RMS Express
Monthly Update from the Principal's Desk - August 2026
Dear Readington Middle School families,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year at Readington Middle School! September is right around the corner and we have a great year ahead of us. We are eager to see all of our learners on the first day of school Thursday, September 3rd, 2026!
As a school, our continued goals focus on:
- Ensuring a safe and secure learning environment
- Upholding the tradition of high quality middle level education
- Teaching to the whole child, which promotes student growth academically, socially and emotionally
- Promoting real world challenging problem solving with a rigorous curriculum that allows for STUDENT LEADERSHIP
- Getting to know EVERY child
- Student and Staff Recognition to develop the next generation of Valuable Vikings
- Allow students to develop their joy and purpose
The middle school years are “designed around the developmental needs of young adolescents, which involve identity formation, agency, self-discovery and relationships.” (Association of Middle Level Educators, This We Believe, 3rd ed.) These are also the years in which students need the strongest connections between home and school. We thank you for your continued partnership in educating your child.
Throughout the school year, please be sure to check our website for the most up to date information. Each Wednesday, we update the "Virtual Backpack" with time sensitive information through the Genesis Blast. Monthly, we produce the RMS Express, this digital newsletter about all things going on here at our school.
The first day of school will be here before you know it! Routines will come back and getting back into the swing of things may be hard. To prepare for the first day of school (and every day after that), RMS recommends getting a good night sleep, preparing your lunch and clothes ahead of time, setting an alarm to wake up on time and eating a good, healthy breakfast.
Students will receive a physical copy of their schedule on the first day of school in their Day 1, Block 1 classes. They will also get their Chromebook and charger as well. If families purchased school supplies through the HSA, those will also be in those rooms that day as well.
Here are a few important dates for you all to keep in mind:
- 9/2 (1-2pm): RMS Open House (more information found in the newsletter)
- 9/3: First day of school
- 9/7: Schools Closed
- 9/21: Schools Closed
- 9/24 (6-7pm): RMS Back to School Night
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. Enjoy the last few weeks of summer!
Mr. Timothy Charleston
Principal
Go VIKINGS!
Mrs. Jennifer Mooney
Assistant Principal
Schedules for all student's will be available to view in Genesis, our student information system, at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Families, please be sure to log into the Genesis Parent Portal to make sure your contact information is updated. This includes phone numbers and email addresses. If you need assistance updating this information, please contact the main office at 908-534-2113.
To view your students schedule, all mandatory forms must be completed in Genesis. To access the portal, please click HERE.
If there is an issue with your students schedule, please contact the main office 908-534-2113 and an administrator will get back to you.
In your student's schedule, you will find the following classes:
- Math
- Language Arts
- Social Studies
- Science
- World Language (if applicable)
- Encores (Full Year or Semester based)
- Lunch, Recess, Flex
Schedule Rotations:
Our schedule rotates on a four day rotation (Day 1, 2, 3, and 4). We will also be rotating our periods in the morning and afternoon. By rotating classes, students and teachers will be able to see classes at different times of the day. Middle school students who rotate classes are better prepared for the high school structure, where rotating classes are the norm. This transition helps them develop organizational and time management skills early on.
ELA and Math Blocks:
Both Math and Language Arts are given the same amount of time in our schedule. Students have one block of Math one day, and two blocks the next. Language Arts works the same way. On a day in which they have one Math block, they will have two Language Arts blocks.
Recess, Flex, and Lunch Time:
We know how important it is for students to move and have socialization. For all students, the middle of the day is an opportunity for just that. Our Opportunity Period incorporates flex time, lunch, and daily recess. This gives students more time for physical activity, socializing, and unwinding. This supports their overall well-being and is in line with best practices for young adolescents! Flex time is for enrichment, catching up on work, and extra help!
Student Encores:
We want students to take charge of their learning. Our schedule includes more encore options and opportunities for students to choose what they want to learn. These encores allow students to experience courses that expand their knowledge base and create the next generation of leaders and learners.
Values-Driven Education:
Our schedule is built around the values we cherish most: respect, responsibility, and a love of learning. It is designed to help our students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. It is centered around our RMS Mission and middle school values.
Below is a sample 6th grade student schedule:
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. The times for bus pick up and drop off will be in Genesis by 8/19/2026. 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!
The Board of Education is in the process of adopting a new policy and regulation for student use of internet-enabled devices, including cell phones. While the policy includes some new and more detailed language, the expectations are consistent with our district’s goal of creating focused, safe learning environments for students.
One of the key terms in the new policy is “Bell-to-Bell.” This means that students may bring a cell phone or other internet-enabled personal device to school, but it must be turned off and stored for the entire school day from the time students arrive until they leave at the end of the academic day.
For our middle school students, this includes:
Classes and passing time
Lunch
Recess
Study halls and other parts of the school day
At the middle school, students will store their devices in their lockers. They should not have their phones with them during the school day. This is not new for RMS and has been the practice for years. What is new is that ALL internet-enabled devices must be in lockers.
