Week #19- January 5, 2026
Welcome Back!
We hope you and your family enjoyed a restful and joyful winter break filled with special moments together. Our staff is excited to welcome students back to school and jump back into learning, having fun, and making connections!
As we begin this next chapter of the school year, we look forward to building on the growth our students have already made and supporting them academically, socially, and emotionally. We strive for every student to be seen, heard, and valued. Thank you for your continued partnership and support; we are grateful to work together to help our students succeed.
We can’t wait to see all of our students back in the building!
Reminder: Construction has begun. As a result, parts of the building and surrounding areas may look different than what students are used to seeing. We ask that families help prepare students by talking with them ahead of time about these changes. Thanks again for making the pickup change run smoothly!
Please reassure your child that safety remains our top priority and that staff will be available to support students and help them navigate any new routines. We appreciate your patience and partnership as we work through this exciting improvement to our school building.
Important Update: Morning drop-off will be shifted in the circle due to construction fencing being installed and students will enter through the main entrance along with bus riders.
Message from the School Nurse
We are currently seeing a significant increase in gastrointestinal illness, fevers, and other contagious symptoms among students. To help protect the health of all students and staff, please be reminded of the following guidelines for returning to school:
Students should remain home if they have a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Students may return to school only after they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications and free from vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours.
Sending a child to school while they are still ill increases the risk of spreading illness and often results in the child feeling worse and needing to be sent home again.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping keep our school community healthy. If you have questions about illness or return-to-school guidelines, please feel free to contact the school clinic.
If you have any questions, you may contact Nurse Marie at the school or via email lcomer@rockingham.k12.va.us.
Thank you for your support.
Other Announcements/Reminders from the MES Office:
Duke Dog Reading Program: Click HERE for more information.
Attendance Tip/Reminder: Encourage Independence: Teach your child to set out shoes, coats, and backpacks in the same spot each night.
Activities & Events at MES:
Schools Reopen- January 5
RCPS Spelling Bee @ WSPMS- January 8 (6 PM)
End of 2nd Grading Period/First Semester- January 16
RCPS Closed for Holiday- January 19
No School for Students/Teacher Workday- January 20
Winter Growth Assessment (Grades 3-5 Reading)- January 28
MES PTO Funky’s Skate Night- January 29 (5 PM)
House Day #3- January 30