GovDelivery | Rocky Run Middle School

11/15 RRMS School Updates

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1. Important Dates

November 18 – 7th Grade Wellness Screening and 8th Grade Youth Survey during Rock Time

November 22-24 - Fall Musical

November 25-26 - No After-School (all students depart at 2:15 PM)

November 27-29 - No School (Thanksgiving Break)

December 3- 7th Grade Family Coffees by Team

Emerald: 7:45-8:45

Platinum: 11:30-12:30

Meteors: 1:00-2:00

December 5 - 8th Grade Family Coffees by Team

Sapphire: 7:45-8:45

Tigers Eye: 11:00-12:00

Kryptonite: 1:00-2:00

December 5- Fall Picture Retakes, Rock Time and during lunch periods

December 23 - January 3 - No School (Winter Break)

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families-

Fall has officially arrived at Rocky Run! It was quite a jolt this past Wednesday to arrive at school with the freezing temperature. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the recent 80 degree weather the past few week, but I'm excited to welcome the brisk, sweater weather for a while. Please remind your students to dress appropriately for each day's weather. As a school, we will go outside each day for recess, so be sure to wear long pants and bring coats, hats and gloves.

Next week, November 18-22 is American Education Week. We will specifically recognize support professionals on Wednesday and substitute teachers on Friday. We want to extent the recognition to ALL who work in our Rocky Run community: our bus drivers, cafeteria workers, counselors, support and clinical, and more! Rocky Run would struggle to function without these important groups of professionals. I encourage you to submit a nomination to the FCPS Cares program for some of our amazing Rams.

November is also Native American Heritage Month, which is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.

Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

Please watch this video going over Kiss n Ride procedures! As the weather gets colder, we want to make sure that all families are aware of our procedures! When everyone follows the process, the line moves much more smoothly. Thanks for your cooperation!
If you’re looking for a holiday gift for your Rocky Run student, the spirit wear store is open, including a new design! Hurry – the store closes on November 25 for early December delivery. Click the link or visit tinyurl.com/RockyRunSpirit.
School Photos are now online!

Families should have received an E-proof via email. Please remember to check your spam. For any questions about your student's school pictures please contact: [email protected]

Picture retakes will take place on December 5th.
Get Your Yearbook Today!

ONLY 2 WEEKS LEFT BEFORE THE PRICE GOES UP!

Buy your Yearbook at https://prod.yboc.varsity.com/

School Code: 5333

Get Yours While Supplies Last!
Thank you to the families who attended our Fall Family Night last week! If you missed it or would like to review resources, you can find them on our website.

4. Student Celebrations RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Marim Mikhail (Respectful)

Cedric Chantemsin (Engaged)

Ellie Lander (Engaged)

Rylan Woo (Respectful and Engaged)

Nora Lee (Safe)

Andrea Hackney (Engaged)

Great job Raising the Ram!

Punctual on Purpose Student Winners

We recently began our Punctual on Purpose (POP!) drawing to recognize students who are on-time to all classes during the prior week. Each week, students have a fresh chance to be entered into the POP drawing. POP winners are announced every Monday, and students can select from a variety of rewards. Please encourage your child to be on time to all classes, including 1st and 2nd period. This week's POP winners are Marelin Guzaro Raymundo, Eyad Elmashy, Jonathan Bahour, Javier Velazco, Jayden Nguyen, and Lilian Cardoza Reyes. Congratulations and thank you for Raising the Ram by getting to class on time!

5. Student Services Updates 7th Grade Wellness Screening

All middle and high schools in FCPS teach students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. All schools use an evidence-based program called Signs of Suicide (SOS). During the lesson, students learn:

That depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help.
How to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend.
To ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend.
Who they can turn to at school for help if they need it.

At Rocky Run Middle School, the SOS lesson and accompanying screening will occur on Monday, November 18, 2024 during Rock Time. Rock Time will be moved to the start of the day. Please remind your students to go straight to 3rd Period Rock Time on Monday morning!

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school counselor listed below and/or Young Hong, Director of Student Services at [email protected].

Ms. Esther Bae - Meteors Team [email protected]
Dr. Halissa Jacobson - Platinum Team [email protected]
Ms. Lorraine Marshall - Emerald Team [email protected]

8th Grade Fairfax County Youth Survey

Rocky Run Middle School will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey to all 8th graders on Monday, November 18th during Rock Time classes. The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people.

Rock Time will be moved to the start of the day. Please remind your students to go straight to 3rd Period Rock Time on Monday morning!

6. Instructional Updates Theatre at the Rock Presents You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown

Theatre at the Rock presents You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, a musical based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz! Performances are November 22 at 7 pm, November 23 at 2 pm and 7 pm, and November 24 at 2 pm. General Admission Tickets are $10 for 7th grade- adult, and $8 for 6th grade and younger, and are available now at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15634/. Buy your tickets early and be ready to explore life through the eyes of Charlie Brown and the whole Peanuts gang

RRMS Family Coffees

Please join us at our upcoming Family Coffees on December 3rd (7th grade) and December 5th (8th grade). Come meet other Rocky Run families, chat with your child’s team teachers, enjoy refreshments in an Open House format, and get answers to your questions about RRMS.

December 3rd:

Team Emerald: 7:45-8:45

Team Platinum: 11:30-12:30

Team Meteors: 1:00-2:00

December 5th:

Team Sapphire: 7:45-8:45

Team Tiger’s Eye: 11:00-12:00

Team Kryptonite: 1:00-2:00

RSVPs are appreciated to help us with our planning

Hope to see you there!

Library Happenings

This week we had a very special event in the library during Rock Time on Thursday! Thanks to funds from our Asha-Jyothi makerspace grant, instructors from the KidCreate Studio in Fairfax Station hosted a watercolor painting class for 16 interested students. They explored how adding water dilutes the paint color and created a monochromatic, misty mountain landscape with a fall color. Students had a great time and their creativity really shined in their finished products. Students used critical thinking, active listening, and most of all, had fun during this unique event!

7. After-School Program Information

Schedule for the week of 11/18
Mark your calendars: there will be no after-school programs on these upcoming dates - 11/25, 11/26, 12/20, 1/16, 1/17, 2/14, 4/11, 5/23
Our next intermural sport is Futsal (indoor soccer). We will host a Rocky Run tournament right after Thanksgiving break and the winning girls and boys team will move forward to play some other middle schools in January and February. The information and sign-up form and are posted on the After-School Schoology Course. The form is due by Tuesday, 11/26. Students must be logged into their fcpsschools account to access the form.
Late buses will depart Monday - Thursday between 4:45 - 5:00 PM. Routes differ from regular AM/PM buses as there are fewer late buses and fewer stops. Routes are posted on the After-School Schoology Course. Please make sure your student knows their late bus number prior to staying after.
- Late Bus Runs were updated on 10/2 - the updated route sheet is pinned on Schoology with the impacted buses highlighted in yellow
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.
Program updates, announcements, and schedules are posted on the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added.
Check out our Program Preview for information on program times, pick-up, etc.

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

8. Community Corner Rocky Run PTA is on Social Media!

Stay updated with the latest Rocky Run PTA activities and announcements by liking and following our brand new social medai accounts on Facebook and Instagram!

Quick Links

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

11/8 RRMS School Updates

GovDelivery1 week 5 days ago

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1. Important Dates

November 11 - No School (Veteran's Day)

November 14 - PTA Meeting, 6:30 PM, Library

November 18 – 7th Grade Wellness Screening and 8th Grade Youth Survey during Rock Time

November 22-24 - Fall Musical

November 25-26 - No After-School (all students depart at 2:15 PM)

November 27-29 - No School (Thanksgiving Break)

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families-

We had a VERY exciting week at Rocky Run Middle School (even though it was only 3 days of school)! The second quarter of the school year kicked off with many exciting events in the halls of RRMS that strengthened our ties to various stakeholder groups within the community. It continues to be a priority of Rocky Run Middle School to sponsor outreach events and partner with our community.

On Wednesday, the Rocky Run staff was treated to a luncheon of traditional Korean food, courtesy of many of the families from our Korean community. The food was delicious and it was great to interact with families and learn more about Korean culture. We were thrilled to welcome School Board Member, Ilryong Moon during the luncheon. A special thanks goes out to our parent liaison, Helen Seo and Director of Student Services, Young Hong for helping to organize the event.

On Thursday, we hosted our annual family night event. The breakout sessions were a hit! The conversation about student executive functioning, grading practices, the impact of words, and math sequencing were well attended! The evening was capped off with a PTA-sponsored conversation with Dr. Reid. Dr. Reid spoke very openly with members of the entire K-12 Chantilly community about issues important to them. The conversation ranged from salad bars and building renovations to school safety and literacy instruction. It's always a pleasure to engage with the greater Chantilly community about issues that impact all families.

On Friday, in honor of Veteran's Day, we hosted a community breakfast for all military connected Rams, with a great turnout. We take pride in supporting the military community as a Purple Star designated school, and strive to make the transition of military connected students as smooth as possible. A special thanks goes out to our Dean of Students, Katelyn Hagen and counselor Lorraine Marshall for coordinating the event.

As a reminder, Monday, November 11 is a student holiday in observance of Veteran's Day. Please set aside a few minutes this weekend to reflect on, and appreciate the service that all veterans have given.

Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

Complete Impact Aid Survey via SIS ParentVUE account
School Photos are now online!

Families should have received an E-proof via email. Please remember to check your spam. For any questions about your student's school pictures please contact: [email protected]

Picture retakes will take place on December 5th.
Get Your Yearbook Today!

ONLY 3 WEEKS LEFT BEFORE THE PRICE GOES UP!

Buy your Yearbook at https://prod.yboc.varsity.com/

School Code: 5333

Get Yours While Supplies Last!

4. Student Celebrations Rams on a Roll- October

Each month, teams identify two students who have exemplified our RAISE attributes throughout the month by being Respectful, Accountable, Inclusive, Safe, and Engaged. These students are consistently Raising the Ram both in and out of the classroom! Congratulations to our Rams on a Roll for October:

Team Emerald: Robert Clohan, Romina Moreno Melgarejo and Uriah Simpson

Team Meteors: Aiden Cho and Nishka Sharma

Team Platinum: Nikunj Anand and Addison Ayala

Team Kryptonite: Anisha Goel and Zach Montgomery

Team Sapphire: Yifutihaer Dilixiati and Eve Sokolinski

Team Tigers Eye: Anjana Atre and Chase Gordon

RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Evan Storch (Respectful)

Anisha Marrapu (Inclusive)

Grayson McCarthy (Engaged)

Megan Ji (Respectful and Engaged)

Ibrahim Mahmoud (Engaged)

Ada Tan (Respectful and Engaged)

Great job Raising the Ram!

Punctual on Purpose Student Winners

We recently began our Punctual on Purpose (POP!) drawing to recognize students who are on-time to all classes during the prior week. Each week, students have a fresh chance to be entered into the POP drawing. POP winners are announced every Monday, and students can select from a variety of rewards. Please encourage your child to be on time to all classes, including 1st and 2nd period. This week's POP winners are Bridgett Rios Soria, Priya Sanapuji, Vasisht Duddela, Safa Rahimi, Gabriel Rusu, and Gordon Harsha. Congratulations and thank you for Raising the Ram by getting to class on time!

5. Student Services Updates The Federal Impact Aid Survey

The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify: Military families, Federally connected families and Families living on a military base. Please complete one form for each child in your household. Remember that only the enrolling parent can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form by logging in to your SIS ParentVUE account. For families without access to ParentVUE, a paper copy of the form will be sent home with your student starting November 12. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.

7th Grade Wellness Screening

That depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help.
How to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend.
To ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend.
Who they can turn to at school for help if they need it.

At Rocky Run Middle School, the SOS lesson and accompanying screening will occur on Monday, November 18, 2024 during Rock Time. We recognize that you may have opted your child out of this screener through the Parent Digital Consent tool. If you did not complete opt out using the parent portal and would still like to do so you can OPT OUT (meaning you child will not participate in the screener) by completing the Google Form: https://forms.gle/t7kue3aKtCt1zWMp7.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school counselor listed below and/or Young Hong, Director of Student Services at [email protected].

