MES Family Update- Week #6 September 21, 2026
Grading and Technology Use
Over the next few weeks, I want to highlight recent School Board policy changes. The most significant changes for elementary students are found in the GRADING, PROMOTION, AND REPORTING STUDENT PROGRESS policy (Policy IZE) and the STUDENT USE OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND SCREEN TIME policy (Policy IIBEB). Dr. Shifflett sent an email to all families on August 19, 2026 regarding these policy changes. If you did not get that email, please send me a message and I will forward that directly to you.
In regards to Grading, Promotion and Reporting of Student Progress, there is categorical weighting of grades, a restructuring of report cards, and specific wording regarding grade promotion and retention. The policy states that “The purpose of grades is to communicate a student’s demonstrated mastery of grade-level/course standards and learning objectives aligned to the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL).” This means that students will be graded on their mastery of the content, skills and academic demands expected of their current grade level. Please take a few minutes to review the policy and also the Elementary Parent Guide that was created to help explain the new policy. This policy change will likely be felt most directly by students, and families subsequently, when they see a letter grade other than an “A” for classwork, homework, or an assessment. Participation or completion grades will be sparse as teachers operate within the expectations of the new policy.
The Student Use of Instructional Technology and Screen Time policy places restrictions on the use of technology during instructional hours, particularly in the lower grades. There will be virtually no use of iPads in kindergarten and very limited use in grades 1 and 2. Even students in grades 3, 4 and 5 will be subject to time limitations and content access restrictions.
I encourage you to take some time to review the policies and to share questions that you might have. As always, MES teachers are committed to doing what is best for kids and working diligently to facilitate meaningful learning. Navigating the changes will require ongoing conversations with families and with students.
RCPS Central Office is making an effort to communicate with families through 6 weeks of messaging.
Week 1: Why grades and progress are important.
A grade helps show what your child knows and can do. It can help you see where your child is doing well and where they may need more time, practice, or support.
This week: Ask your child to tell you about something they are learning at school.
Other Announcements/Reminders from the MES Office:
2026-2027 MES Student/Parent Handbook- Certain sections, particularly those including new policies or information, will be highlighted in upcoming family updates.
Reminder, when visiting for lunch:
Outside food-1 student may join, please do not share food for safety reasons
No outside food- 2 students may join
MES Car-Riders Morning Drop off and After School Curbside Pick-up
Please review the information if your child will be dropped off or picked up this year.
Open this LINK to see events the PTO has planned for this year.
We will be sending home PowerSchool log-in information for each student next week. If you have further questions on how to log in, please contact Heather Derrow at hderrow@rockingham.k12.va.us
Fall Picture Day is coming! See the Flyer for details, or scan the QR Code
If you are interested in hearing more about Special Education in RCPS, or even joining the conversation, please see the information about the SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee)
Activities & Events at MES:
Interim Grade Reports- September 21
Fall Picture Day- September 25
Title I Annual Meeting & Open House-September 29, 6-7:30PM
House Day #1- October 22
Fall Literacy Night- October 27 6-7:30PM