FCPS

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Have a Great Summer!

Staff wave goodbye to our students as they head out for the last time in the 2023-2024 school year!

A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Community-

We made it! This week, I wrapped up my first year as principal of Rocky Run Middle School and loved every minute of it! I am constantly reminded of how lucky I am serve this dynamic community. The students bring a smile to my face each morning and I marvel at their accomplishments both in and out of the classroom. The faculty and staff are unparalleled in their commitment to teaching and connecting with students. Not to be forgotten, the parent/guardian community is incredibly supportive. Thanks you to our PTA for graciously donating time and funds to help support our 7th and 8th grade end of year celebrations. Our students appreciated the extra goodies- ice cream and sun glasses for 7th graders and the 8th grade dance for our rising freshmen. I honestly cannot think of a better school in FCPS!

As we shift to summer mode, I want to remind you that Rocky Run Middle School will remain open for the summer with reduced hours of 9am to 2pm.  Please reach out to the main office to schedule appointments as needed. Also, frequently check your emails for updates throughout the summer about various events, including Rising Rams, Rams Rally, and Student Orientation.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions. I look forward to seeing you at RRMS soon.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

RRMS Summer Transition Events

Mark your calendars now for our summer transition events for the 24-25 academic year!

Rising Rams: August 2, 9:00-12:00 OR August 5, 12:00-3:00

Optional transition program for rising 7th grade and new 8th grade students.

Rams Rally: Thursday, August 15, 3:00-5:00pm

All students and families are welcome to walk the building, drop off forms, and meet peers and staff.

Student Orientation: Friday, August 16, 8:30am-11:00am

This event is for students only! Bus transportation will be provided from feeder elementary schools. Students will walk their schedule and meet their teachers.

Adventure Begins at the Library This Summer! 

The Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) understands the importance of summer reading. Reading and participating in engaging reading activities throughout the summer are two effective ways to help students retain skills they learned in school this year.

The Summer Reading Adventure kicks off on Wednesday, June 12. Join the adventure and register today! 

Expunging High School Credits

High school credit courses taken in grades 7 and 8 become part of the student’s high school transcript and are included in the calculation of the high school Grade Point Average (GPA). VA State and FCPS regulations permit parents/guardians to make a request to have that course expunged from the student’s record.  

Please contact your child's school counselor if you have any questions or to submit the completed Request to Expunge High School Courses Taken in Middle School Form.

Quick Links

• Family Resource Center

• Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms

• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• SIS ParentVUE
• Standard School Year Calendar

4400 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151 | Main Office: 703-802-7700
Attendance: 703-802-7782 or [email protected] 
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Important Dates

June 12 - Last Day of School, 2-Hour Early Dismissal

RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Sophia Park (Engaged)

Suhas Devarakonda (Engaged)

Luke Perriello (Engaged)

Preetisha Ghimire Kshetri (Engaged)

Arushi Dasgupta (Engaged)

Finn Reilly (Respectful)

Great job Raising the Ram!

 A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Community-

We're in the home stretch! It’s hard to believe that next week is the last week of school. What a ride this year has been! On Monday and Tuesday each team will honor and celebrate the accomplishments of their students at team assemblies. All students will also participate in field day activities (when NOT at their team assemblies). Families of students that are receiving recognition or awards were individually notified about the events. Our week wraps up with a two-hour early (12:15) release on Wednesday, June 12. Students will attend each of their academic classes for a shortened period of time that day in order to say goodbye to friends and teachers before summer break. 

Rocky Run Middle School will remain open for the summer with reduced hours of 9am to 2pm.  Please reach out to the main office to schedule appointments as needed. Also, frequently check your emails for updates throughout the summer of various events, including Jump Start, VIP Camp and Rams Rally.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions. I look forward to seeing you at RRMS soon.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

May Rams on a Roll

Congratulations to the following students who were selected by their teams as Rams on a Roll for May. Great work! Way to Raise the Ram!

Emerald: Haleema Fraz and Madison Kraft

Meteors: Meera Hamed and Sunny Moring

Platinum: Morgan Anderson and David Charters

Kryptonite: Kendall Gray and Abigail Thompson 

Sapphire:Zairah Kunwar and Diella Shala 

Tiger's Eye: Jake Bustamante and Matthew Seraphin

RRMS Summer Transition Events

Mark your calendars now for our summer transition events for the 24-25 academic year!

Rising Rams: August 2, 9:00-12:00 OR August 5, 12:00-3:00

Optional transition program for rising 7th grade and new 8th grade students.

Rams Rally: Thursday, August 15, 3:00-5:00pm

All students and families are welcome to walk the building, drop off forms, and meet peers and staff.

Student Orientation: Friday, August 16, 8:30am-11:00am

This event is for students only! Bus transportation will be provided from feeder elementary schools. Students will walk their schedule and meet their teachers.

Library Updates

This week, all seventh grade students came to the library for summer checkout! Some students checked out one book, others checked out up to 6! These books will be due on August 23 – the Friday of the first week of school. If your student is done with their books earlier, feel free to return the books to the blue and yellow mailbox outside the Rocky Run main entrance.

Thank you for a fantastic year! See below for our year-end library data.

Lost and Found

LAST CALL for students to claim their items in the lost and found, which is overflowing with coats, sweatshirts, water bottles, etc.  If your student is missing any items, they should check the lost and found by Monday as all items will be donated or discarded on Monday afternoon.  

Sports Physicals

Athletic physicals are required for all middle and high school student-athletes.  This is for rising 7th and rising 8th graders who are interested in participating in our Cross Country and/or Track & Field teams next year OR rising 9th graders who will be participating in a high school sport next year.  For the 2024-2025 school year, all physicals must be dated after May 1, 2024. 

Form for Rising 7th and Rising 8th Grade Students to participate in Cross Country and/or Track & Field next school year.  Please note:  A physical is NOT required for general participation in the Middle School After-School Program - this is only for Cross Country and/or Track & Field participants. FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE)

Form for Rising 9th Grade Students to participate in any high school sport next year:  https://www.fcps.edu/activities/student-athletics

Questions about middle school forms?  Contact Shannon Campbell at [email protected].  Questions about high school forms?  Contact your high school's athletics office.

Summer Camps and Learning Programs

Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a camp for your child with special needs?

The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.

FCPS Summer Camp Offerings

Registration is now open for many summer camps and learning opportunities offered by FCPS for all students.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Visit these sites for more information:

• Tech Adventures (elementary) 
• CTE Summer Academy (middle and high school)
• E-IFTA (elementary)
• IFTA (middle and high school)
• Economics and Personal Finance course (high school)
• Online Campus Program (middle and high school)
• Credit Recovery Academy (middle and high school)
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (middle and high school)

Find session dates and registration links and deadlines on the FCPS summer programs webpage.

After-School Program Information

• The After-School Program has finished for the school year.  Here are some stats from our program:
  • Over 85% of our students attended our program after the 2:15 dismissal
  • We recorded over 21,000 occurrences of students attending
  • We offered more than 60 different clubs/activities
• We need responses on the Parent/Guardian After-School Survey.  This is a county-wide survey and the data is critical for program evaluation and future funding.  Whether your student participated or not, your feedback is important!  Please complete this survey before it closes on Friday, June 7th.  This survey has been approved by FCPS (approval #24234).
• Rising 9th Grade Families - A "High School Sports" button has been added to the top of the After-School Schoology Course.  You will find information there about summer camps, student/family interest meetings, etc.  We will post opportunities as the high schools share the information. 

Questions?  Contact Shannon Campbell, After-School Program Specialist, at [email protected]

Quick Links

• Family Resource Center

• Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms

• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• SIS ParentVUE
• Standard School Year Calendar

4400 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151 | Main Office: 703-802-7700
Attendance: 703-802-7782 or [email protected] 
Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Dates

May 31 - 8th Grade End of Year Celebration, 6 - 8 PM

June 12 - Last Day of School, 2-Hour Early Dismissal

RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Nora Lee (Engaged)

Abdullah Hannan (Respectful, Accountable, Inclusive, Safe, and Engaged)

Lauren Park (Respectful and Safe)

Nikhil Davanagere (Respectful and Accountable)

Kaitlyn Delaney (Accountable and Engaged)

Koyede Folorunsho (Engaged)

Great job Raising the Ram!

A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Community-

After Friday, we only have 8 more "wake ups" in the 2023-2024 school year!  We will be in a celebratory mood at Rocky Run over the next few days and weeks. I look forward to welcoming our 8th grade student to the annual 8th grade party on Friday, May 31. Additionally, I look forward to attending Chantilly High School's graduation ceremony on Friday, June 7, and cheering on our former Rams as they celebrate this important milestone in their educational journey. In the coming weeks, we will also host team award ceremonies and field day events for each of our Interdisciplinary Teams. 

It's crazy to think that the calendar will turn to June this weekend. I want to wish the Rocky Run community a Happy Pride. In the month of June, RRMS and FCPS recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically. We stand with those facing an ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice. This Pride Month, we affirm our obligation to uphold the dignity of all people. Each individual in our school community should feel valued for who they are. 

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions. I look forward to seeing you at RRMS soon.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

RRMS Summer Transition Events

Mark your calendars now for our summer transition events for the 24-25 academic year!

Rising Rams: August 2, 9:00-12:00 OR August 5, 12:00-3:00

Optional transition program for rising 7th grade and new 8th grade students.

