RMS Express
Monthly Update from the Principal's Desk - November 2025
Dear Readington Middle School families,
As the crisp autumn air and colorful leaves settled over Readington, our school community embraced the energy and excitement that come with the fall season. October was packed with spirit, connection, and plenty of memorable moments at RMS!
We kicked things off with Week of Respect, featuring a series of daily spirit days that encouraged students to show their kindness, pride, and individuality throughout the week. Mid-month, we celebrated Unity Day with a sea of orange and an epic, schoolwide Rock-Paper-Scissors Showdown that brought laughter, teamwork, and a strong sense of togetherness to the entire building.
Our 7th graders took the time to explore nature and embark on the Annual Walk-in-the-Woods trip.
We were also fortunate to welcome guest speaker Jordan Toma, who shared his inspiring story about growing up “just a kid with an IEP.” His message of perseverance, self-acceptance, and believing in yourself deeply resonated with our students and staff alike.
Our HSA Pep Rally added even more excitement with food trucks, team spirit, and the unforgettable moment when I was duct-taped to the wall (all in good fun and support of our RMS teams!). We also showed our pink pride with a special Spirit Day for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, filling the halls with color, compassion, and support.
Later in October, our Student Council hosted the Halloween Bash, where students showed off their creativity with costumes, dancing, and plenty of fall fun. The 8th graders also embarked on their annual trip to YMCA Fairview Lakes, where they built connections, challenged themselves, and created lasting memories in the great outdoors.
We wrapped up the month with another round of spirit days during the final full week of October, leading right into the exciting conclusion of our fall sports playoff season. We’re so proud of our student-athletes for their teamwork, effort, and school pride.
October was truly a month to remember—filled with energy, community, and that unmistakable RMS spirit. I am wishing you all a wonderful, and thankful November. Thank you for your continued support in helping make our school such a vibrant and caring place for our students.
Go Vikings!
Here are a few important dates for you all to keep in mind:
- Parent-Teacher Conferences *Early Dismissal Days* (11/3, 11/4, 11/5)
- Schools Closed (11/6, 11/7)
- End of Marking Period 1 (11/11)
- Start of Marking Period 2 (11/12)
- NJSLA Fall Tests (11/12, 11/13)
- Early Dismissal (11/26)
- Thanksgiving Recess (11/27, 11/28)
Readington Middle School is proud to highlight our students and their tremendous accomplishments over the course of the year. We highlight our students through multiple types of awards, which include:
Valuable Vikings: These are students who show that they go above and beyond.
Students of the Week: These are students who reflect our weekly affirmation the best. Two students in each grade, each week, are selected for this.
Students of the Month: These are students who best reflect the RMS mission that month. Two students in each grade, each month, are selected for this.
Please join me in celebrating the following students for the month of October!
Erik Schnaudt
Mary Grace Clark
Gary Sheldon
Brielle Huapaya
Makeyla Mora Corrales
Cole Liedl
Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Even as kids grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students access learning opportunities and understand why attendance is so important for success in school. Families can use these strategies to help kids build a habit of good attendance.
Did You Know?
• Starting in preschool and kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
• Missing 2 days a month can make it harder for kids to learn to read.
• Students can still fall behind if they miss just 1 or 2 days every few weeks.
• By 6th grade, absenteeism is one of three signs that a student might drop out of high school.
The Readington Township Board of Education’s Attendance Policy #5200 reflects the district’s concern for the thorough and efficient education of each pupil. A pupil must be in attendance for 160 or more days. If a student misses more than 10% of the school year, they are considered chronically absent and a team will be assembled at the end of the year to ensure that your child has met the instructional program requirements for their grade level.
Please note that stated excused absences allowed by New Jersey Statute are not included for the purposes of calculating a students absentee rate.These include:
Religious observance (N.J.A.C. 6A:32-8.3(h));
“Take Our Children to Work Day” or other rule issued by the Commissioner;
Participation in observance of Veterans Day (N.J.S.A. 18A: 36-13.2) or district board of election membership activities (N.J.S.A. 18A: 36-33); or
The closure of a busing district that prevents a student from having transportation to the receiving school.
Absences listed below are calculated when reviewing chronic absenteeism. These include:
The pupil's illness supported by notification to the school by student’s parent/guardian;
The pupil's required attendance in court;
Requirements of a pupil's individual health care plan;
Requirements of the pupil's Individual Education Program (IEP);
The pupil's suspension from school;
A death or critical illness in the pupil's immediate family supported by notification to the school by student’s parent/guardian;
Necessary and unavoidable medical or dental appointments that cannot be scheduled at a time other than the school day;
An absence considered excused by the Commissioner of Education and/or a New Jersey Department of Education Rule (e.g. religious holiday);
An absence for a reason not listed above, but deemed excused by the Principal upon a written request by the student’s parent/guardian stating the reason for the absence and requesting permission for the absence to be considered excused.
Absences listed below are calculated when reviewing chronic absenteeism. These absences may also be counted towards truancy from school in accordance with NJ Statutes Annotated (NJSA) 18:A and NJ Administrative Code (NJAC) 6A . These include:
Family travel unrelated to the instructional program
Performance of household or babysitting duties
Other daytime activities unrelated to the school program
Students will enter the building at 7:25am and must report to their homerooms by 7:35am. The school day concludes at 2:25pm. We highly encourage and recommend bus ridership. Please be sure you are at your assigned bus stop in time. If you have any questions about bus stops or transportation, please call the Transportation Office: 908-534-3835.
If you are planning to drop off or pick up via the car line, please adhere to the following map. Please follow the signals from RMS staff who are wearing the brightly colored safety vests!
During our school day, cell phones and other non-school issued devices (included Smart Watches) are not to be used by students as per Board of Education policy on Student Use of Wireless Communication Devices including Cell Phones - Please click here to 5516.01.
Students excel academically and socially when not tied to cell phones and the distraction of texts and social media. Students should be focused on learning and not on phones. Cell phones should be kept in students' lockers. If you need to reach your student, please do not text them but rather call the main office and you will be put in touch with your child.
All students are issued district Chromebooks. Throughout the day, students will use SMART PASS to create hall passes for themselves to use the bathroom, go to their locker, or see another staff member/teacher.
RMS has before and after school homework rooms available for your student to participate in. Before school starts at 7:00am on the first day of school, 9/2/2025. After school help runs from 2:30-4:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and will start on 9/8/2025.
Readington Middle School
Website: https://www.readington.k12.nj.us/Domain/58
Location: 48 Readington Road, Whitehouse Station, NJ, USA
Phone: 908-534-2113
Twitter: @RMS_VIKINGS