The Rock Creek Parent Reader

Dear Rock Creek Families,

February is off and running! As we move through the winter months, our classrooms are buzzing with learning, growth, and positive momentum. This time of year is especially important as students continue strengthening routines and making progress toward their academic and social goals.

I ask that you take a moment to review the Personal Electronic Device Policy included below. We have seen an increase in personal electronics at school, and a quick review together can help ensure students stay focused on learning and connected to our shared expectations.

I am excited to share some fun news as well, Rock Creek will have a yearbook for the very first time. Pre-orders are now open, and this is a wonderful way to capture memories from the school year. Be sure to check out the information below if you’d like to reserve one.

Rock Creek is excited to participate in One District, One Book, a district-wide reading initiative centered around a shared story. Each family will be receiving a copy of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane which you are encouraged to read together.

Looking ahead, Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place next month in March. More details will be coming soon, but I wanted families to have this on their radar as an important opportunity to connect, reflect on progress, and set goals together.

With winter weather continuing, please be sure students come to school dressed appropriately for the cold. Coats, hats, gloves, and warm layers are essential for keeping students safe and comfortable during recess and arrival/dismissal times. If your family needs assistance with winter clothing, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to help.

Thank you for your continued support and for working alongside us to help every student thrive. We look forward to a wonderful February filled with learning, growth, and connection at Rock Creek.

Sincerely,

Principal Lisa Gebbie

As we’ve seen more students bringing personal electronic devices to school, we wanted to kindly remind families of the district’s Personal Electronic Device Policy:

• Prohibited Devices: The policy applies to all personal electronic communication devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, and similar items. District-issued devices or approved devices for educational use are exempt. Devices must be completely silenced and out of sight, stored in a backpack, bag, or locker, and not on the student’s person.

• Disciplinary Actions: Devices that are visible or make a notification during the school day will be confiscated by a staff member. On the first offense, the device can be retrieved by the student from their teacher at the end of the day. For subsequent offenses, a parent or guardian must collect the device from the office. If a student continues to violate policy 3735, there will be further consequences according to the school's progressive discipline policy which can include suspension.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to enhance the learning experience at Rock Creek. Click the link for the entire policy.

Feb. 2nd-6th- National School Counseling Week. A Huge THANK YOU to RC's very own school counselor, Mrs. Alexander!

Wednesday, Feb. 4th- World Read Aloud Day

Friday, Feb. 6th- Spirit Day 💙💚

Monday, Feb. 9th- Kindness Coloring Contest Pictures Due

Wednesday, Feb. 11th- Culver's Spirit Night from 4:00-8:00 PM

Friday, Feb. 13th- Celebrate Valentine's Day (the office will not accept balloons and/or flowers to be delivered to classrooms)

Sunday, Feb. 15th- National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day

Monday, Feb. 16th- Presidents' Day (NO SCHOOL)

Tuesday, Feb. 17th- Teacher In-Service Day (NO SCHOOL)

Monday, Feb. 23rd- Vertical Teaming (We would love your help! Click HERE volunteer)

Thursday, March 5th-

• Class Picture Day
• ALICE Drill at 2:10 PM

Sunday, March 8th- Daylight Saving Time Begins

All Twin Falls Elementary Schools are excited to introduce One District, One Book, a special reading initiative designed to bring our school community together through a shared story. Each family will receive a copy of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (your family will be notified when the books are handed out), with the hope that families will enjoy reading it together at home while participating in simple, meaningful activities at school. The initiative will kick off on Monday, March 2, during Read Across America Week. More details will be shared soon. We can’t wait to begin this reading journey together!

Maintaining consistent routines at home supports learning and success at school. This month is a great opportunity to focus on strengthening both academic skills and family connections. Below are simple, low-pressure ways to support your child at home this month:

• Kindness Goal Chats: Help your child set 1–2 small goals focused on kindness, effort, or perseverance, and check in weekly.
• Cozy Reading Time: Keep a consistent daily reading routine. Snuggle up with a favorite book or explore a new genre together.
• Heart Math: Count, sort, or graph items (candies, buttons, Legos) and explore patterns or simple fractions.
• February Word Play: Create a mini word wall with words related to kindness, friendship, and emotions.
• Gratitude Writing: Encourage your child to write thank-you notes, kind messages, or short reflections about people who help them.
• Cooking Together: Use recipes to practice measuring, sequencing steps, and discussing cause and effect.
• Game Night Learning: Play board or card games that build math, strategy, and turn-taking skills.
• Read & Reflect: Ask questions like: What lesson did the character learn? How did they show kindness or perseverance?
• Random Acts of Kindness: Choose one small act of kindness each week and talk about how it made others feel.
• Season Watch: Observe daylight changes, weather patterns, or signs of early spring and discuss what you notice.