Rams Rally: Thursday, August 15, 3:00-5:00pm

All students and families are welcome to walk the building, drop off forms, and meet peers and staff.

Student Orientation: Friday, August 16, 8:30am-11:00am

This event is for students only! Bus transportation will be provided from feeder elementary schools. Students will walk their schedule and meet their teachers.

8th Grade Spring Slideshow

We would love to collect pictures of each of our current 8th graders (one picture as a baby/young child and one current picture).  We will put these into a slideshow to present to the students during their 8th grade end of year school-day celebration on Monday, June 10.  Please submit your pictures using this form by TODAY! If you do not want your student to be included in this slideshow, please opt out on the form. Questions?  Email Emily Texdahl at [email protected] or Shannon Campbell at [email protected].

Yearbook Distribution

The new 2023-2024 Yearbook will be distributed June 5th! Didn't order a book? There are a few left – send your student to room 211 with $30 cash or check (made to RRMS). Books are available until sold out.

Mrs. Kronimus, Yearbook advisor, [email protected]

Library Updates

There are almost 300 library books still checked out! Please check in with your student to make sure they have returned their books. If you can’t find a book, please email Mrs. Grover ([email protected]) to make plans for replacement. There is a mailbox outside the main entrance where library books can be dropped off at any time.

RRMS Spirit Wear Store is Open!

If you have a rising 7th grader or rising 8th grader, show off your Rocky Run pride with swag from our Spirit Wear store! There are 6 designs to choose from with lots of sizes and colors, including tie dye! Don’t wait! The store closes on June 5, and all purchases will be delivered to your address at the end of June. Proceeds benefit the Rocky Run PTA.

Chantilly Charge Ahead Program for Rising 9th Graders

Please see the flyer for information about the Charge Ahead program for rising 9th graders at Chantilly!

Registration link: https://forms.gle/9eL8UB9ydgg3uyuGA 

Payment via students www.myschoolbucks.com

Sports Physicals

Athletic physicals are required for all middle and high school student-athletes.  Beginning May 1, 2024, FCPS high schools will offer athletic pre-participation physical exams for students interested in sports during the 2024-25 school year.   This is for rising 7th and rising 8th graders who are interested in participating in our Cross Country and/or Track & Field teams next year OR rising 9th graders who will be participating in a high school sport next year.  These events serve as the primary fundraiser for our high school athletic training programs and each exam costs $50.  Rising middle school students are eligible to receive a physical at no cost although donations to the HS athletic training program are welcomed. 

Pre-registration is highly encouraged; walk-in appointments may not be available.  You can register here: Student registration.  Once your registration is received, the school’s athletic trainer will contact you to confirm your appointment time.  Athletic physical exams must be completed on this form:

Form for Rising 7th and Rising 8th Grade Students to participate in Cross Country and/or Track & Field next school year.  Please note:  A physical is NOT required for general participation in the Middle School After-School Program - this is only for Cross Country and/or Track & Field participants:  FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE)

Form for Rising 9th Grade Students to participate in any high school sport next year:  https://www.fcps.edu/activities/student-athletics

If you are a medical professional (MD, DO, NP, PA, ATC, PT, EMT, etc.) interested in volunteering your time in support of these events, please register to help out: Volunteer registration.

Questions about middle school forms?  Contact Shannon Campbell at [email protected].  Questions about high school forms?  Contact your high school's athletics office.

Summer Camps and Learning Programs

Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a camp for your child with special needs?

The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.

FCPS Summer Camp Offerings

Registration is now open for many summer camps and learning opportunities offered by FCPS for all students.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Visit these sites for more information:

• Tech Adventures (elementary) 
• CTE Summer Academy (middle and high school)
• E-IFTA (elementary)
• IFTA (middle and high school)
• Economics and Personal Finance course (high school)
• Online Campus Program (middle and high school)
• Credit Recovery Academy (middle and high school)
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (middle and high school)

Find session dates and registration links and deadlines on the FCPS summer programs webpage.

After-School Program Information

• The After-School Program has finished for the school year.  Here are some stats from our program:
  • Over 85% of our students attended our program after the 2:15 dismissal
  • We recorded over 21,000 occurrences of students attending
  • We offered more than 60 different clubs/activities
• We need responses on the Parent/Guardian After-School Survey.  This is a county-wide survey and the data is critical for program evaluation and future funding.  Whether your student participated or not, your feedback is important!  Please complete this survey before it closes on Friday, June 7th.  This survey has been approved by FCPS (approval #24234).
• Rising 9th Grade Families - A "High School Sports" button has been added to the top of the After-School Schoology Course.  You will find information there about summer camps, student/family interest meetings, etc.  We will post opportunities as the high schools share the information. 

Questions?  Contact Shannon Campbell, After-School Program Specialist, at [email protected]

Quick Links

• Family Resource Center

• Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms

• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• SIS ParentVUE
• Standard School Year Calendar

4400 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151 | Main Office: 703-802-7700
Attendance: 703-802-7782 or [email protected] 
Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Dates

May 27 - Holiday (No School)

May 30 - Last Day of After-School Activities & Late Buses

May 31 - 8th Grade End of Year Celebration, 6 - 8 PM

June 12 - Last Day of School, 2-Hour Early Dismissal

RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Dylan Gibson (Engaged)

Katherine Romero-Torres (Accountable)

William Espinal Alvarado (Engaged)

Julia Leonard (Engaged)

Stephon Banks (Engaged)

Jessica Arora (Engaged)

Great job Raising the Ram!

A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Community-

We are in the home stretch of the 2023-2024 school year. When students return after the Memorial Day holiday, we will only have 12 school days left!

This week, I blew the dust off my history teacher hat and worked with 7th grade students in Mr. Linck’s class on their Dust Bowl document-based question (DBQ) essays. I was blown away by the student’s ability to analyze historical documents and write a well-organized analytical essay. I love highlighting this activity because it shows that Rocky Run is still providing meaningful learning activities for students (not to mention supporting life-long writing skills) even though the year is coming to a close.

One other cool activity that brightened my week was learning how to do archery with Mr. Quinn’s PE class. Tuesday was the first time in my life that I picked up a bow and arrow, and it was a blast! Students participated in a safety course prior to doing the activity. We all loved it! Mr. Quinn was definitely engaging students in active learning.

On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of inducting 152 8th grade students into the Rocky Run chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. Students that earned induction maintained a 3.75 GPA and performed 30 hours of community service. A special shoutout to Ms. Hornberger, Ms. Lee, Dr. Jacobson, Mr. DeRusso and Ms. Sciabica for organizing the ceremony. It was special.

I wrapped up my week by joining a team of teachers in taking on the varsity volleyball team. While volleyball isn’t officially a sport at the middle school level, our kids love to play. There are countless “bump circles” going on daily during recess. The team of students has represented RRMS in various informal competitions throughout the county over the course of the year. Thursday’s event was a blast!

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions. I look forward to seeing you at RRMS soon.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

RRMS Summer Transition Events

Mark your calendars now for our summer transition events for the 24-25 academic year!

Rising Rams: August 2, 9:00-12:00 OR August 5, 12:00-3:00

Optional transition program for rising 7th grade and new 8th grade students.

Rams Rally: Thursday, August 15, 3:00-5:00pm

All students and families are welcome to walk the building, drop off forms, and meet peers and staff.

Student Orientation: Friday, August 16, 8:30am-11:00am

This event is for students only! Bus transportation will be provided from feeder elementary schools. Students will walk their schedule and meet their teachers.

SY24-25 Intention Form

If your student is transferring to another school next year, please complete the  Student Intention Form and send it to Ms. White, our Registrar via email at  [email protected]. No need to submit the form if your child is going to attend our school or one of our feeder high schools as planned. 

Expunging High School Credits

High school credit courses taken in grades 7 and 8 become part of the student’s high school transcript and are included in the calculation of the high school Grade Point Average (GPA). VA State and FCPS regulations permit parents/guardians to make a request to have that course expunged from the student’s record.  

Please contact your child's school counselor if you have any questions or to submit the completed Request to Expunge High School Courses Taken in Middle School Form.

Attention 8th Grade Families!

8th Grade Families are invited to come out May 30th as we cover Rocky Run’s grounds with messages of cheer and encouragement for our rising 9th graders!  Drop by anytime between 4-7pm, grab some chalk, and chalk the walk with us.  We are so very proud of our 8th graders RAISING the RAM all year long, and we want to send them off with a bang!  Hope to see you there.

8th Grade Spring Slideshow

We would love to collect pictures of each of our current 8th graders (one picture as a baby/young child and one current picture).  We will put these into a slideshow to present to the students during their 8th grade end of year school-day celebration on Monday, June 10.  Please submit your pictures using this form by Friday, May 31. If you do not want your student to be included in this slideshow, please opt out on the form. Questions?  Email Emily Texdahl at [email protected] or Shannon Campbell at [email protected].

Library Updates

We are getting close to the end of the year and it’s time to return all library books! The FCPS due date for all library books is Wednesday, May 29. This week, all students who still have books checked out received an email listing the titles they still have checked out. Please check with your student to see if they have any books to return and contact me ([email protected]) if your student can’t find one of their books. Did you know? There is a blue and yellow mailbox outside the main entrance of Rocky Run where you or your student can return library books at any time!

RRMS Spirit Wear Store is Open!