Ms. Esther Bae - Meteors Team [email protected]
Dr. Halissa Jacobson - Platinum Team [email protected]
Ms. Lorraine Marshall - Emerald Team [email protected]

8th Grade Fairfax County Youth Survey

If you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete the form linked here and return it to your child's school counselor no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.

6. Instructional Updates

No new updates this week!

7. After-School Program Information

Schedule for the week of 11/11
- No after-school activities on Friday, 11/8 - all students depart at the 2:15 dismissal (exception - fall theater rehearsal is still on!)
Mark your calendars: there will be no after-school programs on these upcoming dates - 11/8, 11/25, 11/26, 12/20
Late buses will depart Monday - Thursday between 4:45 - 5:00 PM. Routes differ from regular AM/PM buses as there are fewer late buses and fewer stops. Routes are posted on the After-School Schoology Course. Please make sure your student knows their late bus number prior to staying after.
- Late Bus Runs were updated on 10/2 - the updated route sheet is pinned on Schoology with the impacted buses highlighted in yellow
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.
Program updates, announcements, and schedules are posted on the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added.
Check out our Program Preview for information on program times, pick-up, etc.

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

8. Community Corner Westfield High School Fall Theatre Production

Westfield High School Theatre Presents A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

Nov. 7, 8 and 9 at 7pm and Nov. 9 at 2pm

Tickets: $15 adult, $10 student. All seats reserved. All info found at www.westfieldtheatre.com

Quick Links

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

10/31 RRMS School Updates

GovDelivery2 weeks 6 days ago

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1. Important Dates

November 1 - No School (Holiday- Diwali, All Saints Day, Dia de los Muertos)

November 4-5 - No School

November 7 - Fall Family Night, 5 - 6:30 PM & PTA Event with Dr. Reid, 6:30 PM

November 8 - Veteran's Day Breakfast, 8 AM, No After-School Program

November 11 - No School (Veteran's Day)

November 18 – 7th Grade Wellness Screening and 8th Grade Youth Survey during Rock Time

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families-

One quarter down, three to go in the 2024-2025 school year! I hope that all students enjoy a relaxing, five-day weekend and recharge their batteries for the start of the second quarter on November 6 (Gold Day).

Even though the quarter was coming to an end, we had a great (civically focused) week at RRMS. Our lecture hall was transformed by the social studies department on Tuesday and Wednesday for all students to participate in a mock-election. We even gave out "I Voted" stickers! It's never to early to remind students of their civic responsibility to vote. On Thursday, we held our 2nd Annual Day of Service, and it was a HUGE success. Students participated in meaningful activities that focused on giving back to our community and creating positive impact. Each student earned five hours of service towards the 15 hour requirement in middle school. I had a blast packaging food, planting trees, and weeding invasive plants. Overall, it was a great day at Rocky Run.

As we come back to school in the first week of November, I hope to see you at Family Night on Thursday, November 7. We will hold breakout sessions targeted to parents and caregivers starting at 5:00 PM. Topics include: executive functioning, math sequencing, gradebooks, and the power of words. Our evening will wrap up with a session with Dr. Reid, FCPS Superintendent, starting at 6:30 PM.

Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

Plan to attend our Fall Family Night on November 7! RSVP here to let us know you are coming!
Complete Impact Aid Survey via SIS ParentVUE account
Get Your Yearbook Today!

ONLY ONE MONTH LEFT BEFORE THE PRICE GOES UP!

Buy your Yearbook at https://prod.yboc.varsity.com/

School Code: 5333

Get Yours While Supplies Last!

4. Student Celebrations Rocky Run Day of Service

At today’s Day of Service Rocky Run had representative coming from the Travis Manion Foundation, Raising Responsible Citizens, the Bluebell Chapter of the National Charity League, Fairfax Releaf, Food for Neighbors, and Rise Against Hunger. In addition, our students also participated in projects for school beautification, invasive species education, Sunrise Senior Living (making Thanksgiving cards and Fall centerpieces), Project Linus, the Kindness Campaign, Love for our Elders, Soldiers Angels, Cards for Hospitalized Kids, Operation Gratitude, Soldiers Angels, and writing Veterans Day letters. We hope that all students were able to participate in a variety of service-learning opportunities, and learned way in which they can continue to give back to their community.

All of our 8th grade students packed food with Rise Against Hunger thanks to the generous donations of our community, Pohanka Chevrolet, TruOrthodontics, Expectation Church, Tony Saa at Weichert Realty, Realtor Gotta Go with Joe, and Ed Lang with ReMax Premier. The class raised $7,927.05 to provide food for those experience food insecurity.

Today we also kicked off a food drive with Food for Neighbors. Students can bring in food drive items next week on November 6, 7, & 8. The team with the most items will get donuts at their team party!

RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Sean Choe (Engaged)

Smera Jasani (Engaged)

Carmen VanYperen (Respectful and Engaged)

Kathy Smith (Engaged)

Chelsea Monroy (Engaged)

Craighton Vijoy (Engaged)

Great job Raising the Ram!

Punctual on Purpose Student Winners

We recently began our Punctual on Purpose (POP!) drawing to recognize students who are on-time to all classes during the prior week. Each week, students have a fresh chance to be entered into the POP drawing. POP winners are announced every Monday, and students can select from a variety of rewards. Please encourage your child to be on time to all classes, including 1st and 2nd period. This week's POP winners are Andrew Li, Talha Ilmek, Jonathan Genes, Sana Almidani, Abie Yoo, and Anisha Goel. Congratulations and thank you for Raising the Ram by getting to class on time!

5. Student Services Updates RRMS Celebrates our Veterans!

Family members of RRMS students who have served or are currently serving in the military are invited to join us for an honorary breakfast on Friday, November 8th from 8:00-8:45am. After breakfast, veterans have the opportunity to briefly visit their student’s 2nd period class (optional). If you would like to join us, please complete this form by Monday, November 4th. Email Lorraine Marshall ([email protected]) with questions.

Please Join Us- Rocky Run Fall Family Night

All Rocky Run families (adults and students) are invited to join us for our Fall Family Night on Thursday, November 7! From 5:00-6:30pm, we will have breakout sessions on the following topics:

Helping your student get (and stay!) organized
Navigating the FCPS math sequence
Understanding the rolling gradebook & middle school grading policies
Unpacking the Power of Words and exploring the concept of Intent vs. Impact

From 6:30-7:30, we will have a Q&A session with Dr. Michelle Reid, FCPS Superintendent. We welcome all families in the Chantilly pyramid to join us to meet Dr. Reid and get your questions answered!

Please RSVP to help us better prepare for the event. RSVPs are NOT required to attend, they are just helpful for our planning! We hope to see you there!

The Federal Impact Aid Survey

7th Grade Wellness Screening

That depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help.
How to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend.
To ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend.
Who they can turn to at school for help if they need it.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school counselor listed below and/or Young Hong, Director of Student Services at [email protected].

Ms. Esther Bae - Meteors Team [email protected]
Dr. Halissa Jacobson - Platinum Team [email protected]
Ms. Lorraine Marshall - Emerald Team [email protected]

8th Grade Fairfax County Youth Survey

6. Instructional Updates Outstanding Employee Awards

Let someone at Rocky Run know how outstanding they are!

Anyone can nominate a Rocky Run teacher or staff member for an FCPS Outstanding Employee award. Nominations are now open! You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category). All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a few sentences about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. Check out our website for more information and links to nominate staff members!

7. After-School Program Information

Schedule for the week of 11/4
- No after-school activities on Friday, 11/8 - all students depart at the 2:15 dismissal (exception - fall theater rehearsal is still on!)
Mark your calendars: there will be no after-school programs on these upcoming dates - 10/31, 11/8, 11/25, 11/26, 12/20
Late buses will depart Monday - Thursday between 4:45 - 5:00 PM. Routes differ from regular AM/PM buses as there are fewer late buses and fewer stops. Routes are posted on the After-School Schoology Course. Please make sure your student knows their late bus number prior to staying after.
- Late Bus Runs were updated on 10/2 - the updated route sheet is pinned on Schoology with the impacted buses highlighted in yellow
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.
Program updates, announcements, and schedules are posted on the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added.
Check out our Program Preview for information on program times, pick-up, etc.

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

Congratulations to our girls and boys basketball teams on a great fall season! They were so much fun to watch on the court and always showed great teamwork and sportsmanship. They made us proud! Go, Rams!!

8. Community Corner Westfield High School Fall Theatre Production

Westfield High School Theatre Presents A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

Nov. 7, 8 and 9 at 7pm and Nov. 9 at 2pm

Tickets: $15 adult, $10 student. All seats reserved. All info found at www.westfieldtheatre.com

Quick Links

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

10/25 RRMS School Updates

GovDelivery3 weeks 5 days ago

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1. Important Dates

October 26 - Cross Country Championship Meet, Liberty MS

October 29-30 - Hearing and Vision Screenings (7th Grade, PE Classes)

October 31 - Day of Service, End of 1st Quarter, 2 Hour Early Release, No After-School Program

November 1 - No School (Holiday- Diwali, All Saints Day, Dia de los Muertos)

November 4-5 - No School

November 7 - Fall Family Night, 5 - 6:30 PM & PTA Event with Dr. Reid, 6:30 PM

November 8 - Veteran's Day Breakfast, 8 AM

November 11 - No School (Veteran's Day)

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families-

It’s hard to believe that this is the final week of the first quarter. Time has flown by! To celebrate the end of a successful first quarter, Rocky Run's Student Council Association has organized a spirit week. On Monday, we encourage students to wear black. Tuesday is the VERY popular "Anything But a Backpack Day". Wednesday is Costume Day (please be mindful that costumes must be school appropriate and follow the guidelines set forth in the SRR (no face or head coverings). And wrapping up the week, Thursday is Jersey/RRMS Spirit Wear.

Thursday is also a two-hour early release to mark the end of the quarter. All Rocky Run students will be participating in a day of service, to give back to the community and earn five hours of service to that can be applied to various initiatives (NJHS, Civics requirements, etc). Our students and staff are VERY excited about participating in this worth-while event. As part of the Day of Service, all 8th graders will pack meals for Rise Against Hunger. In order to bring food for the students to pack, Rocky Run must raise money to pay for the costs associated with the project. As of Friday, we are still a little short on the fundraising goal. There's still time to donate to the Rise Against Hunger event using this LINK.

Friday, November 1 is a holiday for all students and staff in recognition of Diwali and All Saints Day/Dia de los Muertos. We wish a fun Diwali to all celebrating! Diwali is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs & some Buddhists. The festival represents the symbolic victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. For Catholics, All Saints Day (November 1) celebrates all those who are with God in Heaven, known and unknown. All Souls Day (November 2), known in Mexico and Latin America as Día de los Muertos, is a day of remembrance and prayer for all those who have died, especially for the souls who may be in purgatory. These special days are celebrated by Catholics, Anglicans, and some Protestants throughout the world. Additionally, all FCPS schools will be closed for students on Monday, November 4, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 5, for a teacher workday.

Finally, as we approach the end of quarter, please touch base with your student about assignments in each of their classes. Even though we encourage student self-advocacy and accountability, it's always good to check progress through SIS ParentVUE at the end of the quarter.

Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

Plan to attend our Fall Family Night on November 7! RSVP here to let us know you are coming!
The end of the quarter is next week! Please check with your student to see if they have any library books to return or renew. Next week, overdue notices will be sent to students’ fcpsschools email address. Email Mrs. Grover, RRMS librarian, with questions about library books.
Make a direct donation to the 8th grade event with Rise Against Hunger and/or sign-up to donate other items needed for the Day of Service and be entered to win a $50 gift card to Bonefish Grill. Drawing will be October 18 - donate now!
Hearing and Vision Screening volunteers needed for October 29 and 30. Sign up here.
Next week is SPIRIT WEEK!
Monday: Black Out (wear all black)

Tuesday: Anything But a Backpack (Students bring their things to school in something other than a backpack)

Wednesday: Halloween Costume (Following SR&R no face coverings or anything that looks like a weapon)

Thursday: Team Jersey or Rocky Run Spirit Wear (This is also Day of Service and 2 hour early release

Friday: School Holiday

4. Student Celebrations RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Sarah Chenzaie (Engaged)

Pranav Nandula (Engaged)

John Blinder (Accountable)

Carlie Gurson (Engaged)

Rayan Basalaki (Engaged)

Eve Sokolinski (Engaged)

Great job Raising the Ram!

Punctual on Purpose Student Winners

We recently began our Punctual on Purpose (POP!) drawing to recognize students who are on-time to all classes during the prior week. Each week, students have a fresh chance to be entered into the POP drawing. POP winners are announced every Monday, and students can select from a variety of rewards. Please encourage your child to be on time to all classes, including 1st and 2nd period. This week's POP winners are Ethan Phillips, Henry Kaufmann, Annalyn Plaugher, Jayden Xun, Amiyah Humphrey, and Tyler Regan. Congratulations and thank you for Raising the Ram by getting to class on time!

5. Student Services Updates RRMS Celebrates our Veterans!

Please Join Us- Rocky Run Fall Family Night

All Rocky Run families (adults and students) are invited to join us for our Fall Family Night on Thursday, November 7! From 5:00-6:30pm, we will have breakout sessions on the following topics:

Helping your student get (and stay!) organized
Navigating the FCPS math sequence
Understanding the rolling gradebook & middle school grading policies
Unpacking the Power of Words and exploring the concept of Intent vs. Impact

From 6:30-7:30, we will have a Q&A session with Dr. Michelle Reid, FCPS Superintendent. We welcome all families in the Chantilly pyramid to join us to meet Dr. Reid and get your questions answered!

Please RSVP to help us better prepare for the event. RSVPs are NOT required to attend, they are just helpful for our planning! We hope to see you there!

The Federal Impact Aid Survey

7th Grade Wellness Screening

That depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help.
How to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend.
To ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend.
Who they can turn to at school for help if they need it.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s school counselor listed below and/or Young Hong, Director of Student Services at [email protected].

Ms. Esther Bae - Meteors Team [email protected]
Dr. Halissa Jacobson - Platinum Team [email protected]
Ms. Lorraine Marshall - Emerald Team [email protected]

8th Grade Fairfax County Youth Survey

6. Instructional Updates Day of Service

Learn about Rocky Run’s Day of Service here. This year’s Day of Service will take place on October 31, 2024.

Families can support Rocky Run’s Day of Service in multiple ways:

Make a monetary donation for the 8th grade’s event with Rise Against Hunger here: http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/RockyRunMiddleSchool2024

(This link is only for donations, our 8th grade students are our volunteers and they will all participate throughout the morning. If you would like to help us by volunteering on our Day of Service please use this Google Form)

Sign up to donate supplies needed for service projects during the Day of Service here
Sign up to help us on the Day of Service here
If you are connected to an organization or have an idea of how our students can give back to the community on October 31, please reach out to Anna Slevin at [email protected]

Any donations made before October 18 will be entered in a drawing for a $50 gift card to Bonefish Grill!

Outstanding Employee Awards

Let someone at Rocky Run know how outstanding they are!

7. After-School Program Information

Schedule for the week of 10/28
Mark your calendars: there will be no after-school programs on these upcoming dates - 10/31, 11/8, 11/25, 11/26, 12/20
Late buses will depart Monday - Thursday between 4:45 - 5:00 PM. Routes differ from regular AM/PM buses as there are fewer late buses and fewer stops. Routes are posted on the After-School Schoology Course. Please make sure your student knows their late bus number prior to staying after.
- Late Bus Runs were updated on 10/2 - the updated route sheet is pinned on Schoology with the impacted buses highlighted in yellow
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.
Program updates, announcements, and schedules are posted on the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added.
Check out our Program Preview for information on program times, pick-up, etc.

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

8. Community Corner Free Theatre Workshop for Grades 4-8

Westfield Theatre is offering a FREE workshop on Friday, November 1st at Westfield HS from 10am-12pm!

Students in 4th-8th grades can join us for fun theatre games, snacks and a backstage tour. Space is limited - click here to register!

Chantilly High School Haunted House Event – Saturday, 10/26

Mark your calendar for one of our local area’s favorite fall events - the Chantilly High School Haunted House! Along with the Haunted House, there will be games, face painting, and refreshments for sale. Proceeds benefit the Chargers Field Hockey, Girls Soccer & Girls Lacrosse programs. Tickets are $10 in advance ($15 at the door). To order your tickets, use the QR code or log on to www.CHSHauntedHouse.com

Quick Links

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

10/18 RRMS School Updates

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1. Important Dates

October 21-22 - Fall Pictures (students attend during their PE class)

October 26 - Cross Country Championship Meet, Liberty MS

October 29-30 - Hearing and Vision Screenings (7th Grade, PE Classes)

October 31 - End of 1st Quarter, 2 Hour Early Release

November 1 - No School (Holiday- Diwali)

November 4-5 - No School

November 7 - Fall Family Night, 5 - 6:30 PM & PTA Event with Dr. Reid, 6:30 PM

November 8 - Veteran's Day Breakfast, 8 AM

November 11 - No School

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families-

As we reflect on the first quarter of the school year, please consider taking a few minutes to recognize one or more Rocky Run Middle School employees that have made a positive impact in your student’s life. The FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards allow students and their families to nominate staff members in the Outstanding Teacher, Outstanding New Teacher, Outstanding Principal, Outstanding Leader, Outstanding Professional, and Outstanding Operational Employee categories. Nominations are due by Wednesday, November 6, 2024. We hope that the commitment and innovation of our employees will be well-represented!

All that is required for a preliminary nomination are a few sentences about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements are below.

Outstanding Teacher

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding New Teacher

Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category

Outstanding Principal

Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district).

Outstanding Leader

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a School-Based Administrator (that is not the building principal). Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership. Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school

Outstanding Operational Employee

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as a Classroom Instructional Support employee. Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons (regardless of how they are paid)

Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

Share what makes Rocky Run special! We are creating a "Top 10" list for our website- please share your favorite thing about Rocky Run here. This could be an event, a club, or anything else that makes Rocky Run stand out!
Make a direct donation to the 8th grade event with Rise Against Hunger and/or sign-up to donate other items needed for the Day of Service and be entered to win a $50 gift card to Bonefish Grill. Drawing will be October 18 - donate now!
Hearing and Vision Screening volunteers needed for October 29 and 30. Sign up here.
School Picture Day is Coming This Week!

📅 Date: Monday October 21st & Tuesday October 22nd, 2024

Photos happening during PE classes:

October 21st – Blue Day PE Classes

October 22nd – Gold Day PE Classes

🛒 Pre-order Online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001132798#login📸 Images Available: Approximately two-three weeks after picture day📧 Questions about Ordering? Email us at [email protected]

4. Student Celebrations RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Luke Schmidt (Accountable)

Luke Carnow (Accountable)

Bissan Abuoun (Respectful and Safe)

Rylan Woo (Engaged)

Mnase Haile (Engaged)

Liam Tomchik (Respectful, Accountable, Inclusive, Safe, and Engaged)

Great job Raising the Ram!

Punctual on Purpose Student Winners

We recently began our Punctual on Purpose (POP!) drawing to recognize students who are on-time to all classes during the prior week. Each week, students have a fresh chance to be entered into the POP drawing. POP winners are announced every Monday, and students can select from a variety of rewards. Please encourage your child to be on time to all classes, including 1st and 2nd period. This week's POP winners are Eli Condit, Katherine McKenna, Rodolfo Romero-Gonzalez, Alexandra Dagdelen Quiroga, Lucian Kim, and Haleema Fraz. Congratulations and thank you for Raising the Ram by getting to class on time!

5. Student Services Updates Advanced Academic Program Referrals

Parents or guardians of seventh-grade students who are NOT NEW to FCPS may initiate screening for full-time AAP services by submitting an Advanced Academic Programs Level IV Referral Form (multiple languages are available at this link) to Rocky Run’s Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), Anna Slevin ([email protected]), by Sunday, December 15, 2024. Please view AAP Testing and Identification Timelines for more information.

Fairfax County Youth Survey

6. Instructional Updates Day of Service

Learn about Rocky Run’s Day of Service here. This year’s Day of Service will take place on October 31, 2024.

Families can support Rocky Run’s Day of Service in multiple ways:

Make a monetary donation for the 8th grade’s event with Rise Against Hunger here: http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/RockyRunMiddleSchool2024

Sign up to donate supplies needed for service projects during the Day of Service here
Sign up to help us on the Day of Service here
If you are connected to an organization or have an idea of how our students can give back to the community on October 31, please reach out to Anna Slevin at [email protected]

Any donations made before October 18 will be entered in a drawing for a $50 gift card to Bonefish Grill!

Outstanding Employee Awards

Let someone at Rocky Run know how outstanding they are!

Library Updates

This week was really busy in the Rocky Run Library! Mrs. Bartling’s English classes used the library space earlier in the week for book club discussions. Students communicated and collaborated with each other to talk about characters, plot, and more. It’s always wonderful to hear students share meaningful experiences with reading!

Towards the end of the week, Mrs. Cho’s Civics classes visited the library and Inspiration Studio as part of their election simulation project, designing merchandise and filming ads for their campaign. Students collaborated, negotiated, clarified learning, and created original work! There is so much for these classes to be proud of during their time in the library.

7. After-School Program Information

Schedule for the week of 10/21
Mark your calendars: there will be no after-school programs on these upcoming dates - 10/31, 11/8, 11/25, 11/26, 12/20
Late buses will depart Monday - Thursday between 4:45 - 5:00 PM. Routes differ from regular AM/PM buses as there are fewer late buses and fewer stops. Routes are posted on the After-School Schoology Course. Please make sure your student knows their late bus number prior to staying after.
- Late Bus Runs were updated on 10/2 - the updated route sheet is pinned on Schoology with the impacted buses highlighted in yellow
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.
Program updates, announcements, and schedules are posted on the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added.
Check out our Program Preview for information on program times, pick-up, etc.

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

8. Community Corner Chantilly High School Haunted House Event – Saturday, 10/26

Westfield Theatre Halloween Festival

Our Halloween Festival is Saturday, October 19th at Westfield High School!

The carnival in the auditorium from 4-8pm will feature games and princess and pirate meet and greets! Costumes encouraged. Come anytime!

The escape room (for ages 12 and up) in the Blackbox classroom will run from 4-8pm. Sign up for the escape room with the QR code on the flyer or by this LINK.

Quick Links

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

Oct 17 PTA Meeting Canceled

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October 17 - PTA Meeting, 6:30 PM, Library - CANCELED

See you at the next scheduled meeting on November 14.

Lost and Found

Is your student missing any sweatshirts, jackets, water bottles, lunch bags?! Chances are - they are in our lost and found in the cafeteria! Please remind them to check for their items as we will be donating all unclaimed items at the end of the month.

8. Community Corner Chantilly High School Haunted House Event – Saturday, 10/26

Westfield Theatre Halloween Festival

Our Halloween Festival is Saturday, October 19th at Westfield High School!

The carnival in the auditorium from 4-8pm will feature games and princess and pirate meet and greets! Costumes encouraged. Come anytime!

The escape room (for ages 12 and up) in the Blackbox classroom will run from 4-8pm. Sign up for the escape room with the QR code on the flyer or by this LINK.

