Rogers Middle School
September, 2026
Dear Rogers Middle School Students and Families,
Now that we are a few weeks into the school year and students have had an opportunity to settle into their routines, I would like to take a moment to remind families about a few important expectations. The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time, but it is also an important opportunity for students to establish the habits that will help them be successful throughout the year.
Attendance and Punctuality
One of the most important factors in a student's academic success is simply being in school and arriving on time each day. There is a strong connection between consistent attendance and student achievement. When students are frequently absent or tardy, they miss valuable instruction, classroom discussions, assignments, and opportunities to connect with their teachers and classmates.
I would also like to remind families of our tardy policy. If a student accumulates five (5) unexcused tardies to school, they will be required to stay after school on the day they are tardy until 3:35 p.m. This policy is intended to reinforce the importance of arriving on time and to encourage habits that lead to academic and personal success. The after-school time will be supervised by school staff and used productively.
We understand that occasional circumstances arise that are outside of a family's control. However, we ask families to make regular attendance and punctuality a priority. Developing these habits now will serve students well throughout middle school, high school, and beyond.
Grades, Reflection, and Academic Habits
As we begin to accumulate more assignments, assessments, and grades, I also want to remind students and families about the purpose of grades in middle school. Of course, we want every student to work hard and strive to do their very best. However, grades should also be viewed as a tool that helps students, families, and teachers better understand what students are doing well and where they may need additional support.
I often encourage students to think of their grades as a barometer. A grade provides us with information about where a student is at that particular moment. It gives students an opportunity to reflect and ask important questions: Am I completing my assignments? Am I studying effectively? Am I asking for help when I need it? Am I using my time appropriately? Am I putting forth my best effort?
Middle school is the perfect time to develop these habits. Students will make mistakes along the way, and that is part of the learning process. What matters is that they recognize those mistakes, reflect on them, and make adjustments. Parents and guardians, please continue to have these conversations at home and encourage your child to take ownership of both the habits that are working well and those that may need to change.
Student Behavior and Respect
Finally, I want to reinforce our expectations regarding student behavior. Appropriate behavior in the classroom is essential to creating an environment where all students can learn. Every student has a right to an education, and no student has the right to interfere with the learning of others. Classroom disruptions not only impact the individual student involved, but also the teacher and every other student in that classroom.
These expectations extend beyond the classroom. We expect students to behave appropriately in our hallways, bathrooms, cafeteria, and all common areas. Students are expected to respect one another, our staff, and the building itself. Our school belongs to all of us, and students have a responsibility to treat our facilities and shared spaces with care.
The middle school years are an important period of academic, social, and personal growth. Students are learning much more than academic content, they are developing responsibility, independence, self-advocacy, time management, and an understanding of how their choices affect others. There will certainly be successes and challenges along the way, but each provides an opportunity for growth.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. When students, families, and school staff work together and reinforce consistent expectations, we create the type of school environment in which all students can be successful. I appreciate your help in encouraging our students to attend school consistently, arrive on time, reflect honestly on their academic habits, and contribute positively to the Rogers Middle School community.
Sincerely,
Richard A. MacAllister
Principal
Rogers Middle School