If you have a rising 7th grader or rising 8th grader, show off your Rocky Run pride with swag from our Spirit Wear store! There are 6 designs to choose from with lots of sizes and colors, including tie dye! Don’t wait! The store closes on June 5, and all purchases will be delivered to your address at the end of June. Proceeds benefit the Rocky Run PTA.

Sports Physicals

Athletic physicals are required for all middle and high school student-athletes.  Beginning May 1, 2024, FCPS high schools will offer athletic pre-participation physical exams for students interested in sports during the 2024-25 school year.   This is for rising 7th and rising 8th graders who are interested in participating in our Cross Country and/or Track & Field teams next year OR rising 9th graders who will be participating in a high school sport next year.  These events serve as the primary fundraiser for our high school athletic training programs and each exam costs $50.  Rising middle school students are eligible to receive a physical at no cost although donations to the HS athletic training program are welcomed. 

Pre-registration is highly encouraged; walk-in appointments may not be available.  You can register here: Student registration.  Once your registration is received, the school’s athletic trainer will contact you to confirm your appointment time.  Athletic physical exams must be completed on this form:

Form for Rising 7th and Rising 8th Grade Students to participate in Cross Country and/or Track & Field next school year.  Please note:  A physical is NOT required for general participation in the Middle School After-School Program - this is only for Cross Country and/or Track & Field participants:  FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE)

Form for Rising 9th Grade Students to participate in any high school sport next year:  https://www.fcps.edu/activities/student-athletics

If you are a medical professional (MD, DO, NP, PA, ATC, PT, EMT, etc.) interested in volunteering your time in support of these events, please register to help out: Volunteer registration.

Questions about middle school forms?  Contact Shannon Campbell at [email protected].  Questions about high school forms?  Contact your high school's athletics office.

Summer Camps and Learning Programs

Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a camp for your child with special needs?

The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.

FCPS Summer Camp Offerings

Registration is now open for many summer camps and learning opportunities offered by FCPS for all students.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Visit these sites for more information:

• Tech Adventures (elementary) 
• CTE Summer Academy (middle and high school)
• E-IFTA (elementary)
• IFTA (middle and high school)
• Economics and Personal Finance course (high school)
• Online Campus Program (middle and high school)
• Credit Recovery Academy (middle and high school)
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (middle and high school)

Find session dates and registration links and deadlines on the FCPS summer programs webpage.

Our Annual 8th Grade End of Year Party is next Friday, 5/31!  Suggested attire is semi-formal.  See the links below to RSVP and sign-up to help us out with our donation requests! RSVP Here Sign up here to donate items and/or volunteer After-School Program Information

Schedule for the week of 5/27

• Thursday, May 30, is our last day for after-school activities and late buses for this school year.  Over 85% of our students participated in our program!  We had a great year staying engaged, connected, and active after the 2:15 bell.  We are looking forward to working with our 7th graders again next year.  Best of luck to our 8th graders as they move on to high school!   
• Watch your inbox early next week for an after-school parent/guardian survey.  This is very important data for our program and critical for future funding! 
• Rising 9th Grade Families - A "High School Sports" button has been added to the top of the After-School Schoology Course.  We will post various activity opportunities as the high schools share the information.  

Questions?  Contact Shannon Campbell, After-School Program Specialist, at [email protected]

Quick Links

• Family Resource Center

• Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms

• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• SIS ParentVUE
• Standard School Year Calendar

4400 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151 | Main Office: 703-802-7700
Attendance: 703-802-7782 or [email protected] 
Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Dates

May 22 - NJHS Pinning Ceremony, 3:15 PM, Gym

        PTA Meeting, 6:30 PM, Library

May 27 - Holiday (No School)

May 30 - Last Day of After-School Activities & Late Buses

May 31 - 8th Grade End of Year Celebration, 6 - 8 PM

June 12 - Last Day of School, 2-Hour Early Dismissal

RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Chelsea Koo (Engaged)

Charles Selchert (Inclusive and Engaged)

Ada Tan (Engaged)

Luca Frias (Respectful and Engaged)

Jayce Gaffney (Engaged)

Marsaad Khan (Accountable and Engaged)

Great job Raising the Ram!

A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Community-

We had a great week of learning at Rocky Run Middle School. If my career as a middle school principal doesn't pan out, I hope to hit it big as a capitalist entrepreneur! This week I had the pleasure of being a "Shark" in our 8th grade Civics classes Shark Tank presentations. I was blown away by the ingenuity and inventiveness of our students. They definitely applied their learning of complex financial concepts to create and advertise a product for investors. Be on the lookout for the Cold Pillow (hopefully) coming to a store near you soon. I happen to be a 49% owner of the company.  

Beyond soliciting investors in the Shark Tank presentations, all students took their math SOLs on Wednesday and 8th grade students took their science SOL on Friday. These can be long and tiring testing blocks for students, and they did great. We were sure to go outside for some much-needed fresh air after each test. Even though the weather wasn't great, we still prioritized going outside and allowing students to decompress and focus on Social and Emotional well-being. SOL scores will be shared with students as an un-graded assignment in SIS starting at the end of the day on Friday, May 17. Next week, we will administer make-up exams and expedited re-takes (for eligible students) the following week.

With the conclusion of SOL testing, we will transition into end of year events. We will induct students into NJHS on May 22 and celebrate our 8th grade party on May 31. In early June, we will have team parties, awards celebrations and field day. The last day of school will be hear before we know it. Let's make the last few weeks meaningful.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions. I look forward to seeing you at RRMS soon.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

April Rams on a Roll

Congratulations to the following students who were selected by their teams as Rams on a Roll for April. Great work! Way to Raise the Ram!

Emerald: Kylie Calmbacher and Javier Velazco

Meteors: Dylan Gibson and Ian Thacker

Platinum: Cora Haye and Frankie Slevin

Kryptonite: Faith Hartman and Ivan Lao

Sapphire: Jace Byrd and Riley Lorjuste

Tiger's Eye: Outia Alim, Muhammad Nawaz, and Austin Riddle

SY24-25 Intention Form

If your student is transferring to another school next year, please complete the  Student Intention Form and send it to Ms. White, our Registrar via email at  [email protected]. No need to submit the form if your child is going to attend our school or one of our feeder high schools as planned. 

Expunging High School Credits

High school credit courses taken in grades 7 and 8 become part of the student’s high school transcript and are included in the calculation of the high school Grade Point Average (GPA). VA State and FCPS regulations permit parents/guardians to make a request to have that course expunged from the student’s record.  

Please contact your child's school counselor if you have any questions or to submit the completed Request to Expunge High School Courses Taken in Middle School Form.

PTA Updates

Please join the PTA at our final two meetings of the year.  On Wednesday, May 22, at 6:30pm in the library, we will review all the activities sponsored by the PTA for the second half of the year, give a budget update, and share information for those interested in serving on the 2024-2025 PTA Board.  On June 5, at 6:30pm in the library, we will hold an election to fill the open PTA Board positions.  For more information, email [email protected].

Attention 8th Grade Families!

8th Grade Families are invited to come out May 30th as we cover Rocky Run’s grounds with messages of cheer and encouragement for our rising 9th graders!  Drop by anytime between 4-7pm, grab some chalk, and chalk the walk with us.  We are so very proud of our 8th graders RAISING the RAM all year long, and we want to send them off with a bang!  Hope to see you there.

8th Grade Spring Slideshow

We would love to collect pictures of each of our current 8th graders (one picture as a baby/young child and one current picture).  We will put these into a slideshow to present to the students during their 8th grade end of year school-day celebration on Monday, June 10.  Please submit your pictures using this form by Friday, May 31. If you do not want your student to be included in this slideshow, please opt out on the form. Questions?  Email Emily Texdahl at [email protected] or Shannon Campbell at [email protected].

Attendance Reminder

Wondering if your child should come to school? Most of the time, headaches can be managed at school! Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic success, so we want to support you in helping your child be at school as often as possible.

*Over the counter medication can be kept in the clinic, and for the purpose of a headache treatment, no physician signature needed.  A completed Medical Authorization Form gives the school the authorization to dispense medication to a student.  A parent or guardian needs to bring in the completed form with a new/unopened bottle of medication.  If you have any questions, please contact our Clinic.  If your student’s headache is unable to be controlled in this manner, please consult your physician.

Don’t forget to drop off the form and headache medicine next year when your student returns to school!

Library Updates

We are getting close to the end of the year and it’s almost time to return all library books! The FCPS due date for all library books is May 29. This week, I reminded all students through their English classes of the library books they have checked out and how to access their checkouts through Destiny Discover. Please check with your student to see if they have any books to return and contact me ([email protected]) if your student can’t find one of their books. Did you know? There is a blue and yellow mailbox outside the main entrance of Rocky Run where you or your student can return library books at any time!

Last week was the final chance for students to sign up for the Inspiration Studio (our makerspace) during Rock Time. Students have created amazing things this year with materials including cardboard, hot glue, yarn, Legos, craft supplies, and more. It has been wonderful to watch them develop problem solving and communication skills, too! See the photo for students in action.

Finally, students are so close to finishing the last Sticker Mosaic of the year! It is hung in the library for anyone to add stickers based on a color chart. This is a much-loved activity at Rocky Run and provides opportunity for students to talk with each other and also contribute to a community art piece. We will hang the finished product in the library windows soon!