Quick Links

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

10/11 RRMS School Updates

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1. Important Dates

October 11- PM Observance: Yom Kippur (regular school day for students), No After-School Program Today - all students depart at 2:15 PM

October 14 - No School- Indigenous Peoples' Day (Staff Development)

October 15-17 - 7th Grade Science MWEE Field Trip

October 17 - PTA Meeting, 6:30 PM, Library

October 21-22 - Fall Pictures (students attend during their PE class)

October 31 - End of 1st Quarter, 2 Hour Early Release

November 1 - No School (Holiday- Diwali)

November 4-5 - No School

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families-

Greetings from Jolly 'Ole England! As you may be able to tell, I am writing to you from across the pond in Banbury, England (relatively close to Oxford). Since last weekend, I have had the pleasure of escorting 26 amazing Rocky Run Rams in our bi-annual exchange program with the Warriner School. We will return the favor and host our English friends during the last week of March. Our hope is that the Cherry Blossoms will be in peak bloom and we can really show off Washington DC and Northern Virginia.

Even though I've been away, I've been keeping up with all the happenings at Rocky Run, and things are running smoothly. I am extremely appreciative of my Director of Student Services Young Hong, and Assistant Principals Johnelle Sweet and Rachel Sweeney for holding down the fort in my absence.

Looking ahead, Indigenous Peoples' Day will be celebrated on Monday, October 14. Students will enjoy a three-day weekend, while staff members will participate in professional development focused on literacy. This holiday honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of indigenous peoples, past and present. While students are enjoying the three-day weekend, I encourage them to spend some time thinking and examining one of the more than 2000 tribal groups that are indigenous to North America. Each one has a unique culture and way of life that span history up to and including present day.

Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

Chromebooks: Please make sure that your student still has their protective case on their Chromebook! If they do not, please ask them to bring their Chromebook and case to the tech office so that we can put it back on for them. The screens are prone to breakage and students who do not have their cases on will be responsible for damage!
Make a direct donation to the 8th grade event with Rise Against Hunger and/or sign-up to donate other items needed for the Day of Service and be entered to win a $50 gift card to Bonefish Grill. Drawing will be October 18 - donate now!
BUY YOUR YEARBOOK- Don’t Miss a Memory!

Prices go up December 1st – Buy yours now for the best price! Get yours at https://yearbookordercenter.com/ School Code: 5333

Available while supplies last.
Hearing and Vision Screening volunteers needed for October 29 and 30. Sign up here.
School Picture Day is Coming- October 21st and 22nd

Photos happening during PE classes:

October 21st – Blue Day PE Classes

October 22nd – Gold Day PE Classes

Lost and Found

4. Student Celebrations RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Liam Ashiabor (Engaged)

Kaya Magwire (Inclusive and Engaged)

Hajar Yousufi (Inclusive and Engaged)

Adelyn Mizell (Engaged)

Yusef Albedrani (Engaged)

Elif Sen (Inclusive and Engaged)

Great job Raising the Ram!

Punctual on Purpose Student Winners

We recently began our Punctual on Purpose (POP!) drawing to recognize students who are on-time to all classes during the prior week. Each week, students have a fresh chance to be entered into the POP drawing. POP winners are announced every Monday, and students can select from a variety of rewards. Please encourage your child to be on time to all classes, including 1st and 2nd period. This week's POP winners are Freya Younce, Vedant Kommaraju, Rachel Ganbat, Katelyn Prem, Caroline Grindal, and Suhas Devarakonda. Congratulations and thank you for Raising the Ram by getting to class on time!

5. Student Services Updates Advanced Academic Program Referrals

Parents or guardians of seventh and eighth-grade students NEW to FCPS as of January 2024 who were not screened in Spring 2024 may initiate screening for full-time AAP services by submitting an Advanced Academic Programs Level IV Referral Form (multiple languages are available at this link) to Rocky Run’s Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), Anna Slevin ([email protected]), by Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Please view AAP Testing and Identification Timelines for more information.

MAP Testing for Mathematics

Reminder that all students will be taking the MAP Growth assessment during their math classes on either 10/17, 18, or 21. The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) require schools to provide reading and mathematics screening tests for all students in grades 6-8. These assessments also fulfill a requirement for reading and mathematics growth assessments under the Virginia Assessment Program (VAP). Test results help families and teachers know how to support each student’s learning and development. The Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests) provides more information on these tests.

Student Council

Rocky Run SCA Representatives had their first meeting to start planning fun events for this school year. Today we planned our first Spirit Week for the last week of October!

6. Instructional Updates Day of Service

Learn about Rocky Run’s Day of Service here. This year’s Day of Service will take place on October 31, 2024.

Families can support Rocky Run’s Day of Service in multiple ways:

Make a monetary donation for the 8th grade’s event with Rise Against Hunger here: http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/RockyRunMiddleSchool2024

Sign up to donate supplies needed for service projects during the Day of Service here
Sign up to help us on the Day of Service here
If you are connected to an organization or have an idea of how our students can give back to the community on October 31, please reach out to Anna Slevin at [email protected]

Any donations made before October 18 will be entered in a drawing for a $50 gift card to Bonefish Grill!

Library Updates

Mrs. DeRusso’s Spanish 2 classes celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month in the library by learning about famous Hispanic Americans! Working in groups, students reviewed a folder with multiple resources about their person and contributed to a graphic organizer prioritizing important facts and reflections about their person. Then, the groups transformed their graphic organizer into colorful, informative posters for their peers to learn about their person. Overall, it was a great mini research project that included collaboration, leadership, negotiation, and persistence!

Mrs. Kaplan’s classes also visited the library earlier this week for a book browsing activity to learn more about the different fiction genres in the library. Almost all students chose a just-for-fun book to read because of this activity! Students were engaged in the interesting book choices specially curated by Mrs. Grover and practiced critical thinking when deciding from their list of potential books which one title they wanted to check out.

Finally, Ms. Speir’s and Ms. Bolton’s 8th period Civics class visited the library to create buttons for their 3rd party candidate as they are learning about elections in the United States. Their designs showed creativity, inspiration from what they were learning, and looked professional after using the button maker!

7. After-School Program Information

Schedule for the week of 10/14
Mark your calendars: there will be no after-school programs on these upcoming dates - 10/11, 10/31, 11/8, 11/25, 11/26, 12/20
Late buses will depart Monday - Thursday between 4:45 - 5:00 PM. Routes differ from regular AM/PM buses as there are fewer late buses and fewer stops. Routes are posted on the After-School Schoology Course. Please make sure your student knows their late bus number prior to staying after.
- Late Bus Runs were updated on 10/2 - the updated route sheet is pinned on Schoology with the impacted buses highlighted in yellow
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.
Program updates, announcements, and schedules are posted on the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added.
Check out our Program Preview for information on program times, pick-up, etc.

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

8. Community Corner Chantilly High School Haunted House Event – Saturday, 10/26

Westfield Theatre Halloween Festival

Our Halloween Festival is Saturday, October 19th at Westfield High School!

The carnival in the auditorium from 4-8pm will feature games and princess and pirate meet and greets! Costumes encouraged. Come anytime!

The escape room (for ages 12 and up) in the Blackbox classroom will run from 4-8pm. Sign up for the escape room with the QR code on the flyer or by this LINK.

Quick Links

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

10/4 RRMS School Updates

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Table of Contents 1. Important Dates 2. A Note from the Principal 3. Action Items for Families 4. Student Recognition 5. Student Services Updates 6. Instructional Updates 7. After-School Updates 8. Community Corner 1. Important Dates

October 7- Day of Service fundraiser at Panda Express

October 11- PM Observance: Yom Kippur (regular school day for students)

October 14 - No School- Indigenous Peoples' Day (Staff Development)

October 15-17 - 7th Grade Science MWEE Field Trip

October 21-22 - Fall Pictures (students attend during their PE class)

October 31 - End of 1st Quarter, 2 Hour Early Release

November 1 - No School (Holiday- Diwali)

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families-

It's been a rainy week at Rocky Run. Our current stretch of consecutive days of rain has to be a record, right? The rain has caused our teachers to be creative during recess and PE periods, and the kids are getting (understandably) stir crazy. I hope that the weather improves for the upcoming four-day weekend!

On a personal note, next week I will be accompanying a group of 26 Rams to England for our bi-annual exchange program. Our students have been fostering relationships with their buddies at the Warriner School in Banbury, England for the past year. Our group travels to visit them next week and returns the favor for the English students in March. I am definitely looking forward to touring Warrick Castle, and sailing on the Thames River, among many other adventures! The exchange program is one of the many perks of serving as the principal of the BEST middle school in FCPS.

Be on the lookout for a guest author in this section of the newsletter next week.

Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

Make a direct donation to the 8th grade event with Rise Against Hunger and/or sign-up to donate other items needed for the Day of Service and be entered to win a $50 gift card to Bonefish Grill. Drawing will be October 18 - donate now!
BUY YOUR YEARBOOK- Don’t Miss a Memory!

Prices go up December 1st – Buy yours now for the best price! Get yours at https://yearbookordercenter.com/ School Code: 5333

Available while supplies last.

4. Student Celebrations RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Wyatt Ogle (Safe)

Ghaliyah Lewis (Respectful, Inclusive, and Safe)

Cassidy McDonald (Inclusive and Engaged)

Nayde Jones-Carvalho (Engaged)

Cortez Banks (Inclusive and Engaged)

Isabella Lutz-Montiel (Respectful)

Great job Raising the Ram!

September Rams on a Roll

Team Emerald: Levi Matua and Carmen VanYperen

Team Meteors: Amelia Hagen and Yaseen Masri

Team Platinum: Grady Gilbert and Skyler Lee

Team Kryptonite: Manya Banavar and An Bui

Team Sapphire: Alice Greene and Tyler Regan

Team Tigers Eye: Maya Hayes and Bella Le

5. Student Services Updates Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener

All students in grades 3-12 have the opportunity to participate in the screener twice a year, in the fall and spring. The SEL Screener elevates the voices of our students by making sure their perspectives are considered in decision-making. For more information about the SEL Screener, including the Screener questions, please visit the FCPS Website.

Rocky Run Middle School will give the Fall SEL Screener on October 10. Please complete this Google Form ONLY if you DO NOT want your child to participate in the Screener: Rocky Run SEL Screener OPT-OUT Form

Advanced Academic Program Referrals

6. Instructional Updates Day of Service

Learn about Rocky Run’s Day of Service here. This year’s Day of Service will take place on October 31, 2024.

Families can support Rocky Run’s Day of Service in multiple ways:

Make a monetary donation for the 8th grade’s event with Rise Against Hunger here: http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/RockyRunMiddleSchool2024

Sign up to donate supplies needed for service projects during the Day of Service here
Sign up to help us on the Day of Service here
If you are connected to an organization or have an idea of how our students can give back to the community on October 31, please reach out to Anna Slevin at [email protected]

Any donations made before October 18 will be entered in a drawing for a $50 gift card to Bonefish Grill!

Support the last fundraiser for this event! All funds raised go towards the packing event with Rise Against Hunger: Monday October 7th – Virtual Fundraiser with Panda Express – order online for delivery or pick-up using the code 925833 and 28% of sales are donated! Share with friends and family nationwide!

7. After-School Program Information

Schedule for the week of 10/7
- No activities on Friday, 10/11 - all students depart at the 2:15 dismissal
Mark your calendars: there will be no after-school programs on these upcoming dates - 10/11, 10/31, 11/8, 11/25, 11/26, 12/20
Late buses will depart Monday - Thursday between 4:45 - 5:00 PM. Routes differ from regular AM/PM buses as there are fewer late buses and fewer stops. Routes are posted on the After-School Schoology Course. Please make sure your student knows their late bus number prior to staying after.
- Late Bus Runs were updated on 10/2 - the updated route sheet is pinned on Schoology with the impacted buses highlighted in yellow
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.
Program updates, announcements, and schedules are posted on the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added.
Check out our Program Preview for information on program times, pick-up, etc.

