MES Family Update- Week #9
All the Things!
REMINDER-NO SCHOOL MONDAY!!
We just finished our first attendance challenge of the year! 175 students will be recognized on Tuesday, October 13th! Being at school every day, on time and ready to learn, helps students build strong routines and make the most of their instructional time. Every day counts! Thank you for helping your child arrive on time and preparing them for a successful day at MES.
Our first benchmark assessments are next week. 3rd grade reading, 4th grade reading and math, and 5th grade reading will be administered. Our students are working hard each day to strengthen their reading, writing, and math skills. The progress students make through consistent practice, effort, and encouragement is important. Please continue to support learning at home by reading together, practicing math facts, asking questions about what your child is learning, and celebrating the small steps forward. These everyday habits make a difference!
Our first House Day is also approaching on October 22nd. Please be on the lookout for permission slips for the River House visit to the Rockingham Recreation Center. A signature is the only requirement.
As the weather begins to change, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for cooler mornings and outdoor activities. Labeling jackets, sweatshirts, and other personal belongings is also helpful as we move into the fall season.
MES is open to parent volunteers! Volunteers help with copying, laminating, and other materials preparation. There may also be opportunities in individual classrooms for special activities and/or projects, as well as running a Fact Fluency Cart!
Contact Mr. Baker, Mr. Kirk, or the grade level teacher
Office staff will assist in navigating the volunteer requirements and sign-in procedures
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.
Open this LINK to see events the PTO has planned for this year.
If you need assistance logging in to PowerSchool, please call the office or contact Heather Derrow at hderrow@rockingham.k12.va.us
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)
If you are interested in reading more about Family Life Education, please see this link.
The Duke Dog Reading Program has begun! Parents, click HERE to log your child’s completed books on the Duke Dog Reading Completion Form for tabulation by JMU Athletics! Students will have until February 6, 2027 to complete their reading requirements and earn their prizes!
Student participants will be able to earn FREE tickets for the following events:
January 9, 2027 — Women's Basketball vs. Louisiana Tech
January 16, 2027 — Men's Basketball vs. Old Dominion
February 6, 2027 — Women's Basketball vs. MAC Opponent
Thank you for joining the program this year! We look forward to seeing your students at The Atlantic Union Bank Center in the near future!
Activities & Events at MES:
No School for Students- October 12
Bring Your Adult to PE- October 13-16
House Day #1- October 22, 2026 (also end of the marking period)
Teacher Workday-No School for Students- October 23, 2026
Fall Literacy Night- October 27 6-7:30PM
Book Character Day- October 30, 2026