MES Family Update- Week #10
The end of the first grading period is just days away now. Students have had opportunities to accumulate grades in all three grading categories- Practice, Progress, and Performance & Product. Grades are utilized to report progress on grade level skills and provide feedback to students, families as well as teachers. The updated grading policy, Policy IZE, provides a framework for grading practices and retention procedures. I encourage you, if you have not already done so, to review the policy and the supporting documents found on the RCPS Webpage.
Image available at https://www.rcps.net/page/rcps-elementary-grading-framework
Given the changes, and the emphasis on accurately communicating mastery of grade level content, I encourage parents to regularly review their student’s grades on the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Reviewing grades in the gradebook will answer many questions and also help guide conversations with teachers.
Please contact the MES office to get the login information for your child’s PowerSchool account.
Next week, 5th grade will take their Math Benchmark on Tuesday, October 20th. 3rd Grade will take their Math Benchmark on Wednesday, October 21st.
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:
October 19-23 is National Bus Safety Week. Please take a few minutes to review this information sheet related to School Bus Safety.
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:
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