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

8. Community Corner Chantilly High School Haunted House Event – Saturday, 10/26

Quick Links

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

9/27 RRMS School Updates

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September 29- Chipotle Fundraiser for Day of Service, 4-8pm

October 2- PM Observance: Rosh Hashanah (regular school day for students)

October 3 - No School (Holiday- Rosh Hashanah)

October 4 - No School (Teacher Workday)

October 11- PM Observance: Yom Kippur (regular school day for students)

October 14 - No School- Indigenous Peoples' Day (Staff Development)

October 15-17 - 7th Grade Science MWEE Field Trip

October 21-22 - Fall Pictures (students attend during their PE class)

October 31 - End of 1st Quarter, 2 Hour Early Release

November 1 - No School (Holiday- Diwali)

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families-

We had another great week at Rocky Run Middle School, even though the rain kept us mostly inside for recess. I spent the majority of my week in history and civics classes learning about the impact of westward expansion and political party platforms. Another highlight of the week was the Blue Star Welcome Breakfast that we hosted on Thursday. Blue Star Welcome Week was recognized nationally from September 21-September 29. It was a great opportunity to allow our 20+ connected miliary students to get to know each other and build community with Rocky Run. I am extremely grateful to Lorraine Marshall (counselor) and Katelyn Hagen (Dean of Students) for spearheading this initiative. To learn more about Blue Star Welcome Week, check out this website.

This week also marked the end of 3 consecutive 5-day school weeks. Be sure to check the upcoming school calendars for closures and observances. The first observance, Rosh Hashanah, which means “head of the year,” is one of Judaism’s holiest days and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection. Students will not report to school on October 3 and October 4. The Days of Awe end at sundown on October 11 with the start of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. We wish all members of our Jewish community a Shanah Tovah, or Happy New Year!

Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

BUY YOUR YEARBOOK- Don’t Miss a Memory!

Prices go up December 1st – Buy yours now for the best price! Get yours at https://yearbookordercenter.com/ School Code: 5333

Available while supplies last.
Support Rocky Run’s Day of Service. Make a donation here or here. Eat at Chipotle by Wegmans this Sunday from 4-8pm. A $10 or 1 item donation from each family at Rocky Run will help to reach our goal of each student earning 5 hours of service and experiencing the value of giving back to their community!
Scoliosis Fact Sheet

To meet the Code of Virginia 22.1-273.1 and FCPS Regulation 2103 for the provision of parent educational information on scoliosis, all FCPS schools must provide a scoliosis fact sheet to parents or guardians of students in grades 5 through 10 within 60 business days of the school start date.

The Scoliosis Fact Sheet and translations are available on the Scoliosis Fact Sheet page.

4. Student Celebrations Blue Star Welcome Week

Thank you to the students and staff who joined us this week for our Blue Star Welcome Week event. Military-connected students and staff came together to meet, form friendships, and share their experiences.

RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Luke Schmidt (Engaged)

Lima Sultani (Inclusive and Engaged)

Nathan O'Neill (Respectful and Engaged)

Bilal Usmani (Respectful, Accountable, and Engaged)

Farid Mahammadli (Engaged)

Grant Nuckols (Respectful and Safe)

Great job Raising the Ram!

5. Student Services Updates World Languages Credit by Exam

Students who are proficient in a language other than English can assess language proficiency and earn up to 3 high school world language credits by taking the World Language Credit by Exam. To learn more about the exam and how earned credits work, please visit the FCPS World Languages Credit by Exam website. If you and your student would like to register for the exam, please fill out this Google Form and your child’s counselor will submit the registration by Friday, October 4th at 9 a.m.

Assessments will take place at Rocky Run Middle School during a school day in November. We will share exact testing dates later.

Please make sure you and your child visit the Avant website to learn about what to expect from this test, including sample tests and keyboard, computer, and headphone requirements.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener

All students in grades 3-12 have the opportunity to participate in the screener twice a year, in the fall and spring. The SEL Screener elevates the voices of our students by making sure their perspectives are considered in decision-making. For more information about the SEL Screener, including the Screener questions, please visit the FCPS Website.

Advanced Academic Program Referrals

6. Instructional Updates Day of Service

Learn about Rocky Run’s Day of Service here. This year’s Day of Service will take place on October 31, 2024.

Families can support Rocky Run’s Day of Service in multiple ways:

Make a monetary donation for the 8th grade’s event with Rise Against Hunger here: http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/RockyRunMiddleSchool2024

Sign up to donate supplies needed for service projects during the Day of Service here
Sign up to help us on the Day of Service here
If you are connected to an organization or have an idea of how our students can give back to the community on October 31, please reach out to Anna Slevin at [email protected]

Support our fundraisers for this event! All funds raised go towards the packing event with Rise Against Hunger:

Sunday September 29th 4-8pm at the Chipotle on Newbrook Dr. (by Wegmans) - tell the cashier you are there for Rocky Run and we get 25% back! (Online order code is 62V7AXB)
Monday October 7th – Virtual Fundraiser with Panda Express – order online for delivery or pick-up using the code 925833 and 28% of sales are donated! Share with friends and family nationwide!

Library Updates

This week, Mrs. DeRusso’s classes began a research project on famous Hispanic Americans to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Students are working in small groups on reading “briefings” with information from multiple sources about their person. This activity is a meaningful way for students to collaborate, interact with informational text, and prioritize information – all while learning about someone who has made a difference for the Hispanic community. Next week, they are going to create a visual with what they have learned to share with the other groups in their class.

7. After-School Program Information

Schedule for the week of 9/30
NEW Clubs are starting soon (JAVA Coding, CyberPatriots, Science Olympiad Selection Test) - sign-up forms will be posted on the After-School Schoology Course this Friday at 3:30 PM. Students must be logged into their fcpsschools account to access these sign-up forms.
Late buses will depart Monday - Thursday between 4:45 - 5:00 PM. Routes differ from regular AM/PM buses as there are fewer late buses and fewer stops. Routes are posted on the After-School Schoology Course. Please make sure your student knows their late bus number prior to staying after.
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.
Program updates, announcements, and schedules are posted on the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added.
Check out our Program Preview for information on program times, pick-up, etc.

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

8. Community Corner Chantilly High School Haunted House Event – Saturday, 10/26

Quick Links

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

9/20 RRMS School Updates

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September 26 - PTA Meeting, 6:30 PM, Library

September 29- Chipotle Fundraiser for Day of Service, 4-8pm

October 3 - No School (Holiday)

October 4 - No School (Teacher Workday)

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families-

We had another great week at Rocky Run Middle School. Our after school programs are in full swing and our cross country program is up and running (pun intended). We have over 120 students participating to represent the Rams. Their first meet is this Saturday, September 21, at 8:30 AM at Robinson. Please consider coming out to cheer on our "Running Rams".

As the weather continues to change and routines become more standardized, I want to take this opportunity to write about ways that the school and community can partner to support mental health and social/emotional learning. One important way to support your student’s social and emotional learning is to make sure they get to school. Attendance is an important life skill that will help your child later in life. It’s a good habit to build now to help them graduate from college on time and routinely report to work on time once they have a career. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students who are absent 10 percent of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered “chronically absent.” If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or appointment, you must report the absence to the school by calling 703-802-7782, or by emailing [email protected]. Similarly, please have a conversation with your students about the importance of arriving to each class on time! Tardies add up too, and cause students to miss a substantial amount of instructional time. As we started last year, a student's privilege to attend certain school-sponsored activities (Franklin vs Rocky Run basketball game, etc) will be tied to tardy monitoring.

Lastly, this week, students began to attend sessions about the impact of their words. We ask families to engage in conversations with their students as a follow up. Please consider using these sentence starters:

Tell me more about being an “upstander”-- what does that term mean to you?
Have you heard any instances of hate speech at school? If so, how has this made you feel? How have you responded?
If you hear someone use hate speech in the future, how might you respond differently?
What questions do you have after having all of these conversations? How are you feeling? How can I support you?

Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

BUY YOUR YEARBOOK- Don’t Miss a Memory!

Prices go up December 1st – Buy yours now for the best price! Get yours at https://yearbookordercenter.com/ School Code: 5333

Available while supplies last.
Ms. Valade is collecting recycled materials for art projects, including cardboard boxes, toilet paper and paper towel rolls, packing paper, and magazines. Please drop any donations off to the Main Office or ask your student to bring them to Room 125.

4. Student Celebrations Blue Star Welcome Week

During Blue Star Welcome Week, Rocky Run Middle School welcomes and celebrates our military-connected families! Blue Star Welcome Week was created to recognize the 600,000 military families who move to new communities each year, while raising awareness and building support for military-connected students. We will be honoring our military-connected students during a Rock Time (3rd period) meet and greet event. Please visit this link to learn more about the supports available to FCPS military-connected families.

RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Viraj Yadav (Respectful)

Jeremiah Guandalino-Martinez (Respectful, Accountable, and Safe)

Annalyn Plaugher (Accountable and Engaged)

Erin Kim (Accountable)

Aavyan Tendulkar (Engaged)

Alice Greene (Respectful and Accountable)

Great job Raising the Ram!

5. Student Services Updates World Languages Credit by Exam

Assessments will take place at Rocky Run Middle School during a school day in November. We will share exact testing dates later.

Please make sure you and your child visit the Avant website to learn about what to expect from this test, including sample tests and keyboard, computer, and headphone requirements.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener

All students in grades 3-12 have the opportunity to participate in the screener twice a year, in the fall and spring. The SEL Screener elevates the voices of our students by making sure their perspectives are considered in decision-making. For more information about the SEL Screener, including the Screener questions, please visit the FCPS Website.

Advanced Academic Program Referrals

6. Instructional Updates Day of Service

Learn about Rocky Run’s Day of Service here. This year’s Day of Service will take place on October 31, 2024.

Families can support Rocky Run’s Day of Service in multiple ways:

Make a monetary donation for the 8th grade’s event with Rise Against Hunger here: http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/RockyRunMiddleSchool2024

Sign up to donate supplies needed for service projects during the Day of Service here
Sign up to help us on the Day of Service here
If you are connected to an organization or have an idea of how our students can give back to the community on October 31, please reach out to Anna Slevin at [email protected]

Support our fundraisers for this event! All of the funds raised go towards the packing event with Rise Against Hunger:

Sunday September 29th 4-8pm at the Chipotle on Newbrook Dr. (by Wegmans) - tell the cashier you are there for Rocky Run and we get 25% back! (Online order code is 62V7AXB)
Monday October 7th – Virtual Fundraiser with Panda Express – order online for delivery or pick-up using the code 925833 and 28% of sales are donated! Share with friends and family nationwide!

7. After-School Program Information

Schedule for the week of 9/23
Late buses will depart Monday - Thursday between 4:45 - 5:00 PM. Routes differ from regular AM/PM buses as there are fewer late buses and fewer stops. Routes are posted on the After-School Schoology Course. Please make sure your student knows their late bus number prior to staying after.
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.
Program updates, announcements, and schedules are posted on the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added.
Check out our Program Preview for information on program times, pick-up, etc.

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

8. Community Corner Quick Links

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

PTA Silent Auction - updated links

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Join Us for Our Exciting Silent Auction!

Dear RRMS Families,

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Silent Auction, running from **September 20 at 8 AM to September 28 at 9 PM**! This is a fantastic opportunity to support our school while bidding on amazing items!

What to Expect: Incredible Items: From VIP experiences to Tardy passes, there’s something for everyone! Community Spirit: Connect with fellow families and enjoy a night of camaraderie and support for our school.

Bid to Win: Every bid helps! Show your support for the RAMS!

3 ways to to bid:

1) Auction link: https://app.givebacks.gives/rockyrunauction

2) Text to bid: Text rockyrunauction to (919) 626-3277 to get auction link

3) Scan QR code to bid (See attached)

How Your Contributions Will Help:

8th Grade Dance: Help us make this milestone event a memorable celebration for our graduating class!
Raise the Ram Rewards: Support incentives that encourage and recognize our students' hard work and achievements.
Staff Appreciation: Show our dedicated teachers and staff how much we value their commitment and care.
More Benches for the Kiss & Ride: Improve our drop-off/pick-up experience with additional seating for parents, students, and staff. Have you seen the new benches that the PTA purchased from last year's fundraiser?

Your participation makes a difference!