Sports Physicals

Athletic physicals are required for all middle and high school student-athletes.  Beginning May 1, 2024, FCPS high schools will offer athletic pre-participation physical exams for students interested in sports during the 2024-25 school year.   This is for rising 7th and rising 8th graders who are interested in participating in our Cross Country and/or Track & Field teams next year OR rising 9th graders who will be participating in a high school sport next year.  These events serve as the primary fundraiser for our high school athletic training programs and each exam costs $50.  Rising middle school students are eligible to receive a physical at no cost although donations to the HS athletic training program are welcomed. 

Pre-registration is highly encouraged; walk-in appointments may not be available.  You can register here: Student registration.  Once your registration is received, the school’s athletic trainer will contact you to confirm your appointment time.  Athletic physical exams must be completed on this form:

Form for Rising 7th and Rising 8th Grade Students to participate in Cross Country and/or Track & Field next school year.  Please note:  A physical is NOT required for general participation in the Middle School After-School Program - this is only for Cross Country and/or Track & Field participants:  FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE)

Form for Rising 9th Grade Students to participate in any high school sport next year:  https://www.fcps.edu/activities/student-athletics

If you are a medical professional (MD, DO, NP, PA, ATC, PT, EMT, etc.) interested in volunteering your time in support of these events, please register to help out: Volunteer registration.

Questions about middle school forms?  Contact Shannon Campbell at [email protected].  Questions about high school forms?  Contact your high school's athletics office.

Summer Camps and Learning Programs

Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a camp for your child with special needs?

The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.

FCPS Summer Camp Offerings

Registration is now open for many summer camps and learning opportunities offered by FCPS for all students.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Visit these sites for more information:

• Tech Adventures (elementary) 
• CTE Summer Academy (middle and high school)
• E-IFTA (elementary)
• IFTA (middle and high school)
• Economics and Personal Finance course (high school)
• Online Campus Program (middle and high school)
• Credit Recovery Academy (middle and high school)
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (middle and high school)

Find session dates and registration links and deadlines on the FCPS summer programs webpage.

Save the Date for our Annual 8th Grade End of Year Party!  Suggested attire is semi-formal  RSVP Here Sign up here to donate items and/or volunteer After-School Program Information

Schedule for the week of 5/20

• No activities on Friday, 5/24 - all students should depart at the 2:15 dismissal.

Important Program Information:

• Mark your calendar - there will be no after-school activities and no late buses on 5/24.  The last day of late buses and activities for the school year will be Thursday, 5/30.  
• Rising 9th Grade Families - A "High School Sports" button has been added to the top of the After-School Schoology Course.  We will post various activity opportunities as the high schools share the information.  
• Program updates, announcements, schedules, and late bus routes will be communicated through the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added
• Registration form is required for ALL RRMS students (regardless of intent to participate).  Your student will not be able to stay after for any clubs, activities, or events if this form is not completed.  
• Check out our Program Preview

Questions?  Contact Shannon Campbell, After-School Program Specialist, at [email protected]

Quick Links

• Family Resource Center

• Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms

• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• SIS ParentVUE
• Standard School Year Calendar

4400 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151 | Main Office: 703-802-7700
Attendance: 703-802-7782 or [email protected] 
Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Dates

May 15 - Math SOL

May 17 - Science SOL

May 22 - NJHS Pinning Ceremony

May 27 - Holiday (No School)

May 30 - Last Day of After-School Activities & Late Buses

May 31 - 8th Grade End of Year Celebration, 6 - 8 PM

RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

William Hyun (Engaged)

Makaela Soriano (Engaged)

Ana Munoz Chavarria (Engaged)

Saaya Patel (Engaged)

Joel Viera Hernandez (Engaged)

Eva Godoy (Respectful, Accountable, and Engaged)

Great job Raising the Ram!

A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Community-

This past week we celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week. This week on the calendar is always one of the best weeks to be in schools.  I always enjoy modeling service leadership by flipping burgers, dishing out ice cream, covering classes, etc. However, I realize that no amount of small tokens and gestures can truly show our staff how much we are grateful for all they do for our students and community. Every day they show their passion, resiliency, and commitment to students. The teachers make Rocky Run special.

The timing of the weeklong celebration was a great way to get our staff energized for end of year testing. We have two SOL tests next week. All students will take math on Wednesday and 8th graders will take Science on Friday. Be sure to have your students bring a fully changed laptop each day. 

The month of May also recognizes two groups that we celebrate in our community; Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month.  

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

• Explore exhibits, collections, and videos.
• Check out this cool PBS video for more information about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
• Take a virtual tour to explore parks, memorials, and historic sites

Jewish American Heritage Month

• The 31 days of May are designated as Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) when we pay tribute to the achievements and contributions made by American Jews throughout our nation’s history. 
• The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Jewish Americans who have helped form the fabric of American history, culture, and society. More information is available online. 
• Additional Resources about the contributions of Jewish Americans can be found at the National Archives and Library of Congress.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions. I look forward to seeing you at RRMS soon.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

SY24-25 Intention Form

If your student is transferring to another school next year, please complete the  Student Intention Form and send it to Ms. White, our Registrar via email at  [email protected]. No need to submit the form if your child is going to attend our school or one of our feeder high schools as planned. 

Spring Standards of Learning (SOL)

State assessments measure the extent to which students have learned the content and skills reflected in state standards and may also be used to measure growth in learning state standards. The format and timing of state assessments vary by grade level and content area, as noted in the table below. These include:

• Spring Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests in reading, mathematics, and science. For certain grade levels, the reading SOL tests includes an integrated reading/writing (IRW) component. More information is available on the SOL assessments webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/35021); 

• The Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/student-assessment/grade-level-tests) provides information by grade level about the general assessment schedule and reporting method for each required assessment type in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Test dates for Rocky Run Middle School are scheduled as follows:

• May 15 – Math SOL (7th and 8th)
• May 17 – Science SOL (8th grade only)

If you have questions about state assessments, contact your student’s counselor or Ashleigh Kim ([email protected]), the school test coordinator.

Expunging High School Credits

High school credit courses taken in grades 7 and 8 become part of the student’s high school transcript and are included in the calculation of the high school Grade Point Average (GPA). VA State and FCPS regulations permit parents/guardians to make a request to have that course expunged from the student’s record.  

Please contact your child's school counselor if you have any questions or to submit the completed Request to Expunge High School Courses Taken in Middle School Form.

PTA Updates

Please join the PTA at our final two meetings of the year.  On Wednesday, May 22, at 6:30pm in the library, we will review all the activities sponsored by the PTA for the second half of the year, give a budget update, and share information for those interested in serving on the 2024-2025 PTA Board.  On June 5, at 6:30pm in the library, we will hold an election to fill the open PTA Board positions.  For more information, email [email protected].

Attention 8th Grade Families!

8th Grade Families are invited to come out May 30th as we cover Rocky Run’s grounds with messages of cheer and encouragement for our rising 9th graders!  Drop by anytime between 4-7pm, grab some chalk, and chalk the walk with us.  We are so very proud of our 8th graders RAISING the RAM all year long, and we want to send them off with a bang!  Hope to see you there.

8th Grade Spring Slideshow

We would love to collect pictures of each of our current 8th graders (one picture as a baby/young child and one current picture).  We will put these into a slideshow to present to the students during their 8th grade end of year school-day celebration on Monday, June 10.  Please submit your pictures using this form by Friday, May 31. If you do not want your student to be included in this slideshow, please opt out on the form. Questions?  Email Emily Texdahl at [email protected] or Shannon Campbell at [email protected].

Congratulations to TSA!

Twenty-seven students attended the Technology Student Association (TSA) State competition this past weekend.  They received 16 top 10 finishes and 7 top three trophies for their science, engineering and technology entries.  Additionally, Meghana N. was selected the 9th overall middle school student and Rocky Run was the 4th place most outstanding middle school.  

Sports Physicals

Athletic physicals are required for all middle and high school student-athletes.  Beginning May 1, 2024, FCPS high schools will offer athletic pre-participation physical exams for students interested in sports during the 2024-25 school year.   This is for rising 7th and rising 8th graders who are interested in participating in our Cross Country and/or Track & Field teams next year OR rising 9th graders who will be participating in a high school sport next year.  These events serve as the primary fundraiser for our high school athletic training programs and each exam costs $50.  Rising middle school students are eligible to receive a physical at no cost although donations to the HS athletic training program are welcomed. 

Pre-registration is highly encouraged; walk-in appointments may not be available.  You can register here: Student registration.  Once your registration is received, the school’s athletic trainer will contact you to confirm your appointment time.  Athletic physical exams must be completed on this form:

Form for Rising 7th and Rising 8th Grade Students to participate in Cross Country and/or Track & Field next school year.  Please note:  A physical is NOT required for general participation in the Middle School After-School Program - this is only for Cross Country and/or Track & Field participants:  FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE)

Form for Rising 9th Grade Students to participate in any high school sport next year:  https://www.fcps.edu/activities/student-athletics

If you are a medical professional (MD, DO, NP, PA, ATC, PT, EMT, etc.) interested in volunteering your time in support of these events, please register to help out: Volunteer registration.

Questions about middle school forms?  Contact Shannon Campbell at [email protected].  Questions about high school forms?  Contact your high school's athletics office.

Summer Camps and Learning Programs

Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a camp for your child with special needs?

The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.