It’s been an unusually warm winter, but just in case—here’s how families will be notified of any weather-related delays or school closures:

• Check our Rock Creek website or the TFSD website
• You will receive information from the school messaging system in the form of emails, texts and phone calls.
• Please make sure your information is correct. If you are not receiving information, reach out to the school office.

As seasonal illnesses continue to circulate, we ask students to practice healthy habits such as frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes. These small actions make a big difference in keeping our Rock Creek community well.

Even with illness going around, we are proud to share that Rock Creek has maintained the highest average daily attendance in the Twin Falls School District last month. Thank you, families, for your continued partnership and commitment to student learning.

Parents are encouraged to provide a doctor’s note when their child is seen by a medical provider, as these absences are excused and do not negatively impact attendance records. If a doctor’s visit does not occur, please contact your child’s teacher to verify the absence. Please note that verified absences still count toward a student’s total number of absences.

• Mondays (early release every Monday): 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Tuesday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Breakfast opens at 7:35 AM daily, and playground supervision also begins at 7:35 AM.

• Safety First: For your child’s safety, please don’t drop off before 7:35 AM, and be sure to pick up students promptly at dismissal time.

We love and value our parent volunteers! Your support plays an important role in making Rock Creek a welcoming and successful place for students. At this time, parent volunteers are welcome in the building and on school property, but please remember to bring your ID and check in at the front office upon arrival. You are also required to wear visitors badge at all times. Thanks for helping us keep our students and staff members safe.

All parents who wish to volunteer, assist with Vertical Teaming, or chaperone field trips must complete a background check at least two weeks before the event.

• Click the link below to get started: https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/MjYyOmVuLVVT
• Click HERE to Sign Up to be a lap counter for The Morning Mile!

We appreciate your time and partnership!

Lunch is not free for all students at Rock Creek. The 2025–2026 Free and Reduced Meal Applications are now available and must be completed each year, even if you qualified last year. Submit your application promptly, as assistance only applies after approval.

Free & Reduced:

• Apply online: Free & Reduced Application

• Print an application: English | Spanish | Other Languages

Meal Prices at Regular Rate:

• Breakfast: $1.65

• Lunch: $3.00

• Extra Milk: $0.75

Need Help? Contact Jennifer Hutton at 208-733-0134 or huttonje@tfsd.org for questions, assistance with the application, or your child’s student ID.

Know a Rock Creek teacher who goes above and beyond for students? Nominate them for Teacher of the Month and help recognize the dedication and excellence that make our school such a special place.

Congratulations to Mr. Andrew Stark and Mrs. Megan O’Connor, our November and December Teachers of the Month! Thank you for the positive impact you make every day.

Didn’t see your nominee selected this time? Nominations can be submitted anytime. Let’s continue celebrating the amazing work happening at Rock Creek!

👉 Click HERE to nominate your favorite teacher!

This year marks a first in Rock Creek history! We’re creating our very first RC Yearbook. Capture the memories, smiles, and special moments from this unforgettable school year. Families can pre-order now to guarantee a copy for their student. Don’t miss out on this keepsake! CLICK HERE

Please remember that we are role models for our students and are expected to demonstrate patience, kindness, and respect. We also ask that families share these procedures with any relatives or friends who may be picking up students so everyone understands and follows our expectations.

To ensure everyone’s safety and keep traffic flowing smoothly, please follow these procedures:

• Pull forward as far as possible in the drop-off/pick-up lane. If a staff member signals you to move forward, please follow their direction.

• Always use the crosswalk for your safety and to model safe behavior for students.

• Do not let students exit from the left lane. This this is unsafe.

• The side parking lot and bus lane are for buses only. Do not use this area for drop-off or pick-up.

• Be respectful and courteous to others during busy times. Our children are watching!

• Only park in handicap spaces if you have a valid permit. These spaces are reserved for those who truly need them.

• Never leave your vehicle unattended in the drop-off lane (this has been happening a lot)

• Parents must remain outside the gate. You’re welcome to wait behind the fence and observe, but please do not enter the playground.

• If someone else is dropping off or picking up your child, please share these procedures with them.

Thank you for helping us keep our school safe, positive, and welcoming for everyone. If you have any questions, please reach out to the school administration.

Email: gebbieli@tfsd.org
School Website: rc.tfsd.org

District Website: tfsd.org
Location: 850 Federation Road, Twin Falls, ID, USA
Phone: (208)732-7565, Fax: (208)732-7566
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prfile.php?id=100063781904437

Rock Creek's Student Handbook: Click HERE