Thank you for your continued support!

-Rocky Run PTA

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

PTA Silent Auction

GovDelivery2 months ago

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

Join Us for Our Exciting Silent Auction!

Dear RRMS Families,

Bid to Win: Every bid helps! Show your support for the RAMS!

Where to bid: https://app.givebacks.gives/rockyrunauction/Campaign/Details?ReturnUrl=%2FCampaigns%2FSetup%2F9969d6%2FOptions

How Your Contributions Will Help:

8th Grade Dance: Help us make this milestone event a memorable celebration for our graduating class!
Raise the Ram Rewards: Support incentives that encourage and recognize our students' hard work and achievements.
Staff Appreciation: Show our dedicated teachers and staff how much we value their commitment and care.
More Benches for the Kiss & Ride: Improve our drop-off/pick-up experience with additional seating for parents, students, and staff. Have you seen the new benches that the PTA purchased from last year's fundraiser?

Your participation makes a difference!

Thank you for your continued support!

-Rocky Run PTA

Click to edit this placeholder text.

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

9/13 RRMS School Updates

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September 29- Chipotle Fundraiser for Day of Service, 4-8pm

October 3 - No School (Holiday)

October 4 - No School (Teacher Workday)

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families-

We had a busy week at Rocky Run Middle School! Fall is definitely in the air and outdoor recess was gorgeous. I loved playing tips, four square, volleyball and basketball with the students. It is so cool to see middle school students being "kids" and engaging with each other away from technology.

Our After School Program officially kicked off this past Monday, September 9. Students will have the opportunity to get extra help from teachers or participate in one of our many clubs and activities Monday through Thursday. Our cross country team had their first practices this week. Over 175 Rams registered to be part of the team. I anticipate fast times from our runners at their first meet on September 21 at Robinson. Please consider coming by to root on our runners.

Looking ahead, on Sunday we will kick off a month-long celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15). It was made an official observation in the United States in 1968. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua; with Mexico and Chile celebrating their independence days on September 16 and September 18. This month is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions by Latinos/Hispanics in popular culture through music, food, and dance, as well as in science, art, economics, politics and other fields.

Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

Digital resource consent: Please go here to give your student consent to use digital resources at Rocky Run.
After School Registration: The After School Registration form is required for ALL students, regardless of intent to participate!
The library is looking for puzzle donations! If you have any that are 300-750 pieces that you are no longer using, please contact Mrs. Grover ([email protected]). Thank you!

The Spirit Wear store is open! Visit the spirit wear website before sales end tomorrow, Saturday, September 14! The next time the store will be open is mid-November for holiday purchases. All proceeds benefit the Rocky Run PTA.

4. Student Celebrations RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Aarthi Sabapathy (Engaged)

Jenna Hill (Engaged)

Emery Venus (Engaged)

Madison Kraft (Engaged)

Grace Kim (Respectful, Accountable, Inclusive, Safe, and Engaged)

Iam Suarez Carrillo (Accountable)

Great job Raising the Ram!

Congratulations to TSA Students!

Twelve students attended the TSA (Technology Student Association) National Competition over the summer. TSA (tsaweb.org) organizes competitions at the regional, state, and national level in STEM related events.

Rocky Run students competed in 18 events with students from around the country, in Orlando, FL, this past June. Students placed top 10 in four events: Children’s Stories 2nd, Cybersecurity 6th, Construction Challenge 8th, and Biotechnology 10th.

5. Student Services Updates World Languages Credit by Exam

Students who are proficient in a language other than English can assess language proficiency and earn up to 3 high school world language high school credits by taking the World Language Credit by Exam assessment. To learn more about the exam and how earned credits work, please visit the FCPS World Languages Credit by Exam website. If you and your student would like to register for the exam, please fill out this Google Form and your child’s counselor will submit the registration.

Counselors are beginning to register students. You will get an email and a paper confirmation; note that the test date of 11/06/24 is when the test window opens; we will share exact testing dates later. Assessments will take place at Rocky Run Middle School during a school day in November.
Please make sure you and your child visit the Avant website to make sure you and your student know what to expect from this test, including sample tests and keyboard, computer, and headphone requirements.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener

All students in grades 3-12 have the opportunity to participate in the screener twice a year, in the fall and spring. The SEL Screener elevates the voices of our students by making sure their perspectives are considered in decision-making. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. Division and school level results, which do not include individual student information, may be used by staff to improve SEL and mental wellness practices and to inform strategic plans. For more information about the SEL Screener, including the Screener questions, please visit the FCPS Website.

Rocky Run Middle School will give the Fall 2024 SEL Screener on October 10, 2024. Please complete this Google Form ONLY if you DO NOT want your child to participate in the Screener: Rocky Run SEL Screener OPT-OUT Form

Advanced Academic Program Referrals

Parents or guardians of seventh and eighth-grade students NEW to FCPS as of January 2024 who were not screened in Spring 2024 may initiate screening for full-time AAP services by submitting an Advanced Academic Programs Level IV Referral Form (multiple languages are available at this link) to Rocky Run’s Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), Anna Slevin ([email protected]), by Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Please view AAP Testing and Identification Timelines for more information.

Parents or guardians of seventh-grade students who are NOT NEW to FCPS may initiate screening for full-time AAP services by submitting an Advanced Academic Programs Level IV Referral Form (multiple languages are available at this link) to Rocky Run’s Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), Anna Slevin ([email protected]), by Sunday, December 15, 2024. Please view AAP Testing and Identification Timelines for more information.

6. Instructional Updates Day of Service

Learn about Rocky Run’s Day of Service here. This year’s Day of Service will take place on October 31, 2024.

Families can support Rocky Run’s Day of Service in multiple ways:

Make a monetary donation for the 8th grade’s event with Rise Against Hunger here: http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/RockyRunMiddleSchool2024

Sign up to donate supplies needed for service projects during the Day of Service here
Sign up to help us on the Day of Service here
If you are connected to an organization or have an idea of how our students can give back to the community on October 31, please reach out to Anna Slevin at [email protected]

Support our fundraisers for this event! All of the funds raised go towards the packing event with Rise Against Hunger:

Sunday September 29th 4-8pm at the Chipotle on Newbrook Dr. (by Wegmans) - tell the cashier you are there for Rocky Run and we get 25% back! (Online order code is 62V7AXB)
Monday October 7th – Virtual Fundraiser with Panda Express – order online for delivery or pick-up using the code 925833 and 28% of sales are donated! Share with friends and family nationwide!

Library Happenings

Almost every student has visited the library with their English class! There are only a few more classes next week. Ask your student what their favorite part of the library is.

Reminder: Many students still have books checked out from last year, including elementary school. Please ask your student if they have any books still from last year. Did you know? If the books are returned to Rocky Run, we can send them back to the elementary school.

7. After-School Program Information

Important Program Information:

Schedule for the week of 9/16

Not all clubs will start this week - check the preliminary club list on Schoology for all of the clubs that we currently have scheduled for this year. That list is updated frequently!

Late buses will depart Monday - Thursday between 4:45 - 5:00 PM. Routes differ from regular AM/PM buses as there are fewer late buses and fewer stops. Routes are posted on the After-School Schoology Course. Please make sure your student knows their late bus number prior to staying after!
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.
Program updates, announcements, and schedules are posted on the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added.
Check out our Program Preview for information on program times, pick-up, etc.

Club Sign-Up Forms:

Most clubs are open enrollment, but some will require a sign-up.
New club sign-up forms are posted on Schoology for: Paper Quilling & Creativity Club. Students must be logged into their fcpsschools account to access those forms.

Cross Country Information:

Practice begins on Monday! Students cannot practice if they have not submitted all completed forms.

The hard deadline for form submission is Monday, 9/16, at 3 PM. No exceptions! At that time, our roster will be closed for the fall season.

Cross Country Information can be reviewed in this slide deck.
Cross Country Questions? Check out the MS Athletics page or contact our Athletic Coordinator, Katy Speir, at [email protected].

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

8. Community Corner Asha Jyothi Annual 5K and 1K

Asha Jyothi has generously provided support for Rocky Run and other schools in our community, including sponsoring our amazing Inspiration Studio! Pleaes consider participating in their annual 5K fundraiser on Sunday, September 15th. The fun run will begin at 8am and the 5K will begin at 8:30am. To learn more and register, visit their site or click the image below.

Quick Links

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

9/6 RRMS School Updates

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September 9 - After-School Program & Late Buses Begin

September 12- Sweet Frog Fundraiser for Day of Service (all day!)

October 3 - No School (Holiday)

October 4 - No School (Teacher Workday)

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families-

The RRMS staff thoroughly enjoyed connecting with families during our Back To School Night presentation this past Thursday. It is always energizing to welcome the community into our school to highlight all the amazing things going on at Rocky Run. I am not being hyperbolic when I say that we have the BEST teachers in FCPS. Hopefully, you got a glimpse of it this past Thursday. If you were unable to attend, please take a few minutes to watch our introductory video to meet members of the leadership team. Additional resources from the event can be found on our website.

Establishing and maintaining a positive two-way communication structure is one of our school priorities, and it doesn't end after Back to School Night. Be on the lookout for upcoming parent coffees and team newsletters throughout the year.

Lastly, I want to share expectations moving forward regarding student attendance at Chantilly High School sporting events. Spectators are not permitted to bring backpacks or water bottles to any sporting events at CHS. Middle schoolers are welcomed at any CHS games, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. We are all part of the larger Charger community. Please help us maintain order and provide a supportive environment for all fans by following this expectation.

Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

Digital resource consent: Please go here to give your student consent to use digital resources at Rocky Run.
After School Registration: The After School Registration form is required for ALL students, regardless of intent to participate!
The library is looking for puzzle donations! If you have any that are 300-750 pieces that you are no longer using, please contact Mrs. Grover ([email protected]). Thank you!

The Spirit Wear store is open! Visit the spirit wear website before sales end on Saturday, September 14. The next time the store will be open is mid-November for holiday purchases. All proceeds benefit the Rocky Run PTA.

4. Student Celebrations RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

June Pichtel (Engaged)

Baxter Blevins (Engaged)

Daniel Padilla Mejia (Engaged)

Roy Kachale Banda (Accountable)

Molly Smith (Engaged)

Luke Perriello (Engaged)

Great job Raising the Ram!

5. Student Services Updates World Languages Credit by Exam Registration: Reminders & Updates

If you and your student would like to register for the exam, please fill out this Google Form and your child’s counselor will submit the registration.

Counselors are beginning to register students. You will get an email and a paper confirmation; note that the test date of 11/06/24 is when the test window opens; we will share exact testing dates later. Assessments will take place at Rocky Run Middle School during a school day in November.
Please make sure you and your child visit the Avant website to make sure you and your student know what to expect from this test, including sample tests and keyboard, computer, and headphone requirements.

Please contact your child’s school counselor if you have any questions:

Esther Bae (Meteors & Tiger’s Eye) – [email protected]

Halissa Jacobson (Platinum & Kryptonite) – [email protected]

Lorraine Marshall (Emerald & Sapphire) – [email protected]

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener

All students in grades 3-12 have the opportunity to participate in the screener twice a year, in the fall and spring. The SEL Screener elevates the voices of our students by making sure their perspectives are considered in decision-making. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. Division and school level results, which do not include individual student information, may be used by staff to improve SEL and mental wellness practices and to inform strategic plans. For more information about the SEL Screener, including the Screener questions, please visit the FCPS Website.

Advanced Academic Program Referrals

Make Every Day Count! The Importance of Attendance

Did you know that September is Attendance Awareness Month? As you plan upcoming trips and other family events, please remember the importance of sending your child to school every day. Review the FCPS School Year Calendar and try to plan any time away during breaks from school.

Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent (missing 18 days or more) in kindergarten and first grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of third grade.

Learn how families can help form good attendance habits.

6. Instructional Updates Day of Service

Learn about Rocky Run’s Day of Service here. This year’s Day of Service will take place on October 31, 2024.