FCPS Summer Camp Offerings

Registration is now open for many summer camps and learning opportunities offered by FCPS for all students.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Visit these sites for more information:

• Tech Adventures (elementary) 
• CTE Summer Academy (middle and high school)
• E-IFTA (elementary)
• IFTA (middle and high school)
• Economics and Personal Finance course (high school)
• Online Campus Program (middle and high school)
• Credit Recovery Academy (middle and high school)
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (middle and high school)

Find session dates and registration links and deadlines on the FCPS summer programs webpage.

Save the Date for our Annual 8th Grade End of Year Party!  Suggested attire is semi-formal  RSVP Here Sign up here to donate items and/or volunteer After-School Program Information

Schedule for the week of 5/13

Important Program Information:

• Chantilly HS Color Guard will host interest sessions on Monday, 5/13, and Thursday, 5/16.  Information can be found on this sign-up form.
• Mark your calendar - there will be no after-school activities and no late buses on 5/24.  The last day of late buses and activities for the school year will be Thursday, 5/30.  
• Program updates, announcements, schedules, and late bus routes will be communicated through the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added
• Registration form is required for ALL RRMS students (regardless of intent to participate).  Your student will not be able to stay after for any clubs, activities, or events if this form is not completed.  
• Check out our Program Preview

Questions?  Contact Shannon Campbell, After-School Program Specialist, at [email protected]

Quick Links

• Family Resource Center

• Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms

• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• SIS ParentVUE
• Standard School Year Calendar

4400 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151 | Main Office: 703-802-7700
Attendance: 703-802-7782 or [email protected] 
Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Dates

May 9 - Reading SOL

May 10 - Music Department Trip

May 15 - Math SOL

May 17 - Science SOL; Talent Show, 7 PM

May 22 - NJHS Pinning Ceremony

May 27 - Holiday (No School)

May 30 - Last Day of After-School Activities & Late Buses

May 31 - 8th Grade End of Year Celebration, 6 - 8 PM

A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Community-

What a busy week at Rocky Run, even though there were only 4 days of schools. I've said it before, but I'll say it again, sometimes it feels like we cram 5 days of learning and activities into 4 day weeks. This week epitomized that idea.

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday all of our 7th grade students had the opportunity to head into Washington DC to tour the National Mall and visit the monuments for the people and events that they've been studying all year. As a product of FCPS schools and a lifelong resident of Northern Virginia, I think that I often take our proximity to DC for granted. What a cool field trip and experience for our students. I attended the trip on Wednesday (as a school employee and dad) and the weather was amazing! We were lucky to have great weather and happened to be at the World War 2 memorial during an Honor Flight ceremony. I definitely achieved my daily 10,000 steps goal. 

Not to forget about our 8th grade students, on Thursday we hosted our annual 8th Grade Family Night. We welcomed the PTA's of our feeder high schools, hosted student panels from recent RRMS alumni to talk about the transition to high school and led panels by our math teachers on what to expect in high school. By far, the highlight of the night was the green screen where students could take pictures with their high school mascots! Thanks to all the RRMS staff and community members that made the event so meaningful.

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions. I look forward to seeing you at RRMS soon.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

Thank a Staff Member!

Rocky Run will be celebrating Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week the week of May 6-May 10. We would like to give your community the opportunity to thank a staff member or share what makes them special! If you'd like to participate, please fill out this form today!

Thank you!

SY24-25 Intention Form

If your student is transferring to another school next year, please complete the  Student Intention Form and send it to Ms. White, our Registrar via email at  [email protected]. No need to submit the form if your child is going to attend our school or one of our feeder high schools as planned. 

Spring Standards of Learning (SOL)

State assessments measure the extent to which students have learned the content and skills reflected in state standards and may also be used to measure growth in learning state standards. The format and timing of state assessments vary by grade level and content area, as noted in the table below. These include:

• Spring Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests in reading, mathematics, and science. For certain grade levels, the reading SOL tests includes an integrated reading/writing (IRW) component. More information is available on the SOL assessments webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/35021); 

• The Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/student-assessment/grade-level-tests) provides information by grade level about the general assessment schedule and reporting method for each required assessment type in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Test dates for Rocky Run Middle School are scheduled as follows:

• May 9 – Reading SOL (7th and 8th)
• May 15 – Math SOL (7th and 8th)
• May 17 – Science SOL (8th grade only)

If you have questions about state assessments, contact your student’s counselor or Ashleigh Kim ([email protected]), the school test coordinator.

Eco Club Earth Day Cleanup

On Tuesday, forty 7th and 8th grade students picked up litter on the grounds of Rocky run. They snacked on banans and learned about composting the peels to reduce their carbon footprint!

A huge thanks to all of the students who came out to help keep our school grounds looking beautiful, and to our amazing Eco Club sponsor, Ms. Renee Martin!

Chantilly Charge Ahead Program for Rising 9th Graders

Please see the flyer for information about the Charge Ahead program for rising 9th graders at Chantilly!

Registration link: https://forms.gle/9eL8UB9ydgg3uyuGA Payment via students www.myschoolbucks.com

Sports Physicals

Athletic physicals are required for all middle and high school student-athletes.  Beginning May 1, 2024, FCPS high schools will offer athletic pre-participation physical exams for students interested in sports during the 2024-25 school year.   This is for rising 7th and rising 8th graders who are interested in participating in our Cross Country and/or Track & Field teams next year OR rising 9th graders who will be participating in a high school sport next year.  These events serve as the primary fundraiser for our high school athletic training programs and each exam costs $50.  Rising middle school students are eligible to receive a physical at no cost although donations to the HS athletic training program are welcomed. 

Pre-registration is highly encouraged; walk-in appointments may not be available.  You can register here: Student registration.  Once your registration is received, the school’s athletic trainer will contact you to confirm your appointment time.  Athletic physical exams must be completed on this form:

Form for Rising 7th and Rising 8th Grade Students to participate in Cross Country and/or Track & Field next school year.  Please note:  A physical is NOT required for general participation in the Middle School After-School Program - this is only for Cross Country and/or Track & Field participants:  FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE)

Form for Rising 9th Grade Students to participate in any high school sport next year:  https://www.fcps.edu/activities/student-athletics

If you are a medical professional (MD, DO, NP, PA, ATC, PT, EMT, etc.) interested in volunteering your time in support of these events, please register to help out: Volunteer registration.

Questions about middle school forms?  Contact Shannon Campbell at [email protected].  Questions about high school forms?  Contact your high school's athletics office.

Library Updates

School Library Month was a fantastic success! There were some great discussions and contests on Schoology, a wonderful author visit and evening Family Book Club with Stuart Gibbs, a successful Poetry Palooza with English 8, enlightening AI professional development for staff, students making buttons and magnets, and more! All of the student and staff participation in School Library Month activities makes clear that our school community values and enjoys our library in many ways.

April brought some professional growth for me, including the spring professional development hosted by FCPS Library Services. We discussed many topics including the ethics and impact of AI in education and Universal Design for Learning. I also co-led sessions on creating a safe, welcoming library for all. Finally, I was honored to be recognized by the FCPS School Board for recently achieving National Board Certification in Library Media. This certification is hailed as the gold standard for excellence in teaching, learning, assessing student work, and impact of the school library on students’ personal and academic growth. I am proud to be a librarian leader, both in FCPS and on the national level.

May Updates: The school year is quickly coming to a close! All library books need to be returned by May 29. I will be visiting with students soon in their English class to remind them of any books they have checked out. If your student can’t find their library book, please contact me to arrange replacement. ([email protected]) More coming soon!

Summer Camps and Learning Programs

Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a camp for your child with special needs?

The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.

FCPS Summer Camp Offerings

Registration is now open for many summer camps and learning opportunities offered by FCPS for all students.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Visit these sites for more information:

• Tech Adventures (elementary) 
• CTE Summer Academy (middle and high school)
• E-IFTA (elementary)
• IFTA (middle and high school)
• Economics and Personal Finance course (high school)
• Online Campus Program (middle and high school)
• Credit Recovery Academy (middle and high school)
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (middle and high school)

Find session dates and registration links and deadlines on the FCPS summer programs webpage.

Save the Date for our Annual 8th Grade End of Year Party!  Suggested attire is semi-formal  RSVP Here Sign up here to donate items and/or volunteer After-School Program Information

Schedule for the week of 5/6

Important Program Information:

• Mark your calendar - there will be no after-school activities and no late buses on 5/24.  The last day of late buses and activities for the school year will be Thursday, 5/30.  
• Program updates, announcements, schedules, and late bus routes will be communicated through the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added
• Registration form is required for ALL RRMS students (regardless of intent to participate).  Your student will not be able to stay after for any clubs, activities, or events if this form is not completed.  
• Check out our Program Preview

Questions?  Contact Shannon Campbell, After-School Program Specialist, at [email protected]

Quick Links

• Family Resource Center

• Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms

• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• SIS ParentVUE
• Standard School Year Calendar

4400 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151 | Main Office: 703-802-7700
Attendance: 703-802-7782 or [email protected] 
Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Dates

April 29 - History 7 Field Trip (Emerald Team)

April 30 - History 7 Field Trip (Meteors Team)

May 1 - History 7 Field Trip (Platinum Team) 

May 2 - 8th Grade Family Night, 6 - 7:30 PM

May 3 - No School (Teacher Workday)

May 9 - Reading SOL

May 10 - Music Department Trip

May 15 - Math SOL

May 17 - Science SOL; Talent Show, 7 PM

RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Miles Denny (Engaged)

Chhay Eur Heng (Accountable and Engaged)

Essam Mikhail (Inclusive and Engaged)

Emily Chung (Engaged)

Aaliyah Humphrey (Respectful, Accountable, Safe, and Engaged)

Sebastian Freite (Engaged)

Great job Raising the Ram!

