MES Family Update August 7, 2026
The first day of school for the 2026-2027 academic year is just days away now and the excitement is building. Construction has delayed full access for teachers, but some teachers have been able to access their rooms and start preparing rooms. This week, all teachers and most staff members will return to the school. Beyond preparing rooms, they will be attending meetings and training sessions over the next eight days.
On Monday, August 17, teachers will welcome students back from the summer break and meet families. The first day of school for students will occur a few days later on August 20, 2026. 2026-2027 promises to be an exciting new year. A great staff is assembled and I am looking forward to students growing academically, socially and emotionally.
The renovation project continues to impact many plans. As you return, some of you will see bright new rooms and renovated spaces that are amazing. For some, the classroom may not show as much progress, In fact, a handful of rooms will open the new year with bare concrete floors following some partial demolition over the summer. Most classes will experience at least one move this year as the construction teams work to renovate classrooms on two hallways. The kindergarten/first grade hallway will be updated in the next phase. Then, some time later in the fall, those classes will move back and the work will shift to the 2nd/3rd grade hallway. The complete project is set to be finished by August of 2027.
I will share information this week about morning and afternoon logistics as the front parking area has been expanded and reconfigured.
Phone service has been restored at MES. There are still a few lingering bugs with messages and certain calls dropping, but the main MES number is now working. Please dial (540)289-3004. I appreciate your patience this summer with the loss of phone service and the switch to a completely new system.
I look forward to seeing everyone soon!
Have a great week!
Other Announcements/Reminders from the MES Office:
RCPS Food Service Information:
- Online Applications: FNS will begin accepting online meal applications for school year 2026-2027 beginning Thursday, August 6 at www.myschoolapps.com. You should have received a message from the Food & Nutrition Services office.
- Paper Applications: Paper applications in both English and Spanish will be distributed to students with their Day 1 packets.
- Online Payments: The online payment system is also now live. on Thursday, www.myschoolbucks.com.
Teacher assignments were communicated last week. If you did not receive that information, please call the main office. 540.289.3004
If you have transportation changes, a new address or a change in request for bus transportation, please communicate with the MES office this week. It will be challenging to process any changes shared on August 17 before the first day of school.
School Supplies: Families should not feel pressured to purchase all of the supplies listed in the school’s supply list, particularly if there are multiple students in school. All students will be given the supplies needed to be successful in school. If you have specific questions about the supply list, please contact the MES office.
August/September Menus will be shared as soon as we have them.
Activities & Events at MES:
Back to School Event- Monday, August 17, 2026 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
First Day of School for Students- Thursday, August 20, 2026
Schools Closed for Labor Day- September 7