Families can support Rocky Run’s Day of Service in multiple ways:

Make a monetary donation for the 8th grade’s event with Rise Against Hunger here: http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/RockyRunMiddleSchool2024

Sign up to donate supplies needed for service projects during the Day of Service here
Sign up to help us on the Day of Service here
If you are connected to an organization or have an idea of how our students can give back to the community on October 31, please reach out to Anna Slevin at [email protected]

Support our fundraisers for this event! All of the funds raised go towards the packing event with Rise Against Hunger:

Thursday September 12th all day at Sweetfrog in Greenrbiar - mention Rocky Run when you pay and 25% of your purchase will go to the Day of Service!
Sunday September 29th 4-8pm at the Chipotle on Newbrook Dr. (by Wegmans) - tell the cashier you are there for Rocky Run and we get 25% back! (Online order code is 62V7AXB)
Monday October 7th – Virtual Fundraiser with Panda Express – order online for delivery or pick-up using the code 925833 and 28% of sales are donated! Share with friends and family nationwide!

Library Happenings

The library has had a busy start to the school year! Students are visiting the space before school and with their English classes for library orientation. They are learning how to navigate the library, how to do self-checkout, and the many ways they can make our library a great place to be. Be sure to ask your student about their experience in the library.
Did You Know? There is lots of information about our library on the Rocky Run website for families, including Frequently Asked Questions and links to helpful resources. Check out the library page today to learn more about how the library supports your student’s academic and personal growth at Rocky Run.

7. After-School Program Information

Important Program Information:

Schedule for the week of 9/9
- Not all clubs will start this week - check the preliminary club list on Schoology for all of the clubs that we currently have scheduled for this year. That list is updated frequently!
Late buses will depart Monday - Thursday between 4:45 - 5:00 PM. Routes differ from regular AM/PM buses as there are fewer late buses and fewer stops. Routes are posted on the After-School Schoology Course. Please make sure your student knows their late bus number prior to staying after!
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.
Program updates, announcements, and schedules are posted on the After-School Schoology Course - all families have been added.
Check out our Program Preview for information on program times, pick-up, etc.

Club Sign-Up Forms:

Most clubs are open enrollment, but some will require a sign-up.
Retro Video Gaming - sign up will open on Friday, 9/6, at 3:30 PM. Students must be logged into their fcpsschools account to access the form.
Math Olympiad Family Interest Meeting will be held VIRTUALLY on 9/11 at 7 PM. Sign up here for the interest meeting so we can send you the meeting link.

Cross Country Information:

Practice begins on Monday! Students cannot practice if they have not submitted all completed forms.
- The hard deadline for form submission is Monday, 9/16, at 3 PM. No exceptions! At that time, our roster will be closed for the fall season.
Cross Country Information can be reviewed in this slide deck.
Cross Country Questions? Check out the MS Athletics page or contact our Athletic Coordinator, Katy Speir, at [email protected].

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

8. Community Corner Asha Jyothi Annual 5K and 1K

Quick Links

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

Rocky Run MS Back to School Night

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Back to School Night

We look forward to seeing everyone at Back to School Night this Thursday, September 5th, 6-8 PM. If you are unable to attend, we will post our Back to School slides in Schoology after the event.

The following information will assist you in your planning:

Please bring your child's schedule so you can visit his/her classes from 6 to 8 PM. You can access your child's schedule via SIS ParentVue and/or your child can share a paper copy of his/her schedule that they created during Rock Time today.
First period begins at 6 PM and transition time is 4 minutes between classes.
Parking is limited at Rocky Run MS. Additional parking is available at Greenbriar West ES. Carpooling and walking to this event is encouraged.
Optional sessions begin at 5 PM including TJ Admissions Info Session, FLE presentation and ESOL department presentation.
Counselors, After-school Specialist, Technology Specialist and Public Health Nurse will be available during the event.

TJHSST Admissions Information Session

Representatives from the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology will be coming to RRMS to present information about 2024-25 admissions process on Thursday, September 5 at 5-6 PM (before our BTSN). Parents/guardians and students of current 8th graders who meet the course requirements (see eligibility requirements) are encouraged to attend. In addition, families of current 7th graders who are curious about the process may attend as well. Please fill out the google form to notify us of your attendance so that we may plan our space accordingly.

A YouTube video is posted on the TJ Admissions website and families are advised to view this prior to attending the presentation meeting. Admissions calendars and application process can be found here.

If you have questions specific to the admissions process, please reach out to the TJ Admissions Office. If you have questions about an individual student’s courses, please contact your child’s counselor.

Quick Links

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

8/29 RRMS School Updates

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September 5 - TJHSST Admissions Info Session, 5-6pm

September 5 - Back to School Night, 6-8pm

September 9 - After-School Program Begins

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families-

CONGRATULATIONS on finishing the second week of school! The students have been positive, polite, and full of great energy. It has been a pleasure visiting classrooms and interacting with students in the halls. Be sure to ask what the best part of your students' week was!

I continue to be proud of our students' efforts to RAISE the Ram by being Respectful, Accountable, Inclusive, Safe, and Engaged. I sign off on the morning announcements each day reminding the students to make a positive impact on the school community. It truly seems that the students are taking this message to heart.

As a reward to all Rams (students, staff and families) for their hard work over these first weeks, let’s have a four day weekend in honor of Labor Day! Hopefully all Rams will take advantage of the beautiful weather, re-charge their batteries, and celebrate the successful start to the school year. We look forward to connecting with parents/guardians at Back to School Night on Thursday, September 5.

Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

Review attendance procedures: Please review the procedures for reporting absences, late arrivals, and early checkout on our website.
Digital resource consent: Please go here to give your student consent to use digital resources at Rocky Run.
After School Registration: The After School Registration form is required for ALL students, regardless of intent to participate!

4. Student Celebrations RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Silas Abbott (Respectful)

Cooper Aiken (Respectful and Engaged)

Nicholas Cabero (Respectful and Engaged)

Cat Gutierrez (Engaged)

Josh Taggert (Respectful and Accountable)

Eve Sokolinski (Respectful, Accountable, Inclusive, and Engaged)

Great job Raising the Ram!

5. Student Services Updates Back to School Night

Thursday, September 5, 6-8 PM
Parents can walk through their student's schedule, meet teachers, and learn about curriculum
Opportunity to meet and greet administrators, counselors, and other school staff

TJHSST Admissions Information Session

A YouTube video is posted on the TJ Admissions website and families are advised to view this prior to attending the presentation meeting. Admissions calendars and application process can be found here.

Everything You Can Do Through SIS ParentVUE

Want to easily access back-to-school forms and checklists? Log in to your SIS ParentVUE account to find forms and make updates.

Update Contact Information

Be among the first to know about weather closings, bus delays, and other critical communications from your school and FCPS by providing your cell phone number and email in SIS ParentVUE. To update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, click the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right of the screen, then click the “Online Verification/Update” icon.

Parents/caregivers who do not have a SIS ParentVUE account should print and complete the Emergency Care Information Form (PDF) and submit it to their child’s school.

Submit Absences

Parents can submit daylong absences through SIS ParentVUE. Log in and click “Report Absence.” Note: Partial day absences and changes of transportation should still be reported directly to the school front office.

Don’t Have a SIS ParentVUE Account Yet?Contact your school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.

6. Instructional Updates Parental Consent to Use Digital Resources

Parents, we need your help! Some digital resources require parental review and consent to use at school. You can learn more about the process and give consent here. Please reach out to Emily Texdahl with any questions at [email protected].

Testing Information

Dear Parents and Guardians:

As a reminder, the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) require schools to provide reading and mathematics screening tests for all students in grades 6-8. These assessments also fulfill a requirement for reading and mathematics growth assessments under the Virginia Assessment Program (VAP). Test results help families and teachers know how to support each student’s learning and development.

All students who are scheduled to take the spring Reading SOL at Rocky Run will be participating in the iReady Reading Diagnostic Screener three times this year. For this fall, students will be taking this assessment in their English classes on Sept 4th and 5th. Please try to schedule absences around these dates if possible. In addition, please remind your students that they will need simple headphones or earbuds for this assessment and their fully charged laptops.

The Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests) can provide more information on these tests. If you have questions, please contact your student’s English teacher or the school's test coordinator, Ashleigh Kim ([email protected]).

7. After-School Program Information

Important Program Information:

Mark your calendar - late buses and after-school activities will begin during the week of 9/9. The first week schedule and preliminary club information will be posted on Schoology by 9/6.
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.
Program updates, announcements, schedules, and late bus routes will be communicated through the After-School Schoology Course - all families will be added in the upcoming weeks
Check out our Program Preview

Cross Country Information:

To begin practices, these forms must be completed NO LATER THAN 9/16 at 3 PM. No exceptions!
- Students cannot practice or compete until the 3 linked items below are fully completed.
- Students must participate in 3 practices before being eligible to participate in a meet. No exceptions!
- Requirement #1: After-School Registration Form
- Requirement #2: Cross Country (and/or Track) Google Registration Form
- Requirement #3: Physical Packet (must be fully complete with all information, signatures and page 3 must be completed by a physician) - do not delay in completing this step as it will take time to get this packet completed. Packets will not be accepted after 9/16 at 3 PM.
Practices will start on 9/9 and will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30-3:30 PM (exception - 10/14 is a holiday so practices that week will be on 10/16 and 10/17)
Students who have all forms submitted will be added to the Cross Country Group on Schoology.
Meet dates: 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/19
Students will be provided with a jersey for the meets. They will need to provide their own running shorts, shoes, etc.
Cross Country Questions? Check out the MS Athletics page or contact our Athletic Coordinator, Katy Speir, at [email protected].

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

8. Community Corner Asha Jyothi Annual 5K and 1K

Quick Links

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

8/23 RRMS School Updates

GovDelivery2 months 4 weeks ago

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September 5 - TJHSST Admissions Info Session, 5-6pm

September 5 - Back to School Night, 6-8pm

September 9 - After-School Program Begins

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families-

We had an AMAZING first week of school at Rocky Run Middle School! The first week always re-invigorates me and reminds me of why I choose education as a career; the kids! Our students brought tremendous energy and life to our halls. They did an awesome job supporting each other and learning how to RAISE the RAM. We look forward to connecting with parents/guardians at Back to School Night on Thursday, September 5. Mark your calendars. More information will be provided closer to the event.

As students begin to get more engaged in school, please remind them to talk to you, their counselor, a trusted staff member, or one of the administrators if there is something going on that is concerning them. School staff can only address issues and concerns if we know about them! Let's keep the lines of communication open with our students and work to make the learning environment safe and accessible for ALL Rams.

Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

Review attendance procedures: Please review the procedures for reporting absences, late arrivals, and early checkout on our website.
Digital resource consent: Please go here to give your student consent to use digital resources at Rocky Run.
After School Registration: The After School Registration form is required for ALL students, regardless of intent to participate!

Transportation and Kiss and Ride

Students are encouraged to walk, bike or take the bus to school. We do expect heavy volume in the Kiss and Ride Loop during the first few days of school and you can anticipate delays. Please watch this video if you plan to use the Kiss and Ride Loop for arrival or dismissal.

4. Student Celebrations RAISE the Ram Card Winners

Congratulations to this week's Ram card winners:

Riyan Karki (Respectful)

Marcos Bejarano (Accountable)

Johnny Bahour (Engaged)

Kate Slevin (Inclusive and Engaged)

Gus Parra (Engaged)

Jonah Hilbert (Engaged)

Great job Raising the Ram!