A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Community-

This week, I spent a lot of time with our students in 7th and 8th grade English classrooms. Each grade level was studying poetry. Our 7th grade students attended class in a "poetry cafe" and shared original pieces. Students (and guests) had the opportunity to read other works and provide feedback. The 7th grade teachers put up cool decorations to transform the space. For a brief second I thought I was in an urban literary coffee house! Our 8th grade students learned about creative ways to write poetry as they visited our library. Teachers had five different workshops set up to allow students to create poems through blackout technique, word tiles, paint chip samples, etc. I encourage you to talk to your students this weekend about their poetry experiences. 

Looking forward to the coming weeks, students will have a four-day week next week, as we observe Orthodox Good Friday on May 3. Millions of Orthodox Christians commemorate Good Friday, also known as “Great Friday” to remember the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. There will be no school for students that day. See the complete school year calendar.

When students come back, we will begin our SOL testing window. 7th and 8th graders will take the reading SOL on Thursday, May 9. All students will take their math SOL on Wednesday, May 15. 8th graders will take their science SOL on Friday, May 17. Please be sure to make note of these dates and try to avoid pulling students out of school. On testing days, we begin the assessment at 7:30. We request that families are mindful of tardiness in order to provide enough time for students to complete the assessment. 

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions. I look forward to seeing you at RRMS soon.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

March Rams on a Roll

Congratulations to the following students who were selected by their teams as Rams on a Roll for March. Great work! Way to Raise the Ram!

Emerald: Calvert Klarevas and Vanessa Wang

Meteors: Camila Anaya Rivera and Kayley Burns

Platinum: Christine Bruening and Austin Nguyen

Kryptonite: Ellen Kim and Nadide Turhan

Sapphire: Pinar Demirtas and Joey Kim

Tiger's Eye: Mariya Dar and Ashyr McDonald

Thank a Staff Member!

Rocky Run will be celebrating Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week the week of May 6-May 10. We would like to give your community the opportunity to thank a staff member or share what makes them special! If you'd like to participate,please fill out this form by next Friday, May 3.

Thank you!

Chantilly Pyramid Night

All pyramid students are welcome! Students wearing spirit gear get in free with a paying adult!

Spring Family Night for 8th Grade Families

Save the date! We are excited to announce that our second annual Spring Family Night for 8th Grade Families will be held on Thursday, May 2nd from 6:00-7:30 pm.  This event is being planned to answer your questions about the upcoming transition to high school. The evening will include:

• Resource fair with representatives from our three main high schools and community organizations (including some HS spirit wear sales!)
• Student panel of Rocky Run alumni/current high school students for questions and answers
• Counselor presentation on how to help your student get and stay organized for success in high school
• Q&A on how to decipher the FCPS high school math sequence
• Green screen photo booth with your choice of a Chantilly, Centreville, or Westfield background
• Sessions in Korean and in Spanish on what to expect next year

While RSVPs are not required, for our planning purposes, we would appreciate it if you could let us know that you are planning to join us by completing this Google form. If you have any questions, please contact Lorraine Marshall at [email protected] or Rachel Sweeney at [email protected].

We look forward to welcoming you to Rocky Run on May 2nd!

Spring Standards of Learning (SOL)

State assessments measure the extent to which students have learned the content and skills reflected in state standards and may also be used to measure growth in learning state standards. The format and timing of state assessments vary by grade level and content area, as noted in the table below. These include:

• Spring Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests in reading, mathematics, and science. For certain grade levels, the reading SOL tests includes an integrated reading/writing (IRW) component. More information is available on the SOL assessments webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/35021); 

• The Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/student-assessment/grade-level-tests) provides information by grade level about the general assessment schedule and reporting method for each required assessment type in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Test dates for Rocky Run Middle School are scheduled as follows:

• May 9 – Reading SOL (7th and 8th)
• May 15 – Math SOL (7th and 8th)
• May 17 – Science SOL (8th grade only)

If you have questions about state assessments, contact your student’s counselor or Ashleigh Kim ([email protected]), the school test coordinator.

Last chance to order a Yearbook!!

 The yearbook order center will close for orders tomorrow, Saturday, April 27. This is your last chance to pre-order and secure a book for your student. 

To Order: Visit : www.yearbookordercenter.com and use school code 5333

Sports Physicals

Athletic physicals are required for all middle and high school student-athletes.  Beginning May 1, 2024, FCPS high schools will offer athletic pre-participation physical exams for students interested in sports during the 2024-25 school year.   This is for rising 7th and rising 8th graders who are interested in participating in our Cross Country and/or Track & Field teams next year OR rising 9th graders who will be participating in a high school sport next year.  These events serve as the primary fundraiser for our high school athletic training programs and each exam costs $50.  Rising middle school students are eligible to receive a physical at no cost although donations to the HS athletic training program are welcomed. 

Pre-registration is highly encouraged; walk-in appointments may not be available.  You can register here: Student registration.  Once your registration is received, the school’s athletic trainer will contact you to confirm your appointment time.  Athletic physical exams must be completed on this form:

Form for Rising 7th and Rising 8th Grade Students to participate in Cross Country and/or Track & Field next school year.  Please note:  A physical is NOT required for general participation in the Middle School After-School Program - this is only for Cross Country and/or Track & Field participants:  FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE)

Form for Rising 9th Grade Students to participate in any high school sport next year:  https://www.fcps.edu/activities/student-athletics

If you are a medical professional (MD, DO, NP, PA, ATC, PT, EMT, etc.) interested in volunteering your time in support of these events, please register to help out: Volunteer registration.

Questions about middle school forms?  Contact Shannon Campbell at [email protected].  Questions about high school forms?  Contact your high school's athletics office.

Westfield High School Theatre Presents Freaky Friday, A New Musical

May 2, 3, 4 at 7pm and May 4 at 2pm (Mother--Daughter Matinee)

Musical is appropriate for all ages.

When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. By spending a day in each other's shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another's struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.

Our matinee performance will feature various mother-daughter themed events including a dress like your mother, dress like your daughter fashion show, pre-show & intermission shout-outs to your mom or daughter, and a photo booth!

We are also hosting a FREE theatre workshop for 4th-8th graders on the next teacher workday - May 3rd from 2-4pm at Westfield.

All info found at www.westfieldtheatre.com

Summer Camps and Learning Programs

Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a camp for your child with special needs?

The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.

FCPS Summer Camp Offerings

Registration is now open for many summer camps and learning opportunities offered by FCPS for all students.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Visit these sites for more information:

• Tech Adventures (elementary) 
• CTE Summer Academy (middle and high school)
• E-IFTA (elementary)
• IFTA (middle and high school)
• Economics and Personal Finance course (high school)
• Online Campus Program (middle and high school)
• Credit Recovery Academy (middle and high school)
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (middle and high school)

Find session dates and registration links and deadlines on the FCPS summer programs webpage.

Save the Date for our Annual 8th Grade End of Year Party!  Suggested attire is semi-formal.   More information coming soon!   After-School Program Information

Schedule for the week of 4/29

Important Program Information:

• Mark your calendar - there will be no after-school activities and no late buses on 5/24.  The last day of late buses and activities for the school year will be Thursday, 5/31.  
• We are proud of our volleyball teams on great games at Katherine Johnson MS last Friday night.  They showed great teamwork and sportsmanship, and had a lot of fun on the court.  Go Rams!
• Program updates, announcements, schedules, and late bus routes will be communicated through the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added
• Registration form is required for ALL RRMS students (regardless of intent to participate).  Your student will not be able to stay after for any clubs, activities, or events if this form is not completed.  
• Check out our Program Preview

Questions?  Contact Shannon Campbell, After-School Program Specialist, at [email protected]

Quick Links

• Family Resource Center

• Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms

• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• SIS ParentVUE
• Standard School Year Calendar

4400 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151 | Main Office: 703-802-7700
Attendance: 703-802-7782 or [email protected] 
Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Dates

April 29 - May 1 - History 7 Field Trips (by team)

May 2 - 8th Grade Family Night, 6 - 7:30 PM

May 3 - No School (Teacher Workday)

May 9 - Reading SOL

May 10 - Music Department Trip

May 15 - Math SOL

May 17 - Science SOL

RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Angel Castro (Safe)

Tegan Burns (Accountable and Engaged)

Samuel Feldshteyn (Respectful and Engaged)

Patrick Fisher (Respectful and Engaged)

Ruby Bang (Engaged)

Riley Lorjuste (Engaged)

Great job Raising the Ram!

A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Community-

We wrapped up one of my favorite weeks of the year at Rocky Run! We had the pleasure of welcoming best-selling author Stuart Gibbs to school on Wednesday. Kids (and staff) were in awe of the literary celebrity walking our halls. Mr. Gibbs had lunch with students, signed autographs and talked about the writing process. One cool piece of information that I learned was he came up with the idea for his series, "Spy School" while he was a middle school student. I think his presentations really energized the students to flex their creative muscles! 