The policy applies to more than just cell phones. An internet-enabled device includes smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, smart glasses, and other personal devices that can connect to the internet.
This does not mean students won't use technology during the school day. Students will continue to use school-issued laptops, tablets, and other district-managed technology when directed by their teachers for learning.
What If I Need to Reach My Child?
We know that being unable to text or call your child during the school day may be an adjustment for families. If you need to reach your child during the school day, please contact the main office. Likewise, students can contact their parents through the main office when needed.
Our goal is to make sure students can focus on school while also giving families an appropriate way to communicate when something comes up.
Exceptions
We understand that some students have specific needs that require access to an internet-enabled device during the school day. The policy allows for exceptions in situations such as:
An accommodation included in an IEP or 504 Plan
Monitoring a documented health condition, with appropriate medical documentation
Translation services
Students who have regular caregiving responsibilities for a family member
A legitimate emergency
Parents or guardians who believe their child needs an accommodation may submit a written request to the Principal or Superintendent. Requests will be reviewed within five school days.
What Happens If a Student Uses a Device?
We recognize that this will be an adjustment for some students, particularly as they get used to keeping their phones in their lockers throughout the day. Staff will use age-appropriate reminders and redirection when students do not follow the expectations. If a student continues to violate the policy, consequences will follow the district’s Code of Conduct and Expectations for Behavior. This is the same as it has been for the past few years.
The general progression will is:
First offense: The device will be brought to the main office and held until the end of the school day. The student may pick it up at dismissal.
Second, third, and fourth offenses: The device will be held in the main office and must be picked up by a parent or guardian.
More than four offenses: A student may be prohibited from bringing an internet-enabled personal device to school for the remainder of the school year.
As with any new expectation, our focus will be on helping students understand the “why” behind the policy. Limiting personal devices during the school day gives students more opportunities to be present in class, interact with one another, and focus on the people and learning in front of them. It is also an important part of helping our students develop healthy and responsible technology habits.
Lockers will be automatically assigned to your student at RMS. You will find your students Locker information in Genesis. All students are expected to bring in a combination lock. The combination for this lock will be shared with the main office.
Remember to lock your locker each and every day and do not share your locker combo with anyone.
Every single staff is committed at RMS to ensuring that this year is educational, enriching, challenging, and most of all, fun for students. This includes our main office staff, custodians, counselors, instructional assistants and teachers. I am thrilled to have with us some new staff members who will play a part in your students educational journey here at RMS. Please give them a warm Viking welcome when you see them!
New Staff:
- Michael Newman, Orchestra
- Heather Starnes, Special Education
- Jennifer Monterio, ELA and Special Education
- Brian Micco, PE/Health Long Term Substitute
- Nascha Smith, Special Education Long Term Substitute
AI is becoming a part of everyday life for our students, both in and out of school. As our middle school students encounter AI tools for writing, research, studying, and other tasks, we want to make sure they understand how to use these tools appropriately.
At the same time, we want to be clear about what AI cannot replace. Our students still need opportunities to think for themselves, work through challenges, talk with their teachers and classmates, create, make mistakes, and learn by doing. Those experiences are at the heart of what we value in our schools.
Over the past school year, a group of teachers, administrators, technology specialists, students, and a parent met to talk through what responsible AI use should look like in our schools. Those conversations led to a set of guidelines and protocols for both teachers and students.
For our middle school students, an important part of this work is understanding that using AI does not mean having AI do the work for you. There may be assignments where a teacher allows students to use AI to brainstorm, research, study, or get feedback. There will also be times when students are expected to complete work independently. Students should always follow the expectations their teacher provides for a particular assignment.
Our guidelines focus on three main areas:
Ethical and Acceptable Use: Students should be honest about their work, protect their personal information, and understand the difference between using AI as a resource and having AI complete their work.
Guiding Principles: We want students to think critically about information generated by AI, understand that AI can make mistakes, and take responsibility for their own learning. We also want to make sure that technology does not get in the way of the relationships and interactions that are so important in middle school.
Best Practices: Teachers have guidance for using AI in ways that can support instruction and learning. Students have guidance for appropriate uses of AI, including research, brainstorming, studying, and feedback, when permitted by their teacher.
A Partnership with Families
Helping students navigate AI is something we need to do together. We encourage parents and guardians to talk with their children about the AI tools they are using and to ask about how those tools are being used for schoolwork. It is also helpful to remind students that if they are unsure whether AI is allowed for an assignment, the best thing to do is ask their teacher.
Middle school is a time when students are learning to make more independent decisions. Learning how to use AI responsibly is becoming part of that process.
For more information, please visit our website or review our AI Handbook.
The deadline for registering for Fall Sports 2026 was Monday, August 17th, 2026! Please visit the nurse's page to access the forms required. Late forms can be turned in to the Nurse's Office or emailed to sportsforms@readington.k12.nj.us but do not guarantee a spot on a team. The first day for tryouts is Tuesday, September 8th, 2026
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, 9/3/2026. After school help runs from 2:30-4:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and will start on 9/8/2026.
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