5. Student Services Updates Back to School Night

Thursday, September 5, 6-8 PM
Parents can walk through their student's schedule, meet teachers, and learn about curriculum
Opportunity to meet and greet administrators, counselors, and other school staff

TJHSST Admissions Information Session

6. Instructional Updates Parental Consent to Use Digital Resources

7. After-School Program Information

Important Program Information:

Mark your calendar - late buses and after-school activities will begin during the week of 9/9. The first week schedule and preliminary club information will be posted on Schoology by 9/6.
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.
Program updates, announcements, schedules, and late bus routes will be communicated through the After-School Schoology Course - all families will be added in the upcoming weeks
Check out our Program Preview

Cross Country Information:

To begin practices, these forms must be completed NO LATER THAN 9/16 at 3 PM. No exceptions!
- Students cannot practice or compete until the 3 linked items below are fully completed.
- Students must participate in 3 practices before being eligible to participate in a meet. No exceptions!
- Requirement #1: After-School Registration Form
- Requirement #2: Cross Country (and/or Track) Google Registration Form
- Requirement #3: Physical Packet (must be fully complete with all information, signatures and page 3 must be completed by a physician) - do not delay in completing this step as it will take time to get this packet completed. Packets will not be accepted after 9/16 at 3 PM.
Practices will start on 9/9 and will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays (exception - 10/14 is a holiday so practices that week will be on
A student interest meeting will be held during lunches by late August - date TBD
More information on the team and meet logistics will be communicated later in August.
Meet dates: 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/19
Cross Country Questions? Check out the MS Athletics page or contact our Athletic Coordinator, Katy Speir, at [email protected].

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

8. Community Corner

No updates this week!

Quick Links

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

8/16 RRMS School Updates

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Monday, August 19 - First Day of School!

September 5 - Back to School Night, 6-8pm

September 9 - After-School Program Begins

2. A Note from the Principal

Rocky Run Families,

It was great reconnecting with families this week at our summer events! The Rams Rally and student orientation brought life back to our building! RRMS is a better place when students are present. We look forward to welcoming back all students for the first day of school on Monday, August 19. Students will attend periods 1, 3, 5, and 7. In order to make the student transition a little easier, we will have 1st period location reminders posted in the main hallway, and 1st period teachers will hand out official schedules at the start of the period. Students should bring a backpack and lunch and something to write with on the first day.

Enjoy the last weekend of summer and get ready for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. As always, thank you for your partnership and please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

Review attendance procedures: Please review the procedures for reporting absences, late arrivals, and early checkout on our website.
Digital resource consent: Please go here to give your student consent to use digital resources at Rocky Run.
After School Registration: The After School Registration form is required for ALL students, regardless of intent to participate!
Student schedules: Available NOW through SIS ParentVue and StudentVue. These will also be available in first period classes.
Volunteer in the Library: The library is looking for volunteers this year to help with book return shelving and other projects. If you are interested, please complete this form. Training is next week so we can get started soon! Email Mrs. Grover with any questions. ([email protected])

Transportation and Kiss and Ride

RRMS Spirit Wear!

Show off your Rocky Run pride with new spirit wear! Our first spirit wear campaign of the year is here. Choose from a variety of styles and colors.

Orders are online only through the Bonfire website through August 20 and will be shipped directly to your address in September.

View the Bonfire store and order today! There will be more opportunities to order spirit wear throughout the year, too. All proceeds benefit the Rocky Run PTA.

4. Student Celebrations

Thank you so much to all of the students and families who attended our community visits, Rams Rally, and Student Orientation this week! We can't wait to see ALL our Rams back in the building bright and early on Monday!

5. Student Services Updates Back to School Night

Thursday, September 5, 6-8 PM
Parents can walk through their student's schedule, meet teachers, and learn about curriculum
Opportunity to meet and greet administrators, counselors, and other school staff

6. Instructional Updates Student Schedules

Schedules are available now in SIS. Students log in to SIS using their FCPS ID and network password. For students and parents who cannot access this information, we will have schedules available for students on the first day of school.

Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. Contact our school registrar, Cleo White, at [email protected] if you need a code.

Once you have activated a SIS ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same SIS ParentVUE account. Access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.

Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

Parental Consent to Use Digital Resources

Laptop Distribution

Student laptops will be distributed during the first week of school on Wednesday and Thursday during PE classes.

Summer Reading Updates

This has been a great summer to read! If your student completed the optional summer reading bingo board for extra fun, they can turn it in to their English teacher during the first week of school. Learn more about the summer reading bingo board or get an extra copy by visiting the Rocky Run website.

Library Book Returns

Did you know? All FCPS school libraries are connected! If your student still has books from their elementary school, they can return them to Rocky Run and we will send them back for you.

If your student is a rising 8th grader and checked out library books for the summer, all books are due on Friday, August 23. Books can be returned any time to the blue and yellow mailbox outside the Rocky Run main entrance or during the first week of school. Questions? Contact Mrs. Grover, RRMS librarian ([email protected]).

7. After-School Program Information

Important Program Information:

Mark your calendar - late buses and after-school activities will begin during the week of 9/9. The first week schedule and preliminary club information will be posted on Schoology by 9/6.
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.
Program updates, announcements, schedules, and late bus routes will be communicated through the After-School Schoology Course - all families will be added in the upcoming weeks
Check out our Program Preview

Cross Country Information:

To begin practices, these forms must be completed NO LATER THAN 9/16 at 3 PM. No exceptions!
- Students cannot practice or compete until the 3 linked items below are fully completed.
- Students must participate in 3 practices before being eligible to participate in a meet. No exceptions!
- Requirement #1: After-School Registration Form
- Requirement #2: Cross Country (and/or Track) Google Registration Form
- Requirement #3: Physical Packet (must be fully complete with all information, signatures and page 3 must be completed by a physician) - do not delay in completing this step as it will take time to get this packet completed. Packets will not be accepted after 9/16 at 3 PM.
Practices will start during the week of 9/9
A student interest meeting will be held during lunches by late August - date TBD
More information on the team and meet logistics will be communicated later in August.
Meet dates: 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/19
Cross Country Questions? Check out the MS Athletics page or contact our Athletic Coordinator, Katy Speir, at [email protected].

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

8. Community Corner

No updates this week!

Quick Links

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

8/9 RRMS School Updates

GovDelivery3 months 1 week ago

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Table of Contents 1. Important Dates 2. A Note from the Principal 3. Action Items for Families 4. Student Recognition 5. Student Services Updates 6. Instructional Updates 7. After School Updates 8. Community Corner 1. Important Dates

August 13- Community Visits- Shenandoah Crossing and Brookfield ES

August 15- Student schedules and locker information available in SIS

August 15- Rams Rally, 3-4:30pm- All families welcome!

August 16- Student Orientation, 8:30-11:00- Students only!

Monday, August 19- First Day of School!

September 5- Back to School Night, 6-8pm

2. A Note from the Principal

Dear Rocky Run Families,

I hope that you have enjoyed your summer vacation and are looking forward to the new school year. Staff and teachers have been busy planning for your return and working hard to make sure the school year is filled with exciting and engaging learning opportunities.

We are excited to welcome all of our students and parents to Rocky Run Middle School! I encourage you to visit the school website at https://rockyrunms.fcps.edu, where you can find helpful information including the bell schedule, calendar, blue/gold calendar, and orientation event details including the following:

Rams Rally open house for families - Thursday, August 15 from 3:00pm - 4:30pm
7th Grade and New Student Orientation (students only) - Friday, August 16 from 8:30am-11:00am
Back to School Night - Thursday, September 5 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm

This year, we will welcome nearly 900 students to RRMS. The vibrant culture of the school will be evident as we return our amazing students to learning and school activities. We will emphasize building relationships and cultivating a sense of belonging. We will continue implementing a sound instructional program, including an emphasis on student engagement in the classroom. We will have a focus on ensuring regular school attendance and positive approaches to student behavior and school climate. We strive to ensure a positive school culture where students thrive and enjoy learning at RRMS, and we will work hard to make sure all students are successful.

The first day of school is Monday, August 19, and will be a Blue Day. Students will rotate through periods 1, 3, 5, and 7. School hours for students are 7:30am – 2:15pm. Students may enter the building starting at 7:10am. Student schedules will be available at Rams Rally or on SIS on Aug 15. Students can carry backpacks throughout the day, and laptops will be distributed during the first week of school. Additional details for the first week of school are posted on the school website.

Back to School Night will take place on Thursday, September 5, beginning at 6:00pm. I highly encourage all parents to attend Back to School Night as this is a great opportunity for us to build community in the school and for you to connect with teachers and other parents.

I look forward to meeting members of the community, so please do not hesitate to say hello when you see me at school events. A strong connection between the school and family is critical to student success, and we are committed to that connection. If you have questions, please contact your student’s counselor, teachers, or administrative staff throughout the year. Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! It is going to be a great year!

Sincerely,

Peter Kownacki
Principal
Rocky Run Middle School
@pakownacki

3. Action Items for Families

School supplies: Check out recommended school supplies on our website.
Student schedules: Available through SIS ParentVue and StudentVue on Thursday morning, August 15.

4. Student Celebrations

Thanks to all of the students who attended Rising Rams! We can't wait to see ALL our Rams back in the building for Rams Rally, Student Orientation, and the first day of school!

5. Student Services Updates Rocky Run Welcome Events

We are excited to welcome our Rams back to the building. There are several upcoming events so mark your calendars!

August 15: Student schedule and locker info will be available in SIS ParentVUE and SIS StudentVUE
Rams Rally
- Thursday August 15, 3-4:30 PM
- All students and families are welcome
- Open house format
Student Orientation
- Friday, August 16, 8:30-11 AM
- Students only
- Students can walk their schedule and meet teachers
- Bus transportation will be provided
  - Bull Run: 8:00 am departure time
  - London Towne 8:10 am departure time
  - Willow Springs 8:00 am departure time
  - Colin Powell 8:10 am departure time
  - GBE 8:25 am departure time
  - Brookfield 8:25 am departure time
  - Poplar Tree 8:25 am departure time

Back to School Night
- Thursday, September 5, 6-8 PM
- Parents can walk through their student's schedule, meet teachers, and learn about curriculum
- Opportunity to meet and greet administrators, counselors, and other school staff

Rocky Run Community Visits

Please join us for our community visits on Tuesday, August 13th. Please join us at:

Shenandoah Crossing: 4:15-4:45pm

Brookfield Elementary School: 5:00-5:30pm

Please join us! You can meet school staff, get any questions answered, and pick up school supplies for the year. We hope to see you there!

6. Instructional Updates Student Schedules

Beginning on Thursday, August 15, students and families will be able to view student schedule information and locker information in SIS.

Parents who need assistance activating their SIS account can get help with this at Rams Rally. Students log in to SIS using their FCPS ID and network password. For students and parents who cannot access this information, we will have schedules available at Rams Rally and Student Orientation for students.

Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

Parental Consent to Use Digital Resources

Laptop Distribution

Student laptops will be distributed during the first week of school during PE classes.

7. After-School Program Information

Important Program Information:

Mark your calendar - late buses and after-school activities will begin during the week of 9/9. The first week schedule and preliminary club information will be posted on Schoology by 9/6.
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.
Program updates, announcements, schedules, and late bus routes will be communicated through the After-School Schoology Course - all families will be added in the upcoming weeks
Check out our Program Preview

Cross Country Information:

To begin practices, these forms must be completed NO LATER THAN 9/16 at 3 PM. No exceptions!
- Students cannot practice or compete until the 3 linked items below are fully completed.
- Students must participate in 4 practices before being eligible to participate in a meet. No exceptions!
- Requirement #1: After-School Registration Form
- Requirement #2: Cross Country (and/or Track) Google Registration Form
- Requirement #3: Physical Packet (must be fully complete with all information, signatures and page 3 must be completed by a physician) - do not delay in completing this step as it will take time to get this packet completed. Packets will not be accepted after 9/16 at 3 PM.
Practices will start during the week of 9/9
A student interest meeting will be held during lunches by late August - date TBD
More information on the team and meet logistics will be communicated later in August.
Meet dates: 9/21, 9/28, 10/5, 10/19
Cross Country Questions? Check out the MS Athletics page or contact our Athletic Coordinator, Katy Speir, at [email protected].

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

8. Community Corner

No updates this week!

Quick Links

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

Rocky Run MS Community Visits on 8/13

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Quick Links

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

20 minutes 45 seconds ago

Rocky Run Middle School News and Announcements

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