We wrapped up the week by celebrating the "Month of the Military Child" with a breakfast on Friday to celebrate our military connected students. These students rock! I am envious of their strength and flexibility as they navigate growing up within the military system. The motto, "bloom where you are planted" is evident with our Rocky Run Rams.

Next week, April 22-April 26 celebrates Administrative Professional Appreciation Week. Please join me in giving a HUGE thank you to our amazing office staff. Rocky Run would not be the school that it is without the hard work and community focus from AJ Ries, Carol Cutler, Will Martin, Carol Chrzanowski, and Cleo White. 

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions. I look forward to seeing you at RRMS soon.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

Next week is Stress Less week at Rocky Run. 

Join in spirit wear as we celebrate ways we can take care of ourselves

when things can feel overwhelming. 

Remember, we (your school counselors) are always here to help you, too! 

Mrs. Bae, Dr. Jacobson, & Mrs. Marshall

Spring Family Night for 8th Grade Families

Save the date! We are excited to announce that our second annual Spring Family Night for 8th Grade Families will be held on Thursday, May 2nd from 6:00-7:30 pm.  This event is being planned to answer your questions about the upcoming transition to high school. The evening will include:

• Resource fair with representatives from our three main high schools and community organizations (including some HS spirit wear sales!)
• Student panel of Rocky Run alumni/current high school students for questions and answers
• Counselor presentation on how to help your student get and stay organized for success in high school
• Q&A on how to decipher the FCPS high school math sequence
• Green screen photo booth with your choice of a Chantilly, Centreville, or Westfield background
• Sessions in Korean and in Spanish on what to expect next year

While RSVPs are not required, for our planning purposes, we would appreciate it if you could let us know that you are planning to join us by completing this Google form. If you have any questions, please contact Lorraine Marshall at [email protected] or Rachel Sweeney at [email protected].

We look forward to welcoming you to Rocky Run on May 2nd!

Spring Standards of Learning (SOL)

State assessments measure the extent to which students have learned the content and skills reflected in state standards and may also be used to measure growth in learning state standards. The format and timing of state assessments vary by grade level and content area, as noted in the table below. These include:

• Spring Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests in reading, mathematics, and science. For certain grade levels, the reading SOL tests includes an integrated reading/writing (IRW) component. More information is available on the SOL assessments webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/35021); 

• The Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/student-assessment/grade-level-tests) provides information by grade level about the general assessment schedule and reporting method for each required assessment type in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Test dates for Rocky Run Middle School are scheduled as follows:

• May 9 – Reading SOL (7th and 8th)
• May 15 – Math SOL (7th and 8th)
• May 17 – Science SOL (8th grade only)

If you have questions about state assessments, contact your student’s counselor or Ashleigh Kim ([email protected]), the school test coordinator.

Final week to order a Yearbook!!

 The yearbook order center will close for orders next Saturday, April 27. This is your last chance to pre-order and secure a book for your student. 

To Order: Visit : www.yearbookordercenter.com and use school code 5333

Lost and Found

Our lost and found is overflowing and items will soon be donated or discarded.  If your student is missing items (sweatshirts, jackets, water bottles, etc.), please have them check the lost and found in the cafeteria by Friday, 4/26.

Sports Physicals

Athletic physicals are required for all middle and high school student-athletes.  Beginning May 1, 2024, FCPS high schools will offer athletic pre-participation physical exams for students interested in sports during the 2024-25 school year.   This is for rising 7th and rising 8th graders who are interested in participating in our Cross Country and/or Track & Field teams next year OR rising 9th graders who will be participating in a high school sport next year.  These events serve as the primary fundraiser for our high school athletic training programs and each exam costs $50.  Rising middle school students are eligible to receive a physical at no cost although donations to the HS athletic training program are welcomed. 

Pre-registration is highly encouraged; walk-in appointments may not be available.  You can register here: Student registration.  Once your registration is received, the school’s athletic trainer will contact you to confirm your appointment time.  Athletic physical exams must be completed on this form:

Form for Rising 7th and Rising 8th Grade Students to participate in Cross Country and/or Track & Field next school year.  Please note:  A physical is NOT required for general participation in the Middle School After-School Program - this is only for Cross Country and/or Track & Field participants:  FCPS Middle School Sports Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physical Examination Form (PPE)

Form for Rising 9th Grade Students to participate in any high school sport next year:  https://www.fcps.edu/activities/student-athletics

If you are a medical professional (MD, DO, NP, PA, ATC, PT, EMT, etc.) interested in volunteering your time in support of these events, please register to help out: Volunteer registration.

Questions about middle school forms?  Contact Shannon Campbell at [email protected].  Questions about high school forms?  Contact your high school's athletics office.

Library Updates

This has been an amazing week of fun, poetry, and reading! Thanks to the Rocky Run PTA, we had an absolutely fabulous author visit with Stuart Gibbs on Wednesday. All students attended one of his presentations and learned more about how some of his stories were inspired, including his work as a field scientist learning about different animals. He graciously signed more than 50 books during his visit! To prepare for his visit, our Student Library Advisory Team created a Scavenger Hunt for students to complete during Rock Time. Also thanks to the PTA, 30 students were randomly selected from completing the Scavenger Hunt to win a copy of his new book, Evil Spy School, the graphic novel, and 10 teachers were randomly selected, too!

Also this week, Mrs. Magwire’s English 8 classes visited the library to participate in Poetry Palooza, an annual activity for students to complete 5 stations exploring different aspects of poetry. Some of the stations include blackout poetry and book spine poetry, which will be part of their poetry portfolio for the quarter. It is amazing to watch students work together to flex their poetic and figurative language skills in various ways! Next week, Mrs. Williams/Ms. Morning’s classes will have Poetry Palooza!

The end of the school year will be here before we know it! All library books will be due on or before Wednesday, May 29. This date applies to all FCPS schools. In a few weeks, I will start to visit English classrooms to let students know about what books they still have checked out. It is my goal to have 100% clear accounts by June 12! If your student cannot find a book they have checked out, please contact me to make arrangements for replacement ([email protected])

Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) School Health Services Survey

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) employs school health aides and public health nurses who provide school health services to the students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). To determine the quality of these services, a survey has been developed by the FCHD. Please complete the sruvey during the upcoming survey window, April 15 - April 26, 2024. Survey link: www.redcap.link/FCHDSchoolHealthSurvey.

Survey results will provide a basis for quality improvement of School Health services. The data-driven process is in alignment with the FCPS Strategic planning process, and the survey results will contribute positively to the FCPS Strategic Plan that reflects a shared consensus among stakeholders.

Summer Camps and Learning Programs

Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a camp for your child with special needs?

The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.

FCPS Summer Camp Offerings

Registration is now open for many summer camps and learning opportunities offered by FCPS for all students.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Visit these sites for more information:

• Tech Adventures (elementary) 
• CTE Summer Academy (middle and high school)
• E-IFTA (elementary)
• IFTA (middle and high school)
• Economics and Personal Finance course (high school)
• Online Campus Program (middle and high school)
• Credit Recovery Academy (middle and high school)
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (middle and high school)

Find session dates and registration links and deadlines on the FCPS summer programs webpage.

Save the Date for our Annual 8th Grade End of Year Party!  Suggested attire is semi-formal.   More information coming soon!   After-School Program Information

Schedule for the week of 4/22

Important Program Information:

• Mark your calendar - there will be no after-school activities and no late buses on 5/24.  The last day of late buses and activities for the school year will be Thursday, 5/31.  
• We are proud of our track & field team for their performance and sportsmanship at their first meet last week.  We are looking forward to cheering them on this weekend at Edison High School.  Go Rams!
• Program updates, announcements, schedules, and late bus routes will be communicated through the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added
• Registration form is required for ALL RRMS students (regardless of intent to participate).  Your student will not be able to stay after for any clubs, activities, or events if this form is not completed.  
• Check out our Program Preview

Questions?  Contact Shannon Campbell, After-School Program Specialist, at [email protected]

Quick Links

• Family Resource Center

• Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms

• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• SIS ParentVUE
• Standard School Year Calendar

4400 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151 | Main Office: 703-802-7700
Attendance: 703-802-7782 or [email protected] 
Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Important Dates

April 12-14 - Spring Theater Performance "A Wrinkle in Time"

April 15 - 3rd quarter grades will be viewable in SIS ParentVue and report cards will be distributed

April 17 - PTA Meeting, 6:30 PM; Family Book Club, 7 PM

April 19 - Month of the Military Child Family Breakfast, 8 AM

April 29 - May 1 - History 7 Field Trips (by team)

May 2 - 8th Grade Family Night, 6 - 7:30 PM

May 3 - Teacher Workday

RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Roy Kachale-Banda (Accountable, Inclusive)

Bella Barker (Accountable, Engaged)

Vanessa Wang (Respectful and Accountable)

Jeslyn Dondapati (Engaged)

EJ Ross (Accountable)

Meghana Nannapaneni (Engaged)

Great job Raising the Ram!

A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Community-

We should make 4-day school weeks permanent! I hope that all Rams enjoyed the holiday this past Wednesday, in observance of Eid al Fitr. Even though students were only in class 4 days this past week, there were many cool learning activities to highlight. In particular, I loved seeing our 7th grade history students working on writing, editing and filming silent films to study the changes of the 1920's. What a cool project! Some of the films might even have "celebrity" chamoes. Also, the solar eclipse on Monday provided amazing curricular connection for all of our science students.

