).

Illness and family responsibilities happen and the school understands that many absences are unavoidable. If your child is absent from school, you can submit an excuse note here. If you are looking for help in improving your child's school attendance, our counseling team is available to help.

Punxsutawney Phil didn't see his shadow and so our winter weather is continuing. As a reminder, the latest information regarding MCPS's operating status can always be found on MCPS's Emergency Information website.

The 8th grade is able to attend a performance of Sherwood High School's Rock and Roll Revival. The trip is March 11th and will cost $12 per student to cover the ticket and bus ride. Students will receive a permission slip in history classes next week. We are in need of parent chaperones to attend this trip. If you are interested in chaperoning, please contact Mrs. Woodward at gina_p_woodward@mcpsmd.org.

The IXL incentives program has begun at RPMS! Students are encouraged to participate in IXL by meeting bi-weekly goals and are rewarded for their efforts. Please see this video link for more information. You can also contact Aimee Conway – Aimee_R_Conway@mcpmd.org

Thank you for supporting your child in their efforts to improve their math skills!

Our After-School Activities webpage can be accessed through this link. It has extensive information on what programs are offered, when they are offered, and how to sign up. Bus transportation is provided on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You can find the bus routes through this link. Students participating in Friday activities must provide their own transportation.

This spreadsheet contains start date information, sponsor information, and further details about the many after-school activities we offer at RPMS. It is updated regularly. For questions about specific clubs, please contact the sponsor listed on the spreadsheet.

This Wednesday, February 19, our mighty Dolphins take on Shady Grove Middle School. Our Girls team is playing at home while our Boys team is on the road.

Last week, both teams defeated Redland. Go Dolphins!

Rosa Parks families, we are happy to announce that our yearbook link is up and active. Just use the link to buy the yearbook as well as to upload photos for possible inclusion in the book. Purchase early because prices increase after December 31st and submit lots of photos including those adorable 8th grade baby photos!

Upcoming SSL opportunities: https://bit.ly/Jan-SSL.

Please submit SSL verification forms digitally whenever possible through the RPMS Google Site: https://bit.ly/SSL-RPMS.

Please contact Mrs. Sarah Lewis, SSL Coordinator, with any questions about the SSL program: sarah_f_lewis@mcpsmd.org

February 17 - No School - Presidents' Day

February 20 - STEAM Night

February 28 - Early Release Day, Dismissal at 12:30p

March 6 - Multicultural Night

March 31 - No School - End of Quarter 3

Here is more information about the RPMS PTA:

🔗 Check it out here: https://linktr.ee/rpmsptsa