The solar eclipse emphasized that learning opportunities are all around us. At Rocky Run, the literal "heart" of the building is the library (because of it's central location). April is School Library Month and it's a great time to celebrate the essential role that school librarians play in the lives of students. School librarians ensure students have access to a wide variety of high-quality books and resources that connect them to the world and build a culture of literacy. Librarians develop lessons that are meaningful to students and help them develop critical thinking, inquiry, and information literacy skills. They support learning across all subject areas by teaching students the skills to be independent problem-solvers and creative thinkers. By creating a safe environment for all students to be engaged and curious learners, FCPS libraries are places where everyone belongs. We are thrilled to have Ms. Grover on staff and appreciate all the ways that she supports learning. 

Finally, I hope that all Rams wear purple on Wednesday, April 17. To show our support for all our military-connected families, we are inviting all Fairfax County students, families, school employees, and community members to “Purple Up!”. Why purple? Purple symbolizes all branches of the military as a combination of Army green, Marine Corps red, and Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force and Space Force blue. 

As always, thank you for your continued partnership and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions. I look forward to seeing you at RRMS soon.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

Theatre at the Rock Presents A Wrinkle in Time

Theatre at the Rock presents A Wrinkle in Time, based on the classic book by Madeleine L’Engle!  Performances are April 12 at 7 pm, April 13 at 2 pm and 7 pm, and April 14 at 2 pm.  General Admission Tickets are $10 and are available now at https://etix.com/ticket/v/15634/rocky-run-middle-school-theatre?performance_id=88602155&country=US&language=en.  Buy your tickets early and be ready to follow Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin on an intergalactic adventure!

Month of the Miliary Child Recognitions

April is the Month of the Military Child. In FCPS there are approximately 14,000 military-connected youth. During April, we recognize that children from military families also serve and we recognize their contributions and sacrifices. At Rocky Run there will be a Rock Time lesson on April 9 about the contributions of children from military families. On April 17 students and staff will wear purple to show our support for military-connected youth and on Friday April 19, we will have a breakfast celebration to honor our students from military families. If you are a military family and would like to join us for breakfast, please complete this google form.

https://forms.gle/x27gVTp5w41EkFoU9

Spring Family Night for 8th Grade Families

Save the date! We are excited to announce that our second annual Spring Family Night for 8th Grade Families will be held on Thursday, May 2nd from 6:00-7:30 pm.  This event is being planned to answer your questions about the upcoming transition to high school. The evening will include:

• Resource fair with representatives from our three main high schools and community organizations (including some HS spirit wear sales!)
• Student panel of Rocky Run alumni/current high school students for questions and answers
• Counselor presentation on how to help your student get and stay organized for success in high school
• Q&A on how to decipher the FCPS high school math sequence
• Green screen photo booth with your choice of a Chantilly, Centreville, or Westfield background
• Sessions in Korean and in Spanish on what to expect next year

While RSVPs are not required, for our planning purposes, we would appreciate it if you could let us know that you are planning to join us by completing this Google form. If you have any questions, please contact Lorraine Marshall at [email protected] or Rachel Sweeney at [email protected].

We look forward to welcoming you to Rocky Run on May 2nd!

Spring Standards of Learning (SOL)

State assessments measure the extent to which students have learned the content and skills reflected in state standards and may also be used to measure growth in learning state standards. The format and timing of state assessments vary by grade level and content area, as noted in the table below. These include:

• Spring Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests in reading, mathematics, and science. For certain grade levels, the reading SOL tests includes an integrated reading/writing (IRW) component. More information is available on the SOL assessments webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/35021); 

• The Grade Level Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/student-assessment/grade-level-tests) provides information by grade level about the general assessment schedule and reporting method for each required assessment type in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).

Test dates for Rocky Run Middle School are scheduled as follows:

• April 16 – IRW (8th grade only)
• May 9 – Reading SOL (7th and 8th)
• May 15 – Math SOL (7th and 8th)
• May 17 – Science SOL (8th grade only)

If you have questions about state assessments, contact your student’s counselor or Ashleigh Kim ([email protected]), the school test coordinator.

Time is running out to order a Rocky Run yearbook!

The Rocky Run yearbook is a fun way for students to remember this great school year.  Guarantee a book for your student and ordering by April 27th. Books are just $30 and sell out every year.  Order online at:  https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/5333

Order now for free shipping on school pictures!

Free shipping on orders over $20 through April 18th.  Promo code: APRIL2024. To view and order photos online : vosphoto.com/underclass use your student’s Student ID to locate the pictures.  Photos will be archived at the end of the school year.

Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) School Health Services Survey

The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) employs school health aides and public health nurses who provide school health services to the students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). To determine the quality of these services, a survey has been developed by the FCHD. Please complete the sruvey during the upcoming survey window, April 15 - April 26, 2024. Survey link: www.redcap.link/FCHDSchoolHealthSurvey.

Survey results will provide a basis for quality improvement of School Health services. The data-driven process is in alignment with the FCPS Strategic planning process, and the survey results will contribute positively to the FCPS Strategic Plan that reflects a shared consensus among stakeholders.

Library Updates

Welcome! Mrs. Christine Haye is the new part-time library assistant! She helps in the library in the mornings until recess and she is already a wonderful addition to our library program!

This Week: The library has been full of learning this week! Ms. Speir’s & Ms. Castle’s Civics classes visited the library for a mini lesson and created protypes of their inventions in the Inspiration Studio as part of their economics unit. Students’ creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking were in full force as they put their projects together and learned about real-world economics, too. It was a pleasure to support students in developing these critical skills in the library and Inspiration Studio!

Author Visit: Next Wednesday April 17, author Stuart Gibbs will be visiting Rocky Run in the afternoon! All students will attend one of his presentations in the gym. Also: Stuart Gibbs will be doing book signings during C lunch in the library. Students who have a Stuart Gibbs book at home can bring it with them to school on Wednesday and have him sign it. There are no books available for purchase. Thanks to the Rocky Run PTA for sponsoring his visit!

School Library Month! This week, students celebrated School Library Month on the Library Schoology course by guessing the Masked Reader and creating inventive captions for funny animal photos. In the library, students participated in “Rams on the Loose!”, looking for pictures of rams around the library as a scavenger hunt. Today, staff came to the library during their lunch period and learned more about the Text to Image feature of AI and created AI “alter egos” of themselves. It was great fun had by all, and there was lots of great conversation around AI and education. There will be different activities for both students and staff next week, in addition to the author visit!

Science Olympiad

Congratulations to our Science Olympiad Team for their participation in the state tournament in Charlottesville last weekend!  We are proud of how they represented Rocky Run and the creativity and innovation that they showed.  

Team celebrations:

2nd place in Agricultural Science: Sarah A. and Shritha A.

6th place in Disease Detectives: Dylan F. and Aavyan T.

We also represented Rocky Run with a fantastic VASO state sticker and t-shirt design created by Amber B.  

Thank you to all of the families who supported our students both during the season and at the competitions and a HUGE thank you to Mrs. Davis for leading our team this year! 

Summer Camps and Learning Programs

Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a camp for your child with special needs?

The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.

FCPS Summer Camp Offerings

Registration is now open for many summer camps and learning opportunities offered by FCPS for all students.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Visit these sites for more information:

• Tech Adventures (elementary) 
• CTE Summer Academy (middle and high school)
• E-IFTA (elementary)
• IFTA (middle and high school)
• Economics and Personal Finance course (high school)
• Online Campus Program (middle and high school)
• Credit Recovery Academy (middle and high school)
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (middle and high school)

Find session dates and registration links and deadlines on the FCPS summer programs webpage.

Save the Date for our Annual 8th Grade End of Year Party!  Suggested attire is semi-formal.   More information coming soon!   After-School Program Information

Schedule for the week of 4/15

Important Program Information:

• Mark your calendar - there will be no after-school activities and no late buses on 5/24.  The last day of late buses and activities for the school year will be Thursday, 5/31.  
• Program updates, announcements, schedules, and late bus routes will be communicated through the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added
• Registration form is required for ALL RRMS students (regardless of intent to participate).  Your student will not be able to stay after for any clubs, activities, or events if this form is not completed.  
• Check out our Program Preview

Questions?  Contact Shannon Campbell, After-School Program Specialist, at [email protected]

Quick Links

• Family Resource Center

• Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy, and Related Rights and Opt-Out Forms

• Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
• SIS ParentVUE
• Standard School Year Calendar

4400 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151 | Main Office: 703-802-7700
Attendance: 703-802-7782 or [email protected] 
Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Final Rocky Run Yearbook Orders!

The Rocky Run yearbook is a fun way for students to remember this amazing school year! This year’s book will tell the story of the year in both text and pictures. It is more than just student portraits, and includes topics such as friends, classes, field trips, club group photos, and more. Shown here is a picture of the music and PE class pages from last year’s book.

The yearbook sells out every year, so guarantee a book for your student by pre-ordering. Yearbooks are just $30 and the last day to order is April 27th. Order online at: https://www.yearbookordercenter.com/index.cfm/job/5333

Not sure if you ordered yet this year? Use link above and scroll down to the “Already placed on order” section to check using your email address.

Questions? E-mail [email protected]

4400 Stringfellow Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151 | Main Office: 703-802-7700
Attendance: 703-802-7782 or [email